Pinesburg Baptist Church

09/06/2026

Hello everyone,

In John 6:22–47, Jesus reminds us that the greatest need in our lives is not physical provision, but spiritual nourishment. The crowds had witnessed the miracle of the loaves, yet Jesus directed their attention to something far greater. He declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35, NKJV). What a wonderful promise for every season of life! Earthly things may satisfy for a moment, but only Christ can satisfy the deepest hunger of our hearts. When we come to Jesus in faith, we find forgiveness, peace, hope, and eternal life. Whatever you may be facing today, remember that Jesus is enough. Come to Him, trust Him, and rest in His unfailing grace.

Thank you for sharing this time with us! Please enjoy this week's service. Have a safe and blessed week!

In Christ,
Pastor Erroll

“Jesus: The Bread of Life” - Pastor Erroll Thompson for Pinesburg B...

09/01/2026

Trusting God While Waiting
Psaln 27:12-14

09/01/2026

Psalm 27:7–9 — A Cry for God's Presence
Verse 7 — “Listen, LORD, and answer me”
David now moves from confidence into prayer:
“LORD, hear my voice when I call; be gracious to me and answer me.” — Psalm 27:7, HCSB

The confident warrior of verses 1–6 is also a dependent worshiper.
This is important because biblical faith isn't simply saying, “I have no problems.” Faith says, “I have problems, but I know where to take them.”
David asks God to:
Hear him. Be gracious to him.Answer him
The word “gracious” reminds us that David isn't approaching God on the basis of his own perfection. He is appealing to God's mercy.
David knows that he needs God to act.
There is also a beautiful progression:
David knows God → David seeks God → David cries to God.
Faith doesn't eliminate prayer. Faith produces prayer.
Verse 8 — “My heart says this about You”
“My heart says this about You, ‘You are to seek My face.’”
This is one of the most beautiful statements in the psalm.
God says:
“Seek My face.”
And David responds:
“LORD, I will seek Your face.”
To seek God's face means more than simply seeking God's blessings.
David isn't saying:
“Lord, give me what I want.”
He is saying:
“Lord, I want You.”

That connects directly back to verse 4.
In verse 4 David said:
“I have asked one thing from the LORD; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD…” Now we understand the heart behind that request.
David's greatest desire isn't simply safety. It is God Himself.

This is a crucial principle of biblical spirituality:
God is not merely the means by which we obtain blessings; God Himself is the blessing.
David wants God's face. He wants God's presence.He wants communion with God. And notice that the initiative begins with God: “Seek My face.”

David responds:
“Your face, LORD, I will seek.” God calls, and faith responds.
Verse 9 — “Do not hide Your face from me”

David's prayer becomes more urgent:
“Do not hide Your face from me; do not turn Your servant away in anger. You have been my help; do not reject me or abandon me, God of my salvation.” There's a tension here. David has confidence in God, but he also feels the vulnerability of someone who desperately needs God's presence. The phrase “do not hide Your face from me” is the opposite of what David has just requested.

He has said:
“Your face, LORD, I will seek.”

Now:
“Do not hide Your face from me.”
David's greatest fear isn't ultimately the army outside the walls.
His deepest concern is being separated from God's favor and presence.
That's significant. David can endure opposition if he knows God is with him.
But he doesn't want to experience life apart from God.

Then David remembers God's faithfulness:
“You have been my help.”

This is how David strengthens his faith. He remembers what God has already done. Past faithfulness becomes fuel for present prayer.
And he calls God:
“God of my salvation.” David's salvation belongs to God. He isn't trusting himself to save himself.
Psalm 27:10–11 — When Human Support Fails; Verse 10 — “Even if my father and mother abandon me” This is one of the strongest statements of God's faithfulness in the psalm:
“Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD cares for me.”
David uses the strongest human relationship he can imagine.

Parents normally represent:
security,belonging,love,protection,family,Acceptance

Yet David says that even if those closest to him were to abandon him, God would not abandon him.
The HCSB says: “the LORD cares for me.”
Other translations emphasize that the LORD would take him in.
The underlying picture is one of God receiving someone who has been rejected.
This doesn't mean David necessarily experienced literal abandonment by both parents. The language expresses the ultimate contrast:
Even if the strongest human relationships fail, God's faithfulness remains.
People can disappoint us.
Friends can leave.
Family relationships can break.
Human support can disappear.
But God's covenant faithfulness is deeper than human faithfulness.
This is one reason Psalm 27 has brought comfort to believers for generations.
Verse 11 — “Teach me Your way”
David now asks for something different:
“Because of my enemies, show me Your way, LORD, and lead me on a level path.”
Notice that David doesn't merely ask God:
“Destroy my enemies.”
He asks:
“Teach me Your way.” That is spiritually mature prayer. David understands that the presence of enemies doesn't remove his responsibility to walk rightly before God.

In fact, opposition makes guidance even more important.
He asks:
“Show me Your way.”
That means:
“Lord, teach me how You want me to live.”

Then:
“Lead me on a level path.” A level path represents a path that is straight, secure, and morally upright.
David doesn't want to respond to his enemies with sinful retaliation or compromise.
He wants God to guide his steps.This is especially important because David is surrounded by people who want to destroy him. When we're under pressure, it's easy to say:“I'll do whatever I have to do.”
David's prayer is different:
“Lord, lead me.” He recognizes that getting through the situation isn't enough.
He wants to get through it without losing his way with God.

The Major Themes of Psalm 27:7–11
These five verses reveal several important truths.

1. Faith still cries out to God
David is confident, but he is also desperate.
Confidence and prayer aren't opposites.
The person who trusts God is the person who continues calling upon God.

2. God's presence is more important than God's presents
David doesn't primarily seek what God can give him.
He seeks God's face.
That takes us back to verse 4.

3. Remembering God's faithfulness strengthens present faith
David says:
“You have been my help.”
He's looking backward in order to trust God going forward.

4. God's faithfulness surpasses human faithfulness
Even if father and mother fail, God remains faithful.
Human relationships are precious, but they aren't ultimate.
God is.

5. David wants God's direction, not merely God's deliverance
This may be the key lesson of verses 10–11.
David doesn't simply pray:
“Get me out.”
He prays:
“Teach me Your way and lead me.” That is a prayer every believer can pray. The Movement of Psalm 27:7–11

We can summarize these verses this way:
Verse 7 — “Hear me.”
David cries out to God.
Verse 8 — “I seek You.”
David pursues God's presence.
Verse 9 — “Don't leave me.”
David depends upon God's faithfulness.
Verse 10 — “You will receive me.
”God's faithfulness is greater than human faithfulness.
Verse 11 — “Lead me.”David wants to walk God's way even while surrounded by enemies.
So the heart of this section is:
When life becomes uncertain, seek God's face, remember His faithfulness, and ask Him to lead you in His way.
And that prepares us beautifully for Psalm 27:12–14, where David deals even more directly with false witnesses, fear, waiting, and the command to “Wait for the LORD.”

08/31/2026

Proverbs 16:9

A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.

08/31/2026

Teach Me Your Ways

Psalm 25:1–7 — Focus on Verses 5–6

“Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day.
Remember, O LORD, Your tender mercies and Your lovingkindnesses,
For they are from of old.”
— Psalm 25:5–6

Devotion
Psalm 25 is a prayer from someone who understands that he cannot successfully navigate life by his own wisdom. David begins by lifting his soul to the Lord, asking God to guide him, teach him, and direct his steps.

In verses 5–6, David makes two important requests: “Lead me” and “teach me.” He is not simply asking God to show him the right road; he is asking God to teach him how to walk it. That is an important distinction. God does not merely want to give us directions—He wants to develop our character and deepen our trust in Him.

David's confidence comes from knowing who God is: “You are the God of my salvation.” David's hope is not ultimately in his ability to make the right decisions. His hope is in the God who saves, guides, and sustains him.

Then David says, “On You I wait all the day.” Waiting on God requires faith. Sometimes God does not give immediate answers because He is teaching us to trust His wisdom rather than depend upon our own understanding.

Verse 6 adds another beautiful truth: “Remember, O LORD, Your tender mercies and Your lovingkindnesses.” David appeals to God's character. God's mercy and lovingkindness are not new or temporary. They are rooted in who God has always been.

A Lesson for Today

There are seasons when we desperately want God to tell us what to do next. We want the answer, the solution, and the direction immediately. But Psalm 25 reminds us that sometimes the greater blessing is not simply receiving an answer—it is learning to trust the One who holds the answer.

When you don't know which way to go, pray David's prayer:

“Lord, lead me in Your truth. Teach me Your ways. Help me wait for You.”

And when you wonder whether God will be merciful toward you, remember His lovingkindness. His character has not changed. His mercy is not exhausted. His faithfulness did not begin with your present situation.

Prayer
Father, lead me in Your truth and teach me Your ways. When I do not know what to do, help me wait patiently upon You. Remind me that You are the God of my salvation and that Your tender mercies and lovingkindness have never failed. Keep me from trusting my own understanding when I should be trusting You. Guide my thoughts, my decisions, and my steps today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Thought for the Day
When you do not know the way forward, trust the God who does. His mercy has guided His people throughout the ages, and His lovingkindness will not fail you today.

08/30/2026

The Lord Is My Light — Psalm 27

Psalm 27 reminds us that we never have to face life’s challenges alone. David begins with a powerful declaration: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1). When fear, uncertainty, or difficult circumstances surround us, God remains our light, our strength, and our safe place. David’s confidence was not based on the absence of trouble, but on the presence of the Lord. He encourages us to seek God’s presence, trust His goodness, and wait patiently for His direction. The Psalm closes with a word of encouragement: “Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14, NKJV). Whatever this week may bring, keep your eyes on the Lord. His light will guide you, His presence will sustain you, and His faithfulness will carry you through

Erroll Thomson

08/30/2026

Hello everyone,

In John 6:16–21, the disciples find themselves on the sea in darkness, facing strong winds and rough waters. Suddenly, they see Jesus walking on the sea toward them, and fear fills their hearts. But Jesus speaks words that bring comfort: “It is I; do not be afraid” (John 6:20). What a powerful reminder that Jesus does not always remove the storm before we experience His presence. Sometimes He meets us right in the middle of it. The disciples were struggling, but they were not alone. When we face uncertainty, fear, or circumstances beyond our control, Christ is still near. His presence gives us courage when our strength is failing. Whatever storm you may be facing today, remember His words: “Do not be afraid.” Trust Him, for He is with you.

Thank you for sharing this time with us! Please enjoy this week's service. Have a safe and blessed week!

In Christ,
Pastor Erroll

“Jesus Walks on Water” - Pastor Erroll Thompson for Pinesburg Bapti...

08/30/2026

In John 6:16–21, the disciples find themselves on the sea in darkness, facing strong winds and rough waters. Suddenly, they see Jesus walking on the sea toward them, and fear fills their hearts. But Jesus speaks words that bring comfort: “It is I; do not be afraid” (John 6:20). What a powerful reminder that Jesus does not always remove the storm before we experience His presence. Sometimes He meets us right in the middle of it. The disciples were struggling, but they were not alone. When we face uncertainty, fear, or circumstances beyond our control, Christ is still near. His presence gives us courage when our strength is failing. Whatever storm you may be facing today, remember His words: “Do not be afraid.” Trust Him, for He is with you.

Pastor Erroll Thompson

08/30/2026

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

08/28/2026

Devotion Acts 16:1–5

After Paul and Silas begin their journey through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches, they arrive at Derbe and Lystra.
There they meet a young disciple named Timothy.

Luke introduces him carefully: "Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek." Acts 16:1

Timothy already has a reputation among the believers. "He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium." Acts 16:2,

Paul sees something in this young man. Timothy is not simply talented. He is a believer whose life is already demonstrating faithfulness. Paul wants him to join the missionary team. Timothy's Background Timothy's mother was Jewish and a believer, while his father was Greek. This created a cultural complication. Because Timothy had a Jewish mother but had not been circumcised, Paul circumcises him before they begin their ministry. This is important because Paul is not contradicting the decision of Acts 15. The Jerusalem Council had made clear that circumcision was not required for salvation. Timothy's circumcision was instead a practical decision for ministry among Jewish communities. Paul was willing to surrender a personal freedom if doing so would remove an unnecessary barrier to the gospel.

This reflects the principle Paul would later explain:
"I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." 1 Corinthians 9:22

Timothy's circumcision did not make him more saved. It simply made it easier for him to minister in a Jewish setting.

What's Happening?
Paul, Silas, and Timothy begin traveling through the cities where the Jerusalem Council's decisions had been delivered.

Luke tells us:
"And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem." Acts 16:4

The churches receive the teaching and continue growing.

Luke summarizes:
"So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily." Acts 16:5, NKJV

What a beautiful picture of a healthy church. Strengthened in faith. Increasing in number. Spiritual growth and numerical growth were happening together.

Why It Matters
Timothy's story reminds us that God often develops leaders before He gives them a larger platform. Timothy was already serving faithfully before Paul invited him into broader ministry. God does not necessarily begin with someone who is famous or experienced. He often begins with someone who is faithful. And Paul's willingness to adapt his own freedoms teaches us something else:
Our Christian freedom should serve the gospel, not become an obstacle to it.

How Do We See Jesus?
Jesus is building His church through the next generation. Paul is passing the gospel to Timothy. Timothy will eventually become one of Paul's most trusted ministry partners. The gospel is not meant to stop with one generation. We receive the truth. We live the truth. And then we faithfully pass it to others.

Life Application
Tonight, consider these questions:
Who has God placed around me that I can encourage spiritually?
Am I willing to mentor or encourage someone younger in the faith?
Am I willing to surrender a personal preference if it helps someone hear the gospel?
Is my faith growing stronger?
Paul didn't simply look for someone who could preach. He looked for someone whose life already demonstrated faith.

That is a valuable reminder:
Character comes before platform.

Closing Thought
Timothy's ministry began quietly. He was simply a young believer with a good reputation among the Christians around him.

But God had much more planned. Paul saw potential. The church recognized faithfulness. And Timothy stepped forward. You may sometimes wonder whether the things you do for Christ are making a difference. Keep serving. Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep being faithful. God sees what others may overlook. The young disciple from Lystra would eventually become a trusted pastor and co-worker in the gospel.

Tonight, remember:
God does not waste faithful service. He can take a willing life, shape it through His Word, and use it for purposes far greater than that person could ever imagine.

Rest tonight knowing that the Lord is still developing His people—and He is never finished with you.