SOME OF OUR favorite greetings are; “How are you?” “How are you feeling?” I remember as a girl my brother Lloyd had responses for “What’s new?” “What’s up?” And then there was “What’s the good news!?” His response for; What’s new, was; “York, Jersey and the 13th letter of the Greek alphabet!” For; What’s up, was; “The moon, sun and stars!” I loved the one, for what’s the good news. “Do you really want me to tell you?” I usually just by-pass Lloyd’s question, and went right to the answer; “Jesus loves you!”
FEELING’S are a big part of who we were before Christ came into our lives, but because of our flesh, feelings still play around with our emotions. When we think about things, our emotions become conflicted. Instead of allowing God’s Word to encourage our decisions, we let our feelings direct our paths. We ask the questions; “should I or shouldn’t I“, when we already know what the answer should be. We play around with how we feel, instead of what we know.
OFF AND ON I question whether to continue with blogging Morning Glory, or just stop. That question has come up again because I am feeling at a loss as to what to write about. I leave it to the last minute more than I use to, and then I feel pressured to complete it and to get it posted. Lately, Google wants me to assign a new password, just about every week! I realize this is a process to protect my interests but it is a bother! Why? I think being computer illiterate plays with my feelings!
WHAT do you feel when I send you a reminder to click on Morning Glory or reading any devotional book you have chosen? You don’t have to respond to that question, but let me ask you that question, this way. What do you feel after you have decided to read through the Bible again, and it’s time to pick it up and start reading? Do the words, “don’t feel like it today; I’m too tired; I’ll read more tomorrow; or what did I do with my reading schedule? Oh well, maybe next year?
SO FAR so good, in my reading through the Bible in 2014! Of course I have only begun, but the older I get, the more God reveals to me His truths, that I have missed before. For instance, Moses knew that he was chosen by God to lead His people, even while living in the lap of Egypt’s luxury! I’m sure I knew that, but it didn’t make an impression until this time! I love it! God’s Word is amazing!
“ALL SCRIPTURE is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work!”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 We often quote Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” This was said to the captives in Babylon. They were to be in captivity for a long time but God’s plan was for them to return to Him when they would seek His face. God’s plan was for their future with hope!
GOD’S WORD brings us face to face with God and He still has a plan for the future and hope of His people. That is the Church! Those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ and are obedient to His commandments have been promised this future and this hope! “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4 Do you get as excited as I do when I am being led by the Spirit while reading God’s Word?
THIS YEAR we are jumping around! So far I have been in Matthew; Acts, Psalms and Genesis. I am having a good time! If God’s Word has the power to change a man’s heart it also has the power to lift us up with love, peace and encouragement. “For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing a soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart!” Hebrews 4:12 Amazing!
OUR PERFECTION will not come in our life time, but God has promised us a life full of His love, assurance, the peace that passes all understanding, rest for our weary souls and even comfort for our aching hearts. However, we will never know our Lord the way He wants to be known, unless we read His letters. It is full of stories, love and His grace! WOW! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/25/14
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Saturday, January 18, 2014
A TIME TO PONDER! 1/19/14
MANY THINGS have happened the last few days. Gives me cause to ponder! My eating habits need to change again; a newcomer has joined our household and a friend’s daughter is not doing well. Life is always a challenge! The Doctors have changed their mind about my having Pancretitis and instead my stomach trouble is maybe from Fructose Intolerance. All I can say is PRAISE THE LORD! I can change my diet, but even the Doctor’s don’t want to touch the pancreas!
RD (rainy day) is a very small Yorkshire Terrier mix that we officially adopted yesterday from the animal shelter. They guess, he is about one and a half years old. He acts like a puppy! He follows each one of us everywhere we go so that when we sit down, he can sit in our laps. He cuddles like no other dog, I know. He is responding already to his name, and NO is not his favorite word! But my blood pressure has come down even in the Doctor’s office yesterday. All I can say is PRAISE THE LORD!
WE VISITED with our friend this morning and her heart is aching! Her daughter is in the hospital and not doing very well. My heart ached just knowing what her heart was feeling; and when we arrived at her house, my arms ached to hold her! God says that we are to love one another and these are the times when I find it the hardest, because God’s love abounds within us when someone we love hurts. Jesus says that we are to put our trust in Him at all times. All I can say today is; our God is Lord of all; PRAISE HIS NAME! by Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/18/14
RD (rainy day) is a very small Yorkshire Terrier mix that we officially adopted yesterday from the animal shelter. They guess, he is about one and a half years old. He acts like a puppy! He follows each one of us everywhere we go so that when we sit down, he can sit in our laps. He cuddles like no other dog, I know. He is responding already to his name, and NO is not his favorite word! But my blood pressure has come down even in the Doctor’s office yesterday. All I can say is PRAISE THE LORD!
WE VISITED with our friend this morning and her heart is aching! Her daughter is in the hospital and not doing very well. My heart ached just knowing what her heart was feeling; and when we arrived at her house, my arms ached to hold her! God says that we are to love one another and these are the times when I find it the hardest, because God’s love abounds within us when someone we love hurts. Jesus says that we are to put our trust in Him at all times. All I can say today is; our God is Lord of all; PRAISE HIS NAME! by Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/18/14
Saturday, January 11, 2014
"GIVE ME LIBERTY OR FREEDOM!" 1/12/14
THE WORDS liberty and freedom have been the cry of America since the beginning of it’s existence. Patrick Henry went down in the history books by saying; “Give me liberty or give me death!” It was serious business!
THE WORDS let freedom ring is still being heard today, but many shut their ears and turn their heads when the people gather together and begin chanting these phases of old! Even though this country came about because of the want of freedom from oppression and freedom of religion, today you would have thought that those ideas are passe’ and no longer viable for this country’s existence.
IT AMAZES me, and many others, how we are able to vote into office those who oppose what America stands for and even declares their allegiance, by posing as good guys when their agenda is just the opposite. We leave our doors wide open for the enemy to enter and then we shake our heads when things like Pearl Harbor and 9/11 ushers in calamities in a big way!
RECENTLY the daily question that was asked on a local news station, got caught up in my creative writing juices. The question was; “When was a hamburger called a ‘liberty’ sandwich?” At first, I thought; I have never heard of a ‘liberty’ sandwich! The answer tickled my funny bone!
IN WORLD WAR I, the soldiers on the front lines didn’t want to eat a sandwich named after the Germans. I suppose that is understandable! A hamburger during that time could be somewhat offensive. What tickled me, was shortly after 9/11 when France wasn’t available to give assistance
to America in that part of the world, caused many to change the name of French Fries to ‘freedom’ fries! So during this last decade or so, when we say; “give me liberty and freedom”, we are really asking for a “hamburger with fries!” Go figure!
THE DICTIONARY says that freedom is lack of restraints and liberty is freedom from previous restraint. I like a little bit more info on these two words because in God’s Word they are used for the same thought in different translations. 1) Liberty is freedom; right or power to do as one likes. Privileges enjoyed by permission. 2) Freedom is the state of being free, independent, or at liberty.
THE WORDS from the Bible gives me goose bumps. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1 We have freedom in Christ, no matter what our circumstances are, remember we are free in Christ. Let your yes be yes and your no be no! Here is another one that should give us pause. “As for you, my brothers, you were called to be free. But do not let this freedom become an excuse for letting your physical desires rule you. Instead, let love make you serve one another." Galatians 5;13
IN THE KJV the word freedom is used as liberty. “Live as free men, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.” 1 Peter 2:16 The Jew’s always thought they were freemen because they were governed by the law. But as a Christian we are not to use our liberties in Christ, as a cover up for our rebellions. Instead we should be the best citizen of all in everything and not be contrary to the Spirit, nor the letter of God’s word!
“THEY PROMISE them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of destructive habits. For a man is a slave of anything that has conquered him.” 2 Peter 2:19 This passage is talking about those who are preaching freedom to the undecided inquirers, when they themselves were slaves of corruption, in absolute bondage to sin. Paul warns against the false teachers. They claim that in being free in Christ, they can do anything and everything they pleased. In John 8:34 “Jesus said to them, I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” So these false teachers were slaves to sin!
BECAUSE we are responsible for what takes place in our voting booth, we should be circumspect about the persons we contemplate voting for. When catastrophic events happen don’t cop out by just changing words to fit your position, instead remember to declare the Lord as the one where our freedoms and liberties come from. No one can take that from you!
By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/10/14
THE WORDS let freedom ring is still being heard today, but many shut their ears and turn their heads when the people gather together and begin chanting these phases of old! Even though this country came about because of the want of freedom from oppression and freedom of religion, today you would have thought that those ideas are passe’ and no longer viable for this country’s existence.
IT AMAZES me, and many others, how we are able to vote into office those who oppose what America stands for and even declares their allegiance, by posing as good guys when their agenda is just the opposite. We leave our doors wide open for the enemy to enter and then we shake our heads when things like Pearl Harbor and 9/11 ushers in calamities in a big way!
RECENTLY the daily question that was asked on a local news station, got caught up in my creative writing juices. The question was; “When was a hamburger called a ‘liberty’ sandwich?” At first, I thought; I have never heard of a ‘liberty’ sandwich! The answer tickled my funny bone!
IN WORLD WAR I, the soldiers on the front lines didn’t want to eat a sandwich named after the Germans. I suppose that is understandable! A hamburger during that time could be somewhat offensive. What tickled me, was shortly after 9/11 when France wasn’t available to give assistance
to America in that part of the world, caused many to change the name of French Fries to ‘freedom’ fries! So during this last decade or so, when we say; “give me liberty and freedom”, we are really asking for a “hamburger with fries!” Go figure!
THE DICTIONARY says that freedom is lack of restraints and liberty is freedom from previous restraint. I like a little bit more info on these two words because in God’s Word they are used for the same thought in different translations. 1) Liberty is freedom; right or power to do as one likes. Privileges enjoyed by permission. 2) Freedom is the state of being free, independent, or at liberty.
THE WORDS from the Bible gives me goose bumps. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1 We have freedom in Christ, no matter what our circumstances are, remember we are free in Christ. Let your yes be yes and your no be no! Here is another one that should give us pause. “As for you, my brothers, you were called to be free. But do not let this freedom become an excuse for letting your physical desires rule you. Instead, let love make you serve one another." Galatians 5;13
IN THE KJV the word freedom is used as liberty. “Live as free men, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.” 1 Peter 2:16 The Jew’s always thought they were freemen because they were governed by the law. But as a Christian we are not to use our liberties in Christ, as a cover up for our rebellions. Instead we should be the best citizen of all in everything and not be contrary to the Spirit, nor the letter of God’s word!
“THEY PROMISE them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of destructive habits. For a man is a slave of anything that has conquered him.” 2 Peter 2:19 This passage is talking about those who are preaching freedom to the undecided inquirers, when they themselves were slaves of corruption, in absolute bondage to sin. Paul warns against the false teachers. They claim that in being free in Christ, they can do anything and everything they pleased. In John 8:34 “Jesus said to them, I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” So these false teachers were slaves to sin!
BECAUSE we are responsible for what takes place in our voting booth, we should be circumspect about the persons we contemplate voting for. When catastrophic events happen don’t cop out by just changing words to fit your position, instead remember to declare the Lord as the one where our freedoms and liberties come from. No one can take that from you!
By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/10/14
Saturday, January 4, 2014
WHAT DO YOU THINK? 1/5/14
RECENTLY, I came across another note of my Mother’s. Since she passed, I have found many of her notes! Notes from sermons she had heard; notes from books and magazines and notes of thoughts she wanted to remember. I love reading her notes. I love reading what was apparently important to her at the time and I just love looking at her penmanship! She had beautiful penmanship; very distinctive and anyone in the family would recognize it as hers!
AS A TEEN and into my early twenties when I was asked to go somewhere or to do something with friends, I would ask my mother if I should or could. Early on she would pause and look me in the eye and say; “What do you think?” How was I to know what she thought, but when she would say, what do you think; I felt that meant NO! And so I didn’t go or do! My Mother and I didn’t always see eye to eye. When she said something was white, I automatically responded with black! Very seldom did I let myself agree with her. However, I never wanted her to be disappointed in me, so I was more obedient in my actions than with my mouth!
MY MOTHER was a reader! Many times when I got up in the night, I would find her in the living room reading. She loved to read! I don’t know what kind of books she read but then she had a huge library of books to choose from; hard backs and paper backs! I remember as she walked home from her job, she would carry a sack of groceries in her left arm and in her right hand she would have a small paper back book. How she kept her foot sure, as she walked, is beyond me!
THE LAST note Jennifer, my daughter found, was about communion! She writes; “We
re-affirm our acceptance of Christ into our lives each time we take communion. That in it’s self, makes the preparation of communion and the communion service a sacred act. It is also carrying out the last words of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus, before His death!” Do this in remembrance of me!
THE MOST profound thought in these notes is; “But it all goes back to communion. Communion brings each one partaking together, as one! This special service ties everything together. Those who prepare it; those who meditate and pray over it; those who serve it and those who are partaking of it, are submitting to God’s will be done; obeying, by living it, in preparing toward the time our duties on this earth are fulfilled!”
I READ these things written by my Mother and my heart swells with joy! In retrospect, I wish I had listened and paid more attention to the woman she was, and not just because she was my Mother. Often we misread those around us! We overlook the things that they do in secret, things that arn’t apparent to our naked eye! We think to ourselves; “oh that is just my Mother; or that’s my sister or he is my husband!” Do we respond to God’s Word in the same way?
“YOUR WORD have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against you!” Psalms 119:11
Why do believers say the Bible is the Word of God? In The Old Testament “Thus says the Lord,” or an equivalent, is found more than 2000 times. Jesus Christ unqualifiedly endorsed the Scriptures as the inspired Word of God. Archaeology confirms the accuracy of Scriptures. Even in our own human experiences we respond to God’s Word in faith, and it changes us!
“BE BLESSED; God, train me in your ways of wise living. I’ll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from your mouth; I delight far more in what you tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches. I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you, I attentively watch how you’ve done it. I relish everything you’ve told me of life, I won’t forget a word of it!” Psalms 119: 12-16
I NEVER wanted to disappoint my Mother, and I never want to disappoint my Savior! My Mother’s words are a joy to me of affirmation. God’s Word is life to me, and full of Love! When Jesus says; “my Word keeps you from sin” what do you think? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/3/14
AS A TEEN and into my early twenties when I was asked to go somewhere or to do something with friends, I would ask my mother if I should or could. Early on she would pause and look me in the eye and say; “What do you think?” How was I to know what she thought, but when she would say, what do you think; I felt that meant NO! And so I didn’t go or do! My Mother and I didn’t always see eye to eye. When she said something was white, I automatically responded with black! Very seldom did I let myself agree with her. However, I never wanted her to be disappointed in me, so I was more obedient in my actions than with my mouth!
MY MOTHER was a reader! Many times when I got up in the night, I would find her in the living room reading. She loved to read! I don’t know what kind of books she read but then she had a huge library of books to choose from; hard backs and paper backs! I remember as she walked home from her job, she would carry a sack of groceries in her left arm and in her right hand she would have a small paper back book. How she kept her foot sure, as she walked, is beyond me!
THE LAST note Jennifer, my daughter found, was about communion! She writes; “We
re-affirm our acceptance of Christ into our lives each time we take communion. That in it’s self, makes the preparation of communion and the communion service a sacred act. It is also carrying out the last words of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus, before His death!” Do this in remembrance of me!
THE MOST profound thought in these notes is; “But it all goes back to communion. Communion brings each one partaking together, as one! This special service ties everything together. Those who prepare it; those who meditate and pray over it; those who serve it and those who are partaking of it, are submitting to God’s will be done; obeying, by living it, in preparing toward the time our duties on this earth are fulfilled!”
I READ these things written by my Mother and my heart swells with joy! In retrospect, I wish I had listened and paid more attention to the woman she was, and not just because she was my Mother. Often we misread those around us! We overlook the things that they do in secret, things that arn’t apparent to our naked eye! We think to ourselves; “oh that is just my Mother; or that’s my sister or he is my husband!” Do we respond to God’s Word in the same way?
“YOUR WORD have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against you!” Psalms 119:11
Why do believers say the Bible is the Word of God? In The Old Testament “Thus says the Lord,” or an equivalent, is found more than 2000 times. Jesus Christ unqualifiedly endorsed the Scriptures as the inspired Word of God. Archaeology confirms the accuracy of Scriptures. Even in our own human experiences we respond to God’s Word in faith, and it changes us!
“BE BLESSED; God, train me in your ways of wise living. I’ll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from your mouth; I delight far more in what you tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches. I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you, I attentively watch how you’ve done it. I relish everything you’ve told me of life, I won’t forget a word of it!” Psalms 119: 12-16
I NEVER wanted to disappoint my Mother, and I never want to disappoint my Savior! My Mother’s words are a joy to me of affirmation. God’s Word is life to me, and full of Love! When Jesus says; “my Word keeps you from sin” what do you think? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/3/14
Saturday, December 28, 2013
START ALL OVER AGAIN! 12/29/13
AT THE BEGINNING of a new year we find ourselves making promises that include; lose weight; watch what we eat; change our hair style; get a new look; clean drawers; clean closets; reline the cupboards with new shelf paper; rearrange the furniture; replace the bedroom carpet; clean out the garage by spring; and the new favorite is to “downsize!” Have you made your new list? Have your checked it twice? Are you dressed for the occasion of ‘starting all over again?’
WE HAVE been in the downsizing mode for several months now, so this is not a new idea for the new year. However, it is the hardest of all! Downsize means you are not rearranging, nor cleaning out. It means getting rid of things that you cherish; that has a story; that you would rather keep and let someone else get rid of it, after you are gone. Downsizing means going through stuff and deciding whether to put it in a yard sale, give it away, or call Goodwill! It has ugly connotations!
IT IS BEST to let someone else downsize for you, because if you are like me, you have to set it a side, and think about it, one more time. I have a bow foot bed frame that I bought as an antique in the 70's. Had it refinished and used it. I loved the bow foot bed! We move and the head got cracked. Had it repaired and refinished again, and we used it! It had another accident and we checked into having it repaired and Jim was given instructions on how to repair it, and meanwhile a box from the rafters fell and broke it some more. It has been in the garage for at least two years now! A decision has to be made! I wanted it repaired! Then I wanted to repair it and give it away. Now I just want to give it away and let someone else have it repaired. I suppose now it is time to just throw it away! It had history; it had style; all that memory and now; no more bow foot bed! That’s the way of stuff!
I WONDER if the beginning of every new year; God reissues His promises and waits for His people to respond again with love, joy and peace? I wonder if He makes a list and if He checks it twice? I wonder if He then sits back and waits for us to remember our history with Him; our style of clothing when we are obedient to Him, and the memory of when we first became one of his children? I wonder if He whispers in our ears every night; “my promises are true and they are for you!”
REMEMBER the Bible stories about God downsizing His armies? Gideon was 32000 strong but God said; I don’t think so! So Gideon tested them and 22000 went home leaving 10000 strong. Again God said that was far to many. So Gideon tested them again, with only 300 passing the test! God downsizes big because He wants His people to put their trust in Him. (Judges 6-8)
SAULS ARMY was also downsized when Goliath came on the scene. God brought a boy named David to fight the giant, while Saul's army and the Philistine's army took sides and watched. (1 Samuel 17) God’s promises are not only true, but they are true, because they never change! When we downsize we get rid of the things that we think are no longer useful to us. God downsizes to show that He wants us to be used by Him! We have to be willing!
WE ARE BEGINNING a through the year Bible Reading and in preparation I am gearing myself up to finish! I have read through the Bible, and I have studied God’s Word but I have yet to finish a year of reading. I’ve got time! I have several different translations! Others have done this and I know that because of God’s promises, I can do this!
LET”S LOOK as two of God’s promises. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8 Because Jesus is always the same, we know that His promises are true! “The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand for ever.” Isaiah 40:8 His word is true! It’s going to be there whenever we are ready to begin reading!
EVERYTHING we have will come to the end of it’s life, and will need to be thrown out! It may hurt to clean up our lives yet once again, but God is on our side. Take a chance and read through God’s Word in 2014 and learn to fly as a bird on a wing! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/28/13
WE HAVE been in the downsizing mode for several months now, so this is not a new idea for the new year. However, it is the hardest of all! Downsize means you are not rearranging, nor cleaning out. It means getting rid of things that you cherish; that has a story; that you would rather keep and let someone else get rid of it, after you are gone. Downsizing means going through stuff and deciding whether to put it in a yard sale, give it away, or call Goodwill! It has ugly connotations!
IT IS BEST to let someone else downsize for you, because if you are like me, you have to set it a side, and think about it, one more time. I have a bow foot bed frame that I bought as an antique in the 70's. Had it refinished and used it. I loved the bow foot bed! We move and the head got cracked. Had it repaired and refinished again, and we used it! It had another accident and we checked into having it repaired and Jim was given instructions on how to repair it, and meanwhile a box from the rafters fell and broke it some more. It has been in the garage for at least two years now! A decision has to be made! I wanted it repaired! Then I wanted to repair it and give it away. Now I just want to give it away and let someone else have it repaired. I suppose now it is time to just throw it away! It had history; it had style; all that memory and now; no more bow foot bed! That’s the way of stuff!
I WONDER if the beginning of every new year; God reissues His promises and waits for His people to respond again with love, joy and peace? I wonder if He makes a list and if He checks it twice? I wonder if He then sits back and waits for us to remember our history with Him; our style of clothing when we are obedient to Him, and the memory of when we first became one of his children? I wonder if He whispers in our ears every night; “my promises are true and they are for you!”
REMEMBER the Bible stories about God downsizing His armies? Gideon was 32000 strong but God said; I don’t think so! So Gideon tested them and 22000 went home leaving 10000 strong. Again God said that was far to many. So Gideon tested them again, with only 300 passing the test! God downsizes big because He wants His people to put their trust in Him. (Judges 6-8)
SAULS ARMY was also downsized when Goliath came on the scene. God brought a boy named David to fight the giant, while Saul's army and the Philistine's army took sides and watched. (1 Samuel 17) God’s promises are not only true, but they are true, because they never change! When we downsize we get rid of the things that we think are no longer useful to us. God downsizes to show that He wants us to be used by Him! We have to be willing!
WE ARE BEGINNING a through the year Bible Reading and in preparation I am gearing myself up to finish! I have read through the Bible, and I have studied God’s Word but I have yet to finish a year of reading. I’ve got time! I have several different translations! Others have done this and I know that because of God’s promises, I can do this!
LET”S LOOK as two of God’s promises. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8 Because Jesus is always the same, we know that His promises are true! “The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand for ever.” Isaiah 40:8 His word is true! It’s going to be there whenever we are ready to begin reading!
EVERYTHING we have will come to the end of it’s life, and will need to be thrown out! It may hurt to clean up our lives yet once again, but God is on our side. Take a chance and read through God’s Word in 2014 and learn to fly as a bird on a wing! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/28/13
Saturday, December 21, 2013
"I BELIEVE!" 12/22/13
DID YOU KNOW that Christ came to be born and to die for everyone? No matter how bad you were or how bad you are, God sent His only Son because He decided to love the world! I believe this because He changed my life; He has changed Jim’s life and He gave our children a life with Him because they grew up from birth knowing who He is and they believe also! God’s Word is the avenue we have walked ever since and I believe His promises are true.
GOD’S WORD is so valuable to the world because it tells us how to belong to Him. Some passages say “and you shall be saved!” Not just one but many, which says to belong to Him, is a process! I believe that the steps to salvation is not just one of those verses. However, it ends with Acts 2:38 “Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit!” The first four that say “and you shall be saved” you always must do. The fifth, you do once!
I KNOW what I believe! God has revealed it all through His Word! I believe what God says not by feelings and by sight, but through faith! Faith gives me hope, peace and through His Love, I can love everyone! Do you know what you believe? “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” Philippians 4:13 Can you? Although none of us are perfect in our walk, God has promised us forgiveness! However, that comes with a condition and you find those in God’s Word!
TRUST gives me a sincere place of confidence in Christ. “All things work together for good to those who love the Lord, and are called according to His purpose!” Romans 8:28 The church has been called and when we respond to that call, we become a part of the church. This scripture is for you! Without our trust in God, we flounder and rely upon ourselves to get us through.
IT ALL COMES down to believing that when we “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these things will be added unto you!” Matthew 6:33 God knows what we need to live and to succeed in His Kingdom. We are to just be satisfied and keep, keeping on! Easy? Our flesh is weak but God’s strength allows us to keep, keeping on!
OBEDIENCE comes from hearing and believing His Word! We waste a lot of years because we still want it our way. But seeking God’s way, makes all the difference in the world! No pun intended, but we are declared peculiar people and to the world that is indeed a problem. We can’t be a Christian and live as the world. However, we can live as a Christian in the world because God’s Word says we can!
WE MAKE mistakes but don’t let our mistakes cause us to fall. God says when we forgive others, He will forgive us! “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15
LEARN to believe what you read in God’s Word and not rely on only what you have been taught to believe. A learned man speaks and we take it to be so; but a disciple who reads the scriptures to verify what has been said, with honesty and in earnest; God reveals so much more! I learned more about prayer when I taught a series in the late 90's. However, I was asking Jim what to say and how to say it when preparing to teach. After I learned how to go in prayer with clean hands and a pure heart; obedience to His Word; and forgiving others, along with practicing the presence of God, I began to write! Now I go to Jim to proof my work before I blog, or teach a lesson so that I am on the right track. I give God the praise and the glory!
PERFECTION will not be ours until we walk into heaven; but until that day, as a Christian we must strive to become the person that God has created us to be! We strive to keep Christ in Christmas, so let us also strive to keep Christ in our name of Christian, and become more than we ever thought we could be. Merry Christmas one and all for God so loved the World! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/20/13
GOD’S WORD is so valuable to the world because it tells us how to belong to Him. Some passages say “and you shall be saved!” Not just one but many, which says to belong to Him, is a process! I believe that the steps to salvation is not just one of those verses. However, it ends with Acts 2:38 “Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit!” The first four that say “and you shall be saved” you always must do. The fifth, you do once!
I KNOW what I believe! God has revealed it all through His Word! I believe what God says not by feelings and by sight, but through faith! Faith gives me hope, peace and through His Love, I can love everyone! Do you know what you believe? “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” Philippians 4:13 Can you? Although none of us are perfect in our walk, God has promised us forgiveness! However, that comes with a condition and you find those in God’s Word!
TRUST gives me a sincere place of confidence in Christ. “All things work together for good to those who love the Lord, and are called according to His purpose!” Romans 8:28 The church has been called and when we respond to that call, we become a part of the church. This scripture is for you! Without our trust in God, we flounder and rely upon ourselves to get us through.
IT ALL COMES down to believing that when we “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these things will be added unto you!” Matthew 6:33 God knows what we need to live and to succeed in His Kingdom. We are to just be satisfied and keep, keeping on! Easy? Our flesh is weak but God’s strength allows us to keep, keeping on!
OBEDIENCE comes from hearing and believing His Word! We waste a lot of years because we still want it our way. But seeking God’s way, makes all the difference in the world! No pun intended, but we are declared peculiar people and to the world that is indeed a problem. We can’t be a Christian and live as the world. However, we can live as a Christian in the world because God’s Word says we can!
WE MAKE mistakes but don’t let our mistakes cause us to fall. God says when we forgive others, He will forgive us! “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15
LEARN to believe what you read in God’s Word and not rely on only what you have been taught to believe. A learned man speaks and we take it to be so; but a disciple who reads the scriptures to verify what has been said, with honesty and in earnest; God reveals so much more! I learned more about prayer when I taught a series in the late 90's. However, I was asking Jim what to say and how to say it when preparing to teach. After I learned how to go in prayer with clean hands and a pure heart; obedience to His Word; and forgiving others, along with practicing the presence of God, I began to write! Now I go to Jim to proof my work before I blog, or teach a lesson so that I am on the right track. I give God the praise and the glory!
PERFECTION will not be ours until we walk into heaven; but until that day, as a Christian we must strive to become the person that God has created us to be! We strive to keep Christ in Christmas, so let us also strive to keep Christ in our name of Christian, and become more than we ever thought we could be. Merry Christmas one and all for God so loved the World! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/20/13
Saturday, December 7, 2013
MORE OR LESS! 12/8/13
EVER SINCE retirement became more than an idea, I have experienced many sleepless nights. The amazing thing is that I start out tired and even prepare to settle in around 8:00 pm, but by 10:00 I am wide awake! I have tried mentally reciting all the scriptures that I can bring to mind; even go from my bed to my chair, and finally after eating a few crackers and drinking some water, I try the sleep mode again. However, I always seen to end up at the computer!
I HAVEN’T figured out why this happens but I do know that I don’t like it! I don’t like it because I have always loved sleeping! When I was a young woman, I could sleep until 10:00 am or longer and discovered when I married that Jim also like to sleep late. Children came along and that stopped, but the idea of sleeping never did.
I SOLVE problems when I am sleeping; I remember things when I am sleeping. Once, while doing some bank reconciliations for the company I had retired from, and felt like the TV mystery writer Jessica Fletcher, I was able to solved the mystery that had plagued me for weeks; while sleeping!
GOD DESIGNED our bodies for rest and because he created the 24 hour body clock, our bodies automatically go into the sleep mode with very little encouragement. As we get older the clock doesn't quite work as efficient as it did, but then many things don’t work as well as it use too! But lack of sleep is not a good thing! Some can get by with 4 to 6 hours but I want more!
WANTING MORE is a fleshly trait! Recently I used the term “less is more!” But for some reason I think more is always a good thing! I don’t want more house, or more car; I don’t even want more of what the rich and famous have. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” Matthew 6:33 God provides all our needs and He even includes more than we ever could dream of. He includes the things that I consider my favorites!
LET”S CONSIDER some favorite things! I could say ice cream, or chocolate; perhaps even more turkey and dressing; but I mean, really favorite things. One of my most favorite thing is to walk and talk with Jesus! When the weather is good, I walk around my house talking (out loud) to Jesus and am refreshed and that is whether or not I get enough sleep.
“AND LET US consider how to stir up one another to love and good works!” Hebrews 10:24 Isn’t that one of your favorites things to do? I love the church and the family that God has designed for His children. Within the Church I can love everyone and know that they love me! In the world, I can love them, but they have trouble understanding me, let alone loving me!
IN HEBREWS chapter 3, verse 1, it says to consider Jesus! Jesus is my most favorite subject! To consider Jesus would take sheets and sheets, because He is all the world to me! Jesus is my haven of rest! I may not be able to sleep well tonight, but I have a resting place that is always calling me. He is my encouragement; my comfort; my peace and joy that is constantly bubbling up in my soul! Jesus is my refuge in times of trouble and He calms my anxious heart.
JESUS came so that we may have life and have life in abundance! What more could we want after we have met Jesus! He is our all in all! He is the way, the truth and the life! No one can come to the Father except through Jesus! Why would anyone not receive Him and not want to know more and more about Him? Our old ways have nothing to offer! With Jesus it is like living in the warmth of the sun; smelling the fresh rain as it hits against the warm sidewalk; watching the snow as it glistens and melts to our touch.
“DO NOT lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also!” Matthew 6:16-18 Less may be more in some cases, but Jesus comes with a life time guarantee, which is more of His blessed assurance! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/3/13
I HAVEN’T figured out why this happens but I do know that I don’t like it! I don’t like it because I have always loved sleeping! When I was a young woman, I could sleep until 10:00 am or longer and discovered when I married that Jim also like to sleep late. Children came along and that stopped, but the idea of sleeping never did.
I SOLVE problems when I am sleeping; I remember things when I am sleeping. Once, while doing some bank reconciliations for the company I had retired from, and felt like the TV mystery writer Jessica Fletcher, I was able to solved the mystery that had plagued me for weeks; while sleeping!
GOD DESIGNED our bodies for rest and because he created the 24 hour body clock, our bodies automatically go into the sleep mode with very little encouragement. As we get older the clock doesn't quite work as efficient as it did, but then many things don’t work as well as it use too! But lack of sleep is not a good thing! Some can get by with 4 to 6 hours but I want more!
WANTING MORE is a fleshly trait! Recently I used the term “less is more!” But for some reason I think more is always a good thing! I don’t want more house, or more car; I don’t even want more of what the rich and famous have. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” Matthew 6:33 God provides all our needs and He even includes more than we ever could dream of. He includes the things that I consider my favorites!
LET”S CONSIDER some favorite things! I could say ice cream, or chocolate; perhaps even more turkey and dressing; but I mean, really favorite things. One of my most favorite thing is to walk and talk with Jesus! When the weather is good, I walk around my house talking (out loud) to Jesus and am refreshed and that is whether or not I get enough sleep.
“AND LET US consider how to stir up one another to love and good works!” Hebrews 10:24 Isn’t that one of your favorites things to do? I love the church and the family that God has designed for His children. Within the Church I can love everyone and know that they love me! In the world, I can love them, but they have trouble understanding me, let alone loving me!
IN HEBREWS chapter 3, verse 1, it says to consider Jesus! Jesus is my most favorite subject! To consider Jesus would take sheets and sheets, because He is all the world to me! Jesus is my haven of rest! I may not be able to sleep well tonight, but I have a resting place that is always calling me. He is my encouragement; my comfort; my peace and joy that is constantly bubbling up in my soul! Jesus is my refuge in times of trouble and He calms my anxious heart.
JESUS came so that we may have life and have life in abundance! What more could we want after we have met Jesus! He is our all in all! He is the way, the truth and the life! No one can come to the Father except through Jesus! Why would anyone not receive Him and not want to know more and more about Him? Our old ways have nothing to offer! With Jesus it is like living in the warmth of the sun; smelling the fresh rain as it hits against the warm sidewalk; watching the snow as it glistens and melts to our touch.
“DO NOT lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also!” Matthew 6:16-18 Less may be more in some cases, but Jesus comes with a life time guarantee, which is more of His blessed assurance! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/3/13
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