by Pastor Cecil | Jan 31, 2017 | Luke
Luke 15:13
“And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.”
We are not told where the far country was to which the young son journeyed. I have known prodigals whose far country was the nearest bar. I have also encountered prodigals who have traveled thousands of miles away from those who love them.
It is interesting to read the definition of the word prodigal. It defines one who spends money in a reckless and extravagant manner. Wow! That would describe many who have never even traveled away from home!
It is also interesting to note that after the young son had frittered away all of his money as famine struck the land. Ooops! I am sure he did not see that coming. I can picture him trying to seek help from his new friends, but they were just as destitute as he was. Famine is no respecter of persons.
As a last resort this Jewish boy was forced to find employment feeding pigs. How low can he fall?! In fact it seems his wages were being able to eat the same food he was feeding the swine around him. That describes many prodigals in our modern world doesn’t it? How will he deal with it? Read tomorrows E-Votional.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jan 30, 2017 | Luke
Luke 15:11-12
“Then He said: ‘A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood.’”
My own father had two sons. I could write about what a good son I was and how much better than my brother since both have gone to be with the Lord. That would not be realistic or honest with you or myself. Let’s just focus on the two sons in this parable Jesus shared.
This week I would like to focus our attention on this parable. The first thing we are introduced to is the contrast between the two sons. The older son seems to be the perfect example of what a good son should be, but later on we will see more of his true character.
The younger son was much like the typical young man of all ages. He was more interested in good times than in taking responsibility. He asked for his share of the family inheritance ahead of time. I suppose he felt he needed it when he was young and could enjoy the pleasures of sin with lots of money.
Surprisingly his father granted his request. At the same time I am sure that the father’s heart was heavy. This son that he loved was leaving the family and he may never see him again. And so the parable of two sons begins.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jan 27, 2017 | Philippians
Philippians 3:10-11
“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.”
Back in 1913, Salvation Army Officer, George Bennard passed through a trying experience. This experience caused him to reflect seriously about the significance of the cross and, in particular, what the apostle Paul meant when he spoke of by entering into the fellowship of Christ’s suffering. While contemplating on these truths, Bennard was convinced that the cross was not just a religious symbol, but rather the very heart of the gospel. He penned the words of this beloved hymn.
Bennard spent the last years of his life a few miles north of Reed City, Michigan. At the age of 85, on October 9, 1968, he passed away. Near this home there still stands a twelve foot high cross with the words The Old Rugged Cross – Home of George Bennard, composer of this beloved hymn.
The Old Rugged Cross
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.
Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
In that old rugged cross,
stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.
Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.
Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
To access The Old Rugged Cross, this week’s inspirational video from GloryScapes.com, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/theoldruggedcross/ in your browser or click on the image below.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jan 26, 2017 | Psalm
Psalm 135:17
“They have ears, but they do not hear; nor is there any breath in their mouths.”
I recall a certain man who accompanied his wife to visit our congregation one Sunday morning. After the service he commented to me that he had read the entire Bible and knew everything it contained.
His brash statement stunned me so that I hardly knew how to respond. What I did say to him was that I had read the Bible many times, and the more I read it the more I feel the need to read it again to gain deeper understanding.
That encounter occurred many years ago and I am still finding new and exciting things every time I read the living Word of God. I am sure that much of the newness is due to the situations of life that I am experiencing at the time; but I am equally sure that the Lord desires to reveal exciting and relevant passages to prepare me for greater service.
I pray that I will never come to the place in my life when I feel that I know all there is to know about God’s Word. I desire to live my entire life as a student who sits at the feet of the Master, eager to learn more.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jan 25, 2017 | Matthew
Matthew 16:2-3
“He replied, ‘When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.’”
It was Snoopy, the dog in the “Peanuts” comic strip, who was always trying to write the great American novel. As Snoopy pecked away on his typewriter, imagining himself to be a world-famous author, his opening line never changed … It was a dark and stormy night.
I recall a dark but not stormy night as far as the weather was concerned, but stormy as in a dangerous situation. Our car had over-turned while being towed behind a wrecker. Our son was badly injured and the tow truck driver took the rest of the family to the hospital, leaving me behind with our wrecked automobile.
In the darkness I only had a flashlight to warn on-coming traffic that they were approaching an accident scene. It was just a short time later when two shady looking characters stopped — not to assist me, but to help themselves. As they circled around the damaged vehicle, I overheard one say that there was nothing of value to them. They went back to their car and quickly drove off into the night.
I am convinced that the Lord was watching out for me on that dark and potentially stormy night. He has always been there when I needed Him. Thanks, Lord!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
