by Pastor Cecil | Mar 17, 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.”
There is counterfeit meditation in the world today that opens the mind to evil forces which deny that Christ came in the flesh and paid the price for our sins. Paul is writing about meditation that is of the Lord and uses His Word as our source.
I think it is safe to say that we all meditate on things (although I sometimes wonder if some people even pause to think about anything.) Our thought life may be hidden to those around us, but the Lord knows our thoughts completely.
You may have heard of GIGO. It stands for garbage in garbage out. Think about that for a bit and ask yourself what you are filling your mind with. Are your spending time in the Word of God and allowing it to renew you?
Look at the list of things Philippians 4:8 give us to ponder: true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy. Wow! It is time to evaluate what we have been pondering in our free moments. TAKE CONTROL OF MY MIND DEAR LORD!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Mar 16, 2021 | Colossians
Colossians 3:12-13
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”
I recall scenes from boyhood when my mom would get perturbed with me for not getting ready soon enough to suit her. She would finally tell me; “You get dressed right now, and I don’t mean maybe!”
Now I was clothed, but I knew she meant I was to be attired appropriate for the occasion we were to attend – – at the time designated. My mom always wanted to be ready long before I felt was appropriate for the occasion. (She always won!)
In today’s Scripture, Paul is instructing the believers to be clothed in spiritual dress. I like that! I picture a true believer standing in front of the mirror of God’s Word to inspect their spiritual wardrobe.
As you look into that spiritual mirror, how does your clothing look? Would the Lord be pleased with the way you look? Do you need to return to His dressing room and clothe yourself with the attributes found in today’s scripture?
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Mar 15, 2021 | Isaiah
Isaiah 26:3-4
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.”
The mother of a 5-year-old girl was concerned that her daughter was having scary dreams at night. She felt helpless to deal with the problem of her child’s bad dreams. Have you ever spent a sleepless night tossing and turning? Have you been troubled by frightening dreams that cause you to feel panic stricken?
Bad dreams are not restricted to young children. Many adults are confronted with the reality of horrible dreams that disturb the rest they need. Do you sometimes question what you can do to sleep soundly in the arms of the Lord?
Here is a challenge for anyone who has been having trouble with night terrors. Search out scripture passages that deal with praise and promise. Read these passages several times before you slip into bed.
Today’s Scripture is a wonderful passage for us to use before we retire for the night. It is a promise that the Lord has given to those who will keep their minds stayed on the Lord. May God grant you sweet sleep!
May God richly bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Mar 12, 2021 | Psalm
Psalm 18:2
“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
We are told that the persecution of believers around the world is increasing. Many are tortured for their faith and some killed. It has been estimated that there are over 100,000 deaths each year at the hands of the enemies of the cross.
Ira Sankey was a singer and song writer who ministered alongside evangelist D. L. Moody. He had experienced an extended time of trial and tears in his own personal life. It was during this time of agonizing prayer that the song Hiding In Thee was born. I am so thankful that the Lord heard and answered his prayer. It has ministered to many people across the years.
About twenty years after Sankey wrote his beautiful piece, Sergei Rachmaninoff was experiencing many problems in his life. He had a mental block, could not write, and felt useless. After several years of emptiness he broke out of his doldrums and composed his Second Piano Concerto. It is a joy to feature a blending of both works this week. ENJOY!
Hiding in Thee
- O safe to the Rock that is higher than I,
My soul in its conflicts and sorrows would fly;
So sinful, so weary, Thine, Thine, would I be;
Thou blest Rock of Ages, I’m hiding in Thee.
Refrain: Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,
Thou blest Rock of Ages, I’m hiding in Thee.
- In the calm of the noontide, in sorrow’s lone hour,
In times when temptation casts o’er me its power,
In the tempests of life, on its wide, heaving sea,
Thou blest Rock of Ages, I’m hiding in Thee.
Refrain: Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,
Thou blest Rock of Ages, I’m hiding in Thee.
- How oft in the conflict, when pressed by the foe,
I have fled to my refuge and breathed out my woe;
How often, when trials like sea billows roll,
Have I hidden in Thee, O Thou Rock of my soul.
Refrain: Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,
Thou blest Rock of Ages, I’m hiding in Thee.
To access this week’s free inspirational video, please go to: https://gloryscapes.com/hidinginthee/
God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Mar 11, 2021 | 2 Kings
2 Kings 15:3
“And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Amaziah had done.”
In today’s Scripture we are introduced to a young man who became King of Israel when he was only sixteen. His name was Uzziah. The significant thing that stands out in this passage is that “He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD.”
Wouldn’t that be a wonderful description of you, or me—not how smart we are, or what wonderful position we fill, or how much money we make—but that we do what is right in the eyes of the Lord?
There are many who try to do what is right in the eyes of other people. I want to tell you right now—that is like walking on shaky ground. People are fickle! The ones who place a laurel on your head one minute may be the very ones who cry for your head the next minute. I have been there! It is not pleasant!
When we do things to say “yes” to God, we often must say “no” to the things of the world. This is the time to stand back and evaluate our lives. What are we doing that is in response to His will rather than our own? DO WHAT IS RIGHT!
May God richly bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
