by Pastor Cecil | Jul 29, 2011 | Psalm
Psalm 18:2
“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
Ira Sankey was a singer and song writer who worked with evangelist D.L. Moody. He had experienced an extended time of trial and tears. He cried out to the Lord to receive something new and refreshing for his gospel ministry. It was during this time of prayer that the song, “Hiding In Thee” was born. The Lord had graciously answered his prayer.
About twenty years later, Sergei Rachmaninoff was experiencing many problems in his life, he experienced writer’s block and felt useless. After several years he broke out of his doldrums and composed his second piano concerto. This week’s Daily-E-Votional features both works.
“Hiding in Thee“
O safe to the Rock that is higher than I,
My soul in its conflicts and sorrows would fly;
So sinful, so weary, Thine, Thine, would I be;
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.
Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.
In the calm of the noontide, in sorrow’s lone hour,
In times when temptation casts o’er me its power,
In the tempests of life, on its wide, heaving sea,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.
Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.
How oft in the conflict, when pressed by the foe,
I have fled to my refuge and breathed out my woe;
How often, when trials like sea billows roll,
Have I hidden in Thee, O Thou Rock of my soul.
Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.
To access Hiding In Thee, this week’s inspirational video from GloryScapes™ Christian Music Hymns & Songs, please click on the image below.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
360-570-0074
PastorCecil@Daily-E-Votional.com
P.S. – Please feel free to forward this E-Votional on to your family and friends. They’ll appreciate the encouragement. 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.
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 28, 2011 | Hebrews
Hebrews 13:1-2
“Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.”
Monday afternoon I was standing beside a graveside preparing to officiate at the service for an 88-year-old woman. My attention was suddenly captivated by a unique three wheel vehicle that had just arrived. It was more than a motorcycle¯it was like an auto on three wheels and decked out in the color scheme of the US Navy and Marine Corps “Blue Angels,” Flight Demonstration Team. It even had the words “Blue Angel” boldly displayed on the side.
After the service I was talking with the owner who told me an amazing story about how the “motorcycle” got its name—he had been involved in a terrible accident and was hovering between life and death. He recalled that as the paramedics were tending to him, a woman with blue sleeves arrived on the scene and asked to pray with him.
Later, following an extended stay in the hospital, all of those who had been at the accident scene that day, came by to celebrate his recovery and were photographed with him—all that is except the woman with the blue sleeves. In his mind she became his blue angel, and thus the inspiration for the name of his new vehicle.
Since that time, the bike owner has had many opportunities to share his faith by relating his story, to those who stop to admire his unique three-wheeler. What a fantastic blessing this has been to this man who has used his accident and recovery to share the wonderful news of the gospel.
You may not have a “Blue Angel” in your life, but you may very possibly be used by God to touch some life that is in need. “Open my eyes Lord that I may be available to do Your work in Your way and in Your time.”
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
(360) 570-0074
P.S. – 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 Please feel free to forward this E-Votional on to your family and friends.
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 27, 2011 | Psalm
Psalm 18:28-29
“You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.”
It seems that there is such deep darkness in the world that it causes one to wonder if there can be any way out of the terrible blackness. I do not like that feeling of defeat, but I witness it quite prevalent in many Christian hearts.
In reading through the pages of Scripture I find that God has always been faithful. He is always waiting for His children to call out for His help—and when they do, he answers the call and brings about a great deliverance.
Over and over we read how God wonderfully leads His children through terrible times of oppressions and gives them His precious promises if they will only remain faithful to Him. When they do, He gives mighty victories. Then, sadly, we read that they begin to rely on their own abilities or other human resources. The result is always calamity and defeat. It remains that way until repentance is made and there is a return to the Lord.
If you are like me you become disgusted with the shortsightedness and disobedience of God’s people. But . . . before I get too far along in condemning those of past generations, the Lord puts a mirror in front of my face and shows me that I often do the same thing. I desire always to make my prayer to Him a prayer of confession. It is my prayer that He will light my fire and make me a blessing to others.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
(360) 570-0074
P.S. – 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 Please feel free to forward this E-Votional on to your family and friends.
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 26, 2011 | Psalm
Psalm 42:5
“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.”
If you want to experience an enjoyable respite that costs little or nothing, go people watching. This has been one of our favorite family outings for many years. In fact it was one of my fondest memories from childhood. We would pile in the car and drive into town to “watch people.”
This wonderful activity gives an entirely new insight into the lives of others. You can see a young mother herding her brood of kids around with a look of concern and frustration . . . an elderly gentleman tottering along trying to make it the last few steps to his destination . . . a teen trying to act as cool as possible even though you can see she is filled with uncertainty.
Just a day or so ago, Joyce and I were having a hotdog while people watching. After a few moments into our outing, Joyce made an astute observation: “Look how unhappy people look.” As we sat there we were amazed at the miserable looks people had on their faces. It was startling! Then I recalled a remark I had made about the music program in a church broadcast we watch on TV each week. Apparently the choir director has instructed the members of the choir to smile, and they do a fantastic job. But then there is the orchestra! The musicians have expressions that look like they were baptized in vinegar! I want to yell–SMILE!
What do people see in your countenance? Do they see the joy of the Lord? In the good and the bad times of life do you show forth the radiance of the risen Lord? I want to shout, “If there is joy in your heart please let your face know about it!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
(360) 570-0074
P.S. – 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 Please feel free to forward this E-Votional on to your family and friends.
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 25, 2011 | John
John 12:24
“I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”
I do not recall many times when people gather around a living room to discuss death and dying. It certainly would not make for a popular pastime. Oh, I well know that after the death of a family member, the family gathers to recall the life of the deceased, but that is not the same as simply talking about death.
Even though death is not a popular topic, it is an ever present reality. Unless the Lord calls us to meet Him in the air, we are all destined to die. With that reality on the table, what are we going to do about it? What do we think or feel about the reality of our demise?
Today’s Scripture has been a favorite verse of mine for many years. To me it speaks of real hope. I am told that at one time grains of wheat were found in an ancient tomb. Because of the dry and dark conditions the wheat remained as it was when placed there thousands of years ago.
Someone took a few of the grains of wheat and planted them in good soil with just the proper amount of moisture. Sure enough, the wheat began to grow and finally developed into a stalk and head that had multiplied many times over.
The only way that the wheat reproduced was by going into the ground and dying. You and I are like grains of wheat. Unless we are willing to die to self and the flesh, we will never hope to produce a crop. Are you willing to die in order to allow the Lord to bring a bountiful harvest of souls? I pray that you are.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
(360) 570-0074
P.S. – 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 Please feel free to forward this E-Votional on to your family and friends.
