DAILY-E-VOTIONAL BLESSINGS FROM THE HEARTPastor Cecil A. Thompson March 27, 2015 NEAR THE CROSS!1 Peter 4:12-13 "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." Fanny J. Crosby was a remarkable woman. There are so many accomplishments in her life that it is hard to comprehend them all. She lost her eyesight because of the treatment of a careless doctor. In spite of her loss she memorized huge portions of Scripture just by listening to her grandmother read them to her. She is credited with writing over 10,000 hymns during her life. Fanny began writing poetry at an early age, but another amazing fact is that she did not accept Jesus as her personal Savior until she was 31. She was attending a service on November 20, 1850. The congregation was singing a hymn by Isaac Watts; At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light.She knew she needed the Lord and that very night He became her Savior and Lord. Her desire was to always stay close to Jesus who had paid the ultimate price for her salvation. Her desire was to remain near her Lord. She immediately wrote the words to the hymn for this week. Near the Cross Jesus, keep me near the cross; there a precious fountain, free to all, a healing stream, flows from Calvary's mountain. Refrain: In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever, till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river. Near the cross, a trembling soul, love and mercy found me; there the bright and morning star sheds its beams around me. Refrain: In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever, till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river. Near the cross! O Lamb of God, bring its scenes before me; help me walk from day to day with its shadow o'er me. Refrain: In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever, till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river. Near the cross I'll watch and wait, hoping, trusting ever, till I reach the golden strand just beyond the river. Refrain: In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever, till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river. To access Near the Cross, this week's inspirational video fromGloryScapes.com, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/nearthecross/ 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 P.S. - Please feel free to forward this E-Votional on to your family and friends. They'll appreciate the encouragement. You can find previous E-Votionals covering a variety of Scriptures and topics to help you in your walk with the Lord at www.Daily-E-Votional.com.