by Pastor Cecil | Oct 28, 2015 | 2 Timothy
2 Timothy 4:8
“Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
It may come as a surprise to you but I have never received a crown! I have had other honors bestowed, such as my Bachelor of Arts Degree, Master of Arts Degree, Gold Bars as a Commissioned Officer, and Ministerial Ordination, just to name a few. But no crown…as yet!
Paul was writing to his son in the faith, Timothy, in today’s Scripture. Paul was assured that he was going to receive a crown of righteousness. When we think of all that Paul had endured for the sake of Christ, it would be understandable that he would receive a crown of righteousness.
Notice that he says this crown is laid up for him at the appearing of our Lord. I hope you are as excited as I am as I read this to see that there is also a crown for each and every one of us who have loved His appearing.
We do not have to do anything to receive this crown other than to love the appearing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am so excited about the appearing of our Savior. I have no idea when that will be, but until He comes I want to live in constant anticipation of His appearing. I can hardly wait!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 27, 2015 | Romans
Romans 14:8-9
“For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.”
You may have heard or even use this expression: “I’m just dying to try that!” — or “I’m just dying to go there!” When we stop and think about it, we know that the things of this earth will never be achieved by dying. On the other hand, heaven or hell can be accessed only through death.
I do not want to start this issue of “Blessings From the Heart” with a discussion about death, but about life! Many of us live in areas where it becomes very easy to live for Christ. In other parts of the world, however, to even name the name of Christ carries with it a death sentence.
I have heard stories about individuals that had a lackadaisical attitude toward spiritual values until they were confronted with a choice of either denying Christ in order to live — or dying for Him. I think of the first martyr, Stephen, who chose the latter.
We may not be confronted with a life or death situation, but we all are challenged to live for Christ each and every moment. As you sincerely evaluate your life, are you living for Christ or are you living for self? I want to live for Christ!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 26, 2015 | 1 Timothy
1 Timothy 6:6-7
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.”
“If I only had that job I would be content!” “If I was good looking and talented like her I would be popular and have no problems!” “If I was young and full of energy I would be able to conquer the world!” “If I was older and more mature I would have no problems!”— If I had something more I would be content! All too often people feel that just to gain something more will satisfy that lack in their life.
Learning to be contented with what we possess is frequently a difficult task. We live in a world that is exposed to new and enticing things. What we once felt satisfied with becomes dated when new things appear.
The Apostle Paul experienced many ups and downs in his life and ministry. He suffered many things from his persecutors, but also had periods of plenty. In Philippians 4:12-13, Paul has this to share with believers of all ages: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”
Are you content? Do you find satisfaction with what the Lord has chosen to bless you with? Can you sincerely agree with what Paul wrote in today’s Scripture?
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 23, 2015 | John
John 4:13-14
“Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’”
Olympia, Washington is Washington’s State Capitol. There is also another significant claim to fame. In the 400 block of 4th Avenue is an artesian well. People are able to fill containers of this pure cool water. It is a fountain flowing freely.
The composer of this week’s hymn is William Cowper. He was born in England in the year 1731. He suffered many personal losses during his early years that caused him much mental anguish. Loss after loss of those that were close brought him to the brink of despair.
Through all of his ordeals the Lord kept drawing him. He finally received Jesus as his personal Savior and began writing hymns and poetry. It is fascinating that he lived in a small house just behind the home of his pastor, John Newton, who wrote the wonderful hymn, Amazing Grace. Thank the Lord for the fountain of redeeming blood that cleanses us from all of our sin.
There Is A Fountain
There is a fountain filled with blood
drawn from Immanuel’s veins
And sinners plunged beneath that flood
Lose all their guilty stains
The dying thief rejoiced to see
That fountain in his day;
And there may I, though vile as he
Wash all my sins away
Dear dying Lamb, thy precious blood
Shall never lose its power
Till all the ransomed church of God
Are saved, to sin no more
For since by faith I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply
Redeeming love has been my theme
and shall be till I die
When this poor lisping,
stammering tongue
Lies silent in the grave
Then in a nobler, sweeter song
I’ll sing thy power to save
To access There is a Fountain, this week’s inspirational video fromGloryScapes.com, please go to:http://www.gloryscapes.com/thereisafountain/ 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 | Oct 22, 2015 | Genesis
Genesis 5:22-24
“After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters. So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.”
My emotions are still very raw after losing my wife of 62 years, nine and a half months ago. I’m constantly reminded of things that were precious to us. One of the things that always return to my mind was the walks we took when we were first going together. Through our years of living and loving . . . we walked as one.
Walking hand-in-hand it seemed we were able to communicate at a level that shut out the rest of the world. Many times our walks would be interrupted by the beauty around us and we would stop and allow God’s creation to sweep over us. Not only did it bring us closer together but it brought us closer to God.
Every time I read today’s Scripture I tried to imagine what it must of been like for Enoch to walk with God. The sweet communion they must have shared would have been very precious to Enoch. As near as I can recall from Scripture Enoch and Elijah were the only two men who never saw death because God took them.
It is my desire to walk close to God. I feel I do this by spending time in His Word and talking with Him in prayer. I invite you to join with me in walking with God for the rest of our lives.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
