Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Our families mean a lot to us, don’t they? I am more aware of this with the birth of two new great-granddaughters in the past few months. That makes eight grand and eight great-grand children. (They are all GREAT!) One of the greatest pleasures I enjoy is holding each new baby in my arms and breathing a prayer for them. I yearn for each member of my family to be as close to the heart of God as they are to my heart.
In the early years of the 20th Century there was an outbreak of diphtheria in the US 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 dread disease and the others in the house were quarantined. In his hour of grief he wrote the hymn, NEAR TO THE HEART OF GOD, and had the college choir sing outside the house.
If you are passing through the valley of the shadow of death right now (I know that each of us do at some time in our life), let these words bring that quiet assurance we need.
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.
Enjoy this week’s hymn from GloryScapes.com. To access the Near To The Heart of God video, please go to:http://www.gloryscapes.com/neartotheheartofgod/
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil