DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

July 1, 2015

“ALWAYS ASK GOD!”

 Joshua 9:14-15

“Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the Lord. So Joshua made peace with them, and made a covenant with them to let them live; and the rulers of the congregation swore to them.”

Heartbreak is too often the result of not seeking God’s counsel before taking a particular action. Over the years of my ministry I have counseled many people concerning their relationship with God and with individuals. Frequently, people have wanted their own way rather than taking the time to discover God’s way. 

The two verses that I have quoted today reference a time when Israel was possessing the land which God had given them. For the most part, Joshua always took the time to seek and follow God’s will. Each and every time that Joshua and the leaders of Israel sought the face of God and then obeyed, there was victory. The times when they failed to seek His will, there was always failure and disaster.

The Gibeonites knew that Israel was an unstoppable force. God had so blessed them that wherever they went they were undefeatable. So the crafty Gibeonites devised a plan whereby it appeared they were a group from far away rather than residents near at hand. To enhance the deception, they wore worn clothing and carried moldy bread. From all outward appearances this was a ragtag group that sought a treaty with Israel. To their detriment, Joshua and the leaders relied upon what they saw rather than seeking what God knew. They were deceived!

In our own lives we can also be deceived by appearances. Rather than taking the time to seek God’s will for us, we think we know enough to make our own decisions. That is never the case! We always need God’s direction.

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

June 30, 2015

“HOPE!”

 Psalm 43:5

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.”

Almost every week I notice a long line at the local super market. The people in the line are not waiting to pay for groceries…oh no, they waiting to purchase lottery tickets for that week’s drawing. The chances of them holding a winning number is millions to one, but they still have HOPE!

Last week a man was struck by lightning in his front yard. The likelihood of this happening would be many millions to one. The irony is that this same man was struck by lightning once before. His name is Rod, so now his friends call him… “LIGHTNING ROD!”

Frequently I receive something in the mail informing me that I have a chance of being selected to receive a huge check from a large publishing firm. I know that there are winners, and I can hope that someone will show up at my door with balloons and a large check, but I am not losing any sleep waiting for it.

Those examples are far removed from the meaning of the word hope that we find in today’s Scripture. It comes from the Hebrew word yachal. It has the meaning of expectantly anticipating. God has given us His precious promises and they will all come to pass. There is a home in glory waiting for us and that is a certain HOPE! 

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson Announces The Release Of 3 New Books

http://www.prlog.org/12469972-pastor-cecil-thompson-announces-the-release-of-3-new-books.html

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson Announces The Release Of 3 New Books

“I have just completed my new auto-biography, “LIFE IS A BLAST! Minuteman to Ministry: A Pastor Looks Back on His Life and Anticipates the Future!” “In conjunction with a special Kindle Books promotion, I am giving away all 3 books “FREE” for the next 3 days.”

1 2 3 4 5 

Pastor Cecil and Joyce Thompson

PRLog - June 26, 2015 - OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Pastor Cecil A. Thompson Announces The Release Of 3 New Books

During a recent interview Pastor Cecil told me; “I have just completed my new auto-biography, “LIFE IS A BLAST! Minuteman to Ministry: A Pastor Looks Back on His Life and Anticipates the Future!”

“In conjunction with a special Kindle Books promotion, I am giving away all 3 books “FREE” for the next 3 days.” (Saturday 27^th through Monday 29^th)  “I want to make sure all my devoted Daily-E-Votional readers would also receive this free offer being released to the public today.” “I want to thank all of my faithful Daily-E-Votional readers for 15 great years!” (http://daily-e-votional.com/)
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LIFE IS A BLAST! Minuteman to Ministry: A Pastor Looks Back on His Life and Anticipates the Future! by Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

Life starts for everyone at the moment of birth. What a profound statement! It is what we do with that life that counts. To ask the question, “How in the world did I get here?” Seems to demand another question, “Where is here?” Here is where we happen to be at this very moment. It is not a particular age or a particular achievement. It is where we are right now.

I have been writing for many years but most of it has been unrelated to specific periods of time. You might say it has been a recounting of random thoughts, stories, illustrations, and memories. Someone much wiser than me as suggested that while there is still time I need to put down some of the things that I have done that will not be remembered after I’m gone. Isn’t that a cheerful thought?!

And so my story begins. This little boy who was stuck with the name Junior was about to enter life and have the most wonderful experience that can even be imagined.  Yes I had many disciplines along the way, but as I look back they were all deserved, and a few I got away with. Please fasten your seat belt and take this trip with me. Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

Kindle Book - Sat 27 to Mon 29 http://www.amazon.com/LIFE-BLAST-Minuteman-Ministry-Antic...
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Life Is So Daily: A 365 Day Walk with the Word by Cecil A. Thompson

This book provides a full year of selected Daily E Votionals to assist you in making each day more meaningful in serving the Lord. My desire for each of us is that we will allow every situation in our life an opportunity to serve the Lord.

Free Kindle Book - Sat 27 to Mon 29 http://www.amazon.com/Life-So-Daily-Walk-Word/dp/B00XLR2I9U
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Love Joy Peace: A Tasty Sample of Spiritual Fruit That Will Give You A Boost For The Day! by Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

Back in the 1970’s I was Deputy Director of the Idaho Law Enforcement Planning Commission. I also taught a few night classes in the Criminal Justice field at Boise State University. One term I was called by the Registrar’s Office and asked to teach a large class in Sociology. I had my Master’s Degree in Sociology and agreed to teach it. Most of the night classes had about 20 students and that was what I was anticipating.To my surprise there were over 120 registered. I now became more of an entertainer than professor.

The first class session I gave the assignment to write three most important qualities they wanted in their life. The answers were:  1. LOVE!  2. JOY!  3. PEACE!

When I read their results I opened to Galatians and read Galatians 5:22-23; “But the fruit of the Spirit is  • Love,  • Joy,  • Peace,  • Longsuffering,  • Kindness,  • Goodness,  Faithfulness,  • Gentleness,  • Self-Control.  Against such there is no law.” But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”  I think that those qualities are what we all seek to find. How sad people seek in all the wrong places. This book will help you find just the right “SPIRITUAL FRUIT” for your day.
Free Kindle Book - Sat 27 to Mon 29
http://www.amazon.com/Love-Peace-Pastor-Cecil-Thompson-ebook/dp/B00YDFS190

7 Days In Hell: I Was There!: An Eyewitness Account of the True Existence Hell!

Author Larry E. Hunter received great reviews from other prominent authors!

NEW - 7 DAYS IN HELL Book Cover

PRLog - June 25, 2015 - BOISE, Idaho -- HELL A REAL PLACE Our curiosity about the abode of the dead is not completely satisfied by biblical terms or verses. What we do know is that either eternal torment in hell or eternal joy in heaven awaits all people after death, based on whether they trust in Christ's payment for sin or reject Christ. I WAS THERE!

The Bible calls hell dark, lonely and miserable, a place of eternal separation from God. But God doesn't want anyone to go there. He wants a relationship with us through His Son, Jesus Christ, so we can spend eternity with Him in heaven. You don't have to fear hell. Take time now to be assured of your place in heaven.

DIANA S. ZIMMERMAN, AUTHOR: This is a fascinating book and a remarkable read on may levels--not the least of which is the straight-forward sincerity with which it is written. Whether you believe in heaven or hell, or even in God, it is a book that unfolds with concepts and beliefs that are as intriguing as they are controversial. Larry "Buck" Hunter writes with a passion that defines his journey to hell and back with clarity and depth.

DR. VIN SMITH, PHD - AUTHOR: 7 Days in Hell will jerk you awake, and shake you by the scruff of the neck. It isn't God wanting to send you to Hell, it is Satan. The misery is unbearable in Hell, and there is no chance of release. Step by step, Hunter shows the exact truth of a very real place... A place you do not want to go...

KATHERINE BILLINGSLEY DUKE, READER: This book tells the Bible chapter and verse where no one wants to go. "Don't play with matches" and make way for Jesus. For seven days we see an out of body experience. No question we hang tight with Jesus!

NEW BOOK by Author Larry E. Hunter
7 Days In Hell: I Was There!: An Eyewitness Account of the True Existence Hell!
BOOK TRAILER
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTaWjEdVfmU


BUY IT NOW: http://www.amazon.com/Days-Hell-Eyewitness-Account-Existence/dp/1512214116

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL
BLESSINGS FROM THE HEARTPastor Cecil A. Thompson
June 26, 2015

"THE CLOSE OF DAY!"Isaiah 26:3

"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."

Years ago I recall listening to a sermon tape by Donald Grey Barnhouse, a prominent pastor and teacher. He had just completed an evangelistic meeting several hundred miles from his home in Philadelphia, when he was given a telegram. It informed him that his son had been in a serious accident and was near death.

His only way back to Philadelphia was by rail. As Dr. Barnhouse entered his sleeper, his spirit was greatly disturbed. He knew that it would be hours before his train arrived back home and that there was nothing he could do but leave his son in God’s hands.

As he prayed, he recalled a phrase from Isaiah 65:25, “- - - but dust will be the serpent’s food.” Using that passage he asked the Lord to feed the serpent dust, but to please grant him a good night’s rest. He fell fast asleep and the next thing he knew the porter was touching his shoulder to tell him that they were nearing Philadelphia.

The Lord had answered his prayer. His son lived and during his time of recuperation he committed his life to full time Christian service. If you have been having trouble getting to sleep at night, ask the Lord to give you His blessed rest and feed the serpent dust.

To You Before the Close of Day

To you before the close of day,
Creator of the world we pray!
Your grace and peace to us allow,
And be our guard and keeper now.
From evil dreams defend our sight,
From all the terrors of the night.
From all deluding thoughts that creep,
On heedless minds disarmed by sleep.
O Father, this we ask be done,
Through Jesus Christ, Your only Son.
Who with the Holy Spirit and with You,
Shall live and reign all ages through. Amen.

To access To You Before the Close of Day, this week's inspirational video from GloryScapes™ Christian Music Hymns & Songs, please go to:http://www.gloryscapes.com/toyoubeforethecloseofday in your browser or click on the image below.

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

To view a plan of salvation message go to: http://PastorCecil.com

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

June 25, 2015

“SEASONS OF LIFE!”

 Matthew 24:32-35    

“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”

Some things never seem to change while at the same time some things seem to be in a constant safe state of change. One of the things that always changes is the weather. We can complain about how cold it is or how hot it is, but all we have to do is wait for a while and it will change.

Sometimes we attend some function such as a wedding or a family reunion and see a young person that looks strangely familiar and yet we cannot place them. Hesitantly we ask who they are. The answer is that they were once a tiny child we knew, but now they have grown up.

We can become far more introspective if we will look at a picture of ourselves when we were younger and then look in the mirror. Yikes! I’m sorry I didn’t mean to be so personal about that but it illustrates my point. We go through the seasons of life from youth, to young adult, to adult, and to be kind we call it mature adult.

In today’s Scripture Jesus is giving a prophetic look at the future. His reference to the fig tree has largely been interpreted as referring to the birth of nation Israel. That being the case He says that the generation that sees the birth of this new nation will signal His soon return. The seasons of His coming are close! Be ready!

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

June 24, 2015

“THE DAY AFTER!”

 Acts 5:25-26   

“Then someone came and said, ‘Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.’ At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them.”

Holidays are very special in so many ways. They give us an opportunity to honor either individuals or occasions. We just celebrated Father’s Day, but what about the day after? Do we continue to honor dear old Dad in the days that follow Father’s Day? How about Mother’s Day, or someone's birthday, for example?

I fear that we frequently live our lives in spurts. We will pay attention only on "special occasions" -- then it is back to normal. Many of us who have lost our parents recall the wonderful joyous times we had together. We would like to be able to honor them, but they have already departed and words of appreciation are too late.

This applies to virtually everyone. We might be thinking about a certain person and all they have done and desire to recognize them, but we put it off for one reason or another. Spiritually we do the same thing; we want to thank God for his blessings in our life, but we put off getting around to spending time with Him.

The disciples were consistent in serving the Lord. It was not just when things were going good, but at all times. The disciples in today’s Scripture had been treated harshly, yet the following day they could be found serving Jesus. My prayer is that regardless of the situations we might find ourselves in today, we will still be found serving Jesus tomorrow.

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

June 23, 2015

“FOLLOW ME!”

 Philippians 4:8-9   

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there isany virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Recently I began using a program that uses my voice to type. It is fantastic! I never learned to type so I used a modified hunt and peck system. Now I can just speak and the words are typed out for me. The problem arises when I speak to my dog Izzy, or to someone who comes in the office. It is rather startling to see unexpected words appear on the screen.

Yesterday's E-Votional focused on keeping our eyes looking upward toward God instead of grumbling and griping about how bad things are. Paul certainly calls each of us to focus our attention on things above, not on the temporary things of the world. He now goes on in this same chapter to give specific directions to believers. It has to do with our thought life.

What kind of things are we to ponder on? Paul says we are to think about things that are JUST – PURE – LOVELY – OF GOOD REPORT! He says those are the things we are to meditate on. But he does not end there. He bravely adds more.

Paul urges believers to meditate on the things they have Learned-Heard-Seen in him! Wow! That is awesome! He puts his life out on the line for them to see. It is not through a sense of pride, however, but a determination that he will be following Jesus so completely that if they see the way he lives, it will be an example to them to follow. I want to be that transparent in my own life! 

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

June 22, 2015

“DO NOT SWEAT IT!”

 Philippians 4:6-7   

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Have you heard the story about the man who asked a friend how he was doing? The friend replied, “Pretty good, under the circumstances.” The man then asked his friend, “Well, what are you doing underthere?!”

Read the first four words of today’s Scripture once again. I wonder how often we find ourselves being anxious about the smallest details of our lives instead of turning them over to God?  It seems as if we sit as judge and jury about what is small and what is large. The Lord knows our tomorrows, and He knows the situations that we will encounter. According to this passage of Scripture, being anxious for nothing means just what it says: Quit being anxious!

So what are we to do about our stressful situations? Well, the answer is also given in this same Scripture: Encounter everything by prayer and supplication. To me that means praying before situations occur, not after. Commit your way to the Lord and allow Him to direct your path.

There is a key element involved in having victory in this area, and that is making our requests known to God. He already knows, but we need to bring our requests to Him -- not in an attitude of begging, but with prayer and thanksgiving. Let Him know that you have placed him on the throne of your life and as our powerful Almighty King, He can do what no one else can do.

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY - HISTORY OF FATHER'S DAY

HISTORY OF FATHER'S DAY

History of Father's Day Festival as seen today is not even a hundred years old. Thanks to the hard work and struggle of Ms. Sonora Louise Smart Dodd of Washington that just as we have set aside Mother's Day to honor mothers we have a day to acknowledge the important role played by the father.

However, some scholars opine that Father's Day history is much older than we actually believe it to be. They say that the custom of honoring dad's on a special day is over 4,000 years old. There are a few more claims about the Father's Day origin about which we will learn in this page.

EARLIEST HISTORY OF FATHER'S DAY

Scholars believe that the origin of Father's Day is not a latest phenomenon, as many believe it to be. Rather they claim that the tradition of Father's Day can be traced in the ruins of Babylon.

They have recorded that a young boy called Elmesu carved a Father's Day message on a card made out of clay nearly 4,000 years ago. Elmesu wished his Babylonian father good health and a long life.

Though there is no record of what happened to Elmesu and his father but the tradition of celebrating Father's Day remained in several countries all over the world.

HISTORY OF FATHER'S DAY IN USA

Modern version of Father's Day celebration originated in United States of America and thereafter the tradition spread in countries around the world.

The world owes thanks to Ms. Sonora Louise Smart Dodd a loving daughter from Spokane, Washington as it is because of her struggle that Father's Day saw the light of the day.

The idea of Father's Day celebration originated in Sonora's mind when she per chance listened to Mother's Day sermon in 1909. Fairly mature at the age 27, Sonora pondered if there is a day to honor mother then why not for father? Sonora felt strongly for fathers because of the affection she received from her own father Mr. William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran. Sonora's mother died while childbirth when she was just 16. Mr. Smart raised the newborn and five other children with love and care. 

Though there was initial hesitation the idea gained gradual popularity all over US and Father’s Day came to be celebrated in cities across the country.

Looking at the heightened popularity of Father's Day in US, President Woodrow Wilson approved of this idea in 1916.

President Calvin Coolidge too supported the idea of a national Father's Day in 1924 to, "establish more intimate relations between fathers and their children and to impress upon fathers the full measure of their obligations".

After a protracted struggle of over four decades, President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the third Sunday of June as Father's Day in 1966.

Then in 1972, President Richard Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father's Day to be held on the third Sunday of June. 

Sonora Smart Dodd was honored for her contribution at the World's Fair in Spokane in 1974. 

Mrs. Dodd died in 1978 at age 96.

Holly Dunn Daddy's Hands [Lyrcis]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR-1ggqyEIE

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL BLESSINGS FROM THE HEARTPastor Cecil A. Thompson June 19, 2015 REDEEMED!1 Corinthians 6:19-20 "Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit. " In 1979 the U.S. Embassy in Iran was overpowered and the Americans inside were held hostage for 444 days. One of those was the son of the former pastor of our church in Nampa, Idaho. I can recall our fervent prayer for Gary Lee as well as all of the other hostages. They were finally redeemed and allowed to go free. That incident has returned to my mind just recently as I read that these hostages have battled to receive compensation for the time that they were held hostage. It is difficult to know what would be fair compensation, but in this case they have been asking for something like $3 million each. Forgetting that particular incident and thinking of our redemption from sin, what is the worth of the human soul? The Lord Jesus paid the price for our redemption, and I am so grateful that we have been set free from the penalty of sin! The writer of this hymn, Fanny Crosby, was eagerly looking forward to that day when her Redeemer would appear and her blinded eyes would be opened and she would behold the most beautiful sight she could ever imagine—Jesus! Redeemed (1) Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb; Redeemed through His infinite mercy, His child and forever I am. REFRAIN: Redeemed, redeemed, Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb; Redeemed, redeemed, His child and forever I am. (2) Redeemed, and so happy in Jesus, No language my rapture can tell; I know that the light of His presence, With me doth continually dwell. REFRAIN: (3) I think of my blessed Redeemer, I think of Him all the day long: I sing, for I cannot be silent; His love is the theme of my song. REFRAIN: (4) I know I shall see in His beauty, The King in whose law I delight; Who lovingly guardeth my footsteps, And giveth me songs in the night. REFRAIN: (5) I know there's a crown that is waiting, In yonder bright mansion for me, And soon, with the spirits made perfect, At home with the Lord I shall be. REFRAIN: To access Redeemed, this week's inspirational video from GloryScapes.com, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/redeemed/ 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.

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

June 18, 2015

“SOMETHING IS MISSING!”

 I Kings 15:14   

“Although the pagan shrines were not removed, Asa’s heart remained faithful to the LORD throughout his life.”

How can you be faithful to the Lord without doing everything the Lord tells you to do? I wish I knew the answer to that question. An even greater question in my mind is why does the Lord bless me when there are things in my life that are not pleasing in his sight? That brings it closer to home doesn’t?!

It is so easy to be critical of others instead of looking at the faults in our own life. King Asa of Judah came to the throne following evil reigns of his grandfather and his father. He was the first king of Judah that found favor in the sight of the Lord. That means there was some mighty fine things that Asa did. But there was something missing!

There is always something missing if we fail to make a total commitment to the Lord. Yes, the Lord did bless Asa because he loved God and had done many things that were right. But there was something missing… Total commitment!

People looking at us may think that we are doing so many fine noble things for the Lord. But what does God say? Are we committing our way 100% to the Lord so that when we enter the gates of glory we will hear those words that will be the most precious words we can never hear; “Well done good and faithful servant!” I do not want to have anything missing in my life when I go to be with Him.

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

June 17, 2015

“OPEN MY EYES!”

 II Kings 6:17   

“And Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

A number of years ago one of the men in our congregation came to my office and brought a plaque of sorts. It is about 7 inches long and 2 inches wide. It is black with white wood pieces glued on. As you look at it at first you would think there is nothing there but just gibberish. He told me to look again harder. As I did I realized the black background was what I was should be looking at. It was only then that I saw the word; J ESUS.

So many times as we go through this life there things all around us that we do not see because we do not eyes to see. It often makes me wonder what I’ve missed by being so busy are so preoccupied that I failed to take the time to really look.

In our modern society cell phones and other such devices have so consumed the minds and attention of people that they failed to take time to realize there are others that need their attention. There so busy talking to someone somewhere else that they ignore the person in front of them.

We have done that with Jesus so many times. Through the Holy Spirit he has wanted to reveal Himself to us but we are so busy with our own activities that we fail to see Him. I want to urge us open our eyes see JESUS!  

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

June 16, 2015

“RAISED TO NEWNESS OF LIFE!”

 Romans 6:4   

“Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

Have you ever met people who claimed to have accepted the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord, yet they continued to live the same hollow lives they did before? Some may call them carnal Christians, but in reality they may not be Christians at all.

In today’s Scripture Paul was writing to believers in Rome about how they should live. One day he would be there in person to live out what he was telling them. It is one thing to preach, but another thing to live it!

If Paul were to suddenly appear in your home, your work place, or your church, what do you think he would find? Let me take that another step further. What if Jesus would appear in those places? Does that make you a little uncomfortable?

Let me be so bold as to rattle your cage even more. If you truly have given your heart to the Lord Jesus and accepted Him as Lord of your life, the Holy Spirit is always with you. When you do those questionable things that you think no one sees…the Holy Spirit sees! Wherever you go and whatever you do is known to the Lord. How then should we live our life? “Walk in newness of life.”

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

June 15, 2015

“SORRY FOR OURSELVES!”

 Acts 5:41-42   

“The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.  Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.”

I hate to admit it, but there are obnoxious Christians out there! By that I mean there are people who claim the name of Jesus as their personal Savior, but they live lives that border (one side or the other) on unquestionable practices. I hear from people that are around these types, and they perceive that person has an ugly spirit within them. Often that is what the world sees...and that is how they judge allwho claim the name of Christ.

The early Christians constantly put their lives on the line for the sake of Christ. Were they all perfect? Absolutely not! None of us are. But those believers were willing to give everything they had, including their very lives, for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ who had saved them and given them eternal life.

As I read the story of the Christians in that early New Testament Church, I noticed that they never felt sorry for themselves. In fact, they considered it a spiritual blessing to endure suffering. Today, if we have to endure insults or innuendos, we whimper and cry like babies. It is a far cry from our brothers and sisters who gave their lives for the Gospel.

I want to make a new commitment to live my life with rejoicing rather than trying to feel sorry for myself!

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
June 12, 2015

PRAISE HIM! PRAISE HIM!Psalm 33:1-3

“Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.”

What a wonderful woman! She stood less than five feet tall and weighed less than 100 pounds. Because of being maltreated for an eye infection when she was only a few months old, she spent the remained of her 95 years totally blind.

Her name was Fanny J. Crosby. This tiny dynamo wrote over 8,000 poems and hymns during her lifetime. She composed her poems and hymns entirely in her mind and then dictated them to a stenographer. She was said to be able to work on as many as twelve hymns at once before dictating them all out.

Fanny felt that it was a special gift from God that she should be blind all of her life and she thanked Him for that gift. She felt that once she arrived in heaven the first face she desired to gladden her sight was he precious Savior. It was in 1896 that she wrote the hymn selected this week.

Praise Him! Praise Him!

1. Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!
Sing, O Earth, His wonderful love proclaim!
Hail Him! Hail Him! Highest archangels in glory;
strength and honor give to His holy name!
Like a shepherd Jesus will guard His children,
in His arms He carries them all day long:

Refrain: Praise Him! Praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness; praise him! Praise him ever in joyful song!

2. Praise him! Praise him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!
For our sins he suffered, and bled and died;
He our Rock, our hope of eternal salvation,
Hail Him! Hail Him! Jesus the Crucified.
Sound His praises! Jesus who bore our sorrows,
love unbounded, wonderful deep and strong:

Refrain: Praise Him! Praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness; praise Him! Praise Him ever in joyful song!

3. Praise Him! praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!
Heavenly portals loud with hosannas ring!
Jesus, Savior, reigneth forever and ever;
crown Him! crown Him! Prophet and Priest and King!
Christ is coming! over the world victorious,
power and glory unto the Lord belong.

Refrain: Praise Him! Praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness; praise Him! Praise Him ever in joyful song!

To access Praise Him, Praise Him, this week's inspirational video fromGloryScapes™ Inspirational Music Videos, please go to:http://www.gloryscapes.com/praisehimpraisehim 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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