by Pastor Cecil | Feb 11, 2015 | 2 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians 2:14-15
“He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.”
In police work there are times when it seems that the best action is in-action. That is not necessarily accurate, but it seems like it. When a crime has been committed and an offender is thought to be in a particular area, a perimeter is established. The officers on the detail are ordered to stay in their position, which allows them to see only a small area. Other officers have their assignments as well. When the criminal unwisely tries to escape, he is seen and arrested.
In the Christian walk it is easy to become tempted to do our own thing without the call of God. It is almost as if we are doing some great thing so God will be pleased with us. That is not so. Many times God calls us to set up a perimeter.
Joseph was sold into slavery, falsely accused, and languished for years in a prison far from home and family. God knew what He was doing when he allowed this to happen. His plan was to bring about the rescue of Joseph’s family, including those very brothers who had betrayed him. He obeyed and set up God’s perimeter.
It is time for personal evaluation. Are you so busy doing your own thing that you have given little thought to how you fit into God’s purpose? It is very likely that He has plans for you, but it will be up to you to just stand fast and wait for Him.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 10, 2011 | 2 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians 2:1-2
Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to Him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come.
October 9th has been a significant date for Joyce and me. It was a time of reunion for our family. We have four great-grandchildren, two of which we had never seen. The reason is because of the distances involved. One family lives in Berlin, Germany, another in Austin, Texas, and the last family lives two hours north of us in Monroe, Washington.
The anticipation at having our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in our home has been great. To see and hold them was as great as we had expected, in fact more than we had even imagined.
As wonderful as our reunion was here on earth, there is coming a reunion that will outshine anything on this side of glory. Just try to visualize what it will be like to see all of those who have died and gone on before us! We will see our oldest daughter who went to be with the Lord in 1991. What a joy it will be to see our parents and grandparents.
There is one man I especially want to see. It is my grandpa Thompson. He died when I was a young boy, but he left a life-long impression on me. It was his last words on this earth that had such an impact. My dad related it to me: “Well there’s Jesus now!” Wow! What a way to move from this life to Paradise.
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.com.
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by Pastor Cecil | May 3, 2011 | 2 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians 3:10
“For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.”
I recently heard about an able bodied young man who was staying with his parents or it may have been with friends. This young man would fritter his time away until the wee hours of the morning and then sleep until the middle of the afternoon. He had the audacity to complain that he couldn’t find a job. Duh!
I know there is a serious problem of unemployment, but anyone who needs a job should spend as much time searching for work as they would spend working if they had a job. Man! That felt so good to write that.
If we think we have it bad, read what I just received from Mary Ellen Bouren, who is working in a battle zone: “What a joy it is to work with the TCNs (Third Country Nationals). I am grateful for the opportunity to enter a small part of their life. Most of these men spend their lives away from their families and get to see them for 21 days once a year. Their words to me are, ‘Our government not good, too many people in our country and no jobs.’ Once again, I have an appreciation for America. Even with the flaws and uncertainties, we are still a blessed and prosperous nation. These TCNs make $400.00 a month for 12-hour days, 6 days a week. Yes, you are reading the amount correctly. When they work nights, they get $500.00 a month. They rotate the night shift every 2 months.”
As Christians we need to set the example of being diligent about our work habits. There is absolutely no excuse for shoddy or substandard efforts.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
(360) 570-0074
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by Pastor Cecil | Apr 22, 2010 | 2 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians 2:15
“So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.”
The story is told of a young man who had just graduated from seminary. He had been pastor of his first church for a few weeks and things were not going well. There was an obvious resentment from members of his congregation.
Things went from bad to worse and he felt that the Church Council was about to ask for his resignation. In utter frustration he poured his heart out to the custodian. The man told him it was because of the way he served the Lord’s Supper―he didn’t touch the radiator before serving.
He went to see the former pastor who had retired and told him about his problem and the way the church was responding to him. The old man began to laugh and told him he had forgotten all about the radiator.
Years before the church had purchased a new carpet and static electricity would build up so that when he passed the elements of the Lord’s Supper, a spark would result. He learned that if he touched the radiator first it would solve the problem. He just continued touching it even though there was no reason to do so. He came back to the church and explained his action and the new pastor was accepted.
Some traditions are hard to break. Many are not based upon solid biblical principles and yet they persist. We need to spend quality time in God’s Word to find the true basis for our faith. Is there a radiator in your life?
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
