ONE OF the most favorite passages in the scriptures is 1st Corinthians 13! It talks about the way of love and how love can be the most superior of gifts, of all the gifts, mentioned in the Bible. Many of the gifts mentioned in chapter 12 are no longer available to us because we have the WORD; the Bible! God doesn’t have to prove to us in those ways because we are without excuse. Jesus has come, and is waiting for us to join Him in His home in heaven! At my age, that is getting closer every day!
“EARNESTLY desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.” 1 Corinthians 12:31 LOVE! Where are we in loving one another? Where are we in loving our spouse? How do our children respond to our loving them always? What about other family and friends? And then there is loving your church family, and those in the world!
GOD’S WORD instructs us that love is the one gift that never loses its power or effect, and we are all called to have this gift. As a matter of fact the scriptures says; “Love never ends!” With love we become closer to being what God has created us to be. “Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.!” 1st Corinthians 13:4-7
PAUL defines love in a beautiful way, doesn’t he! I love it when Jim is buying me a card. It can be an anniversary, birthday or a Valentine. I love it because I know he chooses the one I get. It is not just buying a card to him. It has to say what he wants to say! One time he wrote on the bottom of the Valentine; “And it’s true; It really does please me to be with you!” WOW! And we have been married longer than we were alive on our wedding day!
THE INTERESTING thing about love is that we must decide to love. We can’t trust our feelings because they fluctuate. Our brain decides and our heart becomes involved because they both give us notable desires to please God. Because loving is on purpose, we know it doesn’t just happen or come upon us. Although many say they love at first sight and that could be a desire of the heart alone. But when our head gets involved with the heart, we can stop and consider what is best. When you consider that love is the highest form of war-fare; a battle of the mind and emotion, many would not have experienced the complexities of becoming unevenly yoked or not being compatible or becoming involved in a relationship that ends in disaster.
WALKING IN LOVE costs you something. It is the sacrifice of self! That is when your love becomes real. Not light or fat free but the real thing! “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law? And He said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:36-39
SINCE GOD says that love is the most important thing we can do, we should give it a try! We are to put on love! Revelations says “stay awake and put your clothes on!” Perhaps that is because in Galatian’s it says; “Clothe yourself in love!” If we clothe ourselves in love it can be the answer to all our problems. When we can’t help ourselves, we can help someone else. Perhaps that is why Paul said; “All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose " Romans 8:28
“BUT I SAY to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the good and the bad and sends rain on the just and the unjust. Matthew 5:44-45 Forget about yourself and love when there is nothing in it for you! Rewards are nice but they perish. God’s love is everlasting! Praise God for His loving us so that we can love! Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/12/16
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Saturday, February 6, 2016
BODY, SPIRIT AND SOUL! 2/7/16
WHAT DID JESUS come to save? We talk about the body, spirit and soul, but do we understand what they are? Sometimes I think I get it and other times I become confused. I listen to the preachers, and their understanding, and read God’s Word in relation to what is said; and I become conflicted. It is sort of like listening to the candidates running for President. Each one states their platform with passion, but those competing explain it their way for each candidate, and your mind plays tricks on you in making a firm decision.
“FOOD IS MEANT for the stomach and the stomach for food. God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for immortality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the Body!” 1st Corinthians 6:13 I believe God did not come to save the physical body! I believe my body will perish and decay, just like yours! The body was created to serve the Lord and the Lord is available to the body.
“THEN THE LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7 With breath God gave man a spirit. He was not only physical but spirit, he was alive! “It is sown a physical body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual body. Thus it is written; The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit!” 1st Corinthians 15:44-45 The body of corruption when buried, will decay and be destroyed, but the spirit within, will live eternally.
THE QUESTION IS; when does the body become spiritual? I believe when the Holy Spirit comes to live within us we put on Christ. “Just as we wear the likeness of the man of earth, so we will wear the likeness of the Man from heaven.” 1 Corinthians 15:49 We Christians wear the likeness of Adam in our physical bodies as we live on earth for a short time. We will wear the likeness of Christ in our spiritual bodies as we live forever in eternity! Did you know that we are already living in our eternity?
“JESUS ANSWERED; “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 Mark includes strength! This passage gives us the most important commandment of all. We are to love with everything that is within us! The second commandment is to love our neighbors; each other and even those who are in the world! “May the God who gives us peace make you holy in every way, and keep your whole being; spirit, soul and body, free from all fault, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1st Thessalonians 5:23 Heart, soul, mind and strength are all lumped together as meaning; with your complete self! Did you know that we are triune beings, just as God is? The whole man is spirit, soul and body!
NOW YOU ASK what is the Soul? “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather be afraid of God, who can destroy both body and soul in hell! Matthew 10:28 The worst anyone could do is to destroy and kill the body. God sent His only son to save our souls from hell and allows it to live eternally in heaven with Him! I believe our soul is who we are! God created the physical and gave us a spirit, and the spirit, when quickened with the Savior, we have hope. The soul is who we are! Man cannot kill the soul and so it can live in heaven or hell! I choose heaven, how about you?
A MISSIONARY when confronted with a robber at gun point, he paused and said to the robber; “Let me get this straight; you mean you are threatening me with heaven?” Christ won the final victory in the Cross and He did it for us! How can you refuse? Even when I do not fully understand; I believe He is the Christ and Savior of my soul! Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/4/16
“FOOD IS MEANT for the stomach and the stomach for food. God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for immortality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the Body!” 1st Corinthians 6:13 I believe God did not come to save the physical body! I believe my body will perish and decay, just like yours! The body was created to serve the Lord and the Lord is available to the body.
“THEN THE LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7 With breath God gave man a spirit. He was not only physical but spirit, he was alive! “It is sown a physical body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual body. Thus it is written; The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit!” 1st Corinthians 15:44-45 The body of corruption when buried, will decay and be destroyed, but the spirit within, will live eternally.
THE QUESTION IS; when does the body become spiritual? I believe when the Holy Spirit comes to live within us we put on Christ. “Just as we wear the likeness of the man of earth, so we will wear the likeness of the Man from heaven.” 1 Corinthians 15:49 We Christians wear the likeness of Adam in our physical bodies as we live on earth for a short time. We will wear the likeness of Christ in our spiritual bodies as we live forever in eternity! Did you know that we are already living in our eternity?
“JESUS ANSWERED; “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 Mark includes strength! This passage gives us the most important commandment of all. We are to love with everything that is within us! The second commandment is to love our neighbors; each other and even those who are in the world! “May the God who gives us peace make you holy in every way, and keep your whole being; spirit, soul and body, free from all fault, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1st Thessalonians 5:23 Heart, soul, mind and strength are all lumped together as meaning; with your complete self! Did you know that we are triune beings, just as God is? The whole man is spirit, soul and body!
NOW YOU ASK what is the Soul? “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather be afraid of God, who can destroy both body and soul in hell! Matthew 10:28 The worst anyone could do is to destroy and kill the body. God sent His only son to save our souls from hell and allows it to live eternally in heaven with Him! I believe our soul is who we are! God created the physical and gave us a spirit, and the spirit, when quickened with the Savior, we have hope. The soul is who we are! Man cannot kill the soul and so it can live in heaven or hell! I choose heaven, how about you?
A MISSIONARY when confronted with a robber at gun point, he paused and said to the robber; “Let me get this straight; you mean you are threatening me with heaven?” Christ won the final victory in the Cross and He did it for us! How can you refuse? Even when I do not fully understand; I believe He is the Christ and Savior of my soul! Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/4/16
Saturday, January 30, 2016
WHAT THEN I S PERFECT? 1/31/16
A CHRISTIAN knows that God’s ways are perfect! In Him is perfect peace; His Word is perfect; His promise of salvation is perfect; His gift from above is perfect; there is nothing that is considered imperfect when it comes to God and His Son! If you had been in the crowd when Jesus said; “you without sin, cast the first stone,” what would you have done? I would have turned away with my head down and embarrassment of shame would have been written all over me. I know I am a sinner!
WHAT happens when you place your life into the hands of God! How long does it take for you to realize you have changed? Do you still hang out with the same friends or do you find yourself preferring a different crowd; listening to different music; reading books and watching movies that speak of your new found way of life? Faith becomes the avenue we walk on!
WHEN we read the stories of the shepherd boy David who walked with God, and later the stories when he was king, we see that David’s walk with God would be interrupted with his carnal man. One moment he is on his knees, repentant and then his eyes would lust after a woman who was not his to take. What goes on in the mind when it is so easily challenged?
HAVE YOU ever experienced seeking God’s face one moment and after a period of complete surrender to Him, you find yourself confronted with a situation that requires a quick decision and you do not choose wisely! It may have been with incorrect language coming out of a mouth that was just praising our God, or in taking an incorrect path away from the presence of God. Although we have put on Christ thru baptism we are far from the perfection that the Holy Spirit is wanting to work in us. Thank God that when He looks at us, He see’s His Son, Jesus!
EVEN our prayer life suffers when we are constantly fighting this battles of self will!
“Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord, and vindication from the God of his salvation.” Psalms 24: 4-6 How many times have we come before Him without clean hands and a pure heart! O Lord, have mercy on us!
THERE IS NOTHING sweeter than a new born baby, nor a newly born again Christian; a new disciple in Christ. One who is eager and willing to study to show themselves approved unto God! Yes, I said approved, because that is what God’s Word tell us. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, but rightly dividing the Word of Truth!” 2 Timothy 2:15 I have studied with new Christians who are so hungry for God’s Word! When does that eagerness leave us, to be opened to Satan’s bidding? I look at myself, and find myself wanting and yet I have a seasoned Christian friend who goes weekly to four different Bible Study’s, not including Sunday morning worship. WOW!
“YOU HAVE been raised to life with Christ. Set your hearts, then, on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on His throne at the right side of God. Keep your minds fixed on the things in heaven and not on the things of this earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Your real life is Christ, and when He appears, then you too will appear with Him and share His glory!” Colossians 3:1-4 How blessed we are to have a patient God; one who waits for us!
WHEN we were baptized we were buried with Christ and raised with Christ. We are citizens of heaven already! Setting our minds on things above should come natural to us! We must keep our values and motives correct, and not lose sight of our goal which is to be with God in Eternity. Jesus was perfect, a man without sin, and God was pleased with His Son! Let us strive to live a life that brings glory to His name. Let us remember to practice His presence and never give Satan the time of day! Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/25/16
WHAT happens when you place your life into the hands of God! How long does it take for you to realize you have changed? Do you still hang out with the same friends or do you find yourself preferring a different crowd; listening to different music; reading books and watching movies that speak of your new found way of life? Faith becomes the avenue we walk on!
WHEN we read the stories of the shepherd boy David who walked with God, and later the stories when he was king, we see that David’s walk with God would be interrupted with his carnal man. One moment he is on his knees, repentant and then his eyes would lust after a woman who was not his to take. What goes on in the mind when it is so easily challenged?
HAVE YOU ever experienced seeking God’s face one moment and after a period of complete surrender to Him, you find yourself confronted with a situation that requires a quick decision and you do not choose wisely! It may have been with incorrect language coming out of a mouth that was just praising our God, or in taking an incorrect path away from the presence of God. Although we have put on Christ thru baptism we are far from the perfection that the Holy Spirit is wanting to work in us. Thank God that when He looks at us, He see’s His Son, Jesus!
EVEN our prayer life suffers when we are constantly fighting this battles of self will!
“Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord, and vindication from the God of his salvation.” Psalms 24: 4-6 How many times have we come before Him without clean hands and a pure heart! O Lord, have mercy on us!
THERE IS NOTHING sweeter than a new born baby, nor a newly born again Christian; a new disciple in Christ. One who is eager and willing to study to show themselves approved unto God! Yes, I said approved, because that is what God’s Word tell us. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, but rightly dividing the Word of Truth!” 2 Timothy 2:15 I have studied with new Christians who are so hungry for God’s Word! When does that eagerness leave us, to be opened to Satan’s bidding? I look at myself, and find myself wanting and yet I have a seasoned Christian friend who goes weekly to four different Bible Study’s, not including Sunday morning worship. WOW!
“YOU HAVE been raised to life with Christ. Set your hearts, then, on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on His throne at the right side of God. Keep your minds fixed on the things in heaven and not on the things of this earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Your real life is Christ, and when He appears, then you too will appear with Him and share His glory!” Colossians 3:1-4 How blessed we are to have a patient God; one who waits for us!
WHEN we were baptized we were buried with Christ and raised with Christ. We are citizens of heaven already! Setting our minds on things above should come natural to us! We must keep our values and motives correct, and not lose sight of our goal which is to be with God in Eternity. Jesus was perfect, a man without sin, and God was pleased with His Son! Let us strive to live a life that brings glory to His name. Let us remember to practice His presence and never give Satan the time of day! Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/25/16
Saturday, January 23, 2016
WHERE DO YOU FEEL SAFE? 1/24/16
AS A CHILD growing up in a large family, I felt safe. I had a strong mother who was 33 yrs old when I was born! Being the 10th child I had many older siblings that cared for me and kept me safe. It was easy to put my trust in each of them because they were raised by our strong mother. A no nonsense woman who knew who she could trust with her children and who she couldn’t trust with her children. I had a grandfather who had a wandering eye for girls. She never left us alone with him! My brothers were raised to respect their sisters and to protect them, of which they had 7 to deal with.
I BORED many men and women friends with my stories of my brothers and sisters. My husband saw their value in my life, and so today I talk about them in Bible lessons I teach, and in my blog. Lloyd gave me advice on how to keep my thoughts and my tongue under control with “dirty rotten; etc. Lonnie taught me how to make gravy; helped me purchase my first car; 56 Chevy 4 door Bel-Air. Showed me how to change a tire, then said get yourself a mechanic. Never call me in the middle of the night to come get you or set in a car with a boy!
OLDER SISTERS can be the best teachers in a girls life. I listened, argued, remembered and learned! Today I am a product of my family and I am proud of it! Feeling safe means you can go to any of them and confess; you can be embarrassed and move on; you are not reduced to being a second class citizen. Love abounds!
I HAD SO MANY brothers that I didn’t need another man in life, and I didn’t know what to do about Jim! But Layton assured me that Jim was a good man and I should consider him! I have always felt safe and secure with Jim! God has provided me with men that care about other people. It is true; “A good man is hard to find!” God helped me to find Jim!
I HAVE HEARD and read many stories of physical and sexual abuse from within the home! I have heard and read many stories of physical and sexual assaults that are in the world! The condition of not feeling safe on the streets, is rampant in every neighborhood. I ask you again; “where do you feel safe?” Have you experience what so many have and are afraid to tell about it? Are you living in a quiet, self absorbed existence because you are afraid to reveal your shame, your discouragement or your inability to go on!
LET ME TELL YOU about Jesus! I have lived a sheltered life! But I have always been aware of what the world is like! My brother Lloyd said about me, that everything just went over my head! He said I didn’t have a clue about life! Early on I knew I needed Jesus! I never was abused in my home, in my marriage, where I worked, but I needed Jesus! I was very young when I accepted Jesus, and I didn’t really get to know Him until He drew me into His safety net! There I have found the peace that passes all understanding.
“COME UNTO ME all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 I call Jesus my Savior! He is my safety net!
“THE LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth!” Psalms 145:18 The Lord hears everyone who calls upon His name. His eye’s are on His children but He also hears the call from the repentant sinner . His children are encouraged to seek His face but a repentant sinner is commanded to seek the Lord also. “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near!” Isaiah 55:6 Only the Lord can take your secret heartaches and even your blatant sin and draw you into His safety net. Satan can’t touch you there unless you let Him. “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for thou alone, O Lord, makes me to dwell in safety!” Psalms 4:8 Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/18/16
I BORED many men and women friends with my stories of my brothers and sisters. My husband saw their value in my life, and so today I talk about them in Bible lessons I teach, and in my blog. Lloyd gave me advice on how to keep my thoughts and my tongue under control with “dirty rotten; etc. Lonnie taught me how to make gravy; helped me purchase my first car; 56 Chevy 4 door Bel-Air. Showed me how to change a tire, then said get yourself a mechanic. Never call me in the middle of the night to come get you or set in a car with a boy!
OLDER SISTERS can be the best teachers in a girls life. I listened, argued, remembered and learned! Today I am a product of my family and I am proud of it! Feeling safe means you can go to any of them and confess; you can be embarrassed and move on; you are not reduced to being a second class citizen. Love abounds!
I HAD SO MANY brothers that I didn’t need another man in life, and I didn’t know what to do about Jim! But Layton assured me that Jim was a good man and I should consider him! I have always felt safe and secure with Jim! God has provided me with men that care about other people. It is true; “A good man is hard to find!” God helped me to find Jim!
I HAVE HEARD and read many stories of physical and sexual abuse from within the home! I have heard and read many stories of physical and sexual assaults that are in the world! The condition of not feeling safe on the streets, is rampant in every neighborhood. I ask you again; “where do you feel safe?” Have you experience what so many have and are afraid to tell about it? Are you living in a quiet, self absorbed existence because you are afraid to reveal your shame, your discouragement or your inability to go on!
LET ME TELL YOU about Jesus! I have lived a sheltered life! But I have always been aware of what the world is like! My brother Lloyd said about me, that everything just went over my head! He said I didn’t have a clue about life! Early on I knew I needed Jesus! I never was abused in my home, in my marriage, where I worked, but I needed Jesus! I was very young when I accepted Jesus, and I didn’t really get to know Him until He drew me into His safety net! There I have found the peace that passes all understanding.
“COME UNTO ME all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 I call Jesus my Savior! He is my safety net!
“THE LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth!” Psalms 145:18 The Lord hears everyone who calls upon His name. His eye’s are on His children but He also hears the call from the repentant sinner . His children are encouraged to seek His face but a repentant sinner is commanded to seek the Lord also. “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near!” Isaiah 55:6 Only the Lord can take your secret heartaches and even your blatant sin and draw you into His safety net. Satan can’t touch you there unless you let Him. “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for thou alone, O Lord, makes me to dwell in safety!” Psalms 4:8 Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/18/16
Saturday, January 16, 2016
SIDE AFFECTS! 1/17/16
EARLY IN THE millennium I discovered the affects of medicines. Diagnosed with high blood pressure and diabetes! Never took meds before and so did not know that the side affects could be worse than the diagnoses. After about 6 years, and many more meds to fix each problem that occurred, I read the side affects. Boy were my eyes opened! Today I am still taking meds but now have a condition called Malabsorption! Can’t eat many foods and only take meds that will not hurt my stomach. Sometimes we have to learn the hard way!
THE PAST two weeks I have been studying about ‘trust God and do good!’ An old song keeps playing in my head “Trust and Obey!” So simple and yet we say we trust God but that second part seems to allude us, doesn’t it! God asks us to do what he tells us to do and our life will be blessed. Trust and obey goes hand in hand! “God is faithful - reliable. trustworthy and ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on; by Him you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Cor. 1:9
THE SIDE AFFECT of this scripture is that when we trust God and do good we reap the benefit of God’s good pleasure. How good is that? One of the things God has called us to do is to forgive. Now that is a problem when we don’t read the side affects of not dosing ourselves with the forgiveness pill. In Matthew chapter 6 Jesus gives us a model prayer. He says that we are to forgive just as God will forgive us. In verse 14 He says that if we don’t forgive, God will not forgive us. Personally, I don’t want to reap the side affect of not obeying God!
“GOD ANOINTED and consecrated Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit, and with strength and ability and power. How Jesus went about doing good and in particular curing all that were harassed and oppressed by the power of the devil, for God was with Him.” Acts 10:38
Upon baptism we too were given the Holy Spirit, with strength and power. Because God is with us, we can forgive others when they hurt us. We can share our story with others and share the good news about our Savior. God allows us to have potential in His Son!
I HAVE discovered that when I finally let go of me, stopped listening to my inner self, and began putting into action what God desired for me, my thoughts began to change. The side affects of this change have been phenomenal. Don’t get me wrong, I have not become perfect but everyday I am getting closer to becoming the woman God has created me to be.
EVERY morning we get dressed for the day. Along with clothing, shoes and our jewelry we need to consider putting on TRUST, in God. When we add the medicine of trusting, we are on the way to feeling good! “For the Lord corrects and disciplines every one whom He loves, and He punishes, even scourges, every son whom He accepts and welcomes to His heart in love. Hebrews 12:6 Our earthly fathers also discipline us, and we yield to them. Years later we our thankful for the training. How much more should we submit to our heavenly Father?
I LOVE the passage in Isaiah 35:3 “Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble and tottering knees.” This is also found in Hebrews 12:12. Put your trust in God and the Holy Spirit within you, and step out in faith! When you do, you will feel the weak hands strengthen; and your weak, tottering knees become firm and sure. “When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His word, what a glory He sheds on our way. While we do His good will, He abides with us still; and with all who will trust and obey! “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus! But to trust and obey!” When the Lord comes again, how will He find you? When you go before the judgement seat; will Jesus be there to claim you as His own? Don’t wait any longer, let the Lord change your mind. Let Him find you trusting in Him and doing good! Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/14/16
THE PAST two weeks I have been studying about ‘trust God and do good!’ An old song keeps playing in my head “Trust and Obey!” So simple and yet we say we trust God but that second part seems to allude us, doesn’t it! God asks us to do what he tells us to do and our life will be blessed. Trust and obey goes hand in hand! “God is faithful - reliable. trustworthy and ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on; by Him you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Cor. 1:9
THE SIDE AFFECT of this scripture is that when we trust God and do good we reap the benefit of God’s good pleasure. How good is that? One of the things God has called us to do is to forgive. Now that is a problem when we don’t read the side affects of not dosing ourselves with the forgiveness pill. In Matthew chapter 6 Jesus gives us a model prayer. He says that we are to forgive just as God will forgive us. In verse 14 He says that if we don’t forgive, God will not forgive us. Personally, I don’t want to reap the side affect of not obeying God!
“GOD ANOINTED and consecrated Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit, and with strength and ability and power. How Jesus went about doing good and in particular curing all that were harassed and oppressed by the power of the devil, for God was with Him.” Acts 10:38
Upon baptism we too were given the Holy Spirit, with strength and power. Because God is with us, we can forgive others when they hurt us. We can share our story with others and share the good news about our Savior. God allows us to have potential in His Son!
I HAVE discovered that when I finally let go of me, stopped listening to my inner self, and began putting into action what God desired for me, my thoughts began to change. The side affects of this change have been phenomenal. Don’t get me wrong, I have not become perfect but everyday I am getting closer to becoming the woman God has created me to be.
EVERY morning we get dressed for the day. Along with clothing, shoes and our jewelry we need to consider putting on TRUST, in God. When we add the medicine of trusting, we are on the way to feeling good! “For the Lord corrects and disciplines every one whom He loves, and He punishes, even scourges, every son whom He accepts and welcomes to His heart in love. Hebrews 12:6 Our earthly fathers also discipline us, and we yield to them. Years later we our thankful for the training. How much more should we submit to our heavenly Father?
I LOVE the passage in Isaiah 35:3 “Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble and tottering knees.” This is also found in Hebrews 12:12. Put your trust in God and the Holy Spirit within you, and step out in faith! When you do, you will feel the weak hands strengthen; and your weak, tottering knees become firm and sure. “When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His word, what a glory He sheds on our way. While we do His good will, He abides with us still; and with all who will trust and obey! “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus! But to trust and obey!” When the Lord comes again, how will He find you? When you go before the judgement seat; will Jesus be there to claim you as His own? Don’t wait any longer, let the Lord change your mind. Let Him find you trusting in Him and doing good! Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/14/16
Saturday, January 9, 2016
HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERE! 1/10/16
WHEN YOU HEAR that phrase; “here, there and everywhere” what comes to mind? I was listening to some instrumental music on the TV and this was the title of one of the songs played. Here, there and everywhere! I’ve been there, and in my small world I feel I have been everywhere, but where I was at the moment was home! It is always exciting when we are faced with returning home, especially after a period of being gone. It is exciting planning a vacation, but when headed home, I have a feeling of anticipation of a different kind. I’m closer to home; almost home; we’re home!
THE OTHER day I was visiting with a fellow Christian. She is attending a different congregation than me; She said, regarding the Church I attend; “I love this church, it is where I was born!” We always have a warm feeling about the Church where we accept Christ as our Savior and are baptized; the place where we grew up in Jesus name! It is true we move from place to place by changing our location or feeling led by the Lord. In my life time I have been actively involved in six congregations and I have been at home in each one! How can that be?
I BELIEVE upon baptism, the Holy Spirit moved into me and took up residence! I believe God has made His home within me. Here, there and everywhere I go, I am at home with God! Jesus said “if you love me;” “if you keep my commandments, we can live together! When we ask God; “How will you manifest yourself to me” doesn’t God answer? Jesus was asked this question and His answer is for all of His children.
“JESUS ANSWERED him; “If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” John 14:23 Do you ever ponder His presence in you? Can you feel His presence in you? Wherever you go, are you pleased that He is with you? Have you always been comfortable knowing He is with you?
MY SIXTH grade Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Watkins said to ask yourself before you go to places and are doing worldly things; “do I want Jesus to come and find me here, and doing this?” Can I take the Savior with me and have a drink with my friends? Can I go to a movie that is very explicit with sexual, violent and deceitful innuendo’s? None of us are perfect, but in Christ we are being renewed day by day! Question yourself and think on these things!
JOSHUA was encouraged to “Stand firm and to be not afraid!” The battle of Jericho was conquered by spiritual rather than carnal means. God is well known for how He uses foolish things to confound the wise. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; be not frightened, neither be dismayed; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 Do you think that scripture was intended for Joshua only? I don’t! I think because I have given my allegiance to the Lord, He has promised to be with me wherever I go.
IN EPHESIANS 6:10 “Paul encourages us to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:11-12
WHEREVER you go, take the name of Jesus with you by putting on His truth; His righteousness; walk here and there in His gospel of peace; which includes His shield of faith which will protect you from Satan’s flaming darts. His salvation and His spirit which is the Word of God will keep you until the day of the Lord! Be alert and pray always! God has called all to follow Him but only a few have come into His place of rest. I pray you are one of His children! I pray that this world is not your home but that heaven is in your eternal future! I can hear my Savior now; “Welcome home children!” Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/7/16
THE OTHER day I was visiting with a fellow Christian. She is attending a different congregation than me; She said, regarding the Church I attend; “I love this church, it is where I was born!” We always have a warm feeling about the Church where we accept Christ as our Savior and are baptized; the place where we grew up in Jesus name! It is true we move from place to place by changing our location or feeling led by the Lord. In my life time I have been actively involved in six congregations and I have been at home in each one! How can that be?
I BELIEVE upon baptism, the Holy Spirit moved into me and took up residence! I believe God has made His home within me. Here, there and everywhere I go, I am at home with God! Jesus said “if you love me;” “if you keep my commandments, we can live together! When we ask God; “How will you manifest yourself to me” doesn’t God answer? Jesus was asked this question and His answer is for all of His children.
“JESUS ANSWERED him; “If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” John 14:23 Do you ever ponder His presence in you? Can you feel His presence in you? Wherever you go, are you pleased that He is with you? Have you always been comfortable knowing He is with you?
MY SIXTH grade Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Watkins said to ask yourself before you go to places and are doing worldly things; “do I want Jesus to come and find me here, and doing this?” Can I take the Savior with me and have a drink with my friends? Can I go to a movie that is very explicit with sexual, violent and deceitful innuendo’s? None of us are perfect, but in Christ we are being renewed day by day! Question yourself and think on these things!
JOSHUA was encouraged to “Stand firm and to be not afraid!” The battle of Jericho was conquered by spiritual rather than carnal means. God is well known for how He uses foolish things to confound the wise. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; be not frightened, neither be dismayed; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 Do you think that scripture was intended for Joshua only? I don’t! I think because I have given my allegiance to the Lord, He has promised to be with me wherever I go.
IN EPHESIANS 6:10 “Paul encourages us to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:11-12
WHEREVER you go, take the name of Jesus with you by putting on His truth; His righteousness; walk here and there in His gospel of peace; which includes His shield of faith which will protect you from Satan’s flaming darts. His salvation and His spirit which is the Word of God will keep you until the day of the Lord! Be alert and pray always! God has called all to follow Him but only a few have come into His place of rest. I pray you are one of His children! I pray that this world is not your home but that heaven is in your eternal future! I can hear my Savior now; “Welcome home children!” Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/7/16
Saturday, January 2, 2016
"A" IS FOR TEMPER! 1/2/16
YOU CAN”T TELL by looking at me now, but I was one who had a quick temper. I started out as a redhead! Thru the years of reading and studying God’s Word I have learned to control it. I still get angry but I don’t let it fester and I don’t let it control me. I remember being so hurt that I felt the anger and wanted to take revenge and hurt them back, so I became rebellious. The only one that paid the price was me! Feelings are what anger is made of, it is not a condition. We feel and therefore we become what we feel!
ANGER creates circumstances in our lives that either we create by retaliation, or we suffer by feeding it. Remember the story of Moses and the rock at Horeb that brought water to the Israelites, because they thought they were dying of thirst? God told Moses to strike the rock and he did, giving God the glory. But later at the rock of Meribah; Moses was so angry at the Israelites that he lost control and yelled at them with great indignation and spitefulness. “Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them; “Hear now, you rebels; shall we bring forth water for you out of this rock?” And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his rod twice; and water came forth abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their cattle.” Numbers 20:10-11
DID MOSES PAY A PRICE? Absolutely! “And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron; “Because you did not believe in me, to sanctify me in the eyes of the people of Israel, you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them!” Numbers 20:12-13 God’s plan had become Moses dream, and because of his anger and disobedience, he did not realize this dream. How many times has our anger caused us to fail? How many times has our rage interrupted the peace within our spirit?
THE SCRIPTURE that is most identified with anger is; “Be angry, but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil!” Ephesians 4:26-27
I hope you notice that it does not say “do not become angry!” (Harpers Study Bible (Revised std). We all have feelings and therefore will get angry. When the Holy Spirit comes to live within us we receive the fruit of the Spirit. They begin with love and end with self-control! Self-control means to control your feelings. If no self control, you will have days of anger, indignation, rage and the desire to get revenge. Control yourself!
“AND DO NOT grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you!” Ephesians 4:30-32 To grieve the Holy Spirit is to go counter to the will of the Third Person of the Trinity who dwells within us. Since He is holy, loving, true, and peaceable, sins of unholiness, lack of love, untruthfulness, and harshness grieve Him and interrupt fellowship with God. To grieve the Holy Spirit disturbs communion with Christ and results in the loss of the Spirit’s fullness and power. (Ref: Harpers commentary)
WE ARE JUST beginning a brand new year. We all go around wishing everyone “Happy New Year!” We need Christ in our lives in order for us to have joy in all circumstances. In the Psalms it tells us to REJOICE in the Lord! Paul reminds us in his letters to REJOICE in the Lord always! If we are not walking with the Lord, how are we going to find happiness in our New Year? Recheck your feelings; use your mind to decide, instead of how you feel. Seek first His Kingdom and the joy of the Lord will abound in you! We have just celebrated again His birth, and what a celebration it has been! Don’t forget “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life!” John 3:16 In 2016 rest in His promises! Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/29/15
ANGER creates circumstances in our lives that either we create by retaliation, or we suffer by feeding it. Remember the story of Moses and the rock at Horeb that brought water to the Israelites, because they thought they were dying of thirst? God told Moses to strike the rock and he did, giving God the glory. But later at the rock of Meribah; Moses was so angry at the Israelites that he lost control and yelled at them with great indignation and spitefulness. “Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them; “Hear now, you rebels; shall we bring forth water for you out of this rock?” And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his rod twice; and water came forth abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their cattle.” Numbers 20:10-11
DID MOSES PAY A PRICE? Absolutely! “And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron; “Because you did not believe in me, to sanctify me in the eyes of the people of Israel, you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them!” Numbers 20:12-13 God’s plan had become Moses dream, and because of his anger and disobedience, he did not realize this dream. How many times has our anger caused us to fail? How many times has our rage interrupted the peace within our spirit?
THE SCRIPTURE that is most identified with anger is; “Be angry, but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil!” Ephesians 4:26-27
I hope you notice that it does not say “do not become angry!” (Harpers Study Bible (Revised std). We all have feelings and therefore will get angry. When the Holy Spirit comes to live within us we receive the fruit of the Spirit. They begin with love and end with self-control! Self-control means to control your feelings. If no self control, you will have days of anger, indignation, rage and the desire to get revenge. Control yourself!
“AND DO NOT grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you!” Ephesians 4:30-32 To grieve the Holy Spirit is to go counter to the will of the Third Person of the Trinity who dwells within us. Since He is holy, loving, true, and peaceable, sins of unholiness, lack of love, untruthfulness, and harshness grieve Him and interrupt fellowship with God. To grieve the Holy Spirit disturbs communion with Christ and results in the loss of the Spirit’s fullness and power. (Ref: Harpers commentary)
WE ARE JUST beginning a brand new year. We all go around wishing everyone “Happy New Year!” We need Christ in our lives in order for us to have joy in all circumstances. In the Psalms it tells us to REJOICE in the Lord! Paul reminds us in his letters to REJOICE in the Lord always! If we are not walking with the Lord, how are we going to find happiness in our New Year? Recheck your feelings; use your mind to decide, instead of how you feel. Seek first His Kingdom and the joy of the Lord will abound in you! We have just celebrated again His birth, and what a celebration it has been! Don’t forget “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life!” John 3:16 In 2016 rest in His promises! Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/29/15
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)