by Pastor Cecil | Sep 30, 2013 | Isaiah
Isaiah 46:4
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Last week was one of those weeks that we wish would not happen, but unfortunately they frequently do. I will send along to all of you the messages I sent to our church congregation here at Tumwater Chapel of Grace:
“Just a quick note to let you know that Joyce was admitted to the hospital Tuesday night after she collapsed at home. She had fallen earlier in the day and suffered a hematoma on her left hip. The doctors are working to the best of their ability to deal with her imbalance problem and now the problems created by the fall.
With the confusion of the situation, it might be best not to try and visit at the hospital since she is having trouble concentrating. Your prayers and love will be appreciated.”
Here is the follow-up I sent out Friday evening:
“Another very quick note to let you know that Joyce came home from the hospital early this afternoon (Friday). I think we are both dealing with hospital sleep deprivation, so we are going to get some rest in a good bed. Thanks for your prayers, messages and concern.”
Blessings, Dear Hearts, draw near to God today, trust Him completely, and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 26, 2013 | Isaiah
Isaiah 46:4
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
I read an article in the newspaper recently that mentioned something about an elderly man. As I scanned down through the article, I was shocked to read that the man was two years younger than I am. If he was categorized as an elderly man, what does that make me? I guess the answer is in the eyes of the beholder!
My mom used to have a rental property behind her house. A widower lived there and she always referred to him as the old man. One day I challenged her by reminding her that he was three years younger than she was. (It did not go over well!)
Sometimes I observe people who may be about 35, and wonder, at what point are they no longer considered young people? That is a tough question. In our modern age that worships youth, many hold onto a designation as a young person until it screams!
Can I let you in on a little secret? It is okay to allow yourself to mature (that’s a kind word for getting old). We need the experience and solidity that comes with experience. We find people in Scripture who were the greatest blessing in their latter years. I have come to the conclusion that age is not a determiner. We need to put our shoulder to the wheel and be more effect in serving Jesus each and every day.
Blessings, Dear Hearts, draw near to God today, trust Him completely, and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 25, 2013 | Isaiah
Isaiah 41:10
Fear thou not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yea, I will help you, yea, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Why is it that some verses remain with you all through your life? Some say they have a “LIFE VERSE.” I might not go that far, but this is one the first verses I memorized as a young boy in Camas, Washington. At that time I thought it was special because of what it PROMISED. Throughout my life I have found that it is true in PRACTICE!
As I have meditated and put this verse into practice across these many years, I have discovered that there are two actions that I am to take, two assurances that God gives, and three promises that follow.
This verse tells us that: We are not to fear nor be dismayed. Those are the two actions that we are to take. It may sound easy, but when the trials and tests of life arise, these become tasks that demand the assurances we find from the Lord: He is with us and He is our God.
As great as those assurances are, there is more. God adds His three precious promises: I will strengthen you, yea, I will help you, yea, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. I challenge you to apply this verse to your life for the next 30 days. See what a difference you will discover awaiting you.
Blessings, Dear Hearts, draw near to God today, trust Him completely, and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 24, 2013 | Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy 32:29
If only they were wise and would understand this and discern what their end will be!
When I became the pastor of a church in central Oregon, I was informed that the custodial services were performed by a young woman who lived with her mother and brother. For some reason they did not attend the church, but strange as it may seem, when they had visitors they would show them through the church with pride.
After I had been there for a few years, two members of our congregation told me that the young woman had been hired by the lumber mill and, if she gave up the church custodial job, they would like to assume the task as part of their ministry.
I phoned the young woman with the intention of congratulating her on the new job and to ask if she still wanted to do our custodial work. Her brother answered my call and I heard him say, “It’s the preacher. He probably is going to fire you.” That seemed to set the idea firmly in her mind. She ignored my congratulations, and when I asked about her intentions for continuing at the church, she said she quit! Wow! I tried to explain that my reason for calling was only to find out what her plans were.
A short time later, she (along with her mother and brother) came to our home and read me the riot act about not having the decency to come and fire her in person. I was never able to convince them of my true intentions all the time I was there.
There are many people who will misunderstand us and even oppose us. The only thing we can do is keep our eyes on the Lord and allow Him to direct our path and deal with those who choose to misunderstand our words and actions.
Blessings, Dear Hearts, draw near to God today, trust Him completely, and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 23, 2013 | Galatians
Galatians 6:7-8
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
For years I have had various people bombard me with the idea that we could have anything and everything our heart desired if we only had enough faith. They claim that all sickness and poverty is of the devil, so all we have to do is have enough faith to name it and claim it! Foolishness!
There is a spiritual principle that overshadows all of the others; God is the ONE who is in control. We in no way can control God. It does not matter how many good things we accomplish or how righteous we may be, He is the Supreme Commander in Chief.
Having spent over twelve years in the military, I am very familiar with the Chain of Command. Briefly, it means that those who possess a higher rank must be obeyed and shown proper respect.
The problem we have today is that there are far too many leaders teaching that all can be healthy, wealthy, and wise. All you need to do is have faith. The reality is that God has chosen to lead some of His most faithful servants through the valley of the shadow of death. Thank God for the assurance in Psalm 23:4. Even though we go through the dark valleys of this old life, we need not fear for He is near and His rod and staff will protect and comfort. That is the wealth I desire!
Blessings, Dear Hearts, draw near to God today, trust Him completely, and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
