by Pastor Cecil | Mar 5, 2018 | Psalm
Psalm 75:5
“Do not lift up your horn on high; do not speak with a stiff neck.”
What an unusual phrase: “a stiff neck.” In the New American Standard it is rendered “an insolent pride.” It may either be given as a word picture, while it may also serve more as a definition.
One of the places we see the picture of insolent pride displayed is during sporting events. Not always, but frequently we observe athletes with outstretched necks parading back and forth like proud peacocks. It has become common enough that penalties are often assessed because it is described as taunting.
But that is nothing compared to the picture of those arrogant boasters who, in their pride, stand opposed to God. These people may claim to be wise, but wisdom is in their own eyes and God will have the last word. Oh, how much better it would be if they would turn from their arrogance and honor God.
Let me close with a favorite passage found in Proverbs 3:5-6, which is the clearest way to steer clear of having an outstretched neck: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Mar 2, 2018 | Revelation
Revelation 3:20
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
This beautiful hymn was composed by Will Thompson who lived from 1847 to 1909. The words seem to capture the heart of the listener and draw us to come to Jesus. You can almost picture Jesus Himself standing patiently urging us to come to Him.
He not only pleads for us to come, but he offers complete pardon to anyone and everyone who will come to Him. He offers He has paid the price and He has the authority to extend pardon to any who will come to Him.
The words of this hymn stress the urgent need of those who are lost. Some may feel like they have time before making that decision, but sadly for many they wait too long. Now is the hour of decision to receive Christ’s mercy and pardon!
Softly and Tenderly
Softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling for you and for me;
See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching,
watching for you and for me.
Refrain: Come home, come home.
You who are weary come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling, O sinner, come home.
Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading;
pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not His mercies;
mercies for you and for me?
Refrain: Come home, come home.
You who are weary come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling, O sinner, come home.
Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
passing from you and for me.
Shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
coming for you and for me.
Refrain: Come home, come home.
You who are weary come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling, O sinner, come home.
O, for the wonderful love He has promised,
promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon,
pardon for you and for me.
Refrain: Come home, come home.
You who are weary come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling, O sinner, come home.
To access this free inspirational video from GloryScapes.com, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/softlyandtenderly/
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Mar 1, 2018 | 2 Peter
2 Peter 3:14
“Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.”
In a world where there is non-stop bickering, arguing, conflict, fights, and war, we need peace and harmony. It is vital that in the midst of the stormy seas of life we can know peace and live in harmony with those around us — especially those who are the hardest to get along with.
God has never promised us that He was going to change our world and give us pleasant, darling people to live with. Don’t expect that to happen! We are stuck with the ones we have.
Jesus prayed to His Father before His crucifixion. He prayed about you and me. His prayer was very significant. He prayed that we not be taken out of the world, but that the Lord would be with us in the world. Listen to His words in John 17:15-17 that are so meaningful to us in our day: “My prayer is not that You take them out of the world but that You protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; Your Word is truth.”
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 28, 2018 | Judges
Judges 13:20a
“It happened as the flame went up toward heaven from the altar—the Angel of the Lord ascended in the flame of the altar!”
Here in Olympia we have a radio station that plays only old-time records, some as far back as the roaring 20’s. It is nostalgic to listen to the songs from the big band era, and yes, even the craziness of Spike Jones or the Hoosier Hotshots.
As I listened the other day I heard the Ink Spots begin to sing “A Flame in Your Heart.” The lyrics suddenly electrified me. It was like the Lord was giving these words of love to any who would hear.
I am not sure I can recall the words exactly, but I hope you get the idea: “I don’t want to set the world on fire, I just want to start a flame in your heart. In My heart there is but one desire, and that one is you! No other will do!”
My mind began to race with thoughts of the ways of God. We often talk and promote revival, but do we truly know what it means? I fear that the concept we have in our minds-eye is large groups of people loving and serving God. I think that is wrong! That is the result of revival, not the revival itself.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 27, 2018 | 2 Timothy
2 Timothy 4:7
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Last week I was listening to a Christian radio station when a reporter made reference to the reaction of Franklin Graham when he was told his father, Dr. Billy Graham, had died – Franklin chuckled!
A chuckle is not the usual reaction to news that your beloved father has died. The person who was interviewing Franklin asked about his reaction. Franklin said that several years ago his dad had told him that one day he would be told that Billy Graham had died. Billy told him not to believe it! He assured Franklin that he would be more alive than he had ever been in his life on earth. Wow!
That should be the normal attitude that each of us believers should take to the grave with us. These old bodies of ours may grow old and experience sickness and pain, but there is coming a day when the old shell of humanity is replaced with a new and glorious body.
How are you responding to the departure of your own loved ones who die? If they have been born again they have already died to self and will suddenly be clothed with an imperishable body that will never spoil or fade!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
