by Pastor Cecil | Jun 8, 2017 | Matthew
Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
Recently I opened the refrigerator door and happened to notice a bottle of tomato juice. On the label I read words I had not noticed before; 100% Pure Juice. I was intrigued by those words. It made me wonder what the statement implied. Just what could be added to cause it not to be 100% pure? WATER!
Water is wonderful stuff and necessary to sustain life. It can also be used to dilute otherwise 100% pure substances – – like tomato juice. What is essential to sustain life can also detract from the pure essence.
We are called by God to be pure in heart. In fact we are given a promise that the pure in heart shall see God. In John 11:26 Jesus reminds us that those of us who truly believe in Him unto salvation will never die. What a comforting assurance to know that when we breathe our last breath here on earth, our next breath will be celestial, 100% pure and crystal clear.
Are there things added to our life that causes a dilution of God’s spiritual will for us? Are we tempted by the things of the world to get our eyes off the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus? Let’s keep ourselves 100% pure!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jun 7, 2017 | 2 Samuel
2 Samuel 22:28
“You will save the humble people; but Your eyes are on the haughty, that You may bring them down.”
Some of the most tragic people are those who characterize themselves as being humble. One of the most despicable characters in Charles Dickens’s David Copperfield was Uriah Heep. He would often reveal his pride in frequent references to his humility. Do you know any Uriah Heeps? Are you one?
One of the greatest issues of humility is self, but the moment we strive to become humble we have lost the battle. In the attempt to be humble, our focus becomes centered on what WE are doing. Without intending to, we stress how we act or behave, thereby revealing that SELF is on stage.
It is a battle, but there is a way to find victory over self. It is in one word: OTHERS! The more we let go of our own self-image and become concerned in making others successful, the more we will show Godly humility.
Jesus was the Son of God, but He set it all aside in order that others might find everlasting life. I want to be devoted to giving more effort toward helping others become victorious in thought, word, and deed.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jun 6, 2017 | 2 Samuel
2 Samuel 22:28
“You will save the humble people; but Your eyes are on the haughty, that You may bring them down.”
Some of the most tragic people are those who characterize themselves as being humble. One of the most despicable characters in Charles Dickens’s David Copperfield was Uriah Heep. He would often reveal his pride in frequent references to his humility. Do you know any Uriah Heeps? Are you one?
One of the greatest issues of humility is self, but the moment we strive to become humble we have lost the battle. In the attempt to be humble, our focus becomes centered on what WE are doing. Without intending to, we stress how we act or behave, thereby revealing that SELF is on stage.
It is a battle, but there is a way to find victory over self. It is in one word: OTHERS! The more we let go of our own self-image and become concerned in making others successful, the more we will show Godly humility.
Jesus was the Son of God, but He set it all aside in order that others might find everlasting life. I want to be devoted to giving more effort toward helping others become victorious in thought word and deed.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jun 6, 2017 | Psalm
Psalm 20:7
“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.”
As a young ten-year-old boy, I remember hearing reports that the allies had invaded Europe on the beaches of Normandy. It was called “D-Day.” Screaming newspaper headlines announced that it was the largest seaborne invasion in history, and it began the liberation of German-occupied northwestern Europe.
There were many casualties and while victories were to be experienced, the price came at the expense of the lives of many brave men. During those war years there were numerous broken hearts as telegrams were received with the news of the death of a member of the family.
Let’s face it — this world is a battle ground. The enemy of our soul is entrenched in many strongholds. He may foresee his final end, just as Adolph Hitler did, but that does not mean he will surrender without a fight. He will take as many with him as possible. Hearts will be broken as the casualties are announced.
There is good news, however. We know how our battle will end. Victory has been assured through the blood of our Savior and Lord. Those who enter the service of the King of kings are assured of ultimate victory. Which side of the battle line are you on?
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jun 5, 2017 | Philippians
Philippians 3:13
“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.”
“I have returned!” Those were the words of General Douglas MacArthur as he stepped ashore on Luzon of the northern Philippines after two years. He had promised the people of the Philippines he would return. It was a time of special meaning.
MacArthur was gone for over two years. I’ve been away for only two weeks, but at times it has felt like two years. For quite some time I have wanted to visit the church where I gave my heart to Jesus over 70 years ago. I have driven by the church several times over the years, but this time I was determined to look inside.
The church is now occupied by a different denomination, but when I made contact with the current pastor, he was gracious to usher me back through the doors of my memories to another time and place. I was able to stand at the very spot where I had knelt so very long ago.
Do you know what happened? Nothing! It began to dawn on me that memories can control us, and we are much better to let them go and live in the power of the Lord for the present. I determined at that spot to live in the present and let the memories fade into the twilight. Today is a new day!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
