by Pastor Cecil | Sep 17, 2012 | Isaiah
Isaiah 26:3-4
He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done. He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success.
Al was a Christian and had always tried to do what was right. He read his Bible and prayed frequently. As he grew spiritually he was able to see the hand of God at work in his life. Then something happened!
Al was restoring a classic automobile from the ground up. When it was finished he intended to sell it for a huge profit. He felt led to honor God with a portion of the profits. But then he thought of another plan. He would keep all of the profits, buy an even more expensive auto that would bring even more profit–then he would be able to give more to the Lord.
He rejected spiritual counsel to not do this. He did sell the car and kept all of the profits with which he bought another more expensive classic car to restore. From the very beginning things began to go wrong. There were huge unforeseen costs that drained his money and embittered his heart.
In today’s Scripture we are introduced to a young man who became King of Israel when he was only sixteen. His name was Uzziah. The significant thing that stands out in this passage is that, “He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD.”
Wouldn’t that be a wonderful description of you–or me? Not how smart we are, or what we intend to do in the future, but that we do what is right in the eyes of the Lord immediately. Now is the acceptable time!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing to others!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Sep 11, 2012 | Isaiah
Isaiah 64:4
Since ancient times no one has heard, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.
I do not possess a scientific mind, but I do have an interest in the scientific world. I was recently watching a program on the construction of a huge and very expensive telescope. When I say expensive I mean in the multiple million dollar range.
The scientists who were being interviewed about the project were explaining that by using this new advanced telescope they would be able to determine how the universe came into being. (They could read the book of Genesis and save all of the money this project was costing).
Since the time of man’s sin against God, he has tried to circumvent God’s plan and purpose for His people. Many scientists have devoted their entire lives to discover some truth that would prove that there is no God. From time to time they have made wild claims to have discovered this truth only to have their theories explode in the face of new evidence that far more supports the creation model than their man made theory of evolution.
I choose to look beyond my own limited understanding and simply rest in the truth as presented in God’s Word. When I come to the end of this earthly journey I will have all of the answers I need. Until then I choose to look beyond the foolishness of man and trust in the God who created the heavens and the earth.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Aug 14, 2012 | Isaiah
Isaiah 6:8
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for Us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’
Over the years I have been given (officially or unofficially) many titles: son, husband, dad, papa, uncle, officer, teacher, lieutenant, captain, pastor—on and on it goes. There is one title that few know about. As a matter of fact, only my wife Joyce has ever used it—“Ole Dog Shep.” My wife is the one who gave me that title one time when I was faithfully waiting for her to get off work. Since that day we have laughed every time I do something that indicates that I am on time and reliable.
It is amazing how many times I have encountered people who promise the stars but are not reliable enough to be depended upon. As a matter of fact, it seems that there are more unreliable people than the number of those that you can count on to do what they promise.
Jesus told a parable that relates to this subject. Matthew 21:28-31: “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did what his father wanted?’ The first,’ they answered.”
Jesus agreed that their answer was correct. In essence it indicates that actions are more important than what a person says. To say something that will make people think well of us is empty if we fail in our actions.
Over the years I have been called upon to officiate at hundreds of weddings, funerals or other meaningful events. Early on I learned that people are on pins and needles until I arrive. As a result, I have made a point to arrive at least 30 minutes early.
All around us there are people who depend on us and our integrity. Part of integrity is to be reliable. That means being where you are supposed to be, and being there on time or early.
How can you establish a new pattern of dependability? First is to use a date book or calendar. Write down each and every commitment you make. Check each evening the schedule you are committed to the next day.
Second, on the day of the appointment, start a mental time clock of the hours you have before the appointment. Get as much detail out of the way as early as possible and always be aware of the time remaining. Make allowance for traffic delays that may arise.
When you say to someone “I will go,” make sure you are committed to stand by your commitment, and make sure you are on time or even a little early!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing to others!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 27, 2012 | Isaiah
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
I recall listening to a sermon tape by Donald Grey Barnhouse many years ago. He told of how he had just completed a meeting many miles from his home in Philadelphia, when he was given a telegram that his son had been in a serious accident and was near death.
Travel at that time was by rail and as Dr. Barnhouse entered his sleeper, his spirit was greatly disturbed. He knew that it would be hours before his train arrived back home and that there was nothing he could do but leave his son in God’s hands.
As he prayed, he recalled a phrase from Isaiah 65:25, ” . . . but dust will be the serpent’s food.” He prayed for the Lord to feed the serpent his dust and to give him a good night’s rest. The next thing he knew the porter was touching his shoulder to tell him that they were nearing Philadelphia. The Lord had answered his prayer.
If you have been having trouble getting to sleep at night, ask the Lord to give you His blessed rest and to feed the serpent dust.
To You Before the Close of Day
To you before the close of day,
Creator of the world we pray!
Your grace and peace to us allow,
And be our guard and keeper now.
From evil dreams defend our sight,
From all the terrors of the night.
From all deluding thoughts that creep,
On heedless minds disarmed by sleep.
O Father, this we ask be done,
Through Jesus Christ, Your only Son.
Who with the Holy Spirit and with You,
Shall live and reign all ages through. Amen.
To access To You Before the Close of Day, this week’s inspirational video from GloryScapes™ Christian Music Hymns & Songs, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/toyoubeforethecloseofday in your browser or click on the image below.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 13, 2012 | Isaiah
Isaiah 53:12
Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.
I recently received an e-mail from one of our subscribers, Ed Thornhill, who passed on some information that I found interesting and inspirational. It has to do with the town of Reed City, Michigan. I visited Reed City’s website to check what Ed had shared with me. They have a museum there called the Old Rugged Cross Museum.
Back in 1913 a Salvation Army officer, George Bennard, passed through a trying experience which caused him to reflect seriously about the significance of the cross and, in particular, what the apostle Paul meant when he spoke of entering into the fellowship of Christ’s suffering. While contemplating on these truths, Bennard was convinced that the cross was not just a religious symbol, but rather the very heart of the Gospel. He penned the words of this beloved hymn.
Bennard spent the last years of his life by the “side of the road,” a few miles north of Reed City, Michigan. At the age of 85, on October 9, 1968, he passed away. Near this home there still stands a twelve foot high cross with the words “The Old Rugged Cross—Home of George Bennard, composer of this beloved hymn.”
The Old Rugged Cross
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.
Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
In that old rugged cross,
stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.
Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.
Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
To access The Old Rugged Cross, this week’s inspirational video from GloryScapes.com, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/theoldruggedcross/ in your browser or click on the image below.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
360-570-0074
PastorCecil@Daily-E-Votional.com
by Pastor Cecil | Jun 25, 2012 | Isaiah
Isaiah 55:11
So is My word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
At times I stand amazed in the presence of the Lord. That was the case earlier today. You see, I conducted a funeral service that was perhaps the most difficult one I had ever conducted, and I have officiated at several hundred in my ministry.
I had prayed fervently for the correct words and the right spirit in order to bring comfort to the family and to challenge them about their eternal destiny. I was ready to enter the chapel when I saw three people staggering through the door. It was evident that they were plastered. No, they were not construction workers, they were drunk. As soon as they entered they began to talk in loud voices with no attempt to show any sort of respect.
To top it off they walked to the front row and continued their boisterous actions. I later discovered that one of them was the son of the deceased. My prayers were doubled as I tried to bring the truth of God’s Word. I have to confess that I felt a total failure at the end. I had prayed and given my best, but I felt empty.
Later in the afternoon I received a call from the husband of the lady who had died. He started out by apologizing for the actions of his son, but then he said that the words I spoke brought comfort to those who looked beyond the boisterousness.
It reminds me once again that we are never responsible for the responses. We are only called to be faithful and true to God and His Word. When we plant the seed, He does the rest. Thank you Lord!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
