by Pastor Cecil | Oct 17, 2017 | Matthew
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Across the years I have been blessed to counsel many people. One of the most common complaints I have heard is “I’m so tired.” In a way it has been humorous since they complain that they are so tired they need a vacation, and when they return from vacation they are exhausted from the vacation.
It rather reminds me of counseling people who are having marital problems. There will be boxes of tissues to dry the tears of those who wish they had never gotten married. Later, another person will cry their eyes out because they are not married and wish they were.
The human body is capable of performing amazing feats of stamina. The way athletes run long distances and accomplish their acts of endurance is by training. Little by little, day by day, they grow stronger and stronger until they can perform without the fatigue that once plagued them.
In today’s Scripture Jesus gives us the spiritual prescription for our weariness:
1. Come to Him. 2. Take His yoke upon us. 3. Learn from Him. Notice the rewards for following His direction—His deep and abiding rest.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 16, 2017 | Colossians
Colossians 1:2
“To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Someone has observed that in the Bible, Grace is not a blue-eyed blonde. A much better definition for Grace might be rendered as God’s undeserved favor at Christ’s expense. I like that a lot better!
I recall watching a television program depicting the brilliant apprehension of criminals with warrants for serious crimes. Knowing that most people like to receive free prizes, the authorities sent notices to the wanted individuals stating that they had won a large screen television. They only had to appear at a particular address with proper identification in order to receive their prize. To the criminal’s shock and dismay, however, instead of a receiving a TV they were placed in handcuffs and sent to the county jail to answer for their crimes.
The other word that Paul uses as a greeting in this letter is the word peace. In the Greek it is defined as the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is.
Paul greets his readers with two terms that we should learn to share with other believers we have contact with. Think what a difference it would make if we blessed all other believers with GRACE AND PEACE! Let’s try.
May God grant you His GRACE and PEACE.
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 13, 2017 | Psalm
Psalm 18:2
“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
We are told that the persecution of believers around the world is increasing. Many are tortured for their faith and some killed. It has been estimated that there are over 100,000 deaths each year at the hands of the enemies of the cross.
Ira Sankey was a singer and song writer who ministered alongside evangelist D. L. Moody. He had experienced an extended time of trial and tears in his own personal life. It was during this time of agonizing prayer that the song Hiding In Thee was born. I am so thankful that the Lord heard and answered his prayer. It has ministered to many people across the years.
About twenty years after Sankey wrote his beautiful piece, Sergei Rachmaninoff was experiencing many problems in his life. He had a mental block, could not write, and felt useless. After several years of emptiness he broke out of his doldrums and composed his Second Piano Concerto. It is a joy to feature a blending of both works this week. ENJOY!
Hiding in Thee
O safe to the Rock that is higher than I,
My soul in its conflicts and sorrows would fly;
So sinful, so weary, Thine, Thine, would I be;
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.
Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.
In the calm of the noontide, in sorrow’s lone hour,
In times when temptation casts o’er me its power,
In the tempests of life, on its wide, heaving sea,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.
Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.
How oft in the conflict, when pressed by the foe,
I have fled to my refuge and breathed out my woe;
How often, when trials like sea billows roll,
Have I hidden in Thee, O Thou Rock of my soul.
Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.
To access this week’s free inspirational video, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/hidinginthee/
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 12, 2017 | Psalm
Psalm 104:16-17
“The trees of the Lord are full of sap, the cedars of Lebanon which He planted, where the birds make their nests; the stork has her home in the fir trees.”
It sounded like someone was knocking at the door, but there was no door located from where the sound originated. It was my introduction to the red-bellied Nuthatch using a rustic wooden birdhouse near my office window as a place to pound away at nuts from a nearby feeder.
For many years I have found much pleasure in feeding the wild birds in our area. It is a joy to watch as various varieties of birds flock to the feeders. There’s nectar for hummingbirds and black thistle seeds for finches, chickadees, and pine sickens. Then there are the nuts and seeds for wrens and hatches.
God has been pleased to bless us with a variety of creatures to show forth His provision as it is needed. I love caring for the birds that come to my feeders, and I know that God delights in caring for His precious children. He loves the birds of the sky and He cares for you and I.
As I watch “my” birds day by day I am always reminded that the Lord loves each of us supremely more than we care about the creatures we watch over. Stop right now and thank Him for His faithfulness to care for us.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 11, 2017 | Colossians
Colossians 1:3-4
“We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints.”
When we think of giving thanks, it is most often for something that is of benefit to us. We receive a blessing or are about to receive one and so we give thanks for that which makes us feel more satisfied.
In today’s scripture Paul gives thanks for the report he has received about what God is doing for the church at Colosse. His rejoicing comes when he receives the reports of how the people there have a radiant witness for Christ Jesus and a love for all of the saints.
It causes me to stop and consider what my prayer life lacks. Am I consistently thanking the Lord for the way other believers are growing in the Lord and the work they are doing for Him? I think I need to refocus my prayers of thanks.
I want to take this opportunity to thank my many faithful readers around the world who have supported this ministry with your prayers and gifts. God has opened doors to reach thousands that need to be encouraged. I covet your continued prayer support and messages of encouragement.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
