by Pastor Cecil | Jul 3, 2018 | 2 Peter
2 Peter 1:3
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
When Michelangelo was working feverishly on the painting in the Sistine Chapel, the Pope became frustrated at how slow the work was progressing. He asked Michelangelo, “When will you make an end?” Michelangelo replied simply, “When I am finished.”
As we travel this pathway of life there may be times when it seems that our progress is very slow. In God’s economy that is never the case. He knows when the timing is right and is working behind the scenes to accomplish His will.
Our problem is getting out of step with God. We either run way ahead and want Him to catch up with us, or we lag far behind and feel frustrated when we are not able to catch up with Him.
It is time to make a new commitment to discover God’s plan and purpose for us and then stay close to Him in order to be used to accomplish the tasks He has for us. Remember to keep the joy of the Lord in your heart. Do not be discouraged — God is not finished with you yet!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 2, 2018 | 2 Peter
2 Peter 1:3
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
I wonder how many times people feel they deserve commendation for attending church services. They may be singing; “Standing On the Promises” but in actuality they are merely SITTING IN THE PREMISES!
While it is a fact that our labors for the Lord will not merit salvation and a home in Glory, they do demonstrate the degree of our obedient commitment to the Lord and His great cause.
We are called to march forth as a mighty army to live and die for the Lord. None of us know what lies before us, but praise God we do know WHO goes before us to prepare the way.
God’s promises are faithful and true and He will open doors that He wants us to go through and also will close doors that He does not want us to enter. Our task is to remain so close to Him by the study of His Word and prayer to discern the difference. Are you STANDING ON THE PROMISES OR MERELY SITTING ON THE PREMISES?!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jun 29, 2018 | 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: http://www.gloryscapes.com/blessedassurance/
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jun 28, 2018 | 2 Timothy
2 Timothy 2:24-25
“And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth.”
I once conducted a funeral service for a 92-year-old man. Prior to the service I met with his widow and two daughters. They shared with me the qualities which made him special in their eyes. His sweet little widow looked directly at me and said, “He was a gentleman.” (I want to stress that he was a gentle man.)
Her statement has been churning in my mind ever since. It is so important for us as Christians to be known by our gentle manner, exhibiting a spirit that is broken before the Lord so that the Christ within us oozes out to minister to those around us.
As I read Paul’s words to Timothy, I am impressed by his instruction to teach with gentleness the ones who are opposed to us. Those are the very ones we are to be gentle with and never to be resentful, impatient, or short when interacting with them.
This type of Christ-like living does not occur by reading books or attending self-improvement sessions. It comes about with a constant and consistent walk with the Lord. It demands a love of His Word and time spent communing with Him in prayer. The more time we spend with Him, the more we will become like Him, and that is the pure source of gentleness.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jun 26, 2018 | Matthew
Matthew 12:50
“For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”
My great fear is that there are many who consider themselves to be a part of the family of God who are not. Jesus’ own brothers were not a part of His spiritual family until they accepted Him as their personal Savior.
There are people today who think of themselves as being a member of God’s family because their parents had them baptized as infants. In my Bible there is no such thing as salvation imparted to infants! Salvation is by God’s grace and our faith — rational, understanding acceptance by one who has reached the age of accountability. It is the act of turning from our natural sinful nature and receiving Jesus Christ.
Are you a member of God’s family? If you have never invited Him to come into your heart, you are still on the outside. You are not one of His family. Come on in! You will love our family!
“Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.”
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
