DO YOU live in a “whatever” world? I saw this line in a recent Lookout,published by Standard Publishing Company. I can’t remember when I began to hear “whatever” but I remember how angry I would feel when it was said to me. It was mostly young people who would respond with “whatever” when they were asked to do something; to go somewhere; and even when they were called to the dinner table. Yes, I know; many don’t use the dinner table anymore.
EVEN MY children used this term and usually it was said out of their own frustrations not necessarily as a derogatory comment toward me. However, it made me angry all the same! For the most part you wouldn’t consider the words “whatever” as a slang but I think it became a slang word. According to Webster it means; “Anything at all which, as whatever you may require.” Doesn’t sound anger inducing, but the way it is said does.
IF YOU take the word ‘what’, Webster says; that it is a word of wonder. For instance; “what do you think?; what do you want?; do what I say; it is only what was to be expected;” etc, etc, etc! Now the word ever is a little puzzling. Webster says; “At any time; at all times; ever so, very, very much.”
WHEN I HEAR someone say “whatever” as a response, I feel it comes across as a negative response. They are saying; “I don’t want to do that but I don’t have a choice in the matter!” “Whatever,” happened to; “whatever you say; Let’s do it; Okay!” With a little lilt in your voice the person who is asking feels great and the person responding obviously, feels great also. Together a great time is just ahead, I am sure!
“WHATEVER you do, in word or deed; do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 Now this is a positive way to use that word, isn’t it? Here is another one; “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might!” Ecclesiastes 9:10 One of my most favorite is; “Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 Now if I could only pay closer attention to my eating!
“I CAN do anything I want to if Christ has not said no, but some of these things aren’t good for me. Even if I am allowed to do them, I’ll refuse to, if I think they might get such a grip on me that I can’t easily stop when I want to. For instance, take the matter of eating. God has given us an appetite for food and stomachs to digest it. But that doesn’t mean we should eat more than we need. Don’t think of eating as important, because some day God will do away with both stomachs and food.” (The Living Bible) 1 Corinthians 6:12-13
“YOU KNOW the old saying, “First you eat to live, and then you live to eat”? Well, it may be true that the body is only a temporary thing, but that’s no excuse for stuffing your body with food, or indulging it with sex. Since the Master honors you with a body, honor him with your body!” (The Message) 1 Corinthians 6:13
LIVING IN a “whatever” world doesn’t give us a licence to do whatever we want or to say whatever we want. When we live as the world does we have said “whatever” to Christ instead of saying “yes” to Him. “ We labor to please God because we will be judged by what we do; good or bad! 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 We know that works cannot save us but this scripture says we are to work to please God and He will look at all we have done. I am glad that I find it a pleasure to labor for the Lord; no matter the task! Pay attention to how you respond to others and consider the effect it has on your Christian walk. Take care to bring honor to Him who found you worthy! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 3/26/11
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
LONG MAY YOUR FLAG WAVE! 3/20/11
LIVING as many years as I have, I have seen flags waving from long, tall poles in front of public buildings; businesses; and smaller poles at private homes. It is not my practice to complain about peoples homes or how they keep their lawns. Usually my eyes are drawn to the flag, when there is one waving in the breeze. I love the sight of the American flag. I love the thoughts that it conjures up in my minds eye. I love the way it makes me feel! Patriotism is not dead!
WHEN I go into a public building I always check to see if the American flag is in place; even in the church! There, the American flag should be at my left and the Christian flag to my right as I face the platform. Did you know that? There are many rules regarding the American flag and personally I feel we should adhere to those rules regarding “Old Glory”; but sadly today, many find it fashionable to trample on it; to burn it in effigy, and even to fly it when it is totally destroyed by the elements. When the flag is ready to be destroyed, it should be by fire and reverently. I volunteered to do that for Goodwill. I took them home to be burned in our burning barrel. I burned one flag and cried all the way through it. I took the others back and said they would have to get someone else to do this.
DID YOU know that Betsy Ross, a seamstress, was asked to make the first flag because she impressed George Washington and his committee of three, with her ability of cutting out a 5 pointed star in a single snip? A little woman, who lived in a little house would be remembered down through the ages, for creating one of the nation’s most widely recognized symbols.
I REMEMBER attending a Memorial service at the White City Domiciliary where my brother Lynn was the guest speaker. As part of the service, many tattered and torn, bullet ridden flags were on display. They were part of an American history traveling display. Many tears were shed that day as we viewed these precious memento’s of our sacred past. I would have been proud to fly one of those totally ragged flags from my flag pole. The sacrifice was evident and no sign of forgetfulness or desecration that we see from flag poles today.
DID YOU know that in the fourth stanza of our National Anthem it says “And this be our motto; In God is our Trust.” The United States adopted “In God we Trust” as it’s national motto in 1956. Today, there are those who wish to abolished that along with the flag. The flag that was still standing, was about 30' x 42 3/4' and is presently hanging in the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. My sister Joyce and I stood before it and sang the Stars Spangle Banner and cried.
WE USE the term; patriotic, to show our allegiance to our Country and it’s rule. In Christianity we hear the term; fanatic which indicates one who is overzealous for a cause or belief. Sort of like being patriotic isn’t it? I remember as a girl being told I was a fanatic because I wanted to be at church, in the youth group and I even joined a club at school called Campus Fellowship. It use to make me a little embarrassed! Today, I agree I am a fanatic for Christ; aren’t you? “For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed.” Mark 8:38a
I HAVE a cross to the right of my front door. It sets it the corner so it can be seen from the street. You could call that, my flag for my fanaticism, sort of like patriotism when waving my American flag. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to every one who has faith.” Romans 1:16a Yes, I know whom I believe and I am persuaded that He will keep me until He returns. Are you a Patriot? Are you a fanatic? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 3/19/11
WHEN I go into a public building I always check to see if the American flag is in place; even in the church! There, the American flag should be at my left and the Christian flag to my right as I face the platform. Did you know that? There are many rules regarding the American flag and personally I feel we should adhere to those rules regarding “Old Glory”; but sadly today, many find it fashionable to trample on it; to burn it in effigy, and even to fly it when it is totally destroyed by the elements. When the flag is ready to be destroyed, it should be by fire and reverently. I volunteered to do that for Goodwill. I took them home to be burned in our burning barrel. I burned one flag and cried all the way through it. I took the others back and said they would have to get someone else to do this.
DID YOU know that Betsy Ross, a seamstress, was asked to make the first flag because she impressed George Washington and his committee of three, with her ability of cutting out a 5 pointed star in a single snip? A little woman, who lived in a little house would be remembered down through the ages, for creating one of the nation’s most widely recognized symbols.
I REMEMBER attending a Memorial service at the White City Domiciliary where my brother Lynn was the guest speaker. As part of the service, many tattered and torn, bullet ridden flags were on display. They were part of an American history traveling display. Many tears were shed that day as we viewed these precious memento’s of our sacred past. I would have been proud to fly one of those totally ragged flags from my flag pole. The sacrifice was evident and no sign of forgetfulness or desecration that we see from flag poles today.
DID YOU know that in the fourth stanza of our National Anthem it says “And this be our motto; In God is our Trust.” The United States adopted “In God we Trust” as it’s national motto in 1956. Today, there are those who wish to abolished that along with the flag. The flag that was still standing, was about 30' x 42 3/4' and is presently hanging in the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. My sister Joyce and I stood before it and sang the Stars Spangle Banner and cried.
WE USE the term; patriotic, to show our allegiance to our Country and it’s rule. In Christianity we hear the term; fanatic which indicates one who is overzealous for a cause or belief. Sort of like being patriotic isn’t it? I remember as a girl being told I was a fanatic because I wanted to be at church, in the youth group and I even joined a club at school called Campus Fellowship. It use to make me a little embarrassed! Today, I agree I am a fanatic for Christ; aren’t you? “For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed.” Mark 8:38a
I HAVE a cross to the right of my front door. It sets it the corner so it can be seen from the street. You could call that, my flag for my fanaticism, sort of like patriotism when waving my American flag. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to every one who has faith.” Romans 1:16a Yes, I know whom I believe and I am persuaded that He will keep me until He returns. Are you a Patriot? Are you a fanatic? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 3/19/11
Sunday, March 13, 2011
SPRING TRAINING! 3/13/11
WHEN I WAS A GIRL, I remember hearing; “In the spring, a young man’s fancy turns to love!” Now I don’t know if that is true or not! But every year around this time, about 30 ball teams in the USA find themselves in “spring training!” Lots of trading is going on and I hear tell that Manny is no longer with the LA Dodgers but perhaps in Texas. When you got it, you got it, but when you are passed around, you don’t got it as much anymore.
I HAVE TO ADMIT when Manny was hitting good I found that exciting, but then I would notice how slow he was in left field and I wondered why he was worth so much. Years ago the salaries were not as great and when the players retired they either invested and did well or spent most of it and had trouble keeping up with the Jones. One thing most of the old timers had was pizzaz. Most of them were decent kind of guys and most kids that found a ball player they could idolize, found they had many to choose from. Today, not so much!
IT USE TO BE called America’s favorite past time. It went with fried chicken, corn on the cob and Mom’s apple pie. My brother’s loved playing base ball and so did my husband; who would probably give his old baseball mitt, if he could play third base just one more time. However, that would have to be over my dead body! My three grandson’s were a lot of fun to watch but my son Danny, was never interested. He could run; he could throw but he never was too keen on sports or being involved in any competitive activity.
COME TO THINK OF IT, I never like being in competition either. I wouldn’t run for office unless I thought it was a sure thing or I really didn’t care if I won or not. I tried out for a talent show once and didn’t make it so never would try again. Why waste my time or anybody else’. One thing I am sure of, if you want to be a part of the team you must keep up your skills with practice, knowledge and taking care of your body through strength training.
“DO YOU NOT KNOW that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Well, I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air; but I pummel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
PRACTICE MAY NOT make perfect but it does give you a fighting chance. “Look to yourselves, that you may not lose what you have worked for, but may win a full reward.” 2 John 8 Paul says we must exercise our self control and John says we must not lose what we have worked for. Do you realize that it is your faith in Jesus Christ that is working through you in love. ”You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?” Galatians 5:7
I AM NOT athletically inclined but I am physically, mentally, and spiritually involved in what Paul calls “the good fight!” He says; “I have won the race!” I am competing against Satan while I am playing on God’s team. It is a moment by moment series of thought provoking, sharpening tools, with play by play blows. What is my goal? It is bringing the sinner out of the darkness of the world, into the light of God’s kingdom.
“BUT I DO NOT count my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may accomplish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the grace of God.” Acts 20:24 It is important for professional ball players to have spring training. It is even more critical for the Christian to begin their daily battle for Christ by putting on their full armor and remember, to never leave home without it. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 3/12/11
I HAVE TO ADMIT when Manny was hitting good I found that exciting, but then I would notice how slow he was in left field and I wondered why he was worth so much. Years ago the salaries were not as great and when the players retired they either invested and did well or spent most of it and had trouble keeping up with the Jones. One thing most of the old timers had was pizzaz. Most of them were decent kind of guys and most kids that found a ball player they could idolize, found they had many to choose from. Today, not so much!
IT USE TO BE called America’s favorite past time. It went with fried chicken, corn on the cob and Mom’s apple pie. My brother’s loved playing base ball and so did my husband; who would probably give his old baseball mitt, if he could play third base just one more time. However, that would have to be over my dead body! My three grandson’s were a lot of fun to watch but my son Danny, was never interested. He could run; he could throw but he never was too keen on sports or being involved in any competitive activity.
COME TO THINK OF IT, I never like being in competition either. I wouldn’t run for office unless I thought it was a sure thing or I really didn’t care if I won or not. I tried out for a talent show once and didn’t make it so never would try again. Why waste my time or anybody else’. One thing I am sure of, if you want to be a part of the team you must keep up your skills with practice, knowledge and taking care of your body through strength training.
“DO YOU NOT KNOW that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Well, I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air; but I pummel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
PRACTICE MAY NOT make perfect but it does give you a fighting chance. “Look to yourselves, that you may not lose what you have worked for, but may win a full reward.” 2 John 8 Paul says we must exercise our self control and John says we must not lose what we have worked for. Do you realize that it is your faith in Jesus Christ that is working through you in love. ”You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?” Galatians 5:7
I AM NOT athletically inclined but I am physically, mentally, and spiritually involved in what Paul calls “the good fight!” He says; “I have won the race!” I am competing against Satan while I am playing on God’s team. It is a moment by moment series of thought provoking, sharpening tools, with play by play blows. What is my goal? It is bringing the sinner out of the darkness of the world, into the light of God’s kingdom.
“BUT I DO NOT count my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may accomplish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the grace of God.” Acts 20:24 It is important for professional ball players to have spring training. It is even more critical for the Christian to begin their daily battle for Christ by putting on their full armor and remember, to never leave home without it. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 3/12/11
Sunday, March 6, 2011
IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU! 3/6/11
WHAT was the best decision you made this past week? Did it involve only you? Were you asked to do something that someone else could have done? My answers would be; I don’t know, to all three questions. I don’t think in terms of the best decision because usually when I decide to do something it is because it needs to be done or I just want to do it. Usually if Jim is okay with it, he does it with me!
IN A WOMEN’S study called “You’ve Got What it Takes; ” by Dr. Judy Hamlin, there is a section called “Life out of balance”. I have used the illustration given with walnuts and rice; sometimes with ping pong balls and beans. When you put all the ping pong balls or the walnuts into the empty mayonnaise jar you have plenty of room to add the rice or beans. If you do it in the reverse the jar fills up with rice or beans and there is barely enough room for anything else.
WHEN it is all about us we have a tendency to fill our lives with all the things we want. Things that make us happy; wanted; beautiful/handsome. We don’t really think about anyone else, just what pleases us. I call that age; the 1 to 5 syndrome! Some never seem to grow up!
I HAVE made two very important decisions, in my life, that changed the directions I could have gone in! The first one was when I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior when I was 9 years old. I took it personally! I have wandered, but never far enough to be lost in the shuffle of life. The second was when I accepted Jim’s proposal of marriage. I was old enough! I was ready for children! I was scared to death! But he said he loved me and I believed him!
THE BALANCE of life is when you learn about Jesus Christ. When you have Jesus in your everyday life you can walk perpendicular; upright, vertical! You will have time for God’s priorities for you. I can hear you ask; what are those priorities? Let’s look at God’s word!
“THEN Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1 “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of scriptures, to preaching and to teaching.” 1 Timothy 4:13 “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Being a servant of God means we are to be prepared and we can only do that by reading His word and talking to Him. Telling others of those things we have learned!
“BE DRESSED, ready for service and keep your lamps burning.” Luke 12:35 You must manage your own family well and see that your children obey their mothers and fathers with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can He take care of God’s family.)” 1 Timothy 3:4-5 “If anyone does not provide for his relatives and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8
LET’S put some of these in perspective! God, family, church, work, service, friends, organizations, school and your list could go on and on and on. When our life is in balance the first 7 ping ball balls could be; God, family, church, service, friends, organizations, school and all the beans you add, are all of the everyday things that you do; you want to do; and things you thought you never could do.
WE DON’T always make the right decisions; nor do we always do the right things; we are vulnerable to our own desires. Evaluate your time; identify areas you need to work on. I have never regretted my first two decisions. I have never felt burned out or inadequate! God has shown me how to do all the things that I have been asked to do, not to mention all the things that I have asked to do. Remember that in “2011, God has given us all the time we need, to do all the things He wants us to, as we continue our journey to heaven. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 3/5/11
IN A WOMEN’S study called “You’ve Got What it Takes; ” by Dr. Judy Hamlin, there is a section called “Life out of balance”. I have used the illustration given with walnuts and rice; sometimes with ping pong balls and beans. When you put all the ping pong balls or the walnuts into the empty mayonnaise jar you have plenty of room to add the rice or beans. If you do it in the reverse the jar fills up with rice or beans and there is barely enough room for anything else.
WHEN it is all about us we have a tendency to fill our lives with all the things we want. Things that make us happy; wanted; beautiful/handsome. We don’t really think about anyone else, just what pleases us. I call that age; the 1 to 5 syndrome! Some never seem to grow up!
I HAVE made two very important decisions, in my life, that changed the directions I could have gone in! The first one was when I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior when I was 9 years old. I took it personally! I have wandered, but never far enough to be lost in the shuffle of life. The second was when I accepted Jim’s proposal of marriage. I was old enough! I was ready for children! I was scared to death! But he said he loved me and I believed him!
THE BALANCE of life is when you learn about Jesus Christ. When you have Jesus in your everyday life you can walk perpendicular; upright, vertical! You will have time for God’s priorities for you. I can hear you ask; what are those priorities? Let’s look at God’s word!
“THEN Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1 “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of scriptures, to preaching and to teaching.” 1 Timothy 4:13 “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Being a servant of God means we are to be prepared and we can only do that by reading His word and talking to Him. Telling others of those things we have learned!
“BE DRESSED, ready for service and keep your lamps burning.” Luke 12:35 You must manage your own family well and see that your children obey their mothers and fathers with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can He take care of God’s family.)” 1 Timothy 3:4-5 “If anyone does not provide for his relatives and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8
LET’S put some of these in perspective! God, family, church, work, service, friends, organizations, school and your list could go on and on and on. When our life is in balance the first 7 ping ball balls could be; God, family, church, service, friends, organizations, school and all the beans you add, are all of the everyday things that you do; you want to do; and things you thought you never could do.
WE DON’T always make the right decisions; nor do we always do the right things; we are vulnerable to our own desires. Evaluate your time; identify areas you need to work on. I have never regretted my first two decisions. I have never felt burned out or inadequate! God has shown me how to do all the things that I have been asked to do, not to mention all the things that I have asked to do. Remember that in “2011, God has given us all the time we need, to do all the things He wants us to, as we continue our journey to heaven. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 3/5/11
Sunday, February 27, 2011
TIME AND TIME AGAIN! 2/27/11
HOW MANY times have you heard that? How many times have you said this yourself? I remember hearing my Mom say; "If I told you once, I've told you a thousand times!" Of course, what would follow, would be; “No!” Or; “I said; No!” “Pick up your clothes!” “Empty the trask in the bathroom!” Etc! Etc! Etc!
JIM remembers the phrase; “If I told you once, I’ve told you a million times; don't exaggerate!” How about; “I have told you more than once, now get it done!” How frustrating we must have been to our parents as they tried to teach us to be obedient. I know how frustrated I was with my own children, so I can imagine how it was, especially for my mother. She was the disciplinarian!
WHY IS IT so hard for us to obey? Why can’t we just do as we are told and then forget about it. Why is it that we have a better way; or why does it have to be, right now. Why not later or at least, do it tomorrow. Remember that old favorite saying; “Manana!” Tomorrow!
SINCE I have retired, I put things off until tomorrow. My bathroom floor, sweeping the kitchen floor and so on. If I can put it off, I will. However, if I want something done by someone else I want it done now. If they don’t hop to it, then I go ahead and start doing it. Why do I do that? Is that to make them feel guilty or am I getting angry?
WHEN I put things off, I always remember my sister Janice saying, “I’m not going anywhere and no one is coming over.” I suppose we all have a little of that in us. Don’t want to get dressed until around 10:30am; comb my hair just before I leave the house. Stash everything in the dishwasher to clean the kitchen counter when I hear that someone is dropping in.
BECAUSE Jesus knew mankind so well, especially after he walked and talked with them, He was heard to say; “If you keep my commandments!” Why do you suppose He repeatedly said; “Keep my commandments!” Was it because He didn’t want us to forget or was it because He knew we would forget! How about the little “if?! Do these requests come with conditions?
“AND BEING found in human form He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:8-11 Jesus, the Son of God; God in the flesh; our Heavenly Father, humbled himself so that He could show us how to be obedient. Jesus was rewarded by being exalted with a name that just hearing it, we are inclined to bow before Him and confess it before all.
“ALTHOUGH He was a Son, He learned obedience through what He suffered; and being made perfect He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” Hebrews 5:8-9 You and I were not born with the desire to be obedient. We had to learn to become obedient. Jesus had to learn obedience also. His obedience came about because He wanted to please the Father. We must learn to be obedient to Him in order to receive His eternal salvation.
“FINALLY all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love of the brethren, a tender heart and a humble mind. Do not return evil for evil or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing. For He that would love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile; let him turn away from evil and do right; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those that do evil.” 1 Peter 3:8-12 “ Trust and obey” for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus; but to “Trust and Obey!” By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/26/11
JIM remembers the phrase; “If I told you once, I’ve told you a million times; don't exaggerate!” How about; “I have told you more than once, now get it done!” How frustrating we must have been to our parents as they tried to teach us to be obedient. I know how frustrated I was with my own children, so I can imagine how it was, especially for my mother. She was the disciplinarian!
WHY IS IT so hard for us to obey? Why can’t we just do as we are told and then forget about it. Why is it that we have a better way; or why does it have to be, right now. Why not later or at least, do it tomorrow. Remember that old favorite saying; “Manana!” Tomorrow!
SINCE I have retired, I put things off until tomorrow. My bathroom floor, sweeping the kitchen floor and so on. If I can put it off, I will. However, if I want something done by someone else I want it done now. If they don’t hop to it, then I go ahead and start doing it. Why do I do that? Is that to make them feel guilty or am I getting angry?
WHEN I put things off, I always remember my sister Janice saying, “I’m not going anywhere and no one is coming over.” I suppose we all have a little of that in us. Don’t want to get dressed until around 10:30am; comb my hair just before I leave the house. Stash everything in the dishwasher to clean the kitchen counter when I hear that someone is dropping in.
BECAUSE Jesus knew mankind so well, especially after he walked and talked with them, He was heard to say; “If you keep my commandments!” Why do you suppose He repeatedly said; “Keep my commandments!” Was it because He didn’t want us to forget or was it because He knew we would forget! How about the little “if?! Do these requests come with conditions?
“AND BEING found in human form He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:8-11 Jesus, the Son of God; God in the flesh; our Heavenly Father, humbled himself so that He could show us how to be obedient. Jesus was rewarded by being exalted with a name that just hearing it, we are inclined to bow before Him and confess it before all.
“ALTHOUGH He was a Son, He learned obedience through what He suffered; and being made perfect He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” Hebrews 5:8-9 You and I were not born with the desire to be obedient. We had to learn to become obedient. Jesus had to learn obedience also. His obedience came about because He wanted to please the Father. We must learn to be obedient to Him in order to receive His eternal salvation.
“FINALLY all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love of the brethren, a tender heart and a humble mind. Do not return evil for evil or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing. For He that would love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile; let him turn away from evil and do right; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those that do evil.” 1 Peter 3:8-12 “ Trust and obey” for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus; but to “Trust and Obey!” By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/26/11
Sunday, February 20, 2011
FOR THE LOW PRICE OF $19.95 2/20/11
IF YOU call within the next two hours you will receive two for the price of one. Not only that, shipping will be free! You can’t buy these in any store so you must act now; they are only available “as seen on TV”. Call now and get this amazing offer for not one; but two for the price of one!
I KNOW you have seen these TV commercials. The only way you miss them is if you never watch TV. I have bought a few of these items; “As seen on TV”, but in the stores. The price is still $19.95 for one and of course no extra shipping charge. For the most part the product is good but a come on is a come on, no matter how you look at it.
ON THE internet you will see advertisements that say; “risk free for 30 days”. Order today at no cost to you except for the shipping charge. So you apply for the 30 day order and pay the shipping charge. The following month you have a charge on your credit card for the total amount plus the shipping and low and behold the product comes in the mail. In small print you were to let them know, you didn’t want the product. Returning this item is like pulling teeth. Legally they do not have to refund you! But morally, they should!
I AM NOT advertising for Wal-Mart but their return policy is one of the easiest I have come across. We don’t return very many things but on occasion a return is necessary. You go to their customer service and give them the product being returned along with your sales receipt. Most times they give you what you paid in cash. Then you can go get the product you want and you have the money to pay for it; or not. Their policy is up front and personal, don’t you think?
MY SISTER Jewel, used to shop at Meyers and Franks before they became Macy’s. She would purchase something off their cosmetic line because they would give her a large bag with free products. Many times I was the recipient of her purchase, or the free gifts. The word ‘FREE’ has a way of catching us and we give in without a struggle.
THE WORDS; free, on sale, 50% off, marked down etc are the bait that has been used for years in selling and buying of merchandise. We buy things that we have a tendency of storing up, letting decay, wear out, give away or throw away; when we know they will not last forever! Eventually all things are biodegradable regardless of what people say.
“SINCE ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, they are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as an expiation by his blood, to be received by faith.” Romans 3:23-25a If God had put his gift of salvation in a bag along with a new shade of lipstick or a power tool marked 50% off would it be easier for you to accept?
“WHEN YOU were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But then what return did you get from the things of which you are now ashamed? The end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the return you get is sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:20-23
WHEN YOU were living your life of sinfulness what kinds of fruits did you end up with? I can assure you that when you accept God’s free gift you get it without paying a price because God’s gift is priceless. You couldn’t pay it, but God’s Son could! When you become a slave to Him, you will no longer be a slave to yourself. Oh what a relief it is when you don’t have to keep thinking; what’s in it for me and how can I keep up with the Jones! Oh what pleasure you will receive when you forget about yourself and can put Joy first in your life. Jesus first, others second and yourself last. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/18/11
.
.
.
.
I KNOW you have seen these TV commercials. The only way you miss them is if you never watch TV. I have bought a few of these items; “As seen on TV”, but in the stores. The price is still $19.95 for one and of course no extra shipping charge. For the most part the product is good but a come on is a come on, no matter how you look at it.
ON THE internet you will see advertisements that say; “risk free for 30 days”. Order today at no cost to you except for the shipping charge. So you apply for the 30 day order and pay the shipping charge. The following month you have a charge on your credit card for the total amount plus the shipping and low and behold the product comes in the mail. In small print you were to let them know, you didn’t want the product. Returning this item is like pulling teeth. Legally they do not have to refund you! But morally, they should!
I AM NOT advertising for Wal-Mart but their return policy is one of the easiest I have come across. We don’t return very many things but on occasion a return is necessary. You go to their customer service and give them the product being returned along with your sales receipt. Most times they give you what you paid in cash. Then you can go get the product you want and you have the money to pay for it; or not. Their policy is up front and personal, don’t you think?
MY SISTER Jewel, used to shop at Meyers and Franks before they became Macy’s. She would purchase something off their cosmetic line because they would give her a large bag with free products. Many times I was the recipient of her purchase, or the free gifts. The word ‘FREE’ has a way of catching us and we give in without a struggle.
THE WORDS; free, on sale, 50% off, marked down etc are the bait that has been used for years in selling and buying of merchandise. We buy things that we have a tendency of storing up, letting decay, wear out, give away or throw away; when we know they will not last forever! Eventually all things are biodegradable regardless of what people say.
“SINCE ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, they are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as an expiation by his blood, to be received by faith.” Romans 3:23-25a If God had put his gift of salvation in a bag along with a new shade of lipstick or a power tool marked 50% off would it be easier for you to accept?
“WHEN YOU were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But then what return did you get from the things of which you are now ashamed? The end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the return you get is sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:20-23
WHEN YOU were living your life of sinfulness what kinds of fruits did you end up with? I can assure you that when you accept God’s free gift you get it without paying a price because God’s gift is priceless. You couldn’t pay it, but God’s Son could! When you become a slave to Him, you will no longer be a slave to yourself. Oh what a relief it is when you don’t have to keep thinking; what’s in it for me and how can I keep up with the Jones! Oh what pleasure you will receive when you forget about yourself and can put Joy first in your life. Jesus first, others second and yourself last. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/18/11
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.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
RED! 2/13/11
RED was my mother-in-laws favorite color! I don’t remember her
wearing much red but we have some drinking glasses with red roses on them that her husband had given her, early on in their marriage. Obviously these glasses are very old and sit on a shelf! I remember the preacher of my youth preaching that it was better to be a Christian facing life, than “better red than dead!” This motto meant, becoming a communist was better than dying for the cause of freedom. This was one of the famous lines of the 50's!
JIM AND I wear red on Fridays to pay homage to all the America soldiers; dead, alive, or actively serving our country at home and abroad. It’s a little thing we do but we do it to pay honor! Tomorrow is Valentines day! We give out hearts to our sweethearts and kids and whomever we want and usually they are red. Oh, I have seen various other colored hearts but for the most part they are red!
I HAVE NEVER visited a ‘red light’ district but I have read and heard about them! A very old profession indeed! We have red lights along our streets to grab our attention and they say; stop! On occasion they say; stop then go! I have heard it said that Insurance on a red car is much higher than on any other color. Now why should that be? Even a bull in the ring charges after the red cape, or so we are told.
WHEN your finances are in the red it is as though a red light is flashing. You are in financial trouble! When I was a young adult, I had a sort of red dress and a man where I worked said; "Ah red! That’s enough to make a man forget the Ten Commandments!" Red apparently is a signal not only for anger; financial situations or to bring you to a stop; it is also a signal for indiscretions, or it should be!
WHEN WE BLEED, our blood runs red! When we have an open wound or an inflamed sore it usually is red. We are God’s creation and all humans have red blood. Not blue as you read in books; that merely indicates your royalty. Let’s face it, we all have red blood no matter what your ethnic background may be. According to Genesis we all came from Adam and Eve who were the first and therefore we have a physical body just like theirs.
“FOR THIS is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Matthew 26:28 As Christ hung on the cross with his hands and feet nailed to the posts and when the sword pierced His side, His blood flowed freely for you and me. His blood was red, the color of sin; if you are an artist. His heart carried the red blood through it, just like yours and mine. And He suffered shame, humiliation and degradation because of His love for the Father and the Father’s love for us.
“WHOM God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.” Romans 3:25 In other words; Jesus took our place on the cross and through our belief and faith in His shed blood we can be forgiven. WOW! What a Savior; What a God!
REPENTANCE and baptism are not a choice, they are commandments. When we think we can substitute it for a prayer only of belief, let me remind you that Satan believes also and He was condemned to the eternal lake of fire. Don’t allow yourself to be short changed through mans short cuts. Read the scriptures for yourself and forget man’s interpretations. “Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of sin and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38
RED is a beautiful color! However, I love Christ more! Fear should not blind us and cause us to see red. Instead, turn your eyes upon Jesus and see only Him! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/11/11
wearing much red but we have some drinking glasses with red roses on them that her husband had given her, early on in their marriage. Obviously these glasses are very old and sit on a shelf! I remember the preacher of my youth preaching that it was better to be a Christian facing life, than “better red than dead!” This motto meant, becoming a communist was better than dying for the cause of freedom. This was one of the famous lines of the 50's!
JIM AND I wear red on Fridays to pay homage to all the America soldiers; dead, alive, or actively serving our country at home and abroad. It’s a little thing we do but we do it to pay honor! Tomorrow is Valentines day! We give out hearts to our sweethearts and kids and whomever we want and usually they are red. Oh, I have seen various other colored hearts but for the most part they are red!
I HAVE NEVER visited a ‘red light’ district but I have read and heard about them! A very old profession indeed! We have red lights along our streets to grab our attention and they say; stop! On occasion they say; stop then go! I have heard it said that Insurance on a red car is much higher than on any other color. Now why should that be? Even a bull in the ring charges after the red cape, or so we are told.
WHEN your finances are in the red it is as though a red light is flashing. You are in financial trouble! When I was a young adult, I had a sort of red dress and a man where I worked said; "Ah red! That’s enough to make a man forget the Ten Commandments!" Red apparently is a signal not only for anger; financial situations or to bring you to a stop; it is also a signal for indiscretions, or it should be!
WHEN WE BLEED, our blood runs red! When we have an open wound or an inflamed sore it usually is red. We are God’s creation and all humans have red blood. Not blue as you read in books; that merely indicates your royalty. Let’s face it, we all have red blood no matter what your ethnic background may be. According to Genesis we all came from Adam and Eve who were the first and therefore we have a physical body just like theirs.
“FOR THIS is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Matthew 26:28 As Christ hung on the cross with his hands and feet nailed to the posts and when the sword pierced His side, His blood flowed freely for you and me. His blood was red, the color of sin; if you are an artist. His heart carried the red blood through it, just like yours and mine. And He suffered shame, humiliation and degradation because of His love for the Father and the Father’s love for us.
“WHOM God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.” Romans 3:25 In other words; Jesus took our place on the cross and through our belief and faith in His shed blood we can be forgiven. WOW! What a Savior; What a God!
REPENTANCE and baptism are not a choice, they are commandments. When we think we can substitute it for a prayer only of belief, let me remind you that Satan believes also and He was condemned to the eternal lake of fire. Don’t allow yourself to be short changed through mans short cuts. Read the scriptures for yourself and forget man’s interpretations. “Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of sin and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38
RED is a beautiful color! However, I love Christ more! Fear should not blind us and cause us to see red. Instead, turn your eyes upon Jesus and see only Him! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/11/11
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