Purim:  Remembering Esther

By Lonnie C. Crowe

(In 2026, Purim begins at sunset on Monday, March 2.)

Like Esther, we have been called for such a time as this.  Esther, a Jewish woman named Hadassah, divinely became the wife of the King of Persia, the most powerful man of his time.  His deceitful henchman, Haman, plotted to annihilate all the Jews living in Persia. 

Mordechai, Esther’s relative and guardian, reminded her that with privilege comes responsibility.

Esther 4:14:  “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Women in the Old Testament are most often pictures of the Church, the Bride of Christ. Through the story of Esther, God is saying to the Church, “if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise from another place, but you and your generation will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the Kingdom for such a time as this?”

What did Esther do at that decisive moment?  Though she was queen and held a privileged position, she also knew she risked her life in approaching her husband on behalf of her peoples  She was willing to take that risk.   She knew both her privileged position and her responsibility to her people.

In preparation, she called the people to fast—in other words, she turned to God for wisdom and protection. 

As we prepare for our Purim we must identify our privileges:

• We have the privilege of knowing God personally.

• We have the privilege of living in a country that still has the greatest wealth and the greatest freedom in the world.

We must also understand our circumstances.

• We are not safe just because we are Christians.

• If my nation suffers, I suffer.

• Being Christian doesn't mean we are safe from external factors.

Then let us intercede and ask the Lord to touch our nation and our world.

• God has called the Church for such a time as this.

• God knows what Satan is planning for each country and nation of the world. He appointed each of us to intercede for our nation. He wants us to change the destiny of this world and make history.

• God is faithful to those who are sincere.  Our hope is in the Lord not in earthly governments.

• We are, like all generations, a generation that God has called into destiny. Esther changed the history of the Jews through courage and sacrifice and the grace of God. We can do the same thing if we obey the calling.

In intercession, we must follow the admonitions of our Lord to His people.

•2 Chronicles 7:14—“if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  God has called His people, believers, to turn from our wicked ways and pray.

•1 Timothy 2:1-2—“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”

1. Pray that leaders, if they are not already believers, will become believers.

2. Pray that the leaders will come to a knowledge of the Truth.

3. Pray that they will acknowledge, honor, and praise God who is the sovereign ruler of heaven and earth.

With great privilege comes great responsibility. With great responsibility comes great opportunity.  We have a divine opportunity to be God’s instruments in leading our nation into God’s destiny for us.

 Thinking Outside the Traditional Sermon Box

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

“...let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance…” - Proverbs 1:5 (NIV)

In our world of changing technology and increasing confusion, I have become more and more aware of some of the issues and shortcomings with our traditional methods of teaching and discipling in church—an area of consideration that is often overlooked because we are used to the way it has always been done.

Church teaching, doctrine and discipline are frequently aimed at the fast track learners, those with proficient vocabularies, and/or theologians. We are aware of slower learners or those with different intelligences in the educational system, but we seem to be unaware that these same people may be struggling to understand sermons, Sunday school lessons, and Bible studies. Additionally, few people in the congregation have seminary level vocabularies.

Several years ago, Cindy, one of my students, brought a theological concern to me.

Cindy: Mrs. Crowe, I understand about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but who is Trinity?

Me: I don’t understand your question.

Cindy: You know, the Trinity, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Who is Trinity?

Cindy was in an English class, so we discussed the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as appositives to Trinity (they are additional words used to explain what is meant by Trinity). I use this example because I know that many reading this may have no understanding of appositives; however, those same readers will understand when I explain that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit make up the Trinity. We all bring different types of understanding and learning to our study of Scripture.

For another example, I was leading a Bible study on the Holy Spirit. One woman had been reading from the King James Bible on her own, and she had somehow come to the conclusion that we have both the Holy Spirit and the Holy Ghost. She approached me wanting to know how to differentiate between the ministries of the two. A disconnect had occurred because we were each approaching the subject matter from a different context. 

I highlight these stories to challenge us to think about the methods we are using to teach and disciple people. Is it possible we are not reaching them as effectively as we could because we are only considering our own backgrounds, experiences, educational levels, etc.?

I am blessed to pastor a small church filled with people who have difficulty understanding for various reasons. Some have limited vocabularies because English is their second language. Others have limited education. Some simply learn at a slower rate.

Most have become uncomfortable in traditional churches because they feel left out. Many do not have the “church manners” that require them to sit quietly. If my parishioners don’t understand a word, they simply raise their hands and ask. If they have a comment, they make it. This works in our small church, but what about larger churches where they would be disruptive? How are we going to effectively communicate spiritual truths when many people struggle to understand or just have a different learning style?

Through the ages, churches have primarily taught with the lecture (sermon) method. However, research shows that the lecture method is the least effective method of teaching! In contrast, interaction is one of the most effective methods. PowerPoint and other projection programs have enhanced the lecture method by supplying a visual, but we can do more. Here are some ideas to consider:

·         While it is important to use standard theological terms so that our people become aware of the vocabulary that is normal in the Church, it is even more important to ensure those words are defined in terms that most congregants can understand. Many who attend church regularly struggle with “Christianese.”  I recently met with a group of pastors where we decided to promote the city-wide Thanksgiving service as “The Community Thanksgiving Gathering” rather than as an ecumenical service. Several seminary-trained pastors present admitted they did not know the meaning of “ecumenical.”

·         Brief breakout sessions during or immediately following the sermon would give people opportunities to discuss a particular point with those sitting around them.

·         Bible memorization is crucial. Paraphrasing in addition to rote memorization enhances understanding of passages.

·         Teachers and preachers should foster an atmosphere where every question is considered a good question and deserves a thoughtful answer. My experience has shown that if one person has a question, many others have the same question. Jesus often responded to questions and suggestions from His disciples. It was the disciples who said, “Lord, teach us to pray.” Pastors could find out some of the major questions on the minds of their church members and plan a sermon series to address them.

·         Dramatic readings, sketches and full dramatic productions increase learning.

·         As much as possible, lessons should include examples and explanations pertinent to the culture of the congregation. Farmers understand farming analogies. Those in the technological industries appreciate examples from their experience.

·         We live in a visual society. Maps and other graphics help learners to focus and understand. For example, with all the turmoil in our world today, it is vital that people have an understanding of geography and Israel’s physical relationship to the conflict. 

·         Handouts can be more effective with the use of colored fonts, pictures and interesting formatting.

In all our efforts to present a well-organized lesson, we must remember that we do not truly teach unless others learn. The above suggestions don't work in every church, and that’s ok. But this is a starting place for thought, especially for those of us on the church mountain who are positioned to lead and teach others. Are there ways we can do this more effectively, ways that will help people truly take hold of spiritual truths with understanding and the ability to practically apply them to their lives?

We’ve all heard countless traditional sermons, and there will continue to be a place for them. But let’s not be afraid of asking the Holy Spirit to help us think outside the box in order to help people’s hearts connect to Him in a deeper way.

 Declaration of the River of God

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

 

“The river of God sets our feet a‑dancing

The river of God fills our hearts with cheer

The river of God fills our mouths with laughter

And we rejoice for the river is here” (Andy Parks)

 

We declare:

Because the River of God flows through me, and the Tree of Life indwells me, I am to bring peace, healing and life into every aspect of my life.

Because I walk in His grace, I am to extend that grace to others. 

I am to rejoice and be happy and not be afraid to testify of God’s goodness toward me. 

I am to grow in the fruit of the Spirit.

By the grace of God, the river of God will flow from my innermost being.

 

 

How Big Is Your God?

Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Perhaps one of the roots for apathy, discontent and fear in the body of Christ is that our concept of God is simply too small.

Matthew 3:10:  “And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”

We must continually lay the axe to the root of apathy, discontent and fear,

As I often say, many times our definitions define our theology,  Darkness is not the opposite of light.  It is the absence of light.  Hate is not the opposite of love.  It is the absence of love.  Fear is not the opposite of faith.  It is the absence of faith.  Evil is not the opposite of good.  It is the absence of good, God and the enemy of our souls are not opposites.  The Creator of the Universe is far more powerful than anyone or anything in creation,  Yahweh is OMNIPOTENT.

Please consider prayerfully the following verses:

Proverbs 1:7:  The reverential awe of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 9:10:  The reverential awe of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Hoshea 4:6:  My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge

Proverbs 29:18  Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. 

Do we have enough reverence for God and enough knowledge of the Word to walk In wisdom?

Our conception of God is the basis for our interpretation of the trials, tribulations and joys that surround daily.  We must each ask ourselves, “Do I really believe that God is who He says He is and that He loves me and has the best for me? Do I understand the depth of my covenant with Him?”

If we truly, from the depth of our being, believe that sin separated us from God, that Jesus is the son of God, that Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin that He rose again and that He is coming again in this time, not in our time, we have salvation.  We must continually fall in love with Jesus and focus on what He accomplished on the Cross.  “Let the words of my mouth, and our the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”

We don’t need to tell God anything.  He is omniscient; He is just.  We must praise God in the midst and in spite of our trials.  He knows the way through our wilderness. “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.” (Psalm 46:10-ll)  Remember that “selah” means “meditate on this.” God knows all.  God knows best.

We must not be so wrapped up in telling God what to do and when to do it that we become weary.  We must breathe deeply, Be still and trust that He is God. Trust that God is greater than our circumstances.

“ Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above!
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
In fathomless billows of love!”

Warren D. Cornell

 Personal Psalm 23

Reverend Lonnie C. Crowe

Because I have accepted the Lord as my Shepherd, I know down in the depth of my being that He will, without fail, supply all of my needs out of His riches in glory. He guides my feet in the path of wisdom so that I can rest in the freshness of His provision. He leads me to the refreshingly calm waters of His Holy Spirit. There I can be still in the knowledge that He is God. There I can become still water for others in this troubled world.

In spite of the turmoil happening around me, He restores my mind by causing me to meditate on His loveliness. He strengthens my will to walk in His righteousness as a testimony that His way is the best way, that His pathway leads to La Dolce Vita on earth as well as in heaven.

When I am surrounded and nearly overwhelmed with adversity, His rod (His guidance)and His staff (His strength) comfort me.

In the midst of sin, chaos and anguish, He demonstrates His covenant with me. He takes me to His banqueting table where His banner over me is agape love. He lavishly anoints my head with the oil of the Holy Spirit and declares that in His kingdom I am a king and a priest.

I have no doubt that nothing can separate me from the love of God which is established in the sacrifice of Jesus. I live now and will live forever more surrounded and protected by all that He is.

  Simeon and Anna (Hannah): Blessing the Christ Child 

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

In relating the Christmas story, we often overlook the significance of Simeon and Anna (her Hebrew name is Hannah.)  These two elderly people, who had long waited for the coming of Messiah, picture the hope, the contentment, the fulfillment of the coming of Messiah into each of our lives. 

They picture the ministry that can come in our glory years.  (Proverbs 16:31 (NKJV): ^“The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness.”

We must never feel that we no longer have a ministry. I often think of a lovely lady in her nineties who used to call me, a young mother, and say, “Honey, I have some extra time today.  Is there anything you want me to pray about?”  Always, I poured out my heart to her and she prayed, comforted and consoled.  She had the spirit of Simeon and Anna. 

  

We learn much from knowing the meanings of Biblical names.  Simeon means one that hears or obeys; one that is heard. Simeon was obedient to the call of God on his life.  It had been prophesied that he would not die until he had see the Messiah.

Luke 2:29-32 (NKJV)   "Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel."

Simeon was righteous man who spent his waiting for the Savior. He was waiting  for the comfort  promised in Isaiah 40:1 (NKJV)  "Comfort, yes, comfort My people!" Says your God. Upon seeing the Christ Child, Simeon called forth the salvation of both Gentiles and Jews who will accept the light of Jesus Christ into their lives.

Luke 2:33-36 (NKJV) : "And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." 

 

Simeon revealed that Jesus will shake up the world around Him.  Not everyone will accept Him as Lord and Savior.  Many will speak out against Him. Mary will suffer the heartbreak of seeing her Son suffering on the Cross. Salvation came with a price.

In times of persecution and vilification, Christians in every age are call to pay the price of salvation as well:  

Matthew 16:24-26 (NKJV): ^“Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”  

We, too, are to shake up the world around us.  How do we do it?

It is a spiritual war and we must come in the opposite spirit of the one that permeates so much of the world today.  The world will be shaken by our words and our behavior.

And that brings us to Anna.

Luke 2:36-38 (NKJV); “Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity;  and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.  And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.”

Anna lived in the Temple.  That speaks of relationship with the Lord.  Her name means gracious; merciful; one that gives. She was the daughter Phanuel.  Phanuel means face or vision of God.  She was of the tribe of Asher.  Asher means happiness.

Her relationship with the Lord brought mercy and grace into her life.  She had the gift of prophecy and with it visions from the Lord.  Therefore, she happily awaited the fulfillment of God’s word. After that, at the age of eighty-four she preached redemption.

As we walk through this world, may we shine forth the spirit of Simeon and Anna.  May we be obedient, merciful and happy because the joy of the Lord is our strength. The world needs our strength and our joy.

 Blessing for the New Year

Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Matthew 5:2-12 (NKJV)

And opening His mouth He began to teach them, saying, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. "Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Blessing for the new year:

May you know the difference between humility and humiliation.  Humility brings the riches of the Kingdom into our lives.  Humiliation brings only shame.  May you be willing to mourn, to pour out your broken heart before the Lord.  Then the Comforter will calm your spirit and pour the balm of Gilead on your woundedness.  May you tread upon the earth gently for then it is yours.  May you stand always for that which is right in the eyes of God.  Then your destiny will be fulfilled.  May you continually pour out mercy upon others so that the Lord can continually pour out mercy upon you.  May you desire purity so that you can see and understand the things of God.  May you walk in His peace and share that peace with those around you.  May you be comforted in the knowledge that though others persecute you, you can still rejoice because He has overcome the world.  May you live your life in such a way that if others falsely accuse and vilify you, no one will believe them.  May this year be one full of rejoicing and gladness because of your trust in the true and living God.  Please note that the rejoicing comes first and then the gladness.  Rejoice until you are overflowing with gladness because the joy of the Lord is your strength.  

Declare that in spite of your circumstances and because of your relationship with your Savior, this year will be one filled with the fruit of the spirit being manifested in your life. Determine that during this year you will grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23).