by Pastor Cecil | Feb 12, 2021 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 5:6-7
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
There have been times in my life when I felt isolated and alone. When I experienced these times of spiritual drought I was prone to wonder if Jesus really cared. Even though I am usually happy and optimistic, I have felt the enemy of my soul attack. It is during these times that I rush to God’s Word for comfort.
Frank E. Graeff was known as the “sunshine minister.” He had a cheery disposition, a winsome personality, spiritual optimist, and was a great friend of children. He was known to have a child-like faith. That being said, he did pass through times of deep trials. It was then that he turned to the Scriptures as his guide in the darkness.
As I read the words of this hymn that he wrote, I can see the change from gloom and despair to hope and victory. That is what I want in my life.
DOES JESUS CARE?
- Does Jesus care when my heart is pained; Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress, And the way grows weary and long?
Refrain: Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
- Does Jesus care when my way is dark; with a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades, does He care enough to be near?
Refrain: Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
- Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed, to resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief, though my tears flow all the night long?
Refrain: Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
- Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye” to the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks—is it aught to Him? Does He see?
Refrain: Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
To access Does Jesus Care? this week’s free inspirational video, please go to: https://gloryscapes.com/doesjesuscare/
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 11, 2021 | Matthew
Matthew 19:13-14
“Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’”
February 19th became a very special date when my ninth great grandchild was born. It was one of my greatest of joys to hold a baby just a few hours old and pray God’s special blessings on her life.
Whenever I hear about the birth of a baby it brings to mind a young man who was in a Bible Study group I was leading. Different members of the group were recalling the events that led to them accepting Jesus as their personal Savior.
This young father related how he had rushed his wife to the hospital to deliver their first child. He knew she was in terrible pain, but was totally unprepared when the doctor came out of the delivery room and informed him that there was a problem and that he should be prepared to comfort his wife when she was told the baby died.
It was the middle of the night and he was the only one in the waiting area. As he paced back and forth it dawned on him that his baby would go to be with Jesus and as an unbeliever he would never see his son. It was then that he opened his heart and invited the Lord to come in. By the way – the baby survived!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 10, 2021 | 2 Timothy
2 Timothy 3:16-17
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Recently I conducted a graveside service for a retired police officer. As I looked around the crowd of people in attendance I noticed that many of the police officers were dressed in full uniform with perhaps 20 to 30 pounds of high tech gear. I almost laughed out loud when I recalled what my own police gear looked like when I was a patrolman back in 1958 — a gun, extra ammo, handcuffs, and a badge.
That last item was most important. When I was sworn in as a police officer I gave my word to serve and protect the people of my community under the authority of that badge. The vast majority of citizens supported that authority.
God has equipped us with our very own badge of authority. It is the Word of God. Paul wanted his son in the faith, Timothy, to recognize the power he had been given by the Word of God: doctrine – reproof – correction – instruction in righteousness.
Every believer has the same equipment available today. We are equipped, but are we using what God has provided? Our badge of authority is the new birth and the equipment is His Word. Use it wisely and effectively!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 9, 2021 | Philippians
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
It seems that all too often we have replaced excellence with convenience. We tend to get by with the least amount of effort, time, or cost. As a result we fail to encounter excellence. We surely can think of examples in the human family, but why spend the time trying to think of illustrations from mankind when we can use the life of Jesus Christ as the epitome of excellence and also One who is praiseworthy.
It is possible to cut directly to the bottom line in this passage and see where Paul is pointing his attention. It is in the section set off by the hyphens. Two words stand out here that should grab our attention: VIRTUOUS and PRAISEWORTHY.
We need to see in Jesus the living example of One who was always worthy of a good report. He stood head and shoulders above everyone who has ever lived. He demonstrated virtue wherever He went. Everything He did was praiseworthy — His parables as well as His actions. He will always be worthy of our thought life as we meditate upon Him and the life He lived. What are you thinking?!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 8, 2021 | Hebrews
Hebrews 4:16
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
There are at least two ways we may approach God’s throne of grace — barely or boldly. Barely means we slink our way toward His throne expecting to be thrown out at any second. Boldly means we accept God’s open invitation to come into His presence as His own dear child.
When our oldest grandson, Zane, was quite small, he used to follow my dad around like a shadow. Zane and his great grandfather had a close relationship. From time to time, being a normal boy, something that he was playing with would break. Zane would never be upset. He would confidently exclaim, “Papa fitz it!” For those of you who have a hard time with kid talk, that means “Grandpa will fix it!” That should be our attitude toward the Lord.
How then should we pray? With praise and assurance that God will use all situations to bring about His goodness and grace. We pray with anticipation, looking for the answers, paying attention to what is happening, and eager to give God the glory. Three things to remember when we go to the Lord in prayer: ATTITUDE! ATTITUDE! ATTITUDE!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
