Jesus | Heaven Sent Sentiments

Tag: Jesus
- True Test of Surrender
  
  Posted at 6:53 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on February 25, 2019
  Hello! It’s a beautiful, sunny day here in the Pacific Northwest West and Mount Rainier looks gorgeous covered in snow. I love it!
  
  In my writing room, on my desk, and on my walls, I have various quotes from different authors and teachers of mine that inspire, educate, and direct my thoughts on my writing and my faith.
  
  Today, I was re-reading a quote that I had written down from my Oswald Chamber’s devotional, dated April 28th, that I had focused on last year.
  
  “The true test of abandonment or surrender is refusing to say, “Well, what about this?” The moment you allow yourself to think, “What about this?” you show that you have not surrendered and that you do not really trust God.
  
  But once you do surrender, you will no longer think about what God is going to do. If you totally abandon yourself to God, He immediately says to you, “I will give your life to you as a prize…” And once you do get to the point of total surrender to Him, you will be the most surprised and delighted person on earth.”
  
  Reading this today really convicted my heart. I have a few projects I am working on that are definitely God-given—-jobs that I would never have taken on myself. I truly feel blessed that these opportunities were provided to me by Him. 🙂
  
  However, today I find myself asking that very question about one of them in particular, “Well, what about this?”
  
  When that happens, I focus so much more of my effort and concern on fixing what I perceive to be wrong, instead of praying and leaving it to God and His timing, knowing that resting in where He has me today is right where I need to be.
  
  Now don’t get me wrong, I work here and there on normal mistakes and problems, that can easily come up. The “problems” I’m talking about are where you know deep down inside yourself you’ve given it enough attention and you need to move on, but…just one more thing! You don’t have peace anymore about it and all clear thoughts are gone.
  
  At this point, I know that the surrender I once had given to God is gone, and I need to give complete surrender back to Him. It is not my will I want done, but His.
  
  I know that God has brought me to this very moment in time. I believe that He is the Orchestrator of my life and that every event in my life has His seal of approval.
  
  Flora Tan, a Christian blogger, explains it perfectly in this way, “As a Christian, yielded to God’s will and committed to do His will, I know that I might not be perfect but as I surrender my life to Him day-by-day, He holds my destiny in His hands and brings to perfection that which is lacking in me through situations and life experiences.”
  
  Our Father and our God, I surrender my heart and life to You,
  
  Day-by-day,
  
  moment-by-moment,
  
  I surrender all to You, knowing that You alone are the Author and Perfecter of my faith. (Hebrews 12:2)
  
  All the glory to God,
  
  Shanon
  
  Chambers, Oswald. My Utmost For His Highest. “What You Will Get, April 28th devotional.” Discovery House. 1992. Print.
  
  Image of Philippians 1:6 by 4GIVENministry.com.
  
  Image of “I surrender…” by I Surrender All–Adams Rib. adamsribpodcast.com.
  
  Tan, Flora. Christian blogger. 2018. www.a-simple-christian.com
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  Posted in God at Work | 6 Comments | Tagged abandonment, Christian, God's plan, God's will, Jesus, Surrender to God
- Demonstrations of Love
  
  Posted at 9:18 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on February 14, 2019
  Happy Valentine’s Day!!!
  
  What a beautiful day! I am so thankful to God for all of the people He has placed in my life to love, especially my husband and two daughters. They are my greatest treasures on this earth!!
  
  Today I was thinking about the word “love” and all of the connotations it can have. This concept stood out to me the most:
  
  I don’t believe a person can truly experience the full depth of what love is, until you move beyond the idea of love as an emotion, and into the reality that it is actually a verb.
  
  Love pours itself out to others.
  
  Love forgives.
  
  Love believes and looks for the best in others.
  
  Love soothes the hurts and pain this life can bring.
  
  Love steps in when no one else does.
  
  Love comforts a grieving heart.
  
  Love gives without anticipating anything else in return.
  
  Love sacrifices self.
  
  ***
  
  Jesus set the example of love as an action word. His whole life is a demonstration of the way to love others and the Bible is filled with His instructions.
  
  Love pours itself out to others.
  
  God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. (Heb 6:10; NIV emphasis mine)
  
  Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10: NIV emphasis mine)
  
  Love forgives.
  
  Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tender-hearted, and forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:31-32, emphasis mine)
  
  Love believes and looks for the best in others.
  
  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Cor 13:7, ESV, emphasis mine)
  
  Love soothes the hurts and pain this life can bring.
  
  Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all of our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV emphasis mine)
  
  Love steps in when no one else does.
  
  The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. (Proverbs: 22:9, emphasis mine)
  
  Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. (Romans 12:13, emphasis mine)
  
  Love comforts a grieving heart.
  
  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. (2 Cor 1:3-4, CSB, emphasis mine)
  
  Love gives without anticipating anything else in return.
  
  Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. (Matthew 5:42, NIV, emphasis mine)
  
  Love sacrifices self.
  
  And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:2, ESV, emphasis mine)
  
  Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13. ESV, emphasis mine)
  
  ***
  
  What about you? How do you demonstrate love to those around you? I did not begin to fully demonstrate the full depth of my love for others until I gave my heart, my life, and my will to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
  
  The transformation of my heart, to love fully the way Christ does, began that day and it continues as we speak. It is a choice I make every day– to live a life fully committed to the action of love in my life and to serve the Father who died on the cross to demonstrate His love for me.
  
  All the glory to God,
  
  Shanon
  
  Image of “I love the LORD…” by revivalfocus.com
  
  Image of “The greatest thing I have ever done…” by http://www.facebook.comJesus lifestyle.
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  Posted in Reflections/Stillness | 2 Comments | Tagged bible, Christian, Demonstrations of love, God is love, Jesus, ultiamte sacrifice, Valentine's day
- A Widow’s Call
  
  Posted at 7:07 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on February 9, 2019
  My dad, Paul early 70’s
  
  Last week I spoke about my mom and celebrated her, on what would have been her 68th birthday. Today, I would like to share some thoughts on an incredible blessing God gifted to me and my sisters, our dad, Paul.
  
  When I woke up last Saturday morning, February 2nd–my dad’s birthday–the Lord placed a scripture on my heart concerning my dad and over the course of the week revealed to me, through the Holy Spirit, my dad’s faithfulness to Him and showed me his legacy.
  
  It is easy, through the lens of time, to look back and see how God has a plan for our life, knows our hearts completely, and uses us in ways that can bring triumph out of tragedy.
  
  In fact, God may start a ministry in your life, in such a subtle way when you are young, that it is only revealed, upon reflection and with the help of the Holy Spirit, when your hair is a little grayer and smile lines have deepened. Such is the story of my dad.
  
  ***
  
  Back in the mid to late 1960s, when my dad was in California and right out of the Air Force, he and his cousin Jack hung out a lot, they even went out on double dates together. Jack and his high school girlfriend, Sue Thorne, my dad, and his date went to the movies and restaurants together frequently. Deep friendships were formed.
  
  What God was working behind the scenes of these lives links them all together for eternity with God at the center–my dad was beginning a life that he would have never imagined for himself, but God did. A life of selflessness and compassion, a ministry of helping family through their hardest times: as widows.
  
  In late 1969, Jack got the call to go to the Vietnam War. He was newly married and his wife, Sue, was pregnant. My dad, at 26, was already out of the Air Force and was a civilian. Because Jack and my dad were so close, he asked my dad, should anything happen to him, to step in and help Sue out if she needed it.
  
  Sadly, Jack was killed in the Vietnam War at 19 years old with a six-week-old baby at home, my sister Melanie. My dad stepped in right away because my mom didn’t have parents to help, her in-laws were not very nice to her, and other family members had young kids themselves and couldn’t help as much as they would have liked.
  
  My dad brought diapers, soothed her when she was crying, and just helped out in any way he could like Jack asked him to. Over time, they fell in love and got married. Three daughters blessed this couple, and there were no dividing lines of love. All were loved and cared for equally.
  
  My parents, Paul and Sue, were married around 19 years before my mom passed away from cancer. My dad has never remarried. My mom was the love of his life. I believe, that if God had remarriage in His plans for my dad, he would have been open to it. But God had other plans…
  
  A few years after my mom died, my grandpa had a stroke. The stroke left him paralyzed on his left side, unable to walk, and he also couldn’t talk anymore. Being a widow himself, he didn’t have someone to live with him. This is where God used my dad.
  
  My dad moved from California to Indiana, moved into the farmhouse, and took care of him. He worked a local job at night and took care of him during the day. I don’t remember him complaining to me–not that what he was going through wasn’t difficult–but he grew up with the mindset that you do what needs to get done. Period. He cared for my grandpa as long as he could in the farmhouse he loved so dearly.
  
  A few years went by, and during that time he lived with my husband and me for a short while, getting to know his grandkids, making memories, and helping us out. He also lived with my sister, helping her out in the same way–as dad and grandpa! 🙂
  
  God soon had another plan for my dad to help out a widow–his Uncle Pete. As a recent widow, Uncle Pete needed someone to live near him on his property, spend time with him, and keep him from overtaxing himself. He was known to do too much in relation to his capabilities. His mind made plans his aging body couldn’t keep up with. This is where my dad partnered alongside him and helped him complete the tasks he wanted to do around his house and property.
  
  My dad had a long history with Uncle Pete. Whenever my dad was on leave from the Air Force, it was Uncle Pete who always stepped in to pick him up and bring him home. My dad never forgot how he helped him and now he was at a place to help him out. It was never a burden to him, he loved and respected his Uncle. He stayed and helped out until Uncle Pete’s care required more than one person.
  
  ***
  
  Decades ago, when my dad was beginning his life, I’m sure he never envisioned a life of moving around so much. He may have thought he would have lived in one neighborhood raising his family. God had a different plan. He used the tragedies in his life as a way of helping others and bringing Christ-like love and compassion to their time of need.
  
  To those on the outside, my dad’s life may appear as though he moved from house to house and didn’t place his roots down in one house and job like many people do.
  
  In reality, what my dad chose to do, is place his roots in Christ first, and follow the directed steps of His savior.
  
  My dad is a faithful and remarkable man. I love him deeply for many reasons, but what stands out the most is what a selfless and compassionate man of Christ he is.
  
  Happy 75th birthday, pop!!! You mean the world to me!!!
  
  All the glory to God,
  
  Shanon
  
  Image of 1 Timothy 5:3 by heartlight.org.
  
  Image of Proverbs 16:9 by One Accord Ministries.org.
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  Posted in God at Work | 4 Comments | Tagged Answering God's call, bible, birthday, Christian, Faithful dad to God, Jesus, Proverbs 16:9
- Unleashed Power of Christ
  
  Posted at 6:41 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on January 31, 2019
  My mom, 19 years old, at Disneyland. 1971.
  
  Good morning friends!! Today, Thursday, January 31st, is a beautiful day and you know what?! I am choosing to celebrate life!
  
  We have a choice every day to choose love, joy, peace, hope, and grace! My Savior, Jesus Christ, is the One that fills me and overflows my spirit with those gifts–especially when I seek Him.
  
  “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart” Jeremiah 29:13.
  
  Today, I am celebrating life and love, and seeking an outpouring of Jesus in my heart as I delight in the memory of my mother on what would have been her 68th birthday. I am celebrating:
  
  * The 39 years she was in my life, here on earth, being my mommy, mentor, Christ follower, and teacher.
  
  * how she would sing all the time: in the car, in the house with me and my sisters, and especially while we would take walks together, which were often while I was growing up.
  
  * her ability to soothe all my hurts through hugs, and how she would brush my hair for as long as I needed while I talked to her about whatever was bothering me until I felt better. Sorry, I made your arm sore, Mom. 🙂
  
  * her “goofiness,” laughs, and just plain fun that she had around everyone, whether it was friends, family, or, dare I say, MY friends. She had a joy for life that was contagious.
  
  * she loved Christmas! Decorated the house right after Thanksgiving, kept it up through New Year, and never failed to tell anyone and everyone about our Savior’s birth! She always set an extra spot at the table for a guest, for anyone who could join us for our Christmas dinner.
  
  Thank you for indulging in a few of my memories. 🙂
  
  ***
  
  God is so amazing! Let me share with you how amazing God is, this is the title of my January 31st devotional:
  
  TRIUMPH OUT OF TRAGEDY
  
  Twenty-eight years ago, January 31, 1991, would have been my mom’s 40th birthday. She was not here to celebrate with me because she was in her heavenly home with Jesus. Being eighteen and her death so new to me, it was a tragic day–full of extreme sorrow. And that’s okay, grieving is hard and it is a process that each person experiences in a different way.
  
  As a Christian and because of Jesus, I sought Him in every way I could and sometimes it was simply, deep, gut-wrenching cries of pain and sorrow. He understood and knew, no matter how “simple” my prayer was. He knew my heart.
  
  The amazing thing about each prayer, each time we seek Him, and each song we sing in worship, is it builds our connection to Jesus, gives us Joy, and releases the Power we need to triumph over tragedy!!
  
  The more you seek Him, during all the seasons of life, the more you are filled up with the Life-giving, Joy producing, Power sustaining gift of God!!
  
  “…Christ has triumphed over tragedy, and He wants us to do the same because in such triumph God is glorified. When something tragic happens to us–the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job–unbelievers watch us closely to see whether we react differently than they would. If there is no difference, if we despair as unbelievers might, how is God honored? How do we testify of Christ and His Power? (Graham, Billy).
  
  Seek the LORD with all of your heart, and receive the Power of Christ. He is waiting with outstretched, open arms, to hold you close and to give you the amazing comfort of our Heavenly Father.
  
  In closing, here is a prayer, I prayed today, by Billy Graham:
  
  Our Father and our God, thank you for bringing hope and forgiveness to dispel the sin in my life. Help me to triumph over the inevitable tragedies of life through trust and faith in You. Let my joy in the midst of despair honor and glorify You through Jesus. Amen.
  
  Happy Birthday, my precious mom!!!
  
  All the glory to God,
  
  Shanon
  
  Image of Jesus hugging child by http://www.taemen.co.kr. Gallery
  
  Graham, Billy. “January 31st devotional: TRIUMPH OUT OF TRAGEDY.” Unto the Hills: A DAILY DEVOTIONAL. 1996. WORD PUBLISHING.
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  Posted in Reflections/Stillness | 6 Comments | Tagged bible, Christian, God, Jesus, Power of Christ, Triumph out of Tragedy
- Deserts, Valleys, and Hills
  
  Posted at 7:55 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on January 11, 2019
  The second week of January began in a predictable way, weather-wise, here in the Pacific Northwest. The clouds and the wind were rolling in, billowing and forming a thick layer of insulation against a gray and darkening sky. A light rain fell on the evergreen and tall pine trees surrounding my Washington home. The season of Winter has definitely made its grand and wet appearance.
  
  And yet…
  
  Right now, I feel as though I am walking through the desert–a dry, parched land with a scorching sun and hot, unrelenting winds. Not in a physical sense (although a hot, dry sunny day does sound nice!) but in a spiritual sense. Spiritually dry. Another term I could use to describe what I am going through is walking through the valley.
  
  I know that, over the last several weeks, there has been a shift in the awareness I was feeling in regard to God’s presence in my life. Now, I know without a doubt, that God will never leave me nor forsake me (Joshua 1:5). Whether or not I “feel” His presence, I know that He is there. I believe in this Truth and in no way feel abandoned. However, I wanted to understand more of what I was going through and share my experiences with one of my nearest and dearest God-fearing “moms” that the Lord has blessed me with.
  
  During our conversation, she reassured me that what I was experiencing, she could also relate to, and that she had walked through it. She asked if I had ever heard of, “dark night of the soul.” I had not. Charisma magazine author, Joy F. Strang, describes it in this way,”…a season of dryness–called a dark night of the soul by 16th century mystic John of the Cross–during which it seemed as if God was not there.” While visiting together, my friend and I, discussed this subject, and others, while we shared the Word of God, prayer, wisdom, and lots of hugs. And coffee! 🙂
  
  Joy F. Strang, in her article titled, “Why you’re in a Spiritual Desert,” describes her own experience of being spiritually dry.
  
  “During my “dark night” I realized that on our path to spiritual maturity, we don’t go from mountaintop to mountaintop. We have to walk through valleys as well. Even after we have arrived in our “promised land” we may experience spiritually dry times.
  
  David confirmed this truth in Psalm 63, in which he expressed the thirst he had for God in the midst of a “dry and weary land” (v. 1). He wrote the psalm in the desert of Judah—a dry region in the promised land! David had experienced God intensely before (see v. 2) but found himself for a season in a place “where there [was] no water” (v. 1)”
  
  For a moment, let’s focus on, “we don’t go from mountaintop to mountaintop.” A mountaintop experience can be described as a place (or time) where we can clearly hear God’s voice and we are able to follow His leading because it is clear to us. God’s presence leaves us feeling empowered, strong, inspired and loved. We feel confident, through this mountaintop experience, that with God, we “can do anything through Christ who gives us strength” (Philippians 4:13).
  
  As much as it would be amazing to never leave the mountaintop, the reality of living in a sinful world, is that many seasons of our life are spent in the valley. This is where our faith is really grown and matured and used by God.
  
  Billy Graham has this to say in regard to mountaintops and valleys: “we are made for the valley of life. God will sometimes allow a view from the hills, but only so that we might be refreshed enough to return to the valley–where the action is–that we may be of service to Him. Mountaintops are for views and inspiration, but fruit is grown in the valleys“ (Graham, Billy, v).
  
  Did you catch that?! “…but fruit is grown in the valleys.” This is where the action is, where our faith and our fruit, grow together in a way that can be powerfully used by God!
  
  ***
  
  I’ll share a few things that I am doing right now while I am experiencing this dry season.
  
  1) I asked God to search my heart and reveal to me any sin that I need to repent of and receive His forgiveness.
  
  2) I start my day in the bible. By doing this, I know the foundation of my day begins with Him, and my heart and mind are better prepared to respond to His presence throughout the day. This is also a time when I read my devotional, I begin a new one each year.
  
  3) I always begin my day with prayer. Depending on what I have going on for the morning, the length of time varies. However, two things never change. Every day I begin and end my day with prayer and thanksgiving.
  
  4) I ask God to open my heart in a way to be of service to others throughout my day. He has never disappointed me and has given me lots of ways to bless others. As a result, this takes the focus off of me and my own cares, and I get to share the love of Jesus with those He brings into my life.
  
  5) I listen to music that reminds me of God’s presence in my life. I listen to it in my car, while I’m cleaning the house, getting ready to write, and especially when I am feeling sad and depressed. There is nothing that can turn my mood around quicker than when I put on my favorite Christian artist, turn the volume up loud, and dance for my Savior, “much like David was dancing before the Lord with all his might” (2 Samuel 6:14).
  
  6) Several times throughout the day I pause and pray. Whenever I drive by my daughter’s school, I say a prayer. When an emergency vehicle is going by, I say a quick prayer. When I am anxious, stressed, or not feeling well, I say a prayer. And especially when God brings someone to my mind, I say a prayer for them. Praying in this way again takes the focus off of me and my worries, and directly releases them to God.
  
  Our faith and fruit grow the most when we are close to the vine (Jesus) and filled with the Living Water. This requires action on our part through the Word of God, prayer, and submitting to God every single day.
  
  I encourage you, no matter what season you are in, to develop a prayer, bible reading, praise, and worship schedule that allows you to be as close as possible to the God of the Hills and Valleys! God Bless You!
  
  All the Glory to God,
  
  Shanon
  
  Image of “It takes a valley and a God…” by CHRISTian Poetry Deborah ann
  
  Image of “You’re God of the Hills and Valley’s by Taurenwells VEVO
  
  Graham, Billy. “Unto the Hills: A Daily Devotional.” Foreward, page v. Word Publishing. Print. 1996.
  
  Strang, Joy F. “Why You’re in a Spiritual Desert.” Charisma Magazine. Web. 31 May 2015.
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  Posted in Uncategorized | 14 Comments | Tagged Faith, hills and valleys, Jesus, Prayer
- Drawn to Jesus
  
  Posted at 7:10 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on December 20, 2018
  Good morning!! I’ve got to admit, I love the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season! Decorating the Christmas tree, all the holiday baking, and gathering together with family and friends to break bread and create memories.
  
  One thing I’ve discovered is that the light of Jesus in my heart needs to shine even brighter during the season of His birth!
  
  Many of my family and friends, whom I may not see any other time of year, get a glimpse of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world through me, that they may not otherwise witness.
  
  The same is true of you my friends, your homes may be filled with saved and unsaved hearts. Our churches will be filled with people of all backgrounds, faiths, hurts, desperation, etc!!
  
  We all need the saving grace of Jesus! Titus 2:11, “For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.”
  
  ***
  
  I’ve got to admit, sometimes I feel as though my heart really breaks and hurts when I see people struggling and hurting without Jesus in their life. I used to take on their problems/situations and do everything I could to try to help them. It was definitely a stressful and unhealthy way to live–I just wanted so desperately for them to have Jesus in their lives! Can you relate?!
  
  I am so thankful that Jesus knows my heart and He spoke to me through the following devotional:
  
  Oswald Chambers, June 10th
  
  “Remember that you can never give another person what you have found, but you can cause him to have a desire for it.”
  
  Those words really spoke to my heart: Only God can change them. I can’t do what only God can do. Duh, right? 🙂 My heart so desperately wanted them to change, I was getting the lines crossed on what I could do and what only God could do.
  
  This is what I can do: I live my life with the light and love of Jesus shining brightly, sharing the gospel of Jesus wherever I go. Praying, loving, accepting someone right where they are, giving, inviting…everyone I know to the saving grace of Jesus!
  
  ***
  
  I recently discovered a poem my mom had written. The paper is worn and yellow. My mother’s very distinct handwriting graces the page. The theme of her poem exactly emulates what Oswald Chambers highlighted in the quote above: others may not understand her faith or love for Jesus, but just as God drew her to Jesus, she knows others can receive the same opportunity. “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws Him” John 6:44.
  
  You do not know Him as I do,
  
  it must be very strange to you.
  
  That I can love what I can’t see,
  
  and you can’t feel His love for me.
  
  *
  
  I won’t pretend I’m special though–
  
  I’m not the only one, you know.
  
  To share a hopeful destiny,
  
  though you can’t feel His love for me.
  
  *
  
  　It may be anger that draws you near,
  
  it could be sorrow–even fear.
  
  I hope you’re drawn, though I can see,
  
  that you can’t feel His love for me.
  
  *
  
  Once, it was me who sat with closed eyes,
  
  and opened my heart to the enemy’s lies.
  
  But, what was His power when Jesus was through?
  
  You can’t feel it for me, but I know it for you.
  
  　by Sue Corbin
  
  On this day, and every other day, I am going to commit to living my life for Jesus in such a way that others desire to hear the Good News of Jesus!
  
  All the glory to God,
  
  Shanon
  
  Chamber, Oswald. “My Utmost For His Highest.” June 10th devotional. Discovery House Updated Edition. Print. 1992.
  
  Image of The Grace of God Appeared by calvaryhelena.com
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  Posted in God at Work | 7 Comments | Tagged Christian blogging, Drawn to Jesus, Grace of God, Jesus, salvation
- Pick Up Your Cross
  
  Posted at 12:02 AM by Shanon Crenshaw, on December 10, 2018
  Good morning, friends!! Today was a great day in the house of the Lord, and I pray you are having an amazing Sunday. 🙂
  
  Today in church, Pastor Mike was continuing a sermon he began last week titled, “Follow the Star.” The three Kings, or Magi, were following the star because they knew it would lead them to Jesus Christ their Messiah.
  
  They were traveling on a journey of thousands of miles bringing gifts, worship, and joy to baby Jesus.
  
  Think about it, this journey was long, at least over a year, and the star continued to shine brightly and guided them to their Messiah!
  
  This star lead them to the Savior, in the same manner that the cross you bear daily will lead you to the Savior.
  
  I know that I combined a lot into that sentence, but when Pastor Mike said it this morning, it combined two things that God has placed on my heart this morning: Jesus’ birth and the cross we bear.
  
  ***
  
  Over the last week and a half, the Lord has been placing one scripture heavily on my heart and mind. In fact, several of my daily devotionals have spoken to me about it. The scripture is Luke 9:23 (NIV)
  
  Ok, God. Wow, this is a tough one. What does denying self mean, and how do I carry my cross daily?? The February 18th Experiencing God day-by-day devotional says this:
  
  Your “cross” is God’s will for you, regardless of the cost. Taking up your cross is a choice; it is not beyond your control. You may have health problems, a rebellious child, or financial pressures, but do not mistake these as your “cross to bear.” Neither the circumstances you face nor the consequences of your own actions are your cross.
  
  Your cross will be to voluntarily participate in Christ’s sufferings as He carries out His redemptive purposes (Phil. 3:10). Paul said he rejoiced in his sufferings because he knew that by them he was able to participate in the suffering required to bring others into Christian maturity (Col. 1:24).
  
  We tend to want to go immediately from “denying ourselves” to “following Jesus.” But you can never follow Jesus unless you have first taken up your cross. There are aspects of God’s redemptive work that can be accomplished only through suffering.
  
  Just as Christ had to suffer in order to bring salvation, there will be hardships you may have to endure in order for God to bring salvation to those around you. Jesus did not talk with His disciples about the cross until they had come to know He was the Christ (Matt. 16:21).
  
  You will never be able to endure the suffering of the cross unless you have first been convinced that Jesus is the Christ. Once you have settled your relationship with Christ, He will introduce you to your cross. There is no Christianity without a cross.
  
  If you are waiting for a relationship with God that never requires suffering or inconvenience, then you cannot use Christ as your model. God’s will for you involves a cross. First, take up your cross; then you can follow Him.
  
  ***
  
  Commitment to Christ means taking up your cross daily, giving up your hopes, dreams, possessions, and even your very life if need be for the cause of Christ. Only if you willingly take up your cross may you be called His disciple (Luke 14:27). The reward is worth the price. (Gotquestionsministries.org).
  
  If you wonder if you are ready to take up your cross, consider these questions:
  • Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing some of your closest friends?
  • Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means alienation from your family?
  • Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means the loss of your reputation?
  • Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your job?
  • Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your life?
  
  God’s will in my life will not look the same as yours, and if I am committed to following Him daily, it will always change according to His will. Right now, the Lord has me writing for Him, being a stay-at-home mom to my daughters and making a home for my family, volunteering my time helping in the church office, participating in bible studies, and seeking His will daily in developing my writing. I don’t know what my future holds, but God does, and I love the people He places in my life to love and minister to.
  
  God’s will may also be: becoming a missionary in a faraway land, accepting a job with half the pay to lead others to Christ, becoming a youth pastor and mentoring tomorrow’s generation, becoming a stay-at-home mom or dad and ministering to your children and their friends, working in the medical field and showing the love of Jesus to others in their weakest moments. The list goes on and on.
  
  God will use your strengths, weaknesses, hurts, pain, brokenness, and every other part He has created in you when you completely surrender to Him. Apostle Paul said it best when he explained that his message came from Christ and that he was chosen before he was even born in Galatians 1: 11-16:
  
  ¹¹I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. ¹²I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
  
  ¹³For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. ¹⁴I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. ¹⁵But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased ¹⁶to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles…”
  
  God did not waste any part of Paul–his background, his training, his citizenship, his mind, or even his weaknesses. Are you willing to let God do the same for you?
  
  You will never know all He can do with you until you allow Him to have all that you are: complete surrender!
  
  Remember, the cross you bear daily can lead you to Jesus, in fact, He wants you to cast all of your cares on Him, and He will sustain you. (Psalm 55:22).
  
  All the Glory to God!!
  
  Shanon
  
  Blackaby, Richard. Experiencing God Day By Day (Kindle Locations 897-899). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
  
  Image of Bethlehem Star-Magi by Messianic Bible
  
  Image of Deny Yourself by GrittyGrace.com
  
  Image of Pick Up Your Cross by lovedasif.com
  
  “What did Jesus mean when He said, “Take up your cross and follow Me”?. Got Questions ministries.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/take-up-your-cross.html
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  Posted in God at Work | 6 Comments | Tagged Christian blogger, God's will, Healing, Jesus, Take up your cross, The cross
- Restore Your Soul
  
  Posted at 5:43 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on December 3, 2018
  Good morning, happy Monday!! Don’t you just love cute animal and baby pictures?! Warms my heart every time. The pigeon-burrowing owls, above, never ceases to make me smile. Photographer Mario Gustavo Fiorucci won the 2016 Comedy Wildlife Photography Award for that picture and it is easy to see why. 🙂
  
  I’ve got to admit, the picture above completely portrays the way my schedule has been lately—a little sideways. Since Thanksgiving, the Crenshaw household has been a little more chaotic and off-schedule, BUT incredibly blessed.
  
  I don’t know about you, but when my schedule goes wacky for any reason, I feel “off.” Not stressed, necessarily, but not as peaceful.
  
  What I realized this morning is that the biggest thing that changed for me is that my scheduled rest and prayer time is not as often as my soul needs right now. I need quiet time, in my prayer closet, a few times a week to seek Jesus, be still, and pray whatever the Holy Spirit prompts.
  
  I believe this works best for me because I am naturally an introverted person. I “recharge” in my quiet and alone space. I need that rest time to quiet my thoughts, heart, and soul. My heart is more receptive to Jesus when I do this and I am a more peaceful, calm person to be around! 🙂
  
  What about you? What restores your soul? A friend of mine is the complete opposite of me. She recharges by loud, fun worship music along with a Holy Spirit-led conversation about Jesus. When Jesus is the center, it cannot be wrong, am I right?!
  
  I thank God that even when our days are sideways or a little off, when we seek Him with our whole heart—He will meet us right where we are!! Praise God!!
  
  All the glory to God!!
  
  Shanon
  
  Image of Jeremiah 29:13 by mostlysensible.com.
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  Posted in Reflections/Stillness | 6 Comments | Tagged heal, Jesus, love, Prayer, restore your soul, smile
- Torn Pages of Time
  
  Posted at 11:26 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on November 23, 2018
  My daughters and I
  
  For Christmas last year, my daughters gave me one of those page-a-day calendars. Each day has a beautiful picture and bible scripture on it. As I tore off yesterday’s scripture, I realized how few I have left for this year.
  
  That simple swipe of a page caused me to reflect for a moment on all of the many triumphs, disappointments, hardships, and blessings that occurred this year.
  
  Appropriately in line with my thoughts was today’s scripture, right out of Ecclesiastes 7:13-14. King Solomon wrote:
  
  “Consider what God has done:
  
  Who can straighten what he has made crooked?
  
  When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad consider:
  
  God has made one as well as the other.
  
  Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.”
  
  Remember that God is with you through all times; He will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6) I truly believe that He holds me by my right hand.
  
  When I have experienced my deepest and darkest times, I close my eyes and actually visualize Him seated right next to me, holding my hand. It brings me the most complete, nurturing love and comfort that only my Heavenly Father can provide. Try it, you will be blessed. 🙂
  
  “By recognizing that God is working in us through all situations, we can rejoice in success and prosperity and learn to trust God through failure and adversity” (Ecclesiastes 7: 8-14 commentary.)
  
  God holds my all days, as well as yours. Remember, God doesn’t change; only our situations do.
  
  During these times of thankfulness, take some time to thank God for His never-ending presence in your life. Times change, people change, relationships change but He is the one that we can always count on–His promises never change!
  
  Praise God!!
  
  All the glory to God,
  
  Shanon
  
  Image of Jesus Christ: The same yesterday, today, and forever” by http://www.preachit.org.
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  Posted in God at Work | 2 Comments | Tagged Christian blogging, Faith, God, God is at work, Jesus, love
- God’s Will: Washington Mountains
  
  Posted at 4:00 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on November 14, 2018
  Good morning! What a beautiful day! God’s glory is shining and brilliant here in the Pacific Northwest. Here is a picture of Mount Rainier that I see every day when I leave my neighborhood. I’m in awe of the beauty of His creation all the time, can you imagine the splendor and beauty of Heaven? I try, but the limitations of my earthly mind can’t even begin to comprehend it! 🙂
  
  God brought us out to Washington state, five years ago this Thanksgiving, because of my husband’s job. This state was never on our “radar” because neither one of us had ever been here. I am so thankful to God that He brought us here and none of it was our doing. In fact, in our worldly plans and vision, we were counting on a different move and promotion to Florida. I am so glad that God’s plans and will for my life are not my own.
  
  Eight years ago, my husband was working a full year straight towards a promotion and moving to the East Coast. Many special projects, meetings, and extra hours helped solidify his promotion to Regional Manager of Loss Prevention of the Florida/Georgia market for the company he works for. It was practically a done deal. I picked out the new city we would live in, where our daughters would attend school, and a “tentative” timeframe for our move. Yet, it wasn’t meant to be.
  
  My husband came home from work one Fall evening looking upset. Standing in our kitchen, he relayed the news to me that they had given the job to another Regional Manager. Apparently, his wife was suffering from cancer and would get better treatment in Florida. Also, they had family in that area. My husband was devastated, as though all of his “extra” work would be wasted. I hugged my husband, and spoke the following words, “I’m not ready to leave my doctor’s yet. I don’t know why.”
  
  Time moved forward, and the new year dawned, my 39th year on this planet. As many of you know, my mom died of cancer at this very age. I am very meticulous with taking care of myself and going to all of my yearly check-ups. This year was not any different, except my test results were not good.
  
  One of my doctors, because of my family history, did additional testing that she normally never would have. In fact, she told me that she was going to be using my situation and subsequent testing as a teaching example. I went through several procedures, medicines, and check-ups. At the last visit, she told me I was going to be okay and that I just needed check-ups every three months for the next couple of years. What she said next floored me, I had no idea the severity of my situation, but God did. She said this to me: “If I hadn’t done the additional testing, you may not have been here next year.”
  
  Immediately, my heart and mind went back to the first thought I had after my husband did not get his promotion, “I’m not ready to leave my doctor’s yet.” Wow! In this moment, I learned to trust God with any change He brings to my life. He knows my whole story, my husband’s story, and my kids’ story. I trust Him with everything.
  
  You see, after my mom died I lived in paralyzing fear that any illness I had was cancer and that I would die young like my mom. It got so bad that any affliction I had, had to be major and terminal. Through this situation and His Word, God revealed to me that He holds all of my days and will move mountains (or prevent a move) to keep me in the will He has for my life. This is why Psalm 139:16 is so close to my heart:
  
  “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.”
  
  He has my days, my anxiety of sickness, dying young, leaving my children at a young age, etc., all in the palm of His hand. I rest and trust in God’s provision, presence, and promises. I leave the outcome to God.
  
  Jesus Calling, November 19th says the following, “Leave outcomes to me. Follow me wherever I lead, without worrying about how it will all turn out. Think of your life as an adventure, with Me as your Guide and companion. Live in the now, concentrating on staying in step with Me. You already know the ultimate destination of your journey: your entrance into heaven. So keep your focus on the path just before you, leaving outcomes up to me” (Young, 338).
  
  God had better plans for my husband’s job. Two and a half years after he worked incredibly hard for a promotion that wasn’t meant to be, God blessed him with a better job in Washington State. He orchestrated every step that brought us out here. Has it been easy and non-stressful? No! Moving, changing jobs, uprooting children, finding a new church, doctor, etc. is not easy. However, God’s presence was (and is) in ALL of it, and there is no better place to be than in the center of God’s will. Amen?!!!
  
  I pray that whether you are in plentiful or want, sorrow or joy, you draw your strength from God and leave the outcome to Him. Nothing is wasted when you trust Him and allow His will to lead your life. After all, He knew all of your days before one came to pass. 🙂
  
  “Trust Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:8
  
  All the glory to God!!
  
  Shanon
  
  Young, Sarah. “Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence.” Thomas Nelson Publishing. Print. 2004.
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  Posted in Unexpected Suprises | 2 Comments | Tagged Christian blogger, Faith, God is Faithful, Jesus, Trust in God
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Shanon Crenshaw

God is first and foremost in my life. I LOVE: my husband Steve, daughters Suzanne and Savannah, my AMAZING family and friends, the majestic beauty of the Pacific Northwest, traveling and camping, a GREAT cup of coffee with my morning devotionals, and my Sumner Family Church family. :)

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