by Pastor Cecil | Apr 6, 2012 | Matthew
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.”
Back in 1880, Will L. Thompson (no family relation, but a brother in Christ) wrote this wonderful hymn “Softly and Tenderly.” Over the years it has brought peace and comfort to countless seeking hearts.
When the world renowned lay preacher, Dwight Lyman Moody, lay on his death bed in his Northfield, Massachusetts, home, Will Thompson made a special visit to inquire as to his condition. The attending physician refused to admit him to the sickroom, and Moody heard them talking just outside the bedroom door. Recognizing Thompson’s voice, he called for him to come to his bedside. Taking the Ohio poet composer by the hand, the dying evangelist said, “Will, I would rather have written ‘Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling’ than anything I have been able to do in my whole life.” What a resounding tribute to a song that many have chosen to neglect.
Softly and Tenderly
Softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling for you and for me;
See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching,
watching for you and for me.
Refrain: Come home, come home.
You who are weary come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling, O sinner, come home.
Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading;
pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not His mercies;
mercies for you and for me?
Refrain: Come home, come home.
You who are weary come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling, O sinner, come home.
Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
passing from you and for me.
Shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
coming for you and for me.
Refrain: Come home, come home.
You who are weary come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling, O sinner, come home.
O, for the wonderful love He has promised,
promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon,
pardon for you and for me.
Refrain: Come home, come home.
You who are weary come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling, O sinner, come home.
To access Softly and Tenderly, this week’s inspirational video from GloryScapes™ Christian Music Hymns & Songs, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/softlyandtenderly/ in your browser or 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. – 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.
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by Pastor Cecil | Apr 5, 2012 | Psalm
Psalm 139:7-10
Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.
Over the years I have had the privilege of experiencing a variety of professions. One of the most enjoyable was working as a County Juvenile Officer. I had come into the position directly from serving as a city police officer, so I was well acquainted with the patrol officers who worked the night shift.
I frequently rode around with one of the officers as he made his rounds. From time to time I would spot a juvenile who was part of my caseload. I would note the time, location and who else was present. Many times the probationer was on a court ordered curfew.
The next time that individual came in to report I would ask if they were adhering to their curfew. The response was usually that they were. I would then ask about the day and time I had observed them. The look of astonishment was priceless. I would then proceed to take the necessary action that was merited. It wasn’t long before they felt like I was everywhere and they had better keep on the straight and narrow.
In today’s Scripture we see that the Lord is everywhere and He knows all about us. There are no time-outs when it comes to living for the Lord. He knows each and everything about us. That is not a bad thing, but a constant reminder that He is always there when we call. Praise the Lord!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Apr 4, 2012 | Revelation
Revelation 21:4
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
One aspect of growing older is the increase of pain and grief. That is right! We hurt in places we did not even know we had. But, it is not simply the pain of our physical body that hurts, our hearts are crushed by the loss of loved ones, rejection by those we love, the loss of employment, being misunderstood, or any number of other similar situations.
If the things of this world were all we had, we would certainly be miserable people. Stop what you are doing for a minute and consider what would make you feel satisfied. Some people live their life for retirement only to find that the lack of vitality and health leaves them with a hollow sense of accomplishment.
As we look down the road of our life—five, ten or even twenty years, it is well for us to be able to feel that we have made some bit of difference. Not only that, we need to have the confident assurance that as we breathe our last breath of air in this world, a new home in glory is waiting for us.
Heaven is a fantastic reality for every true believer. It will not be a place where we will sit on a cloud plucking away at a harp. On the contrary, it will be the most exciting and thrilling place that is far beyond our wildest imagination. No sickness, no pain, no worry, no grief, no fear, no emptiness and no death. We will live in our new home for all eternity. Until then we must allow our confidence of eternity with the Lord to help us go through the tough times with victory.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing to others!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Apr 3, 2012 | Job
Job 8:16-17
They are like a well-watered plant in the sunshine, spreading its shoots over the garden; it entwines its roots around a pile of rocks and looks for a place among the stones.
Today is one of those Pacific Northwest days of early Spring. For the most part it is cloudy with periods of rain. It seems that there is no end in sight to the overcast skies and the wet weather. But then it happens! There is a break in the weather and the sun shines bright and clear. The patches of blue are a welcome sight.
I am sure that most of us can relate to that feeling about things that we encounter in our life. My precious friend and spiritual mentor, Dr. John Hall, shared with me a comment one of his patients made. In response to his asking her how she was getting along, she replied, “Pretty good, but life is so daily!”
That little lady nailed it! When all is said and done, life IS so daily. We might be able to experience the days of blue skies and bright sunshine, but there will be days when the clouds lower and the storms blow.
Here is a secret. The storms of life provide us with the spiritual moisture to bring about a crop of blessing. The Bible assures us that weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.
I am trying to learn the discipline of seeking the will of God when I encounter the dark clouds of life. It may be that He wants me to minister to someone who is in the midst of that same storm, or to give me a voice of hope for someone who is going through a similar trial. Sunshine should always be in my soul.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing to others!
—Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Apr 2, 2012 | Isaiah
Isaiah 46:9-10
“Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’”
In 1967 I was a Captain in the US Air Force and had just been transferred to a radar site in northern Newfoundland, Canada. As soon as I was settled into the new assignment I applied for an assignment to Germany. I was too late. The powers that be had issued orders for me to report to Whiteman AFB, Missouri, where I would become a Missile Launch Officer. I felt powerless to do anything about the new assignment. It did not matter what I wanted . . . I was going.
It was at my brother’s funeral in 2010 that I was talking to a friend who had been a high ranking officer back in 1967. He asked me why I had not called him as soon as I was notified of the new assignment. He said he could have easily changed the orders. I HAD NOT REMEMBERED HIM!
It is a sad commentary about the lives that many Christians live. By that I mean that it is far too easy for us to operate in our own strength rather than asking the Lord for assistance. God never calls us to be supermen or superwomen. He much rather desires that we rely on Him for everything.
Think about the greatest trial you are facing at this moment. It may appear to be so large and imposing that you are sure that even God cannot deal with it. That, my dear friend, is ridiculous. The God who created the earth and everything in it is certainly able to do what seems impossible for us. It may not be in our timing (it seldom is), or in the manner that we think is best, but it is in His mighty hands and when we rest in Him, we can be sure that He will do it. Just remember Him!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing to others!
—Pastor Cecil
