by Pastor Cecil | Dec 30, 2008 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 3:15
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
I cherish our small church fellowship. It would be very difficult to explain it since so many churches are much larger and have a different format. We have more of a family atmosphere and attempt to focus on the pattern of the New Testament church in Acts 2:42: The apostles teaching, prayer, breaking of bread and fellowship.
Sunday morning as I asked for prayer requests, a small girl raised her hand. She stunned me with a question rather than a request: “Why do we have to give our heart to the Lord?” It was an electric moment and the Holy Spirit seemed to impress me to forget everything and everyone in the room and speak directly to her.
I explained that the Lord tells us that it is the only way we will be born again and be with Him in heaven. One after another questions streamed from her. I blocked out everything else and gave her my undivided attention.
I cannot recall all of the questions she asked, but I do know that I was praying that the Lord would give me wisdom to answer them in such a way that this small girl would know that there is a God in heaven who cares about her.
This exchange seemed to draw us all close together and closer to Jesus who loved the little children. In Luke 18:16-17 we read of how Jesus felt concern for children: “But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.'” Lord, may I always have ears to listen and be prepared to answer the sincere questions of either an adult or a little child!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
— Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Nov 11, 2008 | 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 modern “name it and claim it” teaching has been detrimental to victorious Christian living. I know that sounds contrary to logic since this false teaching promises pie in the sky if you just send in all your money and two cereal box tops. (Sorry about the sarcasm!)
The detriment of this sort of unbiblical teaching is that people become defeated and despondent when they encounter troubles and trials. All too often these ordeals lead to depression and defeat because the ones who encounter them have been led to believe they have done something wrong that caused their situation. Are you there?
The apostle Peter is very clear about this matter of dealing with trials and tribulations. For most of us, we start questioning why God does not protect us from painful situations. I think I may have an answer for that.
In Job 1:9-11, Satan responds to God’s boast about Job’s righteousness. “‘Does Job fear God for nothing?’ Satan replied. ‘Have You not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But stretch out Your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face.’”
There it is! Satan accuses believers by saying that the only reason we trust in God is so we will be blessed. God allows us to endure trials in order to prove that our testimony is real. It is sad to hear people accuse God of making them suffer. That is certainly not proving our faith!
In today’s Scripture Peter gives the proper reaction for painful trials we endure. We are to rejoice. In James 1:3-4, we are told to count it pure Joy. He goes on to share the reason we are to react in this positive manner: “Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
The next time you are tempted to feel that something is wrong when you encounter the painful trials of life, remember that God has allowed it and He has allowed it in order for you to grow strong and mature in the faith.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
— Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 6, 2008 | 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.”
Last week I came into the office to work on the next day’s Daily-E-Votional. I tuned into Rejoice Radio on my computer. Focus on the Family was on and a guest made a remarkable statement. “You are either in the midst of a painful trial, getting over one or there is one in your future.”
Wow! That hit me like a ton of bricks. The reality of what this man said is so profound that it is staggering. Every person on the face of this earth has to face the reality of ordeal.
I do not want to sound morbid, but if we do not realize the fact that we will pass through times of trial, we may be stunned when they come. Troubles may be the loss of a loved one, financial reversal, a disturbing medical diagnosis or any number of other issues.
Peter says in today’s Scripture that we are not to be surprised when we encounter troubles. They are a natural part of life. We read almost the same thing in James 1:2; “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”
How is the believer to respond to the adversities of life? It is made very clear here in 1 Peter; “But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
James seems to go a step further. He says that we are to “consider it pure joy.” That is impossible to do in our own strength. Only with the help of the Lord are we able to look beyond the trials and see our eternal reward.
You may have heard the expression; “That person is so heavenly minded that they are no earthly use.” I certainly do not agree with the idea that we are of no earthly use, but we certainly should be heavenly minded.
We can be certain that the things of this world will all pass away. The trials and tribulations of our present life will pale and fade when we slip the bonds of this earth and are with the Lord. What a day that will be!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
— Pastor Cecil
