by Pastor Cecil | Mar 3, 2021 | 1 Chronicles
1 Chronicles 4:10
“And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested.”
It was several years ago when I first saw this prayer of Jabez and decided to make it my prayer. I was anxious for the Lord to expand my territory of ministry. Little did I realize that He had a world-wide ministry in which I would write daily encouragement that would reach hearts of people I have never met and will probably never meet until we are gathered together in heaven. What a day of rejoicing that will be.
Looking at the date above causes me to bow in humble adoration before the Lord Jesus Christ. It is on this date that I celebrate my 84th birthday. Our kids used to tease that you have already lived one year before your first birthday so I need to add one year to that total and say that I have lived 84 years and am now entering my 85th year. Kids can be so cruel about things like that.
As I write this Daily-E-Votional I am in awe of the way the Lord has answered my prayer. I never imagined I would still be involved in active ministry at this age, but the Lord had other plans for me. I want to thank each of you who write from time to time and share how God has used a particular E-Votional to meet a need in your life. Keep me in your prayers!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Mar 2, 2021 | Mark
Mark 9:50
“Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”
Salt is very valuable and across the centuries it has had many uses. It was used to preserve and season foods and for its medicinal qualities. In Roman times the soldiers were paid in salt. That is where the word salary came from. When you hear the expression “he’s not worth his salt” it refers to the payment in salt that was received.
I once heard a preacher use a wonderful illustration. He said something like this: “While it is true that you can lead a horse to water, you can’t make him drink — but you can salt his oats!” I cannot begin to tell you the number of times I have thought of that illustration since first hearing it.
Some of us in Christian ministry wear ourselves out trying to force people to drink when they show no inclination and, in fact, refuse to drink. We heap on guilt or glitter, but there are still no slurping sounds.
What is the answer? SALT THE OATS! Right! How do we do that? It is a good question and deserves careful consideration. Are you salting the oats of those you come in contact with? Are you creating such a desire that people must drink from God’s well that never will run dry? Spend time in God’s Word and experience the thrill that will make you want more and more of Him.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Mar 1, 2021 | 2 Timothy
2 Timothy 4:2
“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”
As I allow my mind to wander across the years, I am struck by those who have been used of God under dire circumstances. A missionary I knew was rushed to a hospital with a ruptured appendix. While recuperating in a two-bed hospital room, he was able to share his testimony with the patient in the other bed and lead him to the Lord.
During the cold war years there were many Christians who were imprisoned due to their belief in Jesus Christ. Rather than collapsing in a heap and feeling sorry for themselves, many used prison as an opportunity to preach the gospel.
In our own life we have endured occasional tests and trials. As we surrendered our situation to the Lord, He opened doors of ministry that we could never have entered in any other way.
Many of you are enduring trials and tests right now. Please do not allow what you are experiencing to paralyze you from being used. Step forward and volunteer to serve in God’s army. Neither age nor physical limitations will disqualify. “God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.”
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
