Jesse Crooks Ministries, Inc
Newsletter
December 2009
Volume 12  Issue 4

The Shepherds
(Luke 2:8-18)

Shepherds were religious out-cast. Because their job kept them in the fields twenty-four seven, they were unable to attend any of the temple worship services. They were considered rugged low lifes. Have you ever wonder why the angels appeared to the shepherds? I believe there are at least three reasons:

 

1.They were receptive

King Herod was not receptive to the message about another King, who he thought may take his place. Royalty would have tried to explain it away as a bad dream, or some kind of strange phenomenon in the skies. (1Corn 1:20 ff)

Not many of our leaders today seem receptive to the message of this God-Child born in a manger. The pseudo intellectuals are still trying explain away the fact that Jesus was born in a stable, lived on earth, died, rose from the grave and lives today.
  
2. They were responsive. (V15b)

It’s not enough to be receptive of the message, we need to go and see “The Christ” for ourselves. These shepherds went and experienced a personal encounter with Jesus. Many in our day are receptive. They believe but have not received. They have never come to see for themselves.

A lot people believe the message, but they have never had a personal experienced with Jesus. It’s not enough to just believe. We must experience the miracle of Christmas personal. Have you responded?

 

3. They were excited. (v.17&18)

The Bible says. “And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child.” These lowly shepherds became the first preachers of the Gospel. Someone has said, “It is those who need and have found a Savior who are best adapted to proclaim Him to others.”

One of the problems with the Church today is that we have lost our excitement about what has happened to us. We have got caught up in the hustle and bustle and missed ‘the reason for the season’. It’s time that we get excited about our experience with the Christ of Bethlehem’s manger. Even if you are one who has trouble giving a public witness, write a note to a friend and tell them what you have experienced. Get excited about what we have heard and seen.

 

Jesse

 

*Outline stolen from my pastor, Rev. Jimmy Kiker

 

 

Family News
Not a lot has changed with the family since our last newsletter. Jeff called Thanksgiving Day from Boulder, Colorado. He says he is doing well and plans to make his home there. In my opinion he still desperately needs your prayers. Julian is now a manager with Sprint and Gina will return to work November 30th at Accordance healthcare in Greensboro. She recently underwent surgery and was out for about six weeks. She was blessed with sick pay while she was out. Jaye and Dan are still at Furnitureland South.

 

Ceana’s red hair is more beautiful than ever. Good or bad, Ceana never meets a stranger. She talks ninety miles a minute to everyone. We dread it when Dan’s mother comes to stay a week and she is away from us. Lauryn has become a mama’s girl and doesn’t come as regular as usual. 

 

Julie still loves horses. She told me that she was going to pretend that my Beaver dog was a horse so she could practice caring for horses. He is big enough. Katie is her last year of middle school and will be a freshman in high school next year. She enjoys singing in church and is getting involved in the youth group. My how time flies! Hillary is junior now and is still cheer leading for Trinity High School. She had her first accident a couple of weeks ago. She totaled her car but was not hurt, thank the lord! They found her a car today. It is a mid size Dodge Stratus. She is very happy.

 

Linda and I remain in good health considering our age. She still manages her diabetes with diet and exercise. She gets plenty of exercise just keeping up with the Grandkids. My doctor repeatedly tells me “you are in good shape for the shape you are in”. Before you receive this newsletter I will have a hernia repair done at the High Point Surgery Center. No big deal!

 

Revivals have been scarce this year because of the economy and the fact that churches are simply not having revivals like they use to. The two we had were good ones. See what others are saying in this newsletter. We have managed to stay busy with Sunday speaking engagements and ministering to pastors and such.

 

Jesse & Linda

 

 

Special Note To pastors:
Ideally you should have 2010 planned by now, but many of you are procrastinators like me. If you have not yet completed your next year’s schedule, please prayerfully consider how our ministry can help you accomplish your goals. Some say that revivals are a thing of the past but revivals still work. Jesse

Pray for our leaders on all levels, local, state, and national.  Pray especially for the critical situation in the Middle East.  It affects all of us.

 

Pray for me and Linda as we strive to be good ambassadors for Him. Pray for our whole team and our directors.

 

Pray for your friends and neighbors who do not know Jesus.  Ask the Lord to give you the courage and boldness to be a faithful witness.

 

Pray for all our churches. The devil has launched an all out attack against churches and Christians.

 

Pray for all those who are unemployed and suffering during this economic downturn. What a wonderful time to share the love and hope we have in Jesus.

 

Pray earnestly for Congress as they debate the National Health Care. This could be detrimental to us old folks.

 

Revivals: -----------------2

Sermons Preached: --- 34

Children’s Church: -----1

Approx. mileage: -----4,587 

Please join us in prayer that God will fill our schedule by opening doors He wants us to walk through.
                   
Be a part of our financial team and help us minister to smaller churches.
All gifts are tax deductible.

 

Please Mail gifts to: 
Jesse Crooks Ministries
P.O. Box 2445
Thomasville, NC  27361

 

 

Happy Holidays!   ?   Do What?

Ever tried to buy a Holiday Tree at Valentines or the 4th of July? 

Holiday Trees are available at Christmas!
Christmas is about the love of a Father that cared so much for all of his children, his Children everywhere, that he sent a Savior.

Are you hungry for real holiday magic?
In my opinion, there is nothing more magical than spending time alone with The Prince of Peace - the one who was sent to bridge the differences, heal the rifts and deliver the promise.
During this season of introspection, I long for finding my way to that land of milk and honey. Yet in recent years, I’ve awoken to the realization that no matter how hard I try, I can’t do it on my own. I need help. I need a SAVIOR! I need a Prince of Peace!
That is what Christmas is all about, celebrating the Birth of the Savior.
It is far too easy to get caught up in the superfluous and lose sight of the real importance of Christmas. To race with insanity through the seasonal decathlon from party to party, store-to-store, obligation to obligation…when all we really need to do is BE STILL and SAVOR HIM! I hope that you and yours take the time to dine on the unequalled and delicious divinity of this season and that the heavenly taste will linger on your taste buds throughout the New Year! Merry Christmas!

Copied from “A Christmas Story”, written by Kathi Dameron

Grady Workman, Director

Jesse's ability to capture the attention of the congregation is proof of the anointing power of God.  His use of humor to illustrate a point is truly a divine gift.  His warmth and friendliness from the pulpit gave our church the feeling we had known him all of our lives and the messages he delivered were right on the mark for what our church needed to hear.  I cannot wait until he comes back to Center Grove.

 

In His Service,
Rev. Doug Howell
Center Grove Baptist Church
Granite Falls, NC

 

 

 

WOW! What a wonderful "mini" revival we had at our church last week with Jesse Crooks!  I found myself so intent on hearing his every word, that after awhile...I didn't see Jesse....just heard God speaking through a devoted servant of His!  Right in the middle of one of his sermons, all I could thinks was, "I love this man"!
What I perceived as physical hindrances, were quickly erased by Jesse's display of love for our church's spiritual welfare as well as his love for our Savior, Jesus Christ!  I can truly say... SHAME ON ME WHEN I WHINE!  Invite Jesse into your church fellowship...you will not be sorry!!!
 
Linda Lee,
Riverside Baptist Church,
Graham, N.C.

 

I honestly don’t know where to begin in relating to you the impact that you had on the members of Riverside Baptist Church on your recent visit.  You came in as a stranger, captured their hearts after the first night, and left an incredible impression upon our folks.  You made us laugh, brought us to tears, and challenged us beyond anything I ever expected.  God has uniquely gifted you and is using you in a remarkable way to challenge the hearts of His people to revival.
 If I may share one closing word of encouragement with you, I have had no one come to me and say, “I couldn’t understand Jesse”, but I have had many come to me and ask, “When can we have him back?”  God bless you my friend and keep your eyes on Jesus, He has a remarkable work for you to do.

 

Sincerely,
Bob Stephenson, Pastor
Riverside Baptist Church
Graham, NC

 

Just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed having Jesse Crooks with us for the weekend.  He was such a blessing and inspiration.   I found his courage, faith and wit to be very inspiring and encouraging.  We would enjoy having him back.  Ken also shares my feelings.

 

Glenda & Ken Carden
Riverside Baptist Church

 

 

 

Brother Jesse was at our Church, (Riverside Baptist, Graham, N. C.), for a week-end revival in November, 2009. I am a retired Southern Baptist pastor having served the Mt. Zion Baptist Church for thirty years. I can truly say that I have never met anyone more dedicated to the Living Word of God then Brother Jesse. He not only preaches the Word with love and compassion for lost souls, and the revival of Christians, he also lives The Word.  Jesse talks the Talk and walks the Walk with God. I have not been in such a Spirit filled revival in a long time. Jesse and Linda were such a blessing and inspiration to our fellowship.  Many lives were rededicated to God's service during our meetings including mine. I thank God for sending Jesse and his loving help mate, Linda, our way. It is so easy to fall in love with these two children of God. They both are filled with humility and humor.
By the way did I mention that Jesse is physically handicapped, just don't tell Jesse, he doesn't know it yet. Brother Jesse has had a hard battle all of his life, but he says the same thing David said before his battle with the giant, "the battle is not mine Lord, but it is yours."  That is how Jesse has lived his life and served God so well.
 
Joe R. Hicks
Retired Pastor
Graham, N. C.