by Pastor Cecil | Jan 22, 2018 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 4:9
“Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.”
Years ago we were at a family gathering and noticed that one of the younger boys had a frown on his face and was grumbling under his breath. He looked so miserable that he made everyone else miserable as well.
One of his uncles was teaching him how to hold a bat so he would be better able to hit the ball when it was pitched. The boy’s grumbling increased so I eased closer to hear what he was grumbling about. It was hilarious when I heard his low mumble, “You old grouch!”
How ironic! He was the one who had been an old grouch (even at the age of 10), and yet was calling his uncle a grouch just because he was trying to give him instructions to help him.
I wonder how often we are prone to become grumblers as we go through life. We refuse to accept the counsel of family or friends and instead we grumble and complain. This should not be. As believers we should be the happiest and most joyous people on the face of the earth. Are we? Are you? Just remember — no grumbling allowed in God’s family!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing! WITHOUT GRUMBLING!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jan 19, 2018 | 1 Corinthians
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit. “
In 1969 the U.S. Embassy in Iran was overpowered and the Americans inside were held hostage for 444 days. They lived in terror for over a year not knowing if they would live to see another day, be it prisoner or free. They were finally redeemed and allowed to go free, but what scars they carried with them into freedom!
Forgetting that particular incident and thinking of our redemption from sin, what is the worth of the human soul? The Lord Jesus paid the price for our redemption, and I am so grateful that we have been set free from the penalty of sin!
The writer of this hymn, Fanny Crosby, was eagerly looking forward to that day when her Redeemer would appear and her blinded eyes would be opened and she would behold the most beautiful sight she could ever imagine—Jesus!
Redeemed
(1) Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child and forever I am.
REFRAIN: Redeemed, redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed, redeemed,
His child and forever I am.
(2) Redeemed, and so happy in Jesus,
No language my rapture can tell;
I know that the light of His presence,
With me doth continually dwell.
REFRAIN: Redeemed, redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed, redeemed,
His child and forever I am.
(3) I think of my blessed Redeemer,
I think of Him all the day long:
I sing, for I cannot be silent;
His love is the theme of my song.
REFRAIN: Redeemed, redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed, redeemed,
His child and forever I am.
(4) I know I shall see in His beauty,
The King in whose law I delight;
Who lovingly guardeth my footsteps,
And giveth me songs in the night.
REFRAIN: Redeemed, redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed, redeemed,
His child and forever I am.
(5) I know there’s a crown that is waiting,
In yonder bright mansion for me,
And soon, with the spirits made perfect,
At home with the Lord I shall be.
REFRAIN: Redeemed, redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed, redeemed,
His child and forever I am.
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Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jan 18, 2018 | Ecclesiastes
Ecclesiastes 4:6
“Better a handful with quietness than both hands full, together with toil and grasping for the wind.”
Almost every day we hear of; major storms, earthquakes, or floods occurring somewhere in the world. Basically, the people living in these devastated areas have their world turned upside down.
What are you encountering in your life at this time? Do you feel as if you are being churned up in the middle of a storm? What will it take to bring peace and tranquility to your heart?
Every time I am tempted to feel that I am enduring too much turmoil in my life, I stop and consider the apostle Paul. He endured being lashed, beaten with rods, stoned, and shipwrecked, but was always on the move for Christ.
The storms of life may take the form of actual weather, but more often they will be loss of health, wealth, or personal relationships. Only you will know which storm you are experiencing.
Today’s Scripture speaks of quietness in a manner that suggests contentment. Rather than seeking more and more of the “things” of life, we must seek more and more of the Lord. The answer to tranquility is always the same—Jesus!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jan 17, 2018 | Proverbs
Proverbs 12:15
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise.”
Since he had become a Christian, Al had always tried to do what was right. He read his Bible and prayed frequently. As he grew spiritually Al was able to see the hand of God at work in his life. Then something happened!
Al owned a classic automobile that he had restored from the ground up. When the restoration was finished he decided to sell it for a huge profit. Then he had a better plan (or so he reasoned). Al decided to keep all of the profits to buy an even more expensive auto that would bring even more profit so that he would be able to give more to the Lord.
But from the very beginning things began to go wrong. There were huge unforeseen costs that drained his money and embittered his heart. He focused all of his attentions inward instead of upward and it led to disaster.
Trying to please God on our own terms rather that doing what God requires is always doomed to failure and destruction. It is not how smart we are, or what wonderful position we fill, or how much money we make that counts with God. It is and always has been that we do what is right in the eyes of the Lord.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jan 16, 2018 | 2 Corinthians
2 Corinthians 2:15
“For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.”
Imagine walking down the street on a warm spring day. The birds are singing and the sun shining through the trees makes dappled shadows on the sidewalk. Your mind is preoccupied with the joy of the day when suddenly everything changes.
There is an enticing aroma wafting across the street that draws you to a small shop with a familiar sign over the door — FRESH BAKED BREAD! You laugh to yourself, “As if anyone would have to tell you it is fresh bread!” That wonderful aroma by itself provided enough of an announcement.
You cross the street and peek through the window of the shop and see row after row of freshly baked bread on the counter. Having great will power you turn and walk away. RIGHT!
As we read today’s Scripture we are told that we are to be the aroma of Christ to those around us. In other words, we are to draw people to Christ.
What fragrant aroma of Christ do people sense when they are around you? Do you think they will want to “taste and see that the Lord is good?” Will they think of you when they desire spiritual counsel?
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
