by Pastor Cecil | Aug 17, 2020 | Jude
Jude 1:17
“But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
How do you remember things? The answers vary, but they include thinking about them, writing them down, and repeating to yourself those things you do not want to forget, and entering them on a device that will notify you in advance so you will not forget.
About fifty years ago I spent a considerable amount of time faithfully memorizing the book of James. There came a day when I was able to recite the entire five chapters. For several months I would repeat the words that had become a part of my memory bank.
Sad to say, I began to allow other pursuits to occupy my time. They were good things and many of them were involved in ministry, but they disrupted my dedication to the memory work to which I had devoted myself. Today I can only recite very brief portions of the book of James.
There is a phrase in a popular song from the 1940’s —“But you forgot to remember.” On this day when we pause to honor the memory of those who gave so much for us, it should be a time of rededication for each of us. Let us step forward and determine that we will not forget to remember!
Blessings dear hearts! Walk with God today and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Aug 14, 2020 | Psalm
Psalm 107:29-30
“He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven.”
It seems that each of us is called upon to face storms in our life. It may be physical infirmity, financial reversals or the loss of a loved one. It is not the storm that matters, but how we react to the storm.
Back in 1873, Horatio Spafford and his family were scheduled to sail on the French steamer ‘Ville de Havre’ from New York to England where he was to assist the great evangelist, D.L. Moody. Because of a last minute business crisis Mr. Spafford sent his family on ahead and he would follow on a later ship.
Unfortunately the ship his family was on collided with another ship and sank. There was a terrible loss of life. Spafford and his wife lost their four daughters. Nine days later Horatio Spafford received a cable from his wife that simply said, “Saved alone.” What poignant words.
Later, as he was sailing to meet his wife, he asked the captain to let him know when they were near where the accident had occurred. It was there that he penned the words of this week’s hymn, “It Is Well with My Soul.”
It Is Well With My Soul
- When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Refrain: It is well (it is well),
with my soul (with my soul),
It is well, it is well with my soul.
- My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
Refrain: It is well (it is well),
with my soul (with my soul),
It is well, it is well with my soul.
- And Lord haste the day, when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Refrain: It is well (it is well),
with my soul (with my soul),
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Enjoy this week’s free inspiration video, “It Is Well With My Soul” from Gloryscapes.com by going to: https://gloryscapes.com/itiswellwithmysoul/
Blessings dear hearts! May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Aug 13, 2020 | Acts
Acts 7:59
“And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’”
Frequently I relate the final words of my grandfather as he was ushered into his eternal reward: “Well, there’s Jesus now!” What a way to go! Those words that were related to me by my father have been a constant reminder that each of us is just a heartbeat away from eternity.
Stephen was a righteous man who was faithful to the proclamation of Jesus as the promised Messiah. When confronted with false accusations and an angry mob, he stayed the course and used it as an opportunity to share the wonderful gospel of salvation by grace through saving faith, even unto his death.
We may or may not be called upon to sacrifice our life for the sake of the Gospel, but it is very likely that we will be presented with the opportunity to share our testimony in front of those who may be mocking, insulting, or even hostile.
If the time ever comes that we are called upon to sacrifice our life for our faith, I hope we will be like Stephen or Grandpa Thompson. Wouldn’t it be great to have our last view on this earth be the face of our Savior? That would truly be THE WAY TO GO!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Aug 12, 2020 | Isaiah
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
As we go through life we often encounter trials and tribulations. All too often we spend our time begging God to get us out of these situations, rather than asking Him to use the situations for our good and His glory.
One of my first memories as a child was being terrified of trains. I would hear the whistle of a steam locomotive and immediately scream with fear. I can vaguely recall my mom holding me close to her and trying to calm my panic.
Today’s Scripture is a verse that I memorized a few years later as a young boy. It has been a comfort to me across the years. I notice that we only need to do two things. Actually we are to refrain from doing two things. We are not to fear and we are not to be dismayed.
The assurance that God gives us is fivefold: 1. He is with us. 2. He is our God. 3. He will strengthen us. 4. He will help us. 5. He will uphold us with His righteous right hand. That is good enough for me. I will just do my part.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Aug 11, 2020 | Isaiah
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Back in the early 80’s I was involved in Christian counseling. A man came to me who was in a state of constant fear. His telephone calls or personal visits were ensconced in a panic of fear and dread. It was such an all-consuming trait that it drove people away from him, which only increased his fear and depression. As a result of working with this man I came to realize once again that fear and depression go hand in hand.
I attempted, with prayer and to the best of my ability, to guide this man to the Lord as the answer to life’s problems which so grievously attacked him. At times I thought he was making headway, but soon he was back to relying upon himself and his own abilities. It was back to “dismal city” all over again. Sometime after leaving that community I received word that he had taken his own life. The end of refusing to trust in God is not pleasant.
As we look at today’s verse, we see that as believers we are instructed to stay clear of two patterns of behavior: fear and depression. We have confidence because: FOR I AM WITH YOU! and I AM YOUR GOD!
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – Pastor Cecil
