by Pastor Cecil | Nov 14, 2008 | Psalm
Psalm 65:5-7
“You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and the farthest seas, who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength, who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations.”
So you want to get away from the rat race…you long for peace and tranquility which will settle your stress and frustration…the thought of simpler and more sedate times is often appealing…
There is a program on Public Television called Alone In the Wilderness. It chronicles the year in the life of a man who left civilization and built a cabin in the Alaskan wilderness. The utter isolation was interrupted occasionally by a small bush plane which brought him supplies and mail—but other than that, it was only Dick and the wild animals.
As idyllic as the scenes of the program might be, isolation is not the answer to the hustle and chaos of daily living. Man is by his very nature created to have interaction with others. There may be recluses who cut themselves off from other people, but by their very actions they reveal there are problems which have not been resolved.
In Mark, Chapter 4, we find the story of Jesus who was surrounded by a huge crowd of people. The crowd was so large that He got into a boat and sat in it as He taught the people who were on the shore. At evening He told His disciples to take the boats to the other side of the lake. (According to Mark 4:36, there were several boats).
While Jesus slept peacefully on a cushion, a furious squall came up and threatened the boats. Remember that many of these disciples were seasoned fishermen who had spent their lives out on this lake in all kinds of weather. Now came a storm that threatened to swamp them.
In their fear and alarm they called out to Jesus. It seemed impossible that He could sleep through such a storm. The men woke Jesus and asked Him if He didn’t care if they were about to drown. It is then that we read the quiet words of power which He proclaimed in Mark 4:39: “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! (peace) Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”
I want to remind you once more that these men were not simple recreational boaters. They had spent their lives in all kinds of weather conditions, and if they felt that the situation was desperate, it really was. They had almost come to the conclusion that all was hopeless and that they would never reach shore again. I think that when they called to Jesus, it was not so that He would quiet the wind and waves—that had never been done in their experience.
Perhaps they thought to wake Jesus to have Him prepare for the inevitable drowning. Jesus shocked them when He demonstrated that His power was great enough to control the forces of nature.
You may be facing situations that are threatening to “swamp your boat!” Now is the time to call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Remember…it is Jesus who has the power to calm and bring order out of chaos.
Here is an old hymn by Elisha A. Hoffman: I Must Tell Jesus.
1. “I must tell Jesus all of my trials, I cannot bear these burdens alone; In my distress He kindly will help me, He always loves and cares for His own.”
2. “I must tell Jesus all of my troubles, He is a kind compassionate friend; If I but ask Him, He will deliver, make of my troubles quickly an end.”
3. “Tempted and tried, I need a great Savior. One who can help my burdens to bear; I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus, He all my cares and sorrows will share.”
4. “O how the world of evil allures me! O how my heart is tempted to sin! I must tell Jesus and He will help me over the world the victory to win.”
Chorus: “I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! I cannot bear my burdens alone; I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.”
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
— Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Nov 13, 2008 | Hebrews
Hebrews 13:5-6
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’”
Back in November 1954, I had just completed Technical School as a jet mechanic. My first assignment was in Rapid City, South Dakota. Joyce and I were very happy and looking forward to a new and exciting adventure.
We rented a few months before purchasing our first “home.” It was a 24-foot Terry travel trailer. That meant that we were living in less than 200 square feet.
My precious wife had that little home on wheels looking like a castle.
I can recall the pastor of our church back in Idaho stopping by for a visit along with his wife and three daughters. It was a tight fit, but it became a meal we still remember after all of these years.
Today we watch HGTV and hear young families who live in 2000-square-foot homes wanting something bigger—“There is just not enough room, and we have a new baby on the way.” (Give me a break!)
I think most of us in the “Over-the-hill” gang can remember living in a house with only one bathroom (or out-house) and sharing a bedroom with brothers or sisters. The thought of moving into larger digs was never considered. We were just thankful that we had a place to call home.
As I write these words, I am aware that these human hearts of ours are hard to satisfy. Why were Joyce and I so satisfied and content back there in that little home on wheels? We had the Lord in our hearts and we had each other!
Over the years since the 1950’s, we have lived in many fine homes. We have seen our children mature and have children of their own. Our love for the Lord Jesus Christ has also grown.
The thought suddenly strikes me—the more our love for the Lord grows—the less importance we place on the “stuff” of life. All of this is going to pass away and we will find that only what we do for Christ will last.
I want to share this one last thing with you. I was digging through some of my records to see what dates we were in South Dakota. I happened to come across a letter that I received back in 1974. It was written by a young man that worked at a mission hospital in St. Anthony, Newfoundland, when I was stationed there.
That last few words of this letter from Roy Becker, hit me like a ton of bricks. I do not remember even reading them before: “A few months ago, I wrote out in detail, all of the events that led to ‘How God found me.’ I listed your friendship as a contributing factor toward motivating me to live a Christ-like life. So you hold a favored and unforgettable spot in my heart.”
That means more to me than the most elegant mansion on the face of the earth. I do not desire more room for a house…I desire a greater love for Jesus that will be seen by others and motivate them to live a Christ-like life.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
— Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Nov 12, 2008 | 1 Corinthians
1 Corinthians 10:11-13
“These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
What is that which is common to man? TEMPTATION! Back in the 50’s there was a popular song—it may have been recorded by Frankie Laine. As I recall the final line went something like this: “You are temptation and I am yours!” The picture is of a man besotted with lust and with no means of escaping. Believe me, that is not Scriptural.
Frequently we hear of people, some in VERY high and sensitive positions, who have been guilty of various sins or indiscretions. Sad to say, it all too often occurs in churches and religious institutions.
If we are honest, I think most of us would confess to clucking our tongues and making comments about the fall of this or that sinner. Perhaps we do not gloat, but it is close to it. Watch out!
Paul cautions us to be careful, for temptation is “common to man.” As I started the quotation today, it mentions, “These things happened – – .” What were “these things”? Paul reflects back to the Exodus from Egypt and specifically mentions that the people found fault with God in the food He had provided—they grumbled and complained, and they also engaged in sexual immorality.
Interestingly, Paul stresses that each and every one of us may be tempted in the very areas that we are the most critical about. Pride goes before a fall!
If Paul would have left it at that, it would sure have been depressing. It would leave us with a sense of inevitable collapse ourselves. That was not his intention.
Paul was demonstrating here that God is not to blame for our sin. It is tragic how many people blame God for their personal sinful responses to situations. This should not be! Paul indicates that we all are subject to temptation, but God always provides a means of escape. We need to stay close to the escape hatch.
I think most of us have seen pictures of huge floating oil platforms which are scattered all around the oceans of our world. Drilling for oil means that there is always a critical danger of fire. The personnel on the platforms cannot simply run down the street to escape the fire.
Before the oil rig personnel can be assigned, they must go through rigorous training in fighting the possible fire, and more importantly, how to escape. There are lifeboats on the platforms, but if the personnel do not know how to get in and lower themselves to the water, they will be in danger.
God’s Word gives us His escape from the temptations that confront us. We will never be free from temptation, but we have God’s lifeboat. As long as we stay near God’s lifeboat, and keep proficient in its use, we can escape.
Can I let you in on a tragic secret? Many people do not want to escape Satan’s temptation. It is a willful act to walk away from God’s escape hatch and into the danger and peril which temptation offers. Before they know it, they are ensnared and fall into the bitterness of sin. How sad!
God’s escape plan is Jesus! Our Savior gave Himself to save us. He sent the blessed Holy Spirit to be our life preserver. We are never without means of escape. Choose life!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
— Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Nov 11, 2008 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 4:12-13
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
The modern “name it and claim it” teaching has been detrimental to victorious Christian living. I know that sounds contrary to logic since this false teaching promises pie in the sky if you just send in all your money and two cereal box tops. (Sorry about the sarcasm!)
The detriment of this sort of unbiblical teaching is that people become defeated and despondent when they encounter troubles and trials. All too often these ordeals lead to depression and defeat because the ones who encounter them have been led to believe they have done something wrong that caused their situation. Are you there?
The apostle Peter is very clear about this matter of dealing with trials and tribulations. For most of us, we start questioning why God does not protect us from painful situations. I think I may have an answer for that.
In Job 1:9-11, Satan responds to God’s boast about Job’s righteousness. “‘Does Job fear God for nothing?’ Satan replied. ‘Have You not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But stretch out Your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face.’”
There it is! Satan accuses believers by saying that the only reason we trust in God is so we will be blessed. God allows us to endure trials in order to prove that our testimony is real. It is sad to hear people accuse God of making them suffer. That is certainly not proving our faith!
In today’s Scripture Peter gives the proper reaction for painful trials we endure. We are to rejoice. In James 1:3-4, we are told to count it pure Joy. He goes on to share the reason we are to react in this positive manner: “Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
The next time you are tempted to feel that something is wrong when you encounter the painful trials of life, remember that God has allowed it and He has allowed it in order for you to grow strong and mature in the faith.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
— Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Nov 10, 2008 | Romans
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. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.”
I have to brag a little bit about our granddaughter. She was sharing with me the other morning about how she had given a gift to a fellow worker. The response from the worker was pure joy and a hug.
Melinda said, “You know Papa, the money I spent on the gift was not what was important. It was her reaction and response of appreciation. I will not take the money I spent to the grave with me, but her friendship is what will last.”
Later that day, Melinda experienced some bad news. In the midst of dealing with her disappointment she met a new friend who was also a Christian. This young woman is married to a soldier at a nearby Army facility. She was so excited to meet Melinda and have someone to call and talk with about the Lord.
Once again, disappointment had disappeared in the realization that truly the Word of God is true, all things do work together for good for those who love God and have eyes to see Him at work in their lives.
Have you ever heard this, or perhaps said it yourself after returning from a trip: “God was really with us—we didn’t have a bit of car trouble!” Hold on a minute Nelly! Do we mean that God is not with us when we have all kinds of car trouble? Absolutely not!
The problem with this type of loose thinking is that we limit the blessings of God to the good things of life and not the trials. Paul encountered more trouble per square inch than most of us can ever imagine.
In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, Paul enumerates some of his ordeals: Hard work, prison, severe beatings, being stoned, shipwrecked three times and adrift in the open sea for 24 hours (just to mention a few). How did Paul react to all of this?
2 Corinthians 11:30-31: “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying.”
If we truly believe that God causes ALL things to work together for our good, isn’t it time for us to stop belly aching and start looking for God’s good thing? It is my intention to do just that!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
— Pastor Cecil
