by Pastor Cecil | Feb 26, 2018 | 2 Peter
2 Peter 1:3
“His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.”
I recently recalled the old saying: If you are not standing on the promises, you will find yourself sitting on the premises. One is an active process of involvement, and the other is a passive pastime of taking up space but contributing little. As I am typing this, it suddenly strikes me that the gripers, moaners, and fault finders of the world are generally composed of those who are just sitting on the premises.
The story is told about a poor man who was traveling on a ship from Europe to America. He had just barely scraped up enough money for his ticket and a few things to eat on during the trip.
A few days out to sea the impoverished passenger came upon sight of all the wonderful food in the dining room and inhaled an aroma that sent him into ecstasy. By this time he was so hungry he knew he had to do something about it. Summoning up all of his courage he went to a steward and asked if he might be able to do some work so he could be able to eat a meal or two. The steward was startled by the passenger’s odd request. He sat the man down and explained to him that the ticket he had purchased for the trip included all the food he could eat. It was all his, but he was starving from a lack of knowledge of all he possessed.
Are we taking full advantage of the bounty of God’s promises … or are we just surviving on the scraps of our own efforts?
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 23, 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. 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, I have felt the enemy of my soul attack. It is during these times that 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 | Feb 22, 2018 | Matthew
Matthew 19:13-14
“Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’”
February 19th became a very special date when my ninth great grandchild was born. It was one of my greatest of joys to hold a baby just a few hours old and pray God’s special blessings on her life.
Whenever I hear about the birth of a baby it brings to mind a young man who was in a Bible Study group I was leading. Different members of the group were recalling the events that led to them accepting Jesus as their personal Savior.
This young father related how he had rushed his wife to the hospital to deliver their first child. He knew she was in terrible pain, but was totally unprepared when the doctor came out of the delivery room and informed him that there was a problem and that he should be prepared to comfort his wife when she was told the baby died.
It was the middle of the night and he was the only one in the waiting area. As he paced back and forth it dawned on him that his baby would go to be with Jesus and as an unbeliever he would never see his son. It was then that he opened his heart and invited the Lord to come in. By the way – the baby survived!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 21, 2018 | 2 Timothy
2 Timothy 3:16-17
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Recently I conducted a graveside service for a retired police officer. As I looked around the crowd of people in attendance I noticed that many of the police officers were dressed in full uniform with perhaps 20 to 30 pounds of high tech gear. I almost laughed out loud when I recalled what my own police gear looked like when I was a patrolman back in 1958 — a gun, extra ammo, handcuffs, and a badge.
That last item was most important. When I was sworn in as a police officer I gave my word to serve and protect the people of my community under the authority of that badge. The vast majority of citizens supported that authority.
God has equipped us with our very own badge of authority. It is the Word of God. Paul wanted his son in the faith, Timothy, to recognize the power he had been given by the Word of God: doctrine – reproof – correction – instruction in righteousness.
Every believer has the same equipment available today. We are equipped, but are we using what God has provided? Our badge of authority is the new birth and the equipment is His Word. Use it wisely and effectively!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 20, 2018 | Philippians
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever thingsare lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
It seems that all too often we have replaced excellence with convenience. We tend to get by with the least amount of effort, time, or cost. As a result we fail to encounter excellence. We surely can think of examples in the human family, but why spend the time trying to think of illustrations from mankind when we can use the life of Jesus Christ as the epitome of excellence and also One who is praiseworthy.
It is possible to cut directly to the bottom line in this passage and see where Paul is pointing his attention. It is in the section set off by the hyphens. Two words stand out here that should grab our attention: VIRTUOUS and PRAISEWORTHY.
We need to see in Jesus the living example of One who was always worthy of a good report. He stood head and shoulders above everyone who has ever lived. He demonstrated virtue wherever He went. Everything He did was praiseworthy — His parables as well as His actions. He will always be worthy of our thought life as we meditate upon Him and the life He lived. What are you thinking?!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
