Sunday Words of Encouragement March 17, 2024 - We Are Only Pilgrims Here.

Pastor continued his message in Nehemiah 8.
Reminder to be hungry for the Word of God, to learn and do His Will.
God, through the leaders, called the people and directed them to celebrate the Feast of Booths. They were to live in temporary shelters during the seventh month to remember God’s faithfulness to them. Remember where they came from and how God provided for them. Proclaim His Goodness. They didn’t earn what they had. God gave it to them.

Worship is not just good music. It is so much more. It is praising, being grateful, studying His Word. Look beyond the obstacles to see the blessings.

The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. Psalm 24:1. We didn’t earn where we are, what we have. God has blessed us. Peter notes that the people were pilgrims. We are sojourners in a strange land. We await the time of reaching our citizenship which is in Heaven for eternity.

What it means for us as Pilgrims:

1. Don’t view this world as your home. You have a heavenly home.
2. Don’t live for just here and now. Don’t seek permanent possessions here. Lay up treasures in heaven, not on earth. Matthew 6:19-2. We brought nothing into this world and take nothing out of it. 1 Timothy 6:6-8. God blesses our income not to increase our standard of living, but to increase our standard of giving.
3. Don’t be obsessed with earthly relationships. Luke 18. We should be pleasing God more than man.
4. Don’t be obsessed with this live. Throw off what hinders and set aside the weight of sin that entangles us. Hebrews 12:1. The world society will get worse and worse. The goal is to reach as many as possible with God’s gift of salvation before He brings wrath on the world.

The assembly met for eight days, and they were more dedicated each day. Each day of worship is one step closer to eternity. God has kept us through all our years.

Our ministry isn’t about church growth. It’s about Kingdom growth!

I like this song today: One Day.

Nehemiah 8:17-18 NIV
17 The whole company that had returned from exile built temporary shelters and lived in them. From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated it like this. And their joy was very great.
18 Day after day, from the first day to the last, Ezra read from the Book of the Law of God. They celebrated the festival for seven days, and on the eighth day, in accordance with the regulation, there was an assembly.

Thank you, Lord, for all you have given me from breath to blessing. Help me share Your love and message of salvation to others!