by Pastor Cecil | Sep 9, 2016 | Luke
Luke 24:2-6
“They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!”
Alfred Ackley was a Baptist pastor who had two dramatic incidents in his life that led him to write our hymn for this week. He had been conducting an evangelistic service back in 1932 when a young Jewish man threw this question at him; “Why should I worship a dead Jew?”
Then early on Resurrection Sunday morning as he was preparing for the day he listened to the radio. A famous liberal preacher made this statement; “Good morning—it’s Easter! You know folks, it really doesn’t make any difference to me if Christ be risen or not. As far as I am concerned, His body could be dust in some Palestinian tomb. The main truth is His truth goes marching on!”
Alfred screamed out at the radio, “It’s a lie!” His wife was startled and wanted to know why he was so upset. Following the service that morning his wife prompted him to write a hymn and express his thoughts. He wrote this wonderful hymn.
HE LIVES!
I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today; I know that He is living whatever men may say; I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer, and just the time I need Him, He’s always near.
Refrain: He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives, He lives, Salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.
In all the world around me I see His loving care, and tho’ my heart grows weary I never will despair; I know that He is leading thro’ all the stormy blast, The day of His appearing will come at last.
Refrain: He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives, He lives, Salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.
Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing, Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King! The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find, none other is so loving, so good and kind.
Refrain: He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives, He lives, Salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.
Aren’t you glad we serve a risen Savior? Our God is not dead, HE LIVES!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 8, 2016 | James
James 1:2-4
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
I never have been a patient man by any stretch of the imagination. I am the type of person that looks for quick fixes. I often think that God has brought delays in my walk with Him in order to teach me that He is the One in charge, not me!
The book of James has held a special spot in my heart for many years. To me it is a practical guide to achieving Godly character. Many of the trials and tribulations that come our way are used by God to develop His character in us … if we let it.
Looking over my shoulder at the experiences of my life, I remember times of loss and pain that seemed agonizing at the time. It was only as I moved through these times with God’s help that I came to realize that He was giving me open doors of ministry to others who faced similar trying situations.
In “Character Building 101” it is time for us to step up to God’s mirror of self analysis. For me, I see the need for patience and more patience. As I learn to wait on the Lord, I find Him using me in spite of myself. Lead on, Lord!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 7, 2016 | James
James 2:8
“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you do well.”
Last Sunday, following our monthly fellowship dinner, we were discussing ways in which we could more effectively become a cohesive church family. We do not want to simply come together for worship, but we desire to become more like the New Testament church.
In a short time our discussion led us to the necessity of reaching out to others. That does not imply that we only reach out to our own members, which is okay — but we want to expand our love to those outside our congregation who have legitimate needs.
“Loving our neighbor” is the Royal Law that Jesus plants within the heart and soul of the believer. It is not a burdensome requirement, but more of a bubbling desire to serve Jesus by serving others.
I think the word servant must be stressed more. We need to rise to the challenge that our Lord gives by being aware of those around us and the needs in their lives. We can show our love by helping with groceries, giving a ride, watching the kids, mowing the lawn . . . you get the point. Are we fulfilling the Royal Law?
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 6, 2016 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 3:4
“… rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.”
Recently, a dear friend forwarded a prayer request from a deeply distressed daughter for her mother who was facing serious medical issues. In the message she mentioned that her father was giving loving care to his precious wife of many years. This daughter said that her dad still thought his wife was the most beautiful woman in the world, regardless of her age and physical condition.
As I read those words I thought back to the last days of my wife, Joyce. Her frail little body required much attention. She could hardly move and her mind had difficulty staying focussed. In spite of all that, she was to me the most beautiful woman in the world.
Why was that? It was the inner beauty that Jesus had given her. Joyce never was one that enjoyed the spotlight. She was shy by nature, but her gentle and quiet spirit cared about people and she ministered in her own quiet way.
Many flashy female movie stars make themselves up to look glamorous, but in a short time that outer façade wears off and they lose their appeal. Godly women get more beautiful each year. Ladies, be such a beauty. (MEN AS WELL!)
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 2, 2016 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 4:12-13
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
Fanny J. Crosby was a remarkable woman. There are so many accomplishments in her life that it is hard to comprehend them all. She lost her eyesight because of the treatment of a careless doctor. In spite of her loss she memorized huge portions of Scripture just by listening to her grandmother read them to her. She is credited with writing over 10,000 hymns during her life.
Fanny began writing poetry at an early age, but another amazing fact is that she did not accept Jesus as her personal Savior until she was 31. She was attending a service on November 20, 1850. The congregation was singing a hymn by Isaac Watts; At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light. She knew she needed the Lord and that very night He became her Savior and Lord. Her desire was to always stay close to Jesus who had paid the ultimate price for her salvation. Her desire was to remain near her Lord. She immediately wrote the words to the hymn for this week.
Near the Cross
Jesus, keep me near the cross;
there a precious fountain,
free to all, a healing stream,
flows from Calvary’s mountain.
Refrain: In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever,
till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.
Near the cross, a trembling soul,
love and mercy found me;
there the bright and morning star
sheds its beams around me.
Refrain: In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever,
till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.
Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
bring its scenes before me;
help me walk from day to day
with its shadow o’er me.
Refrain: In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever,
till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.
Near the cross I’ll watch and wait,
hoping, trusting ever,
till I reach the golden strand
just beyond the river.
Refrain: In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever,
till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.
To access Near the Cross, this week’s inspirational video fromGloryScapes.com, please go to:http://www.gloryscapes.com/nearthecross/ 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
