by Pastor Cecil | Nov 14, 2014 | John
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
One of my most vivid memories growing up was time spent at Payette Lakes located in McCall, Idaho. The days may be in the eighties, but you needed a warm blanket or sleeping bag to keep warm at night. I am an early riser and even then I enjoyed waking early and walking down to the lake side and looking across to the opposite shore. Many times the water was so serene and calm that it clearly reflected the scene from the far shore—a double blessing.
In these moments of reverie I could recall the hectic activities of the previous day. There were boats, water skiers, swimmers and even a sudden storm that churned the waters and cleared off the boaters.
Life is very much like that. There are times of frantic activity that will be fun and enjoyable, but nonetheless chaotic. There are also times when gales blow in and create stormy waters. We long for peace! Is it possible in the midst of the storm? Remember that Jesus was with His disciples in a small boat on a tempestuous sea. Even these men who were professional fishermen thought they were doomed. It was when they called out to Jesus that they found perfect peace.
In today’s Scripture, Jesus promises peace for all of us. His peace is not the kind of peace the world knows. It is a peace that gives us serenity even when the world is blowing like a hurricane around us. He promises that when we come to Him, our hearts will not be troubled and we need not be afraid. That is sweet peace!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 27, 2014 | John
John 9:4-5
As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
Friday morning just before 11:00, a tragedy took place in Marysville, Washington. It was in a high school cafeteria when most students were relaxed and enjoying their lunch period.
Suddenly one of the students stood, drew a handgun, and fired at two of his cousins as well as several others before taking his own life. The world was dramatically changed not only for the families of the victims, but for the other students as well.
It was heartbreaking to watch the students as they ran away from the school to gather at a nearby church before being reunited with their families. Fear etched the faces of parents who wondered if their child might be one of the victims. When parents and children were finally united, the love began to flow. Parents and their kids embraced each other without embarrassment.
If only we would take the time to embrace those we love while we have the time. None of us know when our time on this earth will end. It is a reminder to insure that we have received Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. It is also a reminder to share our love with one another with words and also with actions. Hugs are important.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Oct 22, 2014 | John
John 16:33
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Last week there were reports of a major hurricane bearing down on the small island of Bermuda. The chances of the hurricane striking the Island were minimal. The odds that it would be a direct strike were almost out of sight. At first there was hope that it would miss, but as time passed it was certain that Bermuda was in the crosshairs of the massive storm.
The first winds to strike came from the east. They were well over 100 miles per hour and lasted for over one hour. Then the eye of the hurricane arrived — from raging winds there came an eerie calm with virtually not even a breeze. That is when the tree frogs began to sing.
Actually it was more like a high-pitched chirp, much like a pager. The sound was so loud that even on the television you could hear the “singing” as it filled the air. But the storm was only half over. Now the winds came from the west and caused as much or more damage.
In our lives we may be encountering the storms of life. It may be from one direction or the other. It may even be possible that we are going through the calm eye of life. I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but the storm is not over. It may come from a different direction than we have experienced before. The important thing is that we have the Lord and can sing like the frogs.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Aug 27, 2014 | John
John 14:15-17
If you love Me, keep My commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.
Years ago I was listening to a sermon tape of Donald Grey Barnhouse. (Yes it was the old reel to reel type). For that time it was state-of-the-art.) He related that a lady in his church (Let’s call her Jane) was traveling to a conference with three other women. One of them mentioned that they were going to have drinks and asked Jane if she would like to join them.
Jane had recently committed her life to the Lord and was not living the same lifestyle she previously lived. In reply to their invitation she asked them to wait just a moment, then she prayed, “Holy Spirit do you want a slug of liquor?” Then to the woman who had invited her, she said, “The Holy Spirit and I say no.”
Wow! I am sure it became very quiet in that car as they continued their journey. As we read the last few words of today’s Scripture we find a truth that many times is overlooked; “He lives with you and will be in you.” Stop and ask where you have been or are now taking the Holy Spirit. If He was visible would you feel comfortable having Him there?
There is another aspect to this issue. Are we making the decisions about where we are going? Since the Holy Spirit lives within should we not seek His guidance in our life? It means surrender to self, but it will result in victory.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Aug 8, 2014 | John
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
We have a liberal college in our community and from time to time we see bumper stickers from this group that read, World Peace. Some jokesters have made a play on this sticker by coming up with one of their own; Whirled Peas. I suppose the second sticker is much more easily achieved.
From the day that Adam and Eve sinned and were evicted from the garden there has been strife, conflicts and wars. For all of the rhetoric about attaining peace we are no closer to world peace, nor will we ever be until Jesus comes again to establish His Wonderful Peace over all the earth. What a fantastic day it will be when there is eternal peace. The featured hymn this week from GloryScapes, is Wonderful Peace.
Wonderful Peace
Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight
Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm;
In celestial strains it unceasingly falls
O’er my soul like an infinite calm.
Refrain: Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above!
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
In fathomless billows of love!
What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace,
Buried deep in the heart of my soul,
So secure that no power can mine it away,
While the years of eternity roll!
Refrain
I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace,
Resting sweetly in Jesus’ control;
For I’m kept from all danger by night and by day,
And His glory is flooding my soul!
Refrain
And I think when I rise to that city of peace,
Where the Anchor of peace I shall see,
That one strain of the song which the ransomed will sing
In that heavenly kingdom will be:
Refrain
Ah, soul! are you here without comfort and rest,
Marching down the rough pathway of time?
Make Jesus your Friend ere the shadows grow dark;
O accept of this peace so sublime!
Refrain
To access Wonderful Peace, this week’s inspirational video from GloryScapes™ Inspirational Music Videos, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/wonderfulpeace/ 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 | May 5, 2014 | John
John 17:15-19
My prayer is not that You take them out of the world but that You protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify Myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
It literally sends chills up and down my spine to understand that Jesus actually prayed for each and every believer! As we read the words of this beautiful prayer of our Lord, it is awesome to remember that He has each of us written in the palm of His hand. Accept this mighty prayer in your behalf.
Jesus could have easily taken all of His disciples with Him when He ascended into heaven. He didn’t! Jesus had a plan and purpose for the disciples of His day as well as the believers of all ages.
Read today’s Scripture once more and where I have underlined the words they or them, place your name instead. You see, Jesus had a plan and purpose for each believer. Some have been called to endure suffering and sacrifice, and others to a life of plenty in which to give to the work of ministry.
Things change rapidly, and we never know from moment to moment whether we will live or die for the Lord. But there is one thing we can know for certain — He has prayed this prayer for you knowing every moment of your life. What are you doing for Him?
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
