by Pastor Cecil | Aug 3, 2012 | Philippians
Philippians 3:13-14
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
There are not too many people around who can recall the 1924 Summer Olympic Games that were held in Paris. But if I mention the title of a movie and song I believe you will have images of at least one of the competitors from those games: Chariots of Fire! The name of the competitor is Eric Liddell. He was known as the “Flying Scotsman.”
He will always be remembered as the man who refused to compete in the 100 meter race where he was almost certain to win a gold medal. He chose not to run in the race because it was held on Sunday. Knowing this, Eric trained in the 220 and 440 meter races. He won a gold medal in the 440 and a bronze in the 220.
Eric was born to missionaries with the China Inland Mission. Following the Olympics and after receiving his university degree, he returned to China and served as a missionary there, especially working with the poor and disabled. He married and had three children.
As World War II loomed, the Japanese army moved ever closer to the area where Eric and his family ministered. He sent his family back to Canada for their safety, but he remained to serve the people God had laid on his heart. When the Japanese arrived In 1943, he was interned at the Weihsien Internment Camp (in the modern city of Weifang) with the members of the China Inland Mission, Chefoo (now known as Yantai) School, and many others.
Liddell became a leader and organizer at the camp, but food, medicine and other supplies were scarce. There were many cliques in the camp and when some rich businessmen managed to smuggle in some eggs, Liddell shamed them into sharing them. Eric gave freely of himself and busied himself by helping the elderly, teaching at the camp school Bible classes, arranging games and by teaching science to the children, who referred to him as Uncle Eric.
Eric Liddell died from an inoperable brain tumor. His overwork and malnourishment may have hastened his death. He died on February 21, 1945, five months before liberation. He was greatly mourned, not only at the Weihsien Internment Camp, but also in Scotland. Langdon Gilkey was later to write, “The entire camp, especially its youth, was stunned for days, so great was the vacuum that Eric’s death had left.” According to a fellow missionary, Liddell’s last words were, “It’s complete surrender,” in reference to how he had given his life to his God.
In 2008, Chinese authorities revealed that Liddell had refused an opportunity to leave the camp and instead gave his place to a pregnant woman. Apparently, with Churchill’s approval, the Japanese made a deal with the British for prisoner exchange. This information was released near the time of the 2008 Beijing Olympics by the Chinese government and news of this act of sacrifice came as a surprise even to Eric’s family members. Now to me that is the mark of a real champion for Jesus!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Aug 2, 2012 | 2 Timothy
2 Timothy 4:7-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.
Much of the world is now focusing its attention on London, England and the 2012 Summer Olympic games. As I recall, there are 205 nations and 10,500 athletes that are competing for medals this year. Only a few of that number will emerge victorious. It somehow seems distressing that just a few will receive the prize they so desperately seek and for which they have devoted so much arduous training.
The marathon is a long-distance running event with an official distance of 42.195 kilometers (26 miles and 385 yards). At the end, the competitors have expended the last ounce of their energy.
My mind goes back to the 1984 Summer Olympic Games that were held in Los Angeles, California. It was the end of the Women’s Marathon and the competitors entered the stadium to complete the race by circling the track one time. One by one they entered and crossed the line. Then Gabriella Andersen-Schiess from Switzerland came through the tunnel and entered the arena. She was in 37th place and no medal would be awarded for her valiant effort. She was suffering from exhaustion and dehydration and could hardly remain on her feet. The crowd exploded with applause during her last painful steps. She crossed the line and was treated as a victor—because she was!!
We are all in a race to win the prize that God has promised to all who are His children and follow Him. It may seem that we cannot go another step, but hang on, dear heart. The finish line is just ahead and the hosts of heaven are cheering for us. VICTORY!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Aug 1, 2012 | 2 Timothy
2 Timothy 4:7-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.
It was February 14th Valentine Day – and we received word that my dad had collapsed. We left the evening church service and rushed to the emergency room, arriving before the ambulance. I stood outside the emergency entrance and listened to the eerie sound of the approaching ambulance, knowing that my precious dad was inside.
I looked up into the sky and prayed that the Lord would give me the strength to deal with what the next few minutes would reveal. As the gurney was wheeled past me I saw the lifeless shell of my dad. I knew immediately that he was not here, but he had risen to be with the Lord. What a loss for us but what a victory for him!
The Apostle Paul was in a dark and dreary prison and knew that his life on this earth was almost over. Rather than being fearful or discouraged, he was filled with victory and joy. Earlier he had proclaimed that if he lived it would be to serve Christ and when he died it would be gain. Either way he had joy and contentment.
I found contentment in my dad’s passing as I have with other members and cherished friends who died, but who had been born again. Yes, I was grieved to know that I would not see them again for a little while, but I have the confident assurance that we will meet again never more to suffer separation. What comfort that is!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
