by Pastor Cecil | Aug 20, 2015 | Isaiah
Isaiah 40:29-31
“He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
Eagles have been my favorite bird longer than I can remember. I am captivated every time I look into the sky and see that majestic bird with the dark body and white head soaring majestically over the earth below.
When I see an eagle in flight, the beauty and grace of his movements are fantastic. Soaring high in the sky, he looks very small and yet he is a very large bird. His talons can crush bones and his beak can tear away huge portions of flesh. But I don’t think of these qualities while I observe him in flight, only his beauty.
The truth of the matter is that an eagle spends a considerable amount of time performing very menial activities. I have observed them via an “eagle cam” sitting on a nest for hours on end, sometimes in snow and ice, to ensure that the eggs are hatched. Then both the mother and the father take turns seeking food to bring to the nest to feed their hungry brood.
When we think of serving the Lord, it is easy to think of the easy times, the times of soaring and feeling the wind beneath our wings. As we consider today’s Scripture, there is another element involved. Spiritually, to soar like an eagle is to patiently wait for the Lord and be prepared to act when He calls. Soar, my friend!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Aug 19, 2015 | Psalm
Psalm 139:1-4
“O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.”
There are many emotions that arise when we go through a stressful situation. I tenderly want to suggest that one of the most difficult encounters is when a well- meaning person suggests that they know how you feel.
I have encountered this several times in my life and have heard from others who also have had to respond to these comments. Yes, I may have had similar tragedies in my life, but that does not equate to knowing what another person is feeling.
What may cause intense pain and anguish in one person does not make them expert in relating it to the pain another is experiencing. There comes a time when silence and presence speak far louder than trying to impose my previous feelings.
There is one exception; the Lord knows what we are experiencing and He alone knows how we feel! He has borne our sinful burden to the cross and has experienced every heartache that we can ever endure. REST IN HIM AND FIND COMFORT!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Aug 18, 2015 | Psalm
Psalm 34:1-2
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear of it and be glad.”
I want to ask you a personal question. Do you enjoy listening to someone who is constantly complaining? Do you enjoy being around people who are so negative that they seem to make a conscious effort of seeing the worst in every situation?
If you are like me it’s difficult being around people like this. Unfortunately many Christians seem to fall into this type of behavior. There is very little praise, joy, or expectation from these people. They drag you down spiritually. Personally I think these negative oriented people are not living the life desires.
The psalmist David gives us a beautiful pattern of victorious Christian living. It seems as if he is making this a personal commitment to himself. He first of all starts out by asserting that he will bless the Lord at all times. If you have read anything about David in the Old Testament you will see that there are many times and many situations that were threatening and hard to give the Lord blessing. He goes on to say that he will praise the Lord continually! And finally he says that his boast will be in the Lord! And he just knows that those who are humble before God will hear of his praise and blessing and boasting and be glad.
So the question right now is, are you blessing the Lord enough? Do you praise him for each and every situation regardless of how devastating it may seem? Are you boasting about what you have accomplished or what God has accomplished through you? I encourage you to look deep into your own life and then praise the Lord!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Aug 17, 2015 | Amos
Amos 6:1
“Woe to you who are at ease in Zion, and trust in Mount Samaria, notable persons in the chief nation, to whom the house of Israel comes!”
A few blocks from my home is a busy intersection where, almost every week, there is a group of young people having a car wash to raise money. They have signs and usually more enthusiasm than I have experienced for years. Sometimes they yell at the top of their voices, but with your windows rolled up you have no way of hearing what they’re saying. But at least they’re excited!
Today, as I came to the intersection I noticed a young man who is sitting on a lawn chair. He was so nonchalant that at first I thought he was asleep. Then I noticed he had a sign advertising the car wash, but instead of holding it up he just had it leaning against the chair as he sat.
The scene prompted me to think of the modern day Church. There are a few who are excited and committed to the task of sharing the good news about Jesus Christ … but there are many more who seem to be “at Ease In Zion.”
It is well for us to understand that we are in the midst of a battlefield — a battlefield for the souls of men and women, boys and girls. And yet, so many are very much like that young man sitting on a lawn chair — indifferent and uncommitted. It is time for us to wake up and get busy sharing with our family and friends and others as the Holy Spirit opens the door. Wake up, Beloved! It may be their last chance!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Aug 14, 2015 | Revelation
Revelation 3:20
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
This beautiful hymn was composed by Will Thompson who lived from 1847 to 1909. The words seem to capture the heart of the listener and draw them to come to Jesus. You can almost picture Jesus Himself standing patiently urging us to come to him.
The second stanza gives us a little different approach not only does he plead for us to come but he offers pardon to anyone who will come to Him. He offers complete pardon to anyone and everyone who will come to Him. He has paid the price and He has the authority to extend pardon to any who will come to Him.
The words of this hymn stresses the urgent need of those who are lost. Some feel like they have time before making that decision, but sadly for many they wait too long. Now is the hour of decision to receive Christ’s mercy and pardon!
Softly and Tenderly
Softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling for you and for me;
See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching,
watching for you and for me.
Refrain: Come home, come home.
You who are weary come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling, O sinner, come home.
Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading;
pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not His mercies;
mercies for you and for me?
Refrain: Come home, come home.
You who are weary come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling, O sinner, come home.
Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
passing from you and for me.
Shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
coming for you and for me.
Refrain: Come home, come home.
You who are weary come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling, O sinner, come home.
O, for the wonderful love He has promised,
promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon,
pardon for you and for me.
Refrain: Come home, come home.
You who are weary come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling, O sinner, come home.
To access Softly and Tenderly, this week’s inspirational video fromGloryScapes™ Christian Music Hymns & Songs, please go to:http://www.gloryscapes.com/softlyandtenderly/ 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
