by Pastor Cecil | Jul 5, 2016 | Philippians
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
There was an old Vaudeville stunt in which a contest was held to see who could crack the largest number of boiled eggs over the contestants’ heads. Unbeknownst to the one to be duped, one of the eggs was raw. When he smashed that one over his head and the raw egg flowed over his head and face they would call out, “The yolk’s on you!”
I don’t know why I remember silly things like that and not the more profound things that really matter. As a matter of fact, I do try to bring my mind into submission and meditate on the verses of Scripture I have memorized.
I know that there have been, and will be in the future, things that make me feel foolish. Regardless, it is my desire to use this precious verse that Paul sent to the saints at Philippi as a guide for my meditation. I want to use Scripture as the source of my motivation.
The next time Satan tries to lead you into temptation, quote Scripture and tell him, “The yolk’s on you, Satan. You have lost and have egg on your face!”
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jun 28, 2016 | Philippians
Philippians 1:6
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.“
I want to tell you right up front that I am 82. I know that some people think I still act like a kid, but I am a genuinely certified senior citizen, whatever that means. Many others often refer to the fact that I am retired.
Let me see: I pastor a small congregation, write the Daily-E-Votional five days a week, record audio versions of the Daily-E-Votional, as well as audio recordings that take us through the Bible in one year, have published seven books and am just finishing the eighth. Yep! Stop to think of it, I guess I am retired.
In my humble opinion, retirement is one of the saddest occupations a person can have. It will make you old! I do not want to get old, I want to occupy until Jesus comes or until He chooses to take me home. I want to die with my spiritual boots on!
Worldly fame and applause soon fades away. Money and the stuff of this world will soon tarnish and fade away. What we do for the Lord on this earth is the only lasting accomplishment that we will ever achieve.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jun 21, 2016 | Philippians
Philippians 3:13-14
“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.“
Certain Bible characters stand out in my mind as brilliant examples of God’s amazing grace. One of these characters is a woman named Rahab who lived on the other side of the Jordan in the city of Jericho. It was the first city that Israel would besiege when they began to possess the Promised Land. Not only that, she was a harlot in Jericho.
Rahab’s redeeming qualities were that she believed that the God of Israel was the true God. She put her faith in God by hiding the two spies that were sent out by Joshua before crossing over the Jordan.
She hid the spies and they promised to save Rahab and her family providing they were inside her house when Jericho was attacked. The scarlet ribbon from her window identified her place of security.
God’s wonderful grace not only saved Rahab and her family, but she became the wife of Salmon. The family line continued down to David and eventually Jesus. Now that, my dear readers, is God’s amazing story of grace.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jun 8, 2016 | Philippians
Philippians 3:13-14
“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Recently I was watching an automobile race on television when the announcer commented that this was no time for the driver to look in his rear view mirror. Any such distraction such as looking at who is pursuing and how close they are can take a driver’s attention from what he is supposed to do and could cost the race.
I have heard coaches give the same advice to athletes who are in a foot race or other sporting venues. It is good advice that applies equally to our walk with the Lord. We may be tempted to look back at the glory days, or we may look back at the approaching enemy, but we are told to look ahead.
It is tragic to observe believers who have lost their race for the Lord because they took their eyes off the Goal. There are many distractions that can demand our attention and result in a spiritual derailment.
The answer to finishing our spiritual race with victory is to keep our eyes on the prize that lies before us. The things of this world will lose their appeal as we see Jesus only!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | May 10, 2016 | Philippians
Philippians 1:25-26
“And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.”
May 10th is one of those dates that hits me between the eyes. It was the birthday of my precious wife, Joyce, back in 1934. If she were still alive she would have been 82 today. Instead of being one year older she lives forever without aches, pains or aging. She has been perfected!
Can I share a secret with you? I would rather be with her in Paradise than stuck back here on earth. In that way I am like Paul. He preferred to be with the Lord, but was resigned to serving to the best of his ability to strengthen the body of Christ.
Since my Joyce passed away on January 13, 2015, I have devoted myself to doing more for the Lord than ever before. God gives us His strength and direction at just the time we need it. I find myself confronted with two choices: I can shrink into grief, which is not a benefit to me or others, or I can spend myself serving Him. I SHALL REMAIN to serve Him for as long as He gives me the strength.
Blessings dear hearts!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | May 9, 2016 | Philippians
Philippians 2:1-2
“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”
Is there any consolation in Christ? YES! Is there any comfort in love? YES! Is there any fellowship in the Spirit? YES! Is there any affection and mercy? YES! These are four qualities that Paul presents as certainties. It leads us to a foregone conclusion – to be of one mind.
Some smart comedian has remarked that to be of one mind requires having a mind to start with. In response, I argue that it does not take a great deal of intellect to be of one mind. Instead, it entails a conscious decision to seek harmony.
There are some Christians who have more sharp quills than a porcupine. They have no intent of pursuing harmony in the body of Christ. They travel from one church body to another and leave chaos in their wake. This is the opposite of what Paul calls true believers to do. Here’s the question: Are you a spiritual porcupine? If so, then make a change and seek to be of one mind with other believers.
Blessings dear hearts!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil
