by Pastor Cecil | May 24, 2018 | Psalm
Psalm 139:17-18
“How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;when I awake, I am still with You.”
If my daughter Brenda was still alive this would be her 62nd birthday. I know that makes me feel ancient, but there are many more reminders that I am in my golden-oldie years! At least I am still here and God has enriched me with a meaningful ministry.
Many of you will recall the story I have shared of the final days of my daughter’s life back in 1991 when she was just 35. In the hospital one afternoon she shared with me that she felt cheated out of half of her expected life span. Wow! I was taken aback by Brenda’s statement and on the way home prayed for discernment to bring her comfort.
As I was driving into the garage I noticed the tires had left fine sand on the floor … and inspiration struck me. Taking a white sheet of paper, I swept up some of the sand. Then I laboriously counted out 75 grains and put them in an empty perfume bottle. The next day I placed it on her bed and told her it represented the 75 years her grandpa had lived — one grain for each year. If eternity could be measured (it can’t), it shows that our years are nothing when we anticipate the glory of heaven waiting for us.
I have no idea how many more grains of sand the Lord will count out for me here on this earth, but I want to continue to be faithful and fruitful in serving him before I am given my eternal reward.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | May 23, 2018 | Psalm
Psalm 84:5-6
“Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a spring; the rain also covers it with pools.”
One of my childhood memories is trips we made from the Pacific Northwest to the Oklahoma panhandle to visit my mom’s family. It was a long and hot journey in a car with no air conditioning. We stayed at motor camps at night that were not much more than four walls, perhaps a sink, and hopefully located close to the public restrooms.
The “Valley of Baca,” means the valley of tears. The Psalmist wants to challenge us to leave springs in the hot and desolate valleys we pass through so that others may be refreshed as they pass along this same path.
We leave springs in the valley by living a life that is committed to God and available for His use. He takes that dedicated life and produces a flow of clean, pure spiritual water to nourish those who come behind us.
Please be encouraged as you struggle through the hot and desolate trials of life. Make it your aim to leave wells of blessing behind. Make sure that you invest good memories in the hearts of those who will follow you. Just love God and keep doing what His Word says, and leave the rest up to Him. I think I see a spring starting to flow right now!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | May 22, 2018 | 2 Corinthians
2 Corinthians 12:7
“And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.”
In our humanity we often rush to the aid of those of our loved ones and friends who are experiencing some type of pain in their life. The problem is that we sometimes fail to seek God’s purpose in the matter. God may be allowing individuals to endure hardship in order to bring about His glory in the midst of their pain. I know that flies in the face of some of those who want every discomfort and pain removed immediately.
In our Scripture for today, Paul shares that he was given a thorn in the flesh. Some who have tried to guess what that thorn was. If it was important, Paul would have told us. By his not naming the thorn, we are better able to relate to the thorn that we may have in our life. I guess you might say that, “Any old thorn will do!”
Once Paul learned the secret of the thorn, he could see that the Lord’s strength and power was made perfect in weakness. We may strive to be perfect and have it all put together, but remember the secret of the thorn. It is in our weakness that the Lord’s strength is demonstrated. Paul was so excited about this discovery that he began to delight in his weaknesses, insults, and hardships. Why? Because it was then that Christ could be seen more clearly. It is presenting of our body to the Lord as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto Him.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | May 21, 2018 | Isaiah
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
I once read a story about an older gentleman who was always calling his wife by such endearments as “Honey,” “Sweetie,” “Dearie,” and “Love.” When a friend complimented him on the sweet names he called his wife, the old gentleman replied, “I have to … I haven’t been able to remember her name for ten years.”
There was once an unbelieving reprobate who announced to one of his friends that he had come to believe in the hereafter. His friend was shocked beyond belief and asked him if he had gotten religion? The reprobate replied, “No, it’s my mind. Every time I go into another room, I stop and ask myself, ‘What am I here after?'”
That is a vibrant question and merits a thoughtful answer. Peggy Lee, a singer back in the 50’s, used to sing a song, “Is That All There Is?” It was a depressing song to me. It is accurate of many people who try to fill their existence with all of life’s comforts, only to come near the end and find that the things of this life will never satisfy.
Jesus often spoke of the “Kingdom of Heaven.” As we think of God’s wonderful Kingdom, there are two elements: The here and the hereafter. We have a future glory awaiting us. Are you prepared for the HEREAFTER?
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | May 18, 2018 | Proverbs
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
I once read about a forest service worker who was walking through an area that had just been ravaged by a forest fire. He saw a strange mound and stopped to check it out. To his astonishment it was a mother bird that had been killed by the fire. As he knelt to examine the bird, he heard a peep from under the pile of ashes. When he turned the bird over he found several chicks.
Instead of flying to save herself, the mother had sacrificed herself in order to protect her brood from the fire that was sweeping toward them. That is what Jesus has done for us. He wants to shelter us under His wings from the firestorm of life.
In 1896, William Cushing wrote the words and Ira Sankey composed the music to the hymn, Under His Wings. Enjoy this featured hymn from GloryScapes.
Under His Wings
Under His wings, I am safely abiding,
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild.
Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me and I am His child.
Refrain: Under His wings, under His wings,
who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
safely abide forever.
Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!
How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
There I find comfort, and there I am blessed.
Refrain: Under His wings, under His wings,
who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
safely abide forever.
Under His wings, oh, what precious enjoyment!
There will I hide till life’s trials are over;
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me,
Resting in Jesus, I’m safe evermore.
Refrain: Under His wings, under His wings,
who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
safely abide forever.
To access Under His Wings, this week’s free inspirational video from GloryScapes.com, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/underhiswings/
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
—Pastor Cecil
