by Pastor Cecil | Dec 4, 2019 | Daily-E-Votionals
2 Corinthians 4:17
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
When Paul was writing these words in his second letter to the church at Corinth, he mentions “light and momentary troubles.” Right! Go back a few verses and see what these light and momentary troubles were. In verses 8-9: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” Isn’t it amazing that he calls these just light and momentary troubles? In comparison, what are our big complaints?
We certainly may be encountering trials and troubles, but it is nothing by comparison. We have become such whimpering babies about living out our faith that it is no wonder the world does not see Christ in us. It is essential that we look beyond the stress and see that a blessing is waiting for the believer.
Here is the bottom line: While we may encounter stress in many forms and in varying degrees, it is easy to get our eyes focused on the stress. Rather than seeking blessings, we are to look only to Jesus and constantly seek to please Him in all we do. Seek to have THE RIGHT VIEW.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jun 13, 2019 | Daily-E-Votionals
Luke 6:27-28
“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.”
It seems that God’s children have always had a question of how to pray. Jesus’ disciples asked Him how to pray, even though they had been in His presence and had personally heard many of His prayers. So how are we to pray — not simply memorized prayers, but meaningful prayers with power?
Most of us have experienced prayer services where the only prayer requests have been for a physical need. That is not to say that we are not to pray for physical afflictions, but we are banging our head against the wall if that is the extent of our prayers.
We are repeatedly told that we are to praise the Lord in our prayer times. In spite of that we usually launch into a laundry list of requests instead of magnifying and glorifying the Lord who has given us eternal life.
Besides praising the Lord, how should we be praying for others? In today’s Scripture, Jesus directs us to go beyond the scope of our normal prayer pattern. We are to pray for our enemies and those who despise us. We are to pray in love for those who are treating us with evil intent. Our prayer should show the same sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrated to us. That is my prayer for each of you as you read this Daily-E-Votional!
Blessings dear hearts! Walk with God today and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jan 17, 2019 | Daily-E-Votionals
Matthew 5:11
“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.”
We once had a neighbor in a housing development who was convinced we had reported her shabby and unkempt yard to the manager. She demanded to know why we had not talked to her directly instead of reporting her. Since I had not mentioned anything to anyone about her yard I was dumbfounded by her accusation. Try as we might, we were never able to convince that woman that we had not complained.
We remained neighbors for a year or so following that episode. It made no difference what we did, she considered us her enemies. It soon became evident that we were not the only ones who were the objects of our neighbor’s bitterness. She lacked joy in her life and made those around her unhappy as well.
In reading the book of Job we know that he also faced false accusations from his so-called friends. It became one of his many trials and ordeals. But there is an interesting element in the entire incident. After God had appeared and Job had confessed questioning Him, the Lord dealt with the self-righteous accusers.
In Chapter 42 we read that God required Job’s accusers to make sacrifices before Him and then go to Job and he would pray for them. In verse 8 we read these words: “My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly.” Let’s be that type of forgiving person.
Blessings dear hearts! May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 3, 2018 | Daily-E-Votionals
Matthew 5:11-12
“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
I think it would be safe to say that most of us are whiners rather than winners. We cry like babies when someone steps on our spiritual toes. The words Jesus speaks in the Beatitudes stand as a sharp contrast to that way of thinking.
To be honest, none of us enjoy painful experiences. We do everything we can to negate the pangs of pain, but let’s face it — there are times when pain is unavoidable and we have to deal with it. That is when spiritual living becomes real.
Jesus says that we are to consider times of reviling, persecution, and false accusations for standing strong for His sake as blessings. Wow! What a revolutionary thought! It is a clarion call to true discipleship. Amazingly, Jesus tells us to REJOICE!
The spiritual justification Jesus gives for this revolutionary reaction is that our reward is not necessarily on this earth, but awaits us in heaven. Secondly, it helps us to identify with the prophets of old who endured with courage and determination. It says to me that we are to EMBRACE PERSECUTION when it comes our way!
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 3, 2017 | Daily-E-Votionals
Matthew 5:11-12
“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
One Sunday, following our evening service, a man in the congregation asked if he might come to the parsonage and talk with me. I was delighted to meet with him. When he arrived for our appointment we shared a light lunch before going into my office. Suddenly, out of the clear blue, came these words: “I hate your guts!”
Wow! You could have knocked me over with a feather. Prior to this there did not seem to be any indication of a conflict between us, so his blunt statement was a blow. With my mind reeling, I prayed silently for God’s wisdom and strength. With as much sincerity as possible I answered, “I am so glad that you feel free to share your feelings with me.”
From that incident I would like to suggest a few ways to respond to and love the unlovable:
- Rely on God’s wisdom in dealing with the person.
- Realize that these unlovable people need love—perhaps more than others.
- Remember how unlovable our sins are in God’s sight.
- Rejoice that we are counted worthy to encounter persecution.
- Respond with love rather than retaliate with resentment.
What transpired on that Sunday evening so long ago? The two of us spent time together as he poured out his heart. As he was leaving he looked me directly in the eye and said, “Pastor, I love you so much!” Wow! What a dramatic change from the comments he had made earlier. God is so good!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | May 22, 2017 | Daily-E-Votionals
DEAR FAITHFUL SUBSCRIBERS,
FOR OVER 17 YEARS I HAVE POURED OUT MY HEART THROUGH THIS MINISTRY. DURING THIS TIME I HAVE NOT TAKEN VACATION (OTHER THAN HOSPITAL STAY…AND YOU KNOW THAT IS NO VACATION).
I AM NOT QUITTING, BUT LET’S JUST SAY THAT I AM POSTING A SIGN ON THE DOOR THAT SAYS…
GONE FISHING!
I PLAN TO RETURN ON JUNE 5TH
DURING MY VACATION YOU CAN ACCESS PREVIOUS RENDERINGS THROUGH ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
TO HEAR PASTOR CECIL READ THE DAILY E-VOTIONAL, CLICK ON THIS LINK:
https://pastorcecilathompsondailye-votional.blogspot.com
TO HEAR PASTOR CECIL READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR, CLICK ON THIS LINK:
https://pastorcecilthebibleinoneyear.blogspot.com
PASTOR CECIL A. THOMPSON TUMWATER CHAPEL MESSAGE OF THE WEEK.
Please click on the following link to listen to the message:
https://tumwaterchapelofgrace.blogspot.com/
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
