by Pastor Cecil | Sep 14, 2016 | Mark
Mark 16:15
“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.’”
The title for today’s E-Votional came about unexpectedly. I was setting up the title line and had deleted previous letters when I noticed that the only letters left were GO! It was like a neon sign giving immediate instruction.
In the military world, when service members are on the parade ground, specific orders are given. The first command is to call the members to attention. If no further command is given, the group is to continue standing rigid at attention.
I have been on those parade grounds and witnessed what happens when members are called to attention but no further commands are given. Some members suddenly collapse. This is because they have kept their legs rigid, cutting off blood supply to the brain.
On the parade ground things begin to move when the command “Forward march!” is given. In our Spiritual life we have the command from our Commander In Chief, Jesus, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel.” Are you responding to His command or are your knees locked?
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 13, 2016 | Isaiah
Isaiah 53:5
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”
During my military career I was awarded numerous medals. I must confess that most of them were simply for having served in a particular area or at a particular time. None of my medals were for meritorious service of any kind.
From time to time I would see a purple medal or ribbon on the chest of a fellow service member. I immediately knew that individual had been wounded by enemy fire. Sometimes the Purple Heart Medal has even been awarded posthumously when the individual was killed in battle.
There have also been many Spiritual casualties across the centuries. Many of God’s saints have been tortured for the faith and some have paid the ultimate sacrifice. The book of Hebrews, chapter 11, is full of the names of saints who won God’s Purple Heart.
As we consider believers of all ages who have, and are today, putting their very lives on the firing line for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, what should we be doing? Are we running into the fray or hiding in some corner? FIGHT FOR THE LORD!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 12, 2016 | Romans
Romans 7:19
“For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.”
Sometimes I have every intention of doing a particular thing, but before long I realize that my best intentions remain just that . . . BEST INTENTIONS. It was not that I did not intend to do something, the opportunity just slipped by and it was too late.
Paul is very candid about confessing his failure to do the right thing in his own strength. I am so glad he did not try to picture himself as some super saint that was able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. In his own strength he could do nothing. That honesty speaks to me of true humility.
His honesty encourages us to readily admit that often what we intend to do is far different than what we actually end up doing. We may have the best intentions of doing something for the Lord, but we become distracted by other things. Before long our best intention is nothing but a faded memory.
The way to insure that our best intentions are fulfilled is to prayerfully make a list to schedule our meaningful activities. When we do this we will see that we have more time to do for the Lord and can say: BEST INTENTIONS FULFILLED!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 9, 2016 | Luke
Luke 24:2-6
“They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!”
Alfred Ackley was a Baptist pastor who had two dramatic incidents in his life that led him to write our hymn for this week. He had been conducting an evangelistic service back in 1932 when a young Jewish man threw this question at him; “Why should I worship a dead Jew?”
Then early on Resurrection Sunday morning as he was preparing for the day he listened to the radio. A famous liberal preacher made this statement; “Good morning—it’s Easter! You know folks, it really doesn’t make any difference to me if Christ be risen or not. As far as I am concerned, His body could be dust in some Palestinian tomb. The main truth is His truth goes marching on!”
Alfred screamed out at the radio, “It’s a lie!” His wife was startled and wanted to know why he was so upset. Following the service that morning his wife prompted him to write a hymn and express his thoughts. He wrote this wonderful hymn.
HE LIVES!
I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today; I know that He is living whatever men may say; I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer, and just the time I need Him, He’s always near.
Refrain: He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives, He lives, Salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.
In all the world around me I see His loving care, and tho’ my heart grows weary I never will despair; I know that He is leading thro’ all the stormy blast, The day of His appearing will come at last.
Refrain: He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives, He lives, Salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.
Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing, Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King! The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find, none other is so loving, so good and kind.
Refrain: He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives, He lives, Salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.
Aren’t you glad we serve a risen Savior? Our God is not dead, HE LIVES!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 8, 2016 | James
James 1:2-4
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
I never have been a patient man by any stretch of the imagination. I am the type of person that looks for quick fixes. I often think that God has brought delays in my walk with Him in order to teach me that He is the One in charge, not me!
The book of James has held a special spot in my heart for many years. To me it is a practical guide to achieving Godly character. Many of the trials and tribulations that come our way are used by God to develop His character in us … if we let it.
Looking over my shoulder at the experiences of my life, I remember times of loss and pain that seemed agonizing at the time. It was only as I moved through these times with God’s help that I came to realize that He was giving me open doors of ministry to others who faced similar trying situations.
In “Character Building 101” it is time for us to step up to God’s mirror of self analysis. For me, I see the need for patience and more patience. As I learn to wait on the Lord, I find Him using me in spite of myself. Lead on, Lord!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
