by Pastor Cecil | Aug 30, 2011 | 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.”
In yesterday’s Daily-E-Votional, I described the couple sitting in front of my desk engaged in a big argument. The reason was based on the fact that each was asking the other questions prefaced by the words Why don’t you?
Prayerfully I told them I felt that the Lord had given me the answer. They were to have another conversation, but this time they could not use those words, Why don’t you? This time they could only use the words, How can I? Again it did not matter what they talked about—they just had to be unconditional in their willingness to meet the needs of the other. In a few minutes they were in each other’s arms and professing their love for each other.
In like manner, the Lord is anxious for us to have that same attitude toward Him. Rather than having our own way and wanting Him to satisfy our slightest whim, we need to love Him and seek to find ways in which we can serve Him. How can I serve you better, Lord? should be our constant prayer.
The Lord is seeking believers who look beyond the trials and tribulations of this life and, through the eyes of faith, see the glories that are awaiting us when we see His face in glory. This life is too short to focus only on those things that make us feel comfortable. We need to get out of our comfort zone and give, give, give!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
(360) 570-0074
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.comPlease feel free to forward this E-Votional on to your family and friends.
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 22, 2011 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 4:12-13
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
Fanny J. Crosby was a remarkable woman. There are so many accomplishments in her life that it is hard to comprehend them all. She lost her eyesight because of the treatment of a careless doctor. In spite of her loss she memorized huge portions of Scripture just by listening to her grandmother read them to her. She is credited with writing over 10,000 hymns during her life.
Fanny began writing poetry at an early age, but another amazing fact is that she did not accept Jesus as her personal Savior until she was 31. She was attending a service on November 20, 1850. The congregation was singing a hymn by Isaac Watts; “At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light.” She knew she needed the Lord and that very night He became her Savior and Lord.
Her desire was to always stay close to Jesus who had paid the ultimate price for her salvation. Her desire was to remain near her Lord. She immediately wrote the words to this week’s hymn, “Near the Cross.”
“Near the Cross“
Jesus, keep me near the cross;
there a precious fountain,
free to all, a healing stream,
flows from Calvary’s mountain.
Refrain: In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever,
till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.
Near the cross, a trembling soul,
love and mercy found me;
there the bright and morning star
sheds its beams around me.
Refrain: In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever,
till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.
Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
bring its scenes before me;
help me walk from day to day
with its shadow o’er me.
Refrain: In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever,
till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.
Near the cross I’ll watch and wait,
hoping, trusting ever,
till I reach the golden strand
just beyond the river.
Refrain: In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever,
till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.
To access Near the Cross, this week’s inspirational video from GloryScapes.com, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/nearthecross 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
360-570-0074
PastorCecil@Daily-E-Votional.com
P.S. – Please feel free to forward this E-Votional on to your family and friends. They’ll appreciate the encouragement.
P.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.
by Pastor Cecil | Apr 8, 2011 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 4:12-13
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
The other morning I was sitting at my computer, reading message after message of trials and ordeals that people all over the world are experiencing. I suddenly recalled one phrase of today’s hymn; “Just one glimpse of Him in glory will the toils of life repay.” Wow! That really grabbed me. As bad as things may seem on this side of glory, just a glimpse of the Lord Jesus Christ will make these ordeals fade from view.
Eliza Hewitt collaborated with her friend, Emily Wilson in writing today’s hymn. This beautiful hymn has been an inspiration to many of us who eagerly look forward to that wonderful day when we will rejoice with all of the saints who have gone on before us. What a time of rejoicing that will be!
When We All Get to Heaven
Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
Sing His mercy and His grace.
In the mansions bright and blessed
He’ll prepare for us a place.
Refrain: When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!
While we walk the pilgrim pathway,
Clouds will overspread the sky;
But when traveling days are over,
Not a shadow, not a sigh.
Refrain: When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!
Let us then be true and faithful,
Trusting, serving every day;
Just one glimpse of Him in glory
Will the toils of life repay.
Refrain: When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!
Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we’ll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open;
We shall tread the streets of gold.
Refrain: When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!
Click on the following link to access When We All Get to Heaven, this week’s inspirational video from GloryScapes™ Christian Music Videos.
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 help! Please consider encouraging one other person to subscribe to our devotionals by going to the Daily-E-Votional.com website and clicking on the “Subscribe” button. This worldwide ministry asks for no funds and is sent to glorify our precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
by Pastor Cecil | Mar 18, 2011 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 3:15
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”
Yesterday I shared the good news that our beloved brother, Nathan Bouren is back home from his deployment in Qatar. I wanted to share more of his testimony today in place of the hymn that I usually share on Friday’s.
“Last Friday was a bittersweet departure as I said goodbye to Mom. We had a precious time together my last night in the Middle East as we spent time laughing and crying with her co-worker, Neal, and the TCNs she supervises. Two situations stand out in my mind from this last evening in Qatar. First, I struck up a conversation with one of the TCNs from Nepal. He is a 45-year-old married man with five children. His youngest is a six-year-old daughter and this man has only seen her four times in her life. It was heart-wrenching to learn that almost all of these TCNs work for 2-year contracts and only get one 30-day vacation to be with their family. That’s right, 30 days off in TWO YEARS! It sure puts my deployment and separation into perspective. Many of them will do this for 20 or more years, so they don’t ever really get to know their children. This situation is necessary because there are nearly 2 billion people (you read that correctly, it is billion with a “B”) in India and there are simply not enough jobs in the country. This mandates that these people work in other countries, often for very low wages ($400/week in this case), just to support their families. It doesn’t help that they have five or more children either. I ask that you join me in praying for these men and that God would use Mom and Neal to share the love of Christ with them while they are enduring these difficult separations from their families.”
“The second situation happened just before I departed. I was sitting with Mom in the media center where the troops can use phones and computers to communicate with their families. The place was packed and Neal walked in to say goodbye. He asked if I would pray with him. Mom and I are never shy about praying in public, and I was so blessed that Neal would ask for me to pray with him in public one last time. I stood up right there in the middle of the media center and prayed with my brother, Neal. What a perfect farewell to my brother as we further solidified the bond we have developed these past several weeks. I look forward to continuing a long distance friendship with Neal as we embark on a growing relationship with the Lord. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)”
As I read Kevin’s message I became more and more aware that there are those around us who need to hear the Word of God. There are also believers who need to be encouraged as we pray that they may be used. USE ME LORD!
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 | Jan 20, 2011 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 3:3-4
“Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.”
I really feel sorry for other men in the world. Back in 1948 I met a girl who was to become my wife some four years later. She was a beauty that made my heart skip each time I was near her. But that was just the outer appearance.
Early this morning, Joyce turned on the light and quietly said that she felt like she might be having a heart attack. In the quiet moments waiting for the paramedics to arrive, she quietly shared her love and that she was prepared to go and be with the Lord if she didn’t make it. It was not the time to argue, but quietly share our love and that each of us knew our hearts were right with the Lord. Praise the Lord! It was not a heart attack and she is back home.
There have been several times this day when I have been all alone and reflected on my wonderful blessing to have a wife like Joyce. Over and over my mind went back to this passage in 1 Peter 3. The words, “Gentle and quiet spirit,” echoed in my mind. She is my idea of what a woman of God should be.
My prayer is that the women who read this will commit themselves to be what God desires a true woman of God to be. Strive to have a gentle and quiet spirit. I urge you husbands to love your wives as Christ loved His church and gave Himself up for her. Tell her of your love and show it by the things you do in her behalf.
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 | Jan 4, 2011 | 1 Peter
I Peter 5:8-9
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”
It is the time of year when those of us living in the northern climates are faced with slick roads. When it has snowed, we are somewhat prepared and drive accordingly. But I recall one time when I was completely caught off guard.
Back in the early 50’s (sounds like the dark ages, doesn’t it?) Joyce and I were living in Rapid City, South Dakota. It was late one night in mid December and we were starting a trip back to be with our families living in Idaho.
Just before the trip I had purchased snow tires and this was the first opportunity to try them on the open road. We had driven about a hundred miles when I felt like something was wrong with the tires. I stopped to check, praying it was nothing serious. As I stepped out of the car I almost fell flat. The problem was not the tires, they were working perfectly―the pavement was covered with ice! Knowing that the roads were icy meant that I drove differently. There were no sudden stops or quick turns—just steady and cautious travel.
In our spiritual life we are driving over treacherous roads. We can never allow ourselves the luxury of being at ease. The enemy of our souls is making our road ahead as slick as possible. Thank the Lord we have a Savior who has promised that He would lead us and guide us.
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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