by Pastor Cecil | Jan 19, 2011 | Luke
Luke 12:19-21
“And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
When I was young I seldom, if ever, thought about my life ending. In my 20’s I laughed at my brother and his friends when they reached the ripe old age of 30. He was seven years older and it would be a long time before I got that old. I should not have laughed, for in what seemed like a blink of the eye I reached 30, then 40 and . . . and here I am almost 77. Time has flown by. Many of my friends and classmates have died, and we never know what lies ahead for any of us.
On Saturday, January 8, 2011, a man went on a shooting rampage at a supermarket in Tucson, Arizona. This horrific event took place at a meet-and-greet event held by Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Six people, including a 9-year-old girl, were killed—and 13, including Representative Giffords, were seriously wounded.
Stop and think about it for a few uncomfortable moments. Here was a crowd of people and a Representative, happy and very much alive. I can imagine that some had come to shake her hand or to implore her about a particular issue. Then, in a moment of time, everything changed. Suddenly several people are wounded, and just as suddenly, several others are forever thrust into eternity as their time here on earth ends.
Regardless of age, we never know when our time will come. Are you ready?
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
P.S. – You can find previous E-Votionals covering a variety of Scriptures and topics to help you in your walk with the Lord at www.Daily-E-Votional.com.
P.P.S. – I have completed my first book, 100 of Pastor Cecil’s Select Illustrations. The cost is $12.95 plus shipping. You can now order it online by going to https://dailyevotional.com/prior2020/book-by-pastor-cecil . . . You may want to consider this book as a thoughtful gift idea for those who do not have Internet access or as helpful sermon illustrations for your Pastor.
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by Pastor Cecil | Jan 10, 2011 | Luke
Luke 6:48
“He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.”
In the past year we have heard of severe floods around the globe. One report said that flooding in Australia covered an area the size of Texas. Now that’s a big piece of real estate, Pardner!
Here in the United Stated we have seen pictures of streams tearing out river banks and houses being swept away by the current. It certainly makes me think of this parable of Jesus.
I can recall watching the construction of a new building at our radar site in St. Anthony, Newfoundland. The workmen dug down to expose bear rock. Then they drilled deep holes in the rock. Into each hole they screw long rods to grasp the rock. The building would then be anchored to the rods. When we experienced gales of over 100 miles per hour, I was very glad we were attached to solid rock.
Jesus wanted His listeners to hear and understand what He was saying. This life is no place for a namby-pamby or wishy-washy faith. It is only the solid rock of God’s Word and His completed work on the cross that will hold us firm in this life and assure us of a home in heaven for all eternity. There is coming a time when everyone will believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The tragedy is that for some it will be everlastingly too late!
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
P.S. – You can find previous E-Votionals covering a variety of Scriptures and topics to help you in your walk with the Lord at www.Daily-E-Votional.com.
P.P.S. – I have completed my first book, 100 of Pastor Cecil’s Select Illustrations. The cost is $12.95 plus shipping. You can now order it online by going to https://dailyevotional.com/prior2020/book-by-pastor-cecil . . . You may want to consider this book as a thoughtful gift idea for those who do not have Internet access or as helpful sermon illustrations for your Pastor.
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by Pastor Cecil | Dec 27, 2010 | Luke
Luke 2:2-10
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.'”
I have had a favorite Bible preacher who hailed from England. His name was Major Ian Thomas. I am not sure if it was a sermon or book that he wrote that crosses my mind from time to time. The title was “A Day to Be Remembered and a Land to Be Possessed.” It dealt with the Exodus from Egypt to the promised-land.
I can still recall how he stressed that it is not enough to remember the time of day we were delivered from the bondage of sin. As wonderful as that day was and certainly a day worthy of remembering, but there is a promised possession God intends for His people to claim.
In a recent study on the life of the miraculous birth of Jesus I have been inspired by the words of Major Thomas. It has led me to a new thought. When we read in the book of Luke about the birth of Jesus there is a day to be remembered, but that is just the beginning. We have a Man (Jesus) to be possessed.
Millions around the world have just celebrated a day honoring the birth of Jesus. Oh, how sad it is that so many people remember the birth of Jesus in a manger, but fail to receive the Christ of Christmas as personal Savior. It is not enough to know “about” Jesus, we must receive Him into our hearts. It is the only way to obtain an abundant entrance into His heavenly kingdom.
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
P.S. – You can find previous E-Votionals covering a variety of Scriptures and topics to help you in your walk with the Lord at www.Daily-E-Votional.com.
P.P.S. – I have completed my first book, 100 of Pastor Cecil’s Select Illustrations. The cost is $12.95 plus shipping. You can now order it online by going to https://dailyevotional.com/prior2020/book-by-pastor-cecil . . . You may want to consider this book as a thoughtful gift idea for those who do not have Internet access or as helpful sermon illustrations for your Pastor.
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by Pastor Cecil | Dec 24, 2010 | Luke
Luke 2:2-10
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.'”
The words of this well loved carol were written in 1818 by Josef Mohr after he had seen a play about the birth of Jesus. He was in a reflective mood and walked to a hill overlooking his village in the Austrian Alps. The view of the snow covered village reminded him of a poem he had written a few years earlier. The poem was about the night the angel announced the birth of Jesus.
The next day he took the words of his poem to Franz Gruber, who had just composed a melody. He re-worked the melody to match the words to the poem Mohr written. Our beloved carol, Silent Night was born.
“Silent Night“
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Savior is born
Christ, the Savior is born
Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
To access Silent Night, this week’s inspirational video from GloryScapes™ Inspirational Music Videos, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/silentnight 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
P.S. – You can find previous E-Votionals covering a variety of Scriptures and topics to help you in your walk with the Lord at www.Daily-E-Votional.com.
P.P.S. – I have completed my first book, 100 of Pastor Cecil’s Select Illustrations. The cost is $12.95 plus shipping. You can now order it online by going to https://dailyevotional.com/prior2020/book-by-pastor-cecil . . . You may want to consider this book as a thoughtful gift idea for those who do not have Internet access or as helpful sermon illustrations for your Pastor.
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by Pastor Cecil | Dec 23, 2010 | Luke
Luke 2:15
“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ “
I am sure that most of us have been outside on a clear night. It may have been on a camping trip or just getting away from city lights with only the moon and stars to give illumination. Just thinking about it makes me recall nights in Newfoundland watching the stars and northern lights.
On the night Jesus was born, a group of shepherds were stunned by the sudden appearance of an angel of the Lord. He announced the birth of a baby who was to be the Savior of the world. Just as suddenly the sky was filled with a countless number of angels who praised the Lord saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Wow!
Their reaction was not to waste time talking about it or debating it¯they hurried into Bethlehem to find this Blessed Baby. I am not sure how long it took them to find the Baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger, but they found Him and worshipped Him. Then they spread the word about what had happened.
You may have heard about Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, but what are you doing about it? Have you stored the information away in your mind to be dealt with at a later time, or have you sought Him, found Him, and worshipped Him? The greatest gift of all time is the Savior who is Christ the Lord. Open your gift!
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
P.S. – You can find previous E-Votionals covering a variety of Scriptures and topics to help you in your walk with the Lord at www.Daily-E-Votional.com.
P.P.S. – I have completed my first book, 100 of Pastor Cecil’s Select Illustrations. The cost is $12.95 plus shipping. You can now order it online by going to https://dailyevotional.com/prior2020/book-by-pastor-cecil . . . You may want to consider this book as a thoughtful gift idea for those who do not have Internet access or as helpful sermon illustrations for your Pastor.
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by Pastor Cecil | Dec 16, 2010 | Luke
Luke 3:15-17
“Now as the people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not, John answered, saying to all, ‘I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather the wheat into His barn; but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire.’”
Joyce and I were living in a church parsonage several years ago. We had been in bed for a short time when the doorbell rang again and again. I made it to the door and a man I had never seen told me we had a chimney fire. I stepped out into the night and could see fire blazing out of the chimney.
Immediately I called for firemen and then took a garden hose up on the roof. (I was told by the firemen that this was a foolish thing for me to do). Never-the-less, my on sight fire system worked and the flames were out by the time they arrived.
That was a sleepless night. I tried to sleep on the sofa, but the smell of smoke still permeated the air. Cleaning up the residue of soot and ashes was miserable, but at least we and the house were spared.
In God’s Word we are warned of eternal fire for those who neglect to receive Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord. This failure can be indifference, preoccupation or absolute rejection. A man recently told me he was looking forward to going to hell because his mother was there and he would be working for her. He refused to listen to any witness that I gave him. I pray that each of you will not neglect such a great salvation that Jesus paid for with His own blood.
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
P.S. – You can find previous E-Votionals covering a variety of Scriptures and topics to help you in your walk with the Lord at www.Daily-E-Votional.com.
P.P.S. – I have completed my first book, 100 of Pastor Cecil’s Select Illustrations. The cost is $12.95 plus shipping. You can now order it online by going to https://dailyevotional.com/prior2020/book-by-pastor-cecil . . . You may want to consider this book as a thoughtful gift idea for those who do not have Internet access or as helpful sermon illustrations for your Pastor.
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