WEDNESDAY FRESH VISION; Pastor Cecil A. Thompson November 1, DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL  

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

November 2, 2017

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

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“GOD’S REASONS!”
Isaiah 41:10

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Over the years I have counseled my own children, as well as other counselees, to not be afraid and to not be depressed. Fear and depression are two maladies that seem to be very common in our society.

The fact of the matter is that even when I have counseled my children or others to avoid these two negative conditions, it has been hard for them to heed my counsel. Just to say we should avoid certain behaviors does not mean we will do so.

In today’s Scripture we are given God’s reasons for not being fearful or depressed. We need not be fearful for God promises to be with us. Isn’t that great! The God of the universe is always with us. He is more powerful than any force in the universe and He is with us at all times.

The prophet Isaiah also assures us that we need not be depressed for this powerful God is our God. He promises to strengthen us, help us, and uphold us with His righteous right hand. The right hand is indicative of power and strength. The reasons we have the assurance to face the future is that we belong to God when we receive Jesus as our personal Savior. If you have never received Him, do so right now!

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

- - - 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 JOY IN ASHES; Pastor Cecil A. Thompson October 31, DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL
BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART
Pastor Cecil A. Thompson
October 31, 2017

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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“JOY IN ASHES!”
Isaiah 61:3
“To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

A gravesite is not the usual place for a happy reunion, but it was just that last Friday. As I approached the graveside a young woman greeted me and introduced herself. It turned out that I had officiated at her wedding over seventeen years ago.

From that first introduction I was soon surrounded by others I had known before. The somber occasion quickly became a rather joyous time of meeting and greeting several young women who had been children or even not yet born way back then.

As we took the time to honor the memory of the woman who was being laid to rest, it struck us all that life does pass by quickly -- and because this life will soon pass, it is important to live our life for Christ.

Since we have been blessed with a new life in Christ, in our times of sadness there can and should be a joy in the ashes. We truly do not grieve as do those who have no hope. Our hope and joy is in 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

MONDAY FRESH FRUIT: Pastor Cecil A. Thompson October 30, DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL  

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

October 30, 2017

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

   https://pastorcecilathompsondailye-votional.blogspot.com 

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

     https://pastorcecilthebibleinoneyear.blogspot.com

“FRESH FRUIT!”
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.”

I love fruit harvest time. The blossoms of spring have given way to small buds that began to be shaped into the fruit of that particular fruit tree. During the warm months of summer the fruit grows and gradually begins to ripen until it is ready to pick and enjoy.  

I once taught a large sociology class at Boise State University. With over 120 students in the class I wondered how to go about getting to know them. The first assignment for the class was to name the three things they felt most important to them. It was surprising to discover that the vast majority listed LOVE, JOY, and PEACE -- and in that order.

In the next class session after this assignment I commented that I was shocked by their responses and shared Galatians 5:22-23 with them. (Since I simply commented on the responses they had given, I did not get into trouble with the administration.)

It is comforting to me that the Lord has placed within the heart of mankind to seek the fruit of the Spirit. It is this fruit that will never spoil and will only become sweeter as the years go by.

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

- - - 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

SUN OCT, 29: MESSAGE OF THE WEEK:“A SPIRIT OF STUPOR!" Romans 11:8, PASTOR CECIL, TUMWATER CHAPEL

SUN OCT, 29: MESSAGE OF THE WEEK:“A SPIRIT OF STUPOR!" Romans 11:8, PASTOR CECIL, TUMWATER CHAPEL

PASTOR CECIL A. THOMPSON TUMWATER CHAPEL MESSAGE OF THE WEEK.
Please click on the following link to listen to the message:
tumwaterchapelofgrace.blogspot.com/

“A SPIRIT OF STUPOR!”
Romans 11:8
“Just as it is written: ‘God has given them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear, to this very day.’”

Prayer

Blessings dear hearts!

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

FRIDAY OPEN MY EYES; Pastor Cecil A. Thompson October 27, DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL
BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART
Pastor Cecil A. Thompson
October 27, 2017

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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“OPEN MY EYES!”
Luke 15:20
“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.”

In the parable of the Prodigal Son the wayward son returned to the home of his father. He did not expect to be received as a son, but was in hopes that he could be employed as a servant.

We know the story of how the father was lovingly anticipating the return of his son. He loved the wayward youth and eagerly met him with love and extravagance. It was not because the boy deserved it, but because he needed. The father was eager to give it to this son who had returned.

Clara Fiske Scott lived from 1841 to 1897 and tragically died after being thrown from a buggy being pulled by a runaway horse. She was a prolific hymn writer, but only this week's featured hymn is still in circulation. Think of her hymn as it relates to a wayward son who has come home.

Open My Eyes

Open my eyes, that I may see, glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key, that shall unclasp and set me free.

Refrain: Silently now I wait for Thee, ready my God, Thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine.

Open my ears, that I may hear, voices of truth Thou sendest clear;
And while the wave notes fall on my ear, everything false will disappear.

Refrain: Silently now I wait for Thee, ready my God, Thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine.

Open my mouth, and let me bear, gladly the warm truth everywhere;
Open my heart and let me prepare, love with Thy children thus to share.

Refrain: Silently now I wait for Thee, ready my God, Thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine.

May the words of this hymn become our constant prayer. In the moments when the cares of this world tend to blind us to the mighty power of God unto salvation may our eyes see the open arms of the Savior waiting to receive us home.

To access; Open My Eyes, this week's inspirational video from please go to: www.gloryscapes.com/openmyeyes

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

- - - 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

THURSDAY SEARCH ME; Pastor Cecil A. Thompson October 26, DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL  

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

October 26, 2017

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

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“SEARCH ME!”

Psalm 139:23-24

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

During my service as a police officer I sometimes needed to search a subject to see if they had a concealed weapon or some type of contraband. When asked if they had such items it was common for the suspect to respond, "Search me!"

In our home, when an item was mysteriously broken Joyce or I would ask who was guilty of breaking it. All too often we heard, "Search me?"I am sure that none of you had that experience with your kids. Right!!

Today’s Scripture is a heart-felt plea from the Psalmist David for the Lord to dig deep into his heart and expose the thoughts and intents that were hidden deep. It was David's desire to discover his inner motivations so he could live his life in such a way that would be pleasing to God.

What is your personal motivation? Are you willing for the Lord to show you what is hidden deep within? Are there desires and motivations that are not pleasing to the Lord and prevent you from living a life of victory? Just be open and ask the Lord to search and show you your deepest need.

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 SAFE IN HIS HANDS; Pastor Cecil A. Thompson October 25, DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL  

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

October 25, 2017

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

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“SAFE IN HIS HANDS!”

Proverbs 29:25

“The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.”

Joyce and I used to enjoy watching a cooking show called "Cooks Country." The program's intro was a particular favorite part. It was a scene of a tiny Vermont village where church chimes pealed out the tune to "Safe Am I."

As I recall, the lyrics were something like this: Safe am I in the hollow of His hands. No foe can harm me, no fear alarm me, for He keeps both day and night. Those may not be the precise words, but I think they are pretty close.

There have been times in my life when I felt threatened. There was one moment when a car was careening toward my car and it could have been a fatal accident. Suddenly the other car swerved back into its own lane ending the threat.

I know that if the impact had occurred and my life would have ended, eternity with the Lord would have begun. It gives me wonderful assurance to know that whether I live or die, I am kept safely in the hollow of His hands.

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 EXPERIENCE; Pastor Cecil A. Thompson October 24, DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL  

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

October 24, 2017

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:

https://pastorcecilthebibleinoneyear.blogspot.com

“EXPERIENCE!”

Ecclesiastes 8:5

“He who keeps his command will experience nothing harmful;
And a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment,”

There is a constant complaint that certain employment positions require prior experience ... but without the job it is impossible to gain experience. It seems to be a no-win problem.

Following after the Lord allows everyone, from a small child to a brilliant scholar, to experience the Lord’s blessings. Jesus even called people to come to Him as a little child: “Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:4.

In a world that places such unreasonable constraints on people to be conformed to pre-conceived expectations, it is refreshing to be accepted in Christ just as we are without needing prior experience.

Part of gaining experience with the Lord is tasting His goodness. It is important to take time each day and open the Word to allow the Holy Spirit to bring things to your heart that will allow you to experience His love and concern. 

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

MONDAY ABOUND: Pastor Cecil A. Thompson October 23, DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL  

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

October 23, 2017

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:

https://pastorcecilthebibleinoneyear.blogspot.com

“ABOUND!”

Philippians 4:12-13

“I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

The Greek word for abound is perisseuō. In part, it means to exceed with more than what is expected -- having far more than what was anticipated. The opposite of our English word abound is the word abased,which in the Greek is tapeinoō. It means to humiliate and bring down. In layman’s language it means to hit the bottom of the barrel.

As believers we far too often rate things in a physical manner. We equate abounding as having prosperity and ease of living. It is safe to say that many believers think that they should have a life of prosperity if they do the will of God. Paul would not agree. He had experienced both being down and being up!

As you evaluate your service to the Lord, I pray that you will consider that God wants us to abound in doing the work that He places in our hands to perform. Do everything with gusto and enthusiasm. Abound in His grace and mercy and allow Him to receive the glory.

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

SUN OCT, 22: MESSAGE OF THE WEEK:“I CAN DO IT!” Philippians 4:12-13, PASTOR CECIL, TUMWATER CHAPEL

PASTOR CECIL A. THOMPSON TUMWATER CHAPEL MESSAGE OF THE WEEK.

  Please click on the following link to listen to the message:

https://tumwaterchapelofgrace.blogspot.com/

“I CAN DO IT!”

Philippians 4:12-13

“I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Prayer

Blessings dear hearts!  

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

- - - Pastor Cecil 

FRIDAY THE OLD RUGGED CROSS; Pastor Cecil A. Thompson October 20, DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL  

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

October 20, 2017

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

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“THE OLD RUGGED CROSS!”

Philippians 3:10-11

“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.”

 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 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.

To access The Old Rugged Cross, this week's free inspirational video from GloryScapes.com, please go to:http://www.gloryscapes.com/theoldruggedcross/

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

THURSDAY LOSS; Pastor Cecil A. Thompson October 19, DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL  

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

October 19, 2017

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

https://pastorcecilathompsondailye-votional.blogspot.com

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

https://pastorcecilthebibleinoneyear.blogspot.com

“LOSS!”

Philippians 3:7

“But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.”

Each time I read the sports pages of the newspaper I see that there are more losers than winners. Many contenders enter the race, but only one crosses the finish line in first place and receives the winner’s laurels.

Every sport has its winners and losers. It is the same way in the field of business and industry. What we gain today can be lost in a moment of time. To believe that we will always have things our way is to deceive ourselves.

Many of us have experienced the loss of loved ones and friends. I personally have encountered the valley of the shadow of death in the passing of my parents, my brother, my oldest daughter,  and my precious wife. I also have lost many other dear family and friends.

The things of this world pass quickly. I am constantly encouraged by the assurance that those dear ones who knew the Lord on this earth are not lost, but have slipped into the paradise of the Lord. I eagerly anticipate seeing them again, and when I do it will be in the land where there will never be any loss ... but only peace, joy, and everlasting fulfillment. What a day that will be!

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