by Pastor Cecil | Jan 5, 2017 | James
James 5:7
“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.”
When we experience the death of a loved one, our hearts will surely feel the crush of separation. We may even find ourselves starting to speak to that precious one that has always been beside us . . . only to suddenly remember they are no longer here.
It has been almost two years since my precious wife Joyce went to be with the Lord. I have had the opportunity of dealing with the loss and applying God’s design for these times of loss. Back in 1991 when we lost our oldest daughter Brenda, we had each other. Now, even though I have my son and daughter living nearby, I face the times of loss alone.
I would like to share with you an illustration that has been an encouragement to me. When I was serving in the U.S. Air Force I was stationed on a remote assignment in Newfoundland and had to leave my family for one year. Our military troops still face that type of separation. As I bid a tearful farewell to my family, I was sustained by the reality that I would return and be with them again.
In like manner, I know I will see my wife, daughter, and all of my loved ones who have gone to be with the Lord. Through the tears of loss I am lifted by the hope that when I see them again there will be no more parting. Our separation is just for a little while!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jan 4, 2017 | Psalm
Psalm 119:103
“How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
Many years ago my wife Joyce’s aunt Grace was in our home for a visit. I fixed pancakes for breakfast and noticed that she failed to use syrup. When we asked her about it she related that their family was quite poor growing up. Her parents would allow the children to use syrup or honey only on the last pancake.
As Grace became a grown woman she had become so used to the practice that she only used syrup on the last pancake. That might be a good practice for some of us who could use a little (or a lot) less sweet in our diet.
The Psalmist points us in the proper direction to find a sweet taste that is not fattening and is ours for the taking. It is the precious Word of God. He says it is even sweeter than honey.
I want to fall more and more in love with this precious sweet gift that God has granted to us. As we open the pages of our Bible we will find that it is not only sweet, but it is alive and applies to what we are experiencing in the here and now. How sweet it is!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jan 3, 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.”
There are many prayers that I lift up to the Lord each day. Most of them are not memorized but are simply open conversation with the Lord about what is happening in my life at the moment. One of the exceptions is Psalm 19:14.
It is easy for me to utter words that I wish I had never spoken. For some reason I seem to be able to deliver glib comments or retorts that may be humorous, but not edifying to the Lord.
Each time I recite the words of Psalm 19:14, I remind myself of my desire to have the words that I speak and the things that I think be pleasing to the Lord. I always seem to visualize the Lord high and lifted up when I humble myself and seek to think and say things that are pleasing to Him.
At the beginning of 2017 I want to make Psalm 19:14 my personal verse. It will be my heart’s desire to please God by what is in my mind and by what proceeds out of my mouth. I will try to recite this verse at least once a day and live it out every day.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jan 2, 2017 | 2 Peter
2 Peter 1:5-7
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Buffet restaurants are popular places to eat because there are so many food choices available. The problem is that there are so many options that it is common to eat more than is appropriate. Digestive misery is the result!
In the case of God’s Word, too many people seem to feel that they are permitted to select only the portions that they find agreeable and reject the remainder. Today’s passage dispels that line of thought. We are told that ALL Scripture is the inspired (God breathed) Word of God.
If all Scripture is given by God, we need to refuse to listen to those who choose to present only the portions they like and reject the rest. Paul goes even further when instructing his son in the faith, Timothy, the purpose of Scripture: It is for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness.
Notice that it is only as these attributes are applied that the spiritually mature individual will be completely equipped for every good work. Are you faithful in applying God’s Word to your life? Remember His purpose for Scripture.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Dec 30, 2016 | 1 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 4:17-18
“After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.”
Though an invalid for much of her life, Eliza Edmunds Hewitt was always active and enjoyed a long personal friendship with Fanny Crosby. These two women met often for fellowship and discussion of their new hymns. Eliza was a school teacher in Philadelphia and a Christian lay worker who was committed to write songs to teach children the basic truths of the gospel. This song was written for her own Sunday school class in Philadelphia.
Miss Hewitt often attended the Methodist camp meetings at Ocean Grove, New Jersey. It was here that she collaborated with Emily Wilson, the wife of a Methodist district superintendent in Philadelphia, in the writing of this triumphant gospel hymn–a favorite of young and old alike. “When We All Get to Heaven” was first published in 1898.
When We All Get to Heaven
1. Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
Sing His mercy and His grace.
In the mansions bright and blessed
He’ll prepare for us a place.
Refrain: When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!
2. While we walk the pilgrim pathway,
Clouds will overspread the sky;
But when traveling days are over,
Not a shadow, not a sigh.
Refrain: When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!
3. Let us then be true and faithful,
Trusting, serving every day;
Just one glimpse of Him in glory
will the toils of life repay.
Refrain: When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!
4. Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we’ll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open;
We shall tread the streets of gold.
Refrain: When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!
Enjoy this week’s free inspirational video, “When We All Get To Heaven” from GloryScapes.com. by going to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/whenweallgettoheaven/
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
