ENTER WITH VICTORY!

Psalm 100:4-5 –  Devotional

Psalm 100:4-5

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.”

World War II ended when I was eleven years old. I can recall the absolute joy in the celebrations that erupted with the news that the war had ended. People that were too old, or like me, too young to participate in the war, still celebrated as if we had been on the front lines of the battle.

It was several years later that I was blessed to meet three Japanese students who were attending college in Nampa, Idaho. These beautiful Christian students had a glow and joy that transcended the horrors of war; they taught us that God is able to end the battles in this world and prepare us for the joy that awaits us in heaven.

It is fascinating to observe the difference in people who have gone through times of trial. Some have developed a bitter and resentful spirit. To me it signifies that they are still fighting the battles that overwhelmed them in the first place.

Then there are the real examples of victorious saints. Rather than being overcome by the trials and tribulations of life, they have allowed the Holy Spirit to empower them. They enter the presence of the Lord as true victors. They are thankful about trials that others see as defeats. They rejoice that the Lord is beside them and become an example to all of us. I hope you are part of this crowd of witnesses!

Blessings dear hearts walk with God today and become a blessing!

– – – Pastor Cecil

If you have watched The Sands of Eternity video above and prayed the prayer at the end, please go to https://PastorCecil.com/ and use the form on the webpage to let us know so we can send you follow up resources and/or send an email to pastorcecil@dailyevotional.com and let him know.

JUST A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE!

Psalm 23:4 –  Devotional

Psalm 23:4

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

I walked close to my wife for 62 years before she went to be with the Lord in 2015. Even though she is no longer close to me, she is now experiencing a closer walk with our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

Death often casts a huge shadow, but it should hold no fear for the child of God. In 2 Corinthians 5:8 the Apostle Paul reminds us that for the believer, “- – to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” Death is our doorway into eternity. How fantastic!

As we consider the words of today’s hymn we should make it our prayer request. It should be our desire to walk closer to the Lord than ever before. It should not be just a one time thing, but it should be our fervent desire to walk closer to Him with each and every passing day.

Just A Closer Walk With Thee

1. I am weak, but Thou art strong; Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I’ll be satisfied as long; As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Refrain: Just a closer walk with Thee, Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee, Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

2. Through this world of toil and snares, If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares? None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

Refrain: Just a closer walk with Thee, Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee, Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

3. When my feeble life is o’er, Time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o’er, To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.

Refrain: Just a closer walk with Thee, Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee, Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

To access the free inspirational video from GloryScapes.com, please go to: https://gloryscapes.com/justacloserwalkwiththee/

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

– – – Pastor Cecil

If you have watched The Sands of Eternity video above and prayed the prayer at the end, please go to https://PastorCecil.com/ and use the form on the webpage to let us know so we can send you follow up resources and/or send an email to pastorcecil@dailyevotional.com and let him know.