FRIDAY: THE HAVEN OF REST!Psalm 46:1-3 Pastor Cecil A. Thompson September 30, 2016 DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL
BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART
Pastor Cecil A. Thompson
September 30, 2016

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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."

The Haven of Rest Quartet began singing in the year I was born, 1934. I can recall First Mate Bob introducing the program after a fog horn sounded. The quartet then would sing the words of this week’s hymn.

As we struggle through the storms of life it is a wonderful assurance that God provides a haven of rest where we can safely escape the wild waves of adversity. I thank God that many times in my life I have found God’s haven of rest for my own soul. In the book of Psalms, David refers to 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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THURSDAY: “CLUTTER!” Matthew 6:8 Pastor Cecil A. Thompson September 29, 2016 DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

September 29, 2016

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 “CLUTTER!”

Matthew 6:8

“Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.”

My wife was an amazing person. She was always neat and organized. It seemed to be one of her greatest delights in our home to insure that everything was in its proper place … and then there was me! I was the one who was clutter prone.

Over the 62 years of our marriage, Joyce tried everything to control my clutter. The number of boxes, baskets, and cubbies she bought to help keep my clutter out of sight, or at least manageable, was astounding.

During the last years of Joyce's life, she was not as concerned about clutter. Since her death in 2015, I have been on my own to control the household clutter and have become aware of a new reality about it. Oftentimes I think I'll need a particular article later, so I "store" it beside my chair, on my desk, on the floor … you get the picture. Before long I have a mess that needs attention.  It's then I discover that most of my clutter was unnecessary to keep.

There are areas of our lives that may have eternal value, but are they covered up by the clutter we allow to accumulate. When we make the Lord the focus of our life, He alone can bring order out of chaos. He knows what we need and when we will need it!

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

You can also find previous Daily-E-Votionals to help you in your walk with the Lord at: www.Daily-E-Votional.com

WEDNESDAY: “DAWN!” 2 Peter 1:19 Pastor Cecil A. Thompson September 28, 2016 DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

September 28, 2016

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 “DAWN!”

2 Peter 1:19

“And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”

Our family has made numerous road trips over the years. I think I developed the habit of starting very early in the morning from my dad. When I say "early in the morning," I mean well before dawn. It just seems that the lack of traffic that early allows you to make much better time. It is almost like reducing the travel time.

I can recall on those trips watching the first hint that dawn was near. The eastern skyline gradually appeared out of the darkness and minute by minute it became more pronounced. Before long gorgeous colors began to emerge and you knew that dawn had arrived.

As we make our way through this sin-darkened world, it often seems as if we are being swallowed up in the inky blackness of depravity. It is during these times that we need to focus our attention on God’s eastern sky…dawn is about to break!

Keep your spirits up, dear hearts! In Psalm 30:5 we are reminded: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Never lose heart as you travel through these dark hours -- dawn is very near.

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

You can also find previous Daily-E-Votionals to help you in your walk with the Lord at: www.Daily-E-Votional.com

TUESDAY: “THE LAST STRAW!” Ephesians 6:13 Pastor Cecil A. Thompson September 27, 2016 DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

September 27, 2016

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 “THE LAST STRAW!”

Ephesians 6:13

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

I am sure that you have heard the expression: Well, that’s the last straw! We've probably all experienced a time when it felt like life's pressures had become so great we could hardly go on when another discouraging issue suddenly arose. It was then that “the last straw” phrase was muttered.

There is certainly little doubt that we live in an evil day. Not only do we live in an evil day, but the evil seems to get worse with each passing day. Doing what is Godly and right is now seen as being wrong and evil.

Along with the reality of facing “the last straw,” we also come to the reality that it is time to stand for what is right. It is time for battle! Today's scripture passage indicates that we are to take on the full armor of God and stand firm in our defense of the Word of God.

In standing firm and sure for the gospel, there may be casualties. I would much rather be wounded or even killed in defending the cause of Christ than going along with the masses who deny the faith. This is the last straw -- what are we going to do about it? I, for one, am going to stand clad with God’s full armor. Join me?

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

You can also find previous Daily-E-Votionals to help you in your walk with the Lord at: www.Daily-E-Votional.com

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MONDAY: “HOPE FOR THE WEARY!” Matthew 11:28 Pastor Cecil A. Thompson September 26, 2016 DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

September 26, 2016

TO HEAR PASTOR CECIL READ THE DAILY E-VOTIONAL, CLICK ON THIS LINK: 

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 “HOPE FOR THE WEARY!”

Matthew 11:28

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Back in 1954 my wife Joyce and I found ourselves stranded in a blinding snow storm in the Black Hills of South Dakota. We knew there was a town not too far away, but we grew weary and suffered with the cold before we found relief.

When it seemed that we could hardly walk another step we saw the lights of the small town. There was only one small hotel in the town and, with much joy and relief, we were able to get a room for the night. Not only that, the wife of the hotel manager fixed us a bite to eat since there was no café open at that time of night.

There have been other times since then that I experienced weariness. Not all of them have been from physical exertion. Sometimes the emotional trials of life cause a deeper weariness. The loss of our loved ones creates a heaviness of heart that seems to drag us down.

It is in the weary times of life that we have the blessed assurance that the Lord Himself will carry our load. The only way that will happen is when we come to Him and cast our burden on Him. The longer we hold on to the things that weigh us down, the more weary and defeated we become. God promises us His rest, but we receive it only when we come to Him. Don’t carry your burden alone!

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

You can also find previous Daily-E-Votionals to help you in your walk with the Lord at: www.Daily-E-Votional.com

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FRIDAY: “SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER!” Philippians 4:4-7 Pastor Cecil A. Thompson September 23, 2016 DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL  

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

September 23, 2016

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“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, this free inspirational video, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/sweethourofprayer/

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

You can also find previous Daily-E-Votionals to help you in your walk with the Lord at: www.Daily-E-Votional.com 

Please feel free to forward this E-Votional on to your family and friends

THURSDAY: “AND THEN SATAN LAUGHED!” I Peter 5:8 Pastor Cecil A. Thompson September 22, 2016 DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

September 22, 2016

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 “AND THEN SATAN LAUGHED!”

I Peter 5:8

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

A seemingly strong Christian begins to read, listen, or watch images that once were totally off limits. If we were to listen in to Satan’s dominion we might here a soft chuckle. This same Christian begins to slip closer and closer to sin and finally crosses the line and violates God’s word. Satan smiles and then he laughs. He knows that he has succeeded in his effort to discredit and destroy.  

It is all too common to learn of the moral failure in the life of someone who had once been an example of Christian behavior. The worldly media is quick to jump on these stories and seem to be dedicated to paint all believers with the same brush.

As a Christian Counselor I have often been faced with the daunting task of trying to restore a fallen individual. The scenario always seems to follow the same pattern. It usually starts with the person feeling they deserve a “little fun” in their life and no one will be hurt by it. AND THEN SATAN LAUGHED.

The way to prevent Satan’s laugh is to remain sober (watchful) and vigilant (stand guard). There is never a time-out in serving the Lord. We must at all times keep on keeping on with Jesus!   

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

You can also find previous Daily-E-Votionals to help you in your walk with the Lord at: www.Daily-E-Votional.com 

Please feel free to forward this E-Votional on to your family and friends

WEDNESDAY: PRESCRIPTION FOR PEACE Pastor Cecil A. Thompson September 21, 2016 DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

September 21, 2016

TO HEAR PASTOR CECIL READ THE DAILY E-VOTIONAL, CLICK ON THIS LINK: 

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 “PRESCRIPTION FOR PEACE!”

Isaiah 26:3

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

I have just returned from the doctor and was given a prescription for a new medication. The medication is designed to deal with a particular condition. I could take it for some other symptom and it would prove useless. This prescription has been created for a particular purpose.

Isaiah 26:3 reveals that God has given us a prescription for peace. In this war-torn world we certainly do need God’s peace, don’t we? Every attempt of man to bring about peace has failed and will continue to fail.

There is only one prescription that promises not just peace, but perfect peace. Not only do we discover that only God can promise peace, but it comes when we keep our mind stayed on God. As we keep our minds focused on Him, and place our trust in Him, He will keep us in His perfect peace.

Are you looking for peace in your life? I urge you to take time several times each day to focus on the Lord and His precious word. Memorize scripture and use it to pray back to God His promises. We will find peace in the midst of life’s storms!

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

You can also find previous Daily-E-Votionals to help you in your walk with the Lord at: www.Daily-E-Votional.com 

TUESDAY: “WAIT ON THE LORD!” Isaiah 40:31 Pastor Cecil A. Thompson September 20, 2016 DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

September 20, 2016

TO HEAR PASTOR CECIL READ THE DAILY E-VOTIONAL, CLICK ON THIS LINK: 

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 “WAIT ON THE LORD!”

Isaiah 40:31

“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.”

It just happened again. Every so often I see reckless drivers who take their lives, as well as others, in their own hands and drive like maniacs. It seems that these impatient drivers believe they will save time by their wild driving ... but usually save no time at all.

I was driving about two blocks behind a vehicle that made a left turn after stopping at a stop sign. When that car was about a block away, another car entered from the right behind the first car. When I stopped I heard a loud roar, which turned out to be the second car. He swerved to pass the first car and almost hit an on-coming car head on.

After following these two vehicles for about three miles, I watched the obvious impatience of the wild driver. When I finally turned off the road, the wild driver was the same distance behind as when he first started.

Sometimes we are like these wild drivers. We get so impatient that we feel we cannot wait for God's answer to a problem. It is during these times that we tend to take the matter into our own hands, believing that we have a better idea of timing than God. That is never the case. We must always and in every situation … wait on the Lord!

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

You can also find previous Daily-E-Votionals to help you in your walk with the Lord at: www.Daily-E-Votional.com 

Please feel free to forward this E-Votional on to your family and friends

MONDAY: “GOD’S PERFECT HEALING!” Jeremiah 33:6 Pastor Cecil A. Thompson September 19, 2016 DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

September 19, 2016

TO HEAR PASTOR CECIL READ THE DAILY E-VOTIONAL, CLICK ON THIS LINK: 

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TO HEAR PASTOR CECIL READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR, CLICK ON THIS LINK:

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“GOD’S PERFECT HEALING!”

 Jeremiah 33:6

“Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.”

It was way back in 1955 when an incident occurred that taught me a lesson about divine healing. I was serving in the Air Force as a jet mechanic in Rapid City, South Dakota. The young son of the pastor and wife of the church we attended had Down’s syndrome. We all loved Chucky and continuously prayed for his healing.

We were at a service during the summer when a healing service was conducted. The visiting minister placed his hands on Chucky’s head and prayed for God’s healing touch. It was like electricity and those of us in attendance felt that God had heard. Though we did not see immediate results, we watched carefully over the next few weeks in anticipation of a complete healing.

It was no more than a month later that Chucky died unexpectedly. We all were stunned, but none more than his grieving parents. The minister who had placed his hands on Chucky sent this message: “When we felt that God had healed little Chucky, we had no idea that He would heal him so perfectly!”

Wow! When we lost our own daughter years later, we recalled the reality of this truth. It is important to remember that physical healing in this world is always and forever just temporary. This world is not our home―we are just passing through!

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

You can also find previous Daily-E-Votionals to help you in your walk with the Lord at: www.Daily-E-Votional.com