My Messages. Nice reading! :)
Sunday, July 08, 2007
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The Sky is the limit
Lord´s Peace, visitor.
Here I am to give you more good and important messages to your life!
Also, I have a thing to say: I have a new blog, where I will tell about my life and news from my Fanfic series "A Possible Sequence to Cars"!
Just click here --> http://abrazilianboywith19.blogspot.com/
At there, I will tell the things of I learned with God during my "journey" called Gospel.
And now, here are the messages! All them are from Pr.Cecil.
Nice reading, and see you at my new blog!
Lord´s Peace!
DAILY-E-VOTIONAL
BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART
Pastor Cecil A. Thompson
July 4, 2007
"THE SACRIFICE OF LOVE!"
Psalm 103:1-5
"Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s."
As we in the United Sates celebrate Independence Day, it is well for all of us to consider the way the Lord Jesus Christ has set us free from sin and death. It is the greatest gift that any of us could be given. The following story was forwarded to me. I have seen it before, but the message is just as alive every time I read it.
"There was once a blind girl who hated herself for no other reason except that she was blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She said that if she could only see the world, she would marry her boyfriend.
One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her and then she could see everything, including her boyfriend.
Her boyfriend asked her, 'Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?' The girl was shocked when she saw that her boyfriend was blind. Not wanting to be burdened by a 'blind' person, she refused to marry him. Her loving, devoted and understanding boyfriend walked away in tears. His heart obviously broken.The girl who had been so fortunate to have the world opened up to her, continued enjoying it; day in and day out...trying to never miss a single pleasure life had to offer. A while later she received a letter from her ex-boy friend which stated simply: "I sincerely hope you enjoy your life. Your happiness was all that ever mattered to me. I am so happy that you are enjoying life as I always hoped you could. I would like to ask one parting favor of you my dear... Just take care of my eyes."
This, as sad as it may seem, is how the human brain changes when our status changes. Only a few remember what life was like before and who has always been there even in the most painful situations.
Life Is A Gift.
*Today before you think of saying an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.
*Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat.
*Before you complain about your husband or wife -Think of someone who's crying out to God for a companion.
*Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who went too early to heaven.
*Before you complain about your children - Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.
*Before you argue about your dirty house, someone didn't clean or sweep - Think of the people who are living in the streets.
*Before whining about the distance you drive - Think of someone who walks the same distance.And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.
But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another - Remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to one Maker.
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and thank God you're alive and still around.Life is a gift... Live it... Enjoy it... Celebrate it... And fulfill it"
Blessings dear heart. Walk with God today and allow Him to make you a blessing to others.
- - - Pastor Cecil
DAILY-E-VOTIONAL
BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART
July 6, 2007
Pastor Cecil A. Thompson
“RECONCILED!”
Romans 5:1-5"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us."Good! It balanced! Those words from my dear wife, Joyce, brings satisfaction to both of us. For her because she balanced the checkbook, and for me, because I am off the hook for another month for not telling her about checks I had written or debits I had made. Whew!There is another word for this balancing act. It is the word reconciliation. It carries with it the idea of making payment to cover the costs which have been incurred. Let's go back to the checkbook illustration. Imagine that I used my debit card at the bookstore. I walked out with the items I had chosen, but I had used a piece of plastic that is connected, fortunately or unfortunately, to our bank account.The purchase was made, but there remains the accounting process. Sufficient funds must be available in that account to cover the cost of my purchases. I guess you might call it Basic Banking 101. That is something that even an accounting dummy like me can comprehend.Okay, here comes section two of our Basic Banking 101. Once again let us assume that I have made purchases at the bookstore in the amount of $100. At this time our checking account balance is only $45. Do we have a problem here? You bet your sweet life! When we walk through their bank doors, they may smile sweetly, but when that overdrawn charge comes through, their smile turns into a snarl!Now let's make a transition into the spiritual realm. Think again of the Prodigal Son and his return to the father. There was nothing in his "account." He was absolutely broke! He could reconcile his debt of sin and dissipation. But the debt had to be covered. There was only one way-- the debt was covered by his loving father. That is the way we are in relation to God. We can't--He can! That's all we need to know!In today's Scripture, we have several key points leading to our reconciliation. Paul says we are justified by faith. That means that there has been a deposit made to our account. Christ, by His atoning sacrifice paid the debt of sin (death) by His death, in order that we might have life. Wow! Faith is our accepting that act of justification.As a result of our faith, we begin to receive compound interest at unheard of levels! I still cannot grasp how precious are these wonderful deposits in our account: We have peace! Peace not as the world gives nor can ever take away, but peace that survives, even in the midst of the storms of life.We have access into this grace. This is no small matter. Remember when Esther went in to the king to beg for the lives of her people? This was no small matter. He was the only one who could save them. He was a man with an explosive temper, and he could very easily have had her executed. But he granted her request. Read the book of Esther for details.We have access, not to an earthly king, but to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Wow - again! The King gives us these very great and precious rewards: Joy in hope! Joy in suffering! Perseverance! Character! Hope! Love!Not only are we reconciled, but through Christ we are clothed with a new robe of righteousness, (His), and a ring of authority is placed upon our finger. We are filled with a joyous expectation that even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, He is there beside us! Wow! Wow! Wow!Blessings dear heart. Walk with God today and allow Him to make you a blessing to others.
- - - Pastor Cecil
DAILY-E-VOTIONAL
BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART
Pastor Cecil A. Thompson
July 5, 2007
"LISTEN!"
Mark 8:16-18"They discussed this (His warning to beware the yeast of the Pharisees) with one another and said, 'It is because we have no bread.' Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: 'Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember?' "Today is a beautiful day in western Washington. The sun is shinning and the birds are singing. The birds are singing because they know that I am a pushover. Their feeders are always full and there is a variety - so much so that they think this is a bird cafeteria.
On days like today it just seems as if God has opened the window of heaven a bit and allowed the glory to shine down. The grass seems greener, the sky a more vivid blue and Mount Rainier a more brilliant white. It is well, during these moments, to take note of the things that we all too frequently ignore.
Overlooking God's glory is a subject I would like to consider for today--- not the birds and bees, the flowers and the trees - but the way some people have the spiritual eyes and ears, yet fail to comprehend the wonderful things which God has prepared for us.
I can remember an incident in my life when I was a small boy. (Believe me, that is that is a long time to recall). There was a man who lived near us. His name was Buss Burns. Buss was working to repair his roof which had cedar shingles. I can not recall how or why I was on that roof. The one thing I do remember was suddenly beginning to slide toward the edge. I was about to yell for help, when a nail, or something caught my pants. It was then I knew that it was the time for me to get off that roof and on the ground-- fast!
It was in my adult years that I heard the illustration of a young boy like me, who was sliding toward the edge of a slick roof. As the story goes, he began to call out to the Lord to save him. Like me, a nail caught his pants and he looked toward heaven and said, "Don't bother Lord, the nail saved me!"
We have eyes to see, ears to hear, minds to reason, and yet we so often fail to grasp the concept that God cares for us and has a beautiful plan for our life. We take the credit when good things happen and turn around and blame God when things are not going well. That, my dear friend is spiritual blindness.
Even the disciples of Jesus failed to grasp His words. In today's Scripture, they were guilty of bringing down to a human level Jesus' words which were spiritual. They were thinking about not having bread to fill the stomach, but Jesus was speaking about the self-righteous sin of the Pharisees.
So how can we change? How can we be people who open our eyes to see, our ears to hear and our minds to understand? The answer lies in our exercising spiritual discipline. It is reading God's Word again and again and asking the Lord to help us understand it's meaning.
It is paying attention to the words of Scripture we read, the words of songs which are sung, the needs we see in those around us. The miraculous truth of God's Word is ours for the taking. It is purposing in our hearts that we will be open to comprehend! Listen! Can you hear it? God is speaking in His quiet small voice. Only those who remain quiet before Him will hear and comprehend.
Blessings dear heart. Walk with God today and allow Him to make you a blessing to others.
- - - Pastor Cecil
Thursday, May 31, 2007
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Hello again, people!
Lord´s Peace!Here are another good messages of will like to read.They are from A Chapel of Friends and Pastor Cecil.To subscribe to :~ A Chapel of Friends : send an e-mail to offriends-subscribe@MyInJesus.com with the Subject "Subscribe".~ Pastor Cecil : send an e-mail to PastorCecil@Daily-E-Votional.com with the Subject "Subscribe".Nice reading and Lord´s Peace!GOD IS HOLDING YOU IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND
faith Dube
May 25, 2007In The Safety Of The Palm Of His HandThere isn't a trial...a heartache...or problemwhere the Lord isn't all that He says He will be.For God is faithful when conflict rises to the surfaceand the dark clouds are all that we see.He's the lover of our souls...when our souls are sorefrom the weariness and pain of our flesh.For the season we walk through doesn't hinder God's abilityto move with us and abundantly bless.There isn't one promise that God has for His childrenwhich will tarnish or fade with the pain.For if we believe those promises there in our droughtwe'll be watered by spiritual rain.God's ability to provide will not run and hideas if scared by the magnitude of our need.But through lean times we'll know Him as ultimate Provider...manifesting Himself through kind deeds.There is no sadness, devastation...or great sorrowwhere we're just left there to mend on our own.For the ashes give way to God's beauty one dayand flowers bloom from the tears we have sown.Everything and all things Father says He will dowill give us strength and the courage to stand.For we are not abandoned, but rather held so tightlyin the safety of the palm of His hand.© Sheila GosneyMy soul still remembers And sinks within me.
This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope.
Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
" The LORD is my portion," says my soul,Lamentations 3:20-24And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. Romans 8:28-30Sheila Gosney sends out her poems FREE via her own e-mail ministry.If someone forwarded this to you, and you would like to subscribesimply send a request to her at poetrysubscriptions@hotmail.comIf you believeyou were sent this in error,please double check the sender before writingas so much e-mail is forwarded and used by others
"Encourage one another daily as long as it is called TODAY, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." Hebrews 3:13Thank you 4 SharingWe are Praying Always!Call our 24/7 PrayerLine at:( 954)885-1560Love, GrannyFaithDAILY-E-VOTIONAL
BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART
May 24, 2007
Pastor Cecil A. Thompson
“ME CHANGE?!”
Psalm 51:10-13
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right, persevering and steadfast spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence; and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Then will I teach transgressors Your ways; and sinners shall be converted and return to You." (The Amplified Bible)
Howard's life seemed to be one gigantic series of battles. As a professor he seemed to be surrounded by people who were incompetent, inane or immovable. The more he fought to transform their thinking, the worse they seemed to become. It was a never ending battle that he seemed to be losing. It was not just people that he dealt with at the seminary, but it also included his wife and kids.
From morning to night, Howard tried to think of ways to make his wife, kids and students to get the picture he was trying to get across. In his mind it was so simple, yet they all seemed to be missing the point. He spent hours in prayer asking the Lord to change these stubborn people so his life would be easier.
It was during one of these sessions in prayer that the Holy Spirit spoke to him. It was not in a great or mighty voice, but in a simple awareness that the Lord was leading him to open his eyes. As he prayed for the Lord to give him enlightenment, he began a process that was to change his life.
In prayer, he recalled how he always prayed for the Lord to change others--his wife, his kids, his students and any others who were an irritation to him. He suddenly saw a common element in each situation- - - it was him! He was the one who needed to change!
From that moment on he began to pray for his wife's husband, his children's father and his student's professor. As he continued this prayer from day to day an amazing thing happened. His wife became more dear to him, his children seemed to change and even his students were no longer the same. What was the difference? He prayed that the Lord would change HIM!
The prayer of the Psalmist in today's Scripture gives us the godly pattern for our life. "Create in me a clean heart, O God." That prayer can only be answered by a new birth. It is not trying to be good or change our ways, but by an act of confessing our sinful nature and asking the Lord Jesus Christ to come into our heart. The cleansing of our heart can only take place from the inside out (God's work) not from the outside in (our feeble efforts).
"Renew a right, persevering and steadfast spirit within me." Following the work of redemption there is a need for an updated model. As we spend time with God in prayer and in His Word, He is able to give us the wherewithal to have our bubble in the middle (spiritually speaking). A right, persevering and steadfast spirit. Chew on that for a while.
"Cast me not away from Your presence; and take not Your Holy Spirit from me." Oh, how much we need the Lord. This is a prayer for the Lord to be with me at all times. We need His comfort and direction to keep us from sin and shame.
"Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit." How long has it been since you were genuinely happy to be a Christian? Some Christians act as if they were baptized in vinegar! We need to be radiantly happy that our name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life and that we are bound for heaven. Are you?
I am sure that these verses will hold even more meaning for you as you study them. The key is that your prayer and my prayer change from asking the Lord to change others to asking Him to: Lord change me!
Blessings dear heart. Walk with God today and allow Him to make you a blessing to others.
- - - Pastor Cecil
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SUBSCRIBE: If this newsletter was forwarded to you and you would like to Subscribe, please click on the linked email to PastorCecil@Daily-E-Votional.com -- If you have e-mail filtering, be sure to add PastorCecil@Daily-E-Votional.com to your approved list.
DAILY-E-VOTIONAL
BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART
May 31, 2007
Pastor Cecil A. Thompson
“WHERE'S THE BLESSING?”
Psalm 103:1-5
"Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s."
Years ago I read an illustration about a husband and wife who were traveling across the Atlantic on a great ocean liner. It was their first trip across the sea and one that was taking them to a new homeland. The cost for the passage had cost more than they had expected. They packed a large lunch and ate as sparingly as possible, but soon the food was gone.They passed the dining room and saw people eating the finest food with great relish. It only increased their hunger. The husband finally mustered the courage to go to a ship's officer and asked if there was any work he could do on the ship to earn enough for food for he and his wife.The officer was shocked. He asked if they had not been eating in the dining room. The man said they had not. It was then that the officer revealed that the cost of the ticket also included meals. While they had been languishing from the aroma of the wonderful food, it had been theirs for the taking since the time they first sailed.How many times do we live that very way in the spiritual realm? The Lord has promised and provided us a feast of blessing, yet we are whimpering and whining about how we are starving to death. It is time to stop acting like spiritual babies and begin to praise the Lord for all of His blessings to us. God is a blessing God and delights in giving His children gifts of various kinds.I can remember a Christmas many years ago when our three kids were young. Joyce and I had bought a farm set as a gift. Christmas Eve, after the kids were in bed we began to set up the farm set. It was only then that we discovered that there were 9,076 pieces in the set. (Just kidding, but it seemed like it).Several hours later we finally finished the task and fell into bed exhausted. Can I tell you how long it took the three to make a shambles of the carefully constructed farm scene? You wouldn't want to know! Let's just say that it was in 9,076 pieces before we sat down for breakfast.Did they love it? You bet! Did they appreciate it? You bet! Did they realize how many hours it had taken us to put it all together? Probably not completely! We are very much the same way when it comes to our appreciation for what the Lord has done for us. I think it is time to stop and count our blessings, then give Him thanks and praise.Blessings dear heart. Walk with God today and allow Him to make you a blessing to others.- - - Pastor Cecil
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SUBSCRIBE: If this newsletter was forwarded to you and you would like to Subscribe, please click on the linked email to PastorCecil@Daily-E-Votional.com -- If you have e-mail filtering, be sure to add PastorCecil@Daily-E-Votional.com to your approved list.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
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More messages to your life!
Lord´s Peace!Here are another messages from my e-mail.The messages are from Pastor Cecil, "Morning Light" and "A Chapel of Friends" .Nice reading, and Lord´s Peace!DAILY-E-VOTIONAL
BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART
May 30, 2007
Pastor Cecil A. Thompson
“VICTORY!”
ColossianS 1:24-27
"Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
I enjoy winning better than losing. What a profound statement and I know you are impressed. In my high school days I played football. In my freshman year we lost most of our games and it was not much fun. It wasn't too hard since I spent almost all of the time sitting on the bench. By the time I was a senior I was on the starting team. We won all of our games and it far more enjoyable. In fact it was a blast.Thinking back over the days of my life I can recall that there have been both victories and losses in many areas. Some of them were due to my own actions, but others were not the result of my actions. I may have been basking in the efforts of others. Just the same, I enjoyed the winning more than the losing.I have just read a statement that was reportedly made following the death of one of the richest men in the world. Someone asked an associate of the wealthy man how much he'd left behind? The response was, (and is thought provoking): "He left everything!"Think about the things we strive to attain thinking that they will give us the satisfaction of winning. Is it true victory? An athlete may strive to win the highest award in his or her sport and after winning the highest award he still may feel that he has not attained the victory he was seeking.Winning battles, attaining wealth, achieving prestige--any number of temporal pursuits may give temporary satisfaction, but the ultimate victory is still missing. That victory may only be found in Jesus Christ. In today's Scripture, Paul describes it as a glorious mystery.I want to adapt an old adage, "No Christ, no victory. Know Christ, know victory!" The things of this world will pass away. That is a fact! Just as true, we have an eternal reward awaiting us if we receive Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. That my dear friend is the real victory!Eugene Bartlett wrote a wonderful song back in the 30's, "Victory In Jesus." Here is the first verse and chorus of that old favorite:"I heard an old, old story, how a Savior came from glory, how He gave His life on Calvary to save a wretch like me. I heard about His groaning, of His precious blood's atoning, then I repented of my sins and won the victory.O victory in Jesus, my Savior forever! He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood; He loved me ere I knew Him, and all my love is due Him--He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood."As believers we should have a different view of victory than unbelievers. Regardless of the trials or ordeals we go through, we have a bright hope of victory in Jesus. The things of this earth will pass away, but our victory is everlasting and sure. Let's start living victoriously!Blessings dear heart. Walk with God today and allow Him to make you a blessing to others.
- - - Pastor Cecil
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SUBSCRIBE: If this newsletter was forwarded to you and you would like to Subscribe, please click on the linked email to PastorCecil@Daily-E-Votional.com -- If you have e-mail filtering, be sure to add PastorCecil@Daily-E-Votional.com to your approved list.
THE CURVES OF LIFE
Diane M. Hale
May 28, 2007
"I cry to you, O Lord, I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living." [Psalm 142:5]
Some thoughts this morning about the remedies man has found to cover his pain, to hide the agony, to swallow the disappointment, the screams of why, the groans that come loudly from man's soul when life takes a curve and all hope is gone. How gladly we expect and accept man's discoveries to remove the horror and give the human physic opium for the dark side of life. There are moments in every man's life, when life is too much and just a 'little' help to climb over to the other side of pain are all we need. And it works!—But what if?
What if Christ Himself—the Risen Lord of Glory became that which we could partake? Is it not conceivable that a greater 'opium' for human suffering could be experienced? I pose the question knowing that my answer is a resounding yes…yet my pain when compared to the pain of many others does not warrant comparison.
Many times in our journey of life darkness penetrates our lives and it is difficult to see God—yet—God Himself says that even darkness is not darkness to Him but becomes light. He is faithful in the hard places of our lives and reveals Himself according to our need. It is in the agony of painful circumstances man searches for meaning, humanity fades and the One who created us fills and surrounds us. It is not the measure of our need but the measure of our God that makes the difference.
Pain takes us 'below the surface' of every day human experience and a dimension of God centered living begins to awaken us to the awesome reality that our thoughts are not God's thoughts, our plans are not God's plans and our purposes sink far beneath God's purpose.
From Genesis to Revelation God not only exposes where we are but where He desires us to be—living in a spiritual dimension fulfilling His purpose where even the horror of life's tragedies fade and supernatural peace absorbs our very being. These are the Cross-slinging moments when the Risen Christ reaches out His arms and unveils His heart. He personally becomes a resting-place for every man.
This morning know that whatever corner life turns, when numbness fills your soul—Christ, Jehovah Shalom is with YOU!
Further Reading: Psalm 23, 2 Corinthians 4God's Timing
LilMarie
May 22, 2007God's Timing
The vision that God has given
And the things that He has planned
May not happen right away
Or in ways that we understand
For often God’s preparing us
For when that day arrives
When we will see the outworking
Of God’s vision in our lives
Though it tarries, wait for it
For it will surely come
God’s timing never comes too late
He’ll accomplish what He’s begun
God is never slow to act
He will surely bring it to pass
We need not be anxious and despair
But have peace within our hearts
For when it comes we'll be released
Into what the Lord’s prepared
So we will fulfill all that He’s planned
As we are being gently led.
© By M.S.Lowndes.
(Habakkuk chp2: 3)
Monday, May 28, 2007
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More messages to your life!
Lord´s Peace.Here are more messages from my e-mail to you.All they are from "A Chapel of friends".Nice reading and Lord´s Peace!Revival Quotes : False conversion
Total Change Ministries
May 28, 2007False Conversion
"There is another Gospel, too popular in the present day, which seems to exclude conviction of sin and repentance from the scheme of Salvation;which demands from the sinner a mere intellectual assent to the fact of his guilt and sinfulness, and a like intellectual assent to the fact and sufficiency of Christ's atonement; and such assent yielded, tells him to go in peace, and to he happy in the assurance that the Lord Jesus has made all right between his soul and God; thus crying peace, peace, when there is no peace.
"Flimsy and false conversions of this sort may be one reason why so many who assume the Christian profession dishonor God and bring reproach on the church by their inconsistent lives, and by their ultimate relapse into worldliness and sin. The whole counsel of God must be declared. 'By the law is the knowledge of sin.' Sin must be felt before it can be mourned. Sinners must sorrow before they can be comforted.
True conversions are the great want of the times. Conversions such as were common once, and shall be again, when the church shakes off her lethargy, takes hold upon God's strength, and brings down the ancient power. Then, as of old, sinners will quail before the terror of the Lord."
--J. H. Lord.Conviction of Sin
"A revival always includes conviction of sin on the part of the church. Back-slidden professors cannot wake up and begin right away in the service of God without deep searchings of heart. The fountains of sin need to be broken up. In a true Revival, Christians are always brought under such conviction; they see their sins in such a light that often they find it impossible to maintain a hope of their acceptance with God. It does not always go to that extent, but there are always, in a genuine Revival, deep convictions of sin, and often cases of abandoning all hope."
--Charles G. Finney.
"I had not discoursed long when the congregation melted into tears. This abated for a few minutes, till a little boy about seven or eight years of age cried out exceeding piteously indeed and wept as though his little heart would break. I asked the little boy what he cried for. He answered 'my sins !' I then asked him what he wanted. He answered, 'Christ!'
"Others were so earnest for a discovery of the Lord to their souls that their eager crying obliged me to stop, and I prayed over them, as I saw their agonies and distress increase. Oh, the distress and anguish of their souls! oh, the pains that were upon them!
"Many of the assembled were deeply affected, groaning and sobbing; there was a great weeping and mourning."
--Wm. Bramwell.
"When the conviction as to its mental process reaches its crisis, the person, through weakness, is unable to sit or stand, and either kneels or lies down. A great number of convicted persons in this town and neighborhood, and now I believe in all directions in the north where the Revival prevails, are "smitten down" as suddenly and they fall as nerveless and paralyzed and powerless, as if killed instantly by a shotgun.
They fall with a deep groan, some with a wild cry of horror--the greater number with the intensely earnest plea, 'Lord Jesus, have mercy on my soul !' The whole frame trembles like an aspen leaf, an intolerable weight is felt upon the chest, a choking sensation is experienced and relief from this found only in the loud, urgent prayer for deliverance, usually the bodily distress and mental anguish continue till some degree of confidence in Christ is found.
Then the look, the tone, the gestures, instantly change. The aspect of anguish and despair is changed for that of gratitude, and triumph, and adoration. The language and the looks, and terrible struggles, and loud desperate depreciation, tell convincingly, as the parties themselves declare, that they are in deadly conflict with the old serpent. The perspiration rolls off the anguished victims; their very hair is moistened. Some pass through this exhausting conflict several times; others but once. There is no appetite for food; many will eat nothing for a number of days. They do not sleep, though they may lie down with their eyes shut."
--The Irish Revival 1859.
Quotes taken from Oswald J Smith's book "The Revival We Need"THE REVIVAL WE NEED
By Terry Somerville
The desire for revival is at an all time high. There have been many prophecies about a coming move of God that will eclipse all previous ones. Most discussions revolve around the glory and presence of God moving in the land.
Though much is being said and done, it seems to be mostly prophetic activity. The one basic ingredient that is lacking, and seldom spoken of, is true repentance. This requires a total breaking down of the heart, otherwise we naturally go along in"Christian selfishness", with all our activity oriented to ourself.
I'm more burdened over sin in the Body of Christ. In ministry times I find most Christians seem to be seeking a blessing in the meetings. The prayers revolve around the needs and not God's hearts desire. They experience the power and presence of God, yet leave with unyielded lives. Many Christians know there are issues between them and the Lord and are willing to leave them unchanged. Sometimes if I bring up the state of their heart during ministry they will say "God will change my heart". In the midst of all the Christian activity theres no sense of God's desire for true righteousness.
Out in the community as I work I encounter two things. People like Jesus, but the church is irrelevant, or worse.... Todays church seems to be very much like Isaiah described.
Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways: as (if they were) a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God, they ask of me righteous judgments; they delight to draw near unto
God.
Here are some of the issues I see standing between us and revival.1. Power Without Repentance
The church has confused experiencing the presence of God VS a heart being right with God. It is possible for the heart to be unyielded yet still experience the anointing on the natural man! Yet most think if the Holy Spirit comes on them with His power their hearts must be right. The love of God has come with such power over the last number of years and yet I saw many entering in who remained in sin. I asked God about it and the Holy Spirit spoke to me. "I'm sending my love because I want to capture their hearts." Has it worked?
Jesus warned those who have anointing but work iniquity. How many there are in the church today!
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matt 7:22,232. A Backward Gospel - a problem we have created!
The gospel most Christians believe goes like this.
a) believe in Jesus
b) ask Him to forgive your sins and come into your life
c) He will change you.
The gospel the bible teaches is
a) repent and believe first (change your life)
b) God will forgive your sin and come into your life
c) Walk with Him in newness of life
The gospel has a clear condition of turning from sin first, and genuinely entering into a righteous life. It seems most of the church is missing this. NO this is not salvation by works, this is repentance! We are forgiven and saved from sin because of the cross. Our righteousness cannot save us. But it is required! From Genesis to Revelation! Look at the gospel the church preached.
Luke 24:47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that so there may come seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord;3. Confession is Not repentance.
Here is another common error. Being sorry at the altar and asking God to forgive is NOT repentance. It is confessing sin. We have mixed this up. To confess our sins is simply to acknowledge the truth about our condition and ask God to forgive us. Repentance is a genuine turning from the heart which "bears fruit befitting repentance".4. Genuine Conversion Results in A Holy Life
Away with this garbage of continuing in sin but saying we are "immune" because of Christ. Sins power to reign is actually gone from us because of the cross. (Romans 6) Because of this we are warned not to live in sin. We choose!
Can we imagine the judgment day, and on this side is one who sinned not knowing Christ, and on the other is a Christian who continues in the same sin as the first man. Will the Lord be unjust? Will the cross be a mockery? Or does the Lord expect real righteousness to be the reward of His suffering?
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life. Galatians 6:7,85. The Changed Heart is Mans Responsibility, But God's Activity
Most Christians are waiting for the Lord to change their hearts. God is waiting for us to "rend our hearts" and to "make for ourself a new heart"
Joel 2:12 Yet even now, saith Jehovah, turn ye unto me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13 and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto Jehovah your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
Cast away from you all your transgressions, wherein ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Ezekiel 18:31
This is the same Ezekiel who says the Lord will give a new heart and a new spirit. How is it possible? Does the new heart come from God or us? It is both Here is an example
There is a man with sickness unto death. He goes to the doctor who gives him medicine. He takes it and is well. What made him well? The man did because he went to the doctor, the doctor did because he treated the man, and the medicine did as well because it killed the disease. The new heart is our responsibility, but we have left out that part out of the gospel. It must be returned for revival preaching to work.
New Heart Ingredients
a) Conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment by the Holy Spirit. Only this will break into the deep levels needed for repentance. This requires praying Christians and righteous preaching. Surely if the Lord is anointing us with power for healing He will bring this clear promise of the Spirit.
He will convict the world concerning sin, and concerning righteousness, and concerning judgment; John 16:8
b) The true condition of the selfish motives of our life are seen, and wrestled down. As Finney said "the fountains of sin must be broken up". If believing the gospel is only head knowledge about Christ, it is doubtful conversion ever took place! It must be a matter of the heart. For out of the heart springs all the issues of life!
c) The Holy Spirit enters in and God pours His own love into our heart! This is the point! The Love of God Himself is put into our heart. The same love that motivated Jesus becomes the motivation of our hearts. (John 17:26 Rom. 5:5) Check it out. When the revivalists broke through they had a radical filling with Gods love!
Here are Finney's own words:
"No words can express the wonderful love that was shed abroad in my heart. I wept aloud with joy and love; and I do not know but I should say, I literally bellowed out the unutterable gushings of my heart. The waves came over me, and over me, one after the other, until I recollect I cried out, 'I shall die if these waves continue to pass over me.' I said, 'Lord, I cannot bear any more;' yet I had no fear of death."Conclusion
Yes, we need a mighty revival. As I check out the old time revivals and go right back to the preaching of the bible I see a common denominator. The preaching of the righteous demands of a Holy God, accompanied by mighty convictions of the Holy Spirit. This produces deep conversions and holy, power filled living. This, and ONLY this, impacts and changes the community with the Kingdom of God.
Right now we are living in a time of theories. "Revival this, Kingdom that, Prophetic this, Apostolic whatever. " The world is longing for the revival we need!A God Of Hope
LilMarie
May 24, 2007A God Of Hope
I just want to say thank you
For this life you've given me
For all the wondrous blessings
For setting my spirit freeYou are such an awesome God
Who only gives the best
Giving us a life of hope
When we face all kinds of testsFor often we face in life
Struggles of every kind
Little things can get us down
And peace is far from our mindsBut you give hope to carry on
No matter what we face
When we feel like giving up
Unable to finish the raceYou step in just in time
With angels heaven sent
To encourage us to carry on
And to give us extra strengthSo I praise you Lord for whom you are
And for all that I can be
For I’d never have a better life
Apart from your life in me.© By M.S.Lowndes.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
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Messages from my e-mail to your life
Lord´s Peace!Well, let´s go!These two messages I got from my e-mail. The first is from A Chapel of Friends and the second is from the Pastor Cecil.To subscribe to:A Chapel of friends : http://www.injesus.com/index.php?module=group&task=subscribe&GroupID=ZA007J2LPastor Cecil : PastorCecil@Daily-E-Votional.com with the Subject "Subscribe".Ok, here are the messages. Nice reading.Jesus Has The Key
Lillian Friendt
May 26, 2007Jesus Has The Key
"No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent
Me draw him; and I will raise him up at the last day."
John 6: 44
There is only one way for us to approach Jesus and that is
Through the Spirit of the Lord as the Father draws unto Him.No man can come to the Father unless they go through
The door, which is Christ Jesus. We must be like children- -
Humbly open to receive the truths in God's Holy Word.
We are told that "all things are delivered unto Jesus of the Father;
And no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man
The Father, save the Son, and he whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
Matthew 11: 27.
Jesus is the key that opens and gives us access to the Father and to
Eternal life. When a person chooses to believe in Jesus Christ as
Their Lord and Savior, they only do so in response to the urging
Of God's Holy Spirit. As God does the urging through his spirit, then we
Decide whether or not to believe and receive. Thus, no one can believe
In Jesus without God's help.
In the Scriptures in John, we see that Jesus refers to an Old Testament
View of the messianic Kingdom in which all people will be taught directly
By God (Isaiah 54: 13; Jeremiah 31: 31-34; Hebrews 8: 8-11). Here,
Jesus is stressing how important it is that we not only hear, but we learn
Of Him. Through the Bible, our experiences, the thoughts the Holy Spirit
Gives us and other Christians, we are taught of God. We don't just
Believe, but we keep on believing and trusting in the Lord. There is only
One way that leads to eternal life and this is through Jesus our Savior.In this world today, we see many who say they acknowledge God but deny that Jesus is the Son of God. Without Jesus in their life, they cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. The message of life, love, and liberty centers around the finished work and plan of God by Jesus at Calvary. Because he lives today, we have a blessed hope of eternal life with Christ.
May we always see the key to heaven is only found in Christ and if
We look to Him in faith, we will be secure in Christ. Many are standing
Outside the door of faith who need to know the key to eternal life.
Our prayer should be for others and that we might be the witnesses
God intents to reach souls in these last days for his glory.
As we continue on in Christ, we can help share his love and plan with
Others. The power of the Holy Spirit to draw to God is active and alive
Today as God still moves among his people. We are blessed to be
A part of those who have received the key to eternal life. Our prayer
Is to have a closer walk with the Lord each new day of our lives.
May our unchanging God be glorified today and always!
Blessings In Christ,
Jo Ann Kelly (c) 2003DAILY-E-VOTIONAL
BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART
May 24, 2007
Pastor Cecil A. Thompson
“ME CHANGE?!”
Psalm 51:10-13
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right, persevering and steadfast spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence; and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Then will I teach transgressors Your ways; and sinners shall be converted and return to You." (The Amplified Bible)
Howard's life seemed to be one gigantic series of battles. As a professor he seemed to be surrounded by people who were incompetent, inane or immovable. The more he fought to transform their thinking, the worse they seemed to become. It was a never ending battle that he seemed to be losing. It was not just people that he dealt with at the seminary, but it also included his wife and kids.
From morning to night, Howard tried to think of ways to make his wife, kids and students to get the picture he was trying to get across. In his mind it was so simple, yet they all seemed to be missing the point. He spent hours in prayer asking the Lord to change these stubborn people so his life would be easier.
It was during one of these sessions in prayer that the Holy Spirit spoke to him. It was not in a great or mighty voice, but in a simple awareness that the Lord was leading him to open his eyes. As he prayed for the Lord to give him enlightenment, he began a process that was to change his life.
In prayer, he recalled how he always prayed for the Lord to change others--his wife, his kids, his students and any others who were an irritation to him. He suddenly saw a common element in each situation- - - it was him! He was the one who needed to change!
From that moment on he began to pray for his wife's husband, his children's father and his student's professor. As he continued this prayer from day to day an amazing thing happened. His wife became more dear to him, his children seemed to change and even his students were no longer the same. What was the difference? He prayed that the Lord would change HIM!
The prayer of the Psalmist in today's Scripture gives us the godly pattern for our life. "Create in me a clean heart, O God." That prayer can only be answered by a new birth. It is not trying to be good or change our ways, but by an act of confessing our sinful nature and asking the Lord Jesus Christ to come into our heart. The cleansing of our heart can only take place from the inside out (God's work) not from the outside in (our feeble efforts).
"Renew a right, persevering and steadfast spirit within me." Following the work of redemption there is a need for an updated model. As we spend time with God in prayer and in His Word, He is able to give us the wherewithal to have our bubble in the middle (spiritually speaking). A right, persevering and steadfast spirit. Chew on that for a while.
"Cast me not away from Your presence; and take not Your Holy Spirit from me." Oh, how much we need the Lord. This is a prayer for the Lord to be with me at all times. We need His comfort and direction to keep us from sin and shame.
"Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit." How long has it been since you were genuinely happy to be a Christian? Some Christians act as if they were baptized in vinegar! We need to be radiantly happy that our name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life and that we are bound for heaven. Are you?
I am sure that these verses will hold even more meaning for you as you study them. The key is that your prayer and my prayer change from asking the Lord to change others to asking Him to: Lord change me!
Blessings dear heart. Walk with God today and allow Him to make you a blessing to others.
- - - Pastor Cecil
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SUBSCRIBE: If this newsletter was forwarded to you and you would like to Subscribe, please click on the linked email to PastorCecil@Daily-E-Votional.com -- If you have e-mail filtering, be sure to add PastorCecil@Daily-E-Votional.com to your approved list.
Have a nice day, people!
Lord´s Peace!
brazilian_boy18
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- Name: Cleiton
- Birthday: 9/12/1987
- Gender: Male
- Member Since: 6/15/2006
About Me
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Jesus loves you! - http://www.godlovestheworld.com/