by Pastor Cecil | Oct 16, 2017 | Colossians
Colossians 1:2
“To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Someone has observed that in the Bible, Grace is not a blue-eyed blonde. A much better definition for Grace might be rendered as God’s undeserved favor at Christ’s expense. I like that a lot better!
I recall watching a television program depicting the brilliant apprehension of criminals with warrants for serious crimes. Knowing that most people like to receive free prizes, the authorities sent notices to the wanted individuals stating that they had won a large screen television. They only had to appear at a particular address with proper identification in order to receive their prize. To the criminal’s shock and dismay, however, instead of a receiving a TV they were placed in handcuffs and sent to the county jail to answer for their crimes.
The other word that Paul uses as a greeting in this letter is the word peace. In the Greek it is defined as the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is.
Paul greets his readers with two terms that we should learn to share with other believers we have contact with. Think what a difference it would make if we blessed all other believers with GRACE AND PEACE! Let’s try.
May God grant you His GRACE and PEACE.
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 11, 2017 | Colossians
Colossians 1:3-4
“We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints.”
When we think of giving thanks, it is most often for something that is of benefit to us. We receive a blessing or are about to receive one and so we give thanks for that which makes us feel more satisfied.
In today’s scripture Paul gives thanks for the report he has received about what God is doing for the church at Colosse. His rejoicing comes when he receives the reports of how the people there have a radiant witness for Christ Jesus and a love for all of the saints.
It causes me to stop and consider what my prayer life lacks. Am I consistently thanking the Lord for the way other believers are growing in the Lord and the work they are doing for Him? I think I need to refocus my prayers of thanks.
I want to take this opportunity to thank my many faithful readers around the world who have supported this ministry with your prayers and gifts. God has opened doors to reach thousands that need to be encouraged. I covet your continued prayer support and messages of encouragement.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 5, 2017 | Colossians
Colossians 3:2-3
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”
Do you sometimes have a hard time keeping things straight? The thing you want to do next is shoved aside because something else suddenly came up that seemed more important or demanding.
It seems that the more labor saving devices that are introduced to the more pressed we are for time. It would seem that most people are operating on over-load and it is close to power failure.
When it comes to my computer I feel far beyond my personal capability. I seem to be calling people on a regular basis to assist me when I encounter problems. I figure at age 83 ½, I can be excused in asking for help. Did you notice I added ½ to my age. At my age I may soon be adding extra days!
Before I interrupted myself I was talking about dealing with a balky computer. Many times my experts advise me to restart the computer. It is amazing how many problems are resolved by a restart. If you need a closer walk with the Lord try a restart of devotion and purpose to be closer to Him.
Blessings dear hearts!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jun 13, 2017 | Colossians
Colossians 3:12-13
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”
Many times I have heard people pray to become more like Christ … and then immediately begin to tear into those around them. The words of their prayer must be offensive to the Lord as He calls us to be like Him.
How many of these attributes would describe the way you behave: TENDER HEARTED? MERCIFUL? HUMBLE? MEEK? PATIENT? WILLING TO PUT UP WITH OTHERS? FORGIVING?
(Is it getting quiet in here?)
If we truly want to be like Christ, we need to behave as Believers ought to behave. That means treating others in the same manner we would like for them to treat us. It does not mean that we deserve it or that they deserve it, but just as we need it so do they need our compassion.
We all have a long way to go in having a Christ-like spirit, but we begin by trying to see ourselves and others the way Christ sees us — fallen sinners who are in need of love and forgiveness. BE THAT FOR OTHERS AND IT WILL RETURN TO YOU!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Nov 24, 2016 | Colossians
Colossians 3:16
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
In the United States we celebrate Thanksgiving Day on the 4th Thursday of November. In Canada it is celebrated on the 2nd Monday in October. Other countries may have different days set aside for a time of thanksgiving.
While it is wonderful to express thanks for our blessings on these special days, I wonder why we fail to be grateful all through the year. It seems that we find it too easy to take God’s bountiful blessings for granted.
Today’s Scripture is one of the wonderful “3:16’s” in the Bible. Not only is John 3:16 a meaningful verse, many other 3:16’s are notable. Paul writes the Epistle of Colossians while in prison. Facing affliction, he gives words of thanks. He calls upon the Church to sing and express thanks sincerely. This is not a thankfulness given out of duty, but rather a privilege. For the Believers it must radiate with joy.
As we celebrate our gratitude to God for all He has done for us, let us take time to ask ourselves what we can do for Him. Have a glorious Thanksgiving Day with joy in your heart for all the Lord has done for us.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 25, 2016 | Colossians
Colossians 4:28-29
“Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.”
I have experienced many embarrassing moments in my life, but one really stands out. Years ago I was teaching a class of young professionals, sharing deep and profound biblical truths. The class seemed to be very interested in everything I was saying — except they were not looking at my face, but at my feet.
Finally, one of the young women raised her hand to ask a question. “Yes, Dorinda,” I said. In trepidation she asked, “Is there a reason you are wearing one black shoe and one brown shoe?” I dreaded looking down, knowing that in my haste I had made a blunder. The class exploded in laughter — at my expense. I finally recovered and told them “As strange as it may seem, I have another pair at home just like this pair!”
One of the things I have learned from these “red faced” situations is that pride needs to be dealt a blow. It is hard to act proud and aloof when you have on one brown shoe and one black one.
I earnestly pray that the Lord will continue to remind me of the wrong shoes in my life any time I start to think more of myself than I ought. I aim to forget myself and focus on Him. NOT ME—BUT CHRIST ONLY!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
