by Pastor Cecil | Nov 1, 2010 | 1 John
I John 5:12-13
“He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.”
There are givers and takers. In our case there is a giver (Joyce) and a loser (me). Joyce is a delightfully organized wife who has the gift of making lists. On the other hand I, unfortunately, have the gift of losing those lists.
Among the stacks of notes and papers are items I keep because I may need them later. (Some are so old I have no idea what they referred to or how I could ever use them. But just in case I will keep them a little longer).
The Apostle John just made a list for us in today’s Scripture. Did you notice what it is? We really miss something if we just read verse 13, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.”
As wonderful as these words are to us, it is essential that we go back to verse 12 to see what the things are that John is referring to: “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.”
I pity those ministers who preach that there are other ways to heaven. It is certainly not what we read in God’s Word. Eternal life only comes by receiving Jesus Christ into our heart by personal invitation. Good works or good intentions will never suffice. It is repenting of our sins and being born again. God said it, I believe it!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
360-570-0074
PastorCecil@Daily-E-Votional.com
P.S. – You can find previous E-Votionals covering a variety of Scriptures and topics to help you in your walk with the Lord at www.Daily-E-Votional.com.
P.P.S. – I have completed my first book, 100 of Pastor Cecil’s Select Illustrations. The cost is $12.95 plus shipping. You can now order it online by going to https://dailyevotional.com/prior2020/book-by-pastor-cecil . . . You may want to consider this book as a thoughtful gift idea for those who do not have Internet access or as helpful sermon illustrations for your Pastor.
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by Pastor Cecil | Jun 15, 2010 | 1 John
1 John 2:15-16
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.”
Father’s Day will be celebrated this Sunday, June 20th. It seems as if every commercial in every form of the media is directed toward buying their product in order to make dear old Dad happy and fulfilled. Right! As if they cared!
Dads are important and it is not necessary to buy expensive gifts to show our love. I wish my own Dad was alive so I could just sit down and visit with him. I received a poem last week from one of our subscribers who has graciously allowed me to share it with you.
My husband was a rich man;
Though I don’t wear diamonds or mink,
Some people count us as poor;
We count wealth different—–I think.
My husband was a rich man;
Though he met some scoundrels;
He never held a grudge
He slept peaceful every night—-you be the judge.
My husband was a rich man,
He was always happy.
I don’t drive a Mercedes Benz.
He just counted friends.
My husband was a rich man,
A smile he always wore.
No man can imagine
The riches that God has in store.
My husband was a rich man,
He stored his wealth in HEAVEN
That is where the ‘wisest men’
Will be when their treasure is given.
Written by Vicky Simpson
Be blessed dear heart and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
360-570-0074
PastorCecil@Daily-E-Votional.com
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 15, 2010 | 1 John
1 John 4:10
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
Do you recall the old story about a young man’s love note that he sent to his sweetheart? I am sure that my recollection is not 100%, but it went something like this. “Dear beloved, you are more precious to me than I can ever express. Your beauty and grace captivate my thoughts. I love you so much that I would climb the highest mountain for you. I would swim the widest river for you. I would sacrifice everything I own for you!” “P.S. If it doesn’t rain I will drop by and see you Friday evening about seven o’clock.”
Pure love, true and abiding love is sacrificial in nature. It is willing to die in order to prove the validity of its very being.
I once taught a class in Boise, Idaho called the Pairs and Spares. It was made up of newly married couples as well as young professionals. One engaged couple had a keen sense of humor. The fellow delighted in saying to his fiancé, “Submit, woman!” She would respond, “Die, man. The moment you show true love by dying for me, I will submit to you!”
I called and talked with the husband a few days ago. It was the first time I have spoken to either of them in over forty years. He is now a successful pastor in Ontario, Oregon. His true love has burned true and they are a living example of love in action.
Jesus loved us so much that He shed His precious blood for our sins. He paid the price that only He could pay. His blood was the only pure blood that was not tainted by the original sin nature that was passed down from Adam. We demonstrate our true love for Him by dying to ourselves and being raised with Him.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Nov 13, 2009 | 1 John
1 John 2:16-17
“For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”
Philip Bliss was a gifted hymn writer. He wrote many well known hymns during his short life of 38 years. Both he and his wife were tragically killed in a train accident December 29, 1876.
In June, 1870, after listening to the chorus of the hymn “Oh, How I Love Jesus,” Philip Bliss wondered if he had emphasized more on his love of Jesus and had neglected to write of Jesus’ love for him. That led him to write the hymn, “Jesus Loves Even Me.”
“Jesus Loves Even Me!“
I am so glad that our Father in Heav’n;
Tells of His love in the Book He has giv’n;
Wonderful things in the Bible I see;
This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me.
Refrain: I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me.
I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves even me.
Though I forget Him, and wander away;
Still He doth love me wherever I stray;
Back to His dear loving arms I do flee;
When I remember that Jesus loves me.
Refrain: I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me.
I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves even me.
Oh, if there’s only one song I can sing;
When in His beauty I see the great King,
This shall my song through eternity be,
“Oh, what a wonder that Jesus loves me!”
Refrain: I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me.
I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves even me.
Jesus loves me, and I know I love Him;
Love brought Him down my poor soul to redeem;
Yes, it was love made Him die on the tree;
Oh, I am certain that Jesus loves me!
Refrain: I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me.
I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves even me.
If one should ask of me, how can I tell?
Glory to Jesus, I know very well!
God’s Holy Spirit with mine doth agree;
Constantly witnessing Jesus loves me.
Refrain: I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me.
I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves even me.
In this assurance I find sweetest rest;
Trusting in Jesus, I know I am blessed;
Satan, dismayed, from my soul now doth flee;
When I just tell him that Jesus loves me.
Refrain: I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me.
I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves even me.
To access Jesus Loves Even Me!, this week’s inspirational video from GloryScapes.com, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/jesuslovesevenme in your browser or click on the image below.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Nov 12, 2009 | 1 John
1 John 2:16-17
“For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”
In Matthew 19:18-22 we read a sad story. A young man approached Jesus and asked what good thing he needed to do to inherit eternal life. In questioning him it was determined that this young man was obedient to the Law of Moses and he even loved his neighbor as himself.
In verse 21, Jesus gave him an invitation that could have changed his life: “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”
Here was an obedient and observant man who prided himself on doing even more than the Law required, yet he went away from Jesus with a sad and heavy heart. Why? — Because he had great wealth! His love of worldly possessions robbed him of the blessed opportunity of being a follower of our Lord.
One has to wonder how long it was before he realized that the puny wealth of worldly goods amount to nothing. It is a question we must ask ourselves and especially in connection with today’s Scripture. Where is our heart of love?
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Aug 25, 2009 | 1 John
1 John 4:10-11
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
I really enjoy working until I feel very fatigued. It is at this time that I am able to give myself in sacrificial love to my wife and family. There have been times when I have felt totally exhausted and forced myself to do something for Joyce that really challenged me.
As I reflect on these times, I realized that sacrificial love has produced the most joyful times in our marriage. It has given me a feeling of truly demonstrating my love that is far more than mere words. At the same time, it has made Joyce feel that she is cherished and adored.
Sacrificial love is not an option, especially for husbands. In Ephesians 5:25, husbands are commanded: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.”
This sacrificial love is not restricted to husbands. To live a Christ-like life means that each of us must give freely of ourselves with no thought of return. It is giving unselfishly in the same manner that Christ has given Himself for us.
How would you rate your level of sacrificial love?
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
