by Pastor Cecil | Feb 21, 2018 | 2 Timothy
2 Timothy 3:16-17
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Recently I conducted a graveside service for a retired police officer. As I looked around the crowd of people in attendance I noticed that many of the police officers were dressed in full uniform with perhaps 20 to 30 pounds of high tech gear. I almost laughed out loud when I recalled what my own police gear looked like when I was a patrolman back in 1958 — a gun, extra ammo, handcuffs, and a badge.
That last item was most important. When I was sworn in as a police officer I gave my word to serve and protect the people of my community under the authority of that badge. The vast majority of citizens supported that authority.
God has equipped us with our very own badge of authority. It is the Word of God. Paul wanted his son in the faith, Timothy, to recognize the power he had been given by the Word of God: doctrine – reproof – correction – instruction in righteousness.
Every believer has the same equipment available today. We are equipped, but are we using what God has provided? Our badge of authority is the new birth and the equipment is His Word. Use it wisely and effectively!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 20, 2018 | Philippians
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever thingsare lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
It seems that all too often we have replaced excellence with convenience. We tend to get by with the least amount of effort, time, or cost. As a result we fail to encounter excellence. We surely can think of examples in the human family, but why spend the time trying to think of illustrations from mankind when we can use the life of Jesus Christ as the epitome of excellence and also One who is praiseworthy.
It is possible to cut directly to the bottom line in this passage and see where Paul is pointing his attention. It is in the section set off by the hyphens. Two words stand out here that should grab our attention: VIRTUOUS and PRAISEWORTHY.
We need to see in Jesus the living example of One who was always worthy of a good report. He stood head and shoulders above everyone who has ever lived. He demonstrated virtue wherever He went. Everything He did was praiseworthy — His parables as well as His actions. He will always be worthy of our thought life as we meditate upon Him and the life He lived. What are you thinking?!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 19, 2018 | Hebrews
Hebrews 4:16
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
There are at least two ways we may approach God’s throne of grace — barely or boldly. Barely means we slink our way toward His throne expecting to be thrown out at any second. Boldly means we accept God’s open invitation to come into His presence as His own dear child.
When our oldest grandson, Zane, was quite small, he used to follow my dad around like a shadow. Zane and his great grandfather had a close relationship. From time to time, being a normal boy, something that he was playing with would break. Zane would never be upset. He would confidently exclaim, “Papa fitz it!” For those of you who have a hard time with kid talk, that means “Grandpa will fix it!” That should be our attitude toward the Lord.
How then should we pray? With praise and assurance that God will use all situations to bring about His goodness and grace. We pray with anticipation, looking for the answers, paying attention to what is happening, and eager to give God the glory. Three things to remember when we go to the Lord in prayer: ATTITUDE! ATTITUDE! ATTITUDE!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 16, 2018 | Psalm
Psalm 145:9-12
“The LORD is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made. All You have made will praise You, O LORD; Your saints will extol You. They will tell of the glory of Your kingdom and speak of Your might, so that all men may know of Your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of Your kingdom.”
The older I get (and I am getting up there), the more disturbed I am about senseless killing. This is true of attacks on other people, but also on killing animals just for the sport of it. In my hunting days I did shoot game, but it was for food not for sport. Now there are many that hunt for bragging rights, not for food. God meant for us to be keepers and protectors, not killers.
In 1225, when he was feeling ill and losing his sight, Francis of Assisi wrote about what was always on his heart: the praise of God. In All Creatures of Our God and King, Francis’ love for God and the world He made comes out very strongly.
Probably because he lived such a simple life, he “noticed” things that we, in our busy-ness, overlook. Francis believed that all earth’s creatures get their life from God and that we all depend on Him for our continual existence.
All Creatures of Our God and King
1. All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing
O, praise Him, Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam
Thou silver moon with softer gleam
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
2. Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
Ye clouds that sail in heav’n along,
O, praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice!
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
3. Let all things their creator bless
And worship Him in humbleness
O, praise Him! Alleluia!
Praise, the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One!
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
4. And all ye men of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O, praise Him! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and on Him cast your care!
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Enjoy this free inspirational video, from Gloryscapes.com by going to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/allcreaturesofourgodand king/
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 15, 2018 | 2 Peter
2 Peter 3:14
“Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.”
In a world where there is bickering, arguing, conflict, fights, and war, we need peace and harmony. It is vital that in the midst of the stormy seas of life we can know peace and live in harmony with those around us. Even the knot-heads? Especially the knot-heads!
The word harmony may be defined as having agreement, accord, or living in peaceful relations. A quick glance at the latest news will quickly reveal that we are not living in a world filled with harmony.
God has never promised us that He was going to change our world and give us pleasant, darling people to live with. Don’t expect that to happen! We are stuck with the ones we have. Jesus prayed to His Father before His crucifixion as we find recorded in John 17:17; “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”
To find harmony that is authentic and everlasting we must trust in and rely on the everlasting Word of God. It is not to be found in the so-called wisdom of man, but the unchanging Word that God has inspired to lead us into His HARMONY!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
