“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
I want to send this short note to fill you in on my emergency stay in the hospital. Without going to a lot of morbid details, I was diagnosed with diverticuloses. It was an opportunity to observe God’s sovereignty in action.
I am feeling fine now and will get back to normal E-Votionals tomorrow. Thank all of you for your prayers and concern. GOD IS GOOD!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
- - - Pastor Cecil
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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DAILY-E-VOTIONAL BLESSINGS FROM THE HEARTPastor Cecil A. Thompson August 31, 2015
IT'S ME O LORD, STANDIN' IN THE NEED OF PRAYER!James 5:16b
". . . The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
We got a call today from Pastor Cecil's daughter that Cecil was in the hospital because of dizzyness, but in spite of this he wanted to be sure the Daily-E-Votional got out on schedule. So, here it is.
When he got to the hospital they determined he most likely has some internal bleeding. They gave him two units of blood and scheduled him for an endoscopy today.
When we called Cecil at the hospital he was waiting for the endoscopy so they could determine where the bleeding was coming from. So, please pray for Cecil at this time that the doctors and all involved will find the cause of the bleeding and that God would heal him directly or through their help.
Pastor Cecil has a great sense of humor and when I asked him what he wanted me to say in this E-Votiional, he said, "Tell them I've got mental dysfunction."
Thanks for lifting Pastor Cecil up in prayer at this time.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
---Russ Hansen for Pastor Cecil
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
DAILY-E-VOTIONAL
BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART
Pastor Cecil A. Thompson
August 26, 2015
TO LISTEN TO THE DAILY E-VOTIONAL, CLICK ON THE LINK (OR COPY AND PASTE INTO YOUR BROWSER) FOR MY DAILY BLOG!
“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors!Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”
Sometimes the words we speak are not the words we intended. I seem to be a master of this shortcoming. I was listening to my voice reading of BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART forTuesday when I realized that I had said the 26th instead of the 25th. A friend reminded me that since our subscriber list is global, it really would be a day ahead for part of the world. It still was a mistake on my part!
We may fuss and fidget over dates in our own life, but God knows each and every day before we ever live there. God is sovereign! He does not need to explain anything because He has created everything. Romans 8:28 gives us an assurance of God’s plan of provision for us:“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
If we truly trust God, and we must, then we will recognize that he knows the end from the beginning. When we read the book of Job we realize that even though Job goes through unbelievable suffering, victory is in store for this suffering saint. I want to close with a passage from Job 42:5-6: “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
- - - Pastor Cecil
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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Monday, August 24, 2015
DAILY-E-VOTIONAL
BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART
Pastor Cecil A. Thompson
August 25, 2015
TO LISTEN TO THE DAILY E-VOTIONAL, CLICK ON THE LINK (OR COPY AND PASTE INTO YOUR BROWSER) FOR MY DAILY BLOG!
“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”
This afternoon I had made a trip to the post office and was on my way home when I noticed a young woman slouched over speaking into a cell phone. That was not what my attention. My eyes were drawn to the sign she was leaning against which read; DEAD END STREET.
Wow! That hit me like a ton of bricks. How many times do we see people around us who are on a dead-end street. We can come to many dead-end streets in our life when we failed to take the action that is necessary. Even though it says dead-end street many times people failed to ignore the warning and come to a sudden stop at the end. At that time it’s either turnaround or crash.
The words of Solomon in today’s Scripture are profound and true. We may listen to the sweet enticement to seek the pleasures of sin, but to do so inevitably leads us into a dead-end street. Many lives, families, and ministries have gone down that dead-end street. Sad! Sad! The bitter wail!
So mentioned earlier there is an option. If we find ourselves on a one-way street we need to immediately make a U-turn. In Scripture we find that U-turn described by one word…REPENTANCE! If you’re on a dead-end street repent as soon as possible. As a team we had an expression; “TURN DON’T BURN!”
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
- - - Pastor Cecil
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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Sunday, August 23, 2015
DAILY-E-VOTIONAL
BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART
Pastor Cecil A. Thompson
August 24, 2015
TO LISTEN TO THE DAILY E-VOTIONAL, CLICK ON THE LINK (OR COPY AND PASTE INTO YOUR BROWSER) FOR MY DAILY BLOG!
“For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
There are times in our life when we are faced with the challenge of faith. Things seem to be stacked against us and without the strength of the Lord, we will fail. In both the Old and New Testament we see common ordinary people whom God chose to do mighty things for Him. Sometimes those things are dangerous!
Esther faced one of these fearful times when Mordecai instructed her to go directly to the king and plead for the lives of all the Jews who were to be annihilated in less than a year. She knew that appearing before the king without being summoned was suicide. But she chose to utter those faithful words, “If I perish, I perish!”
Mordecai also exhibited faith. He knew that God was going to come to the aid of His people. If the source of rescue did not come from Esther, it would come from some other source.
Faith has its rewards! Not only were the people saved from the slaughter that the wicked Haman had planned, but Esther was given his property and Mordecai was promoted to Prime Minister, second only to the king. VICTORY!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
- - - Pastor Cecil
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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Thursday, August 20, 2015
DAILY-E-VOTIONAL
BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART
Pastor Cecil A. Thompson
August 21, 2015
TO LISTEN TO THE DAILY E-VOTIONAL, CLICK ON THE LINK (OR COPY AND PASTE INTO YOUR BROWSER) FOR MY DAILY BLOG!
“Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”
Several years ago I received an e-mail from one of our subscribers who passed on some information that I found interesting and inspirational. It has to do with the town of Reed City, Michigan. I visited Reed City’s website and discovered that there is a museum called the “Old Rugged Cross Museum.”
The Old Rugged Cross Historical Museum is an outgrowth of a memorial cross erected and dedicated on September 14, 1954, north of Reed City, Michigan, near the Home of Rev. and Mrs. George Bennard. Rev. Bennard was the author of the well-loved hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross," written in 1913.
Back in 1913, Salvation Army Officer, George Bennard passed through a trying experience. This experience caused him to reflect seriously about the significance of the cross and, in particular, what the apostle Paul meant when he spoke of by entering into the fellowship of Christ's suffering. While contemplating on these truths, Bennard was convinced that the cross was not just a religious symbol, but rather the very heart of the gospel. He penned the words of this beloved hymn. Bennard spent the last years of his life by the side of the road, a few miles north of Reed City, Michigan. At the age of 85, on October 9, 1968, he passed away. Near this home there still stands a twelve foot high cross with the words The Old Rugged Cross – Home of George Bennard, composer of this beloved hymn.
THE OLD RUGGED CROSS
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame; And I love that old cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain.
Refrain:So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it someday for a crown.
O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, has a wondrous attraction for me; for the dear Lamb of God left his glory above to bear it to dark Calvary.
Refrain:So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it someday for a crown.
In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see, for 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, to pardon and sanctify me.
Refrain:So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it someday for a crown.
To that old rugged cross I will ever be true, its shame and reproach gladly bear; then he'll call me some day to my home far away, where his glory forever I'll share.
Refrain:So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it someday for a crown.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
- - - Pastor Cecil
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Wednesday, August 19, 2015
DAILY-E-VOTIONAL
BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART
Pastor Cecil A. Thompson
August 20, 2015
TO LISTEN TO THE DAILY E-VOTIONAL, CLICK ON THE LINK (OR COPY AND PASTE INTO YOUR BROWSER) FOR MY DAILY BLOG!
“He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
Eagles have been my favorite bird longer than I can remember. I am captivated every time I look into the sky and see that majestic bird with the dark body and white head soaring majestically over the earth below.
When I see an eagle in flight, the beauty and grace of his movements are fantastic. Soaring high in the sky, he looks very small and yet he is a very large bird. His talons can crush bones and his beak can tear away huge portions of flesh. But I don’t think of these qualities while I observe him in flight, only his beauty.
The truth of the matter is that an eagle spends a considerable amount of time performing very menial activities. I have observed them via an "eagle cam" sitting on a nest for hours on end, sometimes in snow and ice, to ensure that the eggs are hatched. Then both the mother and the father take turns seeking food to bring to the nest to feed their hungry brood.
When we think of serving the Lord, it is easy to think of the easy times, the times of soaring and feeling the wind beneath our wings. As we consider today’s Scripture, there is another element involved. Spiritually, to soar like an eagle is to patiently wait for the Lord and be prepared to act when He calls. Soar, my friend!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
- - - Pastor Cecil
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
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
DAILY-E-VOTIONAL
BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART
Pastor Cecil A. Thompson
August 19, 2015
TO LISTEN TO THE DAILY E-VOTIONAL, CLICK ON THE LINK (OR COPY AND PASTE INTO YOUR BROWSER) FOR MY DAILY BLOG!
“O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.”
There are many emotions that arise when we go through a stressful situation. I tenderly want to suggest that one of the most difficult encounters is when a well- meaning person suggests that they know how you feel.
I have encountered this several times in my life and have heard from others who also have had to respond to these comments. Yes, I may have had similar tragedies in my life, but that does not equate to knowingwhat another person is feeling.
What may cause intense pain and anguish in one person does not make them expert in relating it to the pain another is experiencing. There comes a time when silence and presence speak far louder than trying to impose my previous feelings.
There is one exception; the Lord knows what we are experiencing and He alone knows how we feel! He has borne our sinful burden to the cross and has experienced every heartache that we can ever endure. REST IN HIM AND FIND COMFORT!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
- - - Pastor Cecil
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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Monday, August 17, 2015
DAILY-E-VOTIONAL
BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART
Pastor Cecil A. Thompson
August 18, 2015
TO LISTEN TO THE DAILY E-VOTIONAL, CLICK ON THE LINK (OR COPY AND PASTE INTO YOUR BROWSER) FOR MY DAILY BLOG!
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear of it and be glad.”
I want to ask you a personal question. Do you enjoy listening to someone who is constantly complaining? Do you enjoy being around people who are so negative that they seem to make a conscious effort of seeing the worst in every situation?
If you are like me it’s difficult being around people like this. Unfortunately many Christians seem to fall into this type of behavior. There is very little praise, joy, or expectation from these people. They drag you down spiritually. Personally I think these negative oriented people are not living the life desires.
The psalmist David gives us a beautiful pattern of victorious Christian living. It seems as if he is making this a personal commitment to himself. He first of all starts out by asserting that he will bless the Lord at all times. If you have read anything about David in the Old Testament you will see that there are many times and many situations that were threatening and hard to give the Lord blessing. He goes on to say that he will praise the Lord continually! And finally he says that his boast will be in the Lord! And he just knows that those who are humble before God will hear of his praise and blessing and boasting and be glad.
So the question right now is, are you blessing the Lord enough? Do you praise him for each and every situation regardless of how devastating it may seem? Are you boasting about what you have accomplished or what God has accomplished through you? I encourage you to look deep into your own life and then praise the Lord!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
- - - Pastor Cecil
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
Sunday, August 16, 2015
DAILY-E-VOTIONAL BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART
Pastor Cecil A. Thompson
August 17, 2015
TO LISTEN TO THE DAILY E-VOTIONAL, CLICK ON THE LINK (OR COPY AND PASTE INTO YOUR BROWSER) FOR MY DAILY BLOG!
“Woe to you who are at ease in Zion, and trust in Mount Samaria, notable persons in the chief nation, to whom the house of Israel comes!”
A few blocks from my home is a busy intersection where, almost every week, there is a group of young people having a car wash to raise money. They have signs and usually more enthusiasm than I have experienced for years. Sometimes they yell at the top of their voices, but with your windows rolled up you have no way of hearing what they’re saying. But at least they’re excited!
Today, as I came to the intersection I noticed a young man who is sitting on a lawn chair. He was so nonchalant that at first I thought he was asleep. Then I noticed he had a sign advertising the car wash, but instead of holding it up he just had it leaning against the chair as he sat.
The scene prompted me to think of the modern day Church. There are a few who are excited and committed to the task of sharing the good news about Jesus Christ ... but there are many more who seem to be "at Ease In Zion."
It is well for us to understand that we are in the midst of a battlefield -- a battlefield for the souls of men and women, boys and girls. And yet, so many are very much like that young man sitting on a lawn chair -- indifferent and uncommitted. It is time for us to wake up and get busy sharing with our family and friends and others as the Holy Spirit opens the door. Wake up, Beloved! It may be their last chance!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
- - - Pastor Cecil
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
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
DAILY-E-VOTIONAL
BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART
Pastor Cecil A. Thompson
August 14, 2015
TO LISTEN TO THE DAILY E-VOTIONAL, CLICK ON THE LINK (OR COPY AND PASTE INTO YOUR BROWSER) FOR MY DAILY BLOG!
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
This beautiful hymn was composed by Will Thompson who lived from 1847 to 1909. The words seem to capture the heart of the listener and draw them to come to Jesus. You can almost picture Jesus Himself standing patiently urging us to come to him.
The second stanza gives us a little different approach not only does he plead for us to come but he offers pardon to anyone who will come to Him. He offers complete pardon to anyone and everyone who will come to Him. He has paid the price and He has the authority to extend pardon to any who will come to Him.
The words of this hymn stresses the urgent need of those who are lost. Some feel like they have time before making that decision, but sadly for many they wait too long. Now is the hour of decision to receive Christ’s mercy and pardon!
“SOFTLY AND TENDERLY”
Softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling, calling for you and for me;
See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching, watching for you and for me.
Refrain: Come home, come home. You who are weary come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling, calling, O sinner, come home.
Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading; pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not His mercies; mercies for you and for me?
Refrain: Come home, come home. You who are weary come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling, calling, O sinner, come home.
Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing, passing from you and for me.
Shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming, coming for you and for me.
Refrain: Come home, come home. You who are weary come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling, calling, O sinner, come home.
O, for the wonderful love He has promised, promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon, pardon for you and for me.
Refrain: Come home, come home. You who are weary come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling, calling, O sinner, come home.
“For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to givethe light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
A dear friend wrote me about a project she and her husband had been working on. It involved dismantling an old building and saving the wood for special projects. Her husband was talking to a contractor about lighting a shed that had never had light in it before. The man mentioned that it might not be a good idea, which seemed strange. He went on to explain that once there was light in the shed it would reveal things that needed attention.
What a spiritual revelation this is! When the light of the glorious gospel of Christ shines in the heart and soul of an individual, there are things revealed that need to be corrected. This is one of the important reasons for spending time in God’s word and prayer.
I was just watching a spacewalk on the International Space Station traveling some 250 miles above the earth. The two spacewalkers had several very important projects to be completed in their six hour spacewalk. It was interesting to note that the lights on their helmets illuminated only a small area. One of them remarked that they would have to wait until the space station came into daylight in order for them to be able to see clearly.
Let’s face it. We live in a dark world! Day by day sin becomes more and more prevalent and darkness surrounds us. The longer we ignore our need of spiritual light, the more difficult it is to see things clearly. As we open up the dark recesses of our life and spend time with the Lord in order to light our darkness, we will see things we have never seen before -- things that need to be removed and cleansed! TURN ON GOD’S LIGHT!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
- - - Pastor Cecil
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
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
DAILY-E-VOTIONAL
BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART
Pastor Cecil A. Thompson
August 12, 2015
TO LISTEN TO THE DAILY E-VOTIONAL, CLICK ON THE LINK (OR COPY AND PASTE INTO YOUR BROWSER) FOR MY DAILY BLOG!
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Over the years I have come to understand that just because someone says you can trust them, it does not mean that you can trust them! You may have experienced that very same thing in your life. There is a sour feeling in the pit of your stomach when you realize that the people you felt you could rely upon were not to be relied upon.
It is at this point that we can choose to be bitter or better. There have been so many who have become so bitter that their lives were turned inside out. They project the bitterness that has come from one situation into the way they conduct themselves about every situation.
I think of Joseph who was so viciously betrayed by his own brothers and sold into slavery. It would have been so easy for him to become bitter and resentful, but the result would have been a dead-end street as a slave in a foreign land. Joseph did not choose that route. He chose to rely upon his God and recognized that God was in control regardless of where he was. He chose to become better. Whether a servant or a falsely accused prisoner, his trust was in the Lord -- not on the circumstances. You know the rest of the story. Joseph found that God was directing his paths!
Where are you right now? In face of the circumstances of life, are you bitter or are you trusting God and allowing Him to make you better? Remember, the choice is ours to make. We can allow the circumstances to crush or create a new opportunity for us. Trusting in the Lord is the answer. I urge you to trust Him and be better!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
- - - Pastor Cecil
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
