by Pastor Cecil | Aug 14, 2018 | Isaiah
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Back in the early 80’s I was involved in Christian counseling. A man came to me who was in a state of constant fear. His telephone calls or personal visits were ensconced in a panic of fear and dread. It was such an all-consuming trait that it drove people away from him, which only increased his fear and depression. As a result of working with this man I came to realize once again that fear and depression go hand in hand.
I attempted, with prayer and to the best of my ability, to guide this man to the Lord as the answer to life’s problems which so grievously attacked him. At times I thought he was making headway, but soon he was back to relying upon himself and his own abilities. It was back to “dismal city” all over again. Sometime after leaving that community I received word that he had taken his own life. The end of refusing to trust in God is not pleasant.
As we look at today’s verse, we see that as believers we are instructed to stay clear of two patterns of behavior: fear and depression. We have confidence because: FOR I AM WITH YOU! and I AM YOUR GOD!
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 31, 2018 | Isaiah
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Don’t panic, I know I have used this verse before. Not only that, I will use it again and again! As a matter of fact, it was one of the first verses I ever memorized when I was a small boy in Camas, Washington.
I am always reminded of the story of an older gentleman who called his wife such endearing names that it was very noticeable — “Honey,” “Sweetie,” “Dearie,” “Love,” and such like. A friend remarked about it and complimented the older man on the sweet names he called his wife. The old gentleman replied, “I have to. I haven’t been able to remember her name for ten years.”
Jesus, in His earthly ministry, spoke often of the “Kingdom of Heaven.” In His parables He would typically begin: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like …..” As we think of God’s wonderful Kingdom, there are two elements: The here and now, and the future glory awaiting us. It is the present reality and the future hope. Our challenge and purpose should always be to walk by faith in God and live according to His Word. WALKING IN FAITH!
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | May 21, 2018 | Isaiah
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
I once read a story about an older gentleman who was always calling his wife by such endearments as “Honey,” “Sweetie,” “Dearie,” and “Love.” When a friend complimented him on the sweet names he called his wife, the old gentleman replied, “I have to … I haven’t been able to remember her name for ten years.”
There was once an unbelieving reprobate who announced to one of his friends that he had come to believe in the hereafter. His friend was shocked beyond belief and asked him if he had gotten religion? The reprobate replied, “No, it’s my mind. Every time I go into another room, I stop and ask myself, ‘What am I here after?'”
That is a vibrant question and merits a thoughtful answer. Peggy Lee, a singer back in the 50’s, used to sing a song, “Is That All There Is?” It was a depressing song to me. It is accurate of many people who try to fill their existence with all of life’s comforts, only to come near the end and find that the things of this life will never satisfy.
Jesus often spoke of the “Kingdom of Heaven.” As we think of God’s wonderful Kingdom, there are two elements: The here and the hereafter. We have a future glory awaiting us. Are you prepared for the HEREAFTER?
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | May 3, 2018 | Isaiah
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Sometimes, when life is hectic and demanding, I feel like I would like some “alone” time. Have you ever felt that way? For several years Public Television has chronicled the story of Dick Proenneke, a man who lived alone in the wilderness for over thirty years.
I have to confess that I love watching this program over and over again. It is not that I would like to be alone like Dick, but I am intrigued by the creative ways he used the resources around him to survive.
In addition to being impressed by Dick’s resourcefulness, I also became aware of something else—he was not totally isolated. There was a bush pilot who made trips into Dick’s remote location to deliver supplies and mail. I can only imagine the joy he must have felt in receiving mail from his family in California.
We do not have to be isolated in a wilderness like Dick Proenneke to feel alone. We can feel alone even when we are surrounded by a multitude of people. Regardless of where we might be or who might be around us, according to our Scripture for today we are never alone. Not only is the Lord with us at all times, He has promised to give us strength and to uphold us. Praise the Lord!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 13, 2018 | Isaiah
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Think of how many times you have walked into a room to get something only to suddenly realize you can’t recall what it was you came in for. (Don’t laugh at us older folks — you yung’uns have had the same experience!) Someone has mentioned that even atheists believe in God because they often ask, “What am I here after?”
I once heard the story about an older gentleman who always called his wife affectionate names like “Honey,” “Sweetie,” “Dearie,” “Love.” When a friend complimented him on the sweet names he called his wife, the old gentleman replied, “I have to, I haven’t been able to remember her name for ten years.”
Peggy Lee, a popular vocalist back in the 50’s, had a hit song titled “Is That All There Is?” It was a depressing song to me. It is an accurate question for many people who try to fill their lives with all of the worldly comforts only to come near the end and find that the things of this life will never satisfy.
God has given His promise to us that He is always there beside us. In the Old Testament He was the hope of all who would trust Him. He gave His word of promise through His prophets; and those who trusted in Him looked down the ages of time, and through the eyes of faith, saw the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 2, 2018 | Isaiah
Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”
Years ago I recall listening to a sermon tape by Donald Grey Barnhouse, a prominent pastor and teacher. He had just completed an evangelistic meeting several hundred miles from his home in Philadelphia, when he was given a telegram. It informed him that his son had been in a serious accident and was near death.
His only way back to Philadelphia was by rail. 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.” Using that passage he asked the Lord to feed the serpent dust, but to please grant him a good night’s rest. He fell fast asleep and 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. His son lived and during his time of recuperation he committed his life to full time Christian service. If you have been having trouble getting to sleep at night, ask the Lord to give you His blessed rest and 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 this free inspirational video from GloryScapes.com, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/toyoubeforethecloseofday/
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
