by Pastor Cecil | Oct 20, 2017 | Philippians
Philippians 3:10-11
“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.”
Back in 1913, Salvation Army Officer, George Bennard passed through a trying experience. This experience caused him to reflect seriously about the significance of the cross and, in particular, what the apostle Paul meant when he spoke of by entering into the fellowship of Christ’s suffering. While contemplating on these truths, Bennard was convinced that the cross was not just a religious symbol, but rather the very heart of the gospel. He penned the words of this beloved hymn.
Bennard spent the last years of his life a few miles north of Reed City, Michigan. At the age of 85, on October 9, 1968, he passed away. Near this home there still stands a twelve foot high cross with the words The Old Rugged Cross – Home of George Bennard, composer of this beloved hymn.
The Old Rugged Cross
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.
Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
In that old rugged cross,
stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.
Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.
Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
To access The Old Rugged Cross, this week’s inspirational video from GloryScapes.com, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/theoldruggedcross/ in your browser or click on the image below.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 19, 2017 | Philippians
Philippians 3:7
“But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.”
Each time I read the sports pages of the newspaper I see that there are more losers than winners. Many contenders enter the race, but only one crosses the finish line in first place and receives the winner’s laurels.
Every sport has its winners and losers. It is the same way in the field of business and industry. What we gain today can be lost in a moment of time. To believe that we will always have things our way is to deceive ourselves.
Many of us have experienced the loss of loved ones and friends. I personally have encountered the valley of the shadow of death in the passing of my parents, my brother, my oldest daughter, and my precious wife. I also have lost many other dear family and friends.
The things of this world pass quickly. I am constantly encouraged by the assurance that those dear ones who knew the Lord on this earth are not lost, but have slipped into the paradise of the Lord. I eagerly anticipate seeing them again, and when I do it will be in the land where there will never be any loss … but only peace, joy, and everlasting fulfillment. What a day that will be!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 18, 2017 | Ephesians
Ephesians 6:13
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
I can remember when our children first were able to stand on their own. It was usually after they had been holding onto a chair or with my wife or I holding them. Almost without them realizing what was happening they were standing on their own. As we applauded for them they usually dropped down, but had a grin.
There comes times in our life when we realize that we have lost our support and are standing on our own. It can be a frightening time, but it can also be a time where we realize God’s plan and purpose for our life.
It is sad that we have many believers who live their entire lives without learning to stand on their own. They are spiritual babes that fail to rise to the potential that God desires for their lives.
Take time to examine your own spiritual life. Are you like a frightened baby that is too dependent on someone else to support them? Instead it is time to let go and allowing the Lord to give you the inner motivation to stand firm and bold for Him.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 17, 2017 | Matthew
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Across the years I have been blessed to counsel many people. One of the most common complaints I have heard is “I’m so tired.” In a way it has been humorous since they complain that they are so tired they need a vacation, and when they return from vacation they are exhausted from the vacation.
It rather reminds me of counseling people who are having marital problems. There will be boxes of tissues to dry the tears of those who wish they had never gotten married. Later, another person will cry their eyes out because they are not married and wish they were.
The human body is capable of performing amazing feats of stamina. The way athletes run long distances and accomplish their acts of endurance is by training. Little by little, day by day, they grow stronger and stronger until they can perform without the fatigue that once plagued them.
In today’s Scripture Jesus gives us the spiritual prescription for our weariness:
1. Come to Him. 2. Take His yoke upon us. 3. Learn from Him. Notice the rewards for following His direction—His deep and abiding rest.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 16, 2017 | Colossians
Colossians 1:2
“To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Someone has observed that in the Bible, Grace is not a blue-eyed blonde. A much better definition for Grace might be rendered as God’s undeserved favor at Christ’s expense. I like that a lot better!
I recall watching a television program depicting the brilliant apprehension of criminals with warrants for serious crimes. Knowing that most people like to receive free prizes, the authorities sent notices to the wanted individuals stating that they had won a large screen television. They only had to appear at a particular address with proper identification in order to receive their prize. To the criminal’s shock and dismay, however, instead of a receiving a TV they were placed in handcuffs and sent to the county jail to answer for their crimes.
The other word that Paul uses as a greeting in this letter is the word peace. In the Greek it is defined as the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is.
Paul greets his readers with two terms that we should learn to share with other believers we have contact with. Think what a difference it would make if we blessed all other believers with GRACE AND PEACE! Let’s try.
May God grant you His GRACE and PEACE.
– – – Pastor Cecil
