by Pastor Cecil | Aug 24, 2007 | Daily-E-Votionals
Judges 6:14-16
“The LORD turned to him (Gideon) and said, ‘Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?’ ‘But Lord.’ Gideon asked, ‘how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.’ The LORD answered, ‘I will be with you, and you will strike down the Midianites as if they were one man.’ “
As I begin today, I would like to point out two words in the Scripture I referenced: LORD and Lord. When we see in the Old Testament, the word “LORD”, it is (Yahovah or Jehovah). It is the LORD God Almighty. The word “Lord”, on the other hand in Hebrew is (‘adown). It can refer to anyone who is your master. It is not the word used to describe the all powerful God of all things.
Jehovah God spoke to Gideon, but Gideon responded only as to one who was a superior. The size of our God, or rather the size of our concept of God, limits the faith and trust we place in Him. We all too often consider our problems so large or complex that we cannot trust them to God, we need to get professional help. Yeah! Right!
The larger this ministry grows the more I hear from people all over the world with challenges and/or catastrophic decisions which they must make. They come to the place where they are crushed under the burden of this momentous confrontation.
The question is, “Who do we rely upon when we face the trials of life?” I hate to say that all too often we place our trust and confidence in ourselves, our friends, our professional counselors, but fail to reach out to the Lord, asking Him for His help in our hopeless situation.
Gideon was called upon to save Israel from the Midianites which were allied with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples. It was a mighty military force. The forces of Israel only numbered 32,000. It was too many for God. The reason? God did not want Israel to think it was their ability which would win the battle which was coming.
The first test God gave to Gideon in order to reduce the size of his army, was to send away all of those who were afraid. 22,000 met that criteria and returned home. Only 10,000 left? That is ridiculous! You cannot fight hordes with that small army of men. But it was still too many for God. The next test was the water test. They were to go to the river and drink while Gideon watched. 9,700 got down on their hands and knees to drink, while only 300 scooped up water in their hands and lapped like a dog. They were the vigilant ones, and the ones God selected. ONLY 300!!! WHY? WHEN THEY WON THE BATTLE, IT HAD TO BE OF GOD!
I am sure that you know the outcome of the battle. Even this small group of 300 did not have to do the fighting. They were each furnished with empty jars, torches and trumpets. They were separated into three groups of 100 each. At Gideon’s signal, they each broke their jar which revealed the flaming torch. They blew their trumpets and shouted “For the LORD and for Gideon!”
The enemy soldiers awoke in a panic and turned on each other with their swords. Isn’t that a kick? God brought about such confusion that the enemy became their own enemy. It reminds me of that old line from the comic strip, “Pogo.” They supposed that they were about to be attacked. Pogo led a rag-tag bunch of comic characters into the swamp to confront the enemy. They saw their reflections in the water and returned with the news; “WE HAVE FOUND THE ENEMY AND THEY IS US!”
I want to encourage each of us to increasingly call upon the Lord in our time of need. He is the One we need to call upon and look to for our deliverance. Giving all that we are and all that we need into His caring hands, we should then rest in Him and just praise and glorify His name. What joy!
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing.
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Aug 23, 2007 | Daily-E-Votionals
Daniel 10:12
“Then he continued, ‘Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.’ “
“Then he continued, ‘Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.’ ”
One of our favorite movies is “Return To Me.” It involves the story of a heart transplant and transplants have a special meaning to our family. Our oldest daughter, Brenda, was on the transplant list to receive both a heart and lung. The Lord took her home before one became available. It is the perfect healing for the believer! Our youngest daughter had a kidney and pancreas transplant, so you can see how the subject of organ transplantation interests us.
In the movie, there is one character who makes a donation for the construction of a habitat for gorillas. This character announces that he wants to make an anonymous donation. He then publicly announces that he has made “A very sizeable, anonymous donation!” His pride is evident to all but himself.
Every time I watch this movie I marvel about the similarity between this character and many Christians. There are many believers who strive to be holy and in the process take pride in their holiness. Someone sent me a religious cartoon last week showing a man on his knees with his hands folded in prayer. A group approached and presented him with a trophy for being the best pray-er in the church. Ouch!
God despises pride in any form. He wants us to be holy, but not in a way that is intended to be seen by others. That was the attitude of the Pharisees in Jesus’ day that caused Him so much distress. They made public displays anytime they did something religious such as praying or tithing.
Jesus taught powerful lessons in the form of parables. In Luke 18:11-14, He gave a graphic example of humility; “The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
True humility is true holiness. It is confessing our need before the Lord and allowing Him to fill us with His presence and power. Not our will but His be done. May we learn to walk in holiness and brokenness before our Lord. He knows our heart and will hear our earnest prayer.
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing.
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Aug 22, 2007 | Daily-E-Votionals
Genesis 6:15-16
“This is how you are to build it (the ark): The ark is to be 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. Make a roof for it and finish the ark to within 18 inches of the top. Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, middle and upper decks.”
It is a sad commentary that our school children are subjected to ridicule by their teachers who scoff at the Genesis account of creation and the flood. These teachers conclude that they have not heard it from their university professors, so it is all just a myth. Is it?
What are those things which we as Christians believe? Do we believe only the things taught in school or do we rely upon the Word of God as our authority? Do we fall into the trap of making the Word only a compilation of stories, some true, some imaginary? I pray that we are never guilty of this.
I remember an act that Bill Cosby used to do. It was the interplay between God and Noah. After getting Noah’s attention, a loud voice, supposedly God’s, began to instruct Noah. God said, “Make the ark 300 cubits long.” Bill (Noah) responded, “Right!” God said, “Make it 50 cubits wide.” Noah responded, “Right!” God said, “make it 30 cubits high.” Noah responded, “Right! ——– What’s a cubit?”
Not a bad question, come to think of it. A cubit was the measure from the elbow to the finger tips of the ruler at the time. It was adjusted from 18 to over 20 inches, either by actual measure, or for there to be a larger measure to benefit the ruler. It has commonly come to signify 18 inches.
So is the story of the ark a believable story? Some time ago a professor at the Naval Academy broke his class into small cell groups. Each group was to design and construct a model of a ship they felt would be most seaworthy in violent open sea conditions. He had a large tank of water by which he could create storms, wind and waves comparable to a violent hurricane.
One cell group used the same proportion of length-height-width, as the ark. It looked like a clumsy tub, and they were somewhat embarrassed to present it on the day of testing. The other groups had made models which were sleek, modern and looked to be much more competent to withstand any battle with the elements.
As each model was placed in the test tank, it soon began to fall victim to the simulated storms and waves and all sank to the bottom. All that is, except the ark model. It was perfectly designed to roll with the waves and wind, right itself and ride on undisturbed.
How did Noah know how to create such a sea worthy vessel? He didn’t. It was not his design but God’s design. God does all things well!
Modern archaeological discoveries have confirmed that there was a worldwide flood. Atheistic scientists have tried everything in the book to deny any biblical account. To do so would prove that there is a God, the Bible is His message to mankind, and they cannot permit that.
I thank God that we now have many brilliant scientists who are Christians and who are publishing a far different story than most of our schools are dispensing. If you are interested in having information on these groups, please contact me.
I think it is well to conclude today with a verse from Joshua 24:15. Joshua had assumed the leadership of the Israelites after the death of Moses. He had brought them across the Jordan to possess the land which God had given to them. He called the leaders together and this was part of what he said by way of challenge;
“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing.
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Aug 21, 2007 | Daily-E-Votionals
Luke 6:37-38
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
One of the first game shows back in the days of radio (later on television) was called Truth or Consequences, with Ralph Edwards as the emcee. Contestants were asked almost-impossible questions. If they gave an incorrect answer (which they usually did) they had to pay the consequences. These consequences were designed to embarrass the contestant but entertain the audience.
With God the consequences are much more than embarrassing or entertaining. They are tragic. The sad thing is that Satan deceives people into thinking that to follow after God is to lose joy and to lose out on excitement. What a lie!
Jesus told the parable of the Prodigal son. This young man took his inheritance and thought he was wise in enjoying it while he was young. It was very soon that the money was gone, and those who had acted as if they were his friends spurned him. THE CONSEQUENCE OF HIS ACTIONS WAS BANKRUPTCY.
Having been a law enforcement officer, I have seen people at all stages of reveling. They put on a glad smile as the first drinks are taken and the problems of the day melt away. Soon however, you see the smile turn to tears and the happiness become hostility. They lose control of their reason, and when they sober up, they cannot recall the way they behaved under intoxication. Some who were video taped while drunk were shown the tapes after they were sober. They could not believe that they could have behaved in that manner.
That is the negative side of consequences. Jesus always gives the positive side of consequences for those who have ears to hear. Joy comes as we obey Him. It takes off the pressure and penalty of sin and leaves us with the satisfaction of doing things God’s way.
Today’s Scripture are the words of Jesus. Think about it – God sent His own dear Son into the world as a man, and His words of command and wisdom are our mandate. He did not say; “If you feel like it, do not judge.” “If it is not inconvenient do not condemn.” “If and when you get around to it- give.” Jesus’ words were not suggestions, they were commands! There are no options when we hear these words. We either obey and receive blessing, or ignore and reap the consequences.
There are three elements in this teaching of Jesus: judging, condemning, and giving. The first two are given in a negative form. “Do not judge!” “Do not condemn!” The consequences of obeying these commands of Jesus are that we will not be judged and we will not be condemned.
This does not imply that we are to “buy into” or to “allow” any and every questionable form of behavior. Sin is sin and we are to shun it and confront it. The problem is when we act in a pharisaical manner to the sin of others while failing to deal with our own sin.
The third teaching Jesus gave in this passage was in the area of giving. I wish to state right up front that I reject the “name it and claim it!” gospel. I am sickened by television exploiters who appeal for money with the promise that you will prosper and have no adversity in your life. That is just not Biblical. In John 16:33 we are told by Jesus, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Our giving is to be controlled by the Lord, and generally our giving is to go to the local church, not to some high living spiritual spin artists! Sorry, I was carried away there for a minute.
True and sincere giving comes from a heart that is obedient to God. It is a discipline which is practiced as a form of spiritual worship. Giving under the direction of the Lord is to be done secretly and obediently. Giving is not done in order to increase our own wealth or personal well being.
Even if our giving has no expectation of reward, He promises such blessings that it cannot be contained. The bottom line is that we cannot out give the Lord. In John chapter 6 we read of a boy who had seven loaves and two fish. It was no doubt intended for his own lunch. Instead it was given to the Master, who fed the five thousand until they were filled and still there were twelve baskets filled with the excess.
That is what true giving is all about. It is simply giving what we have to the Lord and allowing Him to use it in such a way that our giving is multiplied. That is the way with God’s blessings. He knows how to take our small gift and turn it into a blessing for ourselves and others. How rich and wonderful are the ways of God!
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing.
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Aug 20, 2007 | Daily-E-Votionals
Philippians 4:12-13
“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. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
Back in the dark ages (the 1960’s) I was stationed with the United States Air Force in St. Anthony, Newfoundland, Canada. Our support base was Goose Bay, Labrador. The access between the two was by a commercial airline that used outdated DC-3 planes. These two engine aircraft were used for many, many years. They were first built back in 1935 and used around the world for over 70 years. Sorry! I can easily get carried away when I think about the DC-3 that was commonly called, “Gooney Bird.”
It was always enjoyable for me to make the flight to or from St. Anthony and Goose Bay. The old plane seemed to rock along and sway with the winds that would jolt other aircraft. Since we would fly at just a few thousand feet, I could look outside the window and see boats in the turbulent seas below. I was glad to be flying!
On one flight we had a passenger who was a basket case. Those soft swing and sways that I enjoyed so much were a terror to this man. I tried to reassure him, but he was certain that we would be crashing into the sea at any moment. I gave up trying to comfort him and went back to enjoying the flight. (We made it safe and sound!)
Last week I read two messages that were distributed to a prayer group. One requested prayer because they were not able to sleep and it was a major concern to them. Within the hour I read another message from someone who was so thrilled and excited by God’s presence that they couldn’t sleep! One was disturbed about not being able to sleep and felt deprived. The other who was so excited and couldn’t sleep, felt exhilarated.
Several years ago I woke up extremely early. At first I was agitated and tried to roll over and slip into sleep once more. It was then that I was prompted to get up and pray. I rose and picked up my Bible and began to read and pray as the Spirit led. It was the most refreshing time I could imagine–far better than sleeping.
With that encounter I changed my outlook on sleep. It took me back to the words of my spiritual father, Dr. John Hall; “An hour’s sleep in the Spirit is better than a whole night’s sleep in the flesh!” As a Family Practice physician, he often was only able to catch short periods of sleep. He would pray for sleep in the Spirit before he closed his eyes and the Lord would grant his request.
This “Outlook” for the believer should not be restricted to sleep. If we want to experience the power of God in our life, we need to rest in Him. That means we place our trust in Him rather than in our own situation. He knows what we need and when we need it.
The way to find true rest in the Lord is to meditate on Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” If we actually believe this (we should) we will live in eager anticipation of what is coming next–so excited we cannot sleep!
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today and be a blessing.
– – – Pastor Cecil
