by Pastor Cecil | Oct 17, 2013 | Psalm
Psalm 75:4-5
To the arrogant I say, ‘Boast no more,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns. Do not lift up your horns against heaven; do not speak with an outstretched neck.’
What an unusual phrase: “- – an outstretched neck.” It is rendered that way in the New International Version of the Bible. In the King James Version it is: “- – a stiff neck.” In the New American Standard it is: “- – an insolent pride.” In the first two versions we have a word picture, while in the NASB we find more of a definition.
We often see insolent pride displayed during sporting events. Not always, but frequently we observe athletes with outstretched necks parading back and forth like proud peacocks. This behavior has become common enough that penalties are often assessed because it is described as taunting.
It is just as distressing to observe ministers of the Gospel strut and pose in displays of arrogance. These people claim to have the answer to any and all problems that others have. The solution, they pronounce, is to send your money to them and all will be well. (Sorry, I was a little carried away there.) These ministers are more disturbing to me than the athletes. Wisdom is in their own eyes. God will have the last word.
My plea is for us to bow before the Lord and confess that we deserve nothing, but He has given us His everything. Our boasting is in Him and Him alone. He is my everything, and I bow before His majesty on high!
Let me close for today with this passage in Proverbs 3:5-6, which is the clearest way to steer clear of having an outstretched neck: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Blessings, Dear Hearts, draw near to God today, trust Him completely, and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 16, 2013 | Proverbs
Proverbs 23:9
Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words.
I was talking with a good friend earlier today. He happened to mention that he had heard or read a comment that he had amended to keep in mind: “Never argue with a fool. You will lower yourself to his level and discover that he has more experience at that lower level.”
Often I reflect on the homespun wit and wisdom of Ben Riordan, the Juvenile Court Judge I worked for many years ago. One of his favorite expressions was to describe a fool as one who might appear to be a fool . . . until he opened his mouth . . . at which time he removed all doubt!
There is a definition given in Psalm 53:1; “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good.” As we consider that definition we discover that many people fall into that category. It is frustrating and counterproductive to argue with those who deny God.
Argumentation will never lead to victory. As long as the fool denies the existence of God, he will remain in his sinful state. We must live out our faith in such a way that Jesus will be seen in and through us without a word being spoken. The best witnesses for Jesus are those who allow Him to use us as His instruments of grace. May the beauty of Jesus be seen in me!
Blessings, Dear Hearts, draw near to God today, trust Him completely, and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 15, 2013 | 1 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
As a young boy in church, I recall some members that always looked like they were baptized in vinegar. Their words were words of joy, but to look at them you would think the sky had just fallen on their head.
I am sure that most of us have heard the humorous exchange when someone asks: “How are you doing?” The reply: “Pretty well, under the circumstances.” The one who asked the question replies: “Well, what are you doing under there?”
So I ask you: How are you doing? I hope you are living and serving the Lord above the circumstances of life. Our outlook and attitude have a profound bearing on how we view others, but also on how they view us.
As I read today’s Scripture, I am struck by what we are told to do. It is not easy, but it is God’s mandate for us. We are to rejoice always. That means for everything—whether good, bad or indifferent! I think the way we are able to do that is through the second command: we are to pray continually. And that leads to the final step: give thanks in all circumstances. It is only by God’s amazing grace that we will be able to accomplish this in our daily walk. Let’s believe God and His Word and obey!
Blessings, Dear Hearts, draw near to God today, trust Him completely, and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 14, 2013 | Esther
Esther 4:15-16
Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: ‘Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.’
Each time I read the book of Esther I am challenged by the courage of this beautiful woman who seemed to have it all. She had been made queen, surrounded by pomp and grandeur that would be the envy of all other women in the kingdom. But there was a huge problem. A death sentence had been decreed for all of her people. The evil Haman was so filled with hatred toward the Jews that he wanted them all slain on one day.
Mordecai had confronted Esther with the problem they faced. She was asked to put her life on the line and risk everything by going into the presence of the king without his calling for her. She might have reasoned that it would be possible that she alone might escape the decree, but she was more committed to the God of Israel than the earthly king she served. Fasting and prayer preceded her actions, and the evil Haman and all of his cohorts were the ones who died.
That brings me to consider my own commitment. What am I willing to risk for the sake of the Lord? Is my comfort and ease more important than being committed to Christ? Am I prepared to give my all for the Lord? That is my desire!
Blessings, Dear Hearts, draw near to God today, trust Him completely, and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 11, 2013 | Matthew
Matthew 24:10-13
“At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
Jesus is coming soon! Read Matthew 24 from start to finish and you will see the signs of His coming all around us. One of the prophecies concerning His return concerns the rise of false prophets and even those who claim to be Messiah.
Since 1891, when the blind hymn writer, Fanny Crosby wrote this week’s hymn, there have many false leaders who claimed to be the promised Messiah. Each of these charlatans lacked the required proof— the prints of the nails in his hands! Carefully read the words of this old hymn.
My Savior First of All
When my lifework is ended,
and I cross the swelling tide,
When the bright and glorious morning I shall see;
I shall know my Redeemer
when I reach the other side,
And His smile will be the first to welcome me.
Refrain: I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
And redeemed by His side I shall stand,
I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
By the print of the nails in His hand.
Oh, the soul-thrilling rapture
when I view His blessed face,
And the luster of His kindly beaming eye;
How my full heart will praise Him
for the mercy, love and grace,
That prepare for me a mansion in the sky.
Refrain: I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
And redeemed by His side I shall stand,
I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
By the print of the nails in His hand.
Oh, the dear ones in glory,
how they beckon me to come,
And our parting at the river I recall;
To the sweet vales of Eden
they will sing my welcome home;
But I long to meet my Savior first of all.
Refrain: I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
And redeemed by His side I shall stand,
I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
By the print of the nails in His hand.
Through the gates to the city
in a robe of spotless white,
He will lead me where no tears will ever fall;
In the glad song of ages
I shall mingle with delight;
But I long to meet my Savior first of all.
Refrain: I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
And redeemed by His side I shall stand,
I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
By the print of the nails in His hand.
To access My Savior First of All, this week’s inspirational video fromGloryScapes™ Christian Music Hymns & Songs, please go to:http://www.gloryscapes.com/mysaviorfirstofall/ 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
