UPON JESUS’ entry into Jerusalem He sat upon the hill and looked over the countryside. He knew what was ahead not only for Himself but for Jerusalem; the followers of the way and for the Christians of today. He said if I could just gather them all under my wings like a mother hen does for her chicks. He shed tears of heartache for what was to come for them and being filled with the impending, terrible death that He was to endure for us; He set his mind resolutely and came down from the hill.
WHAT KIND of love would lead a man to die like that? What kind of man would suffer excruciating torture for sinners and even the ungrateful sinners? What kind of Father would let His son be brutalized and degraded like that? Have you ever thought about these things; have you ever wondered why?
THROUGHOUT the Old Testament we are taught that a perfect Lamb must be brought to the alter to restore man’s place with God. Obviously, man’s rebellion against God was so serious that eventually, more would be required. Only the perfect obedience of a perfect man could restore the breach between them. Such a one was Jesus! God knew this plan would have to be brought into play; God knew that His love was to come down to man, if man was to come up to Him. God was to give the ultimate sacrifice if man were to ever cross the bridge into eternity with Him.
“BUT WE preach Christ crucified which is a stumbling block to the Jews and was declared foolishness by the Gentiles.” 1 Corinthians 1:23 In those days, the Christ crucified became a stumbling block not only to the Jews but the Gentiles. Today it is a stumbling block and it is often explained away as ridiculous. “Take care that this liberty of yours, does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” 1 Corinthians 8:9
“FOR FREEDOM Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 Christian liberty is a consequence of salvation by grace. Our liberty is freedom from the law, from the curse of the law, from the fear of death, from sin, from the Old Testament ordinances. But our liberty must never become a license to sin.
A CRUCIFIED GOD can only be perceived by faith and love. Reason can be explained, but love believes. Reason can persuade, but love convinces. “For love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:7 That love which emptied itself out on the cross, is being offered to us at this moment. We say His love was emptied out but it never can be completely emptied for He replenishes His love for us just like the blood keeps flowing. His love cries down through the ages saying, “This is my beloved son, listen to Him. This is my beloved son, follow Him. This is my beloved son, love Him. This is my beloved son, imitate him.” The faithful Christian finds his qreatest liberty when he is in bondage to Jesus!
WE CALL today, Palm Sunday! The day Christ rode triumphantly into Jerusalem, to face His ultimate day of reckoning and human sacrifice. We weep because it happened and we were the blame, but I celebrate His love for me and praise His name. I am looking forward to Easter Sunday when we can all stand together and sing once again; He Arose; He Arose; Hallelujah Christ Arose!” Every Sunday is resurrection Sunday but Easter is the day we set aside to remember in grandeur, our Lord and Savior in all His majesty! We are free when we are fully committed to Jesus Christ! We have the power!. The empty tomb is proof of that! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 4/15/11 (partially Adapted from Connie Hopper/April 2002 Singing News (The printed voice of Southern Gospel Music)
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
THE ROMAN WAY! 4/10/11
THE CRUCIFIXION was a brutal and cruel way to die. Those who saw men die this way never forgot the experience. It would haunt them for the rest of their lives. It haunts us just reading about it in the scriptures!
BEFORE a condemned man was to be crucified, he would be prepared with a ‘flagellum’. A Roman cat-o’-nine-tails, if you will. These leather straps were inter-twined with bits of bone and lead, which would tear out pieces of flesh when it was applied. Some executioners were so good at this, they could tear off an ear or the flesh from between the ribs; or even put out an eye.
AFTER the whipping, the victim would be forced to carry their own crossbeam to the place where the crucifixion would be carried out. They would force the prisoner to walk the longest route, through winding, crowded streets. While the executioners were wanting to show their Roman power in crucifying Jesus, our God was showing His power; the power of His love.
WHEN THEY reached the place of execution, the condemned was nailed by his hands to the crossbeam and then hauled onto the upright which had been left there from the previous execution; while all the time screaming in agony. His feet were nailed to the upright, and he was left to die! Death would be a blessed relief!
WE ARE ENTERING a most reverent and discerning time of the Christian belief; that Jesus the Son of God, gave Himself up and while he was not guilty of any crime, was crucified for our guilt instead. The Romans, although an instrument of God, at the time, never fully understood the role they played in crucifying the man Jesus. They thought they were obeying their laws of procedure but instead they were pawns in God’s hands. They didn’t even know that there was no other way; that no one could have stopped them from doing their job!
“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 2:9-11 God’s plan was executed without a hitch!
IN THE PLAN of God, it was never intended that Christ would set up an earthly kingdom. If He had, there would have been no Lamb that was slain, nor could He have taken away the sins of the world. He came the first time to die on Calvary. But when He comes the second time it will be visible to all at one time. He will come as King of kings. He will come as Lord of the whole universe. What a day that will be!
WHEN I think of what God had planned from the beginning and what the man Jesus did for us, we the people, could only feel helpless. His death was foretold in the scriptures down to the most minute detail and the people were still helpless. “And Paul went in, as was his custom and for three weeks, he argued with them from the scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead; and saying “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ!” Acts 17:2-3
“THIS JESUS, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God; you crucified and killed, by the hands of lawless men,” Acts 2:23 Jesus went to the cross because it was ordained by God! “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
OH HOW WONDERFUL it is to be called a Christian; “Christ one!” Oh how wonderful to be counted among the saints that have gone before me! “In my heart there rings a melody; there rings a melody of love!” Do you hear it; can you feel it? Place your hand in the hand of the man Jesus, that can give you life everlasting; we call Him Lord!! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 4/6/11
BEFORE a condemned man was to be crucified, he would be prepared with a ‘flagellum’. A Roman cat-o’-nine-tails, if you will. These leather straps were inter-twined with bits of bone and lead, which would tear out pieces of flesh when it was applied. Some executioners were so good at this, they could tear off an ear or the flesh from between the ribs; or even put out an eye.
AFTER the whipping, the victim would be forced to carry their own crossbeam to the place where the crucifixion would be carried out. They would force the prisoner to walk the longest route, through winding, crowded streets. While the executioners were wanting to show their Roman power in crucifying Jesus, our God was showing His power; the power of His love.
WHEN THEY reached the place of execution, the condemned was nailed by his hands to the crossbeam and then hauled onto the upright which had been left there from the previous execution; while all the time screaming in agony. His feet were nailed to the upright, and he was left to die! Death would be a blessed relief!
WE ARE ENTERING a most reverent and discerning time of the Christian belief; that Jesus the Son of God, gave Himself up and while he was not guilty of any crime, was crucified for our guilt instead. The Romans, although an instrument of God, at the time, never fully understood the role they played in crucifying the man Jesus. They thought they were obeying their laws of procedure but instead they were pawns in God’s hands. They didn’t even know that there was no other way; that no one could have stopped them from doing their job!
“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 2:9-11 God’s plan was executed without a hitch!
IN THE PLAN of God, it was never intended that Christ would set up an earthly kingdom. If He had, there would have been no Lamb that was slain, nor could He have taken away the sins of the world. He came the first time to die on Calvary. But when He comes the second time it will be visible to all at one time. He will come as King of kings. He will come as Lord of the whole universe. What a day that will be!
WHEN I think of what God had planned from the beginning and what the man Jesus did for us, we the people, could only feel helpless. His death was foretold in the scriptures down to the most minute detail and the people were still helpless. “And Paul went in, as was his custom and for three weeks, he argued with them from the scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead; and saying “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ!” Acts 17:2-3
“THIS JESUS, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God; you crucified and killed, by the hands of lawless men,” Acts 2:23 Jesus went to the cross because it was ordained by God! “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
OH HOW WONDERFUL it is to be called a Christian; “Christ one!” Oh how wonderful to be counted among the saints that have gone before me! “In my heart there rings a melody; there rings a melody of love!” Do you hear it; can you feel it? Place your hand in the hand of the man Jesus, that can give you life everlasting; we call Him Lord!! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 4/6/11
Sunday, April 3, 2011
FOR THE GRACE OF GOD! 4/3/11
I HAVE noticed within the last thirty years, churches talk a lot about God’s grace. It is as though God’s grace is a license for you to be free to do anything. I guess you would call me a legalist because I believe God’s grace was given at the Cross, anything else would be frosting on the cake. When we say; “There but for the grace of God” we are saying; “Thank you God for the sacrifice your Son made on the cross because that has made it possible for me to come to you and to receive forgiveness of my sins. You have made it possible for me to say no to the world and yes to your Son.” Thank you Lord!
GOD’S GRACE on the cross has given us the desire to stop and ask; “What would Jesus do!” I don’t know how many times I have said; “There but for the grace of God, go I!” I realize that I could be wearing the shoes of the unfaithful; the prostitute; the liar; the thief; the murderer; the cheat, you name it and I could be it and most of the time my sins are equally defeating. That fateful day, so many years ago when the man Jesus went to the cross, we all were on His mind! He has made it possible for us to escape the snares laid out before us.
AS A GIRL growing up I didn’t want to do anything that would make my family ashamed of me, or would hurt them. I learned as a young wife, that my husband grew up feeling the same way. When I met Jesus I discovered I didn’t want to hurt my new family, the church, nor did I want to cause God to be displeased with me. However, the natural side of me played the harlot and I would fail being perfect on my own. I imagine you all have experienced these kind of days!
WHEN I SEE those who are caught up in Satan’s snare of iniquity, my heart aches for them. I realize their minds are full of what they have done; what other’s may think; how it will affect their families and the turmoil becomes the pool they are drowning in. There but for the grace of God go I! I am so thankful that God sent His son and the bridge He was to cross, was the cross He carried for me and you, of which He hung on and died.
“BUT NOW the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the law and the prophets bear witness to it; the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction; 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 3:21-25
ACCORDING to the law a price must be paid; a penalty must be suffered; a sacrifice must be offered. Paul finds in the life and death of Christ, the indispensable atoning sacrifice. In retrospect we find man was reconciled to God by the death of Christ. His death was His gift of grace to all those who accept Him as savior, through faith. “If, because of one man’s sin, death reigned through that one man; how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness, which is to reign in his life through the one man, Jesus Christ?” Romans 5:17 His grace through His blood on our cross!
“WHAT SHALL WE then say? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? No! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:1-4 This brings us to the phrase; “But there, for the grace of God, go I!” When we find ourselves enmeshed in the sins that attack our natural side; grab a hold of the grace given to us by Jesus Christ and allow Him to pull you out of the miry clay! Sing His praises all day long, for God is good!
By Jane Ann Crenshaw 4/1/11
GOD’S GRACE on the cross has given us the desire to stop and ask; “What would Jesus do!” I don’t know how many times I have said; “There but for the grace of God, go I!” I realize that I could be wearing the shoes of the unfaithful; the prostitute; the liar; the thief; the murderer; the cheat, you name it and I could be it and most of the time my sins are equally defeating. That fateful day, so many years ago when the man Jesus went to the cross, we all were on His mind! He has made it possible for us to escape the snares laid out before us.
AS A GIRL growing up I didn’t want to do anything that would make my family ashamed of me, or would hurt them. I learned as a young wife, that my husband grew up feeling the same way. When I met Jesus I discovered I didn’t want to hurt my new family, the church, nor did I want to cause God to be displeased with me. However, the natural side of me played the harlot and I would fail being perfect on my own. I imagine you all have experienced these kind of days!
WHEN I SEE those who are caught up in Satan’s snare of iniquity, my heart aches for them. I realize their minds are full of what they have done; what other’s may think; how it will affect their families and the turmoil becomes the pool they are drowning in. There but for the grace of God go I! I am so thankful that God sent His son and the bridge He was to cross, was the cross He carried for me and you, of which He hung on and died.
“BUT NOW the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the law and the prophets bear witness to it; the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction; 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 3:21-25
ACCORDING to the law a price must be paid; a penalty must be suffered; a sacrifice must be offered. Paul finds in the life and death of Christ, the indispensable atoning sacrifice. In retrospect we find man was reconciled to God by the death of Christ. His death was His gift of grace to all those who accept Him as savior, through faith. “If, because of one man’s sin, death reigned through that one man; how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness, which is to reign in his life through the one man, Jesus Christ?” Romans 5:17 His grace through His blood on our cross!
“WHAT SHALL WE then say? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? No! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:1-4 This brings us to the phrase; “But there, for the grace of God, go I!” When we find ourselves enmeshed in the sins that attack our natural side; grab a hold of the grace given to us by Jesus Christ and allow Him to pull you out of the miry clay! Sing His praises all day long, for God is good!
By Jane Ann Crenshaw 4/1/11
Sunday, March 27, 2011
WHATEVER! 3/27/11
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
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 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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)