by Pastor Cecil | Nov 30, 2017 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 4:12-13
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”
As I read the words of today’s Scripture, I realize that Christians across the centuries have encountered painful trials. As I have mentioned many times, all of the disciples (except John) experienced torture, suffering, and death.
Prior to the Day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter was known for expressing his opinions before thinking or praying. Now that he had experienced prison, flogging, and humiliation, how would he respond?
Peter’s answer to conflict and trial in his life is the same that we are to practice in our own lives. It is what I like to think of as a – NOW I SEE! – moment. It is the time when we see the power of God’s Word as being more important than our natural reactions to our circumstances.
We are to see painful trials as something to be anticipated rather than some abnormal occurrence. Not only are we to expect trials in our life, we are to rejoice that we are able to participate in the suffering with Christ and look forward to being able to rejoice with Him when His glory is revealed.
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Nov 29, 2017 | Job
Job 42:5-6
“I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”
I frequently receive messages from readers who feel as if the enemy of our souls has his weapons trained directly on them. They seem to give Satan more credit than he deserves.
I have been thinking of a few questions that may help to put things in perspective.
- Who is more powerful, God or Satan?
- Who is the defeated foe, God or Satan?
- Who wants to make your life miserable, God or Satan?
- Who wants you to allow Him to fight your battles, God or Satan?
- Who wants to tempt you into giving up, God or Satan?
You could add many more such questions. The important thing is to come to the same conclusion that Job did in today’s Scripture. It is not just hearing about God, but opening our spiritual eyes to see Him ready to meet our need.
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Nov 28, 2017 | Proverbs
Proverbs 16:18
“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.”
With a subscriber base that reaches around the globe, each day I receive reports of trials and persecution that the saints of God are experiencing. It is easy to feel true sympathy for these people.
As I pray and meditate about those who are experiencing persecution, I am immediately aware that we are to rejoice with these people. In today’s Scripture the Greek word for “blessed” is “makarios.” It means to be happy to the point of rejoicing.
Why on earth would someone who is experiencing lies, persecution, and insults rejoice? The reason we encounter harsh treatment is to demonstrate our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
It is essential to examine our persecution to determine if the cause is the result of faith in Jesus Christ or because of some type of our misconduct on our part. We cannot claim to be persecuted for Christ’s sake if we are guilty of doing something wrong.
Here is the bottom line—if we encounter ordeals in our life that are not the result of our sinful actions, we are blessed. We are told to count it joy and even to rejoice in our trials. We don’t need to pity, we need to praise!
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Nov 27, 2017 | Proverbs
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
It is not necessary for us to deal with our own pride. God allows situations into our lives that make us realize we have nothing to be proud about. There are many embarrassing moments in my life. One that stands out in my memory happened years ago when I was teaching a class of young professionals. The class seemed to be very interested in everything I was saying, that is until I noticed that they all were looking down at my feet.
Finally one of the young women raised her hand and asked if there was a reason I was wearing one black shoe and one brown shoe? I dreaded looking down, knowing that in my haste earlier that morning I had made a blunder. The class exploded in laughter at my expense. After recovering from my initial embarrassment, I sheepishly told them, “As strange as it may seem, I have another pair at home just like this pair!”
One of the things I have learned from these “red-faced” situations is that pride needs to be dealt a blow. It is hard to act proud and aloof when you have on one brown shoe and one black shoe.
I earnestly pray that the Lord will continue to bring the “shoes” into my life any time I start to think more of myself than I ought. NOT ME—BUT CHRIST ONLY!
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Nov 24, 2017 | Luke
Luke 2:15
“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.'”
The beloved Carol “O Come, All Ye Faithful” was originally written in Latin (Adeste Fideles). The words were written by an Englishman, John Wade who had originally intended it as a hymn.
The music to “O Come, All Ye Faithful” was composed by fellow Englishman John Reading in the early 1700s. In 1841, Rev. Frederick Oakley revised the lyrics of “Adeste Fideles.”
While it would be an appropriate hymn at any time of the year, it has become a cherished Christmas Carol. Let us all come and adore, Christ the Lord.
O Come, All Ye Faithful
Oh Come All Ye Faithful
Joyful and triumphant,
Oh come ye, Oh come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels
Oh come, let us adore Him,
Oh come, let us adore Him,
Oh come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
Oh Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing all that hear in heaven God’s holy word.
Give to our Father glory in the Highest;
Oh come, let us adore Him,
Oh come, let us adore Him,
Oh come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
All Hail Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning,
Oh Jesus for evermore be Thy name adored.
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;
Oh come, let us adore Him,
Oh come, let us adore Him,
Oh come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
Enjoy this week’s free inspirational video, “O Come, All Ye Faithful” from Gloryscapes.com by going to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/ocomeallyefaithful/
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
