Simple Thoughts

I recently sat down to study the attributes of God. As usual, I took a rabbit trail and came across this statement by John Hendryx at monergism.com “Let us, as the people of God, return to the Word—not as tourists but as pilgrims.”

Tourist? One who makes a tour for pleasure or culture. Pilgrim? One who journeys. What is the significance in the Christian walk? As I reflected, I had to ask myself, “Why am I studying God’s word? Why am I committed to learning more of Him? Why am I intentional about my prayer life, my church attendance, my service in His Kingdom? Am I in it for pleasure, as a tourist or am I journeying in my faith as a pilgrim?”

If we call ourselves Christian, a pilgrim, a sojourner, we devote ourselves to knowing His word, fellowshipping with the saints, praying. We are ambassadors for Christ, teaching others about Jesus. We are not in it for the pleasure, the emotional high as a tourist. Nor to taste and see if this works for me. Rather, we are on a lifelong journey, a pilgrimage to know our Savior more, to be Christlike in our walk.

So Christian, where do you fall? Are you a tourist- taking this Christian faith out for a spin, see what pleasures you can get? Or, are you a pilgrim- on a journey through scripture, learning more of God, deepening your faith so your light points others to Jesus?

What do we believe as Christians? If you are a member of a bible believing church, there is a doctrinal statement and you probably had to affirm with those statements when you joined. Our church has a Statement of Faith listed on the website. The Statement includes several topics: The Holy Bible. Interpretation of Scripture. The Godhead. Sovereignty of God. Angels: fallen and holy. Man: created and fallen. Incarnation of Christ. Salvation only through Christ. Believer complete in Christ. Eternal security. The Holy Spirit and the Church. Church ordinances- baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Great Commission. Women and Church ministry. The Apostasy. The Blessed Hope- the Rapture. Israel’s judgment and salvation. Eternal state. Dispensationalism. Each has a description and several bible verses to support each.

If you go to church, I encourage you to seek out their statement of faith. If you find yourself questioning some of the statements, seek the scriptures. What does the bible teach? If you do not attend church but claim to be a Christian, I encourage you to start attending. Ask friends and family members to help you find a bible believing, bible teaching church in which to worship God and fellowship with the saints.

Know what you believe. Stand firm in your faith. Point others to Jesus Christ- the author and finisher of our faith.

https://www.ftchristmasbaptist.com/what-we-believe

What is happening in your life? Community? Country? World? No matter our circumstances, be it in the valley or on a mountaintop, we can say with a joyful heart, “Blessed be the Lord, forever.” If it is a trial, it is temporary and God is with you in it. If celebratory, know God is with you in it. Are we giving God the glory or are we, in our humanness, wallowing or happy because of our have’s and have nots?

” The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21b) It is all of God and from God. Let us grip very loosely to the things of this world and hold tightly to the words of God. For in Him, we have life- abundant and eternal.

Evangelists. Theologians. Teachers. These are men and women of the faith who impact large numbers of people. We admire them, learn from them and clearly see their calling as they share the Good News each week. But what about the rest of us? The not so great. The less seen. The quiet ones. Can we still be used of God in our daily life? Yes! We know them. We see them. The stay at home mom who shares her love of God within her four walls. The deacon’s wife who quietly visits the shut-ins, bringing a meal and an encouraging word. The retired person who loves God’s word and is teaching small groups. The daughter who takes in her elderly mother to care for in her senior years. The volunteer who shares God’s word while helping young mothers feed and clothe their young.

You know these people. Maybe you are one of them. Each day we are given choices to serve God. Quiet opportunities that do not go unseen by God or those being helped. Be encouraged, Christian. Your small acts are great acts of love and kindness, help and encouragement.

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

FIFA World Cup soccer is here in America. Like me, I’ sure you have watched the world’s fans descend on the US and have flooded social media with “wows” and “unbelief” as they take in the enormity of our country, the beauty of our country and its grandeur. The supermarkets with its numerous choices and options. The abundance of products at Costco. The portions at fast food joints. What we take for granted, the world has reminded us how blessed we are. Every time I watch another “reel” of a foreigner taking in all things American, I thank God that He has placed me here, for such a time as this. I feel renewed patriotism as I talk with friends and family members who are also watching these “reels.”

Praise God we are looking at our country with a new lens, through the eyes of visitors. I love hearing, too, about how friendly, how hospitable, how nice Americans are. What a wonderful opportunity we have to share the love of God with others. How our founders had the wisdom to afford us the freedom in this country to worship God in spirit and truth. These same biblical principles have spilled over into all areas of our society- families, communities, cities, states and our nation. They see us living with hope, joy, and love in spite of our differences.

As Christians, let our spirit be renewed! Let us be grateful and thankful with all of these blessings from God. I am truly thankful to live in such a wonderful country. But, more than that, my heart rejoices as I trust in His holy name. (Psalm 33:21)

Psalm 33:20-22 “Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.”

Sitting. Praying, Worshipping. Time spent alone with God is invaluable. It allows me to confess, repent, pour out and realign my thoughts, my heart. my will with God. What a blessing at the table.

Then, I get up from the table and what happens? How do I proceed? Do I react? Do I leave God at the table? Or have I been changed and feel God’s presence as I am away from the table, still seeking Him, still praying, still following and submitting to His will, His Words, His ways?

The table may move. It may become a seat in a car, a doctor’s office, a conference room. But God is still present. Still desiring me to pour out my heart to Him, to continually be aligned with Him as I pursue Him in my day.

So, spend time alone with God each day, knowing you can meet with Him wherever you find yourself. He is waiting for you to come and dine with Him at the table.

An unexpected phone call. a rollicking storm. Events of our own making. Whatever distress you find yourself in today, whether it is outside of your control or not, lift up your eyes to the heavens. We can come to our heavenly Father in prayer. He delights to hear from us. As we pray in faith, let your feelings of distress pass and let peace, His peace, fill your heart. God rescues. How? Through His Son, Jesus. When we call upon the name of Jesus, He saves us. “ For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

In times of distress, seek Him in prayer. Find Him in the pages of scripture.

What do we occupy? Our homes, our workspace, our planet. As we occupy these areas, are we simply taking up space? Are we as productive as we could be? Is being a good steward of our planet important to you, us?

As we occupy our homes, are we teaching our loved ones to love others, to be hospitable, sharing the gospel with those in our home? In our work space, do we work to the best of our ability, as if working for the Lord? Being a testimony amid co-workers who are not receptive to the gospel of Jesus Christ? As we venture into parks and other green spaces, are we good stewards, cleaning up after ourselves, enjoying God’s creation?

Let us not just take up space as we occupy. Let us be faithful in our walk, humbly serving, gentle in spirit, thanking God daily for the gift of each new day to occupy, until He returns. “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

“Come” a verb meaning to “move toward.” What priorities have you set in your life that you are “moving towards?” Have you arrived at your destination? Or are you indecisive, struggling, not sure of what you should be moving towards? We have all found ourselves searching, seeking, wondering: what is truth and how can I know it?

Jesus is that truth you are seeking. John 14:6 tells us, “Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” Jesus is the peace you are searching for. Matthew 11:28 says, “Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” We can know the truth by reading and studying God’s word. John 6:45 says, “As it is written in the Scriptures, ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me.”

As we celebrate Easter this weekend, the Resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we remember His victory over death! Matthew 28:6 “ He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. 

We also look forward to Him coming again. In the book of Revelation, we are reassured in these verses. Revelation 22:7 “ “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book.” Revelation 22:20 “He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!”

“Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!”

Deadline approaching. Company coming. Vacancy needs filling. Some of us work well under pressure, nearing the deadline or date on a calendar to get us moving, motivated.

Recalling the events of Palm Sunday, as I sat in church yesterday, the people had been waiting for their long awaited Messiah. Here He is! “Hosanna to the Son of David.” (Matthew 21:9) Hosanna means “I beg you to save” or “please deliver us.” (Gotquestions.org) The people laid down coats, waved palm branches, waited expectantly and urgently pleading for Jesus to save them… from Roman oppression and set up His earthly reign as King. The people were crying out for salvation. Since it did not come in their expected way, they rejected Jesus. They missed their Savior. Jesus came to save them spiritually. From their sins.

And He continues this message today. We all sin and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) We all need to urgently repent of our sin and respond in faith to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Today. This is one decision you do not want to procrastinate on. Do not delay. Do not let the moment pass you by. “Call upon Jesus while He is near. (Isaiah 55:6)

For those of us who belong to Jesus, let us be urgent in our conversations, in our prayers. God wants anyone and everyone to come to Him in faith, that none would perish in their sins, eternally separated form God. “ The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” (2 Peter 3:9)