by Pastor Cecil | Jun 13, 2008 | Daily-E-Votionals
Ephesians 6:1-4
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’ —which is the first commandment with a promise — ‘that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’ Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
This Daily-E-Votional is designated for Father’s Day which will be celebrated this Sunday. You may be reading this before Sunday, while others of you may not read it until sometime after the actual day of celebration. The day is not important. The message certainly is!
Paul does a great job of pointing out areas of responsibility in the passage. The first is directed toward children. According to the Ten Commandments, children are to obey their parents, and also to honor and respect their parents. As Paul mentions, this is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it — long life! Hey, that is worth looking into!
Today’s Scripture offers at least two views. One is the view from the perspective of the children, while the other is from the perspective of the fathers. It is critical that we read our own mail! Children, read what is written to you! Do not wait for your father to do his part before you do your part. It just follows naturally that fathers are not to wait for children to give them honor, respect and obedience before they train and instruct them in the Lord.
I wish I had done a better job as a young father. I wish I had studied deeply of the Word of God, and then broken off kid-sized pieces and “hand fed” them. We had three children, and all three accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Our oldest is with the Lord and the two who are still with us, are serving him faithfully. I rejoice in this, but, oh, how I wish I could have known then what I know now.
My commitment now is to encourage fathers to be better dads. I plead with all dads to study the Word of God. Let it fill your heart and mind. Let it break your heart as you see God’s great love, yet man’s stubborn indifference. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you ways to train your own children to discover the love of God and His great salvation.
I have saved the worst for last. Paul says that fathers are not to exasperate their children. That says to me that fathers do that very well! If I were to catalogue all of the things I have heard kids share about their dad that exasperated them, one stands out above all the rest. Guess what it is?
INDIFFERENCE! Being preoccupied with everyone and everything except the ones they should be devoting themselves to. A father should be totally devoted–first to his wife and then to his children. A cartoon showed a boy with his bat and glove, standing in front of his dad. The caption was classic: “Either play with me, or trade me!” For you who are not familiar with professional baseball, it is a take-off on a player saying to his manager, “Play me, or trade me.” You probably already knew that.
I can almost hear wives crying out for the same thing. “Why doesn’t he spend time with me?” It is such an important thing, that we as men so often mess up. Many fathers will receive Father’s Day gifts from their children. Why not commit yourself to give them a gift of yourself. Picture yourself with a ribbon around your head, and a big tag hanging off your toe which reads;
Dear Child,
“I am so sorry that I have taken so long in getting you this gift. I hope you enjoy me. I will be there for you. I promise to listen to you, and tell you what God is teaching me to teach you! I love you with all of my heart!”
Dad
Dads, this is my prayer for you, be blessed of the Lord and be His blessing to your family.
— Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jun 12, 2008 | Daily-E-Votionals
Psalm 81:13-16
“If My people would but listen to Me, if Israel would follow My ways, how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their foes! Those who hate the LORD would cringe before Him, and their punishment would last forever. But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”
I was driving along listening to Christian radio when I heard an old song that was old when I was just a boy. I am here to tell you – that was a long, long, time ago! It was called, “Honey In the Rock.” One line of the song goes something like this: “Leave your sins for the blood to cover—there is honey in the rock for you.”
I could hardly wait to get home to check my Blue Letter Bible to see if there was a reference to support the concept of honey from the rock. There are two. The one here in Psalm 81 and also in Deuteronomy 32:13. “He made him ride on the heights of the land and fed him with the fruit of the fields. He nourished him with honey from the rock and with oil from the flinty crag.”
As I consider these two verses, I feel that there is a lesson that the Lord wants us to learn. But first we must establish the conditions.
God has always been displeased when His people turn their back on Him and go their willful way. A few verses before the verses that I cited today, God laments that His people would not listen to Him, nor would they submit to Him, so He gave them over to their own devises. That is a scary thought! Our own devices always result in tragedy and chaos.
Look around us today. Pick up a newspaper, turn on the T.V. or radio, and see all of the violence. People riot, destroy and kill without regard for life or property. We hear of road rage that results in accidents or shootings. We are told of gang violence that cuts off the life of kids in their teens. We are now hearing of desk violence, where even offices are hazard zones.
Violence has always been present since Adam’s fall, but it is far more widespread in our present age. It all goes back to one single cause: Those who fail to honor the Lord are a people who will suddenly be overcome with violence. Our nation and virtually every nation on the face of the earth have turned away from God. It was done so long ago that many nations were founded without God. We have shut God out of our homes, our schools, our government and our courts, dare I say it – our churches, and then wring our hands about why all of these evil things are seen all around us. We are so brilliant!!! Right!!
God gives a fantastic promise in today’s Scripture. He will provide the finest wheat for us to make bread and He will give us honey to spread on the slices hot from the oven! The promise is conditional in that we need to listen to Him and follow His ways. Hey! That sounds easy!
It does not say that we are to seek the advice of a counselor, ask the members of my group, or check our church manual. We need to listen to HIM! That means spending time in His Word, devoting ourselves to prayer, attending a church where God’s Word is taught with authority, humbling ourselves in brokenness and such other things that the Holy Spirit will lay upon our hearts. The result is that our enemies will be subdued by the Lord. He is going to do it, so please, do not try to do it yourself. Rest in Him and let Him bring it all to pass.
He will bring honey from the rock. Honey does not usually come from the rock. For that matter, water does not come from the rock, but it did in the Exodus, when God provided water for His people. Our God is not confined to doing the things that are explainable. When He provides the miraculous honey you need in your life, don’t try to understand it, just return thanks, and spread it on your toast. Let’s start living in the realm of the promises of God. There’s honey there!!!
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today. Trust Him completely and be a blessing.
— Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jun 11, 2008 | Daily-E-Votionals
James 4:13-17
“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’ As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”
Do you ever feel like you should stick your head under the covers and wait for Jesus to come? I sure hope you never feel that despondent. But let’s face it—there are times when it seems that— “if we didn’t have bad luck, we wouldn’t have any luck at all!”
I shared that with a dear friend from North Carolina. Charles had shared with me that he could not find his cell phone. I tried to suggest everywhere he might look to find it, but it had just vanished.
Last week he was mowing his grass when he heard the blades strike something. On the next pass he stopped and sure enough—there was a mangled cell phone. He had found it—so he thought. He checked his belt holder for the new cell phone he had purchased and—you know what’s coming don’t you? Sure enough—it was the new cell phone he was holding. By the way—if you have a spare Verizon cell phone you are not using, please let me know so I can get it to him.
Charles has experienced many challenges in the past year—the most devastating of which was the loss of his wife just weeks ago. I have tried to be an encourager to him and at times I feel that he is the one who in ministering to me.
As I read the Scripture for today I am struck by the reality that none of us have any idea what the future holds for us. Pick up any newspaper in the world and you will see reports of people who experienced tragedy without warning.
What are the mangled remains of a cell phone in your hand? I hope you understand what I mean by that. When your world seems to be turned upside down, how do you respond? Do you fly into a rage? Sometimes people react with rage and cause harm to innocent people who just happen to be near them. Do you react that way?
Other people withdraw into themselves and deny that they need a special touch from the Master. They may turn to habits that cause even more conflict and pain. They say that they are coping, but the reality is that they are not dealing with the problem in a godly manner.
Our Scripture in James chapter four gives us the spiritual pattern to deal with even the most vile and distressing conflicts of life. Read what James says: “- – – you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’ “
God’s saints across the ages have stood firm in the face of terrible oppression and turned the control over their life to the Lord. At times the Lord spared their lives but at other times He opened His arms and welcomed them into His eternal place of peace and rest.
But James adds great words of wisdom: “As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” What does that mean? It means that we are to fix our eyes on Jesus, read His Word, take the time to spend with Him in prayer.
Paul gives us a Scripture of tremendous promise that we need to write down and memorize. More than that, we need to apply it continually in our life. Romans 8:28: “And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” May our constant prayer be: “Lord, Thy will be done!”
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today. Trust Him completely and be a blessing.
— Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jun 10, 2008 | Daily-E-Votionals
1 John 3:16-18
“This is how we know what love is; Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”
Yesterday I shared how we can prevent our joy being taken away from us. Joy is a choice that we make, based upon the Word of God and with the Holy Spirit enabling us to live above the pains and trials of life. Whoops! I said that wrong, and that is the problem that we all too often encounter. We want to be above the circumstances, but the Lord tells us to go through the circumstances with rejoicing. That is the difference that matters!
Today, let’s take a look at love. It is a topic that many talk about, but it is a concept that is often very superficial and surface. What is God’s view of love, and what does He teach us about love? Love is not an option—it is a command!
The last sentence in today’s verses, says we are NOT to love with “words or tongue.” Does that shock you? Does that mean we do not enjoy hearing those three special words that make us feel complete: “I love you!” What about those special cards with hearts and flowers, and a scribbled “I love you!” note at the bottom? You mean that is not love?!!! What am I going to do? How can I share my love for my beloved without words?
I hope you see where this is leading. It is actions that count. LOVE IS NOT A DEFINITION, IT IS AN ACTION!
I once heard about a couple who went to see a counselor about the problems in their marriage. The wife complained that he never told her he loved her. The husband interrupted and said; “I told that woman 40 years ago I loved her. I haven’t taken my words back, so it’s still in effect!” Right! That silly illustration demonstrated that his actions revealed a callous indifference and not love.
Today’s Scripture teaches that love without action is not love at all. John uses Christ as the great example of love. His love was demonstrated by His sacrificial death on the cross. He died, not for His sins, but for my sins — and your sins. His sacrificial love was so great that words cannot express it. It is “better felt than telt.” Bad grammar but good theology!
John urges us to lay down our life for our brothers, and our sisters, and even our enemies. This is a wordless, speechless love that transmits volumes. It is pure love when we die to our own desires and needs, to give to others. To say I love you and then give nothing of yourself, is not just an empty comment, it is deception and is meaningless.
In the 21st chapter of John’s Gospel, he relates the third incident where Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection and before His ascension into heaven. They had been fishing with no luck, until He told them how to fish. (Go read it for yourself). He greeted them with a warm fire, bread and baked fish.
Remember that Peter had denied Jesus three times on the night He was crucified. Now Jesus speaks to Peter with three questions: “Simon, son of Jonas, do you love Me? Peter responded half-heartedly to the first two questions, before giving a totally committed response of love. In each case, Jesus told him to: feed My lambs, take care of My sheep, and feed My sheep. Notice that Peter’s expressions of love were not enough. He was required to demonstrate his love by the giving of himself.
We will show our love by giving ourself away. When you give someone something, they cannot steal it from you–you have given it to them. We must love when it is not easy to love. When we love the very ones who have hurt us, we are giving love and we keep that love.
Corey Ten Boom, tells of meeting one of the Nazi prison guards who had served in the dreaded prison camp where she spent many years during WWII. She at first was filled with bitterness, but by giving him her love and forgiveness, she kept her love.
I know this sounds crazy, but the walk with the Son of God, who is our personal Savior, is not to be explained in human reasoning. We become citizens of a new kingdom. We are able to endure all of the weapons the enemy hurls against us, and respond in love and joy! JESUS WINS!
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today. Trust Him completely and be a blessing.
— Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jun 9, 2008 | Daily-E-Votionals
1 Peter 4:12-14
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.”
I have previously shared that I feel we are a whimpering, whining generation. It is sad to say that not too many Christians have a radiant aura of joy. More often we go around with a cloud over our head, with only occasional sun breaks of joy. That forecast is a terrible witness of the power of God in our life. Christians should never allow their joy to be snatched away by the ordeals of life. Perhaps this E-Votional is for you at this very moment.
It is easy for us to lose our joy. If our focus is on the ground, we see the mire and mud, rather than the blue sky and sunshine. Wow! I am amazed at how profound and deep I can be at times! Deep or not, the truth is that we lose our joy by choice. Things go bad, so we react with dismay, get discouraged and the sparkle slips out of our walk with the Lord.
In today’s Scripture Peter gives us the formula and attitude for joy that will last into eternity. He starts by giving us the proper expectation. Are you ready for this? He says we are to expect painful trials and suffering. STOP! This is one of those areas that we can read over and over, without grasping the full meaning. In one sense we may read that and immediately feel that there is no hope—life is just a drag. This is wrong. Peter advises to expect the painful ordeals with rejoicing. That’s right, he said rejoicing! Godly expectation is the spring board to joy.
I was watching one of the health channels not too long ago that showed a young family man who had been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. It was the day he was to have his brain surgery. He arrived with such joy and enthusiasm, that it took the hospital staff by surprise. He was optimistic, joyous, and confident. Without his saying it, I knew he was a brother in the Lord. Sure enough, before long he was sharing the source of his joy. He told all who were in the room with him, that Jesus Christ was his Lord, and it was the Lord who was in control.
The doctors smiled in their bemused manner, thinking they knew the truth of the situation—the chances of his survival were very slim to none. They based this upon their experiences in similar cases. He did survive, and with far more brilliant success than anyone might have anticipated.
The doctors were amazed and said it was his faith that made the difference. Was this a testimony of the power of God in the midst of pain and trial? You bet it was! His joy had not been taken away because of the trial that he faced. His eyes were not focused on the diagnosis— instead they were looking into the face of the Savior, who was with him all the way.
There were three young Hebrew men, far away from home in Babylon. Their God had delivered them before, but now they were confronted with a life or death situation. They either had to bow down to king Nebuchadnezzar, or be thrown into a fiery furnace. There was no indecision on their part. Their joy was in the Lord. They told the king that their Lord was able to deliver them, but even if He did not choose to deliver them, they would serve Him to the end. That really ticked the king off, and he ordered the furnace stoked up so hot, that the two guards, who threw them in, were killed by the heat.
The three young men did not let joy be taken away. They had a face to face encounter with the Son of God who made one of His Old Testament appearances, and comforted the three with His cool presence, so that they were not touched by the heat, their garments were not singed, and the smell of smoke was not on them. Wow! That was enough to make anybody happy! It also was a witness to the king, who immediately promoted them, and gave honor to their God.
I could go on even further, but it really is so very evident that the way we hold on to our joy, is to be consistently in God’s Word, speak frequently with Him in prayer, and always trust Him to bring about the good in every situation. Only God knows the end from the beginning. The joy we have is in him and the new life that flows through these flawed bodies of ours. HE IS OUR JOY!
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today. Trust Him completely and be a blessing.
— Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jun 6, 2008 | Daily-E-Votionals
Genesis 39:9-10
“No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?’ And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her.”
How do we deal with temptations in our life? When an appealing, enticing and seductive sin presents itself (or themselves), how do we say “no” and be able to continually reject the desire to yield to the temptation? Do I have your attention? This is pretty close to where we live.
As a Christian Counselor for more years than I have been faced with this issue by those who have confessed their deep hidden secrets. It is not easy—in fact it is impossible to give a magic formula that will make temptation go away.
Rather than being frustrated and having a feeling of hopelessness, it is essential to turn to God’s Word for the solution in dealing with tempting situations. Immediately I am drawn to the book of Genesis and the example of Joseph.
As you may recall, Joseph was young, good-looking and a slave in the household of a prominent official. The Lord had blessed him and made everything he did to prosper. He became the target of the amorous advances of Mrs. Potipher. It may have seemed easy for Joseph to yield to this seduction since he had been betrayed by his brothers and alienated from his family.
The manner in which Joseph dealt with his temptation should be a pattern for each of us who encounter our own. The following are some methods I see that Joseph used:
JOSEPH SAID NO:
Not only did Joseph refuse the advances of Mrs. Potipher, but he gave reasons for saying no:
1. He had been trusted by his master with a position of authority.
2. She was the only thing that had not been entrusted to him.
3. The most important of all—for him to yield to such a wicked act would mean that he would be sinning against God!
JOSEPH AVOIDED CONTACT WITH THE SOURCE OF THE TEMPTATION:
Joseph used every means to avoid contact with the source of the temptation—Mrs. Potipher. We know that God allowed Joseph to be falsely accused in order for him to be positioned to save the brothers who had sold him into slavery. In the mean time, Joseph remained innocent by not yielding to the sin that has plagued so many.
Please allow me to interject a very important bit of advice here. If there is any hint of attraction to someone who is not your husband/wife, deal with it immediately! Do not rely on your emotions in this area. It is far too easy to imagine that your life would be perfect with that other person. My experience in marital counseling tells me that this is a lie of Satan.
Love is a choice! Just as we choose to love the Lord Jesus Christ or to reject Him, so we choose to love the one we married. There are no mistakes, other than trying to convince ourselves that we have the right to bend the Word of God to allow us to break a covenant. Stop it!
In addition to sharing that bit of rebuke, I urge you to give more freely to the one whom you have agreed to love, honor and cherish until death do you part.
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today. Trust Him completely and be a blessing.
— Pastor Cecil
