by Pastor Cecil | Jan 27, 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 | Jan 26, 2017 | Psalm
Psalm 135:17
“They have ears, but they do not hear; nor is there any breath in their mouths.”
I recall a certain man who accompanied his wife to visit our congregation one Sunday morning. After the service he commented to me that he had read the entire Bible and knew everything it contained.
His brash statement stunned me so that I hardly knew how to respond. What I did say to him was that I had read the Bible many times, and the more I read it the more I feel the need to read it again to gain deeper understanding.
That encounter occurred many years ago and I am still finding new and exciting things every time I read the living Word of God. I am sure that much of the newness is due to the situations of life that I am experiencing at the time; but I am equally sure that the Lord desires to reveal exciting and relevant passages to prepare me for greater service.
I pray that I will never come to the place in my life when I feel that I know all there is to know about God’s Word. I desire to live my entire life as a student who sits at the feet of the Master, eager to learn more.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jan 25, 2017 | Matthew
Matthew 16:2-3
“He replied, ‘When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.’”
It was Snoopy, the dog in the “Peanuts” comic strip, who was always trying to write the great American novel. As Snoopy pecked away on his typewriter, imagining himself to be a world-famous author, his opening line never changed … It was a dark and stormy night.
I recall a dark but not stormy night as far as the weather was concerned, but stormy as in a dangerous situation. Our car had over-turned while being towed behind a wrecker. Our son was badly injured and the tow truck driver took the rest of the family to the hospital, leaving me behind with our wrecked automobile.
In the darkness I only had a flashlight to warn on-coming traffic that they were approaching an accident scene. It was just a short time later when two shady looking characters stopped — not to assist me, but to help themselves. As they circled around the damaged vehicle, I overheard one say that there was nothing of value to them. They went back to their car and quickly drove off into the night.
I am convinced that the Lord was watching out for me on that dark and potentially stormy night. He has always been there when I needed Him. Thanks, Lord!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jan 24, 2017 | Hebrews
Hebrews 6:11
“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end.”
I was once speaking to a man about heaven and what awaited us there. He had been a believer for many years and it shocked me when he expressed the hope that he would make it to heaven.
Wow! That blew me away. I prayed with him and shared Scriptures to give him the eternal HOPE of his salvation. That encounter inspired me to share the idea of the word HOPE with you.
Here in Hebrews 6:11 the Greek word for hope is elpis. Here is the meaning in the Greek: joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation. I really like this definition. That is the kind of hope each believer should have.
What is your hope for eternity? If you have received Jesus as your Savior and Lord and are walking with Him, you need to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step. Walk with Him and I will see you in heaven!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jan 23, 2017 | Psalm
Psalm 19:14
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.”
Last week I mentioned a poem I had read years ago in Grit Magazine. My dear friend Cathy also remembered reading Grit. She checked out Wikipedia to see if it was still in print. She found that it was and also discovered the original editorial policy.
“Always keep Grit from being pessimistic. Avoid printing those things which distort the minds of readers or make them feel at odds with the world. Avoid showing the wrong side of things, or making people feel discontented. Do nothing that will encourage fear, worry, or temptation… Wherever possible, suggest peace and good will toward men. Give our readers courage and strength for their daily tasks. Put happy thoughts, cheer, and contentment into their hearts.”
In a world that is increasingly pessimistic and perverted we need to be committed to showing the right attitude and action in everything we do and say. We need for others see Jesus in us without a word being spoken.
It is time for us to take a careful look at our self in the mirror of God’s Word. It is not in comparing ourselves with others that matters, but in comparing our thoughts and actions in such a way that would please Jesus.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
