Who Am I? by Lonnie Crowe

I marvel at entrepreneurship.  Yet, I am a cautious consumer.  One of the current and, apparently, successful marketing trends is DNA testing to discover one’s heritage, cultural identity, and ethnicity.

Several companies are seeking to entice us with discounted testing.  We all like a discount.

Remember, I am a cautious consumer.  I do not fault the marketeers.  In fact, as a capitalist myself, I applaud them.  However, it seems to me that we might be buying the emperor’s new clothes. 

I enjoy family history.  I have several accounts written by my ancestors.  Their lives intrigue me, but do not define me.  Neither can DNA testing define me.

Who am I?

Just like everyone else who has ever lived or will ever live, I am from the seed of Adam.  I got off the ark with Noah.  Everyone who has ever walked upon this planet or who ever will walk upon this planet is, at least, my distant cousin. 

I am an American, not just because my family has lived in this land for 400 years, but because I choose to live here.  I am not blind to the blunders and frailties of our history.  However, the foundation of our nation, the vision, of our forefathers fosters an idealism that we must continually strive to attain.

I am also a Christian.  I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died on the cross to pay the death price for my sin, that He rose again and will return to receive His own.  Therefore, I am joined in covenant with everyone who believes the same.  We may not worship the same, baptize the same, or structure our churches the same, but we are brothers and sisters in the Lord.

So, have your DNA tested.  No matter what you learn, just remember that you are part of my family on some level or levels.  I offer to you the right hand of fellowship.

Psalm 133

1.  Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!

 2.  It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments.

 3.  It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing Life forevermore.

The Esther Anointing by Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Purim celebrates the biblical heroine Esther.  This year, Purim begins at sunset on Wednesday, March 23 and ends at sunset on Thursday, March 24.  The word “purim” is a reference to the lots cast by Haman, the villain in the story, to determine the day on which the Jews were to be slaughtered.  If you are unfamiliar with the story, read the book of “Esther” in the Bible.

Remember, at that time, most of the Jews were held in captivity in Persia.  Esther, a Jewess whose Hebrew name is Hadassah, had married the king of Persia and become queen.  Haman is a representative of that demonic spirit which has sought throughout history to destroy the Jews. 

Hadassah (Esther), as queen, is in a position to save her people. She is hesitant because no one, not even his wife, could appear before the king without his permission.   

                                                                 

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

Remember that women in the Old Testament many times represent the Church. We are the bride of Christ.  We are the bride of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  We have come into His Kingdom for such a time as this.  The Church, in the anointing of Hadassah, is to be a hedge of protection for Israel.

In the heart of God, the Church has not replaced Israel.  In Genesis 17:7, God established an everlasting covenant with Abraham.  Everlasting is everlasting.  The covenant with Abraham still stands.  Christians have been grafted into that covenant.  (Romans 11).  Because of the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross, we are in blood covenant with Him and with Israel.  

I have been to Israel twice.  Each time the plane touched down at the airport in Tel Aviv, both the flight attendant and the captain assured us, “We are now in Israel.  Welcome home.”  That sense of being “home” was powerful.  While our nation has political ties to Israel, Christians have a spiritual tie.  Our roots are in Bethlehem, around the Sea of Galilee, along the streets of Jerusalem, and at the foot of Golgotha.  In Israel, we walk where Jesus walked and sense His presence.

After Daniel the prophet had prayed, an angel had to war against the demonic Prince of Persia before he could deliver the answer to Daniel’s prayer.  Haman was the personification of that spirit in Hadassah’s day.  The nation of Iran moves in that spirit today.

             Another demonic stronghold over that area of the world is the Hittite spirit.  The Hittites were an ancient empire that spread over much of the Middle East.  Translated, “Hittite” means “terrorist.”  Both the Prince of Persia and the Hittite spirit seek the destruction of Israel.  The battle is not political.  It is spiritual.   

Jesus said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 18:8 NKJV). Jesus has given that authority to us.  (Mark 13:34; Luke 10:19) We have authority in the heavenlies to stand against the power of Hell that seeks the destruction of Israel

           Hadassah and the Jewish people fasted in preparation for the battle.  God gave them the victory.   

         Paul admonished Christians to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 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.” (Ephesians 6:10-18 NKJV)

            Through standing on the promises of God and equipped in His armor, we, like Daniel and Hadassah, can stand for Israel.  We must stand, first of all, in prayer.  Psalm 122:6-9 encourages us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. 

         Let’s celebrate Purim by joining King David in prayer for the city of our soon and coming King:

Psalm 122:6-9 (NKJV) 
⁶  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you.
⁷  Peace be within your walls, Prosperity within your palaces."
⁸  For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will now say, "Peace be within you."
⁹  Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek your good.

            Today, the Church is the house of the Lord our God.  It is for our own good as well as the good of Israel to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. We are the Hadassah, the Esther, of our time. We were born for such a time as this. We were born to contend for the promises of God in our time.

A Joyful Attitude Adjustment by Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

God is calling for a radical change in the Church, a change that goes deeply into the roots of our being.  He is calling for that transformation that can come only from a renewing of our minds.  (Romans 12:2).  God is calling for an attitude adjustment.  In spite of what is happening around on the world stage, God is calling His church into joy and even greater joy.  Greater joy will be the sign that we have undergone the radical change, the transformation by the renewing of our minds that God is calling forth in our lives.  

What makes Christian joy different from the worldly joy?

Worldly joy is fleeting because it rests in satisfying earthly desires.  Christian joy rests in our relationship with God which must include a greater acceptance of His love.   Walking in the love of God brings radical change in our lives.  We move out of pessimism and into hope.  We see the grandeur of our God in His creation.  Our hearts overflow with thanksgiving and worship. We are encouraged, empowered and emboldened in our testimony  

              During the troubled times of rebuilding Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity, Nehemiah encouraged the workers:  "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our LORD. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10 NKJV).

  God is not desirous of a weak, sickly, fearful Bride.  We are strengthened by rejoicing but are weakened by fearful murmuring and complaining. Revelation 19:7 tells us the Bride must make herself ready for the coming of the Bridegroom.  That readiness means choosing to be joyful.

            Our joy is a testimony to the overcoming power of our God.  When asking for forgiveness for his grave sin, David sang unto the Lord: ^“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You” (Psalm 51:12-13 NKJV).  Both David’s joy and his witness came from a renewed relationship with God.
 

            We cannot deny that we live in troubled times in a fallen world.  Many of God’s people are experiencing personal afflictions as well.  The apostle James wrote: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4 NKJV).

            Personally, I am trusting in Romans 8:28 (NKJV). “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.” I am asking God for discernment to see and understand the goodness that  God is bring forth from present difficult circumstances.

            As we walk through the valleys of life, we must remember the words of Solomon in Proverbs: 

▪ Proverbs 15:13 (NKJV)
¹³  A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

▪ Proverbs 15:15 (NKJV)
¹⁵  All the days of the afflicted are evil, But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.

▪ Proverbs 17:22 (NKJV)
²²  A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.

Shout and Sing for Joy by Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Psalm 63:3-7 (NKJV): ”Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.
My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips. When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.”

Joy is not an emotion based on circumstance or situation.  Joy is a fruit of the Spirit.  Because I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior, the Holy Spirit indwells me.  Therefore, joy indwells me.  When I meditate on the Lord rather than on my circumstances, joy rises up from within my spirit, transcends the varieties of my life and lifts me beyond myself and into the spiritual realm where joy lives eternally.

The Lord taught me many years ago to overcome the spirit of depression with thanksgiving. If I felt discouraged, I determined to name ten specific things in my life for which I was thankful.  Whenever I reached 7 or 8 on my list, my spirit soared, praise dispelled discouragement, peace drove out anxiety, and hope sprang forth.

Marrow and fatness describe the anointing of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  The anointing is the power of the Lord working in and through His people.  It is the anointing that breaks the yoke of bondage (Isaiah 10:27) and sets us free to worship and rejoice in the plan of God for our lives, a plan to give each of us a future and a hope.

On those nights when sleep seems to elude us, the psalmist encourages us to meditate on our Redeemer rather than on the anxieties and frustrations that often beset us. God has been our help, is our help and will always be our help.  Deuteronomy 31:6 (NKJV) “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you."

The Lord has not promised that we will go through life without trial and tribulation.  He has promised, however, to walk by our side as we navigate those seas of distress and suffering.  Isaiah 43:1-2 (NKJV) “But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.” 

The rivers and the fire are those situations that try our faith and may even cause us to question our God.  Remember, nothing is too difficult for Him to bring us through.

Paul was in prison when he wrote to the Philippians exhorting them to ^“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).

Our God is greater than our pain and our anguish.

Isaiah 12:6 “… Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”

Dancing in the Rain by Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Someone posted the following on Facebook, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass.  It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” 

In the midst of the deepest storms of our lives, often the most comfort and peace arise from the joy that emerges in remembering the good times, the times of building relationships, of filling our arms and our hearts with new life, of recognizing the artistry of our Creator in the sunrise, the gathering clouds, and the changing of the seasons.  The rain of sorrow is lessened in the moments of sunshine that peep through.  In those moments, even though our hearts are breaking, our spirits dance in the rhythm with the joy of our Lord.

He is Lord in the valleys as well as on the mountain tops.  He dances with us in the slow, intimate waltz that comforts and heals.  It is in the “slow dance” that we fall in love.  It is in the “fast dance” that we celebrate that love. 

We are the Bride of Christ.  In our dance with him, the Bridegroom leads and we, the Bride, must learn to follow His every movement.   As we dance, our intimacy grows and our broken hearts find His healing and His joy.  In His joy, we find our strength to continue. (Nehemiah 8:10)

The Bible speaks much about dancing in celebration of our Lord:  Psalm 149:2-3 (NKJV)

“²  Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. ³  Let them praise His name with the dance; Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp.”

Psalm 150:4 (NKJV):  “⁴  Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!”

Because of the vicissitudes of life, we experience all the times Solomon beautifully described in Ecclesiastes 3.  When we allow Him to, God brings us through those seasons of life.  While we experience seasons of weeping, we are to experience also seasons of laughter.  When we follow our Lord in the dance, a time of mourning will lead into times of dancing, both the dance of intimacy and the dance of celebration.

From my play Dancing in the Cosmos:

“CHORUS ONE: Truth Seeker took the hand of Eternal Hope and moved with Him to the music of the worshipers.  The sensation in her heart found fulfillment in the dance of her Beloved. She moved with Him across the valleys and above the mountain tops. 

CHORUS TWO:  The music became the music of the galaxies.  The stars sang with them as they danced within the Milky Way, out beyond the evening star, beyond the Pleiades and the might hunter, Orion.

TRUTH SEEKER:    Eternal Hope, are there pathways and journeys beyond this one? Will there be other rivers to cross? Others to whom I will be vessel of Your love?  Will there be other dances?

ETERNAL HOPE:  Yes, My seeker of truth, there will be other journeys and other rivers.  Each one you overcome will bring you higher and deeper into Me.  Your destiny, and the destiny of all others, is to climb higher and higher, to cross over and over, to find greater and greater Joy, to come to know Me even as I know you.

TRUTH SEEKER:    How many journeys?  How many conquests?  For how long?

ETERNAL HOPE:  As many as will fit into eternity.  Are you willing still to journey with Me?”

We receive comfort and healing in the knowledge that as the storm continues, so does the dance. In spite of our tears, we can choose to dance in the rain.

Learning in the Journey by Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

As I write this, I am again sitting in my husband's hospital room waiting for the doctor to show us the next step in our journey.  I have been reflecting on what the Lord has spoken to me during the past five months and the trials along the way.

I have sensed the Lord telling me that my husband will be healed.  We want healing to be instantaneous, but that hasn't happened.  Mike underwent a Whipple Procedure that requires a lengthy recovery.  Mike is 77.  His age is not in his favor.  Even though the recovery has been difficult and is not over, the doctors are amazed at how well he is doing.  When I see him struggling, the word of the Lord and the confirmation of the doctors have kept me walking in faith.

I slowed my activities for three months after the Whipple.  As the New Year rolled around, I was hesitant to return to my normal activities. I felt I should wait until we received the report from a scheduled CT scan. I sensed the prompting of the Holy Spirit to step forward. As soon as I agreed with God, invitations to speak and serve came forth. Furthermore, the results of the CT were excellent.

This week we have met another complication.  When it is corrected on Fridayday, Mike's recovery should be expedited.

I have learned to be still and let God be God. I have witnessed the concern, compassion and expertise of the medical community from valet parking through one of the best surgical staffs in the nation. We have literally been served by hundreds in Torrington, Wyoming, Greeley, Colorado and Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

Our family and friends have rallied around us.
Our sons and their families have sacrificed time, talent and tears for us.

As our journey continues, we are evermore aware of our blessings. It is what we learn during the journey that most enriches our lives.

To Apologize or Not to Apologize by Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

When it comes to apologies, we live in a confused and often confusing world.  We are puzzled about when to apologize, when not to apologize and how to apologize.  Scripture instructs us on the importance of the reconciliation that can stem from an apology:  Matthew 5:23-24 (NKJV):  “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” 

When it is necessary, we must apologize.  However:

When, after a feverish day of work, it is not necessary for a shop owner to apologize for locking the doors  in order to relax, to rest and to recuperate.  The gesture seems polite, but lacks sincerity.  I love those notices that instead of offering an apology simply say, “Closed.” 

I enjoy my supermarket that offers no apology.  Instead the posted notice says, “We will be closed so that our employees can enjoy the holidays.”

When a local fast-food store apologized for no longer accepting checks, I told the manager, “You don’t have to apologize for having the wisdom to protect your business from check fraud.”

Also, we do not need to apologize for things over which we have no control.  One thing over which we have no control is the behavior of others.  If my child acts out in school, it doesn’t help if I tell the teacher that I am sorry of the child’s behavior.  It is much more helpful to work with the teacher in guiding the child into wiser choices.  One step in that guidance is for the child to understand that he or she is responsible for the behavior and needs to apologize.

Early in my teaching career, during the turbulent times in the 1970’s, students in the high school where I taught held a rather innocuous sit-in during the lunch hour and missed the first class of the afternoon.  The principal administered an appropriate reprimand and punishment.  I don’t know how other parents handled the situation, but one mother understood the importance of apology.  She came with her daughter after school, visited each of the daughter’s teachers and the school administrators, and stood in the back of the room while her daughter apologized to each of us for the disruption and promised not to become involved again. 

Furthermore, I cannot apologize for the intolerable beliefs and behaviors of my ancestors.  I am not responsible for their actions.  My responsibility lies in not embracing those objectionable attitudes and actions.

We do need to apologize when we have behaved unwisely.  But a flippant “I’m sorry” is not an apology.  In addition, we should follow the advice of Benjamin Franklin who said, “Never ruin an apology with an excuse.”  In fact, an apology accompanied by an excuse is not an apology.  It is poor behavior looking for an opportunity to reoccur.  Neither the devil, circumstances nor other people cause our bad behavior.

An apology requires that we take ownership, understand that we have erred and, as much as is possible, make restitution.  

A sincere apology will include repentance.  Repentance requires a change in our thinking.  Romans 12:2 (NKJV): “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

When we realize that our unwise attitudes, words and behaviors are hurtful and offensive, we must shift gears, offer no excuses and make an effort to change.

Romans 12:18 (NKJV):  “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” However, I do not need to give up Christian principles and truth nor apologize for them in order to keep the peace.

Walking in the Kingdom by Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Luke 17:20-21 (NKJV) 
²⁰  Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation;
²¹  nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you."

The Kingdom, so often referred to in the teachings of Jesus, is neither the future Millennial Kingdom nor eternity.  It is the ruling presence of God within the heart of every believer.  While the Holy Spirit indwells each believer, we walk in the Kingdom to the extent that we follow the rule of the Holy Spirit Who is our Guide, our Teacher and our Comforter.

While many deny the free will of believers, that free will was established in the beginning.  The Lord spoke through the prophet Jeremiah admonishing believers in his day, and in our own, to return to those paths the Lord had established.

Jeremiah 6:16a (NKJV): “¹⁶Thus says the LORD: "Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls.”

Where do we find those ancient paths?  In the beginning when God created the heaven and the earth.

Genesis 2:8-9 (NKJV):  “⁸ The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. ⁹ And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”

“Knowledge of good and evil” can be translated as “determination or declaration of good and evil.” Eating of that tree is a metaphor for mankind, with our limited knowledge, determining what is good and what is evil.  It is an “if it feels good, do it” philosophy.  It places man above God and eventually sees man as god. It is the foundation of all paganism and worldly philosophies such as humanism and existentialism.

Culturally, the two trees in the Garden are manifested in the Biblical path and the worldly path.The Biblical path is one of blessing and hope. It is the Kingdom of God. The worldly mindset is one of cursing and despair. One wit described worldly philosophy as “life is one damned thing after another, and then you die.”  

That “doomsday” mindset is seen in many Christians.  One day I visited with another pastor who said, “If the Lord doesn’t return soon, it will be too late.” TOO LATE FOR WHAT?

Walking in the Kingdom requires that we believe in the promises of God, rest in His assurances and occupy until He comes.  We are comforted when we know our God is an overcomer.  John 16:33 (NKJV)“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."

Martha thought the Lord was too late when He approached the grave of Lazarus, but He was right on time. 

We can either walk in the kingdom by resting in the promises of God or fret ourselves with despair.  Those are the choices represented by the two trees in Eden  Remember Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV): ^“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”

Paul eloquently outlined the “old paths”, the Kingdom, when he wrote to the church at Thessalonica: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 (NKJV) “⁹ But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; ¹⁰  and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; ¹¹ that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, ¹² that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.” 

In the Kingdom, “He walks with me and talks with me and tells me I am His own. And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.” (Charles A. Miles)

Walking in Newness by Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

While we are always cognizant of the new year, we are not so often aware of our own newness in Jesus Christ.  Our God is the Father of new beginnings:  Passover begins a new spiritual year.  Rosh Hashanah marks the new civil year.  Hanukkah is a time of rededication.

The prophet Jeremiah declared in Lamentations 3:22-23 (NKJV): “Through the LORD'S mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”

In the Lord, each day, each moment is a chance for a new beginning and an abundant life.  John 10:10 (NKJV) “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”  Being reborn by accepting Jesus as both our Savior and our Lord, we have access to life abundantly.  It is never too late to step into that abundant new life.

In our born-again experience, we actually become new creations. Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Each day we can walk in that newness.  Romans 6:3-4 (NKJV) “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

Paul gave both the Galatians and the entire Church advice in walking in newness. Galatians 5:16-17 (NKJV):  “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.”

In Romans 8:14-15 we learn that when we walk according to the Holy Spirit, we become sons of God.  ^“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”

“Abba” is the Hebrew word for “Papa.”   The word embraces more that a legal relationship.  Abba connotes an emotional and spiritual tie.  A few years ago, I was sitting in the lobby of a hotel in Jerusalem.  A group of orthodox Jewish men were mingling in the lobby as well.  They were dressed in the traditional garb of black suits, white shirts, and black hats.  A small boy of 3 or 4 was dressed similarly. 

Suddenly he broke from the group, ran toward a young man who had just come through the door.  He called “Abba, Abba, Abba” as he threw himself in the arms of his father.  His abba picked him up, held him close and kissed him all over his face while the little one giggled with delight.

That is the Abba relationship.  It is the relationship that God wants with each of us.  That relationship brings newness of life.

Romans 8:16-17 continues:  “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” 

Paul confirms what David wrote:  Psalm 16:5-6 (NKJV): “O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance.”

As a new creation, I am a child of God and I have a good inheritance in Him.  That inheritance is manifested in the fruit of the Spirit:  “Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV):  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”  

Love is foundational to all the other gifts and nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.  Romans 8:37-39 (NKJV):  “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

When we digest the truth of our newness, when we abide in an Abba relationship with our God, when we know that we are loved unconditionally by the One Who is Love, no matter the circumstances in our lives, we will have a joyous new year.

Everything God touches becomes new.  Let’s allow Abba to touch our lives even more deeply in this new year.  

May this new year find your heart  filled to overflowing with the Abba love that our God desires to shower upon us. 

May the ashes of the past be changed to beauty.  May your years of mourning be exchanged for the oil of joy.  May your spirit of heaviness be replaced with a garment of praise.  May you be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. 

(Isaiah 61:3)