by Pastor Cecil | Nov 5, 2018 | Acts
Acts 14:8
“And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked.”
The title for today’s E-Votional is not to show discrimination toward those who have mobility problems, but to give homage to an old friend. As in many other types of limitations, new strengths are developed that give a person increased abilities.
This is just as true with animals as well as with humans. When I was stationed in Shreveport, LA, we had many birds and animals that came to our patio for some sort of handout. One of the frequent fliers to our feed station was a crow that was missing part of one foot. We affectionately called him Crippy. He was one of our favorites and we felt a responsibility to watch over him.
God has given mankind a responsibility to care and preserve the members of the animal kingdom. That protection has bonded our family closer together as we reach out to care and protect those who are not able to care for themselves.
God cares about each and every one of us. In what way are we reaching out with care and concern for our brothers and sisters who desperately need to know that there is someone who really cares. Be that someone!
Blessings dear hearts! May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Nov 2, 2018 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 5:6-7
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.“
There have been times in my life when I felt isolated and alone. It seemed that I was alone and could not sense the nearness of God in my life. When I experienced these times of spiritual drought, I was prone to wonder if Jesus really cared, even though I am usually happy and optimistic. It has been in these times that I have felt the enemy of my soul attack. I rush to God’s Word for comfort.
Frank E. Graeff was known as the “sunshine minister.” He had a cheery disposition, a winsome personality, spiritual optimist, and was a great friend of children. He was known to have a child-like faith. That being said, he did pass through times of deep trials. It was then that he turned to the Scriptures as his guide in the darkness.
As I read the words of this hymn that he wrote, I can see the change from gloom and despair to hope and victory. That is what I want in my life.
Does Jesus Care?
Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress
And the way grows weary and long?
Refrain: Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?
Refrain: Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long?
Refrain: Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks,
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?
Refrain: Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
To access Does Jesus Care? this week’s free inspirational video,please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/doesjesuscare/
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Nov 1, 2018 | Psalm
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Things can change unexpectedly and dramatically. It has been less than two full days since my daughter Lori suffered a fractured skull and slight brain bleed. She has been in pain and sedated to the extent that conversation has been limited.
Last evening I received a call from her Intensive Care room asking if I could read our daily Bible Reading that takes us through the Bible in one year. About ten years ago we started this tradition of reading through the Bible each year. It was a wonderful and comforting daily bonding with Joyce before she went to be with the Lord and has continued to be so with Lori.
As I read the words and prayed with my daughter last night I felt a warm glow that assured me that the Lord is the Blessed Controller of all things. He brought such peace that I slept like a baby after my time spent on the phone with my daughter ended.
I have experienced the separation through death of many precious family members and the heartbreak of others who have experienced pain and suffering. The thing that always brings the peace that passes understanding is God’s Word. On that precious Word I will stand!
Blessings dear hearts! May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 31, 2018 | Psalm
Psalm 23:4
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
Things happen so fast and without warning. Suddenly we are confronted with an accident and we stand helpless in the flesh, but confident in the hand of the Lord to lead and guide us.
Sunday morning my daughter Lori and I had locked the doors where we hold our services and were about to leave for our cars. At the last second Lori decided to double check that the doors were locked while I waited holding the box of supplies we had brought for the service.
Suddenly Lori’s hand slipped off the door and she fell backward and her head struck the hard concrete. As I stared down on her momentary unconscious form I prayed for the Lord to protect her. In a few seconds she regained consciousness and I called 911. She was rushed to the emergency room and I began calling our faithful congregation to pray for God’s protection and guidance.
It is now less than 18 hours since Lori’s fall. A Cat-Scan has revealed a fractured skull and slight bleeding in the brain. She is in the Intensive Care unit awaiting further tests.
Once again the Lord is calling me to find His strength. I feel so helpless, but I am reminded that I can take confidence in Him and continue to minister as He leads and directs in my life. Pray that I may keep the course with assurance in HIM!
Blessings dear hearts! May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 30, 2018 | 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. Suchknowledge 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
