by Pastor Cecil | Nov 30, 2017 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 4:12-13
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”
As I read the words of today’s Scripture, I realize that Christians across the centuries have encountered painful trials. As I have mentioned many times, all of the disciples (except John) experienced torture, suffering, and death.
Prior to the Day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter was known for expressing his opinions before thinking or praying. Now that he had experienced prison, flogging, and humiliation, how would he respond?
Peter’s answer to conflict and trial in his life is the same that we are to practice in our own lives. It is what I like to think of as a – NOW I SEE! – moment. It is the time when we see the power of God’s Word as being more important than our natural reactions to our circumstances.
We are to see painful trials as something to be anticipated rather than some abnormal occurrence. Not only are we to expect trials in our life, we are to rejoice that we are able to participate in the suffering with Christ and look forward to being able to rejoice with Him when His glory is revealed.
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 21, 2017 | 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 the hymn for this week.
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://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
by Pastor Cecil | Apr 21, 2017 | 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 | Apr 17, 2017 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 2:2
“As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word that you may grow thereby.”
Last week I was traveling along Interstate I-5 when I noticed a logging truck ahead of me. In the northwest it is not an uncommon sight to see trucks carrying loads of logs, but this was exceptional. The logs were huge and I marveled at their size as I passed the truck. I knew they were old growth timber.
It is a shock to see bare hillsides where timber has been cut. Owners of the land soon plant seedlings and in a short time there are young trees. Many of the logs we see harvested in this part of the country come from third and forth growth trees that have been planted after previous logs have been harvested.
Day by day we observe the passing of the saints of God. They have been our mentors and guides, but as the years slip by they pass the torch on to the next generation of believers. At first it seems the spiritual hillside looks bare and lifeless, but hopefully spiritual growth will occur.
It is time for each believer to recognize that responsibility for growth in the Lord is a fact of life. We need to strive to become “OLD GROWTH” saints of God who will stand shoulder to shoulder creating a mighty forest for the Lord.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Mar 6, 2017 | 1 Peter
1 Peter 1:15-16
“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’”
It has always puzzled me as to how some folk, including entire denominations, feel they are justified in changing Holy Scripture to allow sinful behavior. That’s right, I called it sinful. If God says something is sinful, take it to the bank — it is sinful!
So just what is the holiness that God requires of us? Today’s Scripture gives us a graphic picture of true heart holiness. It is looking into God’s Word to discover the utter holiness and purity of God. Once we have the image of a perfect God who sacrificed His own dear Son for us, we need to strive to reflect His glory.
There is only one way to reflect God’s glory. That is in setting ourselves apart in ALL of our conduct. It means saying “NO” to the sensual desires of the flesh that so easily draw us away from the holiness of God. The more we set ourselves apart from the conduct of the world, the closer we draw to the holiness of God.
What is there in our conduct that is self gratifying rather than God glorifying? Confess it as a sin and turn away from it. That may mean refraining from watching or listening to certain things. The Holy Spirit will guide us to know when something is not pleasing and edifying to the Lord. Trust and obey!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jan 10, 2017 | 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.”
From time to time I have shared the story of an embarrassing incident that my wife Joyce and I experienced. We were traveling to California to attend a Billy Graham School of Evangelism conference. It was a Sunday and we were on I-5 in southern Oregon. It was a little past eleven and we knew we would be late for a church service, but decided to try and find a church and get in for part of the service.
We made it into a service and were seated just after the offering; a young woman sang a special number, and we were anxiously waiting for the pastor to deliver his message. Presently he came to the pulpit and announced that he would turn the service over to the representative for the Gideon Bible Society. He stared directly at me and waited.
It was one of those “Oh, no” moments when you just knew he thought I was the man of the hour. It felt like every person in the congregation turned and stared at me. I just shrugged and shook my head. The poor pastor had not prepared a message, and it was painful to watch him try to get a few thoughts across to the congregation.
It taught me once again the validity of the instructions Paul gave to the church at Philippi: Always be ready. None of us know when we may be called upon to share the hope of Christ to someone who desperately needs it. Be ready!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
