AS CHRISTIANS we are encouraged to live for Christ. We are given instructions to put our trust in God and Him only should we serve. However, while we are living in this world we are bombarded from all sides to enjoy this life to the fullest by submitting to the pleasures afforded us while we tarry here! We are encouraged to drink this; try that; it won’t hurt; once is not a habit; this will make you feel good; and so on!
WHEN WE ARE DECEIVED we submit to the whims of what the world offers, we show our lack of respect of fear toward the Lord. Instead of walking as Jesus walked we find ourselves following the antics of Satan. You say that is ridiculous! Perhaps; but when we are not following in Jesus’ footsteps we are walking in Satan’s.
RECENTLY I heard a story. ‘A snake was lying along the path as the girl walked by. He said; ‘I am so cold, please pick me up and put me inside your coat so I can get warm.’ She replied; ‘NO!’ He begged; ‘please, please; I am so cold.’ She said; ‘NO!’ After a few more times of his begging her, she gave in and picked him up and put him inside her coat. After a while he bit her! She stopped and said; ‘why did you do that?’ He said; ‘you knew what I was when you picked me up!’
SATAN is the author of destruction. He is the darkness of death! We like to say that when we do wrong or get caught in a discretion, ‘the devil made me do it!’ Did you know that Satan can’t make you do anything? He can tempt you but He does not have the power to either make you or harm you. You choose to allow him to tempt you into submission.
‘BE SOBER, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of our brotherhood throughout the world.’ 1 Peter 5:8-9 Satan is the trouble maker and he looks for those who are vulnerable to him. We don’t need to get caught in his traps, nor should we leave our selves wide open giving him room to pounce.
THE PROBLEM with Satan, is that, this is his home. He lives here! He believes that the world is his oyster and he is free to roam and entice all who live here. But when Christ came He freed us from being under the auspicious behavior of God’s problem angel! Living with Satan brings death; living with Christ brings life everlasting! We must fight to live!
REMEMBER we know when we sin! We should become afraid and run for our life! Many places in Gods Word tells us to seek His face. I found another one in Isaiah that a repentant sinner is to do. ‘Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near!’ Isaiah 55:6 God is always near His children. He waits with baited breath for us to call upon His name. We are free to choose his freedom. While there is breath, there is hope!
‘BEHOLD, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.’ JOB 28:28 Yes, we are to fear the Lord! God has said that we need not fear the one that can kill the body, but the one that can kill the soul! What do you think? We are to be mindful of what we say; where we go and what we do! Satan is always waiting to move in when we loose sight of our Lord.
‘THE LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?’ Psalms 27:1a In Christ we need not fear Satan. ‘For He will hide me in His shelter in the day of trouble; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent, He will set me high upon a rock.’ Psalms 27:5
WE KNOW that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God! We also know that God has made a way of escape from eternal damnation. We only have to choose His SON and take Him as our Savior. And, oh, what a Savior He is! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 3/19/15
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Sunday, March 15, 2015
DO NOT BE DECEIVED! 3/15/15
WE ARE so easily deceived, aren’t we! Whether it is out of self pride; reading only what we believe; or our mind set declares it is okay, because it is dedicated to the Lord. We are instructed to fear God, but people argue ‘that does not mean we should be afraid of God!' Where is our fear of God? Why are we so easily deceived? Why do we consider that sacrifice is better than to obey? Why are we so blatant about our sins? Why do so many think it is okay to sin? Don’t be deceived - all sin requires repentance!
REMEMBER the story in 1 Samuel 15 where Saul is anointed king and is given instructions to overcome the city of Amalek. Saul was to go and utterly destroy all that they had; ‘do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.’ 1 Samuel 15:3 And Saul defeated the Amalekites which was east of Egypt. But he took King Agag alive, along with the best of the sheep, of the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, he took back with them. Saul later tells Samuel, when he was confronted with this, ‘I brought them back to offer them as a sacrifice to your Lord.’
GOD REPENTED He had made Saul king. Samuel pleaded with God all night but finally went to Saul and confronted him with his wrong doing. God was not happy that Saul had not obeyed his edict in cleaning up the city of Amalek. Because Saul decided on his own to change God’s plan, he lost the job that God had created for him. A job of stature; power and prestige among the people! He could have been a man of God and a leader of men!
SAMUEL asked that Agag the king of the Amalekites be brought to him. He came cheerfully and stood before Samuel. ‘And Samuel hewed Agag into pieces before the Lord in Gilgal.’ 1 Samuel 15:33b Samuel not only did the job that Saul was to have done, he did it with an ax, vehemently yielding strength and force. ‘Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house in Gibeah of Saul. And Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel grieved over Saul. And the Lord repented that he had made Saul king over Israel.’ 1 Samuel 15:34-35
SAUL should have feared the Lord. Saul should have known that obedience is better than sacrifice. In 1 Samuel 15:22 God says that obedience is better than sacrifice. When Saul decided what was best, even when God had already told him what to do; he should have been afraid of the consequences. ‘For rebellion is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the Word of the Lord, He has also rejected you from being king.’ 1 Samuel 15:23
SOME HAVE SAID that even if we are disobedient to God’s Word, and do not live according to God’s commandments, we can still go to heaven, but we will just not have the victory here on earth. Do not be deceived! Many have watered down God’s Word to tickle the seekers ears. Makes everything easier to swallow and to digest. Some say this is the new age and therefore not everything in God’s Word is relevant for today. Hogwash! God’s Word is the same yesterday, today and forever. Therefore it is relative! Anything to do with God, we need!
THE PRIDE of our heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, whose dwelling is high, who say in your heart, ‘who will bring me down to the ground!’ Obadiah 3 There is another verse that keeps me on my toes; ‘But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out.’ Numbers 32:23 Okay so our pride can bring us down and no matter the sin; it will become known. God is faithful to forgive; because He sent His only son to make a bridge for us to cross over into His joy! Why do we turn away from Him? Why do we say not now? We can love with respect and be obedient; but we need to love God with the respect of fear because our choices are not always the best choice! Ask yourself; ‘If not now, when?’ Today is the day for salvation! By Jane.Ann Crenshaw 3/12/15
REMEMBER the story in 1 Samuel 15 where Saul is anointed king and is given instructions to overcome the city of Amalek. Saul was to go and utterly destroy all that they had; ‘do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.’ 1 Samuel 15:3 And Saul defeated the Amalekites which was east of Egypt. But he took King Agag alive, along with the best of the sheep, of the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, he took back with them. Saul later tells Samuel, when he was confronted with this, ‘I brought them back to offer them as a sacrifice to your Lord.’
GOD REPENTED He had made Saul king. Samuel pleaded with God all night but finally went to Saul and confronted him with his wrong doing. God was not happy that Saul had not obeyed his edict in cleaning up the city of Amalek. Because Saul decided on his own to change God’s plan, he lost the job that God had created for him. A job of stature; power and prestige among the people! He could have been a man of God and a leader of men!
SAMUEL asked that Agag the king of the Amalekites be brought to him. He came cheerfully and stood before Samuel. ‘And Samuel hewed Agag into pieces before the Lord in Gilgal.’ 1 Samuel 15:33b Samuel not only did the job that Saul was to have done, he did it with an ax, vehemently yielding strength and force. ‘Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house in Gibeah of Saul. And Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel grieved over Saul. And the Lord repented that he had made Saul king over Israel.’ 1 Samuel 15:34-35
SAUL should have feared the Lord. Saul should have known that obedience is better than sacrifice. In 1 Samuel 15:22 God says that obedience is better than sacrifice. When Saul decided what was best, even when God had already told him what to do; he should have been afraid of the consequences. ‘For rebellion is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the Word of the Lord, He has also rejected you from being king.’ 1 Samuel 15:23
SOME HAVE SAID that even if we are disobedient to God’s Word, and do not live according to God’s commandments, we can still go to heaven, but we will just not have the victory here on earth. Do not be deceived! Many have watered down God’s Word to tickle the seekers ears. Makes everything easier to swallow and to digest. Some say this is the new age and therefore not everything in God’s Word is relevant for today. Hogwash! God’s Word is the same yesterday, today and forever. Therefore it is relative! Anything to do with God, we need!
THE PRIDE of our heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, whose dwelling is high, who say in your heart, ‘who will bring me down to the ground!’ Obadiah 3 There is another verse that keeps me on my toes; ‘But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out.’ Numbers 32:23 Okay so our pride can bring us down and no matter the sin; it will become known. God is faithful to forgive; because He sent His only son to make a bridge for us to cross over into His joy! Why do we turn away from Him? Why do we say not now? We can love with respect and be obedient; but we need to love God with the respect of fear because our choices are not always the best choice! Ask yourself; ‘If not now, when?’ Today is the day for salvation! By Jane.Ann Crenshaw 3/12/15
Saturday, March 7, 2015
BEST FOOT FORWARD! 3/8/15
ONE OF THE MOST memorial things my Mother taught her daughters is how to stand, especially when having your picture taken. She said that standing towards the right always cup your right hand into the cup of your left hand. Then with your right foot pointing a little towards the right, place your left foot pointing out with the heal resting slightly against the right foot. Chest out, shoulders back and your head tilted up!
NOW if you were to be facing towards the left - all is reversed except for your hands. That is your left foot is pointing a little towards the left, your right foot is pointing out with the heal slightly resting against the left foot. But your hands are always with the right cupped into the left. We have pictures! I bet I got it right, but if not, my sisters will let me know!
THE QUESTION IS; ‘Which foot facing forward is the best?’ You have heard it said that we should always put our ‘best foot forward!’ Is my right foot better than my left? Is my right hand better than my left? Well for me I am right handed which means it is easier for me to lead and do with my right. When I start to walk I think I always lead with my right foot. When I write, eat or do anything that requires my hand I lead with my right. How about you?
THE BEST FOOT FORWARD came about during a period of several centuries. European noblemen and wealthy gentry were greatly concern about beauty of person. They added ruffled sleeves, powdered wigs, black satin knee breeches, and full-length hose above buckled shoes. I can visualize that; can’t you? We have seen pictures! It seems as though the idle rich in those days, took pride in showing off a good pair of legs. Go figure!
SOME WENT TO EXTREMES by showing preference to one leg as being more attractive than the other. Competition came about in wanting to make a greater sensation at all the grand affairs. He would find a special place where he could stand with his best-looking leg and foot in front, hoping to attract many glances. By the 16th century, a person wanting to make a good impression knew just what to do. He would put his ‘best foot forward,’ and by doing so helped to create this phrase, that we still use today.
THOSE WHO follow the teachings of Jesus Christ know that our body is the temple (house) of the Holy Spirit. If we have Christ within us our lives take on a different dimension of attitudes. How should I speak; where should I go; what should I wear; what is my course of action; how can I best serve Him, and with each breath we seek His directions. Everything we need to know on ‘how to live a Christian life’ is in God’s Word!
‘LET THE WORD of Christ dwell in you richly, teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And 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 3:16-17 This is speaking to our works and service in His Kingdom.
‘SO, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God!’ 1 Corinthians 10:31 Always ask yourself the question; ‘is this going to glorify my God or is this going to drag me down?’ God also says to wives; ‘Wives, submit to your husbands, as to the Lord!’ Ephesians 5:22 How are wives to submit to the Lord; we are to love Him with all our hearts, soul and minds - give Him our all! We are to love our husbands; take care of them, give them honor and respect and raise their children to love the Lord.
‘BE GENEROUS with the things God has given you. If words, use God’s words; if help, let it be through God’s help. That way God’s presence will be evident in everything you do; He will get the credit because He is the mighty ONE in everything.’ 1 Peter 4:11 All we have is in Christ, and no matter what; He makes it our best! By Jane Ann Crenshaw3/8/15
(Why You Say it - by Webb Garrison)
NOW if you were to be facing towards the left - all is reversed except for your hands. That is your left foot is pointing a little towards the left, your right foot is pointing out with the heal slightly resting against the left foot. But your hands are always with the right cupped into the left. We have pictures! I bet I got it right, but if not, my sisters will let me know!
THE QUESTION IS; ‘Which foot facing forward is the best?’ You have heard it said that we should always put our ‘best foot forward!’ Is my right foot better than my left? Is my right hand better than my left? Well for me I am right handed which means it is easier for me to lead and do with my right. When I start to walk I think I always lead with my right foot. When I write, eat or do anything that requires my hand I lead with my right. How about you?
THE BEST FOOT FORWARD came about during a period of several centuries. European noblemen and wealthy gentry were greatly concern about beauty of person. They added ruffled sleeves, powdered wigs, black satin knee breeches, and full-length hose above buckled shoes. I can visualize that; can’t you? We have seen pictures! It seems as though the idle rich in those days, took pride in showing off a good pair of legs. Go figure!
SOME WENT TO EXTREMES by showing preference to one leg as being more attractive than the other. Competition came about in wanting to make a greater sensation at all the grand affairs. He would find a special place where he could stand with his best-looking leg and foot in front, hoping to attract many glances. By the 16th century, a person wanting to make a good impression knew just what to do. He would put his ‘best foot forward,’ and by doing so helped to create this phrase, that we still use today.
THOSE WHO follow the teachings of Jesus Christ know that our body is the temple (house) of the Holy Spirit. If we have Christ within us our lives take on a different dimension of attitudes. How should I speak; where should I go; what should I wear; what is my course of action; how can I best serve Him, and with each breath we seek His directions. Everything we need to know on ‘how to live a Christian life’ is in God’s Word!
‘LET THE WORD of Christ dwell in you richly, teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And 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 3:16-17 This is speaking to our works and service in His Kingdom.
‘SO, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God!’ 1 Corinthians 10:31 Always ask yourself the question; ‘is this going to glorify my God or is this going to drag me down?’ God also says to wives; ‘Wives, submit to your husbands, as to the Lord!’ Ephesians 5:22 How are wives to submit to the Lord; we are to love Him with all our hearts, soul and minds - give Him our all! We are to love our husbands; take care of them, give them honor and respect and raise their children to love the Lord.
‘BE GENEROUS with the things God has given you. If words, use God’s words; if help, let it be through God’s help. That way God’s presence will be evident in everything you do; He will get the credit because He is the mighty ONE in everything.’ 1 Peter 4:11 All we have is in Christ, and no matter what; He makes it our best! By Jane Ann Crenshaw3/8/15
(Why You Say it - by Webb Garrison)
Sunday, March 1, 2015
ARE YOU LISTENING? 3/1/15
WHEN I began teaching women in a Sunday School class I began with a series called "You’ve Got What it Takes!" It was a little book and I can’t remember who wrote it, but I took the title because it said it all. My emphasis was that with Christ, we could do whatever God wanted us to do. This past week I was watching Joyce Meyer and she was using the title of "We Can Do It"; which was taken from the advertisement of Rosie the Riveter during WW11. She made it clear that the WE was God the Father, Jesus the Son, the Holy Spirit and you! Both clearly calls the Christian to stand firm in all ways!
"I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" Philippians 4:13 I hate for my world to be so vividly exposed through the world of technicolor technology. The news media has brought it all home to us. I remember during the Desert Storm Battle of 2000; Jim and I could hardly wait to get home from work, to turn on the TV, to sit on the couch eating our dinner, watching the war in action. It was like we were there! You could almost feel the dust and blood spatters along with the smell of oil fumes and burnt flesh.
TODAY we want to watch and be tortured by the futile efforts of the enemy as they behead, burn alive, and to use whatever method they feel will cause our jaws to drop, to kill Christians and even those who are not Christian, to show their power and their, off the wall, allegiance to what they call allah, the Muslim god. We love to be scared; we love to walk a fine line; we love to hate! I use the word we loosely, because I am not part of the we! I hate to be scared, I hate to walk a fine line, and I hate to hate!
"FOR JOHN is the one of whom the scripture says; "Here is my messenger, says God; I will send him ahead of you to open the way for you., remember this! John the Baptist is greater than any man who has ever lived. But he who is least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the time John preached his message until this very day the Kingdom of heaven has suffered violent attacks, and violent men try to seize heaven. All the prophets and the law of Moses, until the time of John, spoke about the Kingdom; "and if you are willing to believe their message, John is Elijah, whose coming was predicted. "Listen, then, if you have ears!" Matthew 11:10-15 Are you listening?
I SUPPOSE that those who are least in the Kingdom are greater than John because he lived and died under the law. You and I are under grace! Are you listening! In the Greek there are two meanings for the word violent. The first violent in this passage means to attack, and the second means to be energized. Our news has been likening the attackers of today to those in WW11. Are they alike; yes! Has there been anything else like it; yes! Men of violence always try to force their way in, when they try to conquer a city. Remember, they attempted to make Jesus a political King! "Jesus knew that they were about to come and get him, to make Him king by force, so he went off again to the hills by Himself." John 6:15
IF JESUS had wanted to be a political king, that was His opportunity. He frustrated their plans by going off by Himself. But later the people turned on Him and killed Him and God showed the world His Son! "Jerusalem, Jerusalem! You kill the prophets and stone the messengers God has sent you! How many times have I wanted to put my arms around all your people, just as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you would not let me! Now your home will be completely forsaken. From now on you will never see me again. I tell you, until you say; "God bless Him who comes in the name of the Lord." Matthew 23:37-39
THE ROMANS came in later and completely decimated Jerusalem. Well over 11,000 were killed in despicable ways and Rome ruled. Are you listening! Prayer is the key to heaven, but Faith unlocks the door! God has given us time; use it well! BY Jane Ann Crenshaw 3/1/15
"I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" Philippians 4:13 I hate for my world to be so vividly exposed through the world of technicolor technology. The news media has brought it all home to us. I remember during the Desert Storm Battle of 2000; Jim and I could hardly wait to get home from work, to turn on the TV, to sit on the couch eating our dinner, watching the war in action. It was like we were there! You could almost feel the dust and blood spatters along with the smell of oil fumes and burnt flesh.
TODAY we want to watch and be tortured by the futile efforts of the enemy as they behead, burn alive, and to use whatever method they feel will cause our jaws to drop, to kill Christians and even those who are not Christian, to show their power and their, off the wall, allegiance to what they call allah, the Muslim god. We love to be scared; we love to walk a fine line; we love to hate! I use the word we loosely, because I am not part of the we! I hate to be scared, I hate to walk a fine line, and I hate to hate!
"FOR JOHN is the one of whom the scripture says; "Here is my messenger, says God; I will send him ahead of you to open the way for you., remember this! John the Baptist is greater than any man who has ever lived. But he who is least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the time John preached his message until this very day the Kingdom of heaven has suffered violent attacks, and violent men try to seize heaven. All the prophets and the law of Moses, until the time of John, spoke about the Kingdom; "and if you are willing to believe their message, John is Elijah, whose coming was predicted. "Listen, then, if you have ears!" Matthew 11:10-15 Are you listening?
I SUPPOSE that those who are least in the Kingdom are greater than John because he lived and died under the law. You and I are under grace! Are you listening! In the Greek there are two meanings for the word violent. The first violent in this passage means to attack, and the second means to be energized. Our news has been likening the attackers of today to those in WW11. Are they alike; yes! Has there been anything else like it; yes! Men of violence always try to force their way in, when they try to conquer a city. Remember, they attempted to make Jesus a political King! "Jesus knew that they were about to come and get him, to make Him king by force, so he went off again to the hills by Himself." John 6:15
IF JESUS had wanted to be a political king, that was His opportunity. He frustrated their plans by going off by Himself. But later the people turned on Him and killed Him and God showed the world His Son! "Jerusalem, Jerusalem! You kill the prophets and stone the messengers God has sent you! How many times have I wanted to put my arms around all your people, just as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you would not let me! Now your home will be completely forsaken. From now on you will never see me again. I tell you, until you say; "God bless Him who comes in the name of the Lord." Matthew 23:37-39
THE ROMANS came in later and completely decimated Jerusalem. Well over 11,000 were killed in despicable ways and Rome ruled. Are you listening! Prayer is the key to heaven, but Faith unlocks the door! God has given us time; use it well! BY Jane Ann Crenshaw 3/1/15
Sunday, February 22, 2015
HANDWRITING ON THE WALL! 2/22/15
REMEMBER the story in Daniel 5 about King Belshazzar? He was believed to have been the grandson of King Nebuchadnezzar on his mother’s side of the family. Ancient Babylon flourished under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar, but his son and successor, Belshazzar, proved weak and wild. He ignored all standards, and drank heavily from the holy vessels that were seized from the Temple in Jerusalem. A strange thing happened on the night of the great feast when Belsahazzar committed this act of sacrilege! A mysterious hand appeared, and to his astonishment, the hand wrote four strange words on the wall of the banquet room.
WOULD THAT have been me, I would have sobered up pretty fast! However only Daniel, the Hebrew prophet, could interpret the mysterious message. He boldly told the ruler that they spelled disaster for him and for his nation. That night Belshazzar was defeated and slain, just as Daniel said he would be, and Babylon fell to the Medes and the Persians.
WHAT WAS the mysterious message? "MENE, MENE, TEKEL, and PARSIN." Daniel 5:25 In researching this I discovered the Aramaic of the weight known as a "maneh" is Mene; the verb from which it is derived means;"to number". Tekel; the Aramaic of the weight known as a "shekel"; the related verb means; "to weigh". Parsin; the Aramaic plural of the half-maneh weight; the related verb means "to divide." Daniel interpreted the names of the weights in terms of their related verbs; "numbered, numbered, weighed, and divided." Interestingly enough; Peres, the singular of Persin also suggests the name Persians.
SO WHAT WAS the mysterious message? "God has numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end; you have been weighed in the balances and found wanting.
Your kingdom is divided and given away to the Medes and Persians." Daniel 5:26-28
DID YOU KNOW that the foundation of this very wall has been uncovered? According to Halley’s Bible Handbook it has, and he shows a picture of the wall. Did you know that until 1853 no mention of Belshazzar was found in Babylonian records and another guy was known as the last king of Babylon? I don’t consider myself an authority on this subject but I do find it interesting when a story in the Bible comes to life as proof is given.
RELIGIOUS DRAMAS of the Middle Ages often included this vivid event that took place in the ancient banquet hall. Viewers of such pageants would sit on the edge of their seats, enthralled as they watched the writing of the strange warning to a king. As a result, any threat of impending doom is still known as "handwriting on the wall." Have you ever used that phrase yourself? I am sure I have because the term is often bantered about even today.
OF COURSE this story is during the time of the Law of Moses, even though the Israelites had been in captivity for 70 plus years. How do you think God views His people and even people in general today, who go about defacing or defiling the things that are precious to Him? Christians are referred to as the Temple of the Holy Spirit as well as the Church is the Temple of the Holy Spirit. What kinds of things do we do that would or could be called sacrileges? Think about those who are torturing and murdering God’s people!
"THEREFORE, lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with all men, and for the holiness, without which, no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fail to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness spring up and cause trouble, and by it, the many become defiled." Hebrews 12:12-15
PAY attention to your walk, so that as you go, no one can say that your days are numbered; that you have been found wanting, and all you have will be divided, and cast asunder. The writing on our wall has already been written by God through our baptism. It came with a seal, the Holy Spirit. Our escape route is through our obedience and His forgiveness. No matter what we may face; God knows our hearts; He is our witness! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/17/15
(Why You Say It by Webb Garrison) (Halley’s Bible Handbook)
WOULD THAT have been me, I would have sobered up pretty fast! However only Daniel, the Hebrew prophet, could interpret the mysterious message. He boldly told the ruler that they spelled disaster for him and for his nation. That night Belshazzar was defeated and slain, just as Daniel said he would be, and Babylon fell to the Medes and the Persians.
WHAT WAS the mysterious message? "MENE, MENE, TEKEL, and PARSIN." Daniel 5:25 In researching this I discovered the Aramaic of the weight known as a "maneh" is Mene; the verb from which it is derived means;"to number". Tekel; the Aramaic of the weight known as a "shekel"; the related verb means; "to weigh". Parsin; the Aramaic plural of the half-maneh weight; the related verb means "to divide." Daniel interpreted the names of the weights in terms of their related verbs; "numbered, numbered, weighed, and divided." Interestingly enough; Peres, the singular of Persin also suggests the name Persians.
SO WHAT WAS the mysterious message? "God has numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end; you have been weighed in the balances and found wanting.
Your kingdom is divided and given away to the Medes and Persians." Daniel 5:26-28
DID YOU KNOW that the foundation of this very wall has been uncovered? According to Halley’s Bible Handbook it has, and he shows a picture of the wall. Did you know that until 1853 no mention of Belshazzar was found in Babylonian records and another guy was known as the last king of Babylon? I don’t consider myself an authority on this subject but I do find it interesting when a story in the Bible comes to life as proof is given.
RELIGIOUS DRAMAS of the Middle Ages often included this vivid event that took place in the ancient banquet hall. Viewers of such pageants would sit on the edge of their seats, enthralled as they watched the writing of the strange warning to a king. As a result, any threat of impending doom is still known as "handwriting on the wall." Have you ever used that phrase yourself? I am sure I have because the term is often bantered about even today.
OF COURSE this story is during the time of the Law of Moses, even though the Israelites had been in captivity for 70 plus years. How do you think God views His people and even people in general today, who go about defacing or defiling the things that are precious to Him? Christians are referred to as the Temple of the Holy Spirit as well as the Church is the Temple of the Holy Spirit. What kinds of things do we do that would or could be called sacrileges? Think about those who are torturing and murdering God’s people!
"THEREFORE, lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with all men, and for the holiness, without which, no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fail to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness spring up and cause trouble, and by it, the many become defiled." Hebrews 12:12-15
PAY attention to your walk, so that as you go, no one can say that your days are numbered; that you have been found wanting, and all you have will be divided, and cast asunder. The writing on our wall has already been written by God through our baptism. It came with a seal, the Holy Spirit. Our escape route is through our obedience and His forgiveness. No matter what we may face; God knows our hearts; He is our witness! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/17/15
(Why You Say It by Webb Garrison) (Halley’s Bible Handbook)
Sunday, February 8, 2015
OH TO BE CHARMING! 2/8/15
HAVE YOU ever attended a beauty pageant? One where the judges took in account the ease, charm and the absolute beauty of the contestant, to the extent that one is better than all the others. A winner is chosen with a first and second runner up! All take a prize; and life goes on.
MOST LITTLE girls grow up with the idea planted into their little heads that they should have gone to a charm school to learn how to be graceful and pleasing in all circumstances. Most little girls wanted to be tom boys but were always scolded with; Sit still; put your legs together; don’t cross your legs; stand up tall, don’t slump your shoulders and the worst of all; act like a girl!
AS ADULTS we are enamored with those who can be graceful; who dress with charm, and walk in and out of all situations with ease. Some make comments like; "A woman of such grace and grandeur" or "She has such grace and always does the proper thing." "Oh to have such grace!" Oh to have these statements made about you. No such luck when you are clumsy!
I HAVE ALWAYS liked the idea of having a grace period. Payment is due on the 1st but you have a 15 day grace period. Of course today with all the bailing out of big business and allowing the government to become involved where they shouldn’t, a lot of rules and regulations are changing within the finance world and the grace period could become a thing of the past.
GRACE ISN’T usually a dinner topic but it is our topic this weekend. Grace in the world stands for posture; manner and a somewhat sense of propriety. The name Grace is one of the top ten most favorite girls names of this generation. And why not; it is a beautiful name and means "God’s favor!" In our church alone; there are at least 4, not to mention those who have the middle name of Grace.
"THEREFORE putting aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisy and envy, and all slander; and become like newborn babes who long for the pure milk of the word; that by it you may grow in respect to salvation." 1 Peter 2:1 Understanding our part in "grace" is to become involved in God’s will. We grow in the grace of God by reading and doing His word. We begin with the milk; learning how to repent, and to follow the Savior. From there we begin to know our God!
"BUT GROW in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen!" 2 Peter 3:18 We are walking in God’s grace from here through eternity. Sounds ominous, but God says we can do this!
WHEN WE continue in growing in God’s grace we can see how the Beatitudes can apply to us. "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven; Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted; Blessed are the gentle for they shall inherit the earth; Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied; Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy; Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of me." Matthew 5:3-11 Can you see the results of God’s grace? When we make every effort to supplement our faith with; virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness and brotherly love; we become more fruitful and affective in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
WHOEVER lacks these things is blind and shortsighted and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Those who do these things will be richly provided an entrance into the eternal kingdom. We are walking in God’s grace; not by our charming ways! This is the Holy Spirit within us! The road we are on is the road to heaven by way of Calvary. Thanks be to our God for His passion in saving souls! By Jane Ann Crenshaw (3/11/10) Revised 2/7/15
MOST LITTLE girls grow up with the idea planted into their little heads that they should have gone to a charm school to learn how to be graceful and pleasing in all circumstances. Most little girls wanted to be tom boys but were always scolded with; Sit still; put your legs together; don’t cross your legs; stand up tall, don’t slump your shoulders and the worst of all; act like a girl!
AS ADULTS we are enamored with those who can be graceful; who dress with charm, and walk in and out of all situations with ease. Some make comments like; "A woman of such grace and grandeur" or "She has such grace and always does the proper thing." "Oh to have such grace!" Oh to have these statements made about you. No such luck when you are clumsy!
I HAVE ALWAYS liked the idea of having a grace period. Payment is due on the 1st but you have a 15 day grace period. Of course today with all the bailing out of big business and allowing the government to become involved where they shouldn’t, a lot of rules and regulations are changing within the finance world and the grace period could become a thing of the past.
GRACE ISN’T usually a dinner topic but it is our topic this weekend. Grace in the world stands for posture; manner and a somewhat sense of propriety. The name Grace is one of the top ten most favorite girls names of this generation. And why not; it is a beautiful name and means "God’s favor!" In our church alone; there are at least 4, not to mention those who have the middle name of Grace.
"THEREFORE putting aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisy and envy, and all slander; and become like newborn babes who long for the pure milk of the word; that by it you may grow in respect to salvation." 1 Peter 2:1 Understanding our part in "grace" is to become involved in God’s will. We grow in the grace of God by reading and doing His word. We begin with the milk; learning how to repent, and to follow the Savior. From there we begin to know our God!
"BUT GROW in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen!" 2 Peter 3:18 We are walking in God’s grace from here through eternity. Sounds ominous, but God says we can do this!
WHEN WE continue in growing in God’s grace we can see how the Beatitudes can apply to us. "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven; Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted; Blessed are the gentle for they shall inherit the earth; Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied; Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy; Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of me." Matthew 5:3-11 Can you see the results of God’s grace? When we make every effort to supplement our faith with; virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness and brotherly love; we become more fruitful and affective in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
WHOEVER lacks these things is blind and shortsighted and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Those who do these things will be richly provided an entrance into the eternal kingdom. We are walking in God’s grace; not by our charming ways! This is the Holy Spirit within us! The road we are on is the road to heaven by way of Calvary. Thanks be to our God for His passion in saving souls! By Jane Ann Crenshaw (3/11/10) Revised 2/7/15
Sunday, February 1, 2015
TIME WELL SPENT! 2/1/15
HAVE YOU ever wanted to do something but didn’t do it because of the time factor? It would be too hard or perhaps it would cost more than you wanted to spend right then. How about, what if it didn’t work? Then what would we do? Well a few weeks ago I had a bright idea! Jim is always agreeable and so we began to plan. Then the time we wanted to do it, wouldn’t work because of obligations already in place. So we decided not to do it that week, but do it the next week. And so we did! It worked and even though it was all done in just a few days, and we were exhausted when we climbed into our own bed; it was worth it!
"COMMIT your plans to the Lord and your plans will succeed" Proverbs 16:3 Our plan was to surprise my sister and her husband on their 47th anniversary, and take them to dinner. They live about 9 hours away which meant Jim would be driving a lot, and of course, we would be staying in motel’s a couple of nights. That wasn’t daunting but we would only be able to spend one night there. What if they weren’t home! Of course we didn’t want to call them until we were in their driveway.
SO THE SECOND PLAN was the first, but make arrangements to visit some old friends also. They are not as old as Jim and me but close enough, and we haven’t seen them for many years. We also wanted to visit with their son and his wife! So the plan included spending the night at the bed and breakfast that they are associated with, for a donation only, and have breakfast out with the four of them.
BUT MY PRAYER was that Jeri and Ron would be home, we would go to dinner and have a good time celebrating both of our anniversaries; theirs the week before and ours, the day before we got there. Our cup would run over by being able to visit with old friends later that night, and visiting in the morning over breakfast. God is so good! Because that is exactly what happened. Everything fell into place and Jim didn’t fall asleep at the wheel!
SOMETIMES when we make plans in a rushed way, it comes to pass. But many times when every minute counts, we don’t do it because we don’t have enough time. In 2002, some one said; "We have all the time we need, to do everything God wants us to, in 2002!" Every year I try to say that and make it rhyme. So here goes again; "God has given us time, to love one another, and it is always, time well spent!" Okay, so it doesn’t rhyme!
THIS IS a new year with one month already spent; eleven more to go! How are you going to spend it? If only we could do something similar to what we did this month; every month! How exciting that would be! Should have thought of this 20 or 30 years ago, but then we didn’t have time! Retirement does have it’s perks! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/31/15
"COMMIT your plans to the Lord and your plans will succeed" Proverbs 16:3 Our plan was to surprise my sister and her husband on their 47th anniversary, and take them to dinner. They live about 9 hours away which meant Jim would be driving a lot, and of course, we would be staying in motel’s a couple of nights. That wasn’t daunting but we would only be able to spend one night there. What if they weren’t home! Of course we didn’t want to call them until we were in their driveway.
SO THE SECOND PLAN was the first, but make arrangements to visit some old friends also. They are not as old as Jim and me but close enough, and we haven’t seen them for many years. We also wanted to visit with their son and his wife! So the plan included spending the night at the bed and breakfast that they are associated with, for a donation only, and have breakfast out with the four of them.
BUT MY PRAYER was that Jeri and Ron would be home, we would go to dinner and have a good time celebrating both of our anniversaries; theirs the week before and ours, the day before we got there. Our cup would run over by being able to visit with old friends later that night, and visiting in the morning over breakfast. God is so good! Because that is exactly what happened. Everything fell into place and Jim didn’t fall asleep at the wheel!
SOMETIMES when we make plans in a rushed way, it comes to pass. But many times when every minute counts, we don’t do it because we don’t have enough time. In 2002, some one said; "We have all the time we need, to do everything God wants us to, in 2002!" Every year I try to say that and make it rhyme. So here goes again; "God has given us time, to love one another, and it is always, time well spent!" Okay, so it doesn’t rhyme!
THIS IS a new year with one month already spent; eleven more to go! How are you going to spend it? If only we could do something similar to what we did this month; every month! How exciting that would be! Should have thought of this 20 or 30 years ago, but then we didn’t have time! Retirement does have it’s perks! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/31/15
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