FORGET IT!

Philippians 3:13-14 – Devotional

Philippians 3:13-14​

“Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

It was in August 1989 that I received a call from our oldest daughter who lived a few hundred miles from us. She started the conversation by asking if I was sitting down. I told her I was. She said she was in the hospital in Boise, Idaho, with a very rare heart condition.

Those words gripped me and caused me to immediately go to the Lord to seek wisdom, guidance and strength. When we arrived in Boise, the doctor informed us and Brenda that the only possibility of saving her life was a heart and lung transplant. The prognosis of a critical condition struck like lightning. In spite of all of the efforts of medical science, Brenda had her perfect healing on July 11, 1991, as she was ushered into the presence of the Lord.

There are sometimes traumatic moments in our lives that will change us completely. We may be able to go on, but we will never be able to go back. With a broken heart I read many of your messages that tell of defeat, deceit, divorce, disaster or death. As I read and pray for those of you who have written, there is one certainty—you will never be the same.

When Brenda called on that momentous day, our life and her life changed dramatically. We were not the same family as we were before. She changed dramatically from an indifferent follower to a sold-out soul winner. She accomplished far more for the Lord in the few months she was given than many do in an entire lifetime.

So, how about you? Are you wasting your time and effort to try to get things back the way they were before your traumatic occurrence? If you are, the object of your efforts is YOU! Instead of reaching out to others, you may be self absorbed and introverted.

In the book of Genesis, Joseph was sold into slavery. That was certainly a momentous moment for him. What did he do about it? He must have learned the Egyptian language so well that he became the head over his master, Mister P’s house. Then he was falsely accused by Mrs. P and thrown into prison for many years.

Joseph’s refusal to wallow in self pity opened the door for him to develop keen organizational skills that became essential when he was promoted to the second highest position in Egypt, and to become the means of salvation for his family (even the brothers who had treated him so cruelly and sold him as a slave).

To me, one of the most revealing aspects of Joseph’s life is to be found in Genesis chapter 50, verse 20. Jacob had died and his brothers feared that Joseph would now retaliate for the evil they had done to him so long ago. They concocted a story that Jacob had told them to forgive his brothers and not harm them.

Joseph gives us words that show his total dependence upon God in the good times or the bad times. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

If you’re in the time of your pain and trial, look to the Lord and be busy about His business. God is able to use our painful trials to do His work. Look to the Lord and find hope!

Blessings dear hearts! Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing.

– – – Pastor Cecil

P.S. – Thanks for partnering with us to help spread the Good News–Please CLICK HERE or on the Donate Button below if you feel led to help us financially with Pastor Cecil’s ministry. As of August 25th, we have a $1,671 need for August 2026 (was $2,000). To read about how the money is used, please go to https://DailyEvotional.com/donations/

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Enjoy the Song of the Week below created by Russ Hansen
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ALL THINGS!

Philippians 4:13 – Devotional

Philippians 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Self sufficiency is a constant battle for most of us. When we are called upon to serve the Lord, we frequently focus our attention on what we are doing rather than what God is doing through us.

If you doubt what I am saying, just let someone else get the credit for something you have done for the Lord. How do you feel? Is there a spirit of resentment and even jealousy in your heart? Ouch! That hurts, doesn’t it?

In order to get a good grasp of today’s passage of Scripture, it is essential we recall who is writing it. It is none other than Paul. He is the one who has been beaten, starved, stoned, ship-wrecked, and accused falsely. That is hard to equate with “… do all things …”

I think what Paul is trying to say is that he stays doing as the Lord directs him to do. If in that process he is allowed to observe the results, great!  If he experiences only the rejection and persecution, that is great as well. It is not his reputation that is at stake, but the Lord’s. When we “do all things through Christ” we rest in His strength.

What are you doing for the Lord? Are you doing it in His strength or are you relying on your own ability? Remember, He is the One who strengthens us!

May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!

– – – Pastor Cecil

P.S. – Thanks for partnering with us to help spread the Good News–Please CLICK HERE or on the Donate Button below if you feel led to help us financially with Pastor Cecil’s ministry. As of August 18th, we have a $1,787 need for August 2026 (was $2,000). To read about how the money is used, please go to https://DailyEvotional.com/donations/

Share a blessing by inviting your friends and family to subscribe to Pastor Cecil’s DailyEvotional emails by clicking on the Subscribe button below.

You can share the Lord with someone by directing them to https://PastorCecil.com.

Enjoy the Song of the Week below created by Russ Hansen
Please send him your feedback at inspiration@thegoodbookcompany.com

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.

CONTENT!

Philippians 4:12 – Devotional

Philippians 4:12

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.“

Let me ask you a question. What is the level of your contentment? Are you satisfied with your present situation? Are there situations that you feel would make you more content? If you could change anything in your life, would it make you more contented?

One of the Ten Commandments is to not covet. The word “covet” is the Hebrew word châmad. Strong’s Concordance defines it as: to delight, desire, goodly, lust after. Let me ask you once again: Are there things that you find delightful, desirable, goodly, or things that you lust after and do not possess? If you answer yes, you need to find contentment.

Perhaps it has always been like this since the creation of Adam and Eve, but it certainly is true in our day — there is a general lack of contentment. All too often people think that if they had something else, or someone else, they would be contented. Homes are fractured; lives are destroyed — all because there is no contentment.

Paul says in Philippians, chapter four, that he has learned the secret of being content. He goes on to say that he has learned it by having need and suffering without. How in the world can you find contentment when you’re suffering? I think the answer lies in where we are looking. Are we looking at those things that we think will make us feel better or are we looking to the Lord who is able to use those trying situations to bring glory to His name. Join me and choose to glorify God!

May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!

– – – Pastor Cecil

P.S. – Thanks for partnering with us to help spread the Good News–Please CLICK HERE or on the Donate Button below if you feel led to help us financially with Pastor Cecil’s ministry. As of July 14th, we have a $1,822 need for July 2026 (was $2,000). To read about how the money is used, please go to https://DailyEvotional.com/donations/

Share a blessing by inviting your friends and family to subscribe to Pastor Cecil’s DailyEvotional emails by clicking on the Subscribe button below.

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Enjoy the Song of the Week below created by Russ Hansen
Please send him your feedback at inspiration@thegoodbookcompany.com

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.

RELAX AND GIVE THANKS!​

Philippians 4:6 – Devotional

Philippians 4:6

“Do not be covered with anxiety about your situation, but in every detail of your life, with prayer and supplication, with thanks in your heart, let your requests be lifted to God.“

Listen to today’s Message of the Week, “Relax and Give Thanks!” followed by Pastor Cecil’s Prayer by clicking above on the play button.

Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today and be a blessing!

– – – Pastor Cecil

P.S. – Thanks for partnering with us to help spread the Good News–Please CLICK HERE or on the Donate Button below if you feel led to help us financially with Pastor Cecil’s ministry. As of July 12th, we have a $1,843 need for July 2026 (was $2,000). To read about how the money is used, please go to https://DailyEvotional.com/donations/

Share a blessing by inviting your friends and family to subscribe to Pastor Cecil’s DailyEvotional emails by clicking on the Subscribe button below.

You can share the Lord with someone by directing them to https://PastorCecil.com.

Enjoy the Song of the Week below created by Russ Hansen
Please send him your feedback at inspiration@thegoodbookcompany.com

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.

BEANS AND BREAD!

Philippians 4:19 – Devotional

Philippians 4:19

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.“

It was a sunny Sunday afternoon in Amarillo, Texas. I was a low-ranking airman attending jet mechanic school. I say that to explain why we had run out of money before we ran out of month. We were broke!

Entering our apartment that Sunday afternoon, we were well aware that there was very little in the house to eat — a can of green beans, part of a loaf of bread, and a little milk. We decided to make a gravy to put on the bread. It was then that we discovered the milk had “turned’ and was not fit to use. We ate beans and bread and thanked the Lord for it!

That evening after church we were thrilled to be invited out to a lovely couple’s home for a snack. I fear we were quite aggressive in devouring the food. When we told them the story of our noon meal they laughed and laughed. What we did not know was that they owned a small grocery store. We were graciously invited to come to the store and open a charge account until payday. Yeah!

The Lord has invited us to come to Him and that He will supply all of our needs. We may go through times of spiritual leanness because we fail to draw upon His bountiful supply. We dine on spiritual “beans and bread” when we could be dining at His table loaded with love, grace, and truth. Dig In!

May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!

– – – Pastor Cecil

P.S. – Thanks for partnering with us to help spread the Good News–Please CLICK HERE or on the Donate Button below if you feel led to help us financially with Pastor Cecil’s ministry. As of July 7th, we have a $1,948 need for July 2026 (was $2,000). To read about how the money is used, please go to https://DailyEvotional.com/donations/

Share a blessing by inviting your friends and family to subscribe to Pastor Cecil’s DailyEvotional emails by clicking on the Subscribe button below.

You can share the Lord with someone by directing them to https://PastorCecil.com.

Enjoy the Song of the Week below created by Russ Hansen
Please send him your feedback at inspiration@thegoodbookcompany.com

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.

DEPENDENCE OR INDEPENDENCE?

Philippians 2:3 – Devotional

Philippians 2:3

“Let each of you value others above yourselves.“

If your kids are anything like our kids, they went through a stage of independence. They wanted to do things themselves, even when they were not able to accomplish the task they were attempting. Kids are not alone in acting independently.

I once went golfing with my father-in-law and two of his regular golfing mates. I had never been on the links before, but since I was far younger than the others, I felt that I could hold my own. I stood at the first tee and gave a mighty swing! I missed the ball completely! On the next mighty swing I struck the ball, only to have it dribble a few feet from the tee. It was a very long and humiliating day. The others enjoyed the day as I was providing them with great entertainment.

On this day, July 4th, we celebrate Independence Day. While we may rejoice in the freedoms that our forefathers fought to assure us, it is vital that we remember that we never are to live independently. WE NEED EACH OTHER!

Not only do we need each other, we must have the Lord in control of our lives. In Acts 17:28 we are reminded; “In Him we live and move and have our being.” Our independent attitude ends with our total dependence on Him. HAPPY DEPENDENCE DAY!

May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!

– – – Pastor Cecil

P.S. – Thanks for partnering with us to help spread the Good News–Please CLICK HERE or on the Donate Button below if you feel led to help us financially with Pastor Cecil’s ministry. As of July 4th, we have a $1,948 need for July 2026 (was $2,000). To read about how the money is used, please go to https://DailyEvotional.com/donations/

Share a blessing by inviting your friends and family to subscribe to Pastor Cecil’s DailyEvotional emails by clicking on the Subscribe button below.

You can share the Lord with someone by directing them to https://PastorCecil.com.

Enjoy the Song of the Week below created by Russ Hansen
Please send him your feedback at inspiration@thegoodbookcompany.com

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.