From the Heart of Pastor Jacqueline A. Thompson
March 16, 2015
Dear Allen Temple Family and Friends,
Hope this week's note finds you having experienced the Blessed Assurance that comes with knowing God. Our Lenten Sermon Series will resume this Sunday with the fifth and sixth "I AM" sayings of Jesus. In preparation, I really wanted to write something around seeking God. After all, that's what this Journey is supposed to be about. Taking time, to stop and seek the Lord intentionally. It is a worthy subject and one that is quite appropriate. The examples are too numerous to list of this noble bible characters who diligently and consistently sought the Lord. Moses, Esther, David and Daniel are just a small few.
In addition, there are all kinds of scriptures that encourage us, even commanding us to "Seek the Lord". The prophet Amos speaks to the house of Israel saying, "For thus saith the LORD unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live: But seek not Bethel, nor enter into Gilgal, and pass not to Beersheba: for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Bethel shall come to nought. Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Bethel. Ye who turn judgment to wormwood, and leave off righteousness in the earth, Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD is his name!" (Amos 5:4-8, KJV) Clearly, the Lord desires to be sought.
March 8, 2015
Dear Allen Temple Family and Friends,
I hope this note finds you well this wonderful day we have been given. I pray this past week you have been able to intentionally STOP, BE STILL and KNOW and in doing so, are experiencing God in new ways. Your feedback is so encouraging. Feel free to check in on the Journey. We are helpers to each other. Our sermon series continued yesterday on the "I AM" sayings of Jesus. The third and fourth sayings were shared at the 8 and 11:15 a.m. services. Jesus said, "I AM THE DOOR" and "I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD".
Many sheepfolds during the time of Jesus had no door which could be opened or closed. It was simply an opening. Once the sheep entered, the shepherds would position themselves at the opening as the "door". No one and nothing could enter in or out without first coming through the door. With the good shepherd, there is protection, provision and promise as he keeps a close and watchful eye on the sheep even giving his life for them. So no matter what threat, obstacle or challenge arises this week, BE STILL and KNOW that are doubly protected. Jesus is both the good shepherd and door of His sheep. He gave his life for you to redeem you! The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy but Jesus came to give you life, abundantly!This week, practice ASSURANCE. Assurance is freedom from doubt. It is confidence and certainty in the truth of something. Practicing assurance is a declaration of that truth. David had a wonderful assurance of God's presence, protection and provision as evidenced in the Psalms. Even during those times when everything was falling apart and he felt as if his life was over, he was sure that God would eventually act on his behalf. In the face of it all David declared, "The Lord is My Rock, My Fortress, My Deliverer". (Psalm 18:2a) When it comes to God, what do you know for sure? As you reflect on the scriptures this week, look for the assurances that you can capture to increase your knowledge of and faith in God: Psalm 23, Matthew 7:13-14, Psalm 121:4-8, John 10:1-10, Ezekiel 34:11-16, and Psalm 103.
March 2, 2015
Dear Allen Temple Family and Friends,
I hope this note finds you well this Monday morning. We are on our way! Thank you to so many of you who have joined the Journey this Lenten season and have committed each day to STOP, BE STILL and KNOW! The sermon series began yesterday as well focused on the "I AM" sayings of Jesus. The first two sayings were shared at the 8 and 11:15 a.m. services. Jesus said of himself, I am the Bread of Life and I am the Light of the World.
To know God as Bread and Light is to know that God satisfies, sustains and guides. There is no need to worry, stress or be anxious about the issues of life that are common to all humankind. We are invited to cast all of cares upon HIM, partake of the Bread of Life and walk in the light. The challenge for us this week in addition to our study is to BE SATISFIED. Practice Satisfaction. The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 4:12-13, shares with us the secret to satisfaction: I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little. I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.
February 25, 2015
Dear ATBC Family and Friends,
It happened! I don't know if it was because Resurrection Sunday is early this year or what. But it happened. Lent came upon me like a thief in the night and as in the Parable of the Ten Virgins, I was not prepared. I immediately started doing what a good Christian should. Trying to figure out what can I do. What can I give up? I have to DO SOMETHING! But then that still, small voice that is so very often drowned out by the activities and other voices of life whispered, "STOP! Just STOP." I was convicted. This was the real issue in the first place. I have been so busy just doing things. Good things, yes. Necessary things, yes. Church and Ministry things, yes. So busy doing all the should do, must do, need to things, that I forgot my first call is to just BE. Doing Christianity often occurs at the expense of Being a Christian.
Lent 2019: Dust and Ashes
Dear Allen Temple Family and Friends,
I was asked a few weeks ago if I intended to do a Lenten Devotional as I have in previous years. My initial reaction was non-committal at best. After all, there is so much going on personally and professionally. The time, energy, and focus required to write critically and to reflect spiritually along with the vulnerability of sharing did not appear inviting to me at all. Then again yesterday, a staff member inquired, “Pastor Jackie, are you giving up Starbucks this year?” She shared she was going to try and give up profanity but made me no promises. We all laughed and continued our work. But her inquiry, stayed with me. I have learned throughout my faith journey that God often speaks in unconventional ways, and my task is to stay attuned and responsive to God's voice. So, I write.