by Pastor Cecil | Nov 19, 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
by Pastor Cecil | Aug 25, 2020 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 3:17
“For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we are going to experience periods of suffering in our days here on earth. There are some teachers and preachers who try to convince their listeners that only good things come to those who trust (and send in a generous offering).
Jesus prayed for all of His disciples (including us) that His Father not take us out of the world, but be with us in the world. All of His disciples suffered terribly here on earth, but oh, what peace and comfort awaited them as they were welcomed into paradise.
Suffering in and of itself is not worthy of praise. We can be the source of our own suffering and it certainly is not worthy of praise. We might truthfully say that we can endure suffering and be a blessing, or we can cause suffering and be a pain!
The question arises then, what are we suffering for? Are we the cause of our own suffering, or is the Lord allowing us to shine forth as bright lights in the midst of our suffering? I want to be on God’s side suffering for the right reason!
May God richly bless you by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 24, 2020 | 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 Frank Graeff 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 | Jul 1, 2020 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 3:17
“For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we are going to experience periods of suffering in our days here on earth. There are some teachers and preachers who try to convince their listeners that only good things come to those who trust (and send in a generous offering).
Jesus prayed for all of His disciples (including us) that His Father not take us out of the world, but be with us in the world. All of His disciples suffered terribly here on earth, but oh, what peace and comfort awaited them as they were welcomed into paradise.
Suffering in and of itself is not worthy of praise. We can be the source of our own suffering and it certainly is not worthy of praise. We might truthfully say that we can endure suffering and be a blessing, or we can cause suffering and be a pain!
The question arises then, what are we suffering for? Are we the cause of our own suffering, or is the Lord allowing us to shine forth as bright lights in the midst of our suffering? I want to be on God’s side suffering for the right reason!
May God richly bless you by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jun 5, 2020 | 1 Peter
I 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 | May 7, 2020 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 2:2
“Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment.”
For many years I have enjoyed feeding wild birds outside my window. It has been especially interesting to observe when newborn babies arrive at the feeders. They cannot be identified by their size since most of the time they appear to be the same size as their parents, or even larger.
So how do they stand out as baby birds? They have “flutter wings.” They perch near the feeders and flutter their wings waiting for their mother to come and bring food to their open beak. Sometimes even other species will feed these hungry babes.
I think this is the picture of what the Lord desires for each of His children. It is His wish that we may seek from Him the life-giving spiritual nourishment that will cause us to grow strong in the faith.
Here is the important question: Are you fluttering your spiritual wings as you seek after the spiritual food to be found in the Bible. If not, I urge you to spend time on your knees to rekindle the flame of your first love.
Blessings dear hearts! May you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
