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BLESSINGS FROM THE HEARTPastor Cecil A. Thompson
May 1, 2015

OUR FIRM FOUNDATION!1 Corinthians 3:10-11

"According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."

Back during my high school days, I worked weekends and summers for a concrete contractor. Believe me when I tell you that things were different back then. There was very little pre-mixed concrete that was delivered by large rotating carriers. We were the mixers! We had a pile of sand, another of gravel and sacks of concrete that we had to combine shovel by shovel and bag by bag, water was then added.

In order to get the sloppy concrete into the foundation, we had to deliver it by manual labor. We had large wheelbarrows that we filled then pushed to the point of delivery. In the building process a solid foundation was essential. A weakened foundation could lead to the building falling.

As we travel through this life we often see people that have not laid a foundation that will withstand the storms of life. Sadly when storms strike, their foundations fail. It is during the storms that we need the solid foundation of the Lord Jesus Christ to keep us safe. John Rippon published this hymn in 1787.

How Firm a Foundation

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God, I will still give thee aid;
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand.
When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace all-sufficient shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I'll never, no never, no never forsake!

To access How Firm a Foundation, this week's inspirational video fromGloryScapes Hymn Music Videos, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/howfirmafoundation/ 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

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BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

April 30, 2015

“GROW UP!”

II Peter 3:17-18

“You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”

Have you ever noticed that when family or friends gather after being apart for some time, someone will inevitably remark about how much the youngsters have grown? “Johnny, you are getting so big!” How would we feel when someone at the same reunion tells us, “Wow! You have really put on the pounds!” Okay, I will get off this uncomfortable comparison.

The fact of the matter is that we are urged to grow in grace and the knowledge of the Lord. Grace can be defined as God’s unmerited favor at Christ’s expense. God gives us His favor, yet we often ignore the manifold blessings He has given us.

Picture a person that you love very much. You prepare the most expensive gift imaginable and lovingly wrap it in the most beautiful gift wrap you can find. You can hardly wait to see the look on your loved one’s face when they open that precious package. The problem, however, is that they leave your house with the gift unopened. Days, weeks, months, even years later you visit that person and there on the table is your beautiful, expensive gift package…still unwrapped.

We are to open the package of God’s gracious gift to us. That means we spend time reading the promises of His Word and appropriating them into our life. Rather than remaining spiritual babes, we are to become strong and mighty for the Lord! It is time for us to grow up spiritually!

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

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BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

April 29, 2015

“THIS IS LOVE!”

I Corinthians 13:4-7

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;  does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;  does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

The story is told (I hope it is only fiction) of a couple who had come to a marriage counselor about problems they were having. The wife was distraught and felt her husband did not love her. She longed for a sign that he loved her but he never uttered the words she longed to hear.

The counselor listened to the complaints of the wife and after she had tearfully told her sad story of feeling unloved he turned to the husband for an explanation. The husband crossed his arms across his chest and said; “I have been married to that woman for 37 years. I told her the day we were married that I loved her. I have not taken that back and it is still in effect!”

It is tragic that we fail to share our love with the others. The early church was known for the love they had for each other. In our self-centered world we focus so much on what we want and need that we fail to give of ourselves for others.

Jesus came into this world to demonstrate His great love for us. As His arms were outstretched on that cruel cross He demonstrated that love is truly demonstrated as we die to ourselves and live for Him. There is a world out there that needs to know the meaning of true love. Are we demonstrating love to them?        

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

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BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

April 28, 2015

“THIS INSTANT!”

2 Corinthians 6:1-2

“We then, as workers together with Him, also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.  For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ (Isaiah 49:8) Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

As a boy I remember the frustrated voice of my mother telling me to do something this instant! I am sure there had been previous requests, demands, and threats before the words, this instant!

Those were the days before instant mashed potatoes (Ugh!), instant pudding and instant credit. We did not hear of instant anything except responding quickly. Isn’t it interesting that with all of the instant time saving things we have in our modern day we feel the time crunch more than ever? We now do not have the time to visit family and friends because we are too busy operating our instant time saving devices.

There is one thing that is always instantaneous. That is obedience to God’s Word. There is no way we can afford to be slow in responding to the infallible call of the Lord for our immediate obedience.

When God calls we are to respond immediately. One thing I learned in my military training was to obey orders immediately without question. There may be a time when immediate response will save our life. To stop and ask why may be fatal. It is the same way we must respond to the Spirit’s leadership. Trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey! John H. Sammis (1846-1919)

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

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BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

April 27, 2015

“REMEMBER!”

Matthew 5:14-16

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”      

                                                              

“Though now at his Savior's side, he is sorely missed for his rock-solid faith and thankfulness for God's grace, his big heart, his quick smile, and for always being there with a word of encouragement.” These words were just a part of an obituary for a man I had never met and who lived and died hundreds of miles away from me.

What wonderful memories he has left behind for friends and family who knew him and will always remember him. The life that he lived became the very precious memories that would linger in their hearts.

Have you ever written an obituary? Perhaps it’s a father, mother, or a sibling? It is a daunting task and no doubt you will end up with tears as you reflect on those times in the past that will always beremembered.

An even more daunting task is to type your own obituary. In what way do you want to beremembered? Has your light burned so bright that it provided light to those who walk in darkness? Do you live so consistently for the Lord that people will remember you as one who walked close to God? Now is the time to take stock of the things that really matter in life and will count for eternity.REMEMBER!

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

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BLESSINGS FROM THE HEARTPastor Cecil A. Thompson
April 24, 2015

THE HAVEN OF REST!Psalm 46:1-3

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging."

As you read the book of Psalms, David mentions repeatedly the storms of life. He was attacked on all sides by his enemies who desired to take his life. Do you feel that way sometimes?

His predecessor, King Saul, was a demented king who imagined that David was attempting to take the kingdom from him. (Actually it was the Lord who had rejected Saul because of his wickedness and failing to keep the Lord in control of his life.)

In many of his Psalms, David cried out to the Lord for help and immediately praised Him for giving him a safe place of refuge. That is the same with us today. We may be tossed and torn by the storms of life, but the Lord always gives us a haven of rest. That is the hymn for this week.

The Haven of Rest

My soul in sad exile was out on life(s) sea,
So burdened with sin and distressed,
Till I heard a sweet voice, saying, (Make Me your choice)
And I entered the Haven of Rest!Refrain: I have anchored my soul in the Haven of Rest; I will sail the wide seas no more; The tempest may sweep over wild, stormy, deep, In Jesus I am safe evermore.
I yielded myself to His tender embrace,
In faith taking hold of the Word,
My fetters fell off, and I anchored my soul;
The Haven of Rest is my Lord.Refrain: I have anchored my soul in the Haven of Rest; I will sail the wide seas no more; The tempest may sweep over wild, stormy, deep, In Jesus I am safe evermore.
The song of my soul, since the Lord made me whole,
Has been the old story so blest,
Of Jesus, who will save whosoever will have
A home in the Haven of Rest.Refrain: I have anchored my soul in the Haven of Rest; I will sail the wide seas no more; The tempest may sweep over wild, stormy, deep, In Jesus I am safe evermore.
How precious the thought that we all may recline,
Like John, the beloved so blest,
On Jesus strong arm, where no tempest can harm,
Secure in the Haven of Rest.Refrain: I have anchored my soul in the Haven of Rest; I will sail the wide seas no more; The tempest may sweep over wild, stormy, deep, In Jesus I am safe evermore.
O come to the Savior, He patiently waits
To save by His power divine;
Come, anchor your soul in the Haven of Rest,
And say, ‘My Beloved is mine.’Refrain: I have anchored my soul in the Haven of Rest; I will sail the wide seas no more; The tempest may sweep over wild, stormy, deep, In Jesus I am safe evermore.

To access The Haven of Rest, this week's inspirational video fromGloryScapes.com, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/thehavenofrest/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

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BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

April 23, 2015

“NEVER ALONE!”

Deuteronomy 31:6

“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”     

Think of a time in your life when you were all alone. It may be when as a youngster you were away at camp and surrounded by people you did not know. It was not that you were all by yourself, but you were separated from the familiar family and friends you relied upon for comfort and support.

Two times I experienced "alone time" -- once in 1953 when I was in basic training, and again in 1962 when I was in Officer’s Training School. I was surrounded by other men I did not know who were just as miserable as I was. I guess you could say that we all felt like we were alone.

Experiencing the death of a cherished mate also makes us feel all alone. I am walking through that dark valley right now. No matter how many people surround me with love and support, it is not the same as being with the one who had been part of my flesh for over 60 years. I have felt a loneliness that makes me ache.

So what are we to do during these times of being alone. God’s Word gives us the answer. In today’s Scripture the Lord promises that He goes with us and will never leave us nor forsake us. That is His promise to us. Our part is to be strong, of good courage, and not be afraid. We are never alone for the Lord is with us! In the most lonely situation and darkest night we are never alone. HE IS WITH US!

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

READY OR NOT!”

I Peter 3:15-16

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.”       

                                                           

Do you remember playing Hide 'n Seek when you were a kid? The person who was “it” hid his face and counted to a predetermined number, usually 100. When "it" finished counting he would call out, “Ready or not, here I come!” Then he had to find where the other players were hiding and try to tag them before they reached the safety of "base."

We never know when God calls us. Several years ago I was conducting a funeral service in a neighboring town. The church was packed and some people even had to stand in the foyer. Before the service I had asked everyone to silence their cell phones.

All was going as expected during the service. The songs had been sung and the message delivered. I was making a challenge to the congregation to stress the point that we never know when the Lord might call. It was just at that moment that the cell phone of the son-in-law of the deceased rang...full volume. As people tried to control their laughter I commented, "That might be the Lord calling now."

Are you ready for the Lord to call? If the heart in your chest stopped beating in the next few minutes, would you be prepared to meet the Lord Jesus who gave His life that we might have life? We need to live with this idea in our mind: READY OR NOT, GOD IS COMING!

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

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BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

April 21, 2015

“THE ROD OF LOVE!”

Psalm 23:4

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

                                                           

When I conduct funeral services I frequently use an illustration that I gained years ago when I read a book by Phillip Keller called A Shepherd Looks at the 23^rd Psalm. He refers to a young sheep that has a tendency to wander away from the flock. Do you know some family members like that?

A good shepherd knows that if the wandering sheep continues this habit, he will end up as some wild animal’s supper. As a last and extreme resort, the shepherd takes his “rod” and breaks the sheep's front leg. That may seem a cruel act to those who do not know the reason, but it's actually done to save the lamb’s life.

After breaking the leg, the shepherd carefully places a splint on it and, during the healing process, carries the small animal everywhere it needs to go -- the green pastures, the quiet waters, and the safe place to rest. Over that period of time the sheep falls in love with and bonds to the shepherd. Once the bone has healed and the splint has been removed, the sheep   remains close by his shepherd and never wanders again.

I observed this scene in action many years ago. In a local garden shop a young sheep had its leg in a splint and followed close behind a clerk. I asked her about it and she said it had stepped into a hole and, in trying to free the leg, it had broken. Now the little sheep thought of the clerk as its momma and would not let her out of sight.

Sometimes the broken times of our life force us to re-evaluate our choices. Even though it hurts, we have the Great Shepherd who carries us in His arms through the pain, giving us the opportunity to fall in love with Him and never let Him out of our sight.

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

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BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

April 20, 2015

“PLOWING STRAIGHT!”

I Corinthians 9:10

“Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope.”       

                                                           

It seems as if I have always been fascinated by farming. As a boy we had a very small house on the edge of town and in a small field next to the house we had a milk cow. The labor of caring for this sweet natured animal was rewarded by the rich milk that she produced. I will always remember old Blossom.

One summer when I was a teenager I traveled to the Oklahoma panhandle to work for my uncle. My job was to drive a tractor pulling a plow. It was my first experience pulling a plow and thought it would be a snap.

I had not been plowing very long when my uncle met me at the end of the field with a scowl on his face. He wanted to know why I couldn’t plow a straight row. He said my furrow was as crooked as snake. I told him I was trying to plow straight and I was very careful about watching my front wheel to keep it in the furrow.

It was then that I learned that you do not plow a straight line by looking down at the furrow but looking down to a point on the far side of the field and heading directly for it. The field was about a half mile long, so it was hard to pick out a spot in the distance, but as I did the plow lines became straight and true. In like manner we need to keep our eyes on the hope of our eternal home. Quit looking at the furrow and focus on the glory that awaits on the other side!

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL BLESSINGS FROM THE HEARTPastor Cecil A. Thompson April 17, 2015 SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER!Philippians 4:4-7 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." William Walford did not allow the fact that he was blind limit his service for his Lord. He was frequently called upon to preach in a small country church. He composed the sermons in his head and also was able to quote large portions of Scripture from memory. Some people thought he had memorized the entire Bible. He also composed verses as the Lord laid the words upon his heart. Above all---he was a man of prayer. In the mid 1800's, Thomas Salmon was visiting in England and became acquainted with Pastor Walford. As they were visiting one day the blind pastor quoted a few pieces he had composed. Since he had no one to write them down he had kept them treasured in the storehouse of his mind. One of the verses he related to Mr. Salmon was, Sweet Hour of Prayer. Mr. Salmon eagerly scribbled the words down on a scrap of paper. When he returned to New York he sent the verses to the Observer and asked if they thought them worth preserving. The Observer did think them worthy and published them on September 13, 1845. The music was added by William Bradbury in 1861. Sweet Hour of Prayer Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! That calls me from a world of care, And bids me at my Father's throne Make all my wants and wishes known. In seasons of distress and grief, My soul has often found relief And oft escaped the tempter's snare By thy return, sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! The joys I feel, the bliss I share, Of those whose anxious spirits burn With strong desires for thy return! With such I hasten to the place Where God my Savior shows His face, And gladly take my station there, And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! Thy wings shall my petition bear To Him whose truth and faithfulness Engage the waiting soul to bless. And since He bids me seek His face, Believe His Word and trust His grace, I'll cast on Him my every care, And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! May I thy consolation share, Till, from Mount Pisgah's lofty height, I view my home and take my flight: This robe of flesh I'll drop and rise To seize the everlasting prize; And shout, while passing through the air, 'Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer!' To access Sweet Hour of Prayer please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/sweethourofprayer 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. - 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.

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BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

April 16, 2015

“THE REQUIREMENT!”

Micah 6:8

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”

My thoughts wander back to the time when I was a small boy--(believe me…trying to remember that far back at my age is a task!). I can still hear the echoes of my mother telling me to be good. But no matter how hard I tried, I just seemed to get in more and more trouble.

Back then, corporal punishment was not the rank of a military member. It was the rod of correction applied to the seat of learning! This was very evident in our old church building. There was a wood furnace in the basement with a stack of kindling always next to it. It was years before I learned that the kindling was used to start a fire. I was convinced it was there for my mother to use in spanking me.

One Sunday evening stands out clearly in my memory. I had tried my mother’s patience to the breaking point and, with a swoop, I was in her arms and we were heading for the basement and the familiar kindling pile. As I looked over her shoulder at the smiling congregation I cried out, “PRAY FOR ME!” I received extra licks for that outburst!

So what does the Lord require of each and every one of us? It is really quite simple: “…to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” As we examine our life and walk with the Lord, it is essential that we keep that focus in mind. It is not what we can get away with, but what pleases the Lord that matters. Are you meeting God’s requirement?

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

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BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

April 15, 2015

“FOR EVERY SIGH THERE IS A PSALM!”

Ezekiel 24:17

“Sigh in silence, make no mourning for the dead; bind your turban on your head, and put your sandals on your feet; do not cover your lips, and do not eat man’s bread of sorrow.” 

Have you ever been around someone who sighs all the time? I have known family members who seemed to feel it was their duty to let people know how hard their lot in life was by constantly sighing. (To tell you the truth, the sigh-ers made me sigh.)

I decided to look up the Hebrew word translated “sigh.” It is damam. As strange as it sounds, it means to be silent, be still, wait, be dumb, grow dumb. That is what we read here in Ezekiel 24.

Back in 1991, when our daughter was very near death, we were comforted by the words "for every sigh there is a Psalm." What our words can never comfort, the words of the Psalmist can. In Brenda's last minutes here on earth I sat beside her bed and read Psalm after Psalm. I can still hear her soft words of praise as I would finish a Psalm. She would say, “I loved that one, Dad, read another.” 

I read our daughter into eternity. There is no doubt about where she is right now. In my mind’s eye I can visualize her welcoming her mother, Joyce, into that wonderful place of peace and rest. What a time of rejoicing they must be having right now.

The next time you are carrying a heavy load of the burdens of life, rest quietly in the Lord and read from the book of Psalms. You, too, will discover that for every sigh there is indeed a Psalm.

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

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BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

April 13, 2015

“YOU CAN BE REPLACED!”

II TIMOTHY 2:1-2

“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

As I typed the title of today’s E-Votional I was struck by another thought. It is not just simply that we might be replaced, we will be replaced! Early or late, we all will pass from this life to that wonderful home that the Lord has prepared for us in heaven.

At times I have held positions that necessitated terminating an employee. One incident concerned a man who had the highest credentials in the field of law enforcement. He came from a large department in California and, after interviewing him, we were certain that he was the right man to assist the police and sheriff departments in Idaho.

We were wrong! The man exhibited a superior attitude when meeting with our local law enforcement authorities. He was soon replaced and was not able to pass on any words of wisdom to his replacement.

What are we doing to insure that when we are gone the work we have done for the Lord will remain? If we were called to be with the Lord in the next hour, would we leave a heritage of service that another could assume? Where is your Timothy?

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

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BLESSINGS FROM THE HEARTPastor Cecil A. Thompson
April 10, 2015

UNDER HIS WINGS!Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

I once read about a forest service worker who was walking through an area that had just been ravaged by a forest fire. He saw a strange mound and stopped to check it out. To his astonishment it was a mother bird that had been killed by the fire. As he knelt to examine the bird, he heard a peep from under the pile of ashes. When he turned the bird over he found several chicks.

Instead of flying to save herself, the mother had sacrificed herself in order to protect her brood from the fire that was sweeping toward them. That is what Jesus has done for us. He wants to shelter us under His wings from the firestorm of life.

In 1896, William Cushing wrote the words and Ira Sankey composed the music to the hymn, Under His Wings. Enjoy this featured hymn fromGloryScapes.

Under His Wings

Under His wings, I am safely abiding,
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild.
Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me and I am His child.
Refrain: Under His wings, under His wings,
who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
safely abide forever.
Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!
How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
There I find comfort, and there I am blessed.
Refrain: Under His wings, under His wings,
who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
safely abide forever.
Under His wings, oh, what precious enjoyment!
There will I hide till life's trials are over;
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me,
Resting in Jesus, I’m safe evermore.
Refrain: Under His wings, under His wings,
who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
safely abide forever.

To access Under His Wings, this week's free inspirational video from GloryScapes.com, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/underhiswings/

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

---Pastor Cecil

Check out our website at: www.daily-e-votional.com

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BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

April 9, 2015

“FAITHFUL!”

II TIMOTHY 2:2

“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithfulmen who will be able to teach others also.”

Throughout my lifetime I have received many medals and awards--some when I was serving in the Air Force and others as recognition for some accomplishment. The thing about such recognition is that it tends to lead to pride. "LOOK WHAT I DID!" That saddens me.

There is one award that brings tears to my eyes each time I look at it. It is a small statue of a guard dog. It is about six inches long and three inches tall and sits on a wooden base that bears the inscription, "OLD DOG SHEP." It was a thoughtful birthday gift from a member of our congregation who knew the back story. It sits next to the temporary grave marker that was returned to us when the permanent marker was received.

For the past few years I had the joy of caring for my wife. Gradually, I assumed more and more of the responsibilities as she became weaker, and I found joy in serving her. The two of us would laugh, and I knew that Joyce was paying me the highest compliment a wife could give a husband. I accept the title with pleasure.

God is not interested in us trying to do great and mighty things to please Him. He is constantly calling us to become faithful servants who do not think that we are too good to do the grungy tasks of life. Every time I look at OLD DOG SHEP beside Joyce’s marker, a tear slips out of the corner of my eye. I was the luckiest man in the world to serve my precious wife. Oh, how I long to see her again!

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

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BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

April 8, 2015

“SALT THE OATS!”

Matthew 5:13

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”

Years ago I heard a returned missionary speak about the ministry he had been involved in for many years. It seemed as if all of his efforts produced little or nothing. He was sharing his disappointment with another missionary as they sat watching their horses drink from a shallow pond.

The other missionary listened to his frustration. He asked how you could force a horse to drink if he was stubborn and obstinate. The first missionary agreed that it would be impossible to force him to drink. “Horses are too big and strong and if their will is set not to drink they won’t drink.” The fellow missionary told him he had a secret to make them drink --- SALT THE OATS!

I have thought about that illustration every time I try to get my little dog, Izzy to eat. Salt won’t do it, but when I mix something I know she likes in with her regular food before long she eats everything.

As servants of the Jesus Christ we have been given the Great Commission to go and make disciples of all nations. That begins right here at home. Are we making the things of God so appealing that it is like salting the oats or lacing the dog food? Are people bored to death when we talk about spiritual things? In order to attract people to Christ we need to get excited ourselves. PASS THE SALT PLEASE!    

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

- - - Pastor Cecil