by Pastor Cecil | Apr 23, 2008 | Daily-E-Votionals
Romans 8:18, 21, 25-26
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. – – the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”
I love kids! I guess it may be that I am still one at heart. Kids are open and candid. They say and do things that adults would never do. They are vulnerable and often seem to be too trusting. I react very strongly when I hear about one of these little ones who has been abused. Over the years I have felt compelled to protect the little ones who are in peril.
It reminds me of a time when I was waiting for my wife, Joyce, to get off work as a Legislative Aide in the Washington State House of Representatives. A young woman who answered phones in Joyce’s building walked out. I happened to notice a man across the parking lot watching her. As she left the area to go to her car, he started his vehicle and drove slowly behind her. Immediately I started my car and sped to follow closely behind him. Seeing me in his rear view mirror, he suddenly turned a corner and disappeared. I waited until Heather had started her car and drove away.
When Joyce told her about it, she was dumbfounded. She had no idea that she may have been in jeopardy or that someone had been aware of her need for protection. Spiritually we are equally vulnerable. We may think we know what we need and how to pray—but we don’t! So what are we to do?
The book of Romans is full of deep spiritual truth and today’s Scripture is particularly filled with deep meaning. The idea I would hope to get across today, is that we are all like babies when it comes to knowing the things of God. I think one of the reasons is that the Word of God is “living.” It is energized by the Spirit of God and impacts us in different ways each time we read it. At the same time, there are some fundamental things about God that are explained to us.
1. We are told our present sufferings are to be balanced by our view of eternity. It does not end here! This is just the preliminary that qualifies us for the main event. The pain and distress of this life is nothing when we think of what is waiting for us in eternity.
Now this does not mean that we cannot pray for a healing touch on this side of eternity, but we must keep in mind that healing is only temporary. Jesus healed the blind, crippled, deaf, cast out demons and even raised Lazarus from the dead; but all eventually died. The healing was for the purpose of increasing the faith of the people, and also to confirm He was the Messiah.
Do we pray for healing? You had better believe it! But above all else, we must remember that He, our precious Lord, is the One who is in control.
I remember attending a pastor’s conference when a speaker told of his experience in praying for healing. Every time he prayed for someone to be healed, they died soon after. Finally he was called by a family to come and pray with their loved one that he not suffer any longer and that he might die quickly. He was elated! That was what had happened to all those he had prayed for. He now looked to heaven and prayed for God to take this dear man home to be with Him. Instead of dying, he recovered and went home to live for several more years.
He shared that God taught him a valuable lesson. He, the Lord, was in control and we have to learn to be in harmony with His will and purposes. I firmly believe that it is not God’s will that every one be healed. If that were so, we would have quite a few people around that were over a thousand years old. There are none!
2. The Scripture also teaches that we can find comfort from pain and suffering when we are set free by going into His presence. You may recall that as the Apostle Stephen was being stoned, (think about what pain he was enduring as stone after stone struck his vulnerable flesh), he was not focusing on the pain of the blows from the stones, but on seeing the Lord above. We are told in the last few verses of Acts seven, that he prayed for the Lord to forgive those who were killing him, AND THEN HE FELL ASLEEP! He was looking above and seeing what was beyond. That is what we are to do.
3. This passage also teaches that we do not know how to pray. The Lord knows that, so He sends the Holy Spirit to intercede (pray) for us with groans that words cannot utter. Do not try to make the groaning sounds yourself. It is the Holy Spirit, knowing our weakness, who groans for us. That is worth your pausing and spending some time in meditation. Never feel that you are alone. Let the power of the Spirit of God do what you and I and every other human on the face of this earth will never be able to do – – – intercede in our behalf.
Whatever you might be going through at this time in your life, turn it over to the God who loves you and has prepared a place for you. What love that He has extended toward us! Through your pain, confusion and failure let Him be the Lord of all.
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today. Trust Him completely and be a blessing.
— Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Apr 22, 2008 | Daily-E-Votionals
Isaiah 40:29-31
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
A man was not feeling up to par, so he made an appointment and went to see his doctor. Unfortunately, when the doctor entered the examining room it was not his regular doctor, but an intern. The intern told him that his doctor had been called out of town on an emergency and that he was filling in.
More than a little apprehensive, he allowed the intern to examine him and perform a number of diagnostic tests. After twenty minutes the intern came back into the room with a serious look on his face. Looking down at the paperwork in his hands, the intern said: “Sir, I have very bad news. You have a very short time to live!”
This was like a slap in the face to the man. He looked at the young intern and blurted out: “I demand a second opinion!” Without flinching, the intern said: “You’re ugly too!” That is a terrible joke to begin the week, but I hope you will stay with me as we explore the importance of attitude in the life of the believer.
I never want to belittle the ordeals that people encounter. Perhaps the worst thing we can say to someone who is going through a “valley of the shadow of death” experience is: “I know what you are going through.” We don’t! It is impossible for us to know what is causing the pain within a person. But the Lord knows!
I vividly recall sitting at the bedside of our daughter as she was dying. Joyce had gone home and it was just Brenda and I in that quiet room. In the past weeks I had remembered her as a little girl in a frilly pink dress. Now she was a mother of three beautiful children, just moments from ascending to be with the Lord.
This was no time for me to focus on the loss, but on the joys that awaited her in glory. As I focused upon the glory which awaited her, I almost felt a pang of homesickness for heaven. One of the Scriptures I quoted for Brenda was Psalm 23. Verse 4 was especially precious: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” It was this promise that made her funeral a few days later a celebration of praise.
Some people experience sickness and incapacitation of one sort or another. In those times it is well to consider the way God’s people have suffered across the centuries of time. Some of the greatest songs or poems of praise were penned at times of suffering.
Fredrick Lehman penned the words of the old hymn, The Love of God. Actually, he wrote only the first two verses. The third verse was written nearly one thousand years ago by a Jewish songwriter. They were found penciled on the wall of a patient’s room in an insane asylum. The general opinion was that this inmate had written the epic in moments of sanity. Listen to the words:
“Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor would the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.”
Each of us is given a choice in dealing with the pain and agony of this life. We can sigh and moan about how hard our situation is, or we can soar above the circumstances and praise the Lord from whom all blessings come! I, for one, choose to soar! Come and soar with me!
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today. Trust Him completely and be a blessing.
— Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Apr 21, 2008 | Daily-E-Votionals
Zechariah 9:9
“Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
As I write this, it is early Sunday morning, April 20th. What is significant about this date? It is the day we should be celebrating Palm Sunday. The change in the calendar system from the Jewish calendar to the Gregorian has caused a conflict that is very obvious this year.
This day is very special in the hearts and minds of all true believers. It was on this day so many years ago, that our Savior rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. It was a symbol of Him becoming our Passover Lamb who would shed his blood for our sins.
In preparation for the first Passover in Egypt, the people were to cut off a perfect lamb from the rest of the flock. This lamb was to be carefully loved and cared for during the week before it was to be slain, and the blood applied on the door of their house.
Jesus was cut off on this very day and during the week He was subjected to the most rigorous examination that the religious leaders of that day could muster. They used direct questioning, but also stooped to trick questions in order to find some fault in Him.
Even at His mock trial it was evident to Pilate that He was innocent. In Luke 23:13-14, we read the conclusion of Pilate after hearing the accusations against Jesus: “Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, and said to them, ‘You brought me this Man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined Him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against Him.’ ”
Jesus came in a lowly manner. It was necessary for Him to die. It was only His shed blood that could take away your sin—my sin. None of us could ever be good enough to merit eternal life. The curse of Adam’s sin has been passed upon each and every one of us. Without a sacrificial Lamb to die and have His blood applied to the doorposts of our life, we are eternally lost!
As Jesus entered Jerusalem so long ago, there were shouts of praise and joy. People had heard Him or heard about Him and wanted to have His miracles propel Him into the position of their earthly king—the promised Messiah!
Words and actions are fickle. Some of the very people who were singing and shouting as He entered the city on that first Palm Sunday would soon be shouting that Pilate release, Barabbas and crucify Jesus!
How about you? Is your faith and trust conditioned upon how it will benefit you? Do you have a sort of “Foxhole” commitment? (I will serve you Lord, if you get me out of this mess). Have you applied the shed blood of Jesus Christ to your life? I invite you to pray this prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I need You in my life. Without You to cover my sins, I am eternally lost. There is nothing that I have done or that I can ever do to deserve Your love and forgiveness, but it is the only way I can be saved. I open the door of my heart and invite You to come in. Please be the Lord of my life and make me the kind of person I ought to be. In Your name I pray. Amen!”
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today. Trust Him completely and be a blessing.
— Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Apr 18, 2008 | Daily-E-Votionals
Matthew 5:17-19
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
If you happen to watch some of the shows on HGTV, you will notice that for the past year or so there is a new phrase that is bantered around—“It is very dated.” What that implies is that tastes have changed and what was once in style, is now a thing of the past.
This morning I was thinking about this concept of what is “in” and what is “out.” I remember when white sidewall tires were essential for a modern look for your car. When they were first introduced they were about three inches wide. They gradually became narrower and narrower. Then—POOF! They were “dated” and ugly.
There was a time when we kids never used the term: “I’m bored!” We were too busy playing games outside and felt we were abused when we had to come in the house for meals or for bed. I am sure I am “dated.”
Back when I was a young man (a very long time ago) manners were taught and practiced. Men held the door for a lady and always walked on the street side of the sidewalk. I think it was to protect from mud that might be splashed up on the couple. I just know I am “dated!”
It used to be proper to wait until you were married to live together. Now it seems to be a rare practice. Not only do couples move in with each other, but friends and family give approval for the practice. It is contrary to God’s Word and not acceptable in His sight! Those who are living in this sinful lifestyle must stop it immediately and ask the Lord to forgive them. I am sure that you will agree that I am “dated.”
Changes in design, color preferences and tastes might change with no repercussions. But when we begin to change our behavior pattern in conflict with the Word of God, we are in big trouble. WE ARE IN BIG TROUBLE!
I have heard some people justify their sinful behavior by claiming the days of the Old Testament law were set aside by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Pardon me? Jesus did not do away with the Law, He gave it a new and vital meaning.
He took away the hypocrisy of those who had developed ways to circumvent the Law. He nailed each and everyone of us who live and breathe. In today’s Scripture, Jesus makes it abundantly clear that sin is sin and He has not, nor will He ever condone sin.
I may be “dated,” in fact I am extremely proud to be “dated,” when it means walking in obedience to God’s Holy Word. I am looking forward with eager anticipation to that grand and glorious day when each of we “dated” people will hear those wonderful words: “Well done good and faithful servants!”
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today. Trust Him completely and be a blessing.
— Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Apr 17, 2008 | Daily-E-Votionals
John 1:14-16
“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John testifies concerning Him. He cries out, saying, ‘This was He of whom I said, [He who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.] ‘From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.'”
Back in the dim dark ages of my past I recall reading or hearing the expression: “There ain’t no free lunch!” Wow! What a profound statement—even if it is not grammatically correct. This fact is true in virtually every area of our life including the spiritual realm.
In this age of quick fixes and shortcuts, it is far too easy to become takers instead of workers. It is especially sad to read in the news that lazy and worthless criminals have stolen from someone who had worked long and hard to earn the items that had been taken.
Some children (of all ages) make a habit of living off the hard work of their parents. When asked to do something in return, they are deeply offended that such a thing should be asked of them. When I hear such stories I wonder if it was a pattern that had been fostered from early childhood.
Now that I have offended both parents and children, let me redirect the focus to Christians. It becomes very easy to mistake the word “grace” as something that is free. In a way it is certainly that. We read in Ephesians 2:8-9, that it is by God’s grace that we are saved: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
There is nothing that we can do to earn our salvation. We could work 24 hours a day, seven days a week trying to do good works, but it would never accomplish our salvation. It is only by the shed blood of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ that we are cleansed from our sins and become born again believers.
One of my favorite singing groups is Ponder, Harp and Jennings. One of my favorite songs is; “There’s No Other Word for Grace.” Here are the words:
“There’s No Other Word for Grace”
“Red, can’t explain the beauty of the rose;
and white can’t tell the magic in the air when it snows.
Marvelous can’t half convey, the grace of the King.
The only word for grace is amazing!
There’s no other word for grace but amazing,
no other explanation will do.
Unmerited favor the song that I sing—
no other word for grace but amazing!
The Father looked beyond the failures I had made;
He didn’t notice all the times that I had not obeyed.
He overlooked all the scars from the sin I had in me,
and the grace that He showed still amazes me.
There’s no other word for grace but amazing,
no other explanation will do.
Unmerited favor the song that I sing—
no other word for grace but amazing!”
What more can I say? The enemy of our souls tries to deceive us into thinking that there are many paths to salvation. Satan uses sincere people to preach that it really does not matter what you believe, just so long as you are sincere. It is tragic that people who buy into this lie are risking an eternity in hell by not following the only true way to salvation.
Listen to these chilling words of Jesus in Matthew 7:21-23: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!'”
God’s grace is amazing! It cost Jesus to become the sacrificial Lamb for our sins. It also requires being born again—from death to everlasting life! Not knowing about Him, but knowing Him!
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today. Trust Him completely and be a blessing.
— Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Apr 16, 2008 | Daily-E-Votionals
Philippians 3:20-21
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.”
It should come as no great surprise that many people have a preoccupation with the way they look. Health clubs seem to spring up overnight to provide body shaping and toning. The commercial breaks on television seem to be dominated with this or that program to easily drop those unwanted pounds.
Not content with diet and exercise programs, we are bombarded with appeals to have cosmetic surgery done in order to make you look years younger. Jumping right on the bandwagon are the clothing designers who can provide a new wardrobe (for a huge expense) that will give you that youthful appearance.
Perhaps I tend to be a little cynical in my views since I am years over the age where I could benefit from anything to make me look younger. I am also many pounds over the recommended weight for my height. Let me see—as I figure it, my height/weight ratio would be excellent if I were nine feet tall! Forget it!
Here is a news flash! As I have mentioned before, these bodies are destined to decay and die. It makes no difference how young we may look—we are on a one-way street from the cradle to the grave! That is why it is so sad that people use physical appearance as the criteria for choosing a marriage partner. When inner beauty and Christian character are the determining factors, measuring rod, growing older with your sweetheart gets better and better.
The Apostle Paul is writing to the church at Phillipi in today’s Scripture. He wants them, as well as us, to realize that we have a bright hope in store for us. These old bodies are going to be renewed. Crippled limbs will be made whole. Clouded minds will have perfect knowledge. Blinded eyes will be open. Voices that cannot carry a tune will be able to sing like the angels.
Perhaps the thing I want to impart today is this: We have a new body waiting for us! It will be one that has been designed by the Lord and it will be absolutely flawless. They will be patterned after the Lord’s own glorious body. It will be a grand and glorious day when we stand in His presence with that new glorified body, clothed in His righteousness. Oh how wonderful it will be to praise Him without any defect! I can hardly wait!
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today. Trust Him completely and be a blessing.
— Pastor Cecil
