by Pastor Cecil | Oct 24, 2017 | Ecclesiastes
Ecclesiastes 8:5
“He who keeps his command will experience nothing harmful; And a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment.”
There is a constant complaint that certain employment positions require prior experience … but without the job it is impossible to gain experience. It seems to be a no-win problem.
Following after the Lord allows everyone, from a small child to a brilliant scholar, to experience the Lord’s blessings. Jesus even called people to come to Him as a little child: “Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:4).
In a world that places such unreasonable constraints on people to be conformed to pre-conceived expectations, it is refreshing to be accepted in Christ just as we are without needing prior experience.
Part of gaining experience with the Lord is tasting His goodness. It is important to take time each day and open the Word to allow the Holy Spirit to bring things to your heart that will allow you to experience His love and concern.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 23, 2017 | Philippians
Philippians 4:12-13
“I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
The Greek word for abound is perisseuō. In part, it means to exceed with more than what is expected — having far more than what was anticipated. The opposite of our English word abound is the word abased, which in the Greek is tapeinoō. It means to humiliate and bring down. In layman’s language it means to hit the bottom of the barrel.
As believers we far too often rate things in a physical manner. We equate abounding as having prosperity and ease of living. It is safe to say that many believers think that they should have a life of prosperity if they do the will of God. Paul would not agree. He had experienced both being down and being up!
As you evaluate your service to the Lord, I pray that you will consider that God wants us to abound in doing the work that He places in our hands to perform. Do everything with gusto and enthusiasm. Abound in His grace and mercy and allow Him to receive the glory.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 20, 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 | Oct 19, 2017 | Philippians
Philippians 3:7
“But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.”
Each time I read the sports pages of the newspaper I see that there are more losers than winners. Many contenders enter the race, but only one crosses the finish line in first place and receives the winner’s laurels.
Every sport has its winners and losers. It is the same way in the field of business and industry. What we gain today can be lost in a moment of time. To believe that we will always have things our way is to deceive ourselves.
Many of us have experienced the loss of loved ones and friends. I personally have encountered the valley of the shadow of death in the passing of my parents, my brother, my oldest daughter, and my precious wife. I also have lost many other dear family and friends.
The things of this world pass quickly. I am constantly encouraged by the assurance that those dear ones who knew the Lord on this earth are not lost, but have slipped into the paradise of the Lord. I eagerly anticipate seeing them again, and when I do it will be in the land where there will never be any loss … but only peace, joy, and everlasting fulfillment. What a day that will be!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 18, 2017 | Ephesians
Ephesians 6:13
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
I can remember when our children first were able to stand on their own. It was usually after they had been holding onto a chair or with my wife or I holding them. Almost without them realizing what was happening they were standing on their own. As we applauded for them they usually dropped down, but had a grin.
There comes times in our life when we realize that we have lost our support and are standing on our own. It can be a frightening time, but it can also be a time where we realize God’s plan and purpose for our life.
It is sad that we have many believers who live their entire lives without learning to stand on their own. They are spiritual babes that fail to rise to the potential that God desires for their lives.
Take time to examine your own spiritual life. Are you like a frightened baby that is too dependent on someone else to support them? Instead it is time to let go and allowing the Lord to give you the inner motivation to stand firm and bold for Him.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
