WE WILL UNDERSTAND IT THEN​!

1 Corinthians 13:12 – Devotional

1 Corinthians 13:12

“Now we only see in a mirror dimly, ultimately we will see face to face. For now we know only in part, but in that day we will know just as we are also known.“

As a pastor I have been called upon to officiate at hundreds of funerals. In most cases I was not acquainted with the deceased individual prior to their death. In order to make the service meaningful and personal, I always meet with their families before the service to “get acquainted” with the deceased through the family’s memories.

Interestingly, after the service people have asked me how long I had known the deceased person since it sounded like we were friends. They said they knew very little of the information I shared about the person.

At times I’ve read the obituary of someone I have known for years, but had no idea the things they had experienced. I have often wished I had known that information while they were alive so we could have discussed it.

Thinking about this makes me long for a time in heaven when we will be able to know every individual who has ever lived and rejoice about the steps that brought them to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. What a day that will be!

May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!

– – – Pastor Cecil

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If you have watched The Sands of Eternity video above and prayed the prayer at the end, please go to https://PastorCecil.com/ and use the form on the webpage to let us know so we can send you follow up resources and/or send an email to pastorcecil@dailyevotional.com and let him know.

WE WIN!

1 Corinthians 15:56 – Devotional

1 Corinthians 15:56

“The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

People delight in being on the winning side. I have yet to hear anyone cheer when their team is losing. It is a cause for celebration when a person wins a position over the other applicants who have also applied for a certain job.

In this sin-sick world it may feel like believers are on the losing side. The forces of evil seem to become stronger and more violent with each passing day. It may even appear that God is not concerned when we encounter suffering and loss.

As we read today’s Scripture, we discover that we are on the winning side. It is not because of what we do, but what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for us. It may be compared with relaxing in the stands while your team struggles on the field. When your team wins you stand and cheer, “WE WON!” You may have done nothing more strenuous than eat a bag of popcorn, but you share in the team’s victory.

As believers we have been assured of victory. It is not because of anything else we have done to merit the victory other than trusting in Jesus for salvation. Victory is ours! We win!

May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!

– – – Pastor Cecil

Share a blessing by inviting your friends and family to subscribe to Pastor Cecil’s Daily E-Votional by clicking on the Subscribe button above.

Share the Lord with someone by directing them to https://PastorCecil.com.

If you have watched The Sands of Eternity video above and prayed the prayer at the end, please go to https://PastorCecil.com/ and use the form on the webpage to let us know so we can send you follow up resources and/or send an email to pastorcecil@dailyevotional.com and let him know.

BENEATH THE CROSS OF JESUS!

1 Corinthians 1:18​ – Devotional

1 Corinthians 1:18

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

The second verse of the hymn, Beneath the Cross of Jesus says, “Upon that cross of Jesus mine eye at times can see the very dying form of One who suffered there for me; and from my stricken heart with tears two wonders I confess: the wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.”

Here are all the lyrics for verses 1 and 3:

Beneath the cross of Jesus
I fain would take my stand,
the shadow of a mighty Rock
within a weary land;
a home within the wilderness,
a rest upon the way,
from the burning of the noontide heat
and the burden of the day.

I take, O cross, thy shadow
for my abiding place:
I ask no other sunshine than
the sunshine of his face;
content to let the world go by,
to know no gain nor loss;
my sinful self my only shame,
my glory all the cross.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Enjoy this week’s free inspirational video, “Beneath the Cross of Jesus” from GloryScapes.com by going to: https://gloryscapes.com/beneaththecrossofjesus2/

Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today and be a blessing!

– – – Pastor Cecil

Share a blessing by inviting your friends and family to subscribe to Pastor Cecil’s Daily E-Votional by clicking on the Subscribe button above.

Share the Lord with someone by directing them to https://PastorCecil.com.

If you have watched The Sands of Eternity video above and prayed the prayer at the end, please go to https://PastorCecil.com/ and use the form on the webpage to let us know so we can send you follow up resources and/or send an email to pastorcecil@dailyevotional.com and let him know.

WE ARE GOD’S WINNERS​!​​

1 Corinthians 9:24 – Devotional

1 Corinthians 9:24

“All who run a race all run; but only one receives the winner’s prize. Let us run in such a way that we will obtain God’s prize He promises for all who run.”

There are many types of races: Car races, horse races, foot races, just to name a few. It is interesting that in many races one competitor may lead throughout the race and victory is almost assured … but then comes the finish line and another takes first place!

Years ago I used to take our kids to watch automobile races at a local race track. It was not uncommon for one driver to lead almost every lap of the quarter mile track only to experience a problem on the final lap and lose the race. Only the one who crosses the finish line first is the winner not the one who leads the most laps.

I have been thrilled to watch foot races where the competitors have Down Syndrome. These precious jewels run with joy and excitement. Many times they are just as excited about someone else winning as themselves. When they cross the finish line each one is awarded a prize.

I somehow think that is what Paul wants us to understand. Every person in the world is entered in eternity’s race, but only those who have Christ in their heart will receive the prize. At the end of our race, the Lord will meet us and reward us for running for Him. We are God’s Winners!

May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!

– – – Pastor Cecil

Share a blessing by inviting your friends and family to subscribe to Pastor Cecil’s Daily E-Votional by clicking on the Subscribe button above.

Share the Lord with someone by directing them to https://PastorCecil.com.

If you have watched The Sands of Eternity video above and prayed the prayer at the end, please go to https://PastorCecil.com/ and use the form on the webpage to let us know so we can send you follow up resources and/or send an email to pastorcecil@dailyevotional.com and let him know.

AUTHENTIC LOVE!​​

1 Corinthians 13:13 – Devotional

1 Corinthians 13:13

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

There is a page in my wife’s diary that she had written way back in January 2012. That was three years before she went to be with the Lord. Joyce was always better at expressing her feelings in her notes and letters than in speaking. She wrote the following note dated January 28, 2012. I want to share it with you.

“My precious husband, how I love you! You captured my heart when I was just a teenager, and it has lasted for over 60 years. How good God has been to us, to be with the dearest love of your life that long. Please know how deeply you are loved — – now and forever.”

As I read these poignant words I realize that words never end when a person dies. I only wish that more couples could experience the deep love that Joyce and I shared.

If you have not done so before now, I urge you to take the time to write your own love letter to that special person in your life. You may be gone when they read it, but like me, it will be like a gentle kiss from one who is waiting in that land where we will never be parted again.

May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!

– – – Pastor Cecil

Share a blessing by inviting your friends and family to subscribe to Pastor Cecil’s Daily E-Votional by clicking on the Subscribe button above.

Share the Lord with someone by directing them to https://PastorCecil.com.

If you have watched The Sands of Eternity video above and prayed the prayer at the end, please go to https://PastorCecil.com/ and use the form on the webpage to let us know so we can send you follow up resources and/or send an email to pastorcecil@dailyevotional.com and let him know.

WE’LL UNDERSTAND IT BETTER BY AND BY!

1 Corinthians 13:12 – Devotional

1 Corinthians 13:12

“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”

Take a moment today to meditate on the lyrics to We’ll Understand It Better By and By (lyrics by Charles Albert Tindley):

We are often tossed and driv’n
on the restless sea of time,
somber skies and howling tempest
oft succeed a bright sunshine;
in that land of perfect day,
when the mists have rolled away,
we will understand it better by and by.

Refrain:
By and by, when the morning comes,
when the saints of God are gathered home,
we’ll tell the story,
how we’ve overcome,
for we’ll understand it better by and by.

We are often destitute
of the things that life demands,
want of food and want of shelter,
thirsty hills and barren lands;
we are trusting in the Lord,
and according to the Word,
we will understand it better by and by.

Refrain:
By and by, when the morning comes,
when the saints of God are gathered home,
we’ll tell the story,
how we’ve overcome,
for we’ll understand it better by and by.

Temptations, hidden snares,
often take us unawares,
and our hearts are made to bleed for
any thoughtless word or deed;
and we wonder why the test
when we try to do our best,
but we’ll understand it better by and by.

Refrain:
By and by, when the morning comes,
when the saints of God are gathered home,
we’ll tell the story,
how we’ve overcome,
for we’ll understand it better by and by.

To enjoy this week’s inspirational video: We’ll Understand it Better By and By, by going to: https://gloryscapes.com/wellunderstanditbetterbyandby/

Blessings dear hearts! May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!

– – – Pastor Cecil

Share a blessing by inviting your friends and family to subscribe to Pastor Cecil’s Daily E-Votional by clicking on the Subscribe button above.

Share the Lord with someone by directing them to https://PastorCecil.com.

If you have watched The Sands of Eternity video above and prayed the prayer at the end, please go to https://PastorCecil.com/ and use the form on the webpage to let us know so we can send you follow up resources and/or send an email to pastorcecil@dailyevotional.com and let him know.