by Pastor Cecil | Mar 10, 2011 | 2 Timothy
II Timothy 2:1-2
“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
Bob Burling is one of our readers who lives in Australia. Here is what he shared with me to share with all of our readers this week:
“After reading your Evotional for today (GOOD NEWS THURSDAY, 3rd March, 2011), I was moved to let you know of a recent example that will warm your heart.
“I mentor and sponsor a young athlete (he is 9 years old). I have watched him grow in the Lord over the last few years but something that occurred last Sunday evening at our fellowship meal (we have this once a month where non-Christians can be invited and feel comfortable) that was exciting, to say the least. We have some light entertainment and some testimonies prior to the meal.
“Recently, this boy was successful in achieving the right to represent his region at a state level for an event. In front of everyone there, this young boy got up and, in his first ever testimony, told everyone of his success and stated quite clearly that it was only because God was helping him that he had managed to achieve what he had done. It was a totally moving experience to see one so young, so strong in his witness before such a crowd and speaking so clearly and boldly for His Lord.”
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
P.S. – You can find previous E-Votionals covering a variety of Scriptures and topics to help you in your walk with the Lord at www.Daily-E-Votional.com.
P.P.S. – I have completed my first book, 100 of Pastor Cecil’s Select Illustrations. The cost is $12.95 plus shipping. You can now order it online by going to https://dailyevotional.com/prior2020/book-by-pastor-cecil . . . You may want to consider this book as a thoughtful gift idea for those who do not have Internet access or as helpful sermon illustrations for your Pastor.
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by Pastor Cecil | Mar 9, 2011 | 2 Corinthians
II Corinthians 12:10
“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
I conducted a graveside service early today. It was for a ninety-three year old man who was a World War II hero. Because of his age there were very few of his friends still alive to attend the service.
It was a bright and sunny morning, but the temperature was in the low 40’s with a breeze. Let’s face it—it was cold. I had worn a vest along with my suit jacket, but I still felt the cold penetrate these old bones of mine.
It was then that I saw it. One of the great-granddaughters of this man was being carried by her mother. She did not even have a jacket. I felt a little ashamed about my mild discomfort as I considered how she must be feeling the cold. Isn’t it amazing how sorry we can feel for ourselves at times? We snivel and snuff about how hard we have it and then we see others who are in far worse condition.
It makes me want to make a new commitment to stop complaining about those things that cause me discomfort and ask the Lord to use me as He sees fit. It may very well be that our infirmity will be the launching pad to reach others for the Lord Jesus Christ.
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
P.S. – You can find previous E-Votionals covering a variety of Scriptures and topics to help you in your walk with the Lord at www.Daily-E-Votional.com.
P.P.S. – I have completed my first book, 100 of Pastor Cecil’s Select Illustrations. The cost is $12.95 plus shipping. You can now order it online by going to https://dailyevotional.com/prior2020/book-by-pastor-cecil . . . You may want to consider this book as a thoughtful gift idea for those who do not have Internet access or as helpful sermon illustrations for your Pastor.
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by Pastor Cecil | Mar 8, 2011 | John
John 17:15-17
“I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”
I am once again treading on the sacred ground of prayer. It may well get me in trouble once again, but the Lord is laying it on my heart, and I would rather be led by the Holy Spirit than fear the reactions of others.
Have you ever listened to prayer requests and then heard the prayers offered by the believers who gather? “Let’s remember to pray for my neighbor’s brother’s uncle’s son who is having his tonsils out.” We do not know who it is and how do we know what God is doing in that family?
As I search out the prayers in the Bible, I see that almost all of them focus on the Lord strengthening the believers to do the work of the Lord. In today’s Scripture I am impressed that Jesus did not pray for the deliverance of His disciples—He prayed instead that the Father would “keep them from the evil one.”
I really wonder what would happen to bring about revival if we spent as much time imploring the Lord to bless, empower, enlighten and lead His people as we do praying for someone’s tonsils.
I pray for each one of you reading this that the Spirit of God may open your heart and mind and fill you with His grace. I pray that you may become a more effective witness for Jesus Christ than ever before.
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
P.S. – You can find previous E-Votionals covering a variety of Scriptures and topics to help you in your walk with the Lord at www.Daily-E-Votional.com.
P.P.S. – I have completed my first book, 100 of Pastor Cecil’s Select Illustrations. The cost is $12.95 plus shipping. You can now order it online by going to https://dailyevotional.com/prior2020/book-by-pastor-cecil . . . You may want to consider this book as a thoughtful gift idea for those who do not have Internet access or as helpful sermon illustrations for your Pastor.
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by Pastor Cecil | Mar 7, 2011 | John
John 16:33
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
In our pursuit to achieve happiness and contentment our normal reaction to any uncomfortable situation is get out from under it. I have spent a lifetime counseling individuals and couples, and have found that their primary aim is to be happy and comfortable.
I have been the bearer of bad news that in this world we will not be protected from pain, suffering and tragedy. Does that mean we cannot be happy? Not on your life. The words of today’s Scripture were spoken by Jesus Himself.
As we read His words, we notice that our source of peace is to be found in Jesus Himself. Jesus says that in this world we will have tribulation. He immediately gives us the instruction to be of good cheer.
STOP! Notice that the good cheer follows His words that we will have tribulation in this old sin-sick world. There are two major points that I hear Jesus saying: 1) In Him we have the source of peace. That should be our primary goal—to be in Him.
2) We can be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. Did you notice that? He has already overcome the world! Jesus wins! That being the case we need to stop when tribulations arise and ask Him what He wants to teach us. We are not alone, He is leading us and guiding us, even in the times of tribulation. What joy!
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
P.S. – You can find previous E-Votionals covering a variety of Scriptures and topics to help you in your walk with the Lord at www.Daily-E-Votional.com.
P.P.S. – I have completed my first book, 100 of Pastor Cecil’s Select Illustrations. The cost is $12.95 plus shipping. You can now order it online by going to https://dailyevotional.com/prior2020/book-by-pastor-cecil . . . You may want to consider this book as a thoughtful gift idea for those who do not have Internet access or as helpful sermon illustrations for your Pastor.
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by Pastor Cecil | Mar 4, 2011 | 1 Corinthians
1 Corinthians 3:10-11
“According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
Back during my high school days, I worked weekends and summers for a concrete contractor. Believe me when I tell you that things were different back then. There was very little pre-mixed concrete that was delivered by large rotating carriers. We were the mixers! We had a pile of sand, another of gravel and sacks of concrete that we had to combine shovel by shovel and bag by bag, water was then added.
In order to get the sloppy concrete into the foundation, we had to deliver it by manual labor. We had large wheelbarrows that we filled then pushed to the point of delivery. In the building process a solid foundation was essential. A weakened foundation could lead to the building falling.
As we travel through this life we often see people that have not laid a foundation that will withstand the storms of life. Sadly when storms strike, their foundations fail. It is during the storms that we need the solid foundation of the Lord Jesus Christ to keep us safe. John Rippon published this hymn in 1787.
How Firm a Foundation
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God, I will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand.
When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace all-sufficient shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!
To access How Firm a Foundation, this week’s inspirational video from GloryScapes™ Hymn Music Videos, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/howfirmafoundation 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
P.S. – You can find previous E-Votionals covering a variety of Scriptures and topics to help you in your walk with the Lord at www.Daily-E-Votional.com.
P.P.S. – I have completed my first book, 100 of Pastor Cecil’s Select Illustrations. The cost is $12.95 plus shipping. You can now order it online by going to https://dailyevotional.com/prior2020/book-by-pastor-cecil . . . You may want to consider this book as a thoughtful gift idea for those who do not have Internet access or as helpful sermon illustrations for your Pastor.
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