by Pastor Cecil | Nov 8, 2018 | John
John 9:4
“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.”
A friend once sent me a photo of a can of rust remover that was coated with rust. Perhaps that is a vivid reminder that it is what is on the inside that counts! The humorous irony of that picture of a rusted can of rust remover sent my mind racing back across the years to someone’s remark that it is better to burn out than to rust out. As I think about it, I really do not recall knowing anyone who worked to death serving the Lord, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
I am sad to confess that I have known many who became rusty in the work for the Lord. The fire they once had in service began to flicker and the oil in their lamp ran dry. Instead of returning to the Lord for a fresh supply, they pressed on in their own strength. Sadly, it wasn’t long before spiritual rust began to eat away their luster.
How do we insure that we will not fall into the same rusty rut? I think the answer is in staying close to the Lord in all that we are doing. Rather than performing to please other people, we need to always be focused on pleasing the Lord. That means we need to start each day with prayer and the Word. It is the oil that will lubricate and preserve us for each day, but we need that fresh supply on a daily basis.
Blessings dear hearts! May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Nov 7, 2018 | 2 Peter
2 Peter 1:19
“And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, in which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”
Back in my childhood days, the radio program Superman was introduced with the dramatic declaration, “Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! No, it’s a plane! No! It’s Superman!”
The words star and satellite are often used as synonyms. They are not the same. I just observed the International Space Station glide silently across the sky. It appeared as the brightest star in the early morning darkness, but I knew it was a satellite.
The difference between a star and satellite is that the star produces its own light while a satellite merely reflects the light from a star. Many people try to be the star of their own life. They will always fail since God alone is the Light!
The next time you feel a little self important, just remember that you are not, nor will you ever be, a star. God calls us to be spiritual satellites to reflect His glory to a dark world.
Blessings dear hearts! May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Nov 6, 2018 | Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy 30:19
“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.”
Today in the United States it is Election Day. What a relief it will be to be free from the name calling and character abuse leading up to the election. It seems that much more emphasis is placed on smearing the opponent than stressing the positive qualities of the supported candidate.
In today’s Scripture Moses is coming to the conclusion of his “Upper Desert Discourse,” better known as the book of Deuteronomy. He throws down the gauntlet to the stiff-necked people he has led out of bondage to the border of the Promised Land. They can either choose life or death, blessing or cursing.
The choice would appear to be a no-brainer. But as humans we have never been known for making wise choices. We often choose to go our own way that will ultimately lead to death instead of choosing God’s way that leads to life eternal.
I want to cast my vote right now. My vote is to go God’s way and so I choose life! I urge all who read or listen to this message to cast your vote along side of me. In so doing we will be spending eternal life together!
Blessings dear hearts! May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Nov 5, 2018 | Acts
Acts 14:8
“And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked.”
The title for today’s E-Votional is not to show discrimination toward those who have mobility problems, but to give homage to an old friend. As in many other types of limitations, new strengths are developed that give a person increased abilities.
This is just as true with animals as well as with humans. When I was stationed in Shreveport, LA, we had many birds and animals that came to our patio for some sort of handout. One of the frequent fliers to our feed station was a crow that was missing part of one foot. We affectionately called him Crippy. He was one of our favorites and we felt a responsibility to watch over him.
God has given mankind a responsibility to care and preserve the members of the animal kingdom. That protection has bonded our family closer together as we reach out to care and protect those who are not able to care for themselves.
God cares about each and every one of us. In what way are we reaching out with care and concern for our brothers and sisters who desperately need to know that there is someone who really cares. Be that someone!
Blessings dear hearts! May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Nov 2, 2018 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 5:6-7
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.“
There have been times in my life when I felt isolated and alone. It seemed that I was alone and could not sense the nearness of God in my life. When I experienced these times of spiritual drought, I was prone to wonder if Jesus really cared, even though I am usually happy and optimistic. It has been in these times that I have felt the enemy of my soul attack. I rush to God’s Word for comfort.
Frank E. Graeff was known as the “sunshine minister.” He had a cheery disposition, a winsome personality, spiritual optimist, and was a great friend of children. He was known to have a child-like faith. That being said, he did pass through times of deep trials. It was then that he turned to the Scriptures as his guide in the darkness.
As I read the words of this hymn that he wrote, I can see the change from gloom and despair to hope and victory. That is what I want in my life.
Does Jesus Care?
Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress
And the way grows weary and long?
Refrain: Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?
Refrain: Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long?
Refrain: Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks,
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?
Refrain: Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
To access Does Jesus Care? this week’s free inspirational video,please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/doesjesuscare/
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
—Pastor Cecil
