by Pastor Cecil | Dec 17, 2014 | Philippians
Philippians 3:12-14
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself 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.”
When God’s Word says our sins are forgiven, does that mean we are free, or does He still hold them against me? We might say that we are set free, but do we actually walk away from our sinful past and have victory in our life? Using my experience in law enforcement I want to examine the woman in the Bible like a police officer making a report: Name: Rahab. Address: Jericho. Occupation: Prostitute.
We know nothing of the background of this woman of the night. She is the first person that the Israelites encounter in the land of promise that God has led them to possess. Two spies had been sent out by Joshua to spy out the land, and especially Jericho. She was the one who saved them. In return she and her family were spared when Jericho fell.
In Hebrews 11:31 she is mentioned along with the faithful of the ages. In James 2:25 and 26, she mentioned by James as one who was considered righteous for what she did.
Now, that brings us to the practical aspects of the forgiveness of sins in our lives. When we confess our sins, we can begin to live as new creatures. It is certainly not God who brings your sins of the past to your mind and causes you turmoil. If it is not the Lord, it is coming from the other side, and that means Satan. Trust God!
Blessings dear hearts Look forward not back!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Dec 16, 2014 | Psalm
Psalm 37:5-6
“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”
Those on the world scene, such as sports figures, political figures, etc., may seem to be larger than life, but in a very short period of time, they fade away and are forgotten. But the person who commits themselves to shape your life by their care and concern, will never be forgotten.
When I was in my graduate work, my major professor was constantly hounding me to look up the meaning of words. (I regret that I do not do that as often as I should.)
In today’s Scripture I have underlined the word, “commit”. In the Hebrew it is the word “galal.” I am sure you are greatly impressed. Before you doze off, let me share a definition that adds color. It has a primitive root meaning, “TO ROLL.”
When we commit ourselves to the Lord, we “ROLL” all that we have and are and hope to be on Him, knowing that He cares for us. It is not just some — ho hum, I think I will try this commitment thing to see if it works. Rolling it onto the Lord, means I leave it with Him and trust Him to handle it.
Years ago I read this wonderful “Statement of Commitment.” It was penned by a young African pastor and tacked to a wall in his house.
MY COMMITMENT AS A CHRISTIAN:
I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I’m a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power. My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me because my banner will be clear!
WOW!!! That is what I call rolling all we are in commitment to the Lord. I endorse and stand in agreement with what this dear brother has committed. I invite each of you to do the same.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Dec 15, 2014 | 1 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 1:4-6
“For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.”
I confess that I am not a deep theologian who has profound knowledge of the writings of learned biblical scholars. I simply feel that the Lord has called me to study, think, and pray on the things that are written in the precious Word of God until they become real to me. Then, and only then, I try to present them in a manner that is simple, real, and true to the Word.
When I was stationed in Missouri with the USAF, I had many conversations with a dear pastor, Rev. Frank Meyers, in Warrensburg, Missouri. He shared that his first pastorate was in St. Joseph, Missouri, near a large meat packing company where a certain member of his congregation worked. This elderly meat packer had at best a third-grade education. Each day he got off at 3:00 p.m. and would head for the pastor’s study. Frank said that old man with a limited education (by the world’s standards) taught him more about the true Word of God than all of his highly educated professors in college and seminary. I want to be like that old unknown meat packer!
Just remember that it is the Lord that takes this poor preacher’s ramblings to show you that God loves you, knows exactly what you feel, and has a plan for your good and His glory. I encourage you to read the book of 1 Thessalonians. If you can, read it all the way through at one sitting. It will bless you!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Dec 12, 2014 | Psalm
Psalm 98:4-6
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—shout for joy before the Lord, the King”
It has been told that Isaac Watt, who wrote the words of this beautiful Christmas hymn, had not intended it to be used only at Christmas. He wrote the words to paraphrase the words we find in today’s Scripture in Psalm 98.
To me it is a reminder that God will take our most feeble efforts and allow them to be used to accomplish His divine purpose. Once again Proverbs 3:5-6 is proven true: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Please enjoy this hymn of praise.
Joy to the World
Joy to the world! The Lord is come.
Let earth receive her King
Let every heart Prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing;
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and heaven and angels sing
Joy to the world, the Savior reigns;
Let men their songs employ
While fields and floods; rocks, hills and plains,
Repeat the sounding joy;
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, Repeat, the sounding joy
No more will sins and sorrows grow;
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow;
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace;
And makes the nations prove,
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love;
And wonders of His love;
And wonders, wonders of His love.
To access Joy to the World, this week’s inspirational video fromGloryScapes™ Inspirational Music Videos, please go to:http://www.gloryscapes.com/joytotheworld/ 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
by Pastor Cecil | Dec 11, 2014 | Psalm
Psalm 139:7-10
“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.“
Over the years I have had the privilege of experiencing a variety of professions. One of the most enjoyable was working as a County Juvenile Officer. I had come into the position directly from serving as a city police officer, so I was well acquainted with the patrol officers who worked the night shift.
I frequently rode around with one of the officers as he made his rounds. From time to time I would spot a juvenile who was part of my caseload. I would note the time, location and who else was present. Many times the probationer was on a court ordered curfew.
The next time that individual came in to report I would ask if they were adhering to their curfew. The response was usually that they were. I would then ask about the day and time I had observed them. The look of astonishment was priceless. I would then proceed to take the necessary action that was merited. It wasn’t long before they felt like I was everywhere and they had better keep on the straight and narrow.
In today’s Scripture we see that the Lord is everywhere and He knows all about us. There are no time-outs when it comes to living for the Lord. He knows each and everything about us. That is not a bad thing, but a constant reminder that He is always there when we call. Praise the Lord!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
