by Pastor Cecil | Sep 7, 2016 | James
James 2:8
“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you do well.”
Last Sunday, following our monthly fellowship dinner, we were discussing ways in which we could more effectively become a cohesive church family. We do not want to simply come together for worship, but we desire to become more like the New Testament church.
In a short time our discussion led us to the necessity of reaching out to others. That does not imply that we only reach out to our own members, which is okay — but we want to expand our love to those outside our congregation who have legitimate needs.
“Loving our neighbor” is the Royal Law that Jesus plants within the heart and soul of the believer. It is not a burdensome requirement, but more of a bubbling desire to serve Jesus by serving others.
I think the word servant must be stressed more. We need to rise to the challenge that our Lord gives by being aware of those around us and the needs in their lives. We can show our love by helping with groceries, giving a ride, watching the kids, mowing the lawn . . . you get the point. Are we fulfilling the Royal Law?
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 6, 2016 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 3:4
“… rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.”
Recently, a dear friend forwarded a prayer request from a deeply distressed daughter for her mother who was facing serious medical issues. In the message she mentioned that her father was giving loving care to his precious wife of many years. This daughter said that her dad still thought his wife was the most beautiful woman in the world, regardless of her age and physical condition.
As I read those words I thought back to the last days of my wife, Joyce. Her frail little body required much attention. She could hardly move and her mind had difficulty staying focussed. In spite of all that, she was to me the most beautiful woman in the world.
Why was that? It was the inner beauty that Jesus had given her. Joyce never was one that enjoyed the spotlight. She was shy by nature, but her gentle and quiet spirit cared about people and she ministered in her own quiet way.
Many flashy female movie stars make themselves up to look glamorous, but in a short time that outer façade wears off and they lose their appeal. Godly women get more beautiful each year. Ladies, be such a beauty. (MEN AS WELL!)
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 2, 2016 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 4:12-13
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
Fanny J. Crosby was a remarkable woman. There are so many accomplishments in her life that it is hard to comprehend them all. She lost her eyesight because of the treatment of a careless doctor. In spite of her loss she memorized huge portions of Scripture just by listening to her grandmother read them to her. She is credited with writing over 10,000 hymns during her life.
Fanny began writing poetry at an early age, but another amazing fact is that she did not accept Jesus as her personal Savior until she was 31. She was attending a service on November 20, 1850. The congregation was singing a hymn by Isaac Watts; At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light. She knew she needed the Lord and that very night He became her Savior and Lord. Her desire was to always stay close to Jesus who had paid the ultimate price for her salvation. Her desire was to remain near her Lord. She immediately wrote the words to the hymn for this week.
Near the Cross
Jesus, keep me near the cross;
there a precious fountain,
free to all, a healing stream,
flows from Calvary’s mountain.
Refrain: In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever,
till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.
Near the cross, a trembling soul,
love and mercy found me;
there the bright and morning star
sheds its beams around me.
Refrain: In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever,
till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.
Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
bring its scenes before me;
help me walk from day to day
with its shadow o’er me.
Refrain: In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever,
till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.
Near the cross I’ll watch and wait,
hoping, trusting ever,
till I reach the golden strand
just beyond the river.
Refrain: In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever,
till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.
To access Near the Cross, this week’s inspirational video fromGloryScapes.com, please go to:http://www.gloryscapes.com/nearthecross/ in your browser or click on the image below.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 1, 2016 | Psalm
Psalm 30:5
“His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
Last evening I was taking my little dog, Izzy, outside to do her final duties for the night. I noticed how much darker it was than earlier in the summer. Here in the northern hemisphere the days are getting shorter, but in the southern hemisphere the days are getting longer.
As I was meditating on the changes in seasons I was reminded that our lives are very much the same way. There are times when it seems that everything is looking brighter, while at other times it seems the night is encroaching in on us.
As I pondered on this I came to realize that from God’s perspective there is no morning or night. He is the Light of the world. Even in times when we seem to be going through the darkest night of our life . . . HE IS THE LIGHT!
I want to encourage you in the Lord. Whatever is happening in your life, keep your eyes fixed on God’s eastern horizon. As the Psalmist writes: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Aug 31, 2016 | Philippians
Philippians 1:21
“ For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
A proud father, and city employee, was introducing his four-year-old daughter to his boss, the Mayor of the city. The young girl was known to be precocious, but her father thought she would be awed to be personally introduced to such a high city official.
As the Mayor bowed down and politely extended his hand to the young girl, he said, “Hi, I am the Mayor.” The young girl looked straight into his eyes and asked, “Why?” The Mayor was stunned by the question and quickly moved on to the next group of constituents.
Back in his office the Mayor mulled over the girl’s innocent question. He was a Christian and was left to ponder the wisdom that this young child had confronted him with. Why was he doing the things he did? He always tried to be the best person and the best Mayor he could be, but was that enough?
As he bowed and began to pray, today’s Scripture crossed his mind. That was the answer! He had to live for Christ in everything he spoke and in the things he did. In that quiet time in his office, the Mayor determined that he would have an answer to why he did what he did . . . it would be to honor and glorify Jesus. Why do you do the things you do?
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
