by Pastor Cecil | Oct 30, 2020 | Luke
Luke 15:20
“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.”
In the parable of the Prodigal Son the wayward son returned to the home of his father. He did not expect to be received as a son, but was in hopes that he could be employed as a servant.
We know the story of how the father was lovingly anticipating the return of his son. He loved the wayward youth and eagerly met him with love and extravagance. It was not because the boy deserved it, but because he needed. The father was eager to give it to this son who had returned.
Clara Fiske Scott lived from 1841 to 1897 and tragically died after being thrown from a buggy being pulled by a runaway horse. She was a prolific hymn writer, but only this week’s featured hymn is still in circulation. Think of her hymn as it relates to a wayward son who has come home.
Open My Eyes
Open my eyes, that I may see, glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key, that shall unclasp and set me free.
Refrain: Silently now I wait for Thee, ready my God, Thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine.
Open my ears, that I may hear, voices of truth Thou sendest clear;
And while the wave notes fall on my ear, everything false will disappear.
Refrain: Silently now I wait for Thee, ready my God, Thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine.
Open my mouth, and let me bear, gladly the warm truth everywhere;
Open my heart and let me prepare, love with Thy children thus to share.
Refrain: Silently now I wait for Thee, ready my God, Thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine.
May the words of this hymn become our constant prayer. In the moments when the cares of this world tend to blind us to the mighty power of God unto salvation may our eyes see the open arms of the Savior waiting to receive us home.
To access; Open My Eyes, this week’s inspirational video from GloryScapes, please go to: https://gloryscapes.com/openmyeyes/
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 29, 2020 | Psalm
Psalm 139:23-24
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
During my service as a police officer I sometimes needed to search a subject to see if they had a concealed weapon or some type of contraband. When asked if they had such items it was common for the suspect to respond, “Search me!”
In our home, when an item was mysteriously broken Joyce or I would ask who was guilty of breaking it. All too often we heard, “Search me?” I am sure that none of you had that experience with your kids. Right!!
Today’s Scripture is a heart-felt plea from the Psalmist David for the Lord to dig deep into his heart and expose the thoughts and intents that were hidden deep. It was David’s desire to discover his inner motivations so he could live his life in such a way that would be pleasing to God.
What is your personal motivation? Are you willing for the Lord to show you what is hidden deep within? Are there desires and motivations that are not pleasing to the Lord and prevent you from living a life of victory? Just be open and ask the Lord to search and show you your deepest need.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 28, 2020 | Proverbs
Proverbs 29:25
“The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.”
Joyce and I used to enjoy watching a cooking show called “Cooks Country.” The program’s intro was a particular favorite part. It was a scene of a tiny Vermont village where church chimes pealed out the tune to “Safe Am I.”
As I recall, the lyrics were something like this: Safe am I in the hollow of His hands. No foe can harm me, no fear alarm me, for He keeps both day and night. Those may not be the precise words, but I think they are pretty close.
There have been times in my life when I felt threatened. There was one moment when a car was careening toward my car and it could have been a fatal accident. Suddenly the other car swerved back into its own lane ending the threat.
I know that if the impact had occurred and my life would have ended, eternity with the Lord would have begun. It gives me wonderful assurance to know that whether I live or die, I am kept safely in the hollow of His hands.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 27, 2020 | Ecclesiastes
Ecclesiastes 8:5
“He who keeps his command will experience nothing harmful;
And a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment.”
There is a constant complaint that certain employment positions require prior experience … but without the job it is impossible to gain experience. It seems to be a no-win problem.
Following after the Lord allows everyone, from a small child to a brilliant scholar, to experience the Lord’s blessings. Jesus even called people to come to Him as a little child: “Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:4.
In a world that places such unreasonable constraints on people to be conformed to pre-conceived expectations, it is refreshing to be accepted in Christ just as we are without needing prior experience.
Part of gaining experience with the Lord is tasting His goodness. It is important to take time each day and open the Word to allow the Holy Spirit to bring things to your heart that will allow you to experience His love and concern.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 26, 2020 | Philippians
Philippians 4:12-13
“I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
The Greek word for abound is perisseuō. In part, it means to exceed with more than what is expected — having far more than what was anticipated. The opposite of our English word abound is the word abased, which in the Greek is tapeinoō. It means to humiliate and bring down. In layman’s language it means to hit the bottom of the barrel.
As believers we far too often rate things in a physical manner. We equate abounding as having prosperity and ease of living. It is safe to say that many believers think that they should have a life of prosperity if they do the will of God. Paul would not agree. He had experienced both being down and being up!
As you evaluate your service to the Lord, I pray that you will consider that God wants us to abound in doing the work that He places in our hands to perform. Do everything with gusto and enthusiasm. Abound in His grace and mercy and allow Him to receive the glory.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
