The Thread Of Tenderness

 

The Thread Of Tenderness 

"But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking,” says the LORD.

(Jeremiah 23:3-4)

"The story goes something like this...when Dwight Eisenhower was President, he was speaking about leadership to a member of his staff. He put a small piece of string on his desk and then pushed it as the listener watched. The string got bunched up and moved nowhere. He then pulled the piece of string and it moved quite easily. "Pull the string and it will follow wherever you wish. Push it, and it will go nowhere at all". (Linkedin.com)

After almost 50 years of pastoral ministry, and now in a retirement stage, I can look back on those years, and remember the different feelings I had in pastoring the churches God gave me to serve. They were feelings of excitement, hope, and joy. But there were times when I had feelings of discouragement, despair, and exasperation. When progress was at a standstill, or crawling along at a very slow pace. When cooperation was not happening, and I felt the urge to take it out on my congregation.To my knowledge, I never gave into those urges. Looking back, I am very glad that I never scolded the people of God, I was serving. I tried very hard to love my congregations, and tried to lead by example. I am not saying that I was a perfect pastor, I was far from that. But I tried to softly, lovingly, encourage with God's Word. I can relate to what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church at Thessalonica: "...Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well." (1 Thessalonians 2:7b-8)

If you are a pastor of a church today, I pray that you will have this approach. I believe you will accomplish more in your time of ministry, with this approach, than being consistently critical, and causing your congregation to become discouraged. That is not to say, as the apostle Paul said in Ephesians 4:15 "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ." There may come those times when a pastor must as Paul says to be "speaking the truth in love."

We must be careful as Christian leaders, in those times when biblical correction is necessary, that love be communicated in all of our exhortations. As the saying goes: "They won't care how much we know, until they know how much we care." GP

Photo: Alexas_Fotos - Pixabay.com 

A Prepared Place, For A Prepared People

 

A Prepared Place, For A Prepared People 

Jesus Promises To Not Just Prepare For Us A Place, But To Prepare Us For That Place.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

(John 14:1-3) "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.(Philippians 1:6)

I read an article about sand martins that are small birds that resemble swallows, that dig their nests in riverbanks. Land development in South East England had reduced their habitat, that gave them fewer places to nest, when they came back from their winter migration. It was this gift from local conservationists, of an enormous artificial sandbank to house them. They molded sand for the birds to take up residence for years to come.

What a great comfort to hear these words of Jesus, that He is preparing a special place for us, when this life is done. How wonderful, and beautiful this place will be.

But the question that comes to my mind, is:

"Will we be prepared for this beautiful place? What do we need to do to, in preparation for our forever home? Well, to start with, we need to accept Jesus Christ, as our Lord, and Savior. We need to repent of our sins, and be baptized for the cleansing of those sins. (Acts 2:38)

And as we begin our walk in this new life, (the apostle Paul writes) that Jesus will begin a a good work in us, and will bring it to completion, when He comes to bring us to our wonderful eternal home. (Philippians 1:6) But for us to be totally prepared for all that Jesus wants us to be, and to have in Him, we must cooperate with Him. We must allow Him to work in our lives. We must be obedient to His Word, and His Will. Too many times, I have gone ahead, and did what I wanted to do, only to find disappointment and discouragement in my life. "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 7:21) 

I know that we as Christians are like homes under construction. The Lord Jesus is still working on us, to make us fit for His kingdom. Why won't we let Him? With Jesus' help, He knows what we can become. Not only does He want to prepare us a beautiful eternal home, He wants to us to be spiritually prepared, for all that God has in store for us! GP

The Christian Journeyman

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TCJ Blog Posts & eBooks

 

The Christian Journeyman Blog-Posts & eBooks 

 Each week we feature Blog-Posts, that carry Biblical messages, that we hope will be an encouragement to God's people. TCJ Blog-Posts are $ 5.00 Per Copy. TCJ eBooks, are collections of Blog-Posts that are centered around a specific theme. TCJ eBooks are $ 7.00 Per Copy. Following payment, we will send you the product links to both TCJ Blog-Posts, and eBooks. Email us at: garypat53@gmail.com to place your order. We will email you a PayPal (R) Payment Link to process your payment quickly, and securely! You do not need a PayPal (R) account to use your debit/credit card. This is a way the friends of this ministry, can financially support the work of The Christian Journeyman!  

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God's New Thing

 

"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

(Isaiah 43:18-19)

Can you name some things that are holding you captive in your life? You ask, what are you talking about? Maybe a better question is: Are there things that are holding you back from being a better person, a more productive person, a moral person? To dig deeper: Is there sin in your life that has you captive, and is leading you down a very destructive path?

Whenever we approach a new year, we tend to take inventory on our lives. It is a time of personal examination and evaluation. So as you look in the mirror of 2025, what does your life look like? 

In our text God is wanting the people of Israel to take inventory on their lives. And there are two things He tells them (and us) to do.

1. Forget The Former Things.

God always wanted His people to remember how He delivered them from their bondage in Egypt (43:16-17), but because of their sin, they ended up in Babylonian captivity (the things of old).

He wanted them to not dwell in the past and constantly focus on their defeat and despair. God wants us to do the same. In 2025, let's not dwell in the painful past, but let's position ourselves to receive God's future blessing.

2. Look At The New Thing God Is Doing.

What is this new thing? He will "make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."

God will lead us out of our captivity, to times of refreshing peace. He will change our hearts, and our lives, if only we will let Him. He wants to do a new thing in us, and through us. Why in the world, won't we let Him? Only we can answer that!

A friend who is a heart transplant cardiologist has an appreciation of Ezekiel 36:26 that not many of us can understand. Mike manages the pre-operation and post-operation care for heart-transplant patients. He’s often in the operating room as surgeons remove diseased, discolored hearts and replace them with vibrant, pink “new” donor hearts.

Mike explains that the process for selecting who gets a “new” physical heart is similar to who can get a “new heart” from God (Ezek. 36:26). In both cases, need alone is the criterion.

(Our Daily Bread 2/29/2012)

In your life, do you need a new heart, a new life, free from the captivity of sin and death.

God specializes in placing in us a new heart, a new desire to love and obey Him, and receive His eternal blessings.

In 2025, will you let God change you from the inside out. Will you let Him, make the changes that only He can do? GP

Photo: FRSGroup - Pixabay.com

www.cjour05.blogspot.com

THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN (December 2021)

HAVE YOU ANY ROOM FOR JESUS? 

I know that many have had this experience while traveling. You try to find a hotel room, but to no avail. Because of a big convention, or a huge city event, all the hotel rooms are taken. I have experienced that a time or two. To be frustrated is an understatement. 

For Joseph the frustration level had to have been high. He finds out that Mary (his wife to be) is pregnant, a census is put into action, and they have to travel many miles to register for it. And then when they arrive at Bethlehem, there is no room for them to stay. I don't know about you, but my frustration would be exploding like a volcano. But God was with them. They did find a place to stay, in a cave stable, where our Savior was born. They did escape the horrific attack of Herod. And God was with them has they raised Jesus to fulfill His role as the Messiah. 

The question still remains: Is there any room for Jesus in our hearts and lives today? We need Him so much today. With dealing with the pandemic, national division, an economic crisis, a high crime rate. etc. We need to submit to His person, and to His teachings. We need to come to Him for the sin problem in our lives (Romans 3:23). Jesus is the only one who can save us from our sins, and ourselves. This precious one who was laid in a manger, is the same one who wants to lay His divine hand upon our lives, and make us whole. 

I remember a song we used to sing when I was younger entitled: "Jesus Is The Answer For The World Today." He has been the answer for me, and He can be the answer for you as well. Jesus is God's gift to the world. Let's embrace Him, and allow Him to make the changes that need to be made. Let's definitely make room for the Lord Jesus Christ in our lives today! GP  

That I May Know Him

Please Click Link Below! 

https://cjour05.blogspot.com/2018/12/that-i-may-know-him.html

What Is Our Christmas Focus? (December Bundle) 

Fix Your Eyes Upon Jesus (Please Click Link Below)

https://cjour05.blogspot.com/2012/11/fix-your-eyes-upon-jesus.html

Keeping Our Focus (Please Click Link Below) 

https://cjour05.blogspot.com/2017/01/keeping-our-focus.html

Walking In The Light Of God's Word (Please Click Link Below) 

https://cjour05.blogspot.com/2013/07/walking-in-light-of-gods-word.html

A New Direction (Please Click Link Below) 

https://cjour05.blogspot.com/2016/07/a-new-direction.html

The Key To Spiritual Progress (Please Click Link Below) 

https://cjour05.blogspot.com/2012/01/key-to-spiritual-progress.html

Fog, Or Faith? (Please Click Link Below) 

https://cjour05.blogspot.com/2017/03/fog-or-faith.html

SERMON STREET - CONSISTENCY 

(Please Click Link Below)

https://cjour05.blogspot.com/2021/11/consistency-sermon-street.html

Christmas Candy Cane Poem About Jesus

Look at the Candy Cane

What do you see?

Stripes that are red

Like the blood shed for me

White is for my Savior

Who’s sinless and pure!

“J” is for Jesus My Lord, that’s for sure!

Turn it around

And a staff you will see

Jesus my shepherd

Was born for Me!

GOD'S WORD ON IT! 

THE GIFT OF LOVE & RESPECT! 

"Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” (Ephesians 6:1-3) 

"R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me" It should mean a lot in our culture, but sadly it doesn't. 

Deborah Norville writes in her new book, "The Power of Respect.""Americans are ruder than ever before,  She writes: 79 percent say lack of respect is a serious problem. 60 percent say rude and selfish behavior is increasing. 88 percent sometimes encounter rude people. 

62 percent are bothered by rude behavior. 77 percent see clerks ignoring customers. 58 percent encounter aggressive drivers. 56 percent are bothered by foul language.

Peter writes that we who are young are to respect those who are older. Paul writes that children are to obey and honor their parents. This is not an option, but one of the ten commandments. (#5)

Other cultures excel in the area of respect for the elderly, where we in this country are very lacking. Why is this? I feel that Peter hits the nail on the head, when he admonishes his readers to clothe themselves with humility toward one another. If we are disrespectful to God, we will be disrespectful to one another. Pride and arrogance is so dominant in our society that instead of coming together like mash potatoes, we are like balls bouncing off each other. We are so divided as a nation, mainly because we have lost our respect for one another. If we are to have unity, we are to get rid of our pride, and put on humility, and think about the needs and feelings of others more than ourselves. 

Respect is a gift that money can't buy, but when given, it produces such wonderful results in our lives, and the lives of others! GP 

POEM PANTRY 

 

What Christmas Means To Me

By Lydia Chorpening

What does Christmas mean to me?

It’s more than gifts beneath the tree

It’s God’s love so rich and free

Sent to this earth for all to hear and see.

What does Christmas mean to me?

Come kneel with me and you will see

Baby Jesus as sweet as any babe can be

The Son of God sinless and holy.

What does Christmas mean to me?

It is God’s grace to us abundantly

Wrapped in a baby, oh so wee

The Son of God who rules eternally.

What does Christmas mean to me?

It’s Mary’s baby born to bring us liberty

From sinful nature He came to set us free

That by His grace we live in victory.

What does Christmas mean to me?

From earth’s foundation God’s plan was Calvary

Where Christ would bear our sins on that tree

And rise from the grave victoriously.

This is what Christmas means to me

It’s Christ in us—O, blessed reality

Relationship for all eternity

Where from all sin we’re fully free.

This Is What Christmas Means To Me! 

Mission To Amish People - Copied. (Thank-you) 

mapministry.org/articles/2014/11/01/what-christmas-means-to-me

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Dealing With The Thief!

Dealing With The Thief

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."(John 10:10)

I have heard it said that:"There are more people down and depressed during this time of year, than any other." Is it because we have allowed the Devil to steal our joy and peace? The fear of facing the challenges of a new year, can be overwhelming; and Satan is hoping that it is. In our text, Jesus really pins down the purpose for His coming into the world. He came to bring us abundant life. This life is filled with the promises of God that we find in His Word. 

The most important promise, is the promise of eternal life. (John 3:16) The second precious promise is; "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1) Because Jesus is our Savior, and our Shepherd, we have the promise of an abundant life. Although this life is difficult, and the Lord never said that it wouldn't be. We can face the sun, and say to ourselves, we have a bright future that awaits us. And having fellowship with the Lord as we walk through" the valley of the shadow of death",(Psalm 23:4) is a wonderful blessing. 

I have said this to people who have been struggling with the work of Satan in their lives. "When Satan reminds you of your past, and makes you feel down and depressed about your present situation, just remind him of his future, because he doesn't have one! GP

The Christian Journeyman (Mission Letter)

 

The Christian Journeyman

Pastor Gary Patterson

To all of God's people, all over the world!

I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to you with a heartfelt request on behalf of The Christian Journeyman.

For the last 18 years, our ministry has been dedicated to spreading the message of what it means to be faithful workers in the Kingdom of God. How to faithfully live the Christian life, and effectively serve the Lord. 2 Timothy 2:15 is our mission statement: "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." We’ve been blessed to touch the lives of many, offering spiritual guidance and support to our readers.

To maintain our mission and expand our reach, we need your support. We would like to develop an out-reach to those who are in prison, and to those in our military.

Our constant out-reach is to fellow Christians, who strive to live the Christian life, and who labor for the Lord Jesus Christ, in the preaching of the gospel, spreading the good news that salvation, and eternal peace is only found in Him.

At the present time, we have three blogsites that are apart of our communication ministry of The Christian Journeyman.

1. The Christian Journeyman (Main Blog)

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2. The Christian Journeyman Walk-Line

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3. The Christian Journeyman's Journal

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Your generous financial support will help us to devote full time to the work of producing online Christian Blog Posts, that we hope will be an encouragement to our fellow Christians, as well to people all over the world.

We humbly ask for your financial support. 

You can support the work of The Christian Journeyman, by purchasing the TCJ Blog Posts we have available. The cost for each TCJ Blog Post, is $ 5.00, per copy.

You can use this PayPal.me.com payment link, to process your payment quickly, and securely. 

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Thank you for considering this request. Your support means the world to us, and helps us continue our work in helping God's people, in their Christian walk, and work.

May God bless you abundantly.

In His Service,

Gary Patterson

Pastor, & Director

The Christian Journeyman

garypat53@gmail.com 

Christmas Challenges (Part One)

 

Christmas Challenges (Part One) 

The Challenge of Focus

There are those faulty misconceptions, selfish attitudes and actions, and worldly activities that challenge the biblical message, and meaning of Christmas. How does the birth of the Christ-Child cause us to think and act in the right way, during this Christmas season? There are challenges that we face as Christians, at Christmas, as well as all year long; that I want us to look at in this series entitled: Christmas Challenges. 

We will look at four of them: 

1. The Challenge of Focus 

2. The Challenge of Family 

3. The Challenge of Forgiveness 

4. The Challenge of the Future 

The Challenge of Focus 

"Has anyone ever asked you this question? "What did the pastor preach on last Sunday?" You smile, and cringe inside, racking your brain for the subject or verse he used. If you have never been caught in this predicament, what you were trying to remember was a blur in your mind. I think this happens to all of us, and we need to let it be a reminder, to stay focused on the preaching of God's Word. ("Staying Focused" By Terrie Chapell - January 30,2010 Ministry 127) 

When it comes to the message and meaning of the birth of the Christ-Child, we don't want to be like a camera out of focus. Our goal should be to have a clear, steadfast focus on the Biblical presentation and purpose of the angel's announcement to the shepherds, and to the world. 

"Do not be afraid, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people, "for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11) 

I believe there are two words in the angel's announcement that should cut through the blur of the mis-conceptions, and the dominance of the worldly attitudes and activities at Christmas. Those two words are: 

"to you" This announcement is not just a prophetic message, it is a personal message. "For there is born "to you" this day...a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." 

Jesus came into this world to be a Savior for you, and for me. 

The challenge this Christmas, as well as everyday, is to focus on this heavenly gift to us. We need to accept this gift, believe the gift, submit and embrace this gift with all of our heart. 

 Let's not let the confusion and chaos at Christmas cause us to have a spiritual blur of what is most significant, and meaningful at Christmas, and everyday of our lives. If Jesus (as our heavenly gift) is to be Savior, and Lord of our lives. May it be the main focus of our hearts, and our lives. May it be seen in our lives, not only at Christmas, but every moment we live! GP 

 Photo: Pexels/9143 images/Pixabay License/Free to use under the Pixabay License/No attribution required/www.pixabay.com

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Christmas Challenges, email us @

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If We Make It Through December

 

If We Make It Through December!

Introduction:

I remember when I was a teenager, I was listening to the radio, and hearing a song recorded by Merle Haggard, entitled: "If We Make It Through December."

I thought then, and even today, how true that song is, as it speaks of a man who was struggling to make ends meet for him and his family. If he and his family could make it through December, he felt things would be better in the new year. 

Maybe, at this time of year, you feel the same way.

"December can be a difficult month for many people due to a combination of factors including increased stress from holiday planning, financial pressures, family dynamics, end-of-year work deadlines, shorter daylight hours, and the tendency to compare one's own experiences to idealized holiday portrayals, which can lead to feelings of loneliness or isolation, especially if experiencing loss or difficult family situations."

(mentalhealthmatch.com)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6)

Why is is that no matter what the circumstances are, and no matter what month it is, the apostle Paul says that "we should not be anxious about anything?"

How can we do this? How can we totally free ourselves from the worry and anxiety of the challenges of this life? The apostle Paul came to know, as we should come to know, the Savior, Jesus Christ. And that in Him, we can find peace in the midst of trials. We can be assured that the Lord Jesus' presence and.providence in our lives, will see us through. "But in everything by prayer and supplication, with Thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." In essence Paul was saying, "give all of your troubles and anxiety over to the Lord, and be thankful for the fact that you can do this. We don't ever need to carry our burdens alone. Please read Matthew 11:28-30)

Perhaps you’ve participated in an experiment where you were given a phrase like “red car” and then were asked to put it out of your mind. But the harder you tried, the more the “red car” dominated your thoughts. This kind of exercise shows that we can never forget something by concentrating on it. Anxious thoughts, our natural response to the cares of life, are like that. Many of us spend sleepless nights trying to solve complex problems, and all we accomplish is fixing them more firmly in our minds.

The Bible says that instead of being weighed down by our concerns, we should give them to God. The apostle Peter put it this way: “[Cast] all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). And in Philippians 4:6 (Our text)

(Our Daily Bread - Forget Worry - 2/1/2002)

Yes, we can make it through December, with its troubles and anxieties. We can make it through anything, as long as we abide in the love and care of our Lord Jesus Christ.

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39) GP

Photo: monicore - Pixabay.com 

A Christmas Rescue

 

A Christmas Rescue

"But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” (Genesis 3:9-10) "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 

(Matthew 1:21)

Man-kind was in need of what I call "A Christmas Rescue." From what did we need to be rescued from? Without a doubt, we needed to be rescued from "SIN."

In the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve disobeyed God, and realized the shame of their nakedness, and hid from Him. When we sin, the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, and makes us want to hide from God. We don't want to talk to God, because of what He would say to us. And we may feel that God wants to talk to us, in order to condemn us. That is very far from the truth.

Peter writes in 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." I think of Zacchaeus, who climbed up in a sycamore tree to see Jesus, but I wonder if it was because he wanted to hide. ⁸Zacchaeus was hated by the people because he cheated them. But Jesus called for him to climb down out of hiding, and talk to Him, at his house, where salvation came his way. (Luke 19)

This Christmas, let's not hide from the Lord. He came to save us from our sins, and set us free from the chains of selfishness, arrogance and pride, immorality, anxiety and worry, and all of the worldly vices that threaten to destroy us physically, and most of all spiritually. And to think, that while God gave us, freedom of choice, this is the very thing that causes us to be enslaved to SIN. The very thing we need to be rescued from. And Jesus did just that willingly, and sacrificially.

Yes we are free to choose the path of sin and destruction, or we can choose Jesus to be our Savior, our Redeemer, and Lord of our lives. Today, will you let Jesus rescue you? If you do, you will be eternally blessed.

Photo: ATDSPHOTO - Pixabay.com 

Whatever Happened To Thanksgiving?

*Several years ago, a family traveled out east to spend Thanksgiving with their relatives. On the way, their car began giving them trouble. Fortunately they found a gas station open where a mechanic was on duty. But he didn't have the parts to make the necessary repairs, so they were delayed until he could locate them. They finally arrived late at night at the home where their loved ones were waiting anxiously. But their troubles weren't over. 
By morning most of them had the flu. When the time came to return home, they still weren't feeling well...to make matters worse, abut halfway home the baby also became ill. Worn out, discouraged, they continued on in silence. Then one of the children in the back seat piped up, "Hey, whatever happened to Thanksgiving? That is the way we sometimes react to adversities. When all is well, and all things are going our way, It's easy to praise the Lord. But when our plans are disrupted, bills pile up, our health fails, or disappointments come, thankfulness disappears. It's easy to allow problems and difficulties to crowd our thinking and emotions, and as a result we slip into discouragement and degrees of deep depression. (*Radio Bible Class/Our Daily Bread)

The Apostle Paul says to the Christians at Thessalonica (and us)
"in everything we are to give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thess. 5:18) 

THE EXTENT OF THANKSGIVING (V.18a)
 "In everything we are to give thanks..." 

THE EXPECTATION OF THANKSGIVING (V.18b)
 "For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 

Give me a spirit of thankfulness, 
Lord For numberless blessings given, 
Blessings that daily come to me 
Like dewdrops falling from heaven. --Dawe

Precious Thanksgiving Memories

 

Precious Thanksgiving Memories

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." (James 1:17)

One the precious gifts the Lord has given me is a Thanksgiving memory illustrated in our post-article photo. I remember watching my grandmother meticulously cook and tend to the turkey for our Thanksgiving dinner. I remember the many TG dinners, where she cooked for a house full of family and friends. I hope you have good Thanksgiving memories as well.

As Christmas looms on the horizon, we focus on the gift giving at Christmas, in hopes that we find our loved ones that one and perfect gift. In our text, we can agree with James, that our best efforts at gift giving, cannot compare with the gifts that come from our "Father of lights."

Of course, what can compare to the gift of His Son, who was given, to meet our desperate need of salvation, and the hope of eternal life. (John 3:16)

But In looking back on the year, leading right up to Christmas, God has given me, and my family, the gift of His presence, and providence in our lives. He has not left any stone unturned. The apostle Paul writes, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

In God's way, and in His time, the gifts of His love, come pouring into our lives. 

This picture that reflects the love and sacrifice of my grandmother, not only at Thanksgiving, but in the days she was present in my life, reflects the love and sacrifice of our Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ. He came to this world, on behalf of the Father, to bring to us new life, and new hope. Precious Thanksgiving memories, how precious to sooth our souls! GP

Are You A Good Christian Soldier?

Are You A Good Christian Soldier?

Today is Veteran's  Day. (11/11/2024) A word of deep gratitude from The Christian Journeyman, to our men and women who sacrificed their lives, so that we could enjoy the freedoms, and blessings that come from being a citizen of this great nation. As I think of Veteran's Day, I think about what it means to be a soldier, and especially a Christian soldier. The Apostle Paul writes to Timothy and instructs him to "endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."(2 Timothy 2:3) I ask you today, do you look at yourself as a soldier of Jesus Christ? And to go a step further, are you a GOOD soldier, of Jesus Christ? The Ephesians 6:10-20, the Apostle Paul tells us that we are engaged in a battle.

A battle not "against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Gal.6:12) Because of this conflict, we are encouraged to put on the whole armor of God. Read what that consists of in (Galatians 6:10-20) But back to what the Apostle Paul's instructs Timothy. Two things he tells him he must do, to be a good soldier of Jesus Christ. First: He must not entangle himself in the affairs of this life. He is to be totally committed and focused on His duty to Christ. And Secondly he is to please his commanding officer, Jesus Christ, who enlisted him into the service of the Kingdom.(2 Timothy 2:3-4) In fighting this spiritual battle it will call for faithfulness, and endurance. But we must remember that we could never fight this battle without the resources that the Lord Jesus gives us. So a big thank you to our Veterans, and a sounding word to my fellow Christians.
"Onward Christian Soldiers!" GP 

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What Is Your Choice?

"And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) 

Tomorrow is election day (11/5/2024) We as Americans will make a choice that will affect our future in this nation. But as important as this is, there is another choice that will affect our eternal future. And that is the choice to make God's Son, Jesus Christ, Savior and Lord of our lives.

In our text, Joshua challenged the people to make a choice, and live with that choice. Was it going to be, to worship the gods of their forefathers, or the gods of the Amorites, (or) the God of the universe, which was Joshua and his family's choice. "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (v.15c)

What it comes down to, for us today, is a choice between running after the things of the world, and putting God first and foremost in our lives. Will we allow Him to be our Savior, and Shepherd, all the days of our lives?  Will we live and serve Him all the days of our lives?

What future will you have with the world, compared to what God offers us? What peace, and satisfaction will we have with the world? Things may be good for awhile, but will it last? I think not!

Like Joshua, I challenge us to today, to vote for Jesus, and make Him a permanent choice for our lives, today, and forever! GP

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A Dissertation By Dr. Brian Patterson

A Dissertation By Dr. Brain Patterson 

The Binding/Loosing Of Satan In Jewish And Christian Apocalyptic With Special Reference To Revelation 20:1-10

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A Dissertation By Dr. Brian Patterson

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