by Pastor Cecil | Aug 27, 2020 | 1 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Being thankful is not, or at least it should not be, a once-a-year thing. As members of God’s family we are to be thankful at all times. It is not our prerogative to choose when or what we will be thankful for.
In today’s Scripture, Paul admonishes the church at Thessalonica (as well as all of us) that we are to give thanks in everything. Do you frequently look as though you have been baptized in vinegar? That, my dear friend, is not being continually thankful.
Paul also encourages believers to pray continually. That brings us to another embarrassing question: How is your prayer life? Are you continually speaking to the Lord in prayer? It is a discipline that we need to pursue.
The last admonition in line with today’s theme is that the Lord expects us to thank Him in all circumstances. Chew on that while you are munching on your sumptuous dinner. What if you had little or nothing to eat? Would you still give thanks? That is exactly the Lord’s will in any and every circumstance. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!
May God richly bless you by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | May 14, 2020 | 1 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 4:14
“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.”
Our world today is experiencing catastrophic events to such a degree that it causes even the most cynical doubters to wonder what is happening. Tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, tidal waves, explosions, terrorist attacks—you name it. In today’s Scripture, Paul assures us that our hope is in our resurrected Lord.
In Matthew 24:6-8, Jesus spoke of signs which would be indicators of the end of the age. Here are just a few He mentions: “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom will rise against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All of these things are the beginning of birth pain.”
In light of all these life-threatening events happening around us, we need to remember a vital truth. We will give an account for every action (or inaction) when we stand before the Lord. We should live as if we will be with Him the next minute — we very well might be!
As we anticipate the trumpet call of God, it is time for us to examine our lives. Do we still have a fervent love of God, or have we lost our first love? May our prayer be “Not my will Lord, but Thine be done!”
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Mar 27, 2020 | 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
1. 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!
2. 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!
3. 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!
4. 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: http://www.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 | Feb 12, 2020 | 1 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 4:14
“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.”
Our world today is experiencing catastrophic events to such a degree that it causes even the most cynical doubters to wonder what is happening. Tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, tidal waves, explosions, terrorist attacks—you name it. In today’s Scripture, Paul assures us that our hope is in our resurrected Lord.
In Matthew 24:6-8, Jesus spoke of signs which would be indicators of the end of the age. Here are just a few He mentions: “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom will rise against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All of these things are the beginning of birth pain.”
In light of all these life-threatening events happening around us, we need to remember a vital truth. We will give an account for every action (or inaction) when we stand before the Lord. We should live as if we will be with Him the next minute — we very well might be!
As we anticipate the trumpet call of God, it is time for us to examine our lives. Do we still have a fervent love of God, or have we lost our first love? May our prayer be “Not my will Lord, but Thine be done!”
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
