by Pastor Cecil | Jul 19, 2021 | Galatians
WHY DON’T YOU?
Galatians 3:2-3 – Devotional
Galatians 3:2-3
“This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?”
I can almost remember my childhood days. Believe me they are far back in my rear view mirror. One thing I do recall is having arguments with either my brother or other kids and using the phrase; “Why don’t you?” The reply was usually; “Well, why don’t you?”
Unfortunately this same argument is often carried into married life. Many times I have tried to counsel couples who seem to be stuck in the same childhood rut of argumentation. It never seems to resolve their problems.
I have tried to counsel couples who are caught in this whirlpool of conflict to replace the phrase with, “How can I?” What a difference it makes to offer to make a change in one’s own life rather than demanding the other person make a change.
This is even more significant when it comes to our relationship with God. Let’s face it, there many times when we want God to do the changing. We pray that same question; “God why don’t You?” We want God to do the changing to meet our own desires. If we truly accept what Paul is writing in today’s Scripture, we will be prepared to ask Him, “Lord, how can I?”
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
One Year Bible Reading for July 19th:
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- 1 Chronicles 28:1-29:30
- Romans 5:6-21
- Psalm 15:1-5
- Proverbs 19:18-19
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 | Jul 6, 2021 | Galatians
BURDEN BEARERS!
Galatians 6:2-3 – Devotional
Galatians 6:2-3
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”
I have experienced times in my life when I needed a helping hand. I have to be honest and admit that there have been many times when I was incapable of doing a project by myself and had to call for help. The older I get the more I find myself calling for help.
It would be easy to become distressed by my limitations, but at the same time it reveals to me that there are things I am capable of doing that can make a positive difference in the lives of others.
I have become a listening ear for those who need someone to listen to their heart ache and heart break. I can lift people in prayer at all hours of the day and night. I can encourage others by a smile or a phone call.
I can be there when people need a listening ear and open heart. God is gracious in giving us meaningful purpose all through our life. We are called to be burden bearers for Him!
Blessings dear hearts walk with God today and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
One Year Bible Reading for July 6th:
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- 1 Chronicles 2:18-4:4
- Acts 24:1-27
- Psalm 4:1-8
- Proverbs 18:16-18
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 | Jan 11, 2021 | Galatians
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
A minister had just preached a dynamic message on being totally committed to God and empty of self. As the congregants shook the pastor’s hand after the service, a woman approached him and said, “Pastor, please pray that God will make me nothing.”
Being a courageous and faithful servant, he looked her straight in the eye and replied, “Madam, take it by faith, you are nothing!” Her reaction revealed that she did not take well to his suggestion!
I can understand what he was saying. It was not to put her down, but rather to show that without Christ we are indeed nothing. Does that end the matter? Absolutely not! As a matter of fact, it is just the start. When our pride and self-sufficiency get out of the way, Christ is able to do His work in and through us.
Are you wearing yourself out trying to please the Lord? I implore you to give up trying to earn your salvation. Listen to Him—then do what He asks you to do. God’s work done God’s way will have God’s power!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Dec 21, 2020 | Galatians
Galatians 3:23-24
“Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.”
Way back in 1953 I walked into an Air Force Recruiting Station and was met by a Sgt. Swift. He told me of the positive features available if I enlisted; I trusted him and enlisted. But that is not the end of the story — ten years later I had received my college degree and a commission in the Air Force.
My first assignment was at the training base where I had attended Officers Training School. As I looked out over the personnel that I now supervised, guess whose name I saw — Sgt. Swift! His first response was, “Oh no!” We had a good laugh about how things had changed, and he was glad that he had been honest during our first meeting.
One day we all will appear before the Judge of the universe. Every single thought or deed will be revealed. I am sure Satan will try to bring up every sinful thing in our past, but when we have confessed our sins and received Jesus into our hearts, we need not fear. Jesus was born in Bethlehem to pay the price for our sins. He has done what we could never do! Praise the Lord we never have to say, “Oh no!”
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 1, 2020 | Galatians
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Pride is not ever pretty. When we consider the prayer requests offered, the vast majority seem to be self-centered. Even the lyrics of spiritual songs and poems focus more upon ourselves rather than upon the Lord.
I recall hearing about a pastor who had delivered a powerful sermon on the danger of pride and the need for his congregation to seek after the same humility which Jesus demonstrated. After the service he stood at the door greeting people as they left. One little lady stopped and said, “Oh, Pastor, I am so glad you preached that sermon this morning. I do not have many qualities that I can pride myself on, but humility is one of them.” He went home shaking his head and muttering to himself.
As Christians we need to modify our definition of self-acceptance. The definition of self-acceptance is to recognize that God has created us with certain unchangeable characteristics that may be used for his honor and glory. It is not what’s in it for me, but what’s in it for Him!
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jan 29, 2020 | Galatians
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
A young man, a believer desiring to serve the Lord with all of his heart, worked and worked doing everything he thought would please the Lord. It took all his energy and effort, but the young man kept at it!
One Sunday evening he had finished assisting in a week-long series of meetings. Following the last service he packed up books, Bibles, and other materials until late into the night. He returned to his hotel room exhausted, threw himself across the bed and almost wept. The exhausted man cried out, “Lord, I am through! I can’t keep this up any longer. I am tired to my very core. I will still love and honor you, but from now on someone else will have to carry the load!”
He expected the Lord to be disappointed in him for quitting, but just the opposite happened. It was as though the Lord breathed into his ear, “Finally! You have been doing things for Me that I never asked you to do. Now I can work through you to do My work.” That young man never again felt the heavy burden to demonstrate his love for the Lord by a self-imposed performance.
Are you wearing yourself out trying to please the Lord? I implore you to give up trying to earn your salvation. Listen to Him—then do what He asks you to do. God’s work—done God’s way—will have God’s power!
May God richly bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
