by Pastor Cecil | Feb 7, 2018 | Matthew
Matthew 28:12-14
“When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, saying, ‘Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.”
Having spent over twelve years in the military, there is one thing I learned well — you do not receive rewards for sleeping on duty. If the disciples had in fact stolen the body of Jesus from the tomb, no cover-up would have been necessary. Why did the elders intervene and pay the guards bribe money to say they had fallen asleep? They must have known the guards had not been negligent in their duty, or no hush money would have been offered.
If they had seriously believed that the disciples had stolen the body of Jesus, there would have been a massive investigation and a search for the body of Jesus. Why were they not concerned about searching for it? They knew that Jesus had risen from the tomb just as He said He would!
Why did they pay up to have the guards shut up? The answer is very clear. Any public exposure would have affirmed that He had risen, so they devised a lie to cover the truth. They even placed themselves in jeopardy with Pilate by agreeing to cover for these guards. The very act of the cover up goes a long way in proving that Jesus rose from the grave. Which story do you believe?!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 6, 2018 | Psalm
Psalm 18:2
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
I was born and spent the first twelve years of my life in Camas, Washington. Just over 20 miles east of Camas is a huge basalt rock about 840 feet high known as Beacon Rock. When I think of a huge hunk of rock I think of Beacon Rock. It has weathered the storms of winter and the blazing heat of summer, yet it stands tall and strong.
When I think of my spiritual rock I think of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the one who created Beacon Rock and all of the other rocks on the face of our globe. He is the Blessed Creator of all things! He never changes regardless of the storms of life.
We need a strong rock like Jesus to see us through the trials and tribulations of our life. The reality is that we all pass through storms that threaten to overwhelm us. It is during these times that we need to anchor our life in the Rock of our salvation.
Who is your rock? Do you place your trust in some human being that is destined to die like every other human? That is not a wise and safe source of strength. While we need the comfort and counsel of others, even more so we need a redeeming Savior who loved us enough to become the rock of our salvation!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 5, 2018 | Micah
Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Some of life’s truths come very naturally to us, but others are harder to learn. Years ago when I was a police officer, there was a sergeant who was extremely cynical. He would stride into the police department with his pipe clenched tightly between his teeth, shaking his head and declaring, “The more I see of people, the more I think sheep are smart animals!” I think sometimes he was right.
It grieves me that we have entire churches filled with believers who have not grown one bit spiritually since they experienced New Birth. They may come, sing, pray, smile, appear contented, but then go out to live pretty much the same way they did before their new birth. God has given us His Word to guide us and prepare us for not only this life, but for the life to come.
Micah 6:8 gives us three of God’s requirements for believers. Do justly: Do what is right and just, even when others are out for their own thing. Love mercy: Love the world (others) with the mercy that Christ has shown to you. Walk humbly: God hates pride and self-sufficiency — in all your ways acknowledge Him.
How would you rate yourself in response to what God requires of His disciples? Where are we falling short and what steps of action should we take?
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 2, 2018 | Isaiah
Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”
Years ago I recall listening to a sermon tape by Donald Grey Barnhouse, a prominent pastor and teacher. He had just completed an evangelistic meeting several hundred miles from his home in Philadelphia, when he was given a telegram. It informed him that his son had been in a serious accident and was near death.
His only way back to Philadelphia was by rail. As Dr. Barnhouse entered his sleeper, his spirit was greatly disturbed. He knew that it would be hours before his train arrived back home and that there was nothing he could do but leave his son in God’s hands.
As he prayed, he recalled a phrase from Isaiah 65:25, “- – – but dust will be the serpent’s food.” Using that passage he asked the Lord to feed the serpent dust, but to please grant him a good night’s rest. He fell fast asleep and the next thing he knew the porter was touching his shoulder to tell him that they were nearing Philadelphia.
The Lord had answered his prayer. His son lived and during his time of recuperation he committed his life to full time Christian service. If you have been having trouble getting to sleep at night, ask the Lord to give you His blessed rest and feed the serpent dust.
To You Before the Close of Day
To you before the close of day,
Creator of the world we pray!
Your grace and peace to us allow,
And be our guard and keeper now.
From evil dreams defend our sight,
From all the terrors of the night.
From all deluding thoughts that creep,
On heedless minds disarmed by sleep.
O Father, this we ask be done,
Through Jesus Christ, Your only Son.
Who with the Holy Spirit and with You,
Shall live and reign all ages through. Amen.
To access this free inspirational video from GloryScapes.com, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/toyoubeforethecloseofday/
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 1, 2018 | Ephesians
Ephesians 4:3
“Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
I am scared to death about some of the things I see happening in our society. It scares me because it demonstrates how rapidly our world is being molded into a global community and a one-world religion that accepts anything and everything except the inerrant, infallible, and indisputable Word of God.
Some people have equated the challenge to keep the unity as a green light to accept any belief system. God is very clear that it is His way and not our way that is the only basis for true unity.
When we were kids we would take three separate scripture texts and create a new one. You might call it the “Devised Version.” Here is one that we “devised”: Judas went out and hung himself. Go thou and do likewise. And what thou doest, do quickly! Silly actions of teenagers, but all too often the same practice is still used by supposedly wise people to achieve their own selfish goals.
God is not so much interested in our unity as He is in our obedience to His Word. Seek unity and peace, but make sure it is the unity and peace that comes from the throne of God. He will go before you and prepare the path that you will be walking. THEN, be sure to share with others in similar need what you have experienced in God’s love and nearness.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
