by Pastor Cecil | Jan 10, 2019 | Philippians
Philippians 2:22
“But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.”
Paul is describing his son in the faith, Timothy. Over days, weeks, months, and years this young man had proven himself as an obedient follower of Paul and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Proven character does not happen quickly, but over a period of time. Timothy proved a worthy disciple of Paul by his faithfulness. I am reminded of the importance of what we put into our minds:
- WATCH YOUR THOUGHTS … THEY BECOME YOUR WORDS.
- WATCH YOUR WORDS … THEY BECOME YOUR ACTIONS.
- WATCH YOUR ACTIONS … THEY BECOME YOUR HABITS.
- WATCH YOUR HABITS … THEY BECOME YOUR CHARACTER.
As I read these words, it is clear that our thought life controls the type of character we will develop. Questionable thoughts will start us down the wrong path and ultimately lead to doubtful character. Good and noble thoughts, based upon the Word of God, will begin the process of developing a Christ-like character. Spend time reading and meditating on the Word of God. It will set the tone of your thought life and ultimately you will achieve a character that is pleasing to the Lord.
Blessings dear hearts! May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jan 9, 2019 | James
James 1:4
“But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
I once heard a story of a new pastor of a small congregation. One day he decided that the piano belonged on the opposite side of the church, so he moved it. This caused such a stir amongst the members that he had to leave the church, and the piano was moved back into its original location.
Sometime later the pastor visited his former church and, to his amazement, the piano was sitting where he had wanted to place it. When he asked the new pastor how he had accomplished the task, he was informed that all it took was … an inch a week.
There was a time in my life when I wondered if I had what it took to stay focused over a long period of time. Looking back over the past eighteen years I realize that the accomplishment of writing well over 6,000 Daily-E-Votionals simply boils down to doing it one Daily-E-Votional at a time.
My prayer is that each of us will realize that God does not call us to be spectacular in our service for Him. He does, however, call us to persevere day by day. The way we do this is by keeping our eyes on Him and allowing Him to direct our life. If you want to make a difference in the world … FAITHFULNESS!
Blessings dear hearts! May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jan 8, 2019 | Daniel
Daniel 3:17-18
“If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
I am awed by the courage and faith of three Hebrew slaves named Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. These three stood bravely before a furnace that had intentionally been super-heated to incinerate anyone who failed to bow and worship King Nebuchadnezzar. What would you or I do? Most of us are allergic to pain and discomfort so we might well have bowed just a little.
It is so easy to compromise our walk with the Lord by making bargains with Him. There has been far too much emphasis placed upon healing and if a prayer for healing is not answered, the one who has prayed feels as if God is not in control.
As I read the statement of these three young slaves, I believe they had the kind of faith the Lord wants each of us to possess. Yes, they knew that the Lord could save them from the horrendous heat of this furnace, but even if He did not do so, they would still obey only Him and not this earthly king.
The Lord saved them that day, but there have been millions of times across the ages of time when the Lord chose to take the faithful servant home to be with Him. It is not our choice, but His choice. Not my will, but may His will be done!
Blessings dear hearts! May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jan 7, 2019 | 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.”
As a boy I was raised on the banks of the mighty Columbia river in Washington State. Not far from my home was a huge rock almost 600 feet high. Now that is a mighty rock!
There is something about a solid rock that gives us a sense of security. In Matthew 7 Jesus used the solid rock in a parable about the two men who built houses. One built on sand and the other on the solid rock. The storms beat on each of the two houses. The one on the sandy soil fell, while the one on solid rock stood firm.
Jesus was illustrating that the shifting sands of this world are just not fit to build our life upon. The fickle pleasures of sin may appeal and tempt us to construct in a manner that will satisfy the flesh, but we can be sure that the storms of adversity are bound to come. What will happen then? I can assure you, after years of working to restructure the ruined lives of people who built on the sand, you do not want to build there!
As we read today’s passage of Scripture we discover that not only is the Lord our solid ROCK, He is our fortress and deliverer. Anytime you feel insecure as the storms of life howl around you, call upon Him. He will be your mighty Fortress! Build your life on Him and His Word.
Blessings dear hearts! May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jan 4, 2019 | Genesis
Genesis 9:16
“Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”
Years ago my wife Joyce and I were once driving along the beautiful Columbia River gorge in Oregon. A rain shower had recently swept across the area, and now bright sunlight flooded the area. As we drove, a rainbow kept pace beside the car. I know it was just a refraction of the sunlight, but what an awe inspiring sight.
There are two requirements to produce a rainbow, rain and sun. Without rain there could be no rainbow. Without sun there would be no rainbow. In the rainy times of our life, God’s tender care for us brings His rainbow of blessing. God’s covenant of love did not say that we would be free of rain, but He is always with us in the storms of life.
Back in 1879 Rev. J. K. Alwood was equally moved as he observed a rainbow in the western sky late one evening as he was traveling home. When he arrived at his home, he immediately composed the hymn for this week; The Unclouded Day.
The Unclouded Day
O they tell me of a home far beyond the skies,
O they tell me of a home far away;
O they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise,
O they tell me of an unclouded day.
Chorus: O the land of cloudless day,
O the land of an unclouded sky;
O they tell me of a home, Where no storm clouds rise,
O they tell me of an unclouded day.
O they tell me of a home where my friends have gone,
O they tell me of that land far away;
Where the tree of life in eternal bloom
Sheds its fragrance thru the unclouded day.
Chorus: O the land of cloudless day,
O the land of an unclouded sky;
O they tell me of a home, Where no storm clouds rise,
O they tell me of an unclouded day.
O they tell me of the King in His beauty there,
And they tell me that mine eyes shall behold,
Where He sits on the throne that is whiter than snow,
In the city that is made of gold.
Chorus: O the land of cloudless day,
O the land of an unclouded sky;
O they tell me of a home, Where no storm clouds rise,
O they tell me of an unclouded day.
O they tell me that he smiles on His children there,
And his smile drives their sorrows all away;
And they tell me that no tears ever come again,
In that lovely land of unclouded day.
Chorus: O the land of cloudless day,
O the land of an unclouded sky;
O they tell me of a home, Where no storm clouds rise,
O they tell me of an unclouded day.
Enjoy this week’s free inspirational video The Unclouded Day, from GloryScapes™ Christian Hymns.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
