by Pastor Cecil | Feb 26, 2016 | 1 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 4:17-18
“After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.”
Though an invalid for much of her life, Eliza Edmunds Hewitt was always active and enjoyed a long personal friendship with Fanny Crosby. These two women met often for fellowship and discussion of their new hymns. Eliza was a school teacher in Philadelphia and a Christian lay worker who was committed to write songs to teach children the basic truths of the gospel. This song was written for her own Sunday school class in Philadelphia.
Miss Hewitt often attended the Methodist camp meetings at Ocean Grove, New Jersey. It was here that she collaborated with Emily Wilson, the wife of a Methodist district superintendent in Philadelphia, in the writing of this triumphant gospel hymn–a favorite of young and old alike. “When We All Get to Heaven” was first published in 1898.
When We All Get to Heaven
1. 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!
2. 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!
3. 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!
4. 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!
Enjoy this week’s free inspirational video from GloryScapes.com. To access “When We All Get to Heaven”, this week’s free inspirational video, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/whenweallgettoheaven/
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 15, 2015 | 1 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 5:14-15
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.”
I have sometimes been called an exhorter. A person with the gift of exhortation is motivated to boost the spirits of people around them. Sometimes in our excitement to help people achieve their full potential we may seem pushy. My own daughter has sometimes called me Pastor Push!
I recall attending a football practice at a local high school. The coach was very passionate and exhorted his players to do their best. He divided his team and was having a scrimmage. A ball carrier was running down the field and his teammate was supposed to block for him. Instead he just watched as a defensive player made a tackle. The coach yelled at the player who had missed the block; “Son, if you can’t block for him, at least you should cheer for him!”
We all need to be aware that there are scores of people around us who need someone to cheer for them. The world is a dismal place at times and without someone to lift spirits it can seem unbearable. We do not have to be a great orator to exhort people. People need to know there is someone who knows they are there and cares! Let Jesus shine through from you to those around you!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 5, 2015 | 1 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 5:4-6
“But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.”
Way back in my distant past I was a County Juvenile Probation Officer. I was riding with a County Deputy Sheriff as we transferred one of my probationers from one facility to another. We saw the signs that warned of road construction and to be prepared to stop. It was not long before the flagman signaled for us to stop. The deputy turned on the warning flashers.
We were the only vehicle in our lane and the flagman came over and began talking about what kind of work they were doing. He said it would be a delay of about ten minutes. We were enjoying speaking with him when he shouted, “Look out!” A vehicle was approaching and he could tell they were not going to stop. The crash propelled our car forward. Fortunately they were not driving too fast. There were no injuries.
The deputy called for a State Patrol to investigate. The driver of the other car was very intoxicated. She told the investigating officer that we were in the wrong. She was irate and said, “He ditn’t shtignal offercer!” Needless to say she was arrested for driving while intoxicated.
As we go through our life we face dangers from every side. Had that drunk driver been going faster we could have been ushered into eternity. Moment by moment we must be alert not only for our own welfare, but to be used as God’s servants.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jan 27, 2015 | 1 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 2:9
“Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.”
Several years ago I bought a number of small notepads and distributed them to members of our congregation so they could jot down prayer requests or take study notes. My precious wife chose a red notepad and carried it in her purse each Sunday.
Several of our members mentioned that is the thing they will always remember about Joyce. She would quietly write down any prayer concerns that were given. They knew that when Joyce wrote it down, she would be remembering them in her prayer time.
Last week I finally mustered the courage to go through her purse. One of the most precious things I found was that small notebook. As I thumbed through it I saw all of those requests that she had noted. But I saw something else — she had also written a few requests for her own spiritual walk with the Lord. I was humbled! I type this with tears in my eyes as I recall this precious saint who loved the Lord, and she loved me!
Our precious friend, Don Hartman, officiated at Joyce’s memorial service. He shared how he had so often had the best intentions to pray for people when they had requested, but then forgot! I think we can all relate to that. But when Don saw Joyce writing requests in her little red notebook, he knew she would not forget. Joyce has taught me never to forget to remember! I can hardly wait to see her again!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Dec 18, 2014 | 1 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 5:12-14
“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”
It is hard to live in peace when the world around us is nothing but chaos. There is strife on every hand and even within the church of Jesus Christ there are factions that war against each other. If you have ever been in a conflict situation with other Christians you know that it seems like a no-win situation.
Years ago I heard the story of a pastor who had an obstinate member of his congregation brother XXX, who was a constant source of conflict. He prayed fervently for the Lord to help. One of the pillars of the church approached the pastor and said that he had been praying for the Lord to do what only He could do.
It was a few weeks later during a mid-week prayer service that this prayer warrior was called on to pray. He had prayed for old brother XXX so frequently in his private prayers that he forgot where he was. “Lord, you know how much trouble old brother XXX has been causing. Lord please sweeten him up or take him home to heaven.” He forgot that brother XXX was sitting right behind him. Suddenly brother XXX shouted out; “I ain’t going!” How sad!
Paul informs the Thessalonians on the steps peace: (1) “Live in peace with each other.” (2) “Warn those who are idle and disruptive.” (3) “Encourage the disheartened.” (4) “Help the weak.” (5) “Be patient with everyone.” Five easy steps, why do we make it so hard?
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Dec 15, 2014 | 1 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 1:4-6
“For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.”
I confess that I am not a deep theologian who has profound knowledge of the writings of learned biblical scholars. I simply feel that the Lord has called me to study, think, and pray on the things that are written in the precious Word of God until they become real to me. Then, and only then, I try to present them in a manner that is simple, real, and true to the Word.
When I was stationed in Missouri with the USAF, I had many conversations with a dear pastor, Rev. Frank Meyers, in Warrensburg, Missouri. He shared that his first pastorate was in St. Joseph, Missouri, near a large meat packing company where a certain member of his congregation worked. This elderly meat packer had at best a third-grade education. Each day he got off at 3:00 p.m. and would head for the pastor’s study. Frank said that old man with a limited education (by the world’s standards) taught him more about the true Word of God than all of his highly educated professors in college and seminary. I want to be like that old unknown meat packer!
Just remember that it is the Lord that takes this poor preacher’s ramblings to show you that God loves you, knows exactly what you feel, and has a plan for your good and His glory. I encourage you to read the book of 1 Thessalonians. If you can, read it all the way through at one sitting. It will bless you!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
