by Pastor Cecil | Sep 12, 2012 | Psalm
Psalm 19:1-2
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
Before I retire each night I go to the front door and gaze into the skies. Even here in the State of Washington, I can usually locate the North Star. The other stars change position during the night and throughout the year, but the good ole Pole Star is always in the same position.
I have enjoyed reading about the “chuck wagon” cooks of the early cattle drives. In addition to his responsibility of cooking, cleaning, mending, along with a host of other tasks, there was one significant task that may have gone unnoticed–the cook gave direction. At night, “cookie” would always turn the tongue of the chuck wagon so it would face north. The next morning the trail boss could look at the wagon’s tongue and know in which direction to head out.
We certainly do not have a chuck wagon, but we do have a tongue. If we make it our obligation to keep our tongue pointed in the right direction, others will have an idea if they are on course or off course. They should at least should see where we are going by our walk.
Let me share what the apostle Paul had to say in Philippians 4:8-9: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
The tongue of Paul’s wagon was pointed in the right direction and he wanted others to know that they could follow him with confidence. Can those in your realm of influence have that same confidence in you?
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Aug 22, 2012 | Psalm
Psalm 19:7-9
The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.
For several years I ministered as a Christian Counselor at a large church and, later, in my own counseling service. There was a constant stream of individuals or couples who were facing a variety of problems that seemed insurmountable. I knew that I was not able to come up with the solution, so I was constantly in prayer for divine wisdom in trying to discover an answer.
My prayer was supported constantly by the infallible Word of God. Where man’s wisdom falls short of answers, God’s Word comes through each and every time. Today’s Scripture is an absolutely fantastic guide for us all. Look at the truth we find here:
- God’s Law: It is perfect and refreshes the soul!
- God’s Statutes: They are trustworthy and make even the simple minded wise!
- God’s Precepts: They are right and bring joy to the heart!
- God’s Commands: They are radiant and give light to the eyes!
- Our Fear of the Lord: It is pure and endures forever!
- God’s Decrees: They firm and all of them are righteous!
Read that list over once again. Five of the six are issued from God to us here on the earth: His Law, His Statutes, His Precepts, His Commands, and His Decrees. There is only one thing mentioned that reflects an action on our part, and that is to have a reverential fear of the Lord. That direction on our part takes away a self-centered focus and begins the ultimate healing process. That, my dear reader, is how to resolve the problems you are facing in your life. Try it!
Blessings dear hearts! Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Aug 17, 2012 | Psalm
Psalm 145:9-12
The LORD is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made. All You have made will praise You, O LORD; Your saints will extol You. They will tell of the glory of Your kingdom and speak of Your might, so that all men may know of Your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of Your kingdom.
The older I get (and I am getting up there), the more disturbed I am about senseless killing. This is true of attacks on other people, but also on killing animals just for the sport of it. In my hunting days I did shoot game, but it was for food not for sport. Now there are many that hunt for bragging rights, not for food. God meant for us to be keepers and protectors, not killers.
In 1225, when he was feeling ill and losing his sight, Francis of Assisi wrote about what was always on his heart: the praise of God. In All Creatures of Our God and King, Francis’ love for God and the world He made comes out very strongly.
Probably because he lived such a simple life, he (noticed) things that we, in our busy-ness, overlook. Francis believed that all earth’s creatures get their life from God and that we all depend on Him for our continual existence.
All Creatures of Our God and King
1. All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing
O, praise Him, Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam
Thou silver moon with softer gleam
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
2. Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
Ye clouds that sail in heav’n along,
O, praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice!
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
3. Let all things their creator bless
And worship Him in humbleness
O, praise Him! Alleluia!
Praise, the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One!
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
4. And all ye men of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O, praise Him! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and on Him cast your care!
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
To access All Creatures of Our God and King, this week’s inspirational video from GloryScapes™ Inspirational Music Videos, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/allcreaturesofourgodandking 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 | Aug 15, 2012 | Psalm
Psalm 5:1-3
Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament. Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to You I pray. In the morning, Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait expectantly.
Last Sunday as I was standing before our congregation, I mentioned the necessity of being in communion with the Lord at all times. I started reciting the prayer I was taught as a boy: “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep; and if I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.”
My intention was to get us off the idea of only praying at bedtime, so spontaneously I said we should also pray in the morning: “Now I wake to face the day, I pray, dear Lord, You guide my way.” I went on to encourage us to not just pray morning and night, but to go through the day in conversational prayer with the Lord.
Today our daughter called and commented on that morning prayer. She asked me to give her the complete prayer. Oops! I did not have a complete prayer since it was made up on the fly. Since then I have thought of another line, so here is what it may sound like: “Now I wake to face the day, I pray, dear Lord, You guide my way; And as I walk with You this day and do Your will, I know that You are always with me still.”
The same idea remains as I shared on Sunday. We need to be in touch with the Lord during our activities of the day. The blessed Holy Spirit is always with us and, as we face the challenges of the day, it is great to breathe a silent plea or praise for His presence. It encourages us and delights the Lord as we invite Him into our daily activities.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing to others!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Aug 8, 2012 | Psalm
Psalm 19:1-4
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
My fascination with the space program began way back in 1957 when the Russians launched Sputnik. I remember looking up in the clear Idaho sky watching as it made a pass overhead. Since that night so long ago I have seen scores of spacecraft as they made their way across the sky.
Sunday night I eagerly watched as scientists at the Jet Propulsion Lab in California anxiously waited as the Mars Rover, Curiosity, headed for a landing in a designated spot. The last seven minutes was described as seven minutes of terror—it was make or break in an unprecedented technical landing. The Rover made it! The place erupted with joy, shouts hugs, backslaps and pandemonium. It was fun to watch such elation.
As I watched the scene of joy, my attention was suddenly drawn to a bank of windows. There were observers on the other side of the windows that were not part of the scene. They were smiling, but they lacked the same enthusiasm as those inside. It was almost as if they wanted to be inside but they were on the outside.
There will come a day when the saints of God will rejoice like they have never rejoiced before. We will finally see our precious Jesus who gave His life that we might have His eternal life. Families will be restored and we will know and love each and every other believer from all ages. Those who have never accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior will watch the celebration but never be able to participate. Come inside, now is the day of salvation!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 11, 2012 | Psalm
Psalm 103:1-2, 5
Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. – – Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
In 1910, Coca-Cola began using a slogan that has been used on and off for more than 100 years now. You may have seen it on billboards, magazines or on television. Here is that 100 year old slogan: It satisfies! Does that ring a bell for some of you?
Many products or programs claim to bring lasting satisfaction. Usually the satisfaction they claim can only be achieved by investing in what they are selling. Smiles on labels, billboards, fliers or on television prove that this or that will satisfy.
Perhaps there are things that will bring temporary satisfaction, but will it last? When your throat is parched after working for hours in the sun, a drink of cool water will satisfy you, but for how long? How long will it be before you are headed for the water faucet once more? There is no product on earth that will provide lasting satisfaction. There is always a need for more.
I love birds and especially enjoy watching hawks and eagles. The fact that we live on Bald Eagle Lane is very appropriate. In today’s Scripture we are encouraged by the fact that the Lord satisfies our needs. Not selfish needs to be squandered on ourselves, but spiritual needs to make us effective in the works of the Lord regardless of our age. He says that our youth will be renewed like the eagles. To me that means He gives us strength for doing what He calls us to do. Are you soaring yet? We start by praising Him. Praise the Lord!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
