DAILY-E-VOTIONAL
BLESSINGS FROM THE HEARTPastor Cecil A. Thompson
May 29, 2015

NEAR GOD'S HEART!Hebrews 4:12

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

When the family gets together they often find our photograph albums. Many of them show me with one of our children or grandchildren lying on my chest sound asleep. In fact, many times both the child and myself are sound asleep. Perhaps I have the type of chest that is made for cuddling into.

I would much rather have the reputation of being a cuddler than a curmudgeon. (That’s a fancy word for an old cantankerous person). I think the warmth of my chest and the steady beat of my heart is comforting to babies.

In the early years of the 20th Century there was an outbreak of diphtheria in the US that claimed many lives. In 1903 Cleland McAfee was chaplain and choir director at Park College in Parkville, Missouri. As the epidemic swept the area, two of his nieces died from the dreaded disease and the others in the house were quarantined. In his hour of grief he wrote the hymn NEAR TO THE HEART OF GOD and had the college choir sing outside the house.

If you are passing through the valley of the shadow of death right now (I know that I am), let these words bring that quiet assurance we need.

Near to the Heart of God

There is a place of quiet rest,
Near to the heart of God.
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God.
Refrain: O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God.
Hold us who wait before Thee,
Near to the heart of God.
There is a place of comfort sweet,
Near to the heart of God.
A place where we our Savior meet,
Near to the heart of God.
Refrain: O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God.
Hold us who wait before Thee,
Near to the heart of God.
There is a place of full release,
Near to the heart of God
A place where all is joy and peace,
Near to the heart of God.
Refrain: O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God.
Hold us who wait before Thee,
Near to the heart of God.

To access Near to the Heart of God, this week's inspirational video fromGloryScapes™ Christian Music Hymns & Songs, please go to:http://www.gloryscapes.com/neartotheheartofgod 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