Pastor's Ponderings, July 31, 2025

Don’t Let The Devil Gaslight You

Have you ever felt like someone was trying to twist your reality—like they were messing with your mind, making you question your own judgment or identity? That’s called gaslighting. According to the dictionary, to gaslight is to manipulate someone into doubting their own sanity or reasoning.

 

Believe it or not, this tactic isn’t new. The devil has been using it from the very beginning. In the Garden of Eden, he asked Eve, “Did God really say you must not eat from any tree in the garden?” (Genesis 3:1). He knew exactly what God had said—but he twisted the words to make Eve second-guess herself.

 

Later, he tried to gaslight Jesus in the wilderness: “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread” (Matthew 4:3). Again, he knew who Jesus was, but tried to plant seeds of doubt. 

 

Eve fell for it. Jesus didn’t. Why? Because Jesus knew exactly who He was—and He didn’t need to prove it to the devil. And that’s the key for us today. The enemy still tries to gaslight us with lies like, “You’re not good enough.” “You’ll never succeed.” “God doesn’t really love you.” “You’re too far gone.”

 

But don’t believe the lies. You were created in God’s image. You are made righteous through Christ. You have purpose, power, and value—not because of how you feel, but because of what God says about you.

 

The Bible says: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). “As He is, so are we in this world” (1 John 4:17). “God has given us everything we need for life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). 

 

The devil wants to confuse you, distract you, and make you doubt what God already declared about you. But you don’t have to listen. You can stand firm in truth.

 

So today, choose to reject the gaslighting. Reject the lies. You have been given wisdom, authority, and victory. Don’t let the enemy rewrite your story. Walk confidently in who God says you are—because that truth will never change.

 

Genesis 3:1

New King James Version

1 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”

 

Matthew 4:3

New International Version

3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

 

Philippians 4:13

New International Version

13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength

 

Romans 8:37

New International Version

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

 

1 John 4:17

New King James Version

17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, July 22, 2025

 Let Us Keep Rejoicing in the Lord

 

What does it really mean to “rejoice”? Webster’s Dictionary says it means to feel joy or great delight. But in a world full of pain, injustice, and uncertainty, that can sound easier said than done.

 

Jesus told His disciples, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11). He wasn’t saying life would be free of problems. In fact, the world is filled with heartbreaking news—wars impacting innocent people, drone attacks on civilians, political division tearing apart families, and hunger caused by conflict.

 

So, we may wonder: How can we rejoice in times like these? That’s when we remember a timeless message from a gospel song by Clay Evans: “Hallelujah, anyhow. Don’t let your troubles get you down. If Satan blocks your way, stand right up and say, ‘Hallelujah, anyhow!’”

 

We’re not ignoring the pain around us—we’re rising above it. Why? Because the Bible says, “The joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10). That kind of joy doesn’t depend on perfect circumstances. It’s a strength that comes from knowing God is with us, working through us, and has not lost control.

 

Paul says it clearly: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). That means we choose joy—not just when life is good, but even in the hard seasons. Why? Because God is still in charge of every time and every season (Daniel 2:21).

 

This isn’t about being naïve or pretending everything’s okay. It’s about remembering that we’ve been given power through Christ. Colossians 1:11 tells us we are “strengthened with all power according to His glorious might.” And Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” We are not helpless. We are Christ’s ambassadors. And He said we would do greater works because He is with the Father (John 14:12).

 

So today, no matter what you’re facing, rejoice anyway.

Rejoice because God is still good. Rejoice because your future is in His hands. Rejoice because He’s working everything out for your good (Romans 8:28). Rejoice in the Lord—always.

 

John 15:11

New International Version

11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

 

Nehemiah 8:10
New International Version

10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

 

Philippians 4:4

New International Version

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

 

Daniel 2:21

New International Version

21 He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning

 

Colossians 1:11

New International Version

11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,

 

John 14:12

New International Version

12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, July 12, 2025

Let Us Seek God’s Peace

Are you feeling peaceful today?

 

With everything going on around us, peace can feel like a rare thing. The news is filled with stories of flash floods in Texas, government uncertainty, and rising global tension. Even closer to home, many of us are dealing with personal stress—unsafe food, poor air quality, and a growing sense of anxiety. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, over 21 million U.S. adults experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2021. That’s nearly 1 in 10 people.

 

So how can we stay calm in the middle of all this? The Bible gives us a powerful promise in Isaiah 26:3:

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

This kind of peace isn’t just a moment of calm. In the Bible, “peace” means completeness, soundness, safety, and deep contentment. It’s something that lasts even when life feels out of control.

 

We can have worldly peace or God’s peace. When we chase the world’s version of peace—temporary solutions, feel-good distractions, or false promises—it doesn't last. Jesus warned us in John 16:33 that “in this world you will have trouble,” but He also said, “take heart, I have overcome the world.”

 

God offers us a different kind of peace. It’s not weak or passive. It protects us from the inside out. Philippians 4:7 tells us that His peace “guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  He leaves His peace with us.  We do not have to be troubled or afraid (John 14:27).

 

And unlike the world’s peace, God’s peace doesn’t collapse when life gets hard. In fact, 1 Thessalonians 5:3 reminds us that when the world says, “peace and safety,” that’s often when disaster strikes. But God’s peace is steady, strong, and trustworthy.

 

Let us fix our minds on God. Today, we can take a moment to slow down and focus our mind on God. His peace is a gift—freely available to everyone who loves Him. We don’t have to figure it all out or solve every problem. We just need to rest in His presence.

 

Let’s keep our hearts firm, our minds focused, and our spirits grounded in the peace that only God can give. Unlike the world, His peace is real, unshakable, and it lasts forever.

 

Isaiah 26:3

New International Version

3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust 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.”

 

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.

 

John 14:27

New International Version

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid

 

1 Thessalonians 5:3

New International Version

3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

 

John 14:27

New International Version

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid

Pastor's Ponderings, July 3, 2025

 Who Will Be on the Lord’s Side?

As we head toward the 4th of July in 2025, many people are getting ready for the usual celebrations—grilling good food, spending time with family and friends, enjoying some rest, and reflecting on freedom. But for others, this year feels heavy. There’s a growing concern about who will lead our country and where we’re headed. People are worried about jobs, healthcare, immigration, rising costs, and the overall direction of our nation. Anxiety is everywhere.

 

In moments like this, we can ask the same question Moses asked the people of Israel thousands of years ago. After God had delivered them from slavery in Egypt, the people turned their backs on Him and worshiped a golden calf. Moses stood up and announced, “Whoever is for the Lord, come to me” (Exodus 32:26).

 

That question still matters today. In 2025, who will stand with the Lord? The Bible describes those who are on God’s side: they live with integrity and do what’s right. They speak truthfully and treat others with kindness. They don’t gossip, harm their neighbors, or tear people down. They keep their promises, even when it’s hard. In addition, they help those in need without expecting something in return. These are the people who will stand strong forever (Psalm 15:2-5).

 

The truth is that the world has always had problems. People have always fought for power, wealth, and control—often at the expense of others. But no matter what’s going on around us, we can choose to stand with God. We can choose to live by His word, even when it’s not popular, even when others go a different way.

 

So, as we celebrate this season of freedom, let’s make a deeper choice—the choice to stand on the Lord’s side. Let’s believe Him, obey Him, and stay faithful no matter what.

 

Exodus 32:26

New International Version

26 So he stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the Lord, come to me.” And all the Levites rallied to him.

 

Psalm 15:1-4

New International Version

1 Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?

2 The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart;

3 whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others;

4 who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind;

 

Psalm 15:5

The Living Bible

5 does not crush his debtors with high interest rates, and refuses to testify against the innocent despite the bribes offered him—such a man shall stand firm forever.

Pastor's Ponderings, June 24, 2025

Let Us Turn to God Before the End Times

 

If you’ve been paying attention to the news, you’ve probably noticed that talk of war, conflict, and violence is everywhere. American cities are on high alert for possible attacks, and while people worry about safety, the gun industry is projected to make huge profits—nearly $19.6 billion in 2025, according to the Trace.

 

Why is there so much anger, fighting, and hostility in the world? The Bible gives us the answer. James 4:1 tells us that the root of all this fighting comes from battles within our own hearts. We desire things we don’t have, so we argue, we fight, and we even destroy each other to get what we want. When we chase after selfish desires and follow the ways of the world, we end up working against God instead of with Him (James 4:4).

 

But God doesn’t leave us without hope. He invites us to turn to Him, examine our hearts, and ask Him for what we truly need (James 4:2-3). Jesus taught us to ask, seek, and knock—promising that God will provide for us (Matthew 7:7). He even reminded us not to be anxious about what we’ll eat or wear, but to trust that God knows and cares for our needs (Matthew 6:31-33).

 

When we put God first—when we truly delight in Him—He promises to give us the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4). That doesn’t mean we should sit back and do nothing. God calls us to work and live responsibly, but He also calls us to stop chasing power, wealth, and status as if they are the ultimate goals. Instead, we should be seeking His kingdom above all else.

 

God has given us spiritual authority. He said He would give us the keys to the kingdom—to bind what is evil and to release what is good (Matthew 16:19). This is our calling: to pray, to act in love, and to work for peace.

 

For those leaders who are pushing for war and power, we must pray. The Bible urges us to pray for all people, especially those in authority, so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Even when world leaders make decisions, God is still in control. Proverbs 21:1 reminds us that God directs the hearts of kings like streams of water—He is always overseeing what happens.

 

Before the world plunges further into conflict and chaos, let’s choose to turn to God now. When we fix our minds on Him, He promises to keep us in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3), even when the world around us is in turmoil.

 

James 4:1-4

New International Version

1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 
2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 
3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 

 

Matthew 7:7

New International Version

7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

 

Matthew 6:31-33

New International Version

31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 
32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 

33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

 

Psalm 37:4

New International Version

4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

 

Matthew 16:19

New International Version

19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

 

1 Timothy 2:1, 2

King James Version

1.  I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2. For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

 

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.

 

Isaiah 26:3

New International Version
3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Pastor's Ponderings, June 17, 2025

Let Us Think in a Godly Way

 

What’s been on your mind lately? Are you thinking about the goodness of God? Are your thoughts filled with worship, prayer, Scripture, and ways to love others better? Or are your thoughts weighed down with what someone said or did to hurt you? Maybe you're worrying about what could go wrong next, or replaying the hard things that have already happened.

 

The Bible says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). In other words, our thoughts shape who we are. That’s why it’s so important to ask: What are we feeding our minds? What are we letting settle into our hearts?

 

Jesus said that the words we speak come from what’s stored in our hearts (Luke 6:45). And Proverbs tells us to guard our hearts, because everything we do flows from them (Proverbs 4:23). When we fill our minds with bitterness, anger, or negativity, it doesn’t just stay there—it eventually shows up in our words and actions.

 

We reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). If we plant kindness, encouragement, and godly thinking, we’ll grow a harvest of peace and blessing. But if we allow negative or harmful thoughts to take root, we shouldn’t be surprised when they produce discouragement or even destruction.

 

Let’s be honest: the world encourages revenge, fear, and negativity. But we’re called to a higher standard. Philippians 4:8 gives us a clear guide for our thinking: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

 

We don’t have to be prisoners to destructive thoughts. As followers of Christ, we are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). We’ve been given a renewed mind (Romans 12:2), and we can choose to think the way Jesus thinks (Philippians 2:5, 1 Corinthians 2:16).

 

Holding onto anger or plotting to get even doesn’t help us—it hurts us. Malachy McCourt said, it's like drinking poison and expecting someone else to suffer. Instead, let's fill our hearts and minds with the truth of God’s Word. Let’s speak life, hope, and grace.

 

Today, decide to think in a Godly way. Your thoughts matter more than you may realize. And when your thinking lines up with God’s truth, your life will follow.

 

Proverbs 23:7

New King James Version

7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, But his heart is not with you.

 

Luke 6:45

New International Version

45 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

 

Proverbs 4:23

New International Version

23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

 

Galatians 6:7

New International Version

7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

 

Philippians 4:8

New International Version

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

 

1 Corinthians 6:19

New King James Version

19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?

 

Romans 12:2

New International Version

2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

 

Philippians 2:5

New King James Version

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus

 

1 Corinthians 2:16

New International Version

16 for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?”

But we have the mind of Christ.

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, June 7, 2025

Let Us Act Politically in a Godly Way

 

If you've been following the news lately, it's impossible to miss the intense political battles happening all around us. Leaders and groups are striving for power, influence, and wealth. It can feel overwhelming at times, but as believers, we have a different perspective. We are called to pray for those in authority, recognizing that ultimately, God is the one who appoints leaders (Psalm 75:6-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-2).

 

When tensions run high, it's easy to fall into negativity—to complain, argue, or speak harshly. But we are reminded in Proverbs 21:1 that God is in control. Our role isn’t to fret or spread bitterness, but to trust that His hand guides the course of history.

 

As followers of Christ, we live in this world but are not of it. Still, that doesn’t mean we should be passive. We should care about those caught in the darkness of a broken system. We can vote, run for office, write letters, march peacefully, or engage in advocacy—all under God’s guidance.

 

We draw strength for these times by fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). While others may put their hope in flawed leaders or empty promises, we call on the living God (Psalm 28:1-2), the only one who can truly bring peace and deliverance.

 

Some may respond to the chaos by retreating, numbing their pain, or acting out in harmful ways. But Scripture calls us to a higher standard: "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:31-32).

 

Leaders will rise and fall, but our Lord remains on His throne. We can always approach Him to find grace and help in challenging times. As President Obama always says, "Don't boo, vote!" We can take that a step further: "Don't boo, pray!" Let’s be faithful in both, trusting God to work through us and in our nation.

 

Psalm 75:6-7

New International Version

6 No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves.

7 It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.

 

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.

 

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

 

Hebrews 12:2

New International Version

2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

Psalm 28:1-2

New International Version

1 To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit.

2 Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help,

as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.

 

Ephesians 4:31-32

New International Version

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 

32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.