by Pastor Cecil | Mar 25, 2019 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 5:8-9
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”
Years ago I read about a naturalist who spent several seasons living among and studying grizzly bears. They seemed to be very friendly since he had known many of them since they were just cubs.
One year his support plane arrived to take him out after his time spent with his friendly bears. They only found scraps of his clothing left. His “friends” had consumed him!
Over the years I have counseled many people who played around with tempting situations, believing that they could only go to a point and then stop just before things went too far. Unfortunately, they would cry their eyes out when the situation got out of hand and the consequences of sin demanded payment.
I pray that you who are reading this are not playing with dangers that may one day consume you. If you are, I beg you to immediately get away to a place of safety. That place is in the arms of our Savior who died to rescue us from the jaws of the enemy. Confess your sin and turn back to Him. He is waiting to welcome you!
Blessings dear hearts! Walk with God today and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Mar 24, 2019 | Hebrews
Hebrews 13:5
“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
What is really important in your life? There are people who live in massive and opulent homes that cost millions of dollars. It would be easy to think that they have reached the pinnacle of satisfaction, but that is usually not the case. These people are most likely to be miserable.
On the other extreme are those who live in humble dwellings that are in low income neighborhoods. Some who reside there spend considerable time and effort day dreaming about living in the homes of the rich and powerful.
Lack of contentment can be expressed in numerous ways. Some people are never satisfied with their employment, their marriage partner, their appearance, their abilities, or any number of factors that are common to the human existence. Let’s face it—we covet the things or qualities that others possess. Even some pastors covet larger churches or larger ministries.
God calls us to find our true value in Him. He leads us and directs us in the path He has chosen for us. The path may be steep or rocky, but it is the wonderful way God has chosen to allow us to shine brightly in a world of sin. Rest in the contentment that God knows what He is doing, and by finding joy in your present situation, you may be a true minister of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessings dear hearts! May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Mar 23, 2019 | 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.”
When I was in high school I worked with my dad and brother in building a house. Sometimes I made glaring mistakes. I remember one such incident when my dad quipped, “Honestly, Son, sometimes I wonder why you were ever born!” I just grinned and sassily replied, “Well Dad, accidents happen!” He was quick to chastise my remark and assure me that I had certainly been no accident. I deeply regretted my sassy retort and never asked him to explain!
As a matter of fact, none of us are here by accident! I am firmly convinced that God has a plan and purpose for each one of us. We may not have the same talents, gifts, or opportunities, but we have a unique purpose that God has designed for us.
I am struck by the reality that God is never surprised about where we are and what is happening around us. He is in complete control and has us there for a purpose. HIS PURPOSE!
I love the idea that each and every one of us has a course that is set out before us. We have not been this way before and the way may seem unfamiliar to us, but thank God, He goes before us and has set the course. All we have to do is keep our eyes on Him and follow. “For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it.”Psalm 139:4-6
Blessings dear hearts! May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Mar 22, 2019 | Hebrews
Hebrews 10:22
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”
Those of us who have said farewell to beloved family and friends experience the pangs of separation. The pain of separation is eased with the assurance that there is a bright tomorrow waiting for us when we will be united with those who have died in the Lord.
Fanny J. Crosby was visiting the home of a friend, Phoebe Knapp. Phoebe was playing a new melody she had just composed and mentioned to Fanny that she called it Assurance. Fanny responded, “Blessed Assurance.”
Fanny returned home and quickly penned the words to the hymn that has become such a favorite since it was published way back in 1873. It is just as much a blessed assurance today as it was back then.
Blessed Assurance
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God.
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
Refrain: This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angles descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Refrain: This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
Refrain: This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
Enjoy this free inspirational video of, “Blessed Assurance” by going to: https://gloryscapes.com/blessedassurance/
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Mar 21, 2019 | Luke
Luke 2:51
“Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart.”
Years ago I worked for Judge Ben Riordan, an unforgettable character who served as the Juvenile Court Judge in our county. As I was the only Juvenile Probation Officer in our jurisdiction, Judge Riordan and I worked in close contact.
The Judge once shared with me about the problem one of his sons had in coming under parental authority. While the boy was a teenager he secured a job and began to earn his own money. Feeling independent, he more and more resisted the established rules of the house and became increasingly disrespectful.
To deal with the problem, Judge Ben explained to his rebellious son that since he was earning his own money he could now buy his own food. That meant that he would not be allowed to eat at home with the family until he changed his attitude and came under the authority of his parents. For about two weeks the boy ate away from home, but soon learned that much of his salary was going to pay for his meager meals. He finally made his apologies and was once again restored to the good graces of the family.
Sometimes we get away from God’s authority and feel that we are able to make it on our own. How foolish! It does not work that way and continued rebellion makes us miserable to ourselves and others. It is time to come home and make the Lord the leader of our life.
Blessings dear hearts! Walk with God today and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
