Happy New Year?

December 25 2016 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

As the New Year approaches I look back and reflect on the year that's passed.  How was your year?  Some will say "great," others" ok," and some will  just try to forget it.  You know, we can't recall a single moment from our past - it's gone.  We do have before us a year that hasn't been touched! What will you make of it?   You know how to have a good and happy New Year?  Live each day for the Lord. Let all that you do, be for His glory.  Then at the end of the year you can honestly say, "I had a great year!"  Why not start today?  Ever hear the saying, "Today is the first day of the rest of your life?"  It's true.  Call upon the Lord today - and every day.

He's waiting...

 

Scripture reference:

James 4:8

Micah 6:8

Colossians 3:23

 

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Merry Christmas?

December 18 2016 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

Early in December we hear the phrase "Merry Christmas."  Some are not allowed to say the phrase because it is offensive to others. Instead we hear "happy holidays."  Ever wonder why?  What does it mean - "Merry Christmas?"  The word "Christmas" is a combination of two Old English words that would describe the coming of Jesus.  It means the worship event of celebrating Christ's coming.  The birth of Jesus - Christ's coming - arguably the greatest event of human history.  The birth of Jesus - Immanuel, God with us - GOD WITH US!  Hallelujah!  The word "merry" is an adjective which means "cheerful and lively."  When pertaining to an occasion or season, it is characterized by festivity and rejoicing.  So to me, "Merry Christmas" means that I will celebrate Christ's coming with cheerful and festive activities.  I am saddened to know that so many do not understand what Christmas means to them - really.  I can and do pray that soon that will change and they too will know what I mean when I say "MERRY CHRISTMAS!"

 

Scripture reference:

Isaiah 9:6-7

Luke 2:1-14

 

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Believe

December 11 2016 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

Do you believe in Santa Claus?  Be careful now.  Does he still come to see you?  If not, when did his visits stop - when you stopped believing?  Around the holidays the word "believe" is displayed - banners, signs, stickers, and so on.  The definition of believe is ,"accept (something) as true; feel sure of the truth of."  We believe in many things.  Believing in Santa is pushing it a little but, we believe that our automobile will get us to our destination - if not, we would be foolish to get into it!  We believe when we flip a switch the lights will come on in our house.  Our whole existence is determined by what we believe.  And what we believe even determines our eternal destiny!  Believing is probably the most crucial aspect of our lives - this life and the one to come.  What do you believe in?  Is your focus on God's most wonderful gift - the Christ?  Take time today and listen to the offer that God makes to you through Christ Jesus. Believe in Him - today and forever.

He's waiting...

 

Scripture reference:

John 3:16

John 14:1

 

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Am I Coming or Going?

December 4 2016 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

Have you ever been so busy that you don't know if you are coming or going?  I heard of a man who said to another person, "I'm going to look for myself, if I get here before I get back, please have me wait here on myself!"  I can't say that I've ever been quite that strung out. It seems the hustle and bustle really picks up around holidays. I realize schedules get full and we want to be a part of as many fun activities as possible, but we can get so overloaded that we miss the joy and blessing of the season.  Ever heard someone say, "I'll be glad when Christmas is over!?"  Makes me wonder if they really experience Christmas.  We have a little sign in our house that has a big message: "Simplify Christmas, Celebrate Christ."  God has an even bigger message: "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).  Is your approach to life satisfying?  Why not try God's way?

He's waiting...

 

Scripture reference:

Psalm 46

 

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What's Up Goats?

November 27 2016 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

I have four fainting goats.  They don't actually lose consciousness.  If they get excited or are startled, their muscles tense up so they can't balance and they fall over.  Only lasts a few seconds and they get up.  It's their genetics.  Very entertaining.  My wife says that it's sad.  Maybe - but still very entertaining.  Does no harm to them.  When I go outside and they are close enough I ask, "What's up goats?"  The big billy will answer, "Baaaah!"  They start moving closer.  You know why?  I'm the one who feeds them.  Interesting - they know my voice and they know I will feed them so as long as I am near them, they will follow me.  Now here is something very interesting - Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27).  Have you heard Jesus speak to you today? Have you responded?

He's waiting...

 

Scripture reference:

John 10:27-29

 

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5K

November 20 2016 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

I went to a 5K walk/run recently.  Don't get excited - I didn't participate - at least not in the walk/run part.  Our church was asked to set up a prayer station and I helped with that function.  Now here's the thing - the temperature plunged overnight to the low 40's and by starting time the wind chill was in the upper 30's,  and I'm supposed to sit outside at a booth.  OK.  I put on several layers of clothes and ear protection and hat and gloves - and made it fine!  The reason - I prepared.  I watched as the participants arrived and noted how they were dressed - they were prepared.  I thought about how smoothly things were running along (pun intended) and knew it was because of careful preparation.  Planning and preparation is the key to having success.  Now may I ask you - have you prepared for eternity?  There is a time coming when you, and everyone else, will stand before God.  Are you prepared for that?  You can be. Why don't you "seek the Lord while He may be found?"

He's waiting...

 

Scripture reference:

Amos 4:12

Matthew 24:44

 

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Luna

November 13, 2016 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

When my oldest grandson was just an infant, he liked a children's show called "Bear in the Big Blue House."  One character in the show was Luna , the talking moon. At the end of each show the Bear, another character, would step outside and talk with Luna about that particular day's events.  My grandson would look at the TV and say, "Moon!"  At night we would take him outside and show him the real moon.   He would look up at that brilliant reflective object and say, "Moon!"  At that time he was staying at our house in Mississippi while his Dad was serving in the Army overseas.  When his Dad came back to the States, our grandson went home to Texas.  Very sad time for us, the grandparents.  We were glad our son made it home safely, but we sure missed our grandson!  I would walk outside at night and look up at the moon and wonder if my grandson was seeing it too.  I got to thinking about how majestic and powerful the moon is.  The affect it has on the Earth's tides, for example.  So powerful, so majestic - yet so peaceful; and whether we think about it or not, the moon is always there - doing it's duty.  Such is Christ Jesus - powerful, majestic, peaceful; and whether we think of Him or not, He's always there - doing His duty - loving us, providing for us, interceding for us.  Have you stopped today and thanked Jesus for being there for you?  Why not do it now?

He's waiting...

 

Scripture reference:

Psalms 63

 

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One More Time!

November 6, 2016 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

I love cars, and I was fortunate to grow up during the muscle car era.  However, before I got my driver's license and first vehicle, my cousin and I would build "dragsters."  Our dragsters were very simplified versions of the Soap Box racers - very simplified versions.   But we loved them.  Where I lived, in a subdivision, there was a steep concrete driveway that we would ride down.  Great!  Pull the dragster up, get on and roll down the driveway.  It was getting late so I yelled, "One more time!" and down the driveway I went.  When I bumped onto the street at the bottom of the driveway, I lost my balance and put down my left hand to catch myself - error.  The wheel hit my hand and scraped it on the pavement - ouch!  So I stopped saying "one more time" till this day, because I associate the phrase with disaster.  Disasters happen to folks all time who push the limit and try something "one more time".  Sometimes the "one more time" becomes the "last time."  So it is with God's invitation to come to Him in faith.  Please don't push the limit.  When God calls, accept His invitation.  His "one more time" may be the "last time" for you.  Will you say yes to God today?

He's waiting...

 

Scripture reference:

Genesis 6:3

2 Corinthians 6:2

 

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The Road to Nowhere

October 30, 2016 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

Have you ever been asked, "Where are you going?" and you answered "Nowhere."  As a teenager I remember heading out and I have answered the question like that - "Nowhere".  We were traveling in North Carolina recently and came upon a sign by the road that read "The Road To Nowhere. "  Naturally I wanted to see "Nowhere".  The road was paved and well maintained.  We drove on the winding mountain road, oohing and ahhing at the beautiful scenery for five miles. I looked ahead and there was a tunnel. We couldn't drive through it because steel poles in the road formed a barricade - end of the road.  So I thought, "This must be 'Nowhere'".  Only thing - I was somewhere.  I didn't "blink off" into nothingness.  I was there so it really wasn't a road to Nowhere. I have heard people say of others, "Their life is taking them nowhere".  That's just not correct.  No matter how a life is lived - it's headed somewhere.  This life is our preparation time for where we will spend eternity.  For the person who has rejected Jesus, "somewhere" will be separation from God and eternal torment - eternal.  For the person who has accepted Jesus, "somewhere" will be fellowship with God and eternal peace - eternal.  Where is your life taking you?  You will end up "somewhere" - for eternity.

Have you accepted Jesus?

He's waiting....

 

Scripture reference:

I John 5:12

Matthew 7:13-14

 

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Maybe It Will Go Away

October 23, 2016 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

I was reclined in my chair the other night . . . and so comfortable. Then an itch started on my back. I didn't want to move so I thought  if I just ignore it, maybe the itch will go away. Didn't work. I stretched around and reached - but just couldn't get to it. So I lean back and try the ignoring approach again. Still didn't work. Still itching. I tried squirming in the chair. No good. I know full well the itch won't go away and I won't have peace until I scratch it! Where is that back scratcher? I found the scratcher and . . . Oh Boy! Excellent.  Do you know that God has placed within each person a desire for Him that can't be satisfied by anything but Him? No matter what you attempt, nothing will satisfy that desire for God within you but God! Are you tired of trying other things and still remain frustrated? Why don't you allow God to fulfill that desire He has placed within you?

He's waiting...

 

Scripture reference:

Psalm 42:1-2

 

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Water From The Well

October 17, 2016 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

I was born in Houston, Texas . . . that's what I've been told.  Even though I was there I have no memory of it.  Soon after I was born, my folks moved us to Jackson, Ms where I spent most of my growing up years.  My grandparents lived in the rural area of Leake County.  On weekends we would travel from Jackson to the "country" to visit my grandparents.  I don't remember a lot about those growing up years - I suppose too much happens to remember it all.  One thing I do remember very clearly.  One of my grandmothers had a well behind her house.  When she needed water she drew it out of the well.  When we would arrive at her house for our visit, my first question was, "Mawmaw, do you need water?"  She would allow me to lower the bucket by way of a rope and pulley into the water down in the well and then pull it out with the water in the bucket.  Very thrilling!  Well it was thrilling to me.  It was such fun and satisfying to draw that water up in that bucket!  As time went on I realized just how important that simple process was - to draw water from the well.  My grandmother's very existence depended on it.  In Isaiah 12 we are invited to "draw water out of the wells of salvation. The "wells" speak of abundance.  God's salvation gives satisfaction and joy to the heart.  Our salvation should cause us to rejoice and praise the Lord!

Will you accept God's invitation to "draw water from His wells?"

He's waiting...

 

Scripture reference:

Isaiah 12:2-3

 

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Have you noticed?

October 10, 2016 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

I don't consider myself to be a health nut, and I try to not be critical of those who are.  Having said that, I will say that I do like to feel good; and I have discovered that walking regularly helps me to feel good.  I walk around on my place and as I walk I notice things.  Trees and bushes and grass and flowers all look differently at different times of the year.  Then after enough time had passed, I started seeing that things are aging and are decaying.  Wooden fence and posts - aging and decaying.  Limbs on the trees - aging and decaying.  The buildings on my place are built with wood - aging and decaying.  The vehicles I drive - aging and decaying.  After walking, I go inside to freshen up and look in the mirror and guess what I see?  That's right - I am aging and decaying!!  I feel a little sad about that but then I smile and say, "Thank You Lord" -  because those things I see decaying on my place are just that - things.  My treasures are waiting for me in Heaven where there will be no decay.  I can't even be sad too long about my physical condition, because I believe I will have a new body in Heaven - and it won't age and decay!  Hallelujah!

What about you? Have you noticed all of that to be true in your case?  Are you concerned by age and decay?  Jesus can turn your concern into a lively hope of much better things to come.  Will you let Him?

He's waiting...

 

Scripture references:

Matthew 6:19-20

First Corinthians 15:35-58

Philippians 3:21

 

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Do the Math?

October 3, 2016 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

I've often heard the statement, "Things sure have changed since I was growing up.  " Well, I'm old enough now to say that too!  My 6 yr. old grandson is a first grader.  That's not unusual.  I was a first grader - in 1961.  He had several "K's" before first grade - pre K, 3K, 4K, just K, etc.  I had NO K.  Just turned 6 and started school.  What is taught now is different than in 1961.  He, my 6 yr. old grandson, has computer class.  In first grade I had a wide-ruled tablet, a huge black pencil, a crumbly eraser and a small container of creamy paste.  Ahhh, the paste.  What I remember being taught in first grade - don't eat the paste!  Don't laugh - that is an important thing to learn!  Then about third grade, I started learning math.  The one thing I was taught would never change - math.  One plus one equals two - right?  Well yes, in the strictest sense.  But let me share some advanced math with you.  Simple yet profound.  Everything minus God equals nothing ; Nothing plus God equals everything!!  I'm glad one plus one equals two, and I am so very overjoyed that I learned that math with God in the equation.  Have you "added" God to your life?

He's waiting...

 

Scripture references:

John 15:5

Matthew 19:26

Matthew 16:26

 

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Oh My!

September 19, 2016 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

Since March we at Remus have met for worship in the fellowship hall, because the church building was being expanded and remodeled.  We entered the church Sunday September 25th for worship - and Oh My!  It is beautiful.  We were in such awe of what we saw.  And the Spirit of the Lord was SO STRONG!!  Hallelujah!  After service and lunch and afternoon singing, after all the wonderful activities of the day were done, I was thinking of how much work and preparation had gone into making that first day back in the church such a special day.  Then I got to thinking about that place called Heaven that Jesus is preparing for all who believe and trust in Him.  Such beauty we can't even imagine.  And the presence of the Lord then won't be in Spirit only - we will get to "look upon His face, the One Who saved me by His grace" - what a day that will be!  All the promises of Heaven and eternity are mine because of my faith in what Jesus has done and is doing.  And you know what?  Those promises can be yours too.  Have you trusted Jesus?  Won't you today claim what is yours through His grace?

He's waiting...

 

Scripture references:

John 14: 1-3

Revelation 21 & 22

Ephesians 2: 8-9

 

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The Call

September 19, 2016 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

Recently we were working on the landscape project at the church.  What we wanted to accomplish began with digging holes - with post hole diggers - by hand.  I found out that I'm not as smart as I thought myself to be; because I ended up with a set of post hole diggers - yikes!  After a few minutes of digging (and very little progress) my phone rang (yay!!).  One of my sons called and asked me what I was doing.  I told him.  He said I could thank him later for rescuing me.  Then he told me what the call was about.  I had told him some time earlier that when he and his family got ready to move into their new house, I would bring my truck and trailer and help.  They were ready.  Have you ever moved?  His call wasn't much of a rescue.  Just kidding, of course.  I didn't mind helping.  And it turned out that he had great help and they had mercy on the old guy (me).  So, I was glad I answered his call.  There is a call each person receives that will greatly improve  life if answered.  It's the call of Christ when He says, "Follow Me." To those of you who have answered the call of Christ, you know what I'm talking about.  To those who haven't answered - what are you waiting for?  Life won't get better without Jesus.  Will you answer His call today?

He's waiting....

 

Scripture reference:

John 12:26

 

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The Dark Spot

September 12, 2016 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

Have you ever worked outside in the summer sun and stopped to take a break in the shade and said, "This dark spot sure feels good!"  I have.  And I remember when my oldest grandson was just starting to sit up by himself, I would ride him around our place on my old golf cart.  I, of course, had him sitting on my lap.  We would ride awhile and he would drop off to sleep. I would stop the cart in a shade and hold him cradled in my arms while he slept.   When he woke up, he would point and grunt - he was refreshed and ready to ride some more!  Do you ever get tired and "feel the heat" as you live your life?  I do.  Do you know there is a place of rest - a "shade" - that you can go to and rest?  God will cradle you in His arms and let you rest in His shadow.  Wouldn't that be refreshing!  Why don't you try it?

He's waiting....

 

Scripture reference:

Psalm 63:7

Psalm 91:1-4

Psalm 121:5

Isaiah 25:4

 

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Mawmaw Look!

September 5, 2016 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

One day recently our 6 year old grandson ran into the room and excitedly exclaimed, "Mawmaw Look!"  He had something in his hand and wanted to make sure we saw him.  I thought just how many times when our children were young and at home that they would call out, "Mama Look!" or "Daddy Look!"  They had to get our attention, and of course we would look. Do you know that we never have to call out to God to get His attention?  Psalm 34:15 records these words, "The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry."  His attention is never diverted from us.  Matthew records the time when Jesus was alone on a mountain, praying.  His disciples were crossing the sea, and a storm arose.  Even though Jesus was apart from them, He saw them and went to them!  God sees you today.  He knows your condition and position.  Will you acknowledge His presence and accept His way?

He's waiting....

 

Scripture references:

Psalm 34:15

Matthew 14:22-25

 

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What a Mess!

August 29, 2016 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

I stepped into the hallway at my house one morning last week at 5:25am.  From the kitchen came an unfamiliar sound.  After living in the same place for several years, you recognize things that aren't the same.  So I stepped into the kitchen to investigate.  The water line to the kitchen sink had somehow come loose and was spraying water under the cabinet and running onto the floor.  What a mess!  Being the quick thinker that I am, I decide that I need to do something . . . brilliant.  OK so I open the cabinet door and reach in and turn off the water.  I retreat soaking wet from my head to my waist.  Amazing how much water a very small line can gush out - and in a very short time!  My wife heard all the clamor - there is a lot of clamor at 5:25a.m. trying to stop a runaway water fall.  So she helped clean up the mess.  Now what to do?  There are options. The water line is faulty.  So I can (1) just leave it alone and go on in an altered and uncomfortable lifestyle or (2) replace the faulty part and restore things to normal.  I decided to replace the faulty part and restore things to normal.  Good move.  Now let's think in Spiritual matters.  Do you "wake up" sometimes and realize something is not right with you?  Could it be something is faulty in your life?  If Jesus is not your Master, then something is definitely faulty.  You have the same options: (1) leave it alone and continue in your depraved condition or (2) replace the faulty part.  In the Spiritual sense, sin is the fault and it can be replaced with the righteousness of Jesus.  Ready to make the change?

He's waiting....

 

Scripture references:

Isaiah 1:18

 

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Let There Be Light

August 22, 2016 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

I don't like the dark.  Wherever I am, there is a flash light within reach in case the electric power is interrupted and the lights go off.  There is a night light where I sleep.  It took me a long time to convince my wife that I "needed" that night light.  Her position was that when I am asleep, I won't know that the little light is not on.  My contention was that when she is asleep, she won't know that it is on!  Gracious Lady that she is, she leaves the light on.  It's true - when I wake up during the night, I like to be able to see.  Even though we have lived in our present house for 18 years, I can still manage to stumble over everything in the room - if it's dark. I suppose that's one reason I am looking forward to heaven - NO DARKNESS there!  But you know, I'm not waiting on heaven for Jesus to light my way.  I need help every day to see clearly the obstacles in my path.  I once walked in darkness; but since Jesus came into my heart, I now walk in the Light.  Are you stumbling through your life in darkness - spiritual darkness?  Allow Jesus in, and you too can walk in the Light.

He's waiting...

 

Scripture references:

Revelation 22:5

1 John 1:5

John 8:12

 

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That's a Good Question

August 15, 2016 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

Have you ever asked a question and had someone say, "That's a good question"?  Probably one of the best questions ever asked was directed to Jesus by Thomas and recorded in John 14:5, "Thomas saith unto Him, Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way?"

It's a great question because without it we may not have the wonderful answer Jesus gave recorded in John 14:6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me."  Jesus fills every need.  He fills the directional need - "I am the way".  He fills the educational need - "I am the truth".  He fills the physical and spiritual need - "I am the life".

Have you allowed Jesus to fill your every need?

He's waiting...

 

Scripture reference:

John 14;5-6

 

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Wake Up! Wake Up!

August 8, 2016 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

I have not done a survey, nor have I seen a survey done, but I figure one of the most despised things in our life is an alarm clock.  Wouldn't you agree?

 

As important and as necessary as it is, I despise an alarm clock.  It always goes off at the most inopportune times.  But just think what we would miss if we didn't wake up on time.  Late for school, late for work, late for . . . well, you get the idea.  And no doubt when we wake up late there are consequences to face.  The Word of God is, in a sense, an alarm clock.   The Lord's voice is crying, "Wake up! Wake up!"  Those who hear and obey receive life and light.  Those who don't hear and obey receive death and darkness - consequences to face.

Which will you choose?

He's waiting...

 

Scripture reference:

John 5:25

Ephesians 5:14

 

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Choose Me! Choose Me!

August 1, 2016 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

I have yet to meet a person who wants to fail.  Nobody I know gets up in the morning and says, "I want to be a loser."  Just the opposite - everyone I know wants to succeed - and even strives to succeed.  I remember as a youngster when we had playground games at school.  There would be two persons designated as captains - one for each team.  They were the athletic types - and popular.  I don't recall ever being a captain.  Oh well, no need to bring that up.  Anyway, I was among the ones who yelled out, "Choose me! Choose me!"  I always wanted to be chosen by a certain captain and play on that team.  Do you remember those days?  Or maybe as an adult you have waited for a company to choose you for a job.  Maybe as an employee you have waited to be chosen for a promotion.  Do you know that the greatest Captain of all has already chosen you?  Jesus, the Captain of salvation, has chosen you to be on His team!  Have you excitedly joined His team?  If not, there is not a better time than right now.

He's waiting...

 

Scripture Ref:

John 15:16, Hebrews 2:10

 

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God in the Present Tense!

July 21, 2016 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

Did you know, in the Bible, there is not an argument nor a defense concerning "the existence", "the reality" or "the Being" of God?

 

He is presented and that's it... "In the beginning God", and it moves on from there; and imperative to note "the beginning" is not God's beginning.  God exists in eternity.  He had no beginning and will have no end.  He is eternally "present".  That's what I would like for you to see.  He is present with you and for you.  It amazes me when I think how long I trusted God with my eternal destiny and wouldn't let Him take care of me in my everyday life!  It wasn't that I didn't believe in God's power, I did and I do.  But it's difficult to hand over the control of your life to a Being you have never seen face to face... isn't it?  Since the initial trust I placed in Jesus for my salvation, the best decision I made was when I trusted Him with my everyday life.  You know, God is no respecter of persons; what He does for me He will do for you.  Have you trusted Him first for your eternal destiny, and then with your everyday life?

He's waiting....

 

Scripture Ref:

Genesis 1:1, Romans 10:9-13