by Pastor Cecil | May 22, 2014 | 2 Corinthians
2 Corinthians 6:3-4
We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses.
As I write this I am listening to a gospel song that proclaims “I’m getting ready to leave this world.” Are we? I mean, are we truly looking forward to the day when we will say goodbye to the things of this world and enter our eternal home?
In studying the biographies of some of the greatest saints across the ages, I learn that they faced troubles. Many faced far greater troubles than I have ever faced. Not only that, they dealt with these troubles with confidence in Jesus.
Frequently I have heard ministers preach and teach a feel-good gospel. They seem to say that if you have enough faith you will never have to deal with sickness, pain, or catastrophic events. When I hear their teachings I want to shout out for them to read about the life of Paul. He endured more persecution than I can imagine, yet he was in the center of God’s will.
The discovery I’ve made is that we can have victory in the middle of the storms of life. I recall a song we used to sing when I was a teenager — “Troubles may come and troubles will go; we’ll trust in Jesus come weal or woe.” Now that is my aim in life. I know that there will be troubles, but my Jesus is in control.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | May 22, 2014 | 2 Timothy
2 Timothy 1:9-10
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
One of the saddest things in the world is to feel useless. At a very early age, kids will try to help adults with whatever task they may be doing. More often than not, the young child’s inexperience slows the adult’s progress rather than being of benefit.
As we get older, the desire to assist tends to taper off. This waning of desire even crosses over into the spiritual realm. After receiving the Lord into our hearts, we have a sense of peace and fulfillment…but too often the joy of our salvation wears off and we just go through the motions of living a Christian life.
Let me be quick to point out that according to Ephesians 2:8-9, we are saved by grace through faith and not by our own works of righteousness. We cannot be good enough to merit eternal life. It is God’s gift at Christ’s expense. In the same manner we are kept safe and secure by His grace and our faith.
Having said all of this, what is the purpose God has for us? As I said at the beginning, some Christians feel useless. They have little or no awareness that God has a purpose for each of us. If God loves us so much that He sent His dear Son to give His life for us, what is our purpose? The Westminster Shorter Catechism says that man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever. That is real purpose, dear heart. Are you fulfillingHis purpose for your life?
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
