by Pastor Cecil | Jun 18, 2021 | 1 Peter
NEAR THE CROSS!
1 Peter 4:12-13 – Devotional
1 Peter 4:12-13
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
Fanny J. Crosby was a remarkable woman. There are so many accomplishments in her life that it is hard to comprehend them all. She lost her eyesight because of the treatment of a careless doctor. In spite of her loss she memorized huge portions of Scripture just by listening to her grandmother read them to her. She is credited with writing over 10,000 hymns during her life.
Fanny began writing poetry at an early age, but another amazing fact is that she did not accept Jesus as her personal Savior until she was 31. She was attending a service on November 20, 1850. The congregation was singing a hymn by Isaac Watts; At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light. She knew she needed the Lord and that very night He became her Savior and Lord. Her desire was to always stay close to Jesus who had paid the ultimate price for her salvation. Her desire was to remain near her Lord. She immediately wrote the words to the hymn for this week.
Near the Cross
1. Jesus, keep me near the cross;
there a precious fountain,
free to all, a healing stream,
flows from Calvary’s mountain.
Refrain: In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever,
‘till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.
2. Near the cross, a trembling soul,
love and mercy found me;
there the bright and morning star
sheds its beams around me.
Refrain: In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever,
‘till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.
3. Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
bring its scenes before me;
help me walk from day to day
with its shadow o’er me.
Refrain: In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever,
‘till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.
4. Near the cross I will watch and wait,
hoping, trusting ever,
till I reach the golden strand
just beyond the river.
Refrain: In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever,
‘till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.
Enjoy the free inspirational video for the week from Gloryscapes.com by going to: https://gloryscapes.com/nearthecross/
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
One Year Bible Reading for June 18th:
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- 1 Kings 19:1-21
- Acts 12:1-23
- Psalm 136:1-26
- Proverbs 17:14-15
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.
by Pastor Cecil | Mar 30, 2021 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 5:6-7
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
Today’s scripture is the same as yesterdays. That is not an omission, but rather my intention. I have been reminded about how easy it is to think more highly of ourselves than we ought.
As an Air Force officer I had been assigned to a new location. Our family had moved into a new home and on our first Sunday we decided to attend a small church not too far away.
I have to confess that I was filled with confidence concerning my knowledge of scripture. After all, I had graduated from a Christian College and had been attending church and Sunday school since I was knee high to a grass hopper.
In just a few minutes the questions and responses revealed that these people were far more steeped in God’s Word than me. I spent the rest of the class session praying that I would not be called upon to answer a question. That first class session taught me humility and drove me to spend far more time in God’s precious word. Thank you Lord for teaching me to rely upon You!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Mar 29, 2021 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 5:6-7
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
Our eagerness to be the one to operate a motor vehicle is an object lesson to teach us about our spiritual life—WE WANT TO DRIVE! We may not be qualified or adequately aware of the hazards which may lie up ahead, but we still want to take control.
The Apostle Peter tells us to demonstrate humility. While this is a quality that is greatly prized by writers of Scripture, unfortunately it is not esteemed in our society. We are more prone to see strutting, swaggering, and bragging.
Micah 6:8 reveals God’s pattern for us “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” These words in Micah are words of instruction for the daily walk of the believer.
That, my dear friend, is cutting to the bottom line. If you really and truly desire to find a peace with God, do things God’s way and live in harmony with those around you. It is God’s way – – – LET GOD DRIVE!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
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 | Jan 18, 2021 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 4:9
“Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.”
Years ago we were at a family gathering and noticed that one of the younger boys had a frown on his face and was grumbling under his breath. He looked so miserable that he made everyone else miserable as well.
One of his uncles was teaching him how to hold a bat so he would be better able to hit the ball when it was pitched. The boy’s grumbling increased so I eased closer to hear what he was grumbling about. It was hilarious when I heard his low mumble, “You old grouch!”
How ironic! He was the one who had been an old grouch (even at the age of 10), and yet was calling his uncle a grouch just because he was trying to give him instructions to help him.
I wonder how often we are prone to become grumblers as we go through life. We refuse to accept the counsel of family or friends and instead we grumble and complain. This should not be. As believers we should be the happiest and most joyous people on the face of the earth. Are we? Are you? Just remember — no grumbling allowed in God’s family!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing! WITHOUT GRUMBLING!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Nov 26, 2020 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 4:12-13
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”
As I read the words of today’s Scripture, I realize that Christians across the centuries have encountered painful trials. As I have mentioned many times, all of the disciples (except John) experienced torture, suffering, and death.
Prior to the Day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter was known for expressing his opinions before thinking or praying. Now that he had experienced prison, flogging, and humiliation, how would he respond?
Peter’s answer to conflict and trial in his life is the same that we are to practice in our own lives. It is what I like to think of as a – NOW I SEE! – moment. It is the time when we see the power of God’s Word as being more important than our natural reactions to our circumstances.
We are to see painful trials as something to be anticipated rather than some abnormal occurrence. Not only are we to expect trials in our life, we are to rejoice that we are able to participate in the suffering with Christ and look forward to being able to rejoice with Him when His glory is revealed.
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
