by Pastor Cecil | Sep 17, 2020 | Acts
Acts 24:25
“Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, ‘Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.’”
A number of years ago I was attending a Christian conference that was being held on a major university campus. At that time this university boasted the top-ranked football team in the nation.
After lunch a group of us were walking back to the arena when we recognized the head coach and members of his staff walking in the same direction. The coach asked one of his staff what was going on for so many men to be present. The staff member explained that it was a Christian seminar. The coach scoffed and pronounced, “I don’t have time for God today!”
It was heartbreaking to hear such a firm rejection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, there are many who reject the Lord, even if they do not make such a bold statement. Even believers may become so pre-occupied with the things of the world that they simply do not have time for God.
Our Scripture for today gives us the answer. We are to make the time for God and draw near to Him and resist the devil. As we do this, He draws near to us and gives us the power to live a victorious life. Do you have time for God?
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Aug 13, 2020 | Acts
Acts 7:59
“And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’”
Frequently I relate the final words of my grandfather as he was ushered into his eternal reward: “Well, there’s Jesus now!” What a way to go! Those words that were related to me by my father have been a constant reminder that each of us is just a heartbeat away from eternity.
Stephen was a righteous man who was faithful to the proclamation of Jesus as the promised Messiah. When confronted with false accusations and an angry mob, he stayed the course and used it as an opportunity to share the wonderful gospel of salvation by grace through saving faith, even unto his death.
We may or may not be called upon to sacrifice our life for the sake of the Gospel, but it is very likely that we will be presented with the opportunity to share our testimony in front of those who may be mocking, insulting, or even hostile.
If the time ever comes that we are called upon to sacrifice our life for our faith, I hope we will be like Stephen or Grandpa Thompson. Wouldn’t it be great to have our last view on this earth be the face of our Savior? That would truly be THE WAY TO GO!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 23, 2020 | Acts
Acts 13:2-3
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”
With this issue of the Daily-E-Votional I will end my focus on Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement. There is much more that can be derived by a further study in the book of Acts, but I will leave that up to your own study.
I will give you a hint to hopefully whet your appetite. Up until this time the great evangelist to become known as Paul was only known as Saul. From the time he was called Paul, he is generally mentioned first when both names are given.
It appears that the years of discipleship that Barnabas extended to Saul were well rewarded. Barnabas never appeared to feel dejected or rejected when Saul became known as Paul and assumed the leadership role.
Sometime later the two had a disagreement over a fledging follower we met earlier named John Mark. Barnabas insisted on working with this young man so he and Paul agreed to part ways. Years later during Paul’s dark days of persecution, he called for John Mark to be sent to bring him comfort. Barnabas had succeeded! BARNABAS, YOU ARE A WORTHY EXAMPLE!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 22, 2020 | Acts
Acts 13:1
“Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.”
When you go to the store to buy groceries, you usually list the items you are most in need of toward the top of your list. It does not mean that the other items are not equally needed, but that some are needed at this time as very much needed.
In these first chapters of Acts, the name Barnabas always appears in the first position. It would indicate that the Lord had placed him in this position at this time and that because of his spiritual maturity he was acknowledged as leader.
On the list of prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch notice that our good servant Barnabas leads the list and Saul is named last. It does not imply that there was a favoritism shown, but that others had more experience as believers.
These brothers served the church as prophets and teachers. Being a prophet was not necessarily foretelling the future (although it may entail that) it was more so that they were used to forth-telling the reality of God’s holy Word. How would you fit yourself into this picture?
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 21, 2020 | Acts
Acts 12:25
“And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.”
Barnabas and Saul had been sent from Antioch to Jerusalem to deliver help to the believers there who were about to be stricken with a severe drought. I am sure that along with the generous gifts the church at Antioch had sent, Barnabas must have also given much-needed words of encouragement. After all, he was known as the Son of encouragement!
It seems as if Barnabas was always on the alert for those who the Lord would bring across his path to disciple. John Mark was one of those men. John Mark was a raw and undisciplined believer, but I guess we all were at one time – right?
We need to evaluate our own walk with the Lord and determine how we are faithful in sharing what God has taught us with someone in our circle of influence. It may be a friend, a family member, or a new believer who needs Godly instruction.
We do not need to be educated in a seminary in order to minister. It is far more important to be willing to share those tidbits of truth that we discover in our personal study of God’s word. Are you watching for someone who will become your new recruit?
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 20, 2020 | Acts
Acts 11:29-30
“So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.”
A prophetic message was received that a famine would soon descend on the world. Immediately the Christians wanted to extend care for the mother church in Jerusalem. The Christians in Antioch gave generously and sent relief by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
We are once again given a picture of the reliable and faithful nature of Barnabas. He and Saul were chosen to deliver the much needed relief to the apostles and other believers in Jerusalem.
I can only imagine the joy in the hearts of the believers in Jerusalem as such a generous gift was sent by the hands of their former persecutor, Saul and their faithful encourager, Barnabas. It shows us how God uses all who come to Him in faith believing.
Barnabas did not play a role to be seen of others. He was faithful to follow after his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This picture of a faithful representative for the Lord is just another view of what it means to be a son of encouragement!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
