by Pastor Cecil | Sep 7, 2018 | 1 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 4:17-18
“After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.”
Though an invalid for much of her life, Eliza Edmunds Hewitt was always active and enjoyed a long personal friendship with Fanny Crosby. These two women met often for fellowship and discussion of their new hymns. Eliza was a school teacher in Philadelphia and a Christian lay worker who was committed to write songs to teach children the basic truths of the gospel. This song was written for her own Sunday school class in Philadelphia.
Miss Hewitt often attended the Methodist camp meetings at Ocean Grove, New Jersey. It was here that she collaborated with Emily Wilson, the wife of a Methodist district superintendent in Philadelphia, in the writing of this triumphant gospel hymn–a favorite of young and old alike. “When We All Get to Heaven” was first published in 1898.
When We All Get to Heaven
1. Sing the wondrous love of Jesus, Sing His mercy and His grace. In the mansions bright and blessed He’ll prepare for us a place.
Refrain: When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!
2. While we walk the pilgrim pathway, Clouds will overspread the sky; But when traveling days are over, Not a shadow, not a sigh.
Refrain: When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!
3. Let us then be true and faithful, Trusting, serving every day; Just one glimpse of Him in glory will the toils of life repay.
Refrain: When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!
4. Onward to the prize before us! Soon His beauty we’ll behold; Soon the pearly gates will open; We shall tread the streets of gold.
Refrain: When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!
Enjoy this week’s free inspirational video, “When We All Get To Heaven” from GloryScapes.com. by going to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/whenweallgettoheaven/
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 6, 2018 | Colossians
Colossians 3:23-24
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
It seems I can still hear our kids in play as one would rebuke the other, “You’re not the boss of me!” I don’t know that anyone appreciates being bossed around, so it is no wonder that resentments often arise on the job. We do not like someone telling us what to do — even when they are our supervisor. Who is your boss?
Today’s Scripture convicted me many years ago. I was working for a man who seemed to view himself to be a Viking warrior. He was often the topic of conversation in the break room and at any other time a group of us gathered together. Our comments were not at all respectful of his position.
As the Lord convicted me through His word, I went to my boss’s office and asked for his forgiveness for the manner I had behaved toward him. I confessed to making derogatory comments about him. I was truly sorry and made a pledge to speak to him directly if I disagreed with his decisions.
Today’s Scripture is very clear about how we are to behave in the workplace. If Paul is saying how slaves are to respond to their masters, how much more does it apply to employees. He says “in everything” … and even when the boss is not around. Not to get a promotion, but doing it as unto the Lord. How do you stack up?
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 5, 2018 | Colossians
Colossians 1:26-27
“The mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
I am so glad I grew up in the days of radio. The radio dramas were something that we constantly looked forward to. They allowed the listeners to use their own imaginations to envision the unfolding story. One such program was “I Love A Mystery,” and just as the title suggests, it was a mystery program. It was thrilling to listen as the characters read their lines and the sound effects gave the impression of reality.
In today’s Scripture, Paul reveals a spiritual mystery for us. It is a mystery that was hidden from those who lived before the time of Christ. They may have had some suggestion of this mystery, but it was only in a veiled manner. It was a mystery that would have to wait for its fulfillment in Jesus.
It is obvious that people have been searching for the mystery of how God chooses to work. The answer Paul gives is that it is from the inside out. Wow! There it is once again — not what we do to prove we are righteous, but the indwelling presence of God to work in and through us.
Are you trying to do what God alone can do? Read today’s Scripture once again and realize that the answer to the mystery of mysteries is that it is Christ within us and that is our eternal assurance. Praise the Lord!
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 4, 2018 | Matthew
Matthew 7:13
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.”
There is so much garbage in today’s media that it is often hard to breathe. That is when it is good to rely upon the infallible Word of God to give us a reality check. The most important reality check is that everyone is on the way to an eternal destination. The vital difference is where we are headed.
First and foremost we need to understand that there is heaven to gain and hell to avoid! There are many people who discount the harsh reality of hell. The fact of the matter is that Jesus spoke clearly about the reality of that place of eternal pain and suffering. It is very easy to get there. All that is required is to do nothing.
Jesus came into the world to offer a glorious alternative to the eternal flames of hell. He suffered and died for us to give us an eternal home that is beyond our wildest imagination. The requirement is to be born again and have our name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. We do not gain access to heaven by trying to be good, but by being covered by the blood of Jesus. He came to shed his blood to cover our sinful nature. I beg you not to take the broad and easy way that leads to eternal damnation, but choose God’s way that leads to life beyond imagination.
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 3, 2018 | 1 Timothy
1 Timothy 5:17
“Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.”
Today in the United States as well as in some other countries, we celebrate Labor Day. That is rather a misnomer since it is a day away from labor and the last day of summer vacations.
Paul is writing to his son in the faith, Timothy and admonishing him as well as all who read his letter that honor is due the elders who labor in the Word of God. I am here to tell you that it is often hard to dig deep in the Word to find the meaning and purpose God has designed for us to reveal.
I have never found it a hard and meaningless task to search the bible for answers. It is like being on an exciting treasure hunt that has a valuable prize just waiting to be discovered. It often takes time and effort, but the rewards are worth it.
If you are not laboring in the precious word of God, I challenge you to make a start. Devote a set time each day to read and meditate on the word that brings light and salvation to a lost and dying world, then share it with others.
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – Pastor Cecil
