THE HEAVENS DECLARE

If you happen to be outside at around 10:15 tonight, you can look nearly straight up and see a horseshoe shaped constellation called Corona. No, it’s not a giant bottle of Mexican beer in the heavens; Corona represents a crown.

I have spent many years of my life stretching my neck back as I gawked through the midnight sky at what shines from above. For a guy who loves to map out things, gazing at the stars is a perfect lifetime hobby. But for me, being a Jesus freak and a bible thumper, I can’t help but see the hand of God Himself as He shows off one more time and tells His amazing stories.

A TALE OF FIVE CROWNS
A crown represents dominion, reward and honor. God promises each one of us a crown; in fact, He promises us five different kinds of crowns. If you will allow me to be a teacher in this column, I want to show them to you.

There is the incorruptible crown: 1 Cor. 9:24,25. This crown is given to believers who faithfully run the race. Run whatever race that God has set out for you, and be the best you can be for God. You’ve got to know He sees you, and even though what you are going through is only temporary, your reward is not!

Then there is the crown of life: James 1:12. For those believers who endure trials, tribulations, and severe suffering, even unto death. Rev. 2:8-11. This crown is also referred to as the martyr's crown. You need to know God hates suffering and rewards people who stick with him even when it doesn't feel good to do so.

There is also the crown of righteousness: 2 Tim. 4:8. When God honors you and puts this crown on your head, He is saying there is nothing wrong between you and me. The Brewer is a big fan of this one.

There is also the crown of glory: 1 Pet. 5:1-4 and the crown of rejoicing: 1 Thess. 2:19, 20. & Dan 12:3. Both of these bad boys are connected to ministry and our willingness to advance the Kingdom and the King’s agenda.

A CULTURE OF HONOR
All of heaven has an amazing culture of honor. God gives us crowns, and we get to throw them back at His feet. He makes us powerful, and we get to sing songs that say “All Power belongs to you.” It’s just really cool!

One of the ways we bring Heaven to this Earth is that we become honorable people who honor the people next to us. We should make a big deal out of other people’s sacrifices. We should bless other people and recognize how they triumphed in the midst of suffering.

There is a crown in the heavens tonight. The Texas night sky will be lit up with all kinds of God stories this evening, and one of them is the promise of a crown. I double dog dare you to go outside, take a look up and give a big smile back to the One who is smiling on you. Even the bible says to look up be watchful because your redemption gets closer every day.

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
Psalms 19:1-3

You can reach the brewer at www.opendoorministries.org or at www.troybrewer.com