THIS PAST WEEK we experienced the wind for several days. It wasn’t just passing through, it came and stayed! I was sitting in my bedroom looking out at the wind when all of a sudden the chairs on the deck began to re-arrange themselves. The tree was swaying from side to side and it began to rain which was being pelted against the french doors. I just sat there amazed at the turmoil that was being generated by the wind, while I sat inside feeling the warmth and comfort of my home. Later on I was told that the wind was throughout all of Oregon, along with the rain. Lots of problems, including flooding was experienced by many.
LISTENING to the wind howling, I was reminded of another time when we took the three grandsons along with Jennifer for a bike ride. This particular bike path ran along Bear Creek and the sides of the path were filled with many trees and ground foliage. Not long after we got onto the path we noticed the sky becoming dark and the wind began to russell in the trees. Jennifer and Adam went on ahead just as the wind began to pick up! The rest of us had not gone far when the wind turned into a fierce gale with branches falling all around us and we were unable to steady our bikes. Up ahead we could see that Adam and Jennifer were peddling back as fast as they could peddle. Later on, after we had managed to get back to the truck. reloaded the bikes in the back, and us inside the cab, Jordan, with excitement and wonder began to recount the story. He said; “And then the windy came!”
WE CAN’T SEE the wind but we can see the evidence of the wind and all the while, we can feel it. No one can deny when the wind comes. In God’s Word, Jesus says; “The wind comes from where it is and you feel it, but you do not know how it comes and from where. Neither do you hear the sound of it, but you feel it.” This is found in John 3:8! The last part of the verse Jesus says; “So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
DO YOU KNOW what Jesus is saying? He had been talking to Nicodemus about being born again! Jesus said that we must be born of the spirit. Being born of the flesh was not enough! Jesus was likening the wind around us, to the Spirit within us. You can’t see it, touch it, or smell it but you can see the evidence of it; you can feel the presence of it; and you can experience the results of it. I have been studying about the Spirit, His gifts he gives, and the fruit He brought with Him. We receive the spirit as a gift upon baptism. I know that many believe that baptism is an outward expression of an inward conviction. With it, we also receive forgiveness! But without it we do not get the Spirit!
REMEMBER the story in Mark 4:35-41. Jesus was asleep while the Apostles were experiencing a fierce wind. They were afraid! They woke Jesus up and said; “Master, do you not care that we are perishing?” Jesus said to the wind and the sea; “Hush, peace, be still!” The winds and the waves immediately were calm and then Jesus said; “Why are you so afraid? How is it that you have so little faith! They became even more afraid and said to one another; “Who is this that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
WE HAVE AN Applebee’s that is located on a little knoll. It is always windy there. When we get out of the car we are greeted with a breeze no matter what time or season is upon us. When we walk out of the door we are greeted with gusts of wind, again it doesn’t matter whether the sun is shining or cloudy and gray, there is always some wind. I never cease to wonder why that is!
THE GIFT of the Holy Spirit, we receive upon baptism, is always with us! He convicts us of our sins. This Spirit helps us to see our need for Jesus! We need to follow His commands and become one of those who the Holy Spirit teaches to walk in faith. The Spirit shares His fruit with us. “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22 Unless we clothe ourselves in these attributes, our lives are like blowing in the wind. We run for cover and look for shelter, but all we need to do, is take refuge in the arms of the one who came and said; “come unto me? The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 11/24/12
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Saturday, November 17, 2012
THANKSGIVING FIRSTS! 11/18/12
DO YOU ever wonder about the very first thanksgiving that was experienced by the pilgrims and their new best friends, the Indians? I know what I have read in history books! I am aware of how the new thinkers are wanting to change history to suit themselves! However, the very first thanksgiving had to be full of many firsts. The first large gathering of people full of excitement because of their great crops that year. The first gathering of foreigners on this new land and those who felt this land was theirs alone. The first time these people came together in unity and began to share in thanking God. Wow! Not to mention the first, of eating new kinds of food! Perhaps popcorn; or so I’ve heard!
I WAS almost 24 when Jim and I married in January. As the year moved on we began to approach our first thanksgiving as a married couple. My family gatherings were always large because there were so many. We had just moved into our first home and I was going to be making my first pies! Growing up I baked cakes, Joyce did pies.....I was excited and Clarence, my brother-in-law, was giving me pointers and even came out to taste my crust. I even made a cris-cross crust on top of one. Clancy took a bite of the crust and then another small one. He looked up and said; “Add a little butter and this dough would make tasty biscuits.” My spirits were not daunted, because these were my very first and they looked good.
WE LEFT for church as was our custom on Thanksgiving Day, and then on to celebrate at my sister’s home. Later that night as we returned home, Jim and I noticed that all the lights were on and the front door was standing wide open. Our new puppy, Frosty, was sitting behind the screen door whimpering. We wondered who was in our house? We approached the door cautiously. We could hear the TV, and entered even more cautiously. No one was there! Our back door was badly scratched from Frosty’s trying to get out to do her business. Evidence that she couldn’t wait was apparent on the carpet by the front door. Obviously, with all the excitement of the morning surrounding ‘pies’, we forgot to secure our home and care for our baby. Some of the air in our bubble began to leak as we tried to put things back in order. How could we have done that? How could we have neglected our new home and baby in such a manner? When it is all about me, can I so easily get careless?
EXCITEMENT does that to a person! Are you excited when Sunday morning comes? When the church family is planning their big thanksgiving dinner, are you excited? Do you get excited when you know that the church doors will be open? Through the years I have known many who were always there because they didn’t want to miss out on anything either. We still do! One of my most favorite things was to go to the Thanksgiving program at church on Thanksgiving day. But I’ve learned to check the house before I leave!
DAVID’S heart was full of thanksgiving! “That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, and declare all Thy wonders!" Psalms 26:7 “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with singing. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods!” Psalms 95:2-3 “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name for the Lord is good; His loving kindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness is to all generations.” Psalms 100:4-5
THE EARLY pilgrims suffered many hardships when they entered the domain of the Indians. Many Conflicts arose among the good and the bad! Those who sought peace were able to find it with those who were also seeking peace. Even today we become anxious and experience heartache when our lives are in turmoil. I wanted a change in government and it didn’t happen. However, God says to not be anxious about anything but in all things give thanksgiving. During this season of thanksgiving, I plan to do just that! I am thankful that our God is faithful and true. I am Thankful that our God will never leave us nor forsake us! Hallelujah, what a Savior! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 11/15/12
I WAS almost 24 when Jim and I married in January. As the year moved on we began to approach our first thanksgiving as a married couple. My family gatherings were always large because there were so many. We had just moved into our first home and I was going to be making my first pies! Growing up I baked cakes, Joyce did pies.....I was excited and Clarence, my brother-in-law, was giving me pointers and even came out to taste my crust. I even made a cris-cross crust on top of one. Clancy took a bite of the crust and then another small one. He looked up and said; “Add a little butter and this dough would make tasty biscuits.” My spirits were not daunted, because these were my very first and they looked good.
WE LEFT for church as was our custom on Thanksgiving Day, and then on to celebrate at my sister’s home. Later that night as we returned home, Jim and I noticed that all the lights were on and the front door was standing wide open. Our new puppy, Frosty, was sitting behind the screen door whimpering. We wondered who was in our house? We approached the door cautiously. We could hear the TV, and entered even more cautiously. No one was there! Our back door was badly scratched from Frosty’s trying to get out to do her business. Evidence that she couldn’t wait was apparent on the carpet by the front door. Obviously, with all the excitement of the morning surrounding ‘pies’, we forgot to secure our home and care for our baby. Some of the air in our bubble began to leak as we tried to put things back in order. How could we have done that? How could we have neglected our new home and baby in such a manner? When it is all about me, can I so easily get careless?
EXCITEMENT does that to a person! Are you excited when Sunday morning comes? When the church family is planning their big thanksgiving dinner, are you excited? Do you get excited when you know that the church doors will be open? Through the years I have known many who were always there because they didn’t want to miss out on anything either. We still do! One of my most favorite things was to go to the Thanksgiving program at church on Thanksgiving day. But I’ve learned to check the house before I leave!
DAVID’S heart was full of thanksgiving! “That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, and declare all Thy wonders!" Psalms 26:7 “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with singing. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods!” Psalms 95:2-3 “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name for the Lord is good; His loving kindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness is to all generations.” Psalms 100:4-5
THE EARLY pilgrims suffered many hardships when they entered the domain of the Indians. Many Conflicts arose among the good and the bad! Those who sought peace were able to find it with those who were also seeking peace. Even today we become anxious and experience heartache when our lives are in turmoil. I wanted a change in government and it didn’t happen. However, God says to not be anxious about anything but in all things give thanksgiving. During this season of thanksgiving, I plan to do just that! I am thankful that our God is faithful and true. I am Thankful that our God will never leave us nor forsake us! Hallelujah, what a Savior! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 11/15/12
Saturday, October 27, 2012
THE ELEVENTH HOUR! 10/28/12
BECAUSE THIS IS AN ELECTION YEAR, and this week is coming down to the wire as to who I should vote for, some would call this ‘the eleventh hour!’ In Oregon we vote by mail! Actually, I have already voted and placed my ballot in the red, white and blue voting box in the back of the Government Center building. We usually vote as soon as we receive the ballot. My minds made up, get it done and all is well; because we vote for character and morality and let God take care of the rest.
WHEN I THOUGHT about the eleventh hour I decided I should do my home work. In the book called “Why You Say It” by Webb Garrison, I found what I needed to know and now I would like to share that with you. The Babylonians, the Greeks and the Hebrews adopted the use of the sundials whose face were in twelve segments. Hours were counted from daylight to dusk which meant darkness around the number twelve..
WESTERN civilization modified the timekeeping so that 12:00 came to mark both noon and midnight. That means the sun is hardly halfway across the heavens at 11:00 am and has disappeared by that hour at 11:00 pm. When I was in highschool, one of my favorite memories is of the sundial we had at the front right of the main building that faced a busy street. I never could figure out how to read it but I would go and look at the face many, many times. I always thought of it as being huge, but in reality it is smaller than I am, because when I stood in front of it, I had to look down; just a little bit.
A NEW TESTAMENT parable found in Matthew 20:1-16 tells about the man who went out to hire some laborers early in the morning. The day began at 6:00 am, he returned at 9:00 am, 12:00 noon, 3:00 pm, and at 5:00 pm which left one hour to work; the eleventh hour! They all worked in the vineyard until quitting time. He then called all the laborers in and beginning with those he hired last, up to the first hirelings, he paid them their wages. He paid them all the same wage, regardless of what hour they began to work. The first group complained; “they had worked longer than those he hired last, yet they had been paid the same as they were!”
OF COURSE this story is related to the fact that God’s grace is the same for all who respond to His call regardless of good deeds.. The length of years of service to the Lord, does not insure more blessings in heaven than the sinner who turns to God in faith at the eleventh hour. I suppose getting paid money is something to question, but aren’t you glad that God doesn’t look at salvation in the same way?
THIS PARABLE is such that we still borrow from it. “And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing and he said to them; “Why do you stand here, idle all day?” They said to him; “Because no one has hired us.” He said to them; “You go into the vineyard too.” Matthew 20:6-7 Despite the position of the sun at the time, we continue to say that the eleventh hour is the last possible time to make a decision or to take action.
LEAVING IMPORTANT decisions or taking important actions at the eleventh hour, can be dangerous. Whether voting, applying for a job, getting a good seat at a large gathering, clocking in at your start time or even clocking out so you are paid appropriately are important. How many times have you missed out because you were too late? I am sure you get the point! Leaving things to the last minute means you could be late for dinner!
LEAVING your decision or taking needed action when it comes to the Lord is also dangerous. Remember the parable of the ten virgins who went to meet the bridegroom? Five were ready and five were not! When the bridegroom had come, the five that were prepared to go into meet him, did! But the other five had to go and get more oil. They tried to borrow, even though there would not be sufficient oil for all. When the five returned the door was closed. “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour!”
Matthew 25:13 By Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/27/12
WHEN I THOUGHT about the eleventh hour I decided I should do my home work. In the book called “Why You Say It” by Webb Garrison, I found what I needed to know and now I would like to share that with you. The Babylonians, the Greeks and the Hebrews adopted the use of the sundials whose face were in twelve segments. Hours were counted from daylight to dusk which meant darkness around the number twelve..
WESTERN civilization modified the timekeeping so that 12:00 came to mark both noon and midnight. That means the sun is hardly halfway across the heavens at 11:00 am and has disappeared by that hour at 11:00 pm. When I was in highschool, one of my favorite memories is of the sundial we had at the front right of the main building that faced a busy street. I never could figure out how to read it but I would go and look at the face many, many times. I always thought of it as being huge, but in reality it is smaller than I am, because when I stood in front of it, I had to look down; just a little bit.
A NEW TESTAMENT parable found in Matthew 20:1-16 tells about the man who went out to hire some laborers early in the morning. The day began at 6:00 am, he returned at 9:00 am, 12:00 noon, 3:00 pm, and at 5:00 pm which left one hour to work; the eleventh hour! They all worked in the vineyard until quitting time. He then called all the laborers in and beginning with those he hired last, up to the first hirelings, he paid them their wages. He paid them all the same wage, regardless of what hour they began to work. The first group complained; “they had worked longer than those he hired last, yet they had been paid the same as they were!”
OF COURSE this story is related to the fact that God’s grace is the same for all who respond to His call regardless of good deeds.. The length of years of service to the Lord, does not insure more blessings in heaven than the sinner who turns to God in faith at the eleventh hour. I suppose getting paid money is something to question, but aren’t you glad that God doesn’t look at salvation in the same way?
THIS PARABLE is such that we still borrow from it. “And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing and he said to them; “Why do you stand here, idle all day?” They said to him; “Because no one has hired us.” He said to them; “You go into the vineyard too.” Matthew 20:6-7 Despite the position of the sun at the time, we continue to say that the eleventh hour is the last possible time to make a decision or to take action.
LEAVING IMPORTANT decisions or taking important actions at the eleventh hour, can be dangerous. Whether voting, applying for a job, getting a good seat at a large gathering, clocking in at your start time or even clocking out so you are paid appropriately are important. How many times have you missed out because you were too late? I am sure you get the point! Leaving things to the last minute means you could be late for dinner!
LEAVING your decision or taking needed action when it comes to the Lord is also dangerous. Remember the parable of the ten virgins who went to meet the bridegroom? Five were ready and five were not! When the bridegroom had come, the five that were prepared to go into meet him, did! But the other five had to go and get more oil. They tried to borrow, even though there would not be sufficient oil for all. When the five returned the door was closed. “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour!”
Matthew 25:13 By Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/27/12
Sunday, October 21, 2012
WHAT'S IN A NAME? 10/21/12
WHEN I WAS IN HIGHSCHOOL most of the jocks called each other by their last names. However, the girls always called them and each other, by their first names or by their ‘nicknames’! When Jim and I began our family, I had a book of names. I made a list of the names I liked and then Jim chose the names we used. Names are important! Names become the main identification link in our person. Our features, our stature and even our personalities can link us to our family but our name sets us apart within our family, our community and even within the kingdom of God!
GROWING up, most of my family called me Janie. I tried just Jane but never measured up to the movie stars who were called just ‘Jane!’ When I introduced myself to others, I always said; “my name is Jane Ann!” I remember telling Jim that my mother had always told me that when a man calls his girlfriend or his wife by anything other than her name it is because he couldn’t remember it. Jim always calls me “Jane Ann!” I always call him; “Jim!” Now Jim is a nickname for James! But he doesn’t look like a James, however, to his family he looks like his middle name; Richard! Go figure!
WHEN YOU became a part of the family of God, you received a new name. You are called Christian! When Jim is preaching many times he says; Christian, which is singular, meaning you and me. He is talking to each one of us and calling us by our name in Christ! The word Christian means; “Christ one.” In looking in the Webster’s new American Dictionary published in 1965, it means Christ; or professing the religion of Christ; representing a Christian people and having traits exemplified by Christ, as humility.
DURING the beginning of the church Paul, who’s name was changed from Saul, led a missionary team and set out for the utter most parts of the earth. This was because many were scattered abroad because of the persecution that arose after Stephen was stoned. Barnabas went looking for Paul. “And when he had found Paul, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a large company of people; and in Antioch the disciples were for the first time, called Christians.” Acts 11:26 Christ ones; meaning belonging to Christ! In other words God had appropriated the people for His own. A people called by His name! Just like when he called the Jew’s in the Old Testament; Israelites. A group of people who came from Jacob and followed God.
THIS NEW NAME became known throughout the provinces even through the halls of King Agrippa who said; “In a short time you think to make me a Christian!” Acts 26:28b That was Paul’s desire; to bring King Agrippa to the feet of Jesus, as well as everyone he talked with. Paul taught everyone he met; “But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian. For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:25-28
WHEN I AM ASKED to fill out papers and it comes to ‘religion’ I always write; “Christian!” I have no other name in Christ than Christian. I took Jim’s last name as my name when I married him; I was pleased to do that! However, I had already taken the name of Christ many years before that. That name was given to me along with the Holy Spirit. Why would I exchange that for any other name?
CHRISTIAN LIBERTY comes with the name of Christian. This liberty is a consequence of salvation. Liberty is freedom and is not a license to sin. This liberty is to bring us into total subjection to Christ and to break the bonds of sin. Conversely, the Christian finds his greatest liberty when he is in bondage to Jesus Christ. I answer to Jane Ann and am called Jim’s wife, but I love to be known as a Christian! How about you? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/20/12
GROWING up, most of my family called me Janie. I tried just Jane but never measured up to the movie stars who were called just ‘Jane!’ When I introduced myself to others, I always said; “my name is Jane Ann!” I remember telling Jim that my mother had always told me that when a man calls his girlfriend or his wife by anything other than her name it is because he couldn’t remember it. Jim always calls me “Jane Ann!” I always call him; “Jim!” Now Jim is a nickname for James! But he doesn’t look like a James, however, to his family he looks like his middle name; Richard! Go figure!
WHEN YOU became a part of the family of God, you received a new name. You are called Christian! When Jim is preaching many times he says; Christian, which is singular, meaning you and me. He is talking to each one of us and calling us by our name in Christ! The word Christian means; “Christ one.” In looking in the Webster’s new American Dictionary published in 1965, it means Christ; or professing the religion of Christ; representing a Christian people and having traits exemplified by Christ, as humility.
DURING the beginning of the church Paul, who’s name was changed from Saul, led a missionary team and set out for the utter most parts of the earth. This was because many were scattered abroad because of the persecution that arose after Stephen was stoned. Barnabas went looking for Paul. “And when he had found Paul, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a large company of people; and in Antioch the disciples were for the first time, called Christians.” Acts 11:26 Christ ones; meaning belonging to Christ! In other words God had appropriated the people for His own. A people called by His name! Just like when he called the Jew’s in the Old Testament; Israelites. A group of people who came from Jacob and followed God.
THIS NEW NAME became known throughout the provinces even through the halls of King Agrippa who said; “In a short time you think to make me a Christian!” Acts 26:28b That was Paul’s desire; to bring King Agrippa to the feet of Jesus, as well as everyone he talked with. Paul taught everyone he met; “But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian. For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:25-28
WHEN I AM ASKED to fill out papers and it comes to ‘religion’ I always write; “Christian!” I have no other name in Christ than Christian. I took Jim’s last name as my name when I married him; I was pleased to do that! However, I had already taken the name of Christ many years before that. That name was given to me along with the Holy Spirit. Why would I exchange that for any other name?
CHRISTIAN LIBERTY comes with the name of Christian. This liberty is a consequence of salvation. Liberty is freedom and is not a license to sin. This liberty is to bring us into total subjection to Christ and to break the bonds of sin. Conversely, the Christian finds his greatest liberty when he is in bondage to Jesus Christ. I answer to Jane Ann and am called Jim’s wife, but I love to be known as a Christian! How about you? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/20/12
Saturday, October 13, 2012
WALK BEFORE ME! 10/14/12
HOW DO YOU FEEL when you are walking in front of someone? For the most part, I am a little self-conscious. I like face to face sightseeing but don’t feel comfortable knowing someone is sightseeing. Think about it! When you are being watched without knowing who and what is being watched, don’t you feel a little uncomfortable? When Jim first saw me at the place we both were employed, he thought to himself; “I would like to take care of her the rest of her life!” Of course he doesn’t exactly remember what he said word for word, but that is how I remember him telling me. He was watching me without my realizing it! But then I too am a watcher.
I LOVE leading a Bible Study but I also love being in a Bible Study. Lately our church has been involved in THE STORY. It is being taught in all the Sunday School classes, the worship service and Wednesday nights. Continuity throughout God’s word reminds us of what God’s plan is all about. In looking at the STORY some of the scriptures have been jumping out at me. I remember mentioning to God that I was having trouble writing my Morning Glory Devotionals for my blog. Well, His Word is rich and full of what He wants me to write about.
“WHEN ABRAM was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to him and said; I am God Almighty, walk before me, and be perfect!” Genesis 17:1 Obviously age has nothing to do with it, when God declares who He is and what He wants from us. We sing the song El Shaddi, but do we realize that we are calling Him “God Almighty!” When God speaks to us we should be asking “how high” instead of “What?” God wants to take care of us, not only here in the flesh, but for eternity!
WHEN WE call Him the “God of the mountain” which is not the worship of nature, but is calling Him “God Almighty” shouldn’t we take note of who He is and who we are? If God was watching Abram/Abraham from behind, how do you think He watches us? We talk about God walking with us and we know that He is fully aware of us, but have you thought about Him watching?
“CAN A MAN hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? Says the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? Says the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:24 God is watching those who are watching Him! He wants us to be perfect so He gave us the next best thing. The Holy Spirit! “And Peter said to them; Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Act 2:38 The Holy Spirit came upon men for special circumstances but upon our baptism, the Holy Spirit did not come upon us but went inside of us! A concept that is difficult for man to understand, but when we accept Jesus, it is a reality!
“THE EYES OF THE LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” Proverbs 15:3 I remember my mother always seem to know what we were doing. Perhaps she just knew the mind of children or perhaps she really did have eyes in the back in her head. Our living room and kitchen were separated by a short wall. A tiny walk from the kitchen into the hall had a doorway into the living room. On the wall to left of the door in the living was a very large mirror. She could look from the kitchen at the mirror on the wall and see the whole livingroom. I don’t know how many times she would call out the name of the perpetrator who was ready to pounce! We would all stop and curiously look at each other. Took us a while, but we eventually figured it out.
BUT THAT WAS not all of her ways of knowing. She included the neighbor lady! Lynn had a old car that he bought but he didn’t have a license nor a permit. He was told never to drive it! One day after school he decided to drive it around the block. Joyce reminded him of what Mom had said! He said; “She won’t know!” He was no sooner out of the driveway when the phone rang. Mom said; ”Have Lynn call me when he gets home!” It really didn’t matter how Mom knew, but she did!
GOD KNOWS and He wants us to be blameless! Pay attention Christian because your life depends upon it! Don’t take God for granted! He gave us the Spirit so that we would have no excuse. Knowing that God is watching, gives us an edge, don’t fall off! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/8/12
I LOVE leading a Bible Study but I also love being in a Bible Study. Lately our church has been involved in THE STORY. It is being taught in all the Sunday School classes, the worship service and Wednesday nights. Continuity throughout God’s word reminds us of what God’s plan is all about. In looking at the STORY some of the scriptures have been jumping out at me. I remember mentioning to God that I was having trouble writing my Morning Glory Devotionals for my blog. Well, His Word is rich and full of what He wants me to write about.
“WHEN ABRAM was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to him and said; I am God Almighty, walk before me, and be perfect!” Genesis 17:1 Obviously age has nothing to do with it, when God declares who He is and what He wants from us. We sing the song El Shaddi, but do we realize that we are calling Him “God Almighty!” When God speaks to us we should be asking “how high” instead of “What?” God wants to take care of us, not only here in the flesh, but for eternity!
WHEN WE call Him the “God of the mountain” which is not the worship of nature, but is calling Him “God Almighty” shouldn’t we take note of who He is and who we are? If God was watching Abram/Abraham from behind, how do you think He watches us? We talk about God walking with us and we know that He is fully aware of us, but have you thought about Him watching?
“CAN A MAN hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? Says the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? Says the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:24 God is watching those who are watching Him! He wants us to be perfect so He gave us the next best thing. The Holy Spirit! “And Peter said to them; Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Act 2:38 The Holy Spirit came upon men for special circumstances but upon our baptism, the Holy Spirit did not come upon us but went inside of us! A concept that is difficult for man to understand, but when we accept Jesus, it is a reality!
“THE EYES OF THE LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” Proverbs 15:3 I remember my mother always seem to know what we were doing. Perhaps she just knew the mind of children or perhaps she really did have eyes in the back in her head. Our living room and kitchen were separated by a short wall. A tiny walk from the kitchen into the hall had a doorway into the living room. On the wall to left of the door in the living was a very large mirror. She could look from the kitchen at the mirror on the wall and see the whole livingroom. I don’t know how many times she would call out the name of the perpetrator who was ready to pounce! We would all stop and curiously look at each other. Took us a while, but we eventually figured it out.
BUT THAT WAS not all of her ways of knowing. She included the neighbor lady! Lynn had a old car that he bought but he didn’t have a license nor a permit. He was told never to drive it! One day after school he decided to drive it around the block. Joyce reminded him of what Mom had said! He said; “She won’t know!” He was no sooner out of the driveway when the phone rang. Mom said; ”Have Lynn call me when he gets home!” It really didn’t matter how Mom knew, but she did!
GOD KNOWS and He wants us to be blameless! Pay attention Christian because your life depends upon it! Don’t take God for granted! He gave us the Spirit so that we would have no excuse. Knowing that God is watching, gives us an edge, don’t fall off! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/8/12
Sunday, September 30, 2012
RETURN TO ME! 9/30/12
A FEW YEARS AGO a movie came out called; “Return to me!” It was about a prosperous career woman who worked in a zoo with the Apes. She is killed in a car accident and as a donor, her heart was transplanted into a young woman who worked in her father’s restaurant. I can’t remember the names of the stars, or all of the story except that the first woman’s husband, during his grieving for his wife, meets the woman who now has his wife’s heart. I loved, the love story and it ended happily ever after; which of course, is my favorite kind of story! When the grieving young man meets the woman with the new heart, she is afraid to reveal the scar she bears, and when she finds out that the heart she was given, had belong to his wife, she runs away. When the young man comes to his senses he looks for her and finds her.
HAVE YOU EVER ran away from the one who holds your heart? Now I am not referring to the romantic side of the heart filled with love for some someone. I am referring to the one who lives within you and fills your heart and soul with Godly purpose. When you come to your senses do you search for that one? Do you reveal your need for your continued relationship?
AT WEDNESDAY NIGHT bible study we were in chapter one of Zechariah. The prophet of old was talking to those who returned from captivity in Babylon for the purpose of rebuilding God’s Temple. His message was a call for national repentance! Sounds familiar doesn’t it? We have a call into our Nation for a 40 day prayer fast, for national repentance. We are committed to humble ourselves and to seek God’s face. We come with repentant hearts so that He will hear our prayers and heal our land.
THE LORD of hosts says to Zechariah; “The Lord was very angry with your fathers.” Therefore, says the Lord of hosts; ”Return to me, and I will return to you!” Zechariah 1:2-3. When I heard that scripture, I felt my heart within my breast skip a beat. Maybe that is a literal interpretation of God spoke to me! I felt excited! If we return to Him, He will return to us! I know what that said to me, but what does it say to you?
WHEN I return to the Lord, it means that I have been off wandering in the desert without Him. My desert may be the place I have allowed myself to go, when I am not in fellowship with my church family. Perhaps it is going to places, and doing things that the Holy Spirit within me doesn’t like. It may be causing distress for the one who call’s my body His temple. If we are to return then that means we have been away!
WHEN THE LORD says; “Return to me and I will return to you” says that while I was away, He also left me! Otherwise, why would He say; “I will return to you?” “Turn to Him from whom you have deeply revolted, O people of Israel. For in that day every one shall cast away his idols of silver and his idols of gold, which your hands have sinfully made for you.” Isaiah 31:6-7
THE PROPHET Malachi also speaks for the Lord to His people when he says; “From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statues and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you. But you say; ‘How shall we return? Will man rob God?’ Yet you are robbing me, with your tithes and offerings.” Malachi 3:7-8 We know when we withhold our tithes and offerings how difficult it is to pay our bills. We know that when we forsake our Lord, peace is gone!
WE LIVE in a world of turmoil and unrest. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners and purify your hearts, you men of double mind.” James 4:8 We have been called to 40 DAYS OF PRAYER! You are not limited to 40 days but it is a good start. Lifting our voices in praise and thanksgiving is a call to worship. Let’s return to Him so that He can return to us! One voice; in unity; one Nation under God, who are called by His name. “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven!” By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/27/12
HAVE YOU EVER ran away from the one who holds your heart? Now I am not referring to the romantic side of the heart filled with love for some someone. I am referring to the one who lives within you and fills your heart and soul with Godly purpose. When you come to your senses do you search for that one? Do you reveal your need for your continued relationship?
AT WEDNESDAY NIGHT bible study we were in chapter one of Zechariah. The prophet of old was talking to those who returned from captivity in Babylon for the purpose of rebuilding God’s Temple. His message was a call for national repentance! Sounds familiar doesn’t it? We have a call into our Nation for a 40 day prayer fast, for national repentance. We are committed to humble ourselves and to seek God’s face. We come with repentant hearts so that He will hear our prayers and heal our land.
THE LORD of hosts says to Zechariah; “The Lord was very angry with your fathers.” Therefore, says the Lord of hosts; ”Return to me, and I will return to you!” Zechariah 1:2-3. When I heard that scripture, I felt my heart within my breast skip a beat. Maybe that is a literal interpretation of God spoke to me! I felt excited! If we return to Him, He will return to us! I know what that said to me, but what does it say to you?
WHEN I return to the Lord, it means that I have been off wandering in the desert without Him. My desert may be the place I have allowed myself to go, when I am not in fellowship with my church family. Perhaps it is going to places, and doing things that the Holy Spirit within me doesn’t like. It may be causing distress for the one who call’s my body His temple. If we are to return then that means we have been away!
WHEN THE LORD says; “Return to me and I will return to you” says that while I was away, He also left me! Otherwise, why would He say; “I will return to you?” “Turn to Him from whom you have deeply revolted, O people of Israel. For in that day every one shall cast away his idols of silver and his idols of gold, which your hands have sinfully made for you.” Isaiah 31:6-7
THE PROPHET Malachi also speaks for the Lord to His people when he says; “From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statues and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you. But you say; ‘How shall we return? Will man rob God?’ Yet you are robbing me, with your tithes and offerings.” Malachi 3:7-8 We know when we withhold our tithes and offerings how difficult it is to pay our bills. We know that when we forsake our Lord, peace is gone!
WE LIVE in a world of turmoil and unrest. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners and purify your hearts, you men of double mind.” James 4:8 We have been called to 40 DAYS OF PRAYER! You are not limited to 40 days but it is a good start. Lifting our voices in praise and thanksgiving is a call to worship. Let’s return to Him so that He can return to us! One voice; in unity; one Nation under God, who are called by His name. “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven!” By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/27/12
Saturday, September 22, 2012
COME WITH ME! 9/23/12
WHEN I was a young woman, fresh out of Highschool and before the voting age was changed to 18, I was a member of the “Young Republicans.” Eisenhower /Nixon were on the presidential ticket and I was living in an exciting time in America. Through the years it has been exciting to watch the process and praying for my candidate. Sometimes I won and sometimes I lost. America has survived throughout those many years of the democratic process, and the world has watched and wanted freedoms for themselves.
LITTLE BY LITTLE freedoms have come to other countries. Some have broke away from what they had known all their lives so they could have a say so, in their part of the world. I remember visiting Egypt and being confronted by salesmen on the streets. I was greeted with “I love America; hi-ho-silver!” Today with the confusion in the 3rd world society, many are expressing their hatred for America. I think back and wonder why? Today it has been brought to my attention, by those who report the news, that there are still those who love America, and are ashamed of what is going on.
WE CANNOT condemn the whole but need to pray for the few that cause death and destruction wherever they go. Our GOD is bigger than a prophet and can give us the peace that passes all understanding. The world does not understand God’s peace and they never will until they are brought to the feet of Jesus. I’ve been there, and find it difficult to lift myself any higher, than the place I have found at His feet.
IT IS POSSIBLE for all the trouble makers in the world to come to Jesus. When the Apostles followed Jesus about, watching Him bringing others to Himself, they asked the question; “Who then can be saved?” “But Jesus looked at them and said to them; “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 You and I pray for God to take vengeance upon our adversaries, but God waits patiently for all men to come to Him. We must wait also!
DO YOU REMEMBER who you were before Christ entered into your life? Do you remember the kind of person you were? Do you remember the kinds of thoughts you entertained in your mind? Do you remember? I do! I remember being selfish and thinking that the words I said, were waiting to be heard by everyone, on bated breath. I think I thought that clear up to about 20 years ago. I still talk too much, but I ask you to forgive me because God is not finished with me yet!
DO YOU HAVE a tendency to want to tell people how to live and how to spend their money, and where they should go. Do you? I had an answer to everyone’s problems, but mine just seemed to keep growing. My problems were me! Go figure! I am my own problem! Not Jim’s; not my children’s; nor even my grandchildren. I can’t even blame me on my siblings. You and I create our own personal world of “Wo’esme’s!”
GOD’S WORD is where we find the recipes for living a Christian life. We all struggle through this together. His Word tells us about the armor we are to put on. The Holy Spirit, through baptism, has placed Himself inside of us along with His fruit. The Spirit, that is Jesus Christ, is within us. His attributes are the fruit that is now within you and me. The Gifts of the Spirit is something else. We all have a place in the SON and the Holy Spirit enables us to find our place of service. In my old age it is writing a blog; leading a ladies Bible Study and being faithful to His body, the church.
WE CRINGE when we watch the news and think “how can the world hate us so?” “He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief, and as one from whom men hid their faces he was despised and we esteemed Him not.” Isaiah 53:3 Jesus knew the scriptures and so He knew what was ahead. But He faced it anyway. Why did He do that? Because “God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son, that whosoever believed on Him, should not perish but have everlasting life!” John 3:16 Please note that John says; “should not perish!” Come, with me to the foot of the cross; there you will find Jesus! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/22/12
LITTLE BY LITTLE freedoms have come to other countries. Some have broke away from what they had known all their lives so they could have a say so, in their part of the world. I remember visiting Egypt and being confronted by salesmen on the streets. I was greeted with “I love America; hi-ho-silver!” Today with the confusion in the 3rd world society, many are expressing their hatred for America. I think back and wonder why? Today it has been brought to my attention, by those who report the news, that there are still those who love America, and are ashamed of what is going on.
WE CANNOT condemn the whole but need to pray for the few that cause death and destruction wherever they go. Our GOD is bigger than a prophet and can give us the peace that passes all understanding. The world does not understand God’s peace and they never will until they are brought to the feet of Jesus. I’ve been there, and find it difficult to lift myself any higher, than the place I have found at His feet.
IT IS POSSIBLE for all the trouble makers in the world to come to Jesus. When the Apostles followed Jesus about, watching Him bringing others to Himself, they asked the question; “Who then can be saved?” “But Jesus looked at them and said to them; “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 You and I pray for God to take vengeance upon our adversaries, but God waits patiently for all men to come to Him. We must wait also!
DO YOU REMEMBER who you were before Christ entered into your life? Do you remember the kind of person you were? Do you remember the kinds of thoughts you entertained in your mind? Do you remember? I do! I remember being selfish and thinking that the words I said, were waiting to be heard by everyone, on bated breath. I think I thought that clear up to about 20 years ago. I still talk too much, but I ask you to forgive me because God is not finished with me yet!
DO YOU HAVE a tendency to want to tell people how to live and how to spend their money, and where they should go. Do you? I had an answer to everyone’s problems, but mine just seemed to keep growing. My problems were me! Go figure! I am my own problem! Not Jim’s; not my children’s; nor even my grandchildren. I can’t even blame me on my siblings. You and I create our own personal world of “Wo’esme’s!”
GOD’S WORD is where we find the recipes for living a Christian life. We all struggle through this together. His Word tells us about the armor we are to put on. The Holy Spirit, through baptism, has placed Himself inside of us along with His fruit. The Spirit, that is Jesus Christ, is within us. His attributes are the fruit that is now within you and me. The Gifts of the Spirit is something else. We all have a place in the SON and the Holy Spirit enables us to find our place of service. In my old age it is writing a blog; leading a ladies Bible Study and being faithful to His body, the church.
WE CRINGE when we watch the news and think “how can the world hate us so?” “He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief, and as one from whom men hid their faces he was despised and we esteemed Him not.” Isaiah 53:3 Jesus knew the scriptures and so He knew what was ahead. But He faced it anyway. Why did He do that? Because “God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son, that whosoever believed on Him, should not perish but have everlasting life!” John 3:16 Please note that John says; “should not perish!” Come, with me to the foot of the cross; there you will find Jesus! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/22/12
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)