Rev. Cecil Thorn, Author at Hiding Place Ministry Intl 501(c)3

Experiencing Ministry

Rev. Cecil Thorn

“I experience ministry as a result of experiencing growth

as a result of experiencing God….”

I prayed. (Psalm 40:1(KJV))

It expresses the psalmist’s patience and faith in waiting for the Lord’s response to their prayer. The psalmist waited patiently for God and, in due time, God inclined to them and heard their cry. It reflects the idea of trusting in God’s timing and having confidence that He will answer the prayers of those who seek Him with patience and faith.

He inclined to me. (Psalm 40:1(KJV))

expresses the idea that God, in response to the psalmist’s patience and cry for help, bent down or stooped to listen and respond to their prayer. It conveys the notion of God’s attentiveness and willingness to hear the pleas of the one who is praying. The verse as a whole conveys the message that when the psalmist waited patiently for the Lord and called out to Him, God paid attention and heard their cry, demonstrating His responsiveness and care for those who seek Him.

He heard my cry. (Psalm 40:1(KJV))

emphasizes that God not only inclined to the psalmist’s prayer but also listened to it and acknowledged their plea for help. It conveys the idea that when the psalmist cried out to the Lord, God responded by paying heed to their distress and responding to their needs. This verse underscores the concept of God’s compassion and responsiveness to the prayers and cries of those who seek His assistance, showing that God is attentive and caring toward those who call upon Him in their times of trouble.

He drew me up. (Psalm 40:2(KJV))

This verse describes a vivid image of God’s intervention in the psalmist’s life. “He drew me up” means that God lifted the psalmist from a situation of deep distress and despair, often symbolized as a “horrible pit” and “miry clay,” which represent a metaphorical state of being stuck in difficulty and sin. God rescued the psalmist from this dire condition, giving them stability and security, symbolized by setting their feet upon a rock. This act of salvation and establishment conveys the idea of God’s deliverance and the restoration of the psalmist’s life, providing a firm foundation on which to stand and move forward. This verse emphasizes God’s ability to rescue and establish those who trust in Him.

He cleaned me off. (Psalm 40:2(KJV))

The verse describes God’s intervention in the psalmist’s life by lifting them out of a difficult and troubled situation, symbolized by the “horrible pit” and “miry clay.” While the specific phrase “cleaned me off” isn’t used, the verse does convey the idea of being rescued from a state of spiritual or emotional distress and placed on a firm foundation, symbolized by setting the psalmist’s feet on solid ground (a rock) and establishing their path. The emphasis is on God’s saving and stabilizing work in the psalmist’s life, not specifically on the act of cleaning.

He set my feet. (Psalm 40:2(KJV))

In this verse, “He set my feet upon a rock” expresses the idea that God, in rescuing the psalmist from a distressing and difficult situation, provided them with a stable and secure foundation. The image of setting one’s feet on a rock represents finding a solid and unshakable footing. This is a metaphorical way of saying that God brought the psalmist from a state of instability, turmoil, or peril to a place of security and firm footing, both in a physical and spiritual sense. It signifies God’s role as a source of stability and strength in the life of the psalmist and, by extension, in the lives of believers who trust in Him.

He secured my steps. (Psalm 40:2(KJV))

While this verse doesn’t use the phrase “secured my steps,” it conveys a similar idea. “And established my goings” means that God not only rescued the psalmist from a dire and troubled situation but also provided guidance, direction, and security for their future steps and journey. It emphasizes God’s role in directing and preserving the psalmist’s path, ensuring that they can move forward in a stable and righteous manner.

The phrase “He secured my steps” is a valid interpretation of this verse because it captures the essence of God’s guidance and protection in the psalmist’s life, ensuring that their way is established and secure.

He changed my heart song. (Psalm 40:3(KJV))

The verse does not explicitly say “He changed my heart song,” but it does convey the idea that God has transformed the psalmist’s experience and response to life. “He hath put a new song in my mouth” signifies a change in the psalmist’s perspective and a deep, joyful response to God’s deliverance and grace.

This new song represents a transformation from despair to praise and thanksgiving, reflecting a change in the psalmist’s heart and attitude. The verse goes on to say that many will witness this change, be in awe of it (fear), and come to trust in the Lord themselves, as they see the transformation and witness the psalmist’s faith and praise. So, while the specific phrase “He changed my heart song” is not used, the verse conveys the idea of a heart transformed by God’s grace and a new song of praise being placed in the psalmist’s mouth.

Many see, fear, and trust. (Psalm 40:3(KJV))

This verse conveys a powerful message about the impact of the psalmist’s transformation and the praise and trust in the Lord that result from it.

“Many shall see it”: This part of the verse suggests that the change and transformation in the psalmist’s life, symbolized by the new song in their mouth, will be visible to others. People will observe the psalmist’s faith, joy, and praise.
“Fear”: In this context, “fear” doesn’t necessarily mean being afraid. Instead, it implies a deep reverence, awe, or respect for the work of God in the psalmist’s life. When others witness the transformation and the praise the psalmist offers to God, it can inspire a sense of reverence and recognition of God’s power and goodness.
“Shall trust in the LORD”: The ultimate result is that those who see the transformation and are touched by the psalmist’s testimony will come to place their trust and faith in the Lord. The psalmist’s experience serves as a testament to the faithfulness and goodness of God, inspiring others to also put their trust in Him.

In summary, this verse speaks to the idea that a personal transformation, marked by praise and trust in God, can be a powerful witness to others. When people observe the change in someone’s life and recognize the work of God, it can lead them to revere God and place their trust in Him as well.

Conclusion:

Psalm 40:1-3 in the King James Version (KJV) conveys a powerful message of faith, deliverance, and transformation:

Waiting on the Lord: In verse 1, the psalmist expresses patience in waiting for the Lord’s response to their prayer, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God’s timing.
God’s Response: Verse 1 continues to describe how God inclined to the psalmist and heard their cry, highlighting God’s attentiveness and willingness to respond to those who seek Him in faith.
Rescue and Stability: Verse 2 speaks of God’s deliverance, using powerful imagery of being lifted from a “horrible pit” and “miry clay” and having one’s feet set upon a rock. This symbolizes rescue from distress and the establishment of a secure foundation.
Guidance and Transformation: Verse 3 reveals the transformation that occurs after this rescue, with God putting a “new song” of praise in the psalmist’s mouth. This transformation is not only personal but is visible to others. As a result, those who see it may revere God and place their trust in Him.

In conclusion, these verses depict a journey from distress and waiting on God’s help to a powerful transformation and testimony of God’s faithfulness. It underscores the themes of patience, rescue, stability, and the impact of personal transformation on others’ faith. The psalm serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith and God’s work in the lives of those who trust in Him.

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Experiencing God

Rev. Cecil Thorn

To God be the Glory….. (Eph 3:21 (KJV))

Ephesians 3:14-19 (KJV): “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”

When we experience the love of Christ for our family (Eph 3:14-19 (KJV))

Ephesians 3:14-19 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible expresses a prayer by the apostle Paul for the Ephesian believers. This passage focuses on the idea of comprehending and experiencing the love of Christ, but it does not specifically mention family.

While the passage doesn’t explicitly mention family, it emphasizes the importance of believers being rooted and grounded in love and having the ability to comprehend the love of Christ. This understanding and experience of Christ’s love can have a profound impact on how individuals relate to and love their family members. When one truly comprehends the depth of Christ’s love, it often inspires a greater capacity for love, compassion, and forgiveness in one’s relationships with family, as well as with others. The love of Christ can serve as a model and a source of strength for loving and caring for one’s family.

When we experience the power of God over our family.

the Bible doesn’t specifically address the idea of experiencing the power of God over one’s family. Instead, this passage focuses on comprehending and experiencing the love of Christ and being filled with the fullness of God through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

While this passage doesn’t directly address the power of God over one’s family, it does highlight the idea of being strengthened by the Holy Spirit and having Christ dwell in one’s heart. The transformative work of God’s power and the love of Christ can certainly impact how a person relates to and cares for their family. The love and strength provided by God’s presence in one’s life can inspire positive changes in family relationships and interactions. It is through understanding and experiencing God’s love and power that one may find guidance and strength in their family life.

When we experience the unity of our family and Christ.

Ephesians 3:14-19 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible doesn’t directly address the concept of experiencing unity between one’s family and Christ. Instead, this passage primarily focuses on understanding and experiencing the love of Christ and being filled with the fullness of God.

While this passage doesn’t explicitly mention unity between family and Christ, it does emphasize the importance of being rooted and grounded in love and comprehending the love of Christ. A deeper understanding and experience of Christ’s love can certainly impact how a family interacts and relates to one another, promoting unity, love, and harmony. When family members individually experience the love of Christ, it can contribute to a sense of unity and shared faith within the family. However, the passage itself does not specifically address this concept of family unity in relation to Christ.

Conclusion:

Ephesians 3:14-19 in the King James Version (KJV) is a significant passage in the Bible that emphasizes the importance of comprehending and experiencing the love of Christ and being filled with the fullness of God through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. While it doesn’t explicitly address family unity or the power of God over one’s family, it highlights the following key points:

Prayer and Reverence: The passage begins with the apostle Paul bowing his knees before the Father and acknowledging the name of Christ, demonstrating the importance of prayer and reverence in the Christian life.
Strength through the Spirit: It emphasizes the need for believers to be strengthened with might by the Holy Spirit in the inner man, highlighting the role of the Spirit in providing spiritual strength and empowerment.
Christ’s Indwelling: The passage emphasizes the importance of Christ dwelling in the hearts of believers through faith, indicating the personal relationship and transformative work of Christ within individuals.
Rooted in Love: Believers are encouraged to be rooted and grounded in love, which is central to their faith and relationship with God.
Comprehending Christ’s Love: The passage encourages believers to comprehend the vast dimensions of Christ’s love, which goes beyond human understanding.
Being Filled with God’s Fullness: The ultimate goal is for believers to be filled with the fullness of God, signifying a deep and abiding relationship with God.

In conclusion, Ephesians 3:14-19 underscores the importance of faith, prayer, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and experiencing the love of Christ. While it doesn’t specifically address family dynamics or unity, the principles outlined in this passage can certainly have a positive impact on how individuals relate to and interact with their families and others in a loving and spiritually grounded manner.

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Seed Time and Harvests: A Biblical Perspective

Rev. Cecil Thorn

Good day, ladies and gentlemen. Today, I want to share a message with you about the timeless and profound concept of “Seed Time and Harvests,” as presented in the Bible. This theme is deeply rooted in the pages of scripture, and it carries invaluable wisdom and insight into our lives and the way we sow and reap in various aspects of our existence.

Let’s begin with a powerful scripture reference from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, taken from the book of Genesis 8:22(KJV)

“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.”

This verse reminds us of a fundamental truth: the cycle of seedtime and harvest is a divine order established by God Himself. It’s a reflection of the natural rhythms of life, as well as a spiritual principle that carries significant implications for our personal and spiritual growth.

Sowing Seeds: In the Bible, sowing is a recurring metaphor for our actions, words, and intentions. In Galatians 6:7-8 (KJV), we read, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Just as a farmer carefully selects and plants good seeds to ensure a bountiful harvest, we should consider the quality of our actions and intentions, as they determine the kind of fruit we will reap in our lives.
Patience and Perseverance: The process of seedtime and harvest often requires patience and perseverance. In James 5:7 (KJV), it is written, “Be patient, therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it until he receive the early and latter rain.” Just as a farmer waits for the right time for the harvest, we too must patiently await the fruition of our efforts.
Multiplication of Blessings: In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches a parable about the sower. He describes how different types of soil yield varying results, but the good ground brings forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty (Matthew 13:8, KJV). This parable emphasizes that when we invest in fertile ground, our blessings can multiply beyond our expectations.
Reaping What We Sow: The principle of reaping what we sow is evident in the Bible. In Proverbs 11:24-25 (KJV), we read, “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth, and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” This reminds us that our generosity and willingness to sow can lead to abundance not only for ourselves but for others.
Spiritual Application: Beyond the physical realm, the concept of seedtime and harvest also holds a profound spiritual significance. In 2 Corinthians 9:10 (KJV), it is written, “Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food and multiply your seed sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness.” Here, we learn that as we sow spiritually, God multiplies our efforts and produces a bountiful harvest of righteousness in our lives.

In conclusion, the principle of “Seed Time and Harvests” is not just an agricultural concept but a profound spiritual and life principle deeply embedded in the Bible. It teaches us about sowing with care, patience in waiting, the multiplication of blessings, reaping what we sow, and the spiritual application of this principle in our lives.

As we navigate our journey through life, may we be mindful of the seeds we sow in our thoughts, actions, and relationships. Let us strive to plant seeds of love, kindness, and righteousness, so that we may reap a bountiful harvest of joy, fulfillment, and blessings, both in this world and in the world to come.

Thank you for listening, and may the wisdom of seedtime and harvests guide your path and enrich your life in all its aspects.

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