by Pastor Cecil | Sep 6, 2018 | Colossians
Colossians 3:23-24
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
It seems I can still hear our kids in play as one would rebuke the other, “You’re not the boss of me!” I don’t know that anyone appreciates being bossed around, so it is no wonder that resentments often arise on the job. We do not like someone telling us what to do — even when they are our supervisor. Who is your boss?
Today’s Scripture convicted me many years ago. I was working for a man who seemed to view himself to be a Viking warrior. He was often the topic of conversation in the break room and at any other time a group of us gathered together. Our comments were not at all respectful of his position.
As the Lord convicted me through His word, I went to my boss’s office and asked for his forgiveness for the manner I had behaved toward him. I confessed to making derogatory comments about him. I was truly sorry and made a pledge to speak to him directly if I disagreed with his decisions.
Today’s Scripture is very clear about how we are to behave in the workplace. If Paul is saying how slaves are to respond to their masters, how much more does it apply to employees. He says “in everything” … and even when the boss is not around. Not to get a promotion, but doing it as unto the Lord. How do you stack up?
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 5, 2018 | Colossians
Colossians 1:26-27
“The mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
I am so glad I grew up in the days of radio. The radio dramas were something that we constantly looked forward to. They allowed the listeners to use their own imaginations to envision the unfolding story. One such program was “I Love A Mystery,” and just as the title suggests, it was a mystery program. It was thrilling to listen as the characters read their lines and the sound effects gave the impression of reality.
In today’s Scripture, Paul reveals a spiritual mystery for us. It is a mystery that was hidden from those who lived before the time of Christ. They may have had some suggestion of this mystery, but it was only in a veiled manner. It was a mystery that would have to wait for its fulfillment in Jesus.
It is obvious that people have been searching for the mystery of how God chooses to work. The answer Paul gives is that it is from the inside out. Wow! There it is once again — not what we do to prove we are righteous, but the indwelling presence of God to work in and through us.
Are you trying to do what God alone can do? Read today’s Scripture once again and realize that the answer to the mystery of mysteries is that it is Christ within us and that is our eternal assurance. Praise the Lord!
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 4, 2018 | Matthew
Matthew 7:13
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.”
There is so much garbage in today’s media that it is often hard to breathe. That is when it is good to rely upon the infallible Word of God to give us a reality check. The most important reality check is that everyone is on the way to an eternal destination. The vital difference is where we are headed.
First and foremost we need to understand that there is heaven to gain and hell to avoid! There are many people who discount the harsh reality of hell. The fact of the matter is that Jesus spoke clearly about the reality of that place of eternal pain and suffering. It is very easy to get there. All that is required is to do nothing.
Jesus came into the world to offer a glorious alternative to the eternal flames of hell. He suffered and died for us to give us an eternal home that is beyond our wildest imagination. The requirement is to be born again and have our name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. We do not gain access to heaven by trying to be good, but by being covered by the blood of Jesus. He came to shed his blood to cover our sinful nature. I beg you not to take the broad and easy way that leads to eternal damnation, but choose God’s way that leads to life beyond imagination.
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 3, 2018 | 1 Timothy
1 Timothy 5:17
“Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.”
Today in the United States as well as in some other countries, we celebrate Labor Day. That is rather a misnomer since it is a day away from labor and the last day of summer vacations.
Paul is writing to his son in the faith, Timothy and admonishing him as well as all who read his letter that honor is due the elders who labor in the Word of God. I am here to tell you that it is often hard to dig deep in the Word to find the meaning and purpose God has designed for us to reveal.
I have never found it a hard and meaningless task to search the bible for answers. It is like being on an exciting treasure hunt that has a valuable prize just waiting to be discovered. It often takes time and effort, but the rewards are worth it.
If you are not laboring in the precious word of God, I challenge you to make a start. Devote a set time each day to read and meditate on the word that brings light and salvation to a lost and dying world, then share it with others.
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Aug 31, 2018 | Isaiah
Isaiah 51:1-2
“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come buy and eat. Yes, come buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance.”
Water, water everywhere…and not a drop to drink! Those words have probably been uttered many times by shipwreck victims stranded in the middle of the ocean. The salt-laden sea seems to mock them — there is so much water all around them, but it would be poison to their system to drink it.
Lucy Jane Rider Meyer wrote the words of today’s hymn. She was born on a Vermont farm in 1849. Lucy was a teacher and not only founded many high schools, but went on to teach chemistry at McKendree College, a school for freed blacks in North Carolina. She was one of the first female professors.
What a refreshing thought that a brilliant professor was able to use the Word of God to bring music to the thirsty human soul. Oh, that we had more brave educators who would be willing to put their reputations on the line for the things of God. I thirst for that!
Ho! Everyone Who Is Thirsty
Ho! Everyone that is thirsty in spirit,
Ho! Everyone that is weary and sad;
Come to the fountain, there’s fullness in Jesus,
All that you’re longing for; come and be glad!
Refrain: I will pour water on him that is thirsty,
I will pour floods upon the dry ground;
Open your hearts for the gifts I am bringing;
While you are seeking Me, I will be found.
Child of the world, are you tired of your bondage?
Weary of earth’s joys, so false, so untrue?
Thirsting for God and His fullness of blessing?
List’ to the promise, a message for you!
Refrain: I will pour water on him that is thirsty,
I will pour floods upon the dry ground;
Open your hearts for the gifts I am bringing;
While you are seeking Me, I will be found.
Child of the kingdom, be filled with the Spirit!
Nothing but “fullness” thy longing can meet;
‘Tis the enduement for life and for service;
Thine is the promise, so certain, so sweet.
Refrain: I will pour water on him that is thirsty,
I will pour floods upon the dry ground;
Open your hearts for the gifts I am bringing;
While you are seeking Me, I will be found.
To access Ho! Everyone Who Is Thirsty, this week’s inspirational video, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/hoeveryonewhoisthirsty/
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
— Pastor Cecil
