by Pastor Cecil | Apr 15, 2019 | 1 Timothy
1 Timothy 1:18
“This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare.”
During WWI the term “trench warfare” became a term of horror and death. In this type of warfare, neither side seemed to gain a decisive advantage. Thousands upon thousands lost their lives with little or no progress on either side.
Spiritually we all too often find ourselves with a similar mentality. We become fearful of Satan and cower down in our trench and wait for the enemy to launch another attack against us. That will never lead to victory. Paul encouraged Timothy to fight the good fight. That means getting out of your trench and confronting the enemy in the power and Spirit of the Lord. It means leading the charge with confidence that He that is in us is more powerful than Satan’s forces.
You may feel weak and unable to muster the strength to fight against the enemy, but keep in mind that it is not your strength or my strength that matters. It is in our weakness that Christ takes over and becomes the invincible power of God unto salvation. Victory is ours through Him that saves us!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 3, 2018 | 1 Timothy
1 Timothy 5:17
“Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.”
Today in the United States as well as in some other countries, we celebrate Labor Day. That is rather a misnomer since it is a day away from labor and the last day of summer vacations.
Paul is writing to his son in the faith, Timothy and admonishing him as well as all who read his letter that honor is due the elders who labor in the Word of God. I am here to tell you that it is often hard to dig deep in the Word to find the meaning and purpose God has designed for us to reveal.
I have never found it a hard and meaningless task to search the bible for answers. It is like being on an exciting treasure hunt that has a valuable prize just waiting to be discovered. It often takes time and effort, but the rewards are worth it.
If you are not laboring in the precious word of God, I challenge you to make a start. Devote a set time each day to read and meditate on the word that brings light and salvation to a lost and dying world, then share it with others.
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Apr 4, 2017 | 1 Timothy
1 Timothy 6:10
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
Years ago my dad and I were fishing on a small lake in Idaho. We had been contentedly trolling along in his boat when we heard a sputter … and then silence. We suddenly found ourselves adrift in the middle of the lake and not a soul in sight. We drifted for more than an hour before we saw a passing boat whose owner graciously offered to tow us to shore.
I have often heard people mention that the Bible teaches that money is the root of all evil. That is not what it says. It says that the LOVE of money is the root of all kinds of evil.
People stray from the narrow way for a variety of reasons. The sins of the eyes, the sins of the flesh, and the pride of life are pretty inclusive. Getting our eyes off the Savior and on the flash and glitter of worldly things is usually gradual, but lethal.
I pray that each of you who read or listen to this Daily-E-Votional will take stock of where you are at this moment. Make sure that you do not find yourself drifting away from the things of eternal importance. The things of this world will only satisfy for a season, but the things of God have eternal value. Don’t drift away!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 26, 2015 | 1 Timothy
1 Timothy 6:6-7
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.”
“If I only had that job I would be content!” “If I was good looking and talented like her I would be popular and have no problems!” “If I was young and full of energy I would be able to conquer the world!” “If I was older and more mature I would have no problems!”— If I had something more I would be content! All too often people feel that just to gain something more will satisfy that lack in their life.
Learning to be contented with what we possess is frequently a difficult task. We live in a world that is exposed to new and enticing things. What we once felt satisfied with becomes dated when new things appear.
The Apostle Paul experienced many ups and downs in his life and ministry. He suffered many things from his persecutors, but also had periods of plenty. In Philippians 4:12-13, Paul has this to share with believers of all ages: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”
Are you content? Do you find satisfaction with what the Lord has chosen to bless you with? Can you sincerely agree with what Paul wrote in today’s Scripture?
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 30, 2015 | 1 Timothy
1 Timothy 5:13
“And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.”
Many years ago I received a call from a woman who asked for an appointment. I had never met this woman and wondered what she wanted. I will never forget her first words: “I am the other woman.” I was confused since I had never met her before and, in fact, had never heard her name mentioned.
She asked if our Prayer Chain had not been praying about the wicked woman who was having an affair with one of the men in our church. I assured her that her name was not being mentioned in our prayer concerns. She said that several other churches had her name on their prayer lists.
It felt like I had been hit by a ton of bricks. This woman explained that both she and a certain man were members of the same scuba diving club. That was their only contact and nothing more. The man’s wife, nevertheless, became jealous and began to spread rumors about her husband’s supposed infidelity. From there it was picked up by various prayer groups. How sad!
I immediately called the captain of our prayer chain and asked her if she had heard about this situation. She said that a request had been made but there was nothing to substantiate the charges; therefore, it was never put out as a prayer request. Thank God! Be careful, dear heart. We can do great harm by using prayer as a sanctified gossip line!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 9, 2015 | 1 Timothy
1 Timothy 6:13b-16
“I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in His own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To Him be honor and might forever. Amen.”
There have been many situations in my life where it seemed as if I could hardly wait. Being old enough to drive, graduating from high school, graduating from college, graduating from graduate school and certainly between high school and college was that momentous event when I married my precious wife Joyce.
But life passes so quickly that the things of this earth pale in comparison to the glory that awaits those of us who have received Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord. That above everything on this earth should hold our highest priority.
Paul was leaving his last wishes for his son in the faith, Timothy. What do you say when you feel it will be the last words that your loved ones will hear? I cannot believe that we would encourage loved ones to make more money or be more popular. Those things pass away. The things that last are spiritually obtained. It is not by how good we are or how many good deeds we perform it’s a relationship that can only be achieved by personal invitation as we ask Jesus into our heart.
Paul instructed Timothy to live without spot or blame until the end. That same charge applies to us as well. We need to be constantly looking toward the skies as we wait for the Lord to return. Look up dear hearts, the best is yet to come!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
