Pastor's Ponderings, December 21, 2025

 God Really Loves Us

As we get older, the conversations around us begin to change. We hear more often about friends facing illness, hospital stays, or painful losses. When someone asks, “Did you hear about so-and-so?” our hearts almost brace for bad news. Of course, we love hearing the joyful reports—marriages, babies, new opportunities—but life often brings sorrow too.

In moments like these, we may wonder: What does God think about our pain? The Bible makes it clear—God is not distant or uncaring. Scripture says the death of His people is precious to Him (Psalm 116:15). When Jesus stood at the tomb of Lazarus, He wept (John 11:35). God feels what we feel. Our Savior experienced every kind of human struggle and pain (Hebrews 4:15). He even keeps record of our tears (Psalm 56:8). That is how compassionate He is toward us.

People may walk away from us. Friends may disappoint. Even family may turn against us. But God never will. We are the apple of His eye (Psalm 17:8). Through Christ, we are accepted into His family (Ephesians 1:6). Even when we fall short—when our actions are messy, stubborn, or shameful—God still loves us deeply.

We don’t approach Him in fear. We come with gratitude and confidence because He already chose to love us first. God proved His love by giving His Son for us. And if He did not withhold Jesus, Scripture says He will graciously give us everything we truly need (Romans 8:32).

As we move through this Christmas season, or any season of life, remember this: God is never far away. He is as close as a prayer, closer than a thought. His arms surround us, whispering that everything—including us—is safely in His hands.

God really does love us.

 

Psalm 116:15

New International Version

15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.

 

John 11:35

New International Version

35 Jesus wept.

 

Hebrews 4:15

New International Version

15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.

 

Psalm 56:8

New Living Translation

8 You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.

 

Psalm 17:8

New International Version

8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;hide me in the shadow of your wings

 

Ephesians 1:6

New King James Version

6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He [a]made us accepted in the Beloved.

 

Romans 8:32

New International Version

32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

 

Pastor's Ponderings, December 12, 2025

Let God’s Redeemed Say So

 

What are you speaking over your life today? Are your words reflecting God’s promises—or just your problems? All of us face tough seasons: loss, sickness, disappointment, financial strain, broken relationships. But Scripture reminds us that God delivers us out of all our troubles (Psalm 34:6). And because of that, the Bible says the redeemed—those who belong to God—should declare it boldly (Psalm 107:2).

 

Aretha Franklin sang it perfectly in 1962: “Ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive, eliminate the negative and latch on to the affirmative but don't mess with mister in between.” That message is as relevant today as ever. God tells us the same thing—set your focus on things above, not on earthly problems (Colossians 3:2).

 

So, what are we choosing to highlight? God’s goodness—or our temporary struggles? Are we trusting that God is working everything together for our good, or are we speaking defeat over our own lives? As Eric Thomas puts it, “If you can look up, you can get up.”

 

And when we get up, we can confidently speak the truth: With God, nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37). God wants us to see ourselves the way He sees us. In His eyes, we are seated in heavenly places. We are overcomers. We are healed, blessed, protected, and equipped to live victorious lives. Our families are blessed. Our steps are ordered. Our lives have purpose.

 

So let the redeemed of the Lord say so! Declare what God has done. Speak life, victory and faith. We can bless His holy name—because He has done great things.

 

Psalm 34:6

New International Version

6 This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles

 

Psalm 107:2

New King James Version

2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,

 

Colossians 3:2

New International Version

2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

 

Luke 1:37

New King James Version

37 For with God nothing will be impossible.

 

Pastor's Ponderings, December 3, 2025

Speak Kind Words to Others

 

Have you noticed how harsh our public conversations have become? It feels like the days of calm, respectful leadership are long gone. Instead of thoughtful dialogue, we see people shouting, arguing, and pushing aggressively to get their way. President Theodore Roosevelt once advised, “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.” Today, many people seem to have flipped that around—speaking loudly while swinging the biggest stick they can find—hoping force will get them what they want.

 

However, Proverbs 15:1 tells us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” We’ve all seen this play out: harsh words escalate arguments, while a calm response can defuse tension almost instantly. Proverbs 15:4 goes even deeper, saying that a twisted or harsh tongue can crush someone’s spirit. Words can wound—but they can also heal. That’s why Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that “life and death are in the power of the tongue.” God doesn’t want us to use our words to tear others down. He wants us to use them to bless, encourage, and build up.

 

With so much negativity around us, it can be tempting to imitate the loudest voices—especially when the rude or aggressive people seem to get attention. But the Bible warns us not to follow their example. Proverbs 22:24–25 says to avoid those with hot tempers, because their behavior can rub off on us. We become like the people we spend time with—and we speak like them, too.

So, what should we do instead? We can choose to speak with patience, compassion, and truth. Scripture encourages us to respond with humility, to avoid returning insult for insult, and to treat others with sympathy and love (1 Peter 3:8–9). This doesn’t mean avoiding difficult conversations—it means having them with grace. Speaking truthfully, but gently. Correcting when needed, but always with love.

 

Let’s be people who bring peace into tense moments… who build up instead of tear down… who shine God’s character through our words.

Each day, we have countless chances to bless someone simply by the way we speak. Let’s choose words that show kindness, patience, and love.

 

Proverbs 15:1, 4

New International Version

1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

4 The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

 

Proverbs 18:21

New International Version

1 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

 

Proverbs 22:24-25

New International Version

24 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered,

25 or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared

 

1 Peter 3:8-9

New International Version

8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 
9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

 

 

  

Pastor's Ponderings, November 19, 2025

If We Want Truth, Let’s Ask God

 

John Adams, the second President of the United States, once said, “Facts are stubborn things.” In other words, no matter how passionately we argue or how strongly we feel, the truth doesn’t change. That’s a comforting thought—especially today, when we’re surrounded by nonstop headlines, accusations, outrage, and loud opinions coming from every direction. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and wonder, “How can I tell what’s true anymore?”

 

The Bible gives us a simple answer: don’t rely on people for ultimate truth. Jeremiah 17:5–7 reminds us that trusting in human beings—ourselves included—can lead us astray. God understands our weaknesses, our pride, and our inconsistencies. “He remembers that we are but dust” (Psalm 103:14). No matter how confident people may sound, none of us are perfect sources of truth.

 

But here’s the good news: we can trust God completely. Proverbs 3:5–6 tells us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not depend on our own understanding. People may confuse us, disappoint us, or mislead us—but God never will. Even when the world feels chaotic…when leaders contradict each other…when people hide evil behind moral language…God still knows the real facts.

 

And because He knows the truth, we can rest. Psalm 3:5–6 reminds us that we can lie down, sleep, and wake up with peace because the Lord sustains us. We don’t have to solve every mystery or figure out every agenda. God sees what we can’t see and protects us through it all.

 

So when confusion rises, when the noise gets too loud, and when we long for something solid to hold onto, we can turn to the One who is truth. Deuteronomy 32:4 says God is perfect in all His ways, and James 1:5 promises He will give wisdom to anyone who asks. If we want truth, let’s go straight to the source. Let’s ask God.

 

Jeremiah 17:5-7

New International Version

5 This is what the Lord says:

“Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord.

6 That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives.

7 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.

 

Psalm 103:14

New International Version

14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust

 

Proverbs 3:5-6

New International Version

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

 

Psalm 3:5-6

New International Version

5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.

6 I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.

 

Deuteronomy 32:4

New King James Version

4 He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice,

A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.

 

James 1:5

New International Version

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you 

Pastor's Ponderings, November 7, 2025

Let’s Be God’s Agents During Challenging Times 

We’re living in confusing and difficult times. Every time we turn on the news, there’s another headline that makes us shake our heads. Recently, reports surfaced about our government struggling to decide whether to follow a court order to fund SNAP—the nation’s largest food assistance program—leaving millions of families uncertain about how they’ll eat. Meanwhile, leaders seem to carry on as if nothing is wrong, celebrating and partying while others go hungry.

 

It’s hard to make sense of moments like these. How do you reconcile celebration with suffering? Joy with injustice? But even when the world feels upside down, we can take comfort in knowing that God is still in control. As Ecclesiastes 12:14 reminds us, “God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” And Romans 8:28 gives us this encouragement: “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” Even in hard times—especially in hard times—God can use us to make a difference.

 

When we see wrong in the world, it’s natural to wonder: What can I possibly do about it? Should we pray? Speak up? Act? Or just wait and hope things improve on their own? The Bible says we should always pray and not give up (Luke 18:1). But prayer isn’t meant to keep us sitting still—it’s meant to prepare us to move. Once we’ve prayed, we should listen for how God wants to use us. Sometimes that means raising our voices for what’s right. Other times it means lending a helping hand to someone in need, writing a letter to encourage a leader, or simply being a light of kindness in a dark time.

 

Let those who love the Lord be proactive. There’s a famous saying: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing.” That means silence and inaction can allow wrongs to continue. As followers of Christ, we are called to be His agents in the world—to love, to serve, and to stand for justice. When we ask God for wisdom, He will guide us. When we act in faith, He will bless the work of our hands.

 

Psalm 1:3 says that the person who follows God’s ways “is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season.” In other words, when we stay rooted in Him, our actions bear fruit that makes a real difference. So, let’s not lose heart. Let’s be people who pray, act, and love boldly. Because even in the most challenging times, God is still working—and He wants to work through us.

 

Ecclesiastes 12:14

New International Version

14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

 

Romans 8:28

New International Version

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

 

Luke 18:1

New International Version

1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

 

Psalm 1:3

New International Version

3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.

 

 

 

Pastor's Pondering, October 23, 2025

Despite Political Turmoil, Let’s Choose Peace

 

Politics today can feel like chaos on repeat. Every headline seems more unbelievable than the last. Recently, a lighthearted but immature comment from the White House made national news—proof that even those in power can act more like kids on a playground than leaders of a nation. It’s easy to get frustrated, confused, or even angry when it feels like our leaders are missing the mark or ignoring the values we hold dear.

 

So, what are followers of God supposed to do in times like this?

First, we need to remember what Scripture says about authority. The Bible tells us that “all authority comes from God” (Romans 13:1). That means even imperfect leaders are allowed their position under His sovereign plan. God expects leaders to act with justice and fairness (Proverbs 8:15) and to reject evil while speaking truth (Proverbs 16:12-13).

 

But when they don’t, God doesn’t call us to outrage—He calls us to prayer. The apostle Paul reminds us to pray and give thanks for “all people, including kings and those in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Prayer isn’t passive—it’s powerful. “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16).

Our prayers can move hearts, shift circumstances, and invite God’s peace into a divided world. Proverbs 21:1 says that the hearts of rulers are in God’s hands, and Psalm 84:11 promises that He withholds no good thing from those who love Him.

 

So instead of letting frustration or fear rule our hearts, let’s pray boldly. Let’s ask God to guide our leaders, strengthen our communities, and bring peace to our nation. When we turn to Him instead of turning on each other, we can live “peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:2).

 

Now more than ever, the world needs people who pray more than they panic, love more than they argue, and trust God more than they fear man.

 

Romans 13:1

New International Version

13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God

 

Proverbs 8:15

New International Version

15 By me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just

 

Proverbs 16:12-13

New International Version

12 Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.

13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right.

 

1 Timothy 2:1-2

New International Version

1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 
2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

 

James 5:16

New King James Version

16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

 

Proverbs 21:1

New International Version

21 In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.

 

Psalm 84:11

New International Version

11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, October 11, 2025

 Let Us All Seek the Peace of God

 

Life can feel overwhelming sometimes. There’s so much noise—stress at work, worries about the future, and constant bad news. But in the middle of all that, God invites us to rest in His peace. The Bible says His peace “surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7) and that we should let it rule our hearts (Colossians 3:15).

 

When our thoughts stay focused on God, He promises to keep us in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). Jesus Himself told us that life in this world would bring trouble, but He also said, “Take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). That means no matter what’s happening around us, peace is still possible.

 

It’s true—there are challenges everywhere. The world is full of pain, conflict, and injustice. But we don’t have to let that steal our joy or fill us with fear. God has already won the battle against evil. The question is: will we let the world shape our emotions, or will we let God shape our peace?

 

Society often tells us that our worth depends on what we have—money, status, or power. But God tells a different story. He says we are chosen, loved, and valuable to Him (1 Peter 2:9). Jesus paid the price for every sin—past, present, and future—and has given us everything we need to live a godly life, including His peace (2 Peter 1:3).

 

Yes, life can be hard. We may face grief, sickness, financial strain, or personal struggles. But even in those moments, we can look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. He gives us strength for today and hope for tomorrow.

 

He’s prepared a home for us in heaven—but even now, while we walk through this life, we can experience His peace. So, no matter what comes your way, don’t give up and don’t lose heart. Let us open our hearts and receive the peace that only God can give.

 

Philippians 4:7

New International Version

7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

Colossians 3:15

New International Version

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful

 

Isaiah 26:3

New King James Version

3 You will keep him in perfect peace,Whose mind is stayed on You,

Because he trusts in You.

 

John 16:33

New International Version

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

 

1 Peter 2:9

Amplified Bible

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

 

2 Peter 1:3

New International Version

3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness