Because of Jesus, 2016 Was a Good Year

Because of Jesus, 2016 Was a Good Year

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Philippians 4:4-8:  “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.  Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.  Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

In these last days of 2016, the Holy Spirit has led me to meditate on the above passage.  During this past year, I have often struggled to take every thought captive, but the Lord has even more often pulled me up by “my boot straps” and brought to mind those things that are honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praise worthy.  In the past months, Psalm 23 has become deeply ingrained in my spiritual DNA.

Moment by moment, the Lord has shown Himself to be my shepherd. He has richly supplied every need out of His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  In the midst of confusion and chaos, He has taken me to green pastures of rest in Him, to the quiet waters of His restoration so that my soul has found peace and the right direction.  I have literally walked through the valley of the shadow of death three times this year with the passing of my dear husband, one brother-in-law, and, a couple of weeks ago, my older brother.  My younger brother has been seriously ill; my remaining brother-in-law has been injured.  Yet, God has comforted, guided and strengthened me.

In the midst of all, He has taken me to His banqueting table and covered me with His banner of love.  When I look back over this year, I see where my cup of joy has overflowed again and again and again. Because of my journey with Him through this tumultuous year, I know that I know that I know goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell with Him forever.

It has been a good year.

Sharing a Christmas Prayer

Sharing a Christmas Prayer

One of my favorite authors is Robert Lewis Stevenson.  One of my favorite prayers is his Christmas prayer.  It is my joy to share it with you.

Loving God, Help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds,
and worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate
and open the door of love all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings,
and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children,
and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts,
forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen.

-- Robert Louis Stevenson

21st Century Christmas Carol

21^st Century Christmas Carol

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

The Church is arising and

 Beginning, once again, to shine.

We’ve had our fill of passivity.

We are moving in the courage

And the authority of Christ

To greet our neighbors with

“Merry Christmas and God bless you.”

The Christmas tree, again, is

The Tree of Life reflecting His glory,

And filling our homes and our hearts.

We may like Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman,

But we worship, not only the Babe in the Manager,

But the Jesus of the Revelation,

The Omnipotent Warrior,

The King of Kings,

The Lord of Lord,

The Judge,

The Bridegroom.

We see in our hearts the army of heaven surrounding Him in glory

Just as that same army welcomed His birth.

We hear the song of heaven,

The war cry of the victorious

Reverberating through the cosmos

Like the sound of many waters:

“Peace on earth to those who desire goodness.”

You alone are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power.

Holy, holy, holy.  You are the Lord God, the Alpha and the Omega.”

Above the tumult of the world,

Resounds the carol of the ages:

“Joy to the world,

The Lord has come,

Is come

And will come once more.”

In Him Is Life

In Him Is Life

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

John 1:1-4;10-14

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men….He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

The essence of Christmas is the eternal, divine and glorious life given to the believers when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.

What did Jesus give up in order to come to earth? 

Philippians 2:5-8

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”

The most humbling aspect of Jesus’ appearance on earth as a full human being is that He gave up his glory and came into a world system that vilified Him 2000 years ago and continues to vilify Him today.

In the Garden, He prayed, “And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was (John 17:5).”

Jesus left heaven and the Word become flesh.

He created all that has been created.  Yet, He submitted himself to the authority of His parents, the government of Rome, the religious leaders and even unto death. He gave up the glory of heaven to pay the price for our redemption.  He gave up everything for our salvation.

God loves us so much that He gave His Son.  That truth is what makes Christmas truly merry.

If That Isn't Love

By Dottie Rambo

He left the splendor of heaven

Knowing His destiny

Was the lonely hill of Golgotha

There to lay down His life for me

If that isn't love

The ocean is dry

There's no star in the sky

And the sparrow can't fly

If that isn't love

Then heaven's a myth

There's no feeling like this

If that isn't love.

Carpe Vita/Carpe Diem

Carpe Vita/Carpe Diem

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Psalm 90:12: “So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

The Latin poet Horace wrote, “carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero, which can be translated as "Seize the day, put little trust in the future".  The first two words, “carpe diem” have become a cultural watchword. We are rightly encouraged to “seize the day”, but only in the context of seeking the Kingdom of God, in the context of seeking to live the way God would have us live.

Jesus said, "Therefore do not worry, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?' For after all these things the unbelievers seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:31-34).

The psalmist asked the Holy Spirit to teach us to number (to value) our days, not just today. In valuing our days, in valuing our lifetime (which includes eternity to come), we find a source of wisdom.

Another Latin phrase is “carpe vita” which means to seize life.  In seizing the opportunities of life, of both our earthly life and our eternal life, we find the scope of God’s plan and, therefore, our purpose.  Our journey has purpose.  We often ask, "What is our purpose?"

That is the first question in the Westminster Shorter Catechism.  The answer is, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.”  When we read the Bible through, from Genesis to Revelation, we see that God’s desire is to restore us to Himself that we may walk with Him as Adam walked with Him before the Fall. When we see His purpose, we embrace His glory and dance with the angels as we enjoy Him now and forever more.  That is carpe vita.

As we embrace the scope, the sequence of life opens before us.  Each day presents opportunities to know Him more and to glorify Him more in our lives.  Let's put things in order.   First, carpe vita.  Then, carpe diem.

Enter into His Gates with Thanksgiving

Enter into His Gates with Thanksgiving

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Psalm 100:4:  Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.  

If we desire a closer relationship with our Lord, thanksgiving is the first step.

The Israelites murmured in the wilderness even though the Lord had brought them through the Red Sea, guided them by day and by night, supplied manna and fresh water and kept their shoes from wearing out.  

As a society, we have no grounds for throwing self-righteous stones at the Israelites.  I don’t recall any scriptures that tell us to overlook our blessings and wallow in what we consider to be our misery.  Complaining has, unfortunately, become a cultural trait. 

God is calling us out of that complaining and into more than occasional thanksgiving.  He is calling us to a lifestyle of thanksgiving and praise. "Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous, for praise is comely for the upright.  Praise the Lord with harp; sing unto him with the psaltry and an instrument of ten strings.  Sing unto Him a new song" (Psalm 33:1-3).

Praise is “comely”?  Yes, the Word of God says that we are more attractive when we are praising.  Furthermore, scientific research indicates that not only are we more attractive when we are overflowing with praise, we are both physically and emotionally healthier.  

 “New research shows that practicing gratitude may be the fastest single pathway to happiness, health, long life, and prosperity. In a remarkable study performed by Dr. Emmons, people who kept a gratitude journal for just 3 weeks measured 25% higher on life satisfaction afterwards. They exercised more, drank alcohol less, and their families and friends noticed that they were nicer to be around. And the effects lasted for several months beyond the initial 3 week study.”  Read the entire article at: http://www.happylifeu.com/Attitude-of-Gratitude.html

 A lifestyle of thanksgiving is key to our relationship with our Lord.  It is thanksgiving and praise that usher us into His presence.  Psalm 100:4 “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, And His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him and bless His name.”

As we come before Him in thanksgiving, we can lay all our cares and petitions at His feet knowing that He is our provision, our hope, our peace.  Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV) “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” 

We often hear Christians say that we must be thankful for all things.  That is a misquotation of 1 Thessalonians 5:18. The scripture says, “in all things be thankful; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  It is not the will of God that we be thankful for disease, devastation, and despair because those things are not good gifts which come from above from the Father of lights” (James 1:17). However, we are to be thankful in the midst of and in spite of those things.  God is with us and in Christ we have victory over death itself.  

 Let’s be thankful as for the creative power of the One who created the universe and holds it in the palm of His hand.   Let’s rejoice in the mercy and resources of the One who supplies our daily  bread and loves us with agape love. More than anything else, praise Father God for sending Jesus to pay the price for our sins and for the Holy Spirit Who indwells all believers.

“Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given
Jesus Christ His Son”—Henry Smith

Becoming a Mighty Army of the Lord

Becoming a Mighty Army of the Lord

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

2 Timothy 2: 1-3

“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ”.

Remember this old Sunday School song?

“God's got an army that's marching through the land
With deliverance in our souls and healing in our hands
Everlasting joy and gladness in our hearts
And in this army, I've got a part.”

Our times are perilous, but God has an army and our Commander-in-Chief has issued a call for us to join Him.  Yet, many Christians are sitting on their blessed assurance, fearfully complaining as they await the coming rapture.  The rapture is coming. It is coming in God’s timing. Jesus told His followers in Acts 1:7:  "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.”   

This is not a season to wrap ourselves in the rapture.  It is a time to go to war. It is the mission of the Church, the earthly army of the Lord, to be about our Father’s business until our Lord returns.  Our mission is to preach the good news of deliverance, healing and everlasting joy that comes through a covenant relationship with God that has been purchased and sealed by Calvary.

It is a time to decree Psalm 144:1-2: “Blessed be the Lord my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle, my lovingkindness and my fortress, my high tower and my deliverer, my shield and the One in whom I take refuge.” 

Paul describes the battle we are facing in Ephesians 5:12-13: “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. 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.”   This is an evil day. Are you ready and willing to stand?

Soldiers in obedience to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords are issued the spiritual armor of truth, righteousness, peace, faith and a salvation which includes deliverance, healing and victory (Ephesians 5).

God is training His army today just as He has done in the past.  In the wilderness of Sinai, He changed a generation that had been born of fearful people operating in a slave mentality. He changed the children of those people who often desired to be dependent upon their oppressors. He changed that new generation into a conquering powerhouse.

 When David fled from Saul, outlaws and other outcasts of society joined him as he hid in the caves of the En Gedi wilderness.  With the Holy Spirit to anoint, guide and empower him, David became a warrior king, a man after God’s own heart and the sweet singer of Israel.  Members of his army have been immortalized in Scripture as the “mighty men of Israel.”   

“Israel” means “one who is triumphant with God” or “one who prevails with God.”  Are you willing to be trained for the spiritual warfare of today, to find safety in the promises of the armor of God and to be a mighty warrior who prevails because of a relationship with our Lord Who will, in the fullness of time, return leading the army of heaven?

In God’s army, all believers have a part. 

Yom Kippur--the Day of Atonement--2016

Yom Kippur--the Day of Atonement

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

  Religious Jews believe Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year. It is the day they feel the closest to God. It is the Day of Atonement--"For on that day the priest shall make atonement for you to cleanse you so you may be clean from all your sins before God" (Leviticus 16:30).

This is the day when the Jews hope that their sins have been covered and that their names are written in the Book of Life for the coming Year.

As Christians, we have just spent the past 10 days meditating on the atoning work of Jesus Christ. We know that if we have received the His blood’s atoning, our names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life, not just for the coming year, but for all eternity. On Yom Kippur, we can say in Hebrew, "Baruch HaShem Ha Maschiach Yeshua, blessings in the Name of Messiah Jesus."

Yom Kippur figures in End-Times prophecy as a picture of the final day of atonement when the books are closed. Revelation 21:11-15, "Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire."

We receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior when we acknowledge to Him that we have sinned and that our sin has separated us from God. We must confess that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, both man and God, paid the price for our sin with His death on the Cross and testify that He was buried and rose again in triumph over sin and death. We wait in eagerness for His soon return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Isaiah 1:18 (NKJV)

"Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. 

Celebrate Yom Kippur. Receive The Lord's Supper in communion with Him.  Praise Him for making it possible for your name to be written in the Lamb's Book of Life. He is our "kippur", our atonement.  His sacrifice on Calvary makes it possible for us to live victoriously during our sojourn of earth and to dwell with Him for all eternity.

"Oh, the blood of Jesus,
Oh, the blood of Jesus,
Oh, the blood of Jesus,
That washes white as snow."

10 Days of Awe: Meditating on the Atonement of Jesus Christ

10 Days of Awe:  Meditating on the Atonement of Jesus Christ

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

The ten days between Rosh Hashanah, the Feast of Trumpets, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, are called The Days of Awe.  During those ten days, religious Jews spend time in repentance believing that if they confess all their sins, their names will be written in the Book of Life for another year. 

Because Jesus suffered and died, was buried and rose again, the price of the believer’s atonement has been paid in full.  When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, our names are written in the Book of Life for all eternity. Revelation 20:15 (NKJV) 

Our God is an awesome God.  Let’s spend time each day during The Days of Awe, mediating on the atoning work of the Cross.

1, The death of Jesus on the cross allows us to enter into a new covenant relationship with God.  Our covenant in Jesus is greater than the covenant God made with Adam because the Holy Spirit indwells us and empowers us.   Because of God's new covenant with us, we can come boldly to the throne of grace.  (Hebrews 10: 19-23)

2.  Sin broke the covenant that the Lord had made with Adam and allowed unrighteousness, despair, disease and death to enter in.  When Adam ate the fruit of the tree of worldly wisdom and knowledge, he entered into a covenant with satan. In the Old Testament economy, when two parties entered into a covenant, they exchanged possessions.  Adam ceded his dominion of the earth in that covenant and received all that the enemy had.  Nothing of which was good.  Good things come from God. (James 1:17)

3.  Because God is holy, His holiness prevents Him from coming into covenant with anything unholy.   His holiness within us should prevent us from doing the same thing.  We are not to be unequally yoked. (2 Corinthians 6:14)

4.  God is also love.  He created us out of His love.  It is His nature to desire relationship with His creation.  Sin separates us from HIs love.  The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (Romans 6:23) Jesus paid the wage of sin for us.  His atoning death allows us to enter into God's covenant.  When we accept His atonement, nothing in creation can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus.  (Romans 8:38-39)

5.  Jesus received our guilt and sin upon Himself.  (Isaiah 53:4-6)  It was our sin that sent Jesus to the Cross.  When I think about this, I am overcome with His love for me, not only as a part of mankind, but as an individual.

6.  Jesus is the only acceptable sacrifice for sin.  In the covenant God made in Christ, His life is given in the place of our death and eternal separation from God; His righteousness is given in exchange for our sin. (John 3:16) (John 14:6)

7.  Jesus' blood had to be shed because in the blood is life. (Leviticus 17:11)  His blood sanctifies our lives.

8.  We must understand fully what we have received in our salvation.  Not only have we been saved from the wages of sin, but we also have received the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), healing both physically and emotionally (Isaiah 53:4-6), and a plan and purpose for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11).

9.  Jesus' resurrection is the most significant event in history.  Jesus' resurrection signifies Father God's acceptance of His sacrifice.  He is the first fruits of those who are raised from the dead.  (1 Corinthians 15:20)  Because He lives, we, too, shall live. (John 14:19)

10.  Jesus is coming again to receive us unto Himself.  He is the Bridegroom eagerly awaiting the time when He will receive His bride.  

New Beginning: Rosh Hashanah

New Beginning:  Rosh Hashanah

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘The feasts of the Lord, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My feasts” (Leviticus 23:1-2).

 

The Feasts (Appointed Times) of the Lord comprise God’s Prophetic Calendar.  Each of the feasts declare a prophetic picture of the ministry of our Lord Jesus. We are currently entering into the appointed times for Fall Feasts.

The first of the Fall Feasts is Rosh Hashanah.  Rosh Hashanah literally means "the head of the year.”  The Feast begins on the evening of the first new moon after the fall equinox and lasts for 2 days.  This year, Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on September 25 and ends at sundown of September 27.    

The name "Rosh Hashanah" is not used in the Bible. The Bible refers to the holiday as Yom Ha-Zikkaron (the day of remembrance) or Yom Teruah (the day of the sounding of the shofar).

The Lord commanded Moses, “Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation" (Leviticus 23:24).

Rosh Hashanah celebrates new beginnings in the Lord starting with God’s creation of the universe. Tradition states that Rosh Hashanah marks the sixth day of creation, when the LORD created Adam and Eve.

Rosh Hashanah also recalls the story of Isaac's near-sacrifice when God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his son as an offering.  Abraham obeyed God's command, built an altar, and prepared to sacrifice Isaac, but at the very last minute he was stopped by the Angel of the LORD. The Angel pointed out a ram caught by its horns in a nearby bush and told Abraham to sacrifice it in place of Isaac. The trumpet of God, the shofar (the ram’s horn), commemorates that event.

The account is a clear picture of the sacrifice of the Son of God by the Father.

The Lord continued speaking to Moses, "Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation" (Leviticus 23:24).

The ram's horn (shofar) should be blown on Rosh Hashanah to remind believers of the sacrifice provided by the LORD Himself—Jesus, the Lamb of God.

Every time the shofar is blown, it is a reminder that God keeps His promises.  

On Rosh Hashanah, we Christians have an opportunity to celebrate our salvation through the atoning work of Calvary. Though we have no righteousness in ourselves, He has imputed unto us His righteousness.   

Romans 3:23:  "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.“

Romans 6:23a:  "...The wages of sin is death..."

We all face physical death, which is a result of sin.  But a worse death is the spiritual death that separates us from God and will last for all eternity.  

Romans 6:23:   "...But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Salvation is a free gift from God to us.  We can't earn this gift.  We must reach out and receive it.

Romans 5:8:  "God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.“

When Jesus died on the cross He paid sin's penalty. He bought us out of the slavery of sin and death! The only condition is that we believe in Him and what He has done for us.  Then we are joined with Him, and our life is in Him.  He did all this because He loves us and gave Himself for us!

God’s love poured out in Jesus on the cross is our only hope to have forgiveness and change.  His love bought us out of our slavery to sin.  His sacrifice is what saves us.. 

Romans 10:9,10:  "...If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation."

Our Rosh Hashanah is the result of our being born again into the family of God. The Feasts of the Lord are all about Jesus.

Shana Tovah!! (Happy New Year!)

Choosing to Speak Life

Choosing to Speak Life

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

            Proverbs 18:21 declares that both death and life are in the power of the tongue.  We are cautioned many times in scripture to guard our mouths.  However, throughout the ages, we seem to have forgotten the power of our words.  The reason we have forgotten the power of our words is that we have not regarded the source of that power.

            In the beginning, the power of the spoken word was evident when the Lord spoke into the formless void and created the universe.   We are created in His image, and in that image is the power to create through the words we choose to speak.

            We live in a world where incivility abounds.  As children we often chanted, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”  We chanted to hide the fact that words spoken to us had crushed us.  In truth, broken bones heal more quickly than damaged emotions.

            The Spirit of God is grieved when our words create pain and anguish for others and, therefore, for ourselves.  In Ephesians 4:30-32, Paul directs, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”  (NKJV)

Simply put, God is pleased when we choose to create life with our words.

            Proverbs 10:11 reminds us that the “mouth of the righteous is a well of life.”  Our words can heal. (Proverbs 12:18) Our words can bring joy and gladness. (Proverbs 12:25) Our words can impart grace to others. (Ephesians 4:29) Our words allow us to stand in the presence of God. (Psalm 15:3) By our words, we will either be justified or condemned. (Matthew 12:36-37.)

            The Word of God encourages us to speak the word of God over ourselves and others so that we can more fully walk in His image.  We can choose to begin each day with a declaration of life.  The psalmist proclaimed, “This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).

            We can follow the course Jesus himself prescribed for us in Matthew 5:44-45, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” (NKJV)              

                If we are seeking the “good life”, we must speak blessings over ourselves and others. “For He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit” (1 Peter 3:10 NKJV).

            We have the freedom to speak words that bring either life or death. I pray that we will choose to speak life.

Let No Corrupt Word

Let No Corrupt Word

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

We are currently navigating the maelstrom of political rhetoric which includes some truth and much name-calling, stone throwing and chaos on both sides.  As Christians, we are called to be salt and light and ambassadors of the Kingdom of God. 

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.  

Much of that strategy is found in Ephesians 6:11-18 (NKJV).  Paul wrote the epistle during his first Roman imprisonment. 

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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.
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. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 

above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 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.   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.  While standing for the truth of God, we must also stand in the nature of God.  Our only offensive weapon is the sword of the Word delivered truth, righteousness, peace, faith.

Among those sinners highlighted in Romans 1:29-31 are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, the violent, boasters, those who are undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful. We must guard against sinking to the level of those who exhibit such behaviors.  

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.  

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

Holy Spirit of God, convict us of those times when, in standing for truth, we have grieved You. We repent of the bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and malice that have spewed forth from our inner being.  We are reminded that out of our bellies should flow forth rivers of living water. We cry out according to Psalm 78:72, “Oh, God, our heart’s desire is that our government will be led by those who, like David, have integrity of heart and skillfulness of hand. Amen.”

In Spite Of

In Spite Of

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Surveys posted by Facebook friends often quiz about our “favorites.”

What is your favorite color? Breed of dog?  NFL team? Etc.  Etc.  I love all God’s colors.  I prefer stuffed dogs.  I like whichever NFL team my daughter-in-law’s nephew, Dennis Kelly, plays for.  It is currently the Tennessee Titans. 

However, this year of both difficulty and triumph has given me cause to embrace a new favorite, a favorite prepositional phrase, “in spite of.”

In this year, in spite of deep grief, we have experienced God’s comfort and grace.  In spite of our loss, our cup runneth over in the outpouring of love from people whose lives have tenderly touched ours.

In spite of hail storms, basements flooding, smashed fenders and battered friends, God has provided and given us an abundance so that we can be blessings to others.   

We are testimonies to the words of Jesus in John 16:33:  "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.''

In spite of the tribulations of the past year, we are testimonies to the overcoming power of Jesus Christ.  In Him, we truly are more than conquerors. We have, in the Lord, allowed the seasons of our lives to overlap.  In our time of weeping, we have laughed as well.  In our time of mourning, we have danced in step with our Lord. Tears of sorrow and tears of joy often flow together. 

In spite of sorrow and in the face of discouragement, we have celebrated and will continue to celebrate the blessings of our heavenly Father and the joy of family and friends.

In spite of the fiery darts of the enemy, we are experiencing an abundant life in Jesus Christ.  

 In spite of our uphill climb, the scene from the mountaintop is spectacular.

Standing in the Freedom of Christ

Standing in the Freedom of Christ

Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Galatians 5:1 For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage.

Freedom is autonomy, independence and the power and authority to make wise choices that will lead us into an abundant life in Jesus Christ.  The freedom that comes from knowing who God is and the freedom that comes from knowing who we are in Christ is true freedom.  This freedom comes when we choose to walk out of the bondage of the past. 

The way our past determines our present and our future is established by our response to it. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, the apostle Paul encourages, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new..

God has made all things new, but how do we walk into our newness without the excess baggage of our past?  One of the first bits of baggage that we need to leave behind is blaming others for our mistakes.  When we own our failures, we can move past them.  When I understand that I am my worst enemy, I can begin my growth toward emotional and spiritual wellbeing.  I learn from my failures and move past them. When I acknowledge that I have missed the mark, I open the door to forgiveness.  When I accept the forgiveness of God, I can move on to forgiving myself.  When I forgive myself, I can better forgive others.

Shame and unforgiveness are excess baggage that hinder our freedom in Christ. Romans 8:1 says, There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.  When we walk according to the Spirit, we walk out of condemnation of both ourselves and others and into the freedom of who we were created to be.

  

     In Micah 7:18-19, the prophet encourages, Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins Into the depths of the sea.  God is omniscient. Yet He chooses to forget what He has forgiven.  To grow in the grace of newness, we, too, must choose to forget what God has forgiven whether it is our own sin or the sin of others.  God has cast our sins into the depths of the sea.  We don't have a license to fish them out again.

When we rid our lives of the anguish and regret of the past, we are set free to learn from our experiences.   In Romans 8:28, Paul writes, And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. God uses both the joys and the difficulties of our lives to teach us the peace of faithfulness, the power of His authority, the blessings of obedience, and His plans and purposes for our lives.

In that sense, it bodes well for us to revisit the past, but we must be careful not to pitch our tents there. It is important to examine and resolve issues from our past, but God never intended for us to dwell there.  He has called us to be present and future people.  When we have a healing and healthy perspective of the past, we are free to move into our destiny in Christ, a destiny founded on an abundant life in relationship with our Savior.

Part 3: Fulfilling Our Nation’s Destiny

Part 3:  Fulfilling Our Nation’s Destiny

Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

As we focus on believers as the key to fulfilling the destiny that God has for our nation, we have examined the importance of consecration and regeneration in activating the righteousness that exalts a nation.  As we continue this week in Joshua 5, we see the provision of our Lord in His loving care for His own. 

Joshua 5: 10-12: “Now the children of Israel camped in Gilgal, and kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at twilight on the plains of Jericho. And they ate of the produce of the land on the day after the Passover, unleavened bread and parched grain, on the very same day. Then the manna ceased on the day after they had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the food of the land of Canaan that year.” 

God had 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 will 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.  The crisis appears to be  overwhelming, but “with God nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:37)

Matthew 6:31-33:”Do not be over-anxious, therefore, asking ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For all these are questions that Gentiles are always asking; but your Heavenly Father knows that you need these things—all of them. But make His Kingdom and righteousness your chief aim, and then these things shall all be given you in addition.” (MSNT) The key to divine provision is seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. 

We must remember, also, that God’s provision is not limited to food and clothing.  He has provided us with salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.  We usually have a limited concept of what all is involved in salvation.  When we examine the definition of two Greek words translated as “salvation”, we find that the word means deliverance, safety, healing, health and prosperity.  If salvation meant only that we may 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 the total package that salvation provides.  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 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 in 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.  Do you need wisdom?  God will supply it.  Is a solution to our nation’s needs available?  Yes, and God has it.

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 walk in His hope.  One of my favorite hymns is “I Don’t Know about Tomorrow” by Ira Stanphill. 

“I don’t know about tomorrow, I just live from day to day;

I don’t borrow from its sunshine, For its skies may turn to gray.

I don’t worry over the future, For I know what Jesus said;

And today I’ll walk beside Him, Because He knows what is ahead.

Many things about tomorrow

I don’t seem to understand

But I know who holds tomorrow

And I know who holds my hand.”

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 rebuke any spirit of fear that tries to attach itself to us.  We pray for the decision-makers of our nation that they, too, will seek Your wisdom. Amen.