by Pastor Cecil | Feb 28, 2018 | Judges
Judges 13:20a
“It happened as the flame went up toward heaven from the altar—the Angel of the Lord ascended in the flame of the altar!”
Here in Olympia we have a radio station that plays only old-time records, some as far back as the roaring 20’s. It is nostalgic to listen to the songs from the big band era, and yes, even the craziness of Spike Jones or the Hoosier Hotshots.
As I listened the other day I heard the Ink Spots begin to sing “A Flame in Your Heart.” The lyrics suddenly electrified me. It was like the Lord was giving these words of love to any who would hear.
I am not sure I can recall the words exactly, but I hope you get the idea: “I don’t want to set the world on fire, I just want to start a flame in your heart. In My heart there is but one desire, and that one is you! No other will do!”
My mind began to race with thoughts of the ways of God. We often talk and promote revival, but do we truly know what it means? I fear that the concept we have in our minds-eye is large groups of people loving and serving God. I think that is wrong! That is the result of revival, not the revival itself.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 27, 2018 | 2 Timothy
2 Timothy 4:7
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Last week I was listening to a Christian radio station when a reporter made reference to the reaction of Franklin Graham when he was told his father, Dr. Billy Graham, had died – Franklin chuckled!
A chuckle is not the usual reaction to news that your beloved father has died. The person who was interviewing Franklin asked about his reaction. Franklin said that several years ago his dad had told him that one day he would be told that Billy Graham had died. Billy told him not to believe it! He assured Franklin that he would be more alive than he had ever been in his life on earth. Wow!
That should be the normal attitude that each of us believers should take to the grave with us. These old bodies of ours may grow old and experience sickness and pain, but there is coming a day when the old shell of humanity is replaced with a new and glorious body.
How are you responding to the departure of your own loved ones who die? If they have been born again they have already died to self and will suddenly be clothed with an imperishable body that will never spoil or fade!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 26, 2018 | 2 Peter
2 Peter 1:3
“His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.”
I recently recalled the old saying: If you are not standing on the promises, you will find yourself sitting on the premises. One is an active process of involvement, and the other is a passive pastime of taking up space but contributing little. As I am typing this, it suddenly strikes me that the gripers, moaners, and fault finders of the world are generally composed of those who are just sitting on the premises.
The story is told about a poor man who was traveling on a ship from Europe to America. He had just barely scraped up enough money for his ticket and a few things to eat on during the trip.
A few days out to sea the impoverished passenger came upon sight of all the wonderful food in the dining room and inhaled an aroma that sent him into ecstasy. By this time he was so hungry he knew he had to do something about it. Summoning up all of his courage he went to a steward and asked if he might be able to do some work so he could be able to eat a meal or two. The steward was startled by the passenger’s odd request. He sat the man down and explained to him that the ticket he had purchased for the trip included all the food he could eat. It was all his, but he was starving from a lack of knowledge of all he possessed.
Are we taking full advantage of the bounty of God’s promises … or are we just surviving on the scraps of our own efforts?
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 23, 2018 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 5:6-7
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.“
There have been times in my life when I felt isolated and alone. When I experienced these times of spiritual drought I was prone to wonder if Jesus really cared. Even though I am usually happy and optimistic, I have felt the enemy of my soul attack. It is during these times that I rush to God’s Word for comfort.
Frank E. Graeff was known as the “sunshine minister.” He had a cheery disposition, a winsome personality, spiritual optimist, and was a great friend of children. He was known to have a child-like faith. That being said, he did pass through times of deep trials. It was then that he turned to the Scriptures as his guide in the darkness.
As I read the words of this hymn that he wrote, I can see the change from gloom and despair to hope and victory. That is what I want in my life.
Does Jesus Care?
Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress
And the way grows weary and long?
Refrain: Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?
Refrain: Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long?
Refrain: Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks,
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?
Refrain: Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
To access Does Jesus Care? this week’s free inspirational video, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/doesjesuscare/
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 22, 2018 | Matthew
Matthew 19:13-14
“Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’”
February 19th became a very special date when my ninth great grandchild was born. It was one of my greatest of joys to hold a baby just a few hours old and pray God’s special blessings on her life.
Whenever I hear about the birth of a baby it brings to mind a young man who was in a Bible Study group I was leading. Different members of the group were recalling the events that led to them accepting Jesus as their personal Savior.
This young father related how he had rushed his wife to the hospital to deliver their first child. He knew she was in terrible pain, but was totally unprepared when the doctor came out of the delivery room and informed him that there was a problem and that he should be prepared to comfort his wife when she was told the baby died.
It was the middle of the night and he was the only one in the waiting area. As he paced back and forth it dawned on him that his baby would go to be with Jesus and as an unbeliever he would never see his son. It was then that he opened his heart and invited the Lord to come in. By the way – the baby survived!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
