by Pastor Cecil | May 3, 2012 | Matthew
Matthew 13:8-9
Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear.
One of my greatest delights is to stand in the middle of a large tomato patch with luscious ripe tomatoes all around me just begging to be eaten. I never let them down! There are times of sowing, then watering, perhaps some weeding that precedes the harvest, but harvest time eventually comes.
I must confess I usually feel guilty participating in the harvest without doing any of the work to bring it about. I sometimes imagine the cultivating, planting, hoeing and watering that result in a bountiful harvest.
Over the years I have had the blessing of leading individuals to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Frequently they are more than ready to pray the sinner’s prayer and give their hearts to the Lord.
As we visit following their decision, I often hear about how others have witnessed to them and prayed for them across the years. It may be a parent, grandparent or friend, but there had been a seed planted. I just had the joy of harvesting.
If you have read these Daily-E-Votionals for any time at all, you will know that I strike hard at the sin of pride. Spiritual pride is especially obnoxious. It is one of those weeds that we talked about yesterday.
It is almost as if some Christians delight in counting how many people they have led to the Lord. To me that is tragic! The Lord has called all of us to work in His fields. We may plow, sow, water or reap—but it is what the Lord calls us to do—not what we choose to do ourselves that counts.
It is my prayer that when I get to heaven, some joyous soul will greet me with a great smile and say, “You never knew it, but something you said (or did) made me realize I needed the Lord in my life. Years later I accepted Jesus. Thank you!”
God needs workers in His fields. Will you accept His call and make yourself available to Him?
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | May 2, 2012 | Isaiah
Isaiah 26:3-4
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.
Last Sunday one of our men related a great incident: A co-worker had shared that he had not been getting any sleep at night. He would toss and turn for hour after hour and would rise in the morning feeling washed out.
Our member told him that he had the solution. He suggested that when the man could not sleep he should take the Bible and start reading, and surely Satan would bring slumber to stop the reading. The next day the man arrived at work refreshed and full of energy. He reported that it was the best night of sleep he’d had in ages.
Today’s Scripture is a wonderful passage for any of us to read and meditate upon before drifting off to sleep. It is a promise that the Lord has given to those who will keep our minds stayed on the Lord.
Here is a challenge for anyone who has been having trouble sleeping at night. Search out passages that deal with praise and promise. Read these passages several times before you slip into bed. You may even want to write them on a 3×5 card and keep it near your bed. Be ready to read the passages over again if your sleep is interrupted. May God grant you sweet sleep!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing to others!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | May 1, 2012 | Philippians
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 all this through Him who gives me strength.
Years ago I heard an expression that has stuck with me during some of the most difficult times of my life: I can’t—He can —That’s all I need to know—Let’s go! I just wish I practiced that in each and every situation of my life. It is not what I am able to do for the Lord that counts, but what He chooses to do in and through me. My part is to recognize that all I do spiritually must be done—through Him.
There is an old quote that was attributed to the great American evangelist, D.L. Moody. Some say it was one that he borrowed from someone else, but it is the message that counts: The world has yet to see what God can do with and for and through and in and by the man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him. I will try my utmost to be that man.
The Apostle Paul knew what it was like to experience trials and travails. He was treated like a common criminal and suffered beatings, stonings, shipwrecks, cold seas, hot deserts, hunger, thirst and jail. These difficulties meant very little to Paul. It did not matter what he had or what he lacked—he simply wanted to be content in knowing he was doing the will of the Lord and in the strength of the Lord. I want that to be my primary goal in the days I have left before I meet the Lord.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
