Worried Bird

My friend Stephen Weber posted this photo on his Daily Encouragement site today.

I can "almost" guarantee that this bird is NOT worried. We worry. They don't. Something's wrong!

Aren't we of much more value to the Father than the birds?

4th Blogiversary

Today, America's THANKSGIVING DAY, we are celebrating the 4th anniversary of our blog, PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS. God has been faithful and we praise Him for His goodness. I'm re-posting my original post from November 27th, 2004. Be challenged!

Here's that post:

Recently I stopped at a favourite restaurant of mine, hoping to enjoy a quiet, relaxing lunch in the middle of a busy, hectic day of “ministry”. The hostess seated me in a back room away from the buffet area where people were helping themselves.

A few moments later a group of mentally challenged adults, with their caregivers, were seated at a long table next to me. My solitude was short-lived! These people were grunting and groaning, shouting and calling out. Two other families asked if they could be seated in another area of the restaurant when they saw these people arrive. In the midst of the noise, God’s Holy Spirit spoke (or shouted) to my heart. I immediately thought WWJS …”where would Jesus sit?” if He were here. Of course He would be found at the center of that table, showering His love, care and compassion on these dear, precious people. If that’s where Jesus would sit, then I wanted to follow “in His steps” and look upon this intrusion on my “quiet time” as an opportunity to watch God at work.

The caregivers lovingly attended to their clients, helping them with their food and patiently expressing God’s love in a tangible way. The outbursts of these people, created in the image of God, became like a symphony, a choir, to my ears.

I was so intrigued by watching this transpire before my eyes that I lingered at my seat long after I’d finished my meal. As I was leaving, one of these dear people choked on her food and her caregiver handled the situation so well. Tears came to my eyes and I thanked God for my “quiet lunch”.

Oh that we might see people as our loving, compassionate Father sees them! Oh that our hearts might be broken by the things that break His heart! God had noisily got my attention that day!

Let’s look for opportunities today to witness God’s loving care for His people. Let’s ask how we can be His arms extended to His people today, ministering His love, mercy and grace to those who so desperately need His touch!

For more information on the organization that these wonderful people are involved with, please check out their web site at http://www.christian-horizons.org/

Happy Thanksgiving to our American Friends

Happy Thanksgiving to our beloved American friends.

Wish I could join you for a big turkey dinner today.

We have so much to thank the Lord for! He has blessed us abundantly and we praise Him for everything He has showered upon us.

Have a wonderful day, dear friends, and don't eat too much!

Be blessed!

Gratefully,

David

All I Need...God Provides

The following quote is taken from my friend Stephen Weber's Daily Encouragement devotional for today. Check out his site here.

Stephen writes:

A Bible teacher has observed "Contentment is understanding that if I am not satisfied with what I have, I will never be satisfied with what I want." Among the many ways the world seeks to force us into its mold is the lie that it can offer true satisfaction. Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have and finding satisfaction with that. It's realizing in the words from the great hymn that, "All I have needed Thy hand hath provided." Contentedness and thankfulness are interrelated.

No Room

Those of us who serve with Hockey Ministries International have often heard the words "no room" as GM's, coaches or owners have closed the door to their team having chapel services. The QMJHL or the "Q" as it's called, has been the last frontier. For years we've been unable to get into the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. But God opens doors. He changes things. He answers prayer. - David

Here's an account from Don Liesemer concerning my associate in hockey ministry, Bruce Smith, a faithful, godly servant of God:

No room! The last time hockey missionary Bruce Smith walked through the doors of the arena in Bathurst, New Brunswick (pictured) he was told by the coach that HMI would never be “invited in” to provide a Christian chapel program for his team. It just wasn’t going to happen. There was no room for HMI or for HIM. Our Canadian field staff director felt the sting of rejection…but this was nothing new….it had happened many times before where team management and players closed out HMI’s “messengers of hope in Jesus Christ”.

Move the clock forward three years to November 20, 2008. Our same hockey missionary, Bruce Smith, entered the same arena, knocked on the same door but this time things weren’t the same…indeed amazingly different. He was ushered into the GM’s office who in turn escorted him to the dressing room to be warmly received by players and coaches alike. Bruce enthusiastically outlined and explained the HMI chapel program to the whole team and followed with an actual chapel session with interested players. The first ever with that team…Interesting isn’t it?

No room in Bethlehem’s Inn and yet God’s purposes were miraculously accomplished. God never changes. The same Lord that fulfilled His plan in Bethlehem despite the closed door is at work in the world of hockey. His Kingdom is advancing. How amazing to see doors which were closed for many years suddenly opening. The walls of resistance surrounding the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, a hold-out for over thirty years, are finally coming down. The last frontier in hockey in North America is making room for Jesus, God’s champion. The King of Glory is winning victories.And as we go under His command…in His power and in “triumphal procession we are spreading everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.”And what a message to proclaim!“A Savior has been born…He is Christ the Lord”

Don Liesemer/Founder
Hockey Ministries International

Added note:

Exactly one minute after receiving this "good news" from Don Liesemer I received the following e-mail from Jeff Twohey, the GM of the Peterborough Petes. I had sent him an e-mail just minutes earlier to ask if the Alumni Room at the Peterborough Memorial Centre was available for next Monday's MONDAY WE HAVE FISH chapel with the Petes. Jeff always lets us use that room unless the Directors have a meeting on the evening we meet.

Here's Jeff's reply and we praise God for the support we've had from Jeff and the Petes for the past 13 years.

Jeff writes:

"David, not a problem! You are welcome to the room. Thanks as always!" - Jeff

Blogger's Block

You've heard of writer's block! I've been afflicted with "blogger's block". Rarely has a week passed without the Pilgrim posting some scribblings here on this site. For those who visit regularly, please forgive me.

The past week has been a blurrrrrrrrr.

With the adjustments to my new position with SIM Canada (which I'm really enjoying) and our fundraiser last Thursday (An Evening With "Fish" and the Peterborough Petes), it's been a hectic week.

Through this transition period God has remained faithful and we have sensed His gentle nudging through it all. His everlasting arms have been our strength.

Be encouraged as you enter a brand new week, dear friends! He is faithful!

"The eternal God is thy refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms." - Deuteronomy 33:27 (KJV)

P. S. Yesterday afternoon the boys and I drove to Hamilton, ON to see our good friend David Shantz. He was recalled by the Rochester Americans from the Dayton Bombers earlier in the week and he got the start in goal yesterday in his hometown. He played well and kept his team in the game although they fell 5-2 to the Hamilton Bulldogs.

Orientation at SIM

Last week I had the pleasure of spending four (4) days of orientation at the SIM Canada headquarters in Scarborough. A couple were going through some intensive training in preparation for leaving for Niger next spring.

Orest and Grace Pelech, from Lloydminster, AB, are trusting God to make a way for them to sell their accounting business freeing them up to leave for the mission field.

As I "learn the ropes" at my new position with SIM, World Missions is becoming increasingly important in my life.

Thanks for your prayers as I get more involved at SIM Canada.

This picture was taken in front of the SIM office.

Fish Netting Goals

For those diehard Senators fans out there, isn't it great to see Mike Fisher racking up some points!

He's picked up 5 points (including a game-winning overtime goal) in the last three games.

You can't keep a good guy down...for long.

GO SENS GO!

Pilgrim Followers

Take a look at the heading to the right at the top of the "links" column. PILGRIM FOLLOWERS is a new "gadget" here at Pilgrim Scribblings. As I write this post there are six (6) other bloggers who have "admitted" to "following" our Pilgrim Scribblings.

If you enjoy this blog why not add your name/blog/picture to those who "follow" these scribblings. Click on "Follow this blog" or click here and you'll be taken to a page that will explain how to become a pilgrim follower.

Thanks, friends, and enjoy the journey "home", walking with the King!

Strength

My friend Kelley Campbell (pictured) from Dwelling in His Presence e-mailed me the following verses on Strength. I thought they needed wider distribution so here they are. THANKS, KELLEY!

Exodus 15:13
"In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.

Psalm 29:11
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Psalm 68:35
You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!

Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever

Psalm 89:21
My hand will sustain him; surely my arm will strengthen him.

Isaiah 40:29
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 58:11
The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

Zechariah 10:12
I will strengthen them in the LORD and in his name they will walk," declares the LORD.

Philippians 4:13
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

Ephesians 3:16
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.

VOTE, My American Friends, Please VOTE

My dear American friends:

Please exercise your right and privilege to have a say in the way your great nation is governed. PLEASE VOTE TOMORROW!

Much is at stake and I urge you to get out and VOTE!

Thank you...from a Canadian who loves America and is grateful to God for your nation!

~ David, the Pilgrim

Fools

In Florida, an atheist created a case against the upcoming Easter & Passover holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians, Jews & observances of their holy days. The argument was it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized day(s).

The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring, 'Case dismissed.'

The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, 'Your honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter & others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur & Hanukkah. Yet my client & all other atheists have no such holidays.'

The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, 'But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant.' The lawyer said, 'Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists.'

The judge said, 'The calendar says April 1st is 'April Fools Day.' Psalm 14:1 states 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' 'Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day.'

Court is adjourned.