What's Happening At Pilgrim This Week

Tuesday, May 10th, 12:00 Noon ... Prayer in the Parlor
7:00 PM Bible Study - Fellowship Hall
8:00 PM Choir Practice
Wednesday, May 11th... 4:00 - 6:30 Chicken & Dumpling Buffet
Friday, May 13th ... 6:30 PM Cards in the Parsonage
Sunday, May 15th ... 9:15 Sunday School Opening
9:30 Sunday School
10:30 Worship Service


BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

Sunday, May 8th ... Joe Ward & Jack Shaw
Wednesday, May11th ... Dale Allen

Saturday, May 14th ... Larry Burton


THIS PASTOR’S VIEWPOINT

If you ever have to stand before the bar of justice to face any charge brought against you, from a minor traffic offence to a collection of the worst crimes imaginable, you have to go through one terrifying moment. This is when the charge or charges against you are read out loud to the judge by the prosecutor for all in the courtroom to hear. None of us could help but feel a bit intimidated, especially when we hear something like, “The State of North Carolina against (your name goes here.)” Wow, the whole State is against me?

You’ve got to admit you seem pretty small when being faced by something as big and powerful as the entire state. That, however, can pale into insignificance should you be appearing in a federal court. There you have to face the whole United States of America.

It is somewhat of a quirk, though, that should we stand and quietly listen to all the good things that someone else has done for us, we also feel uncomfortable. Perhaps we sense guilt because we didn’t thank that or those individuals enough, or worse, not even at all.

Imagine, then, that you are with an old, gray-haired man who for years was the foremost leader of your country, both political and spiritual, and he said to you, as did Samuel in 1 Samuel 1:7 (NLT). “Now stand here quietly before the Lord as I remind you of all the great things the Lord has done for you and your ancestors.”

Your first thoughts might something like, “Oh no. I’ll be here forever. I’ll never get home for the race or ballgame.” You know, the kind of thoughts you have when the pastor’s sermon seems to be a bit longer than you like.

But it’s those second thoughts that I think are even more important. The ones that make you feel guilty because you truly have not given much thought to the many blessings given to you by God, never mind going back through all your friends, associates and even ancestors.

We certainly take a lot for granted, don’t we? Good things happen and we pay them no mind as if, we are indeed, simply entitled to them.

Maybe we should spend a moment or two each and every day, quietly before the Lord, and just give thanks for yesterdays blessings while they are fresh in out minds. There really are more than we casually thought, especially if we concentrate thoughtfully and prayerfully upon them. Actually, saying “thank you” is a gift we give back.