by Pastor Cecil | May 3, 2016 | James
James 4:7-8
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
Those of us who have had children are familiar with the words: “I do it myself!” At first it is cute and appealing, but before long we realize it is part of the fallen nature of all mankind.
That same willful attitude is much more distasteful in adults. We sometimes seem to think that we know more than God. With such an attitude we run full speed ahead and never bother to seek the Lord’s help until we run into trouble.
Over the years I have counseled countless individuals who thought they knew enough to make their own decisions without waiting on God. Heartbreak and turmoil was the result.
There is always an answer and that answer is to draw near to God. James is a very practical book in Christian living. James tells us that when we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. There is the answer to all of our problems. DRAW NEAR TO GOD!
Blessings dear hearts!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | May 2, 2016 | Philippians
Philippians 3:13-14
“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
If Paul were a coach of some modern-day athletic team, we might have heard him exclaim to his players: “Keep your eye on the ball!” Or he might have said: “Remember, Team, we are playing for the championship!”
The fact that Paul used athletic references in his letters does not diminish in any way the importance of what he is sharing. In a way, it was similar to Jesus using parables to teach spiritual truth.
As we go through life, it is easy to be distracted by things that might be interesting but are not important. At least they are not important when compared to eternal values. That is why it is so important to spend quality time reading God’s word. No matter how many times we may have read the Bible, it will always have new and fresh meaning for us.
Let us take time to evaluate our own actions. Are we focusing our attention on the high prize that Paul speaks about? If we were to stand before Jesus right now, would we be satisfied that we had done all for Him? SEEK THE PRIZE!
Blessings dear hearts!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
