by Pastor Cecil | Dec 3, 2008 | Daily-E-Votionals
1 Corinthians 15:56-58
“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves freely to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
It would appear that the entire world is in a state of chaos and calamity. Just a year or so ago it seemed that all was well, but now the very financial structure of the nations has been shaken to the core. In this atmosphere it is well to read that one sentence in today’s Scripture: “Let nothing move you.”
Change is an inevitable fact of life. Just when we think that things are stable and secure, we suddenly encounter radical departure from the norm and things change direction. Often this is not of our own choice. We feel that in some way we are the victims of circumstances. What do we do when we are done unto?
Let’s face it—we are often guilty of twisting Scripture – (forgive us, Lord). We have changed the Golden Rule from, “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you,” to “Do unto others before they get a chance to do it to you.” As I prayed before, forgive us, Lord!
Change is inevitable. We encounter situations that suddenly arise and create a whole new set of conditions that we have never experienced before. Being reassigned or released in our work place is an unexpected blow, but this now happens on such a regular basis that it is almost the norm.
The loss of a loved one through death or divorce is equally traumatic. The loss of our abilities due to accident or illness can change our life instantaneously and dramatically.
What is the solution to changes in our life?!!! TRUST GOD WITHOUT RESERVATION!
None of us know what will happen in our life from moment to moment. I recall a story that Bob Harrington, who was known as the Chaplain of Bourbon Street in New Orleans, related. A shoe shine boy was on the elevator of a hospital with Bob. He suddenly said, “Sir, you are a preacher—where is heaven?”
Bob had the boy place his hand over his heart, and asked him what he felt? The boy said; “I feel my heart beating.” Bob said, “That is exactly right! You ask me where is heaven, where is hell? The answer is right there in your chest. Where is heaven? Where is hell? One heartbeat away!”
So, let’s get this straight. We have no idea what will happen next, but God knows every heart beat that is planned for us, and every single thing that is going to occur in our life. Are we going to allow the circumstances of life control us or place our trust in God and His Word? Stand firm! When all else fails—Jesus never fails!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
— Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Dec 2, 2008 | Acts
Acts 9:26-27
“When he came to Jerusalem, he (Saul, later called Paul) tried to see the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.”
I may be a nut, but this passage just sends me higher than a kite. Remember that the last time Scripture mentions anything about Barnabas is in Acts chapter 4. In the intervening chapters a significant number of events are mentioned—Stephen died a Martyr’s death; Saul was struck blind, became a believer, and had his sight restored by a faithful servant named Ananias, who swallowed his fear and placed his hands on him as the Lord had commanded.
Paul eventually came to Jerusalem and made an attempt to see the disciples. They were afraid of him and even questioned the reports that he was now a believer and follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Into this scene of fear and suspicion steps Barnabas, the “SON OF ENCOURAGEMENT.” Remember, that is the meaning of the name “Barnabas.” How Barnabas knew all of the information about Saul, we are not told. But he had done his research well. He also was willing to put his own life in jeopardy. He did not simply tell the disciples about Saul—notice that it says he “took” him to the disciples. His close proximity to this former enemy of the believers shows that he was willing to place himself in jeopardy to speak in support of Saul.
I am afraid that most of us are more prone to be disciples from a distance. We send reports about a person, but do not want to get too involved. This does not even involve our physical safety, but just our reputation, and still we distance ourselves from the one we support.
Barnabas took Saul with him and gave a complete account of Saul’s conversion and how he had been preaching Jesus fearlessly in Damascus. When I read this, I wonder why the other disciples had not been looking for such a good report?
The church at this time was quite large, but only Barnabas became Saul’s spokesman. It is also relevant that after Barnabas gave this positive affirmation about Saul, Saul had free access to the disciples. It speaks volumes as to the confidence that the disciples placed in the encouraging word that Barnabas gave.
BUT BARNABAS! It indicates that here was a man that stood alone. The rest of the believers were afraid and did not want to be in danger, BUT BARNABAS! The word may have reached—yes it had reached Jerusalem about his miraculous transformation—but what if it was all a hoax? BUT BARNABAS!
If there is ever a time that we need to get off our collective do-nothings and be involved, it is in our day and age. We are all too often the spiritual couch potatoes who can be counted on to stay where we are and never venture out of our comfort zone. We never volunteer to help out in our church. In fact we so seldom attend that the greeter wants to give us a visitor’s button when we show up. Wow! That sure is counting for Jesus isn’t it?!!
BUT BARNABAS! That’s it! We need more who will step forward and by their actions say, I do not care what the others say or do or think! I have determined that I will step forward and put my life on the line for the sake of the gospel! I urge all who read this to risk everything for the sake of Christ.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
— Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Dec 1, 2008 | 2 Timothy
2 Timothy 2:1-2
“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.”
For the past eight years I have diligently prepared the Daily-E-Votional that has been sent out at least five days each week. Stop what you are thinking right now! Even though it may sound like the prelude to resignation, it is not.
For the past few days I have been thinking that I need to share with you some of the things that have been a blessing to me and some of the tools I use on a regular basis—I should say tools or inspirations.
One of the first is the radio I listen to as I work at the keyboard. I listen to Rejoice Radio which I receive through the computer at: www.rejoice.org. The music and programming on Rejoice Radio have been a tremendous blessing.
I have used a Bible search program for many years that has the power of exhaustive concordances, dictionaries, commentaries and word search. It can be accessed free of charge at: www.blueletterbible.org. Another Bible search program I use is: www.biblegateway.com.
There are two television programs we try to watch each week. On Saturday evening (5:00 p.m. PST) we watch the Gaither Homecoming Program. At the same time on Sunday evening we watch “Rejoice In the Lord”, from Pensacola Christian College Campus Church. Both of these programs air on the Daystar Network. I can’t think of anything else that I might pass on to you. If I discover other helpful sources of blessing, I will pass them on.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
— Pastor Cecil
