DO NOT BE WEARY!

Matthew 11:28-30 – Devotional

Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light”

What constitutes weariness? If we enter an exercise regimen, the first days will seem like pure agony. Muscles will throb that we never even knew existed. So it is not the amount of exertion we expend, but being prepared to deal with the demands of life.

When I was in high school I played football. In the first days of practice we didn’t even see a football. All we were exposed to was calisthenics. This is a harsh word that means to torture your body until it screams! Strange as it seems, after a few days we were able to breeze through the routines and were now prepared to run through the plays that would make us successful in the games that lay ahead.

I have often wished I knew more about farming. My limited association is to grasp the idea that you had to get up at sunrise and work until the sun went down. There is a lot more to it. Take the term yoke. In modern practices it is seldom used. It is when two dray animals (often oxen) have a wooden yoke placed across their shoulders and as they walk they pull the load.

For a young animal this seems cruel to yoke them in with a much larger animal. I am told however, that this is for training purposes only. The larger animal carries the burden and the youngster only walks along beside. That is what Jesus calls us to do. When we are weary and burdened with the cares of life, we slip His yoke over our shoulders and walk beside Him. DO NOT BE WEARY!

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 June 4, 2026, we have a $1,848 need for June 2026 (was $2,000). To read about how the money is used, please go to https://DailyEvotional.com/donations/

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Enjoy the Song of the Week below created by Russ Hansen
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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.

REMEMBER!

Matthew 5:14-16 – Devotional

Matthew 5:14-16

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

“Though now at his Savior’s side, he is sorely missed for his rock-solid faith and thankfulness for God’s grace, his big heart, his quick smile, and for always being there with a word of encouragement.” These words were just a part of an obituary for a man I had never met and who lived and died hundreds of miles away from me.

What wonderful memories he has left behind for friends and family who knew him and will always remember him. The life that he lived became the very precious memories that would linger in their hearts.

Have you ever written an obituary? Perhaps it’s a father, mother, or a sibling? It is a daunting task and no doubt you will end up with tears as you reflect on those times in the past that will always be remembered.

An even more daunting task is to type your own obituary. In what way do you want to be remembered? Has your light burned so bright that it provided light to those who walk in darkness? Do you live so consistently for the Lord that people will remember you as one who walked close to God? Now is the time to take stock of the things that really matter in life and will count for eternity. REMEMBER!

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 Monday, April 27, 2026, we have a $1,525 need for April 2026 (was $2,000). To read about how the money is used, please go to https://DailyEvotional.com/donations/

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

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

Enjoy the Song of the Week below created by Russ Hansen
Please send him your feedback at inspiration@thegoodbookcompany.com

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.

CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY!

Matthew 28:5-6 – Devotional

Matthew 28:5-6

“And the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.’“

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

The hymn “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” is one of the most beloved Easter hymns in Christian worship, with roots going back to the early 18th century.

The text was written by Charles Wesley in 1739. He was a key leader in the Methodist movement alongside his brother John Wesley.

It first appeared in a collection called “Hymns and Sacred Poems” (1739). The original version had 11 stanzas (far more than what is typically sung today).

The hymn celebrates the resurrection of Jesus and emphasizes:

• Victory over death
• Joy and praise (“Alleluia!” repeated throughout)
• The believer’s participation in Christ’s resurrection

It strongly reflects themes found in passages like:

• 1 Corinthians 15 (resurrection victory)
• Romans 6 (new life in Christ)

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

Christ the Lord Is Risen Today (lyrics by Charles Wesley, 1739)

[verse 1]
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!

[verse 2]
Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once he died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where’s thy victory, boasting grave? Alleluia!

[verse 3]
Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia!

[verse 4]
Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

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 Sunday, April 5, 2026, we have a $1,948 need for April 2026 (was $2,000). To read about how the money is used, please go to https://DailyEvotional.com/donations/

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

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

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.

WERE YOU THERE?!

Matthew 27:54 – Devotional

Matthew 27:54

“Surely he was the Son of God!“

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

Matthew 27:35-54 reads . . .

When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is Jesus, the king of the Jews.

Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”

Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”

And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”

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

Enjoy this week’s free inspirational video, “Moonlight Sonata & Were You There?” by going to: https://gloryscapes.com/wereyouthere/

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 Friday, April 2, 2026, we have a $2,000 need for April 2026. To read about how the money is used, please go to https://DailyEvotional.com/donations/

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

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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.

JESUS IS HERE​!

Matthew 14:25 – Devotional

Matthew 14:25

“Just before dawn, Jesus came to them, walking on the water.”

For those of us who have worked the night shift, the night seems to be the darkest just before dawn. It is also the most boring time. Then you see the first streaks of dawn, and it becomes the most delightful. First a rim of gold appears on the eastern horizon, then a burst of light as the sun rises for the day.

The disciples of Jesus knew what a dark and stormy night on the water was like. They had perhaps even feared for their lives in previous storms. Now they experienced total shock — Jesus came walking on the water toward their boat!

Peter had no doubt been in storms like this before, but never had he experienced someone walking on the water. It was his Lord, suddenly he no longer felt afraid. In fact, he wanted to go to Jesus on the water. Peter was the only man besides Jesus who ever walked on water. But taking his eyes off the Lord and fearing the water caused him to begin to sink, but when he took the Master’s hand, he once again walked on the water to the boat.

When you are laboring in the darkest hours of your personal night, you may feel stark terror. Remember you are not alone. Jesus is there in your darkness, ready to keep you from sinking. Our critical problem is looking at the water instead of the Master who walks on the water. We need to focus our attention on Him, He will keep us from sinking!

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 Wednesday, March 25, 2026, we have a $1,674 need for March 2026 (was $2,000). To read about how the money is used, please go to https://DailyEvotional.com/donations/

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

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

Enjoy the Song of the Week below created by Russ Hansen
Please send him your feedback at inspiration@thegoodbookcompany.com

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’S WONDERFUL REST​!

Matthew 11:28 – Devotional

Matthew 11:28

“Come to Me, anyone who is tired and world-worn, and I will give you rest.”

Across the years I have been blessed to counsel many people. One of the most common complaints I have heard is “I’m so tired.” In a way it has been humorous since they complain that they are so tired they need a vacation, and when they return from vacation they are exhausted from the vacation.

It rather reminds me of counseling people who are having marital problems. There will be boxes of tissues to dry the tears of those who wish they had never gotten married. Later, another person will cry their eyes out because they are not married and wish they were.

The human body is capable of performing amazing feats of stamina. The way athletes run long distances and accomplish their acts of endurance is by training. Little by little, day by day, they grow stronger and stronger until they can perform without the fatigue that once plagued them.

In today’s Scripture Jesus gives us the spiritual prescription for our weariness: Come to Him! The reward for following His direction is deep and abiding rest.

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 Tuesday, March 24, 2026, we have a $1,724 need for March 2026 (was $2,000). To read about how the money is used, please go to https://DailyEvotional.com/donations/

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

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

Enjoy the Song of the Week below created by Russ Hansen
Please send him your feedback at inspiration@thegoodbookcompany.com

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.