The Blessing of Christmas

The Blessing of Christmas
By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Lord, You listen–
I trust.
You care–
I heal.
You empower--
I’m strengthened.
You give–
I receive.
You speak–
I listen.

You are peace–
I rest.
You are redemption–
I’m free.
You are song–
I sing.
You are worthy–
I praise.

You are forgiving–
I am forgiven.
You are glory–
You are mercy–
You are holy,
Holy God.
I am Your child.
You are my King.

You are the blessing of Christmas.

Celebration in the Face of Tragedy

Celebration in the Face of Tragedy
By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Christmas, a time for joy and celebration.  Where is our joy?  Where is our celebration?  We are like the ancient Israelites.  We have hung our harps on the willow trees. How can we sing the Lord’s songs and dance with Him in the midst of such heartbreak?
Please know that the Lord’s dance is not always in allegro.  Often it is a long, slow, intimate largo. At this time of deep, national grief, the Lord is calling us to dance with Him in largo, to dance to the rhythm of His heart of love and compassion, to allow Him to hold us close, to lead us tenderly into His peace that passes all understanding.  Then our dance becomes one of joy in His love.  
Our celebration cannot be the revelry of worldly dissipation.  Even in the best of times, dissipation leads to disillusion.  True celebration is in the comfort of His presence, in the healing of His touch, in the hope of His Word.    
As we dance in His arms, may we as a nation and a culture come once more to the understanding that our children are gifts from our God.  May our heart's desire be to nurture them, to comfort them, to guide them, to enjoy them. Parents and teachers have the most important jobs in the world.  We are among those who nurture tomorrow.  
We will overcome this tragedy by holding fast to the Lord and allowing Him to nurture us so that we can nurture others.  The Lord is asking us to dance with Him for the rest of our lives.

Jesus Is the Reason for the Sesaon

Jesus Is the Reason for the Season
By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

History and tradition have added many details to the Biblical account of the birth of Jesus.  Sometimes we, unknowingly, put more emphasis on the traditional accounts rather than on the scriptural account. Even many of our Christmas carols do not accurately reflect the Biblical account of Jesus’ birth.  We love the old melody,  “The First Noel”. The original author is unknown.  The song  probably originated as a folk song  in the late 18th or early 19th century.  Let’s look at the traditional lyrics:  
 “The First Noel, the Angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the East beyond them far
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night.”
Two mistakes in the first two verses:  
It is unlikely that Jesus was born in the winter time.  December 25 as the date for Jesus’ birth was not established until the 4th century.  Because the shepherds were out in the fields at the time of Jesus’ birth, it is probable that Jesus was born during the warmer months when the sheep could be grazing.  However, when we celebrate is not as important as why and how we celebrate.
The second mistake is much more glaring.  The shepherds did not see the star.  They saw the angels.  It was the wise men who saw the star.  
Some other additions to the Christmas story:  Although we have seen him in many Christmas plays, no innkeeper is mentioned in scripture, no animals are listed as having witnessed the birth, the angelic host refers to an army of angels rather than a choir, neither the names nor the number of the wise men is given; the wise men did not come at the time of Jesus’ birth, but later they visited the Child in a house; a little drummer boy did not play his drum as a gift to the Christ child¸ and Santa Claus is a completely  different tradition.
Perhaps the Holy Spirit spared details so that we can concentrate on the miracle of the Incarnation, God’s coming to earth in the form of a man, to walk among us,  to pay the price for our sins, to allow us to enter into an eternal covenant with Him.  Jesus is the reason for the season.   He is Emmanuel, God with us.  Trim the tree, give the gifts, put out the Creche, prepare the food, send the cards, enjoy the music,  but above all else, adore Him, our Redeemer, Savior and coming King.  

Eternal Refuge; Everlasting Arms

Eternal Refuge; Everlasting Arms
By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

No matter what is happening in the world, we must cling to the knowledge that "The eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." (Deuteronomy 33:27) 
We learn several truths about our God from this verse.  First of all, He is eternal.  He has always existed and always will exist.  He does not change.  He is the constant for which mankind searches. 
Likewise, God is our home, our shelter, our security.  He surrounds us with His love.  Psalm 91:1-2--"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most high will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust.'"  
Shelter--protection from the hostile elements--is a basic need of man.  If our physical self requires sheltering, how much more so our spiritual self. "Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (I Peter 5:8) Satan seeks to destroy us; God allows us to rest securely in His everlasting arms.
A refuge is place of safety and comfort.  Even when life rages around us, He leads us beside the still waters and restores our souls (Psalm 23). 
The Lord is our fortress.  While we remain in Him, we are so heavily protected that the enemy cannot breakthrough.  God is our support and our strength.  His strength never wanes.  His arms never tire.   We are cradled in the Power that spoke the universe into being.  We are safe in the arms of Abba Father, El-Shaddai. Praise the Lord for His Word! 
Father God, thank you for the covenant we have in You through Jesus Christ.   In this angry, fearful world, You shelter and strengthen us.  You  lift us up and set our feet on solid ground.  We praise You, our eternal Refuge, for the comfort and protection of Your everlasting arms.  Amen.

Having Done All, Stand

Having Done All, Stand
By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Now, more than ever, we must stand for truth. We must not back away from righteousness.  We must be firm in our defense of the things of God and our constitutional right to worship Him. In His Word, our Father has given us strategy for standing.  I feel such a burden to share three particular scriptures.
1.  Ephesians 6:11-18 (NKJV) 
“11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 
15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 
16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints-- “

We do not struggle against flesh and blood. We struggle against spiritual forces of evil.  As we stand, we must stand in truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and the Word of God. No matter what political forces are in play, what the Word says is right is right, and what the Word says is sin is sin.  

2.  Ephesians 4:29-31 (NKJV) 
“29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 
31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.”

We must guard against sinking to the level of our adversaries.  We must speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) without resorting to harsh words and name-calling. We can be forceful, even aggressive, without being hostile.  

3.1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV) 15  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” “Meekness” is self-control and “fear” is  reverence for God.
We need to know what we believe and why.  Basically, God has defined some behaviors as sinful because those behaviors keep us from experiencing the best that He has for us.  When we condone those behaviors, we condemn those caught in those behaviors to lives that lack the abundance of love, joy, and peace that God has in store for those who love Him.

When we are faithful to Him, God will bless us in spite of our circumstances, in spite of the decisions that others make, in spite of the enemy who seeks to destroy us.  Remember Joseph and Daniel, who, because of their faithfulness to God, became powerful leaders in Egypt and in Babylon.  Remember that Paul wrote many of his epistles during imprisonment.  

Remember, also, greater is He who is within you than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).

Keep standing in faith.  Keep praising and worshiping. Jesus is King. 

Warring in the Opposite Spirit

Warring in the Opposite Spirit

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NKJV)
³  For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
⁴  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
⁵  casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
.

I often caution others, “When you are in an argument or confrontation with others, don’t allow them to drag you down to the level of anger, sarcasm and bitterness.”  Remember that the coolest head usually prevails. 

We fight anger with peace, falsehood with truth, ignorance with knowledge.  God is calling us to fight the war against Christianity with the fruit of the Spirit.  “Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)
²²  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
²³  gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” 

As we are coming into the final days of what has developed into an especially acrimonious political campaign, it is imperative for the Body of Christ to arise, shine and display the glory of God that is within us. (Isaiah 60:1)  Railing against lies stirs up negative emotions.  Praying for truth to be revealed and proclaiming truth in love will set us free. 

Mark 4:22 (NKJV)
^“22 For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light.”  Let’s join together and cry out to God for everything that has been hidden to be revealed, that all secrets will be brought to light.

Let’s walk in the light of Jesus rather than the darkness of hatred, anger and bitterness.

Proverbs 10:12 (NKJV) “Hatred stirs up strife: but love covers all sins.”

Proverbs 15:1 (NKJV)
¹ A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

Let’s prayer as St. Francis prayed:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Where there is injury, pardon.

Where there is doubt, faith.

Where there is despair, hope.

Where there is darkness, light.

Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;

to be understood, as to understand;

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive.

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Resting in Hope

Resting in Hope by Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Psalm 16:9

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope.

God fed the Israelites manna for forty years.  When the wilderness years were over, the manna ceased, but the provision of God continued.  Our God is Jehovah Jirah, the God who provides.  When we forget that, we act out of our fear rather than out of our faith.  Our nation’s current financial crisis has caused many believers to forget our Lord’s ability to provide.  We panic rather than pray.  We despair rather than hope. The crisis appears to be overwhelming, but “with God nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:37) We can rest in His hope.

Matthew 6:31-33 (NKJV)
³¹ Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall

we wear?'
³² For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all

these things.
³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be

added to you.   

The key to resting in hope is seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.  

God’s provision is not limited to food and clothing.  He has provided us with salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. When we examine the definition of two Greek words translated as “salvation”, we find that salvation means deliverance, safety, healing, health and prosperity.  If salvation meant only that we will have eternity with our Lord, it would be enough to cause us to live always in hope.  However, our God is a God of abundance.  Not only does salvation insure our eternity, it insures our today. 

We need deliverance and healing from fear, hopelessness, and despair.  We are conscious of the war of terror that is being waged on the international front.  We are not so aware of the war of terror that is being waged in our own hearts.  The news media reports what is happening in the world, but can offer no solution or hope.  Even most believers have resolved to expect the worst. 

How can believers reconcile what we see and hear around us with God’s word that He delights in us and has a future and a hope for us?  We must walk in faith according the promises of God.  Philippians 4:19: “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”  Do you need faith?  God will supply it.  Do you need hope?  God will supply it.  Is a solution to our nation’s needs available?  Yes, and God has it.

When we forget the promises of God and vote out of fear, we elect more fear.  In the upcoming elections, it is vital that we move from that platform of fear and vote for people with Godly values.  

As consecrated, regenerated believers walking in His righteousness, let’s intercede before the throne of God on behalf of our nation.  Let’s declare His promises and rest in His hope.

Father, we are thankful that when we walk in Your righteousness, we can trust in Your provision.  We receive Your wisdom and Your hope.  We pray for the decision-makers of our nation that they, too, will seek Your wisdom.  I covenant with You to cast my ballot, not out of what the media and others perceive as my need, but out  of what You have eternally established as my path to a life of peace and hope. Amen.

The Parable of the Corn Stalk

The Parable of the Corn Stalk
By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Ephesians 1:17-18 (NKJV)
"that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints."

Knowing that God desires to give us the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, my attention was alerted early in August this year when I noticed a stalk of corn coming up at between the edge of my lawn and the driveway. My neighbor feeds corn to the squirrels, and I am sure that one of the squirrels planted the kernel. However, when a stalk of corn starts growing in my yard, my spiritual ears open up. My maiden name is Corn. That stalk seemed to call me and to intrigue me.

My husband and I decided to let it grow. It didn’t grow very tall. It was growing in the shade of a tree, in soil where it is difficult to grow even grass, but it grew in spite of its adverse environment and late start. We didn’t expect much from it. The neighbors joked about wanting the corn crop from it because it probably grew from their seed. Little did we know that the corn stalk was an overcomer. It was determined to bloom where is was planted.
I backed over it one day. Actually I backed over one of the leaves that it had carelessly let drape onto the driveway. When I examined the damage, the stalk was bent to the ground, but not broken. I left it alone. A few hours later, the stalk was standing upright. It was a bit crooked near the bottom, but it was erect.
The first lesson of the corn stalk came into my spirit. (2 Corinthians 4:7-9) "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show us that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
This scripture is especially encouraging as we sense satan’s determination to secularize the world and make Christianity obsolete. We, like my corn stalk, may be a bit worn, frayed and bent out of shape, but we are still standing and the gates of hell will not prevail against us.
I examined the corn stalk again on the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the evening of September 16. I was delighted to see that it had produced a ear. A second ear appeared 10 days later on Yom Kippur. I felt that the Lord was telling me that if we walk in obedience to Him, we will have a double portion of the fruits of the spirit in the coming year, a double portion of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
A friend of mine who knows more about farming than I (which is basically nothing), examined the stalk in amazement. "Lonnie," said he, "this is hybrid corn. The seed produced by hybrid corn rarely produces any fruit. " My hybrid corn stalk not only produced fruit, but a double portion of fruit.
From this experience I feel that God has a message for His church as a whole and especially for those of us who have entered that time of life when our white hair is a sign of wisdom. "Remember that it is not the seed in the ground, but the seed in the fruit of the stalk that is significant. This is your time. It may appear to be late in season just as the growth of the corn stalk was late in season, but it is not late in My timing."
The Lord is saying to us, "Because you have endured, because you have overcome much, you have become resilient and capable of flourishing in a difficult place. You are drought resistant because out of your innermost being flow rivers of living water (John 7:38)."
Then the Holy Spirit reminded me of the following passage:
"Psalm 92:12-15 (NKJV)
¹² The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
¹³ Those who are planted in the house of the LORD Shall flourish in the courts of our God.
¹⁴ They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing,
¹⁵ To declare that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. "
May the living water of Jesus Christ flow from our innermost being and a double portion of the fruit of the spirit be manifest in our lives.

　

The Last Great Day--A Day of Praise

The Last Great Day

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Leviticus 23:33-36 (NKJV)
³³ Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
³⁴ "Speak to the children of Israel, saying: 'The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days to the LORD.
³⁵ On the first day there shall be a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work on it.
³⁶ For seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation, and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. It is a sacred assembly, and you shall do no customary work on it.

            The eighth day of the Feast of Tabernacles is often called “The Last Great Day”.  This year it begins at sunset on Sunday, October 7.

            During the days of the Temple in Jerusalem, on the eighth day of the Feast of Tabernacles, the high priest, with priests and thousands of worshipers, marched from the Temple to the Pool of Siloam, filled a pitcher with water and went back to the Temple Mount.  The high priest then poured the water onto the altar. This action was accompanied with prayer for the early rains that would come during the winter months and provide water for the barley and wheat crops.       What does this picture for us?

              Water from the Pool of Siloam was “living water” because it came from a free flowing stream.  “Living Water” is a picture of the cleansing ministry of Christ. Note the following scriptures”

--Jeremiah 2:13 (NKJV) “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns--broken cisterns that can hold no water.”

--John 7:37 (NKJV): On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.

--John 7:38 (NKJV) “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."

             The Last Great Day is a special time appointed by God to pray for the rains to prepare the land for the crops next season. Many areas of the world have experienced extreme drought conditions. Let’s join together in the Holy Spirit and pray, “Oh, Lord our God, we pray for the living water both in the natural and in the spiritual to quench the thirst of our dry land and our dry souls.  We desire to drink of You so that out of our innermost being will flow rivers of living water.”

Living water, representing our Lord, removes the curse:

✟From the land—famine caused by lack of water

✟From spiritual dryness—famine caused by the lack of the Living Water of the Word of God.

✟From physical ailments—our bodies are from dust of the earth.

            The Last Great Day is also called Simchat Torah, rejoicing in the Word of God. This is day to join with King David in praise for the Bible.

● Psalm 12:6 (NKJV).”The words of the LORD are pure words, Like silver tried in a furnace of earth, Purified seven times.”

●Psalm 56:10 (NKJV) In God (I will praise His word), In the LORD (I will praise His word).

              Remember that Jesus is the Word.  John 1:1 (NKJV) “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

            Paul reminds us in Ephesians 5:26 that we are cleansed by the washing of the Word. “Thank you, Father, for the Word of God, the Living Water, that cleanses us.”

            The Last Great Day occurs on the eighth day of the Feast of Tabernacles.  In the Bible, eight designates new beginnings.   As this time of celebrating the Lord’s appointed fall feasts comes to a close, let’s praise Him for all the new beginnings we have experienced and all the new beginnings yet to come.  It is a new year in the Lord, a time of renewed commitment, a time to prepare for the harvest to come, a time to delight in His Word, a time to look forward in hope which is the evidence of things not yet seen.  (Hebrews 11:1) 

Celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Feast of Tabernales

Celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Feast of Trumpets

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Leviticus 23:23-24 "Then the Lord spoke to Moses saying, "Speak to the children of Israel, saying, "In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation."

The Feast of Trumpets begins at sunset on September 16 because the biblical day goes from sunset to sunset.  The Jewish name for this holy convocation is Rosh Hashanah which means "the beginning or head of the year."  Rosh Hashanah is a time for new beginnings.  According to Jewish tradition, Rosh Hashanah commemorates the creation of Adam and Eve and the fall into sin.  It is a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and mankind.  It is a time of new beginnings.

             Rosh Hashanah is observed with the sounding of the trumpet.  The traditional trumpet is the shofar, the ram’s horn, which also represents the trumpet blast of the coronation of the king. The sounding of the shofar is a call to repentance because Rosh Hashanah is also a reminder of man’s first sin and repentance for that sin.  Rosh Hashanah begins the “Ten Days of Repentance” or "Days of Awe" which end with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. 

            The shofar also commemorates the sacrifice of Isaac which occurred on the day that God later established as Rosh Hashanah. The sounding of the shofar reminds us that a ram took Isaac’s place as an offering to God.  Abraham named the place, "Jehovah-Jirah", God is our provision.  Abraham understood that in ages to come God would provide the means of our salvation, His Son, Jesus Christ. 

            How shall we celebrate?  We can "google" Rosh Hashanah or Feast of Trumpets and learn of and, perhaps, even follow some of the traditional Jewish customs.  We can also remember in personal ways and private ways.

            Because Rosh Hashanah is the Feast of Trumpets, we should remember the importance of trumpets in our relationship with God.  In Exodus 19, people were to wait for the sounding of trumpet before going near Mt. Sinai where God spoke to Moses. (Exodus 19:3b) "When the trumpet sounds long, they shall come near the mountain."  (Exodus 20:18) "Now all the people witnessed the thundering, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off."  God was beginning a new season as He molded a band of ex-slaves into a mighty army.

            It was with the shouting of the people and the sound of the trumpets that God brought down the walls of Jericho and gave the Israelites their first victory in the Promised Land.  The defeat of Jericho was a new beginning for the people of God.

            The Lord will again bring a new thing with the sound of the trumpet when Jesus returns. (Matthew 24:29-31) “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

(1 Corinthians 15:52)  "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."

            Remember the Feasts of Trumpets by sounding the trumpet, blowing a horn, ringing a bell.  With joy in our hearts, we remember the trumpet soundings of the past and look forward to the sounding of the trumpet when Jesus returns.

            Rosh Hashanah is a time for speaking blessings for the year to come.  A simple blessing is "Shana Tovah", which is "Happy New Year" in Hebrew.

            Rosh Hashanah is also a good time to sing the old hymn by James Black:

    When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more,

    And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair;

    When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore,

    And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

        Refrain:

        When the roll is called up yonder,

        When the roll is called up yonder,

        When the roll is called up yonder,

        When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

    On that bright and Sabbath morning when the dead in Christ shall rise,

    And the glory of His resurrection share;

    When His chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies,

    And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

    Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun,

    Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care;

    Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done,

    And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

If we believe that we are sinners, that Jesus paid the price for our sin so that we can be reconciled with God, that Jesus arose from the dead and that He is coming back for His own, we will be there when the trumpet sounds and the roll is called up yonder. 

Shana Tovah! Shana Tovah! Because of Jesus, our new year is blessed.

The Lord's Appointed Times

The Lord's Appointed Times

by Reverend Lonnie C. Crowe

God has appointed special celebrations for His people to worship Him.  When we come to Him to celebrate His special occasions, we draw closer to Him and learn from Him. The invitation has been extended in Leviticus 23:4 "These are the feasts (celebrations) of the Lord, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at their appointed times."

This passage in Leviticus continues with descriptions of the Lord's appointed times:  Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Day of Atonement and Tabernacles.  Many times we refer to these sacred times as Jewish holidays.  However, because each feast pictures some aspect of the ministry of Yeshua HaMashaich (Jesus, our Messiah), acknowledging them will enable Christians to understand more fully our relationship with our Redeemer. 

The spring feasts, Passover, Unleavened Bread and First Fruits depict the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. 

Pentecost occurs during the grain harvest and represents the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on believers and the harvest of souls in Judea first, then in Samaria and to the ends of the earth.  (Acts 1:8)

The fall feasts, Trumpets, Day of Atonement and Tabernacles give us insight into the Second Coming of Jesus. 

Because the temple in Jerusalem no longer exists, the celebration of the Feast Days cannot be the same as in the days of the Bible.  Jewish people now celebrate the Feasts using traditions handed down in the Talmud.  Today, more and more Christians are remembering the Feasts.  Some celebrate with adaptations of Jewish traditions.  Some have designed their own celebrations.  Some simply remember the days in their hearts. 

Celebrating the Feast Days is not required, but a powerful blessing can come to us when we more fully understand what has been accomplished in our lives and in the Kingdom of Heaven because of the atoning, redemptive ministry of Jesus, our Messiah.

Whether our celebration is elaborate or simple, our remembrance should include thanksgiving, worship and joy.  Because we will soon be entering into the time of the Fall Feasts, I invite each of you to celebrate those days with me. 

The Feast of Trumpets, Rosh Hashanah, begins at sunset on September 15.  On September 12, I will post details about celebrating Rosh Hashanah and looking forward to the sounding of the Lord’s trumpet.

Between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, are 10 days.  Jewish people refer to those days as "The Days of Awe".  It is a time of repentance for them as they look forward to commemorating atonement for sin.  Because Jesus has already paid the price for our atonement, on September 17, I will post suggestions for meditating on the atoning work of the Cross. 

The third Feast Day is Tabernacles, Sukkoth.  It is a seven day celebration ending with the Last Great Day of the Feast on the eighth day.  To facilitate our celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles, I will post on September 29 for the celebration of the feast and again on October 6 for the Last Great Day. 

I praise God for the technology that enables us to gather together in the Holy Spirit and celebrate the goodness of our King.

Rejoice in the Lord Always

Rejoice in the Lord

           By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

            Bible scholars often refer to Paul’s epistle to the Philippines as the epistle of joy.  In fact, Paul uses the word “rejoice” eleven times in this short letter and the word “joy” six times.  In Philippines 4:4, Paul instructs the believers in Philippi to “rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, rejoice.”  

            “Oh,” you may argue, “it was easy for Paul to rejoice.  He was an honored church leader.  He had everything going his way.  He couldn’t possibly understand what is happening in my life.”

            We forget that Paul was imprisoned by the Romans three times during his ministry.  In fact, he was in prison when he wrote the epistle of joy.  He mentions his imprisonment in Philippians 1:13-14.  If we think Paul’s life was easy, we need only read 2 Corinthians 11: 24-28:  “From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—besides the other things, what comes upon me daily:” 

            In spite of his hardships, pain, and perils, Paul was so overcome by the miracle of salvation in Jesus Christ that he rejoiced in the midst of and in spite of his circumstances.  Jesus’ sacrifice for us makes it possible for us to rejoice.

            Why should we rejoice?  Scientific evidence shows that happier people are healthier people.  That means that we will be stronger physically, emotionally and spiritually if we learn to rejoice, if we learn to look at the positive side of life.  Proverbs 17:22 says, “a merry heart does good like a medicine.”

            Paul rejoiced while in prison because his imprisonment emboldened others to preach the truth of Jesus Christ.  Paul rejoiced because he had witnessed the Philippians maturing in their faith.  Paul rejoiced because of the presence of God in his life. 

            Another scientific study concluded that one way to be happier is to decide to be happier.  Aeschylus, an ancient Greek playwright, said, “Happiness is a choice that, at times, requires effort.” Happiness is a still choice that, even with effort, results in health and peace of mind. 

            Nehemiah 8:10 says, “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

 In John 15:11, Jesus said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement said, “"Sour godliness is the devil's own religion.”

            Do you need strength to overcome the pain and disappointment of the past? Rejoice because the old things have passed away and God has made all things new.

Do you need strength to get through today? Rejoice because God is your provision, your comfort and your hope.  Do you need strength to face the future? Rejoice because the Lord will never leave you nor forsake you.

            “Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again, I say, rejoice.

Keeping Your Jar of Oil Full

Keeping Your Jar of Oil Full

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

In Matthew 25:1-3, Jesus told the story of the 5 wise and 5 foolish virgins. The

parable pictures the Church awaiting the return of the Lord. Only 5 were wise in

bringing enough oil to enable them to join the wedding guests and enter into the

celebration. The 5 foolish dashed to purchase oil, but returned too late to participate.

While the parable depicts the end time Wedding Supper of the Lamb, it contains, as

well, a message for each of us as we walk through our everyday lives. How do we

make certain we have the spiritual energy, strength and commitment to see us through

the trials of life and allow us to stand victoriously in Jesus Christ?

In scripture, oil represents the power and authority of the Holy Spirit. We are

each responsible to maintain our jars of oil. Remember the 5 foolish virgins were sent

to purchase their own oil. We cannot walk in the oil (the spiritual power and authority) of

others. If the 5 wise had shared their oil, no one would have had enough to enter the

wedding supper chamber. In difficult times, we each must have our own oil, our own

relationship with Jesus Christ, our own commitment to persevere to the end. Paul

admonishes us, “Work out your own salvation in fear and trembling“ (Phil.2:12). A

crown of life awaits those who are faithful unto death. (Rev. 2:10)

How can we keep our jars of oil full? To walk in the power and authority of the

Holy Spirit, we must commit ourselves daily to our relationship with our Lord. We must

walk in obedience. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments. (John 14;15)

When we walk in disobedience, we cannot walk in His power and authority. Willful

disobedience drains our oil.

To keep the oil flowing, we must be like Mary of Bethany and sit at His feet and

learn of Him. (Luke 10:38-42) Often we, like Martha, are too busy doing good works to

spend time in His presence and meditate on His word. In Psalm 119:11, the psalmist

declares that he has hidden the word of God in his heart that he might not sin. Psalm

46:10 tells us to be still and know that He is God.

I love the words of the old hymn: “take time to be holy. Speak oft with thy Lord.

Find rest in Him always and feed on His word.” When we take time to “feed on His

word”, we can personally experience His revelation and power.

In Ephesians 1:17 Paul prays, “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.” In Galatians 1, Paul

asserts that the message he preached came not from man, but from revelation from

Jesus Christ.

God is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. He is still in the

business of revelation. He is still in the business of manifesting His power.

In being still and knowing that He is God, we lay up for ourselves “treasures in

heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break

through nor steal.” (Matthew 6:20) One of the treasures of Heaven is the oil of the

power and authority of the Holy Spirit. Commit yourself to being one of the wise, one

who will have enough oil to withstand the trials of life and to stand victoriously in Jesus

Christ.