PR-I-DE!

by | Jul 3, 2012 | 1 John

1 John 2:15-16

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

Pride has been the prevalent sin of all mankind since the Garden of Eden. We might even predate it earlier than the creation of Adam and Eve. Satan was consumed with a spirit of pride and desired to be high and lifted up to a position of divinity. He tempted Eve in the Garden by causing her to believe that the reason she and Adam were not allowed to eat from the Tree of Good and Evil was that they would become like God.

Years ago I heard the story of a pastor who announced to his congregation that he would be starting a series on pride and a call to true humility. After the first sermon in the series he was met at the door by a little lady who was so pleased with his new series. She told her pastor that she did not have many gifts or talents, but she was very PROUD of her humility. It made him want to cry.

When we stop to analyze the situation, most of us are very preoccupied with ourselves. Our chief aim is to satisfy ourselves. Even when offering a helping hand to someone else we want to make sure that we get credit for it. In other words, it is all about our own personal pride, the battleground of humanity.

Paul urges us to get our eyes off of the worldly and focus on the spiritual. Our goal should be always to inquire of the Lord what He is leading us to accomplish. We also need to keep our eyes open to see where He is at work around us and then making sure that we join in His program.

Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!

—Pastor Cecil

CRITICAL CARE!

by | Jul 2, 2012 | Matthew

Matthew 11:28-30

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

Over the years I have had numerous occasions to spend time in Critical Care Units. At times I have been there as a pastor to support family members whose loved ones are in critical condition. At other times it is my own family members who are in jeopardy, and still at other times I have been the patient in need of expert care.

Thinking back over my lifetime of ministry, there have been many more occasions when people have faced spiritually critical emergencies. Various circumstances may have arisen, that brought people to the end of their own human ability to cope.

It is easy to feel callous toward people who have rejected the Lord for year after year and turn to Him only as a last resort. It is clear that the Lord does not feel this way. In our Scripture for today it is very clear that the Lord encourages people to come to Him regardless of the circumstances.

You may be passing through a deep valley in your own life. The world may be collapsing in around you and you feel there is no hope. I can assure you that when we cry out to the Lord He hears us and responds to us. Remember that Jesus says he is gentle and lowly in heart. He is eager to welcome you into His Critical Care Unit to heal the most damaged heart. He loves you so much He died for you!

Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!

—Pastor Cecil