​PASTOR CECIL · Pastor Cecil's Devotional: BE PATIENT! - James 5:7-8

BE PATIENT!

James 5:7-8 – Devotional

James 5:7-8

“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”

We are living in such an instant age that the mere mention of patience flies in the face of our way of life. We have instant cash machines and instant check-out counters. So many things in our modern world are designed to save time, effort and energy, but they have failed!

Even with all of the short-cuts and labor saving devices at our disposal, we seem to have less time for the important things in life than ever before. Not only that, but these time and labor saving devices leave us more tired and exhausted. By the end of the day we often walk and talk like robots. The time-saving gadgets and gizmo’s leave us running at a break-neck pace to get from appointment to appointment. What has happened?

The answer lies in the Word of God. In all of our efforts we have totally failed to develop the proper discipline of patience. We do not desire to wait or slow down for anything. In all of our hectic, fast-paced schedules, we are so busy making things happen that we leave no room for that all important “quiet time” of waiting to see what God is going to bring into being.

Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!

– – – Pastor Cecil

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​PASTOR CECIL · Pastor Cecil's Devotional: THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD! – Psalm 36:5-6

THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD!

Psalm 36:5-6 –  Devotional

Psalm 36:5-6

“Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the great mountains; Your judgments are a great deep; O Lord, You preserve man and beast.”

Listen to today’s Message of the Week by Pastor Cecil by clicking above on the play button.

Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today and be a blessing!

– – – Pastor Cecil

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​PASTOR CECIL · Pastor Cecil's Devotional: PLACE YOUR TRUST IN THE LORD! Psalm 31:24

PLACE YOUR TRUST IN THE LORD!

Psalm 31:24 –  Devotional

Psalm 31:24

“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.”

Listen to today’s Message of the Week by Pastor Cecil by clicking above on the play button.

Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today and be a blessing!

– – – Pastor Cecil

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​PASTOR CECIL · Pastor Cecil's Devotional: "GOD’S EXCELLING LOVE!" 1 John 4:16

GOD’S EXCELLING LOVE!

1 John 4:16 – Devotional

“And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.”

 

In this week’s featured video devotional, Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, Charles Wesley has penned so many nuggets of truth in this hymn that you could spend a long time meditating on each short thought. Take a moment today to read through the lyrics carefully and listen to this worshipful piano rendition by Linda Hightower.

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling – Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

Love divine, all loves excelling,
joy of heav’n, to earth come down,
fix in us thy humble dwelling,
all thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, thou art all compassion,
pure, unbounded love thou art.
Visit us with thy salvation;
enter ev’ry trembling heart.

Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit
into ev’ry troubled breast.
Let us all in thee inherit,
let us find the promised rest.
Take away the love of sinning;
Alpha and Omega be.
End of faith, as its beginning,
set our hearts at liberty.

Come, Almighty, to deliver,
let us all thy life receive.
Suddenly return, and never,
nevermore they temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
serve thee as thy hosts above,
pray, and praise thee without ceasing,
glory in thy perfect love.

Finish, then, thy new creation;
true and spotless let us be.
Let us see thy great salvation
perfectly restored in thee.
Changed from glory into glory,
till in heav’n we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before thee,
lost in wonder, love and praise.

CLICK HERE to watch the Love Divine, All Loves Excelling video devotional.

Blessings dear hearts! May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!

– – – Pastor Cecil

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​PASTOR CECIL · Pastor Cecil's Devotional: "FACING HATRED!" Matthew 5:11

FACING HATRED!

Matthew 5:11 – Devotional

Matthew 5:11

“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.”

I once had a man from our congregation drop by the parsonage and ask to talk with me. I was delighted and hopeful that he wanted spiritual counsel of some sort. We enjoyed a light lunch before going into my office. Suddenly, out of the clear blue, came these words: “I hate your guts!” Wow! You could have knocked me over with a feather. Prior to this outburst there did not seem to be any hint of a conflict between us, so his statement was a blow.

With my mind reeling, I prayed silently for God’s wisdom and strength. With as much sincerity as possible I answered, “I am so glad that you feel free to share your feelings with me.” From that incident I would like to suggest a few ways to respond to and love the unlovable.

1. Rely on God’s wisdom in dealing with the person.
2. Realize that these unlovable people need love—perhaps more than others.
3. Remember how unlovable our sins are in God’s sight.
4. Rejoice that we are counted worthy to encounter persecution.
5. Respond with love rather than retaliate with resentment.

What happened on that Sunday evening so long ago? We spent time together as he poured out his heart. As he was leaving he looked me directly in the eye and said, “Pastor, I love you so much!” Wow! That was a dramatic change from the comments he made earlier. God is so good!

Blessings dear hearts! May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!

– – – Pastor Cecil

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​PASTOR CECIL · Pastor Cecil's Devotional: "PURE AND STEADFAST!" – Psalm 51:10

PURE AND STEADFAST!

Psalm 51:10 – Devotional

Psalm 51:10

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

Some people seem to have the idea that children are born innocent, perfect, and with pure little hearts. Then they have children of their own and encounter temper tantrums and sinful behavior. It confirms the reality that we are born with the sinful seed of our first parents, Adam and Eve.

When I pray, “Lord create a pure heart within me,” does that mean that the Lord is to over-ride my unloving behavior and suddenly make me loving? Some people seem to teach that. The result of this false teaching is a feeling that more is required to reach the place where tribulations disappear. Beep!

The Psalmist prays that the Lord will lead him to a purified heart and then to guide him to a steadfast spirit. That means he will become an oak tree rather than a weak willow bush. This will enable us to first of all receive the Lord’s comfort for our discomfort; and second for us to comfort those around us who are in any trouble.

Two questions: 1. Are you receiving God’s comfort for your tribulations? 2. Are you comforting those around you who are experiencing tribulation? There is value for the true believer when we encounter tribulation!

Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!

– – – Pastor Cecil

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​PASTOR CECIL · Pastor Cecil's Devotional: “ALL WE NEED WILL BE ADDED!” Matthew 6:33

ALL WE NEED WILL BE ADDED!

Matthew 6:33 – Devotional

Matthew 6:33

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

We live in a world that is obsessed with THINGS! Throughout the days of my life and ministry, I have witnessed many situations where people seem devoted to achieving the sensual pleasures of life.

In most cases, I believe it is safe to say that most of the things people obsess over have nothing to do with the essentials of life, rather, they are the toys of human pleasure and pride.

In our human experience we may endure periods of hunger or thirst. It is in these times of need that we can receive sustenance through the gifts of God’s servants. The needs of others allow us to see how the Lord provides, not only for our needs, but also how He allows His children the opportunity to be used to meet the needs of others.

As believers, we are encouraged to make seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness the top priority in our life. When we do that we can be sure that the Lord will use us as givers or receivers. Either way, we will be doing His will.

May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!

– – – Pastor Cecil

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​PASTOR CECIL · Pastor Cecil's Devotional: “GOD IS ALWAYS WITH US!” Isaiah 41:10

GOD IS ALWAYS WITH US!

Psalm 41:10 – Devotional

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.”

Isaiah 41:10 was one of the first verses I ever memorized. This Scripture has held me firm and steady through the most frightening situations of life. I am not ashamed to admit that there have been times when I have experienced fear either physically, emotionally, and perhaps even spiritually.

As a police officer, I recall when I was confronted with a life and death situation. A deranged man had already fired two shots at four of us before we were finally able to disarm him without anyone being injured. It was a terrifying situation!

I have felt the emotional fear of losing my two daughters and my precious wife. In these times of loss there is such a helpless feeling of impending separation. But then the reality of God’s provision of eternal life gives peace and assurance.

In times of terror the Holy Spirit brings peace and certainty. It is a joy that the world can never know apart from the assurance God gives. Our treasures (loved ones) are waiting for us. GOD IS ALWAYS WITH US!

May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!

– – – Pastor Cecil

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​PASTOR CECIL · Pastor Cecil's Devotional: “OUR VICTORY!” 1 John 5:4

OUR VICTORY!

1 John 5:4 – Devotional

1 John 5:4

“That which is born of God overcomes the world, and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”

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Blessings dear hearts! Walk with God today and be a blessing!

– – – Pastor Cecil

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​PASTOR CECIL · Pastor Cecil's Devotional: “THE ONE TO TRUST!” Proverbs 3:5

THE ONE TO TRUST!

Proverbs 3:5 – Devotional

Proverbs 3:5

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart rather than depending on your own understanding”

Please click on the “Play” arrow in the above box to hear Pastor Cecil share today’s Evotional.

Blessings dear hearts! Walk with God today and be a blessing!

– – – Pastor Cecil

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