by Pastor Cecil | Jul 30, 2019 | Philippians
Philippians 4:9
“The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”
I miss so many things about my wife, Joyce. Each Saturday morning we used to go to a favorite spot for coffee. It was a chance to reflect on what the Lord was doing in our lives. We often observed a young father who was there with his three children. The family was a delight to watch. The kids seemed to reflect the peaceful nature of their dad.
In today’s Scripture, Paul lays himself out as a living example. He asks the church to use his life as an example of living for the Lord Jesus Christ. It was certainly not from an attitude of pride, but a confidence that his faith would never waiver.
Paul names four actions for the believers at Philippi to emulate: Learn, receive, hear and see. These might also be taken in reverse order. They would have seen his life and actions before they heard his message. Having seen the way Paul lived, they were open to hear his words.
The same is true for us as well. People will see what we do before they hear what we say. You may recall the old saying: “Your actions speak so loud, I can’t hear your words!” What are people seeing and hearing in your life? We can only live and speak it. Having done our part, we pray for fruit from our labors.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 29, 2019 | Romans
Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
Years ago I received a call from a dear pastor friend. He explained that he had been having plumbing problems at his house and the estimate he received indicated it was going to cost him something over $400. Ouch!
When he started calling friends for recommendations about who to call to make the repairs, one name kept coming up. Each time he was told that the man was very independent and may not even want to do the work … and if he did, it would be very costly.
Reluctantly my pastor friend made the call to the recommended plumber who was just as he had been described. He was insulting about spiritual things but surprisingly agreed to do the work. When he arrived, however, it seemed he was more interested in finding the Lord than in repairing the plumbing. It was only a very short time before he prayed and received Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. WOW!
My friend was so excited that he was glowing with spiritual energy. It seemed it was not so much a plumbing problem that needed to be fixed, but a heart problem. God had graciously used plumbing as a means to bring that lost man to salvation. (By the way, the bill for the repair was $0).
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 26, 2019 | 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. 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, I have felt the enemy of my soul attack. It is during these times that 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: https://gloryscapes.com/doesjesuscare/
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 25, 2019 | 1 Corinthians
1 Corinthians 15:52
“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”
Many years ago I sat enthralled as I listened to Rev. Tim Lahaye speak on the rapture of the church. It later became the topic of his book series and movie which we know as Left Behind.
I am convinced that there will come a day when the Lord will call His church to meet Him in the air, and so shall we ever be with Him for all eternity. The signs Jesus said to look for are detailed in Matthew 24. If you study this chapter you will find a description of what our modern day society looks like.
I have personally tried to prepare messages in the form of letters and e-mails for those who are left behind after the church has been raptured. I have urged those who happen to find these messages to read God’s Word to find the answer to what has happened.
The terrible time of trouble and tribulation that awaits those who have been left behind can be eased by the realization that there will still be time for them to repent and accept the gift of salvation that Jesus offers. Oh, how much better it will be for them to escape the terrible time of tribulation that awaits those who have failed to accept this gift before the rapture. Pass the word!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 24, 2019 | Philippians
Philippians 3:14
“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
I recall once being given a button with the initials PBPGINFWMY. They stood for the phrase PLEASE BE PATIENT GOD IS NOT FINISHED WITH ME YET. I think the Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in the third chapter of Philippians.
The giants of the faith never claimed to be perfect. In fact they have been quick to admit they are constantly in need of God’s redeeming grace. All we like sheep have gone astray. I wish it were not so, but it is a spiritual reality.
I take great encouragement in the fact that Paul confesses his personal need for continual spiritual growth and renewal. If Paul needed a closer walk with the Lord I assure you that I need it even more so.
God never calls us to be perfect little saints; I failed at that long ago. He calls us to consistently be pressing upward toward the goal of being more Christ-like. That is the greatest achievement for us to strive to attain in this journey through life. There will come a day when we will be called to be eternally with the Lord. If you are like me you yearn to hear the Master say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
