by Pastor Cecil | Apr 20, 2021 | 1 Corinthians
1 Corinthians 15:56-57
“The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Victory comes in different forms. We have victory in wars, victory in sports, victory in politics – – victory in just about every situation of life. But lurking in the background is the agony of defeat.
The enemy of our soul has been pursuing Adam’s fallen seed since the Garden of Eden. He creates fear with the reality of death and the grave. We can almost hear his hideous laughter echo during the times of our suffering.
The scene on the mount of crucifixion was a perfect illustration of death and victory. Three men hung in agony awaiting death. One (Jesus) had the power over death and He could grant victory to anyone who chose it.
Only one of the two men who were crucified with Jesus chose victory over death. How tragically sad that was, and still is today. It is time to spread the news of VICTORY to those around us before it is too late!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Apr 19, 2021 | James
James 3:13
“Is anyone among you wise and understanding? That person should show it by living a good life. A wise person isn’t proud when they do good deeds.”
There was once a humorous skit which depicted guests at an exclusive café being escorted to their table. The person who was escorting them had just sprained his ankle and was limping noticeably. All of the guests followed obediently and all limped.
It is a sad commentary that we all too often follow blindly those who are in effect limping through life. That is the danger of following individuals without the spiritual wisdom that comes from God’s Holy Bible.
God has given us His plan and purpose for our life. Without true spiritual wisdom we are easily led down Satan’s path that leads to heartbreak and ultimate destruction.
We find the pattern of God’s good life only as we have been born again and have His resurrected life flowing through us. Following this new birth we need to grow in the knowledge of God through His WORD!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Apr 16, 2021 | 1 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 4:17-18
“After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.”
Though an invalid for much of her life, Eliza Edmunds Hewitt was always active and enjoyed a long personal friendship with Fanny Crosby. These two women met often for fellowship and discussion of their new hymns. Eliza was a school teacher in Philadelphia and a Christian lay worker who was committed to write songs to teach children the basic truths of the gospel. This song was written for her own Sunday school class in Philadelphia.
Miss Hewitt often attended the Methodist camp meetings at Ocean Grove, New Jersey. It was here that she collaborated with Emily Wilson, the wife of a Methodist district superintendent in Philadelphia, in the writing of this triumphant gospel hymn–a favorite of young and old alike. “When We All Get to Heaven” was first published in 1898.
. . . . . . .
WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN
- Sing the wondrous love of Jesus, Sing His mercy and His grace.
In the mansions bright and blessed He’ll prepare for us a place.
Refrain: When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!
- While we walk the pilgrim pathway, Clouds will overspread the sky;
But when traveling days are over, Not a shadow, not a sigh.
Refrain: When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!
- Let us then be true and faithful, Trusting, serving every day;
Just one glimpse of Him in glory will the toils of life repay.
Refrain: When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!
- Onward to the prize before us! Soon His beauty we’ll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open; We shall tread the streets of gold.
Refrain: When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!
. . . . . . . . .
Enjoy this week’s free inspirational video, “When We All Get To Heaven” from GloryScapes.com. by going to: https://gloryscapes.com/whenweallgettoheaven/
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Apr 15, 2021 | Acts
Acts 5:41
“The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.”
Do you ever feel discouraged with yourself because you fail to stand tall for the Lord? Do you start strong but become spiritually sidetracked by the cares of the world? Do you sometimes care more about what people think than what God’s Word says?
If you answered yes to any or all of the above questions, the Apostle Peter should be your example. Peter seemed to spend much of his time limping when he was with Jesus because he had his foot in his mouth. He failed in his boast to stand strong for the Lord, even to the death.
Suddenly Peter changed. After the Holy Spirit came on the Day of Pentecost, Peter stood boldly in front a huge crowd and preached the good news of salvation. His sermon resulted in three thousand receiving Jesus as their personal Savior that day.
Before Jesus was crucified, Peter denied Him three times—but now he was willing to receive a flogging for his preaching the message of salvation. Jesus had promised the Comforter, the Holy Spirit who would never leave nor forsake the believer. Peter allowed the Holy Spirit to work through him and he was a changed man.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Apr 14, 2021 | Psalm
Psalm 139:23-24
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
When I was a boy our family would travel back to the Oklahoma panhandle to visit my mother’s family. It was hot and dry out there on the plains, but there was a concrete water tank for the cattle—and for a small boy to play near and get wet.
My mom would yell, but my grandma would laugh. (She always was on my side). My heart is sometimes heavy when I recall sinful things I did when I was a young boy. I know those things caused my parents no end of frustration, but now I know they grieved God as well.
Reflecting upon specific incidents from the days of my life, it was not that I was such a terrible person, but I wish I had made better decisions. I wish I had made my choices only after first spending time in prayer and waiting upon God.
Here in Psalm 139:23-24, the Psalmist is expressing his prayer for the searchlight of God’s presence to illuminate the dark areas of his life. I can echo that prayer for my own life. Here am I Lord – – “SEARCH ME–KNOW ME-LEAD ME!”
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
