by Pastor Cecil | Apr 5, 2010 | Romans
Romans 8:26-28
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. 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.”
The story is told of a very poor man who owned only one unbroken horse, while all of his neighbors had stables full of horses. He had only one son, while his neighbors had many sons. They mocked him for being poor and not having more, but he was very content that the Lord had given him all he needed. His neighbors even increased their mockery when his son broke his leg while trying to break the wild horse.
Contentment & Patience
As the story goes, a warlord passed through the area and conscripted all of the young men and took all of the available horses. The only young man left behind was the poor man’s son and the only horse was the poor man’s horse that soon was broken to ride by the son after his leg had mended.
There is no way we can determine what is best for us until the Lord is finished revealing what His plan and purpose is for us. Contentment and patience will allow the Lord to use even the most desperate circumstances to accomplish His perfect will in our life. All we have to do is follow Him and watch what happens.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
360-570-0074
PastorCecil@Daily-E-Votional.com
by Pastor Cecil | Apr 2, 2010 | Hebrews
Hebrews 4:15
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.”
Since it was written by George Bennard in 1912, “The Old Rugged Cross” has remained enormously popular. Many of the most famous recording artists or groups have performed this old standard.
At this season of the year when we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the grave, it is important to remember that He is a risen Lord. His blood was shed on the cross to provide for our salvation, but He did not remain on the cross. The cross is empty—the price has been paid! He is now in heaven waiting to welcome us home.
“The Old Rugged Cross“
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.
Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
In that old rugged cross,
stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.
Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.
Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
To access The Old Rugged Cross, this week’s inspirational video from GloryScapes.com, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/theoldruggedcross in your browser or click on the image below.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
360-570-0074
PastorCecil@Daily-E-Votional.com
by Pastor Cecil | Apr 1, 2010 | Ephesians
Ephesians 5:19-20
“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Sometimes people listen and act when you are least expecting it. One Sunday morning I preached a sermon on the attitude of gratitude. I tried to stress the need to be thankful for everything. I am not sure where I came up with the illustration, but I suggested that it would really show how thankful we were if we were thankful for a gift of zucchini squash.
Give thanks for everything!
That evening when I arrived for the evening service there were bags surrounding the pulpit area. You guessed it ― the phone had been busy and all of our amateur gardeners unloaded their excess zucchinis on the pastor.
I had to say “thank you” and really mean it, but it was a strain to graciously share the wealth with others. It seems that when nothing else will grow, zucchini will.
It taught me a valuable lesson — all too often we choose what to be thankful for and what not to. We searched out new recipes and sought out friends who could use a bag full.
What has God given you that you feel is more trouble than it is worth? Please do not try to take it into your own hands to determine what is good and what is not good. Even calamity can be used of the Lord when we thank Him for it and seek to see how He can use it for His good and our blessing.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
360-570-0074
PastorCecil@Daily-E-Votional.com
