ARCHIVE MESSAGE

Stay In Touch

March 4, 2018 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

When driving an automobile it is certainly important for the driver to pay attention; to be aware of others, obstacles in the road and especially to the signs along the roadway. Failure to be observant may result in a rough trip and may even mean disaster. As we live our lives it is important to be aware of the same things - those around us, obstacles in our path and signs along the way. To be unaware of others may mean a missed time of fellowship or an opportunity to help our neighbors. To be unaware of obstacles can get us off track. To be unaware of signs can mean a wasted life. When we are in touch with God, He helps us relate to others, avoid and/or negotiate the obstacles and navigate by the signs He has given. In our vehicles and in life, it pays to slow down and be aware. Slow down today and get in touch with God. He's waiting...

 

Scripture references:

Isaiah 28:23 & Psalm 123:2

 

 

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Wouldn't It Be Nice?

July 8, 2019 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

While picking peas, I would come upon a weed and I would pull it up. I thought, wouldn't it be nice if no weeds grew in my garden? The longer I picked, the hotter the sun felt. I thought, wouldn't it be nice if the peas would grow in the shade? I found a plastic wrapper in the pea patch and knew someone had thrown it out. I thought, wouldn't it be nice if people would do like they ought to do? But, weeds are gonna grow, peas won't grow in the shade, and not everyone is gonna do like they ought to do. But you can. Pause a moment and repent; and ask God to make you what He wants you to be. He's waiting...

 

Scripture references: Micah 6:8, Luke 6:31

 

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Count On It

July 1, 2019 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

Some things you can count on, almost a 100% guarantee. For example; if you live in the deep South, you can count on summer being hot  - sometimes sweltering. If you plant a vegetable garden, the vegetables may or may not produce, but you can count on grass and weeds making a bumper crop! When it comes to the promises of the Lord Jesus, you can count on them becoming reality - 100% guaranteed. What promise do you need from the Lord today? How about  - He will save you if you call on Him; or, He will never leave you; or, that He's coming back to take us home? Claim the promises of the Lord today, and put yourself in His care. He's waiting...

 

Scripture references: Romans 10:13, Hebrews 13:5, John 14:3

 

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Let's Rest

June 16, 2019 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

"Let's rest" are words I find myself using more frequently. I'm glad that I can still go and do, but the older I get, the more I need rest - and oh how good it feels to be refreshed! That truth is magnified when we speak in spiritual terms. To be tired physically is one thing, to be tired spiritually is quite another. Taking a break usually provides enough energy to continue physical activity. Not so, spiritually. When we need spiritual renewal, we will only find that in Jesus. He has extended an invitation to come to Him and rest and be spiritually refreshed. Have you done that? He's waiting...

 

Scripture reference: Matthew 11:28-30

 

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Plain Enough

June 9, 2019 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

Recorded in the Bible are these words: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." Plain enough. Do you believe? He's waiting...

 

Scripture reference: John 3:16-18

 

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Keep On Keeping On

June 2, 2019 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

Years ago I read a statement that has stuck with me: "A man can be on the right road and get run over if he just sits still." True. We don't need to stop, in the sense of giving up or quitting. We are encouraged in scripture to press on, ever moving forward. Sometimes the way is rough and it may seem like we can't go on. On those occasions we just need to remember that with God on our side there is nothing that can defeat us - unless we stop and give up. So, don't stop! Keep on keeping on and look to the Lord to provide. Call on Him... He's waiting.

 

Scripture reference: Philippians 3:14

 

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Attitude Adjustment

May 26, 2019 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

One definition for attitude is, "a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something." Our attitude directly impacts the way we live our lives. I like the attitude of the lady I read about who looked in the mirror one morning and had only three long hairs on her head. Her response was that she would braid her hair. She did and went on her way and had a good day. The next morning she looked and only two hairs were there. She decided she would part her hair down the middle. She did and went on her way and had a good day. The third morning there was only one hair. She decided to wear her hair in a pony tail. She did and went on her way and had a good day. The next morning there was no hair on her head  - not one! She said, "Thank goodness, I had run out of ways to fix my hair!" She went on her way and had a good day. Is your attitude such that no matter what, you can go your way and have a good day? If not, maybe you need an attitude adjustment. God is in that business. Seek Him. He's waiting.

 

Scripture references: Philippians 1:27 & 2:5

 

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Is The Light On?

May 19, 2019 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

My grandmother was very frugal. She used extremely low watt light bulbs and only turned on one! I remember my daddy picking at her (his mother) and saying, "Mama, I'm gonna have to strike a match to see if that light is on!" Jesus said of His people that we are the light of the world. How much light are you giving to a sin sick world? My grandmother's little bulb didn't give much light. Are you shining bright for Jesus? If not, why not? Let God energize you today and be the light the Lord expects you to be. He's waiting...

 

Scripture reference: Matthew 5:14-16

 

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That Won't Get It

May 12, 2019 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

Recently I got out my pressure washer to do some cleaning - a LOT of cleaning! I connected the water hose and started the engine. With several hours of cleaning ahead, I pulled the trigger on the wand and started. The water burst forth from the nozzle for about 3 seconds and then the pressure dropped. Then it started back up for about 3 seconds. That won't get it. I shut off the engine and started searching for the problem. Some obstruction was in the hose and was robbing the machine of a constant water supply. I successfully cleared the obstruction and for the next several hours the little machine worked fine. Do you, as a Christian, ever find yourself operating in spurts? Do you struggle through your day with little or no power? That won't get it! What's wrong? Could it be that unconfessed sin in your life is robbing you of a constant supply of God's strength? Ask God to show you the problem, and let Him correct it. He's waiting...

 

Scripture references:  Isaiah 59:1-2, Isaiah 64:4-6

 

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He Sees

May 5, 2019 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

I was looking out the window recently and saw a red bird land on the fence near the back porch. He looked around and then flew to the porch. Very cautiously he made his way to the dish that had cat food in it. He looked around and snatched a piece of cat food and flew off. A bird eating cat food; pretty funny I think, but that maybe is a message for another time. Anyway, the red bird never knew that I was watching every move he made. Do you realize that God sees every move we make? He even knows our thoughts! To know that He sees all is either most comforting or most discomfiting, depending on what we are doing! God doesn't want you to be uncomfortable in His presence. Get in His will today and be comfortable knowing He sees. He's waiting.

 

Scripture references: Psalm 139:2, Proverbs 15:3

 

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You Should See The Other Guy

April 28, 2019 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

Sometimes after a fight when one person looks like he got the worst end of the event, may say "You should see the other guy." It seems that has become the practice of man, to point to someone else who is worse than us to make ourselves look better. There is one major thing wrong with that - God won't judge you by comparing you to another person. Jesus is our standard, He is the One we will be judged by. So don't compare yourself to someone else. How do you measure up to Jesus' example? Is there room for improvement? Call on Him to help. He's waiting.

 

Scripture reference: Romans 8:29

 

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I Can Fly

April 21, 2019 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

A bumblebee is not supposed to be able to fly. If you see one that is still, you will understand why that would be the conclusion. The size of its wings in comparison to the size of its body would make it unable to fly. However, not only can it fly, it can maneuver quite remarkably. It can even hover! Those who have studied this phenomenon have determined the bumblebee can fly because it doesn't flap its wings up and down; instead, their wings move forth and back with something of a rotating motion. So that clears up how a bumblebee can fly, kinda. But what about the title of this message  - I can fly? That is a true statement. I can fly. Not right now, but I can fly. I am a Christian, I have everlasting life. That enables me to fly. When Jesus returns, He will call His people up, we will meet Him in the air and we will be with Him forever! So that clears up how I can fly, kinda. It is true that a bumblebee can fly, and so can I. The greater question is  - can you? Don't miss out on your day of flight. Trust Jesus today! He's waiting.

 

Scripture references: John 3:16, First Thessalonians 4:13-18

 

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The Lord was gone

April 14, 2019 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

There is an old song and the chorus is: "Oh the stone was rolled away, He's no longer where He lay; He has risen for I feel Him in my soul. Long ago His work was ended, and to glory He ascended; the stone was rolled away, the Lord was gone." The best news this world will ever hear is the Lord was gone (from the tomb) , He has risen! That truth gives hope to all who will receive it and trust Him. He has risen for you. Have you trusted Him? He's waiting.

 

Scripture reference: Mark 16:1-6

 

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I Can't Do That

April 7, 2019 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

One morning recently I stepped outside to check the amount of rain in the gauge and I heard a distressed call coming from the goat yard. I walked to get a look at what I suspected had happened and sure enough, there was a goat with his head stuck through the fence. I climbed over the fence and saw where he had pawed the ground. He had stuck his head through the fence to eat green foliage on the other side (there is a saying about the grass looks greener on the other side, but that's a lesson for another time), and now he can't get his head out. At least that's what he thought. When I reached down to free him, I didn't even have to touch him. When he saw me he twisted his head and pulled back and his head popped free from the fence and there he went - loping off to join the other goats! So with us  - we may think we can't do something, but when we look up to God in faith, we can do things we once thought to be impossible. Are you facing what seems to be an impossible situation? Look to God because "with God all things are possible." He's waiting...

 

Scripture reference: Matthew 19:26

 

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Zero Turn

March 24, 2019 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

I admit that I stay pretty much behind on some things, especially technology. Only about two years ago I got my first smart phone. Yesterday I mowed grass for the first time with a zero turn lawn mower. The first time you say? Before you say too much, please read again the first sentence of this message. Ok, back to the zero turn  - what an experience! It is most like a ride at an amusement park. Never have I had such fun mowing grass! It was exhilarating. Going along in one direction and ZIP - right back the other way. Made me smile every time. You know, that's what the Lord asks us to do when He calls on us to repent. Repentance means you are traveling in one direction (the wrong one) , and ZIP you turn back to Him and His ways. Repentance leaves me exhilarated and happy. Just as I smiled every time I turned on the zero turn mower, so I smile every time I turn back (repent) to Jesus. Do you need a smile? Repent and look to Jesus. He's waiting.

 

Scripture reference: Matthew 4:17

 

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Irritated AND Medicated

March 17, 2019 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

Being sick is such an inconvenience. If you have allergy problems as I do, you know that Spring can be a challenge. Spring is great and I love it, but pollen sure brings some misery. So I feel bad and get stuffy and irritated. Finally I go to the doctor and get a shot and some meds. Now I'm irritated AND medicated! Either one is unpleasant, the two together are terrible. And then I remember that God said, "in every thing give thanks." That's a tough one. Then I realize the allergy season will pass and I will feel good again. So I thank God for the doctor and the medicine and the hope of being well. Amazing how when I take time to thank God for His blessings, I don't have time to complain. Have you thanked Him today for His blessings on you? He's waiting.

 

Scripture reference: First Thessalonians 5:18

 

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What Happened

March 10, 2019 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

Have you ever seen new engine oil, fresh out of the container and never used? It is a beautiful light golden color, with a tint of amber. The oil I drained from my truck engine was not that color. It started out pretty and clean, but ended up black! What happened? Impurities turned it black. That's why I changed it. The liquid I drained was still oil, but the impurities had robbed it of its ability to perform as designed. So with us. God designed us to live for Him, to live clean and productive lives. However, impurities (sin) came in and robbed us of our ability to perform as God designed us. The cure for dirty engine oil is to replace it with clean, fresh oil. The cure for sin is the cleansing power of Jesus. He washes us whiter than snow and replaces the black sin with His righteousness - if we let Him. Will you let Him cleanse you? He's waiting...

 

Scripture reference: Psalm 51:7

 

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Not Clean

March 3, 2019 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

The saying "once in a blue moon" usually means the event being spoken of doesn't happen very often. That is about how often I wash dishes  - once in a blue moon. I don't say that proudly, it's just the truth. One time my wife got out a dish to use that I had washed and she said, "this dish is not clean!" Oops. The only reason the dish wasn't clean was because I had not washed it properly. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't clean. No one wants to use a dish that is not clean. So with us spiritually. Without the precious blood of Jesus, our spirit is not clean. May not be too bad, but still not clean. Are you clean  - spiritually? Without Jesus you are not clean! He will clean you today, right now, if you will ask Him. He's waiting...

 

Scripture reference: Isaiah 1:18

 

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Child Check

February 24, 2019 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

I drove up my driveway and saw a baby goat outside the goat yard. The other goats were in the right place and the little goat was staring through the fence, apparently not happy where he was - separated from the others. For whatever reason he had strayed from where he was supposed to be and now all he wanted was to get back on the correct side of the fence. I picked him up and set him over the fence. He rejoiced (bleated) and ran to the other goats. When a Christian strays from where God wants him, he can't be content. That's one check that can be made to determine whether or not a person is a child of God. When God saved you He didn't fix it so you can't sin; but He did fix it so you can't sin and enjoy it! Are you a child of God? Have you strayed from God? Ask Him and He will restore you to Himself. He's waiting...

 

Scripture references: Psalm 42:1, First John 1:9

 

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Plan B

February 17, 2019 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

I like to wash laundry and hang it on clotheslines outdoors to dry. Obviously, weather conditions have to be right to do that. Sunny, warm, breezy days are ideal. I keep check on weather predictions to pick the best day. Most of the time, in fact an amazingly high percentage of the time, the weather forecasters are accurate and all goes well. However, sometimes something changes and my laundry doesn't dry. Maybe an unexpected rain shower or just too much cool, damp air. There was a change in what was predicted, but no reason to fret, we do have a plan B - a clothes dryer inside. There is something predicted that is not going to change  - the return of Jesus ! Predicted in Scripture and a 100 percent guarantee it will happen. And unlike when my laundry doesn't dry outside and I can dry it inside, there won't be a plan B when Jesus comes. If you are not ready when He comes - too bad. Please don't be caught unprepared. His return is predicted and He's coming! Look to Him while there's time. He's waiting.

 

Scripture reference: First Thessalonians 4:13-5:4

 

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Executive Decision

February 10, 2019 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

Sometimes I tell my wife that I have made an executive decision and her response is usually "Oh boy, and what might it be?" To get the full impact of that, you really have to know me - and her! Many times the phrase "executive decision" is used jokingly - tongue in cheek. It is, however, a valid thing and denotes a very important action. God made the greatest of all executive decisions. He decided to love us! No matter what other good news you have ever, or will ever receive, that is the greatest good news - God loves you! Have you accepted His love? Do you love Him? He's waiting.

 

Scripture references: Jeremiah 31:3, Romans 5:8, First John 3:1, First John 4:8

 

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Interruption

February 3, 2019 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

I have learned that most people don't like to be interrupted. When I was a child my daddy taught me not to walk up on a conversation and start blurting out nonessential information. Have you ever been watching a TV show and heard these words, "We interrupt the regularly scheduled program to bring you this special news bulletin?" What was your immediate response? I think I know. And then when the report is over the voice says, "We now resume the regularly scheduled program." Great. How much did I miss?! It is amazing to me how often our "regularly scheduled" lives are interrupted. Interruptions cause us to make adjustments and continue our lives along an altered course. We don't know that interruptions are coming  - except for one. The Lord Jesus is returning and His return will interrupt EVERYTHING! The difference in that interruption and everyday interruptions is you can prepare now for His return. When He comes you won't continue your "regularly scheduled" life. Now understand, only He can prepare you for His return. Are you ready for His interruption? Have you let Him prepare you for it? He's waiting.

 

Scripture references: Matthew 24:36-44, First Peter 3:10

 

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Convenience

January 27, 2019 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

How I love convenience! Don't you? I can place a frozen waffle in the toaster and by the time I pour my milk (which is in a container in the refrigerator - more convenience) and get the syrup out of the cabinet, the waffle pops up ready to eat. Convenience. Just think for a moment how much in your life is centered around convenience. Have you ever left a message for someone to call you at their convenience? I like going along in life with little trouble or effort, which is what convenience means. But beware  - there is one thing that you can't wait to do until it is convenient. That is serve the Lord. There is so much demand on our time so that it never is really convenient to serve Him. You must consciously choose to serve Him and maintain a diligent effort; but believe this - the reward for serving Him greatly outweighs the effort! Don't put it off any longer. It will never be convenient to serve Him. Decide now. He's waiting...

 

Scripture references: Romans 12:11, Second Corinthians 6:1-2

 

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Watch Carefully

January 20, 2019 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

I am not a cook. Sometimes I am put in a position to prepare food and I can accomplish that. My wife is a cook, but recently she was sick so I was called upon to prepare some food. I stood and watched as the heat under the pan changed the bacon in the pan into crispy deliciousness. I had to watch carefully so at just the right time I could remove the bacon from the heat. Too little time - bacon not done. Too much time - bacon burnt. Either result not good. Sometimes God applies heat to His child, not as bacon in a pan, but by some means He will put His child through a purification process. He watches carefully as His child changes into something useful to Him. So when God is correcting you, don't get angry and rebellious. Instead, ask Him what He wants from you. Better yet - ask Him what He wants from you before He applies the heat! He's waiting.

 

Scripture reference: Malachi 3:1-3

 

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Seasonal

January 13, 2019 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

I am not a shopper. I don't criticize those who are, but I am not. I am a buyer. I prefer to go to a store, buy what I need and leave. On occasion I have gone to buy an item and couldn't find it. For example, I went to buy some ant poison and the store was sold out of it. Inquiring about when more would come in, I was told there wouldn't be any more that year - it was a seasonal item. But it's August, I responded. Ants are still in season. Another time I went to buy a small electric heater. The store was sold out of heaters and there would be no more - heaters were seasonal items. But it's January, I responded. Winter is still in season. I'm sure glad that God is not seasonal! He is always available. I have never needed God when He wasn't available. Have you? Of course not. Have you been in touch with Him today? He's waiting.

 

Scripture references: Psalm 46:1, Hebrews 13:5

 

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Found It!

January 6, 2019 - Brother Eddie Pilgrim

 

Have you ever been filling your glass with ice and a piece of ice drops onto the floor? Then comes the hard part - finding it! You know it's there, somewhere, but where? Oh well, just forget it. But you know how it feels to walk into the kitchen later with socks on and step in the little puddle left when the ice cube melted? Oh boy... That little wet spot on your sock cannot be ignored.  It makes you uncomfortable and aggravated. It's there and the only way to get it off your mind is to get a fresh sock. Now, what about sin in your life? That sin you know is there. The sin that you cannot ignore. It makes you uncomfortable and aggravated, much like that wet spot on your sock. Why don't you get a fresh start? Agree with God and confess that sin to Him and receive His cleansing. He's waiting...

 

Scripture reference: Numbers 32:23

 

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