by Pastor Cecil | Jul 31, 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.”
Don’t panic, I know I have used this verse before. Not only that, I will use it again and again! As a matter of fact, it was one of the first verses I ever memorized when I was a small boy in Camas, Washington.
I am always reminded of the story of an older gentleman who called his wife such endearing names that it was very noticeable — “Honey,” “Sweetie,” “Dearie,” “Love,” and such like. A friend remarked about it and complimented the older man 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.”
Jesus, in His earthly ministry, spoke often of the “Kingdom of Heaven.” In His parables He would typically begin: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like …..” As we think of God’s wonderful Kingdom, there are two elements: The here and now, and the future glory awaiting us. It is the present reality and the future hope. Our challenge and purpose should always be to walk by faith in God and live according to His Word. WALKING IN FAITH!
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 30, 2018 | Micah
Micah 6:8
“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
I am reminded of the little Tweety Bird Prayer that someone sent me. Tweety Bird has a halo over his head, looking very angelic. Here is his prayer: “I want to thank you, Lord, for being close to me so far this day. With your help, I haven’t been impatient, lost my temper, grumpy, judgmental, or envious of anyone. But, I will be getting out of bed in a minute, and I think I’ll really need your help then. Amen.”
If we pray and ask for His guidance, like the Tweety Bird prayer, He will give it to us. It is there in our hearts and minds. These are not mere suggestions, but are God’s requirements:
Fear the Lord — This is a reverential respect and honoring Him as the Lord of all.
Walk in His ways — Not as the world says or does, but do what God would have you do.
Walk humbly — God hates pride and self-sufficiency – in all your ways acknowledge Him.
Serve Him — Become a slave because of your love of the Lord.
Act Justly — Do what is right and just, even when others are out for their own thing.
Love Mercy — Love the world with the mercy that Christ has shown to you.
Obey His Commands — You can’t obey them if you don’t know them. Search, find, then obey.
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 27, 2018 | Psalm
Psalm 18:2
“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
We are told that the persecution of believers around the world is increasing. Many are tortured for their faith and some killed. It has been estimated that there are over 100,000 deaths each year at the hands of the enemies of the cross.
Ira Sankey was a singer and song writer who ministered alongside evangelist D. L. Moody. He had experienced an extended time of trial and tears in his own personal life. It was during this time of agonizing prayer that the song Hiding In Thee was born. I am so thankful that the Lord heard and answered his prayer. It has ministered to many people across the years.
About twenty years after Sankey wrote his beautiful piece, Sergei Rachmaninoff was experiencing many problems in his life. He had a mental block, could not write, and felt useless. After several years of emptiness he broke out of his doldrums and composed his Second Piano Concerto. It is a joy to feature a blending of both works this week. ENJOY!
Hiding in Thee
O safe to the Rock that is higher than I,
My soul in its conflicts and sorrows would fly;
So sinful, so weary, Thine, Thine, would I be;
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.
Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.
In the calm of the noontide, in sorrow’s lone hour,
In times when temptation casts o’er me its power,
In the tempests of life, on its wide, heaving sea,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.
Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.
How oft in the conflict, when pressed by the foe,
I have fled to my refuge and breathed out my woe;
How often, when trials like sea billows roll,
Have I hidden in Thee, O Thou Rock of my soul.
Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.
To access this week’s free inspirational video, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/hidinginthee/
God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 26, 2018 | Matthew
Matthew 24:3
“As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. ‘Tell us,’ they said, ‘when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’”
Something that has never happened before will one day happen. The rapture of the saints is something the faithful have been anticipating since Jesus ascended to His Father. We have no idea when it will occur, but it could happen any time.
It is sad that there are many who are quick to quote a single verse from this 24th chapter of Matthew and then look smug, as if their grasp of Scripture had ended all conversation. The verse I am referring to is verse 36, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
The truth is that here in Matthew 24, Jesus gives His disciples a precise picture of the end times:
“For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.’” “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars”“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” “There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.” “- -you will be hated by all nations because of Me.” “At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other.” “Many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.” “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations.” “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree (the restored nation of Israel): As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.”
These verses give a graphic description as to what conditions will be just before His return. As far as I can see, all of these things are descriptive of our day and age.
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 25, 2018 | Matthew
Matthew 11:29
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
If I were to ask you to close your eyes and imagine the most restful scene, what would you see in your mind’s eye? A beautiful beach, a tranquil lake with a mountain view, or perhaps simply a rocking chair?
That is not the scene pictured for us in today’s Scripture. The one burdened with a load of care is the one called upon to take up the yoke of Christ. It seems that taking on more responsibility would be the least desirable thing to do.
Years ago I attended a conference and heard a pastor share that they never sought out volunteers who had no other responsibilities. The ones that could be relied upon were those who were the busiest. They chose to go with the goers!
If you want to find a rest for your soul, please do not escape spiritual retirement. Get in yoke with the Savior and find the place of rest that will fill your soul with peace and rest.
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – Pastor Cecil
