FRIDAY, JOY TO THE WORLD; Pastor Cecil A. Thompson December 1, DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

December 1, 2017

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“JOY TO THE WORLD!”

Psalm 98:4

“Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.”

Throughout scripture we are called upon to make a joyful noise before the Lord. In Psalm 98, all of creation is called upon to make a joyful noise before God. All around us we see the hand of a loving God who cared enough about us to send His own dear Son into the world to provide us with salvation.

This beautiful hymn was written by Isaac Watts. As we read and listen to the words of this moving Christmas hymn, we need to stop and ask ourselves if we are making a joyful noise before the Lord or just noise.   

 “JOY TO THE WORLD!”

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!

Let men their songs employ;

While fields and floods, rocks, and plains

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,

Nor thorns infest the ground;

Far as the curse is found,

Far as the curse is found

Far as, far as, the curse is found

He rules the world with truth and grace,

And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Enjoy this week’s free inspirational video, “Joy To the World” from GloryScapes.com by going to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/joytotheworld/

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

THURSDAY, NOW I SEE; Pastor Cecil A. Thompson November 30, DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

November 30, 2017

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“NOW I SEE!”

1 Peter 4:12-13

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;  but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”

As I read the words of today’s Scripture, I realize that Christians across the centuries have encountered painful trials. As I have mentioned many times, all of the disciples (except John) experienced torture, suffering, and death.

Prior to the Day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter was known for expressing his opinions before thinking or praying. Now that he had experienced prison, flogging, and humiliation, how would he respond?

Peter’s answer to conflict and trial in his life is the same that we are to practice in our own lives. It is what I like to think of as a - NOW I SEE! - moment. It is the time when we see the power of God’s Word as being more important than our natural reactions to our circumstances.

We are to see painful trials as something to be anticipated rather than some abnormal occurrence. Not only are we to expect trials in our life, we are to rejoice that we are able to participate in the suffering with Christ and look forward to being able to rejoice with Him when His glory is revealed.

Blessings dear hearts.  May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions! 

- - - Pastor Cecil

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WEDNESDAY, GOD WINS: Pastor Cecil A. Thompson November 29, DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

November 29, 2017

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

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“GOD WINS!”

 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.”

I frequently receive messages from readers who feel as if the enemy of our souls has his weapons trained directly on them. They seem to give Satan more credit than he deserves.

I have been thinking of a few questions that may help to put things in perspective.

1.     Who is more powerful, God or Satan?

2.     Who is the defeated foe, God or Satan?

3.     Who wants to make your life miserable, God or Satan?

4.     Who wants you to allow Him to fight your battles, God or Satan?

5.     Who wants to tempt you into giving up, God or Satan?

You could add many more such questions. The important thing is to come to the same conclusion that Job did in today’s Scripture. It is not just hearing about God, but opening our spiritual eyes to see Him ready to meet our need.

Blessings dear hearts.  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, REPLACE PITY WITH PRAISE; Pastor Cecil A. Thompson November 28, DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL
BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART
Pastor Cecil A. Thompson
November 28, 2017

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“REPLACE PITY WITH PRAISE!”
Proverbs 16:18
“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.”

With a subscriber base that reaches around the globe, each day I receive reports of trials and persecution that the saints of God are experiencing. It is easy to feel true sympathy for these people.

As I pray and meditate about those who are experiencing persecution, I am immediately aware that we are to rejoice with these people. In today’s Scripture the Greek word for “blessed” is “makarios." It means to be happy to the point of rejoicing.

Why on earth would someone who is experiencing lies, persecution, and insults rejoice? The reason we encounter harsh treatment is to demonstrate our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

It is essential to examine our persecution to determine if the cause is the result of faith in Jesus Christ or because of some type of our misconduct on our part. We cannot claim to be persecuted for Christ’s sake if we are guilty of doing something wrong.

Here is the bottom line—if we encounter ordeals in our life that are not the result of our sinful actions, we are blessed. We are told to count it joy and even to rejoice in our trials. We don’t need to pity, we need to praise!

Blessings dear hearts. 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 DEALING WITH PRIDE; Pastor Cecil A. Thompson November 27, DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

November 27, 2017

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“DEALING WITH PRIDE!”

 Proverbs 16:18

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

It is not necessary for us to deal with our own pride. God allows situations into our lives that make us realize we have nothing to be proud about. There are many embarrassing moments in my life. One that stands out in my memory happened years ago when I was teaching a class of young professionals. The class seemed to be very interested in everything I was saying, that is until I noticed that they all were looking down at my feet.

Finally one of the young women raised her hand and asked if there was a reason I was wearing one black shoe and one brown shoe?  I dreaded looking down, knowing that in my haste earlier that morning I had made a blunder. The class exploded in laughter at my expense. After recovering from my initial embarrassment, I sheepishly told them, “As strange as it may seem, I have another pair at home just like this pair!”

One of the things I have learned from these “red-faced” situations is that pride needs to be dealt a blow.  It is hard to act proud and aloof when you have on one brown shoe and one black shoe.

I earnestly pray that the Lord will continue to bring the “shoes” into my life any time I start to think more of myself than I ought. NOT ME—BUT CHRIST ONLY!

Blessings dear hearts.  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 NOV 26TH: MESSAGE OF THE WEEK: “WAITING!” 2 Thessalonians 3:5, PASTOR CECIL, TUMWATER CHAPEL

SUN NOV 26TH: MESSAGE OF THE WEEK: “WAITING!” 2 Thessalonians 3:5, 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:

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“WAITING!”

2 Thessalonians 3:5

“And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.”

Prayer

Blessings dear hearts!  

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

- - - Pastor Cecil 

FRIDAY O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL: Pastor Cecil A. Thompson November 24, DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL  

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

November 24, 2017

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“O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL!”

Luke 2:15

“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ ”

The beloved Carol “O Come, All Ye Faithful” was originally written in Latin (Adeste Fideles). The words were written by an Englishman, John Wade who had originally intended it as a hymn.

The music to “O Come, All Ye Faithful” was composed by fellow Englishman John Reading in the early 1700s. In 1841, Rev. Frederick Oakley revised the lyrics of “Adeste Fideles”.

While it would be an appropriate hymn at any time of the year, it has become a cherished Christmas Carol.  Let us all come and adore, Christ the Lord. 

 “O Come, All Ye Faithful”

O Come All Ye Faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him, born the King of Angels;
O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

O Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
Sing all that hear in heaven God's holy word.
Give to our Father glory in the Highest;
O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

All Hail! Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning,
O Jesus! for evermore be Thy name adored.
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;
O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Enjoy this week’s free inspirational video, “O Come, All Ye Faithful” from Gloryscapes.com by going to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/ocomeallyefaithful/

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

- - - 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 CHOOSING THANKS; Pastor Cecil A. Thompson November 23, DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

November 23, 2017

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“CHOOSING THANKS!”

 I Thessalonians 5:16-18

 “Rejoice always,  pray without ceasing,  in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Being thankful is not, or at least it should not be, a once-a-year thing. As members of God’s family we are to be thankful at all times.  It is not our prerogative to choose when and what we will be thankful for.

In today’s Scripture, Paul admonishes the church at Thessalonica (as well as all of us) that we are to Be joyful always.  Do you frequently look as though you have been baptized in vinegar? That, my dear friend, is not being continually joyful.

Paul’s second admonition is that we are to Pray continually. Here is another embarrassing question: How is your prayer life? Are you continually speaking to the Lord in prayer? It is a discipline that we need to pursue.

The last admonition is in line with today’s topic. Here is what the Lord expects of us: Give thanks in all circumstances. Chew on that while you are munching on your sumptuous dinner.  What if you had little or nothing to eat? Would you still give thanks? That is exactly the Lord’s will in any and every circumstance. 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

Blessings dear hearts.  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 ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE; Pastor Cecil A. Thompson November 22, DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL
BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART
Pastor Cecil A. Thompson
November 22, 2017

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“ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE!”
Psalm 95:2
“Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.”

I once pastored a small congregation of loving and caring believers where the members’ average incomes were minimal at best. The local mill that employed several of our families had to downsize and many jobs had been lost.

Even in these meager circumstances, our church was asked to adopt the pastor and his wife of an even smaller congregation than ours. Undaunted by our lack of funds, however, some of our people contacted friends in the community where this pastor served to find out what the couple needed, which turned out to be major appliances. We knew we could not afford to purchase new ones … but we could buy used items and restore them.

The project took time and effort, but we undertook it with love and a sense of excitement. Our good deed, however, was not received in the same spirit. There was no sense of joy or thankfulness from the recipients, but one of resentment that they were given USED items rather than NEW. We had worked hard to give the best we could, but their lack of thankfulness was very apparent.

The attitude of gratitude was certainly missing in that situation―a gift offered sincerely out of love and compassion resulted in a slap in the face. As we approach the season of giving it is vital that we take the time to show our thankfulness ... not for what gifts we receive, but for the people who are part of our lives.

Blessings dear hearts. 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 NO COMFORT ZONE: Pastor Cecil A. Thompson November 21, DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

November 21, 2017

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“NO COMFORT ZONE!”

 Luke 10:3

“Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves.”

Is it just human nature to want to stay in our warm and snug comfort zone, or is it the method Satan uses to keep us from doing God’s will and working in His harvest fields?

Regardless of how we answer that question, the fact is that God wants us to move out of our comfort zone. Inside our zone of comfort we focus most, if not all, of our energy on ourselves and neglect the needs of those around us. The harvest fields that Jesus speaks about in this passage refer to the lost and dying all around us.

You know, there are different types of harvest fields. When wheat or barley is harvested, all of the grain is gathered at one time. In a field of strawberries, however, only those berries that are ripe are picked. It requires many subsequent trips to complete the strawberry harvest. 

It is the same way with the souls of men and women. Some may be gathered all at once in a mass crusade, while others must be picked one at a time. As we move out to the harvest field we must stop and consider when the crop is ready. It is not our comfort zone that is important, but the harvest's ripeness. Are you ready?

Blessings dear hearts.  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 LET GOD DO THE DRIVING; Pastor Cecil A. Thompson November 20, DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

DAILY-E-VOTIONAL

BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

November 20, 2017

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

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“LET GOD DO THE DRIVING!”

 Proverbs 3:5-6

“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.”

As a boy I used to cherish the times I got to spend alone with my dad. He once worked as a driver for the Washington Motor Coach Company and I got to ride along on his route a few times. The bus may have carried twenty or thirty passengers, but only my dad was the driver. Our lives were in his hands. You might say (and rightly so), we were just along for the ride!

Sometimes, when we would make a scheduled stop, my dad would ask me to perform a small task for him. I did so joyfully. But it was only when he asked that my tasks accomplished the purpose of serving him.

Our problem is that we are doing things our way rather than doing things God’s way. He never desires us to run ourselves ragged in order to please Him or to merit salvation. In today’s Scripture we see that what God wants us to do is to place our trust in Him.

I hope you get the spiritual implication. The Lord calls us to ride along with Him and enjoy the scenery until He calls us to do His bidding. Wait expectantly for Him — it is worth the wait!

Blessings dear hearts. 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 NOV 19TH: MESSAGE OF THE WEEK: “ENDURING TEMPTATION!” James 1:12, PASTOR CECIL, TUMWATER CHAPEL

SUN NOV 19TH: MESSAGE OF THE WEEK: “ENDURING TEMPTATION!”
James 1:12, 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/

“ENDURING TEMPTATION!”
James 1:12
“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

Prayer

Blessings dear hearts!

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

- - - Pastor Cecil

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