NEAR TO THE HEART OF GOD! – James 4:8 Devotional

by | Sep 5, 2025 | James

NEAR TO THE HEART OF GOD!

James 4:8 – Devotional

James 4:8

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

My Dad was an encourager and was always there to insure that I was striving to be the man God wanted me to be. He stressed that after he was gone I would hold fast to the Gospel and point people in the direction of the cross. I yearn for the day when I will see my Dad once again, but even more so I yearn for the day when I will meet my Savior face to face.

Our recent Covid pandemic is not the first such disaster. In the early years of the 20th Century there was an outbreak of diphtheria in the U.S. that claimed many lives. In 1903 Cleland McAfee was chaplain and choir director at Park College in Parkville, Missouri. As the epidemic swept the area, two of his nieces died from the dreaded disease and the others in the household were quarantined. In Cleland’s hour of grief he wrote the hymn NEAR TO THE HEART OF GOD and brought the college choir to sing it outside the house.

If you are passing through the valley of the shadow of death right now – – I know that each of us will at some time in our life – – let the words of this hymn bring the quiet assurance we need.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NEAR TO THE HEART OF GOD

There is a place of quiet rest, Near to the heart of God.
A place where sin cannot molest, Near to the heart of God.

Refrain: O Jesus, blest redeemer, Sent from the heart of God,
Hold us who wait before Thee, Near to the heart of God.

There is a place of comfort sweet, Near to the heart of God.
A place where we our Savior meet, Near to the heart of God.

Refrain: O Jesus, blest redeemer, Sent from the heart of God,
Hold us who wait before Thee, Near to the heart of God.

There is a place of full release, Near to the heart of God.
A place where all is joy and peace, Near to the heart of God.

Refrain: O Jesus, blest redeemer, Sent from the heart of God,
Hold us who wait before Thee, Near to the heart of God.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

You can view a GloryScapes video of this hymn by going to https://gloryscapes.com/neartotheheartofgod2/

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

– – – Pastor Cecil

P.S. – Thanks for partnering with us to help spread the Good News–Please CLICK HERE or on the Donate Button below if you feel led to help us financially with Pastor Cecil’s ministry. As of today, Friday, September 5, 2025, we currently have a $1,796.00 need for August 2025 (was $2,000). To read about how the money is used, please go to https://DailyEvotional.com/donations/

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The Bible in One Year & Prayer

September 5th: Ecclesiastes 10:1-12:14, 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, Psalm 49:1-20, and Proverbs 22:20-21

New Testament Scripture & Prayer

September 5th: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, Psalm 49:1-20, and Proverbs 22:20-21

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PURE AND STEADFAST! – Psalm 51:10 Devotional

by | Sep 4, 2025 | Psalm

Hear Pastor Cecil read today's Evotional

PURE AND STEADFAST!

Psalm 51:10 – Devotional

Psalm 51:10

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

Some people seem to have the idea that children are born innocent, perfect, and with pure little hearts. Then they have children of their own and encounter temper tantrums and sinful behavior. It confirms the reality that we are born with the sinful seed of our first parents, Adam and Eve.

When I pray, “Lord create a pure heart within me,” does that mean that the Lord is to over-ride my unloving behavior and suddenly make me loving? Some people seem to teach that. The result of this false teaching is a feeling that more is required to reach the place where tribulations disappear. Beep!

The Psalmist prays that the Lord will lead him to a purified heart and then to guide him to a steadfast spirit. That means he will become an oak tree rather than a weak willow bush. This will enable us to first of all receive the Lord’s comfort for our discomfort; and second for us to comfort those around us who are in any trouble.

Two questions: 1. Are you receiving God’s comfort for your tribulations? 2. Are you comforting those around you who are experiencing tribulation? There is value for the true believer when we encounter tribulation!

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

– – – Pastor Cecil

P.S. – Please CLICK ON the Donate button below if you feel led to help us financially with Pastor Cecil’s ministry–and thanks for partnering with us to help spread the Good News. As of today, Thursday, September 4, 2025, we currently have a $1,898.00 need for September 2025 (was $2,000.00). To read about how the money is used, please go to https://DailyEvotional.com/donations/

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The Bible in One Year & Prayer

September 4th: Ecclesiastes 7:1-9:18, 2 Corinthians 7:8-16, Psalm 48:1-14, and Proverbs 22:17-19

New Testament Scripture & Prayer

September 4th: 2 Corinthians 7:8-16, Psalm 48:1-14, and Proverbs 22:17-19

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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.

ALL WE NEED WILL BE ADDED! – Matthew 6:33 Devotional

by | Sep 3, 2025 | Matthew

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ALL WE NEED WILL BE ADDED!

Matthew 6:33 – Devotional

Matthew 6:33

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

We live in a world that is obsessed with THINGS! Throughout the days of my life and ministry, I have witnessed many situations where people seem devoted to achieving the sensual pleasures of life.

In most cases, I believe it is safe to say that most of the things people obsess over have nothing to do with the essentials of life, rather, they are the toys of human pleasure and pride.

In our human experience we may endure periods of hunger or thirst. It is in these times of need that we can receive sustenance through the gifts of God’s servants. The needs of others allow us to see how the Lord provides, not only for our needs, but also how He allows His children the opportunity to be used to meet the needs of others.

As believers, we are encouraged to make seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness the top priority in our life. When we do that we can be sure that the Lord will use us as givers or receivers. Either way, we will be doing His will.

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

– – – Pastor Cecil

P.S. – Please CLICK ON the Donate button below if you feel led to help us financially with Pastor Cecil’s ministry–and thanks for partnering with us to help spread the Good News. As of today, Wednesday, September 3, 2025, we currently have a $1,948.00 need for September 2025 (was $2,000.00). To read about how the money is used, please go to https://DailyEvotional.com/donations/

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The Bible in One Year & Prayer

September 3rd: Ecclesiastes 4:1-6:12, 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:7, Psalm 47:1-9, and Proverbs 22:16

New Testament Scripture & Prayer

September 3rd: 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:7, Psalm 47:1-9, and Proverbs 22:16

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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.

GOD IS ALWAYS WITH US! – Isaiah 41:10 Devotional

by | Sep 2, 2025 | Isaiah

Hear Pastor Cecil read today's Evotional

GOD IS ALWAYS WITH US!

Isaiah 41:10 – Devotional

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.”

Isaiah 41:10 was one of the first verses I ever memorized. This Scripture has held me firm and steady through the most frightening situations of life. I am not ashamed to admit that there have been times when I have experienced fear either physically, emotionally, and perhaps even spiritually.

As a police officer, I recall when I was confronted with a life and death situation. A deranged man had already fired two shots at four of us before we were finally able to disarm him without anyone being injured. It was a terrifying situation!

I have felt the emotional fear of losing my two daughters and my precious wife. In these times of loss there is such a helpless feeling of impending separation. But then the reality of God’s provision of eternal life gives peace and assurance.

In times of terror the Holy Spirit brings peace and certainty. It is a joy that the world can never know apart from the assurance God gives. Our treasures (loved ones) are waiting for us. GOD IS ALWAYS WITH US!

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

– – – Pastor Cecil

P.S. – Please CLICK ON the Donate button below if you feel led to help us financially with Pastor Cecil’s ministry–and thanks for partnering with us to help spread the Good News. As of today, Tuesday, September 2, 2025, we currently have a $2,000.00 need for September 2025. To read about how the money is used, please go to https://DailyEvotional.com/donations/

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The Bible in One Year & Prayer

September 2nd: Ecclesiastes 1:1-3:22, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Psalm 46:1-11, and Proverbs 22:15

New Testament Scripture & Prayer

September 2nd: 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Psalm 46:1-11, and Proverbs 22:15

Share a blessing by inviting your friends and family to subscribe to Pastor Cecil’s DailyEvotional emails by clicking on the Subscribe button b.

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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.

I WILL KEEP GOD’S WORD! – Psalm 119:34 Devotional

by | Sep 1, 2025 | Psalm

Hear Pastor Cecil read today's Evotional

I WILL KEEP GOD’S WORD!

Psalm 119:34 – Devotional

Psalm 119:34

“Lord, teach me Your will and Your way for my life and I will follow You to the end. Give me understanding and I will keep Your law faithfully.”

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. The Psalmist pens this Psalm in the form of a prayer beseeching the Lord to be our teacher. Each section is introduced by a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. I am told that Jewish youth had to memorize the entire chapter. Containing 176 verses, that was no easy task.

It is interesting to dig a little deeper into the meaning of the word FOLLOW. In the Hebrew it means to keep guard and protect. That gives us a much clearer meaning of what the writer is seeking from the Lord.

When I was a boy, or even a grown man in graduate school, I was required to apply myself to gaining knowledge. I am afraid I fell short many times. Regardless of my failures I was exposing myself to the things my instructor endeavored to teach me.

As we read this Psalm of prayer to the Lord, it is important to make it our own prayer. Our part is to listen to the Lord as He teaches and then to keep, guard, and protect His Word, with our whole heart.

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

– – – Pastor Cecil

P.S. – Please CLICK ON the Donate button below if you feel led to help us financially with Pastor Cecil’s ministry–and thanks for partnering with us to help spread the Good News. As of today, Monday, September 1, 2025, we currently have a $2,000.00 need for September 2025. To read about how the money is used, please go to https://DailyEvotional.com/donations/

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The Bible in One Year & Prayer

September 1st: Job 40:1-42:17, 2 Corinthians 5:11-21, Psalm 45:1-17, and Proverbs 22:14

New Testament Scripture & Prayer

September 1st: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21, Psalm 45:1-17, and Proverbs 22:14

Share a blessing by inviting your friends and family to subscribe to Pastor Cecil’s DailyEvotional emails by clicking on the Subscribe button b.

You can share the Lord with someone by directing them to https://PastorCecil.com.

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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.