by Pastor Cecil | Jul 17, 2012 | Romans
Romans 10:12-13
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
After our service this morning, our daughter, Lori, was talking to someone about a comment her older sister, Brenda, had made many years ago. It was when I was stationed with the Air Force in San Antonio, Texas.
This was during the “Cold War” years when there was deep concern about nuclear war. The schools at that time had developed an emergency plan in case of a threat of such a terrible event. The students were told to duck under their desks and cover their heads. It became known as the “duck and cover” drill. I wonder where they came up with such a catchy slogan.
One day there was a false alarm and the sirens sounded. The children in Brenda’s class ducked under their desks (as did the teacher) and waited in fearful silence. The silence was broken when Brenda yelled out; “Say your prayer and I will see you in heaven!”
Our precious Brenda is in heaven now. The all clear was signaled way back then, but in 1991 there was another clarion call and our dear daughter slipped into the Paradise of the Lord prepared for His children.
If you have never prayed to the Lord and turned your life around (repented), now is the time to do it. Just open your heart and confess that you are a sinner and invite the Lord into your heart.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 16, 2012 | James
James 1:2-3
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
James is one of my favorite books in the Bible. I once memorized the entire book. I hate to confess it, but I have forgotten much of it. The joy is that with just a little effort I can still bring those precious words back to mind with very little effort.
Recently I was greatly impressed by a thought that David Jeremiah shared. It was in reference to the words, “- -count it all joy.” I have taught for years that we are to give thanks for everything. It often seems impractical to count it all joy when we are experiencing the tough times of life. There is an interesting passage in Hebrews 12:1-3: “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
As I read these words I am struck by the thought that Jesus endured the cross with joy. It is clear that the suffering of the cross was anything but joyful. So where did this joy that Christ experienced come from? It came from Him fast forwarding His heart and mind to the glory that was waiting for Him.
An athlete who endures the horrible rigors of training does not find joy in the pain in the stressing of muscles to the breaking point. The joy is in fast forwarding the mind to visualize the race and crossing the finish line as a victor. I choose to count everything I endure in this life as joy, because I fast forward to what awaits me at the finish line. Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 13, 2012 | Isaiah
Isaiah 53:12
Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.
I recently received an e-mail from one of our subscribers, Ed Thornhill, who passed on some information that I found interesting and inspirational. It has to do with the town of Reed City, Michigan. I visited Reed City’s website to check what Ed had shared with me. They have a museum there called the Old Rugged Cross Museum.
Back in 1913 a Salvation Army officer, George Bennard, passed through a trying experience which caused him to reflect seriously about the significance of the cross and, in particular, what the apostle Paul meant when he spoke of entering into the fellowship of Christ’s suffering. While contemplating on these truths, Bennard was convinced that the cross was not just a religious symbol, but rather the very heart of the Gospel. He penned the words of this beloved hymn.
Bennard spent the last years of his life by the “side of the road,” a few miles north of Reed City, Michigan. At the age of 85, on October 9, 1968, he passed away. Near this home there still stands a twelve foot high cross with the words “The Old Rugged Cross—Home of George Bennard, composer of this beloved hymn.”
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 | Jul 12, 2012 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 2:1-3
Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
I love this time of year. It is the time many of the birds that come to our feeders and birdbath appear with their new hatchlings. We have several new chickadees that have recently made their appearance. These young birds are about the same size as their parents, but you can always tell them apart.
The first identifying characteristic is that they tremble and flutter. They also have a constant cheeping sound. It sounds quite demanding and I am sure that the parents who feed these little offspring of theirs wonder if it will ever stop. They usually have their mouths open wide to receive anything a parent, or any other bird, will offer them.
In the past it has been a joy and delight to observe baby Christians who have some of these same characteristics. They are so eager to hear more of the pure Word of God that they tremble and flutter with excitement. They have their spiritual mouths wide open to take in the life giving Word. It is fulfilling to be one of those who are available to feed these baby believers.
Now is the time to examine your life. Are you a baby believer who needs the food of the Word in order to grow? Do you actively seek out a mature believer who will respond to your need and feed you? Are you a mature Christian who is able to teach and nourish the new believers around you? If so, what is holding you back from serving?
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 11, 2012 | Psalm
Psalm 103:1-2, 5
Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. – – Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
In 1910, Coca-Cola began using a slogan that has been used on and off for more than 100 years now. You may have seen it on billboards, magazines or on television. Here is that 100 year old slogan: It satisfies! Does that ring a bell for some of you?
Many products or programs claim to bring lasting satisfaction. Usually the satisfaction they claim can only be achieved by investing in what they are selling. Smiles on labels, billboards, fliers or on television prove that this or that will satisfy.
Perhaps there are things that will bring temporary satisfaction, but will it last? When your throat is parched after working for hours in the sun, a drink of cool water will satisfy you, but for how long? How long will it be before you are headed for the water faucet once more? There is no product on earth that will provide lasting satisfaction. There is always a need for more.
I love birds and especially enjoy watching hawks and eagles. The fact that we live on Bald Eagle Lane is very appropriate. In today’s Scripture we are encouraged by the fact that the Lord satisfies our needs. Not selfish needs to be squandered on ourselves, but spiritual needs to make us effective in the works of the Lord regardless of our age. He says that our youth will be renewed like the eagles. To me that means He gives us strength for doing what He calls us to do. Are you soaring yet? We start by praising Him. Praise the Lord!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
