Hello There,

Point six in his paper to define Methodism by John Wesley is, "Methodists are 
happy people". Called, "singing saints" and many other terms more derisive, 
the religious fervor of this movement in the 1700's stood in bold difference 
to the rather drab garb 
that marked the Puritans and Anglicans. "Rejoice, evermore", was proclaimed 
on two continents by the Wesley brothers, both of whom were hymn writers. 
John called Charles the "heart" of their movement, while rejecting some of 
his writing as "sentimental" doggerel (Jesus Lover of my Soul). The 
preferred music was built on a grand theme and used the tool of repetition. 
The song I cite today is very likely in the section on Resurrection and 
Ascension in your hymnal. Sense the majestic joy.

Rejoice, the Lord is King!

REJOICE, THE LORD IS KING: YOUR LORD AND KING ADORE!
REJOICE, GIVE THANKS, AND SING, AND TRIUMPH EVERMORE:
LIFT UP YOUR HEART, LIFT UP YOUR VOICE! REJOICE, AGAIN I SAY, 
REJOICE!

JESUS, THE SAVIOUR REIGNS, THE GOD OF TRUTH AND LOVE;
WHEN HE HAD PURGED OUR STAINS, HE TOOK HIS SEAT ABOVE:
LIFT UP YOUR HEART, LIFT UP YOUR VOICE! REJOICE, AGAIN I SAY, 
REJOICE!

HIS KINGDOM CANNOT FAIL, HE RULES O'ER EARTH AND HEAV'N;
THE KEYS OF DEATH AND HELL ARE TO OUR JESUS GIV'N
LIFT UP YOUR HEART, LIFT UP YOUR VOICE! REJOICE, AGAIN I SAY, 
REJOICE!

REJOICE, IN GLORIOUS HOPE! OUR LORD THE JUDGE SHALL COME,
AND TAKE HIS SERVANTS UP TO THEIR ETERNAL HOME.
LIFT UP YOUR HEART, LIFT UP YOUR VOICE! REJOICE, AGAIN I SAY, 
REJOICE! 

Again, I am astounded at the response to this short section of music. One 
from a Methodist pastor who recalls with fondness the choruses of his 
Pentecostal youth. Another was a note of appreciation for a pastor of their 
early life who had some song sessions in which they used a "chain" of 
choruses. 

"But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God 
is well pleased" Hebrews 13:16 needs to be in our mind and heart as we 
discuss our journey. "Communicate" in New Testament usage means to actually 
share in fruits of ministry. 
Today we travel with Joseph and Dolores Franz of Harrisburg, PA. These folks 
are probably past peak years to go; but they keep lines open to "communicate" 
to over 1,000 missionaries each month. God keeps accurate records of a 
"fair share". 

DARK, IOWA EVENINGS-In winter often found me with my mother at the kitchen 
table. We were studying words. Her goal- her son would win the Polk County 
spelling bee for students through grade eight. He did as a twelve year old 
seventh grader. We studied spelling, usage and derivation. The value of each 
letter was emphasized. Did you know that an entymologist studied insects. 
Who among us has not heard of the the brash young preacher who wished to 
impress by "The Joy of Immortality",and forgot a "t" when he printed the 
bulletin. My word for today is "perspicacity". Isn't that shrewd?

A GOOD COMPARISON-The current Christianity Today magazine draws a good 
picture as it compares Bruce Wilkinson's book to Charles Spurgeon's sermon on 
the prayer of Jabez. 

49 YEARS-Jeanene and I are creeping up on a Golden anniversary. 08/29/2003

THEY FOUND ME-I had been trying to locate Roger and Becky Olson for quite a 
while.
I learned that he is on the faculty of George W. Truett Seminary at Baylor 
University in Waco, TX. about a hundred miles up I-35. Further attempts to 
reach him had stalled.

I had an e-mail on Tuesday wanting to know if they had found "our Brother 
Krantz". A search had led he and Becky to my website and they were 
confirming the discovery. I am delighted to have Dr. Roger and Becky Olson 
join our journey. Roger finished his postgraduate work at Rice in Houston. 
I will keep you informed.

I am moved to say that these electronic abilities all appear quite miraculous 
to me. I am not trying to hide from anybody. If I were, I would be nervous.

SUNDAY MORNING UPDATE-Roger and Becky Olson visited us yesterday. We had a 
wonderful visit. I had not seen them for twenty years (in the lobby of a 
hotel at a convention), so we had too much to "catch up" on for one long 
afternoon. So much that we are planning the next time to get together.

WHILE I AM HERE-I will "cover" an oversight. Blaine and Christine Bowman 
(Them Bowmans link from website) have recently celebrated their 25th 
anniversary. Theirs is a ministry of preaching and teaching plus good music 
when joined by their teenage children, Tiffany and Luke. After staying on 
the road by using a 250 pickup for several months, they are stepping out in 
faith to obtain a suitable bus. Want to minister through them? Blaine 
Bowman, P.O. Box 88 in Lebanon, OH 45036.

WHEN YOU PRAY-I have invoked James 5:16 "The effectual, fervent prayer of a 
righteous man availeth much". The word "effectual" has to do with energy 
that I see as generated by the person praying based on their knowledge of 
facts. Some translations do no damage as they read "the supplication of a 
righteous man availeth much in its working".

ADDING TO THE LIST-As I add new addresses to this list weekly, let me update. 
The thoughts expressed are those that invade my mind. For many years, I 
wrote every word that was printed by the church that I served. A little over 
two years ago, I began this letter and rather treated each reader as part of 
my "flock". The acceptance and expansion of this effort is gratifying. To 
let you sense the expanse, I have asked readers to submit a very brief 
biograpy that lets us all learn two facts: 1. The locale where you get this 
mail, and 2. How you feel that you are using the gift(s) God has entrusted to 
you for the benefit of those who journey with you. I await your bio.

I AM EITHER BRAVE-Or foolish when I opt to speak about Hebrews passages. 
12:25-28 is so somber in tone, that I quaver as I read. Somehow, I see this 
pertaining to the 2002 believer and Iraq. Allow me a paraphrase-a 
Krantzlation. "Don't give up on what you believe. Ever since Mt Sinai, 
human tendency is to take God's doing much too lightly. It seems to be a 
principle that God shakes things all up just to remove what can be shaken 
loose. Keep looking forward to the kingdom that is coming. Take the special 
grace of today and keep on keeping on". That is difficult! Criticize me 
only after trying.

Remember these things; 1. I do not see The United States specifically in 
prophecy. 2. I see Iraq as Babylon rebuilt as in Revelation 17 and 18. 3. 
There will have to be many rumblings and shakings to move men and nations. 
Matthew 24:6 tells us that "wars and rumours of wars" "must" occur. 4. For 
nearly two thousand years, believers have been praying, "Thy kingdom come". 
PERHAPS TODAY! 

His,
Ron Krantz