by Pastor Cecil | Oct 21, 2019 | Acts
Acts 9:27
“But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.”
In Acts 4 we read that Barnabas sold some property and gave the proceeds to the Apostles. In the intervening chapters a significant number of events are mentioned. Stephen died a Martyr’s death, Saul was struck blind, became a believer, and had his sight restored by a faithful servant named Ananias who swallowed his fear and placed his hands on him as the Lord had commanded.
When Saul returned to Jerusalem the Apostles were afraid of him. Into this scene of fear and suspicion steps Barnabas. He did not simply tell the disciples about Saul, it says he “took” him to the disciples. His close proximity to this former enemy of the believers shows that he was willing to place himself in jeopardy to speak in support of Saul. Barnabas took Saul with him and gave a complete account of Saul’s conversion and how he had been preaching Jesus fearlessly in Damascus. When I read this, I wonder why the other disciples had not been looking for the good report?
If there is ever a time that we need to get off our collective do-nothings, and be involved, it is in our day and age. We need more who will step forward and by our actions say, I do not care what the others say or do or think, I am going to step forward and put my life on the line!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 3, 2019 | Acts
Acts 7:59
“And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’”
Frequently I relate the final words of my grandfather as he was ushered into his eternal reward: “Well, there’s Jesus now!” What a way to go! Those words that were related to me by my father have been a constant reminder that each of us is just a heartbeat away from eternity.
Stephen was a righteous man who was faithful to the proclamation of Jesus as the promised Messiah. When confronted with false accusations and an angry mob, he stayed the course and used it as an opportunity to share the wonderful gospel of salvation by grace through saving faith, even unto his death.
We may or may not be called upon to sacrifice our life for the sake of the gospel, but it is very likely that we will be presented with the opportunity to share our testimony in front of those who may be mocking, insulting, or even hostile.
If the time ever comes that we are called upon to sacrifice our life for our faith, I hope we will be like Stephen or Grandpa Thompson. Wouldn’t it be great to have our last view on this earth be the face of our Savior? That would truly be THE WAY TO GO!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 8, 2019 | Acts
Acts 2:1
“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.”
I recall my days spent in Officers Training School with the United States Air Force. We spent hours marching from one place to another on the base and very quickly learned that we had to be in step with one another or the wrath of the Training Instructor would be felt.
That did not mean that we were all some sort of robots, however. There were actually vast differences in personalities and perspectives among the ranks, but we all marched in step with one another.
Sadly, there have been many conflicts in churches over minor issues that are more personal preferences than staying true to the Word of God. I am sad to say that many of the most vocal people are the ones that spend very little time in the study of the Bible.
I want to call all of us to get back into the study of God’s Word as the highest priority. Seek to draw close to other true believers and share what nuggets of truth you discover in your time in the Word. Learn what it means to be of One Accord!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | May 2, 2019 | Acts
Acts 24:25
“Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, ‘Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.’”
A number of years ago I was attending a Christian conference that was being held on a major university campus. At that time this university boasted the top-ranked football team in the nation.
After lunch a group of us were walking back to the arena when we recognized the head coach and members of his staff walking in the same direction. The coach asked one of his staff what was going on for so many men to be present. The staff member explained that it was a Christian seminar. The coach scoffed and pronounced, “I don’t have time for God today!”
It was heartbreaking to hear such a firm rejection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, there are many who reject the Lord, even if they do not make such a bold statement. Even believers may become so pre-occupied with the things of the world that they simply do not have time for God.
Our Scripture for today gives us the answer. We are to make the time for God and draw near to Him and resist the devil. As we do this, He draws near to us and gives us the power to live a victorious life. Do you have time for God?
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Nov 5, 2018 | Acts
Acts 14:8
“And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked.”
The title for today’s E-Votional is not to show discrimination toward those who have mobility problems, but to give homage to an old friend. As in many other types of limitations, new strengths are developed that give a person increased abilities.
This is just as true with animals as well as with humans. When I was stationed in Shreveport, LA, we had many birds and animals that came to our patio for some sort of handout. One of the frequent fliers to our feed station was a crow that was missing part of one foot. We affectionately called him Crippy. He was one of our favorites and we felt a responsibility to watch over him.
God has given mankind a responsibility to care and preserve the members of the animal kingdom. That protection has bonded our family closer together as we reach out to care and protect those who are not able to care for themselves.
God cares about each and every one of us. In what way are we reaching out with care and concern for our brothers and sisters who desperately need to know that there is someone who really cares. Be that someone!
Blessings dear hearts! May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 22, 2018 | Acts
Acts 14:19
“Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.”
I would like to let you in on a little secret. You probably are already well aware of this truth, but I want to share it anyway — popularity is fleeting and fickle. Popularity polls can reverse in such a moment of time that it takes your breath away.
Some of the most tragic counseling sessions I have ever experienced were with people who had placed their confidence in what others thought of them. When the fickle finger of fame turned away from them, they were devastated.
Paul repeatedly received accolades from the crowds, some elevating him to the position of a god. Even when he protested their adoration, they proclaimed their faith in him and the God he preached. That lasted until trouble makers arrived and suddenly he was stoned and left for dead. There has never been a time in my life when I experienced anything of that sort, but I have had those who professed to be faithful friends turn against me.
In prayer and contemplation I have found comfort in the life that Paul lived. He never sought applause or popularity from the people. He only wanted to be faithful to his Lord so that one day he would hear the words that really count: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” That is the way I want to live.
Blessings dear hearts! May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
