by Pastor Cecil | Oct 13, 2017 | Psalm
Psalm 18:2
“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
We are told that the persecution of believers around the world is increasing. Many are tortured for their faith and some killed. It has been estimated that there are over 100,000 deaths each year at the hands of the enemies of the cross.
Ira Sankey was a singer and song writer who ministered alongside evangelist D. L. Moody. He had experienced an extended time of trial and tears in his own personal life. It was during this time of agonizing prayer that the song Hiding In Thee was born. I am so thankful that the Lord heard and answered his prayer. It has ministered to many people across the years.
About twenty years after Sankey wrote his beautiful piece, Sergei Rachmaninoff was experiencing many problems in his life. He had a mental block, could not write, and felt useless. After several years of emptiness he broke out of his doldrums and composed his Second Piano Concerto. It is a joy to feature a blending of both works this week. ENJOY!
Hiding in Thee
O safe to the Rock that is higher than I,
My soul in its conflicts and sorrows would fly;
So sinful, so weary, Thine, Thine, would I be;
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.
Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.
In the calm of the noontide, in sorrow’s lone hour,
In times when temptation casts o’er me its power,
In the tempests of life, on its wide, heaving sea,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.
Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.
How oft in the conflict, when pressed by the foe,
I have fled to my refuge and breathed out my woe;
How often, when trials like sea billows roll,
Have I hidden in Thee, O Thou Rock of my soul.
Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.
To access this week’s free inspirational video, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/hidinginthee/
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 12, 2017 | Psalm
Psalm 104:16-17
“The trees of the Lord are full of sap, the cedars of Lebanon which He planted, where the birds make their nests; the stork has her home in the fir trees.”
It sounded like someone was knocking at the door, but there was no door located from where the sound originated. It was my introduction to the red-bellied Nuthatch using a rustic wooden birdhouse near my office window as a place to pound away at nuts from a nearby feeder.
For many years I have found much pleasure in feeding the wild birds in our area. It is a joy to watch as various varieties of birds flock to the feeders. There’s nectar for hummingbirds and black thistle seeds for finches, chickadees, and pine sickens. Then there are the nuts and seeds for wrens and hatches.
God has been pleased to bless us with a variety of creatures to show forth His provision as it is needed. I love caring for the birds that come to my feeders, and I know that God delights in caring for His precious children. He loves the birds of the sky and He cares for you and I.
As I watch “my” birds day by day I am always reminded that the Lord loves each of us supremely more than we care about the creatures we watch over. Stop right now and thank Him for His faithfulness to care for us.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 11, 2017 | Colossians
Colossians 1:3-4
“We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints.”
When we think of giving thanks, it is most often for something that is of benefit to us. We receive a blessing or are about to receive one and so we give thanks for that which makes us feel more satisfied.
In today’s scripture Paul gives thanks for the report he has received about what God is doing for the church at Colosse. His rejoicing comes when he receives the reports of how the people there have a radiant witness for Christ Jesus and a love for all of the saints.
It causes me to stop and consider what my prayer life lacks. Am I consistently thanking the Lord for the way other believers are growing in the Lord and the work they are doing for Him? I think I need to refocus my prayers of thanks.
I want to take this opportunity to thank my many faithful readers around the world who have supported this ministry with your prayers and gifts. God has opened doors to reach thousands that need to be encouraged. I covet your continued prayer support and messages of encouragement.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 10, 2017 | Matthew
Matthew 20:34
“So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.”
When I was stationed in Louisiana with the U.S. Air Force we had a near tragic accident involving our daughter Lori. She was playing with several neighbor kids when one of the boys shot a homemade arrow that struck Lori’s eye. A trip to the emergency room confirmed that it was an injury that could cause her to lose sight in that eye.
Following what treatment they could give her in the emergency room, she was sent home and we were told to make sure she remained quiet with a cool cloth over her eye. After a few days we were to return to see just how much permanent damage had been done.
We made a bed on the living room couch for Lori and had soothing Christian music playing (not today’s bing-bang-bong stuff). I am not sure if it was hours or possibly a day later that Lori asked, “Mom, did you touch me?” When Joyce told Lori that she was sitting on the other side of the room reading, Lori said, “But Mom, someone just touched my eye.” A return visit to the doctor revealed that the damaged eye was restored.
What are the hurts in your life that need the touch of the Master’s hand? It may or may not be a physical thing. It may be something that you have not revealed to another person. God’s special touch may be the touch that enables you to endure the thorn in your flesh to affirm that God’s grace is sufficient. Touch me, Lord!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 9, 2017 | Philippians
Philippians 1:12
“But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel.”
In early February 2011 I was lying in a hospital bed attached to tubes and gadgets that emitted strange beeping sounds all around; I had just undergone triple by-pass heart surgery. Lying there helpless, I recall thinking I needed to be about the work of the Lord … there was a funeral service as well as other commitments on my very busy schedule. Why am I here? Does God know what He is doing?
In answer to that question — Yes! God did know what He was doing, and the lessons I learned during that medical emergency remain with me today. I have come more and more to realize that God places us in difficult situations to give us the opportunity to shine brightly with His love and grace.
The apostle Paul was one of the greatest champions of the faith the world has ever known. We might be tempted to feel that God would make the way easier for such a faithful servant. Instead, Paul endured beating, stoning, lashing, shipwreck, and imprisonment in prison after prison. In fact, he wrote the letter to the Philippians from a prison cell.
Rather than asking ourselves why God allows us to endure suffering, we need to rejoice that we have been counted worthy to suffer for Christ. We need to look around us and use our circumstances to be a good witness for Jesus. Do others see Jesus in you when you suffer?!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
