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.

Pastor's Ponderings, May 28, 2025

Let’s Start with God in Mind

 

Stephen Covey’s book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” teaches a powerful principle in its second habit: “Begin with the end in mind.” Cham Tang wrote on the October 20, 2020 Authentic Education, website how he jumped into a career in IT without really knowing what that meant. He admitted he made a mistake because he hadn’t clearly thought through where the road would take him.

 

That is something many of us can relate to. We often take steps without knowing exactly where we’re headed. We pick schools, careers, or relationships with only a rough idea of what they’ll bring. The options are endless, but so are the chances of making a wrong turn.

 

But for those who follow God, the journey doesn’t have to be filled with worry and uncertainty. The Bible tells us that God already knows the plans He has for us—plans to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). That’s a promise we can hold onto.

 

We don’t need to map out every detail of our lives alone. Psalm 37:23 reminds us that God directs the steps of those who seek Him. And instead of stressing over our big life decisions, Proverbs 16:3 encourages us to commit our plans to the Lord, and He will guide us. Even when our plans change or fall apart, God will establish our path (Proverbs 16:9).

 

From finding the right school, choosing a career, deciding where to live, or meeting the right partner—these things can feel overwhelming. But we serve a God who created the heavens and the earth. He invites us to ask for wisdom, and He promises to give it generously (James 1:5).

 

So, whether you’re starting your day or starting a new chapter in life, make it a habit to begin with God in mind. When we acknowledge Him in all our ways, He will direct our paths (Proverbs 3:6). And He will never let us down.

 

Jeremiah 29:11

New International Version

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

 

Psalm 37:23

New International Version

23 The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;

 

Proverbs 16:3

New International Version

3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

 

Proverbs 16:9

New International Version

9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

 

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.

 

Proverbs 3:6

New International Version

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

Pastor's Ponderings, May 22, 2025

God Is Our True Leader

 

It’s no secret—life feels heavy these days. Politics are full of anger, people look down on those who are struggling, science brings more questions than answers, and many businesses are hanging by a thread. With so much confusion and pressure, it’s easy to wonder who’s really in charge. But here’s the truth: God is still leading, and He is our help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).

 

When things fall apart around us, our response doesn’t have to be fear or frustration. Instead, we can choose joy. The Colorado Mass Choir sings it perfectly in their song “I Still Have Joy”: “…After all, after everything I've seen, thank God I still have joy.” That kind of joy—the kind that survives the storm—isn’t based on circumstances. It comes from knowing that the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). It’s what keeps us going when life gets rough.

 

What’s in our hearts eventually shows up in our words (Luke 6:45). So, what are we speaking over our lives? Are we repeating what we hear on the news, or are we declaring what God says? Yes, the world has its mess, but we have a message: we will see God’s goodness (Psalm 27:13). We won’t be ruled by fear, because God is with us—and if He is for us, nothing can stand against us (Psalm 23:4, Psalm 56:9).

 

No matter how difficult things get, God is more than enough. He promises to meet every need—big or small (Philippians 4:19). So, let’s move forward with confidence and joy, trusting that God is our leader, and He’s already working all things together for our good. Keep your head up. Keep your heart open. God’s still in control.

 

Psalm 46:1

New International Version

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

 

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.”

 

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.

 

Psalm 27:13

New International Version

13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

 

Psalm 23:4

New International Version

4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

 

Psalm 56:9

New International Version

9 Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.

 

Philippians 4:19

New International Version

19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Pastor's Ponderings, May 10, 2025

God Is Our Air Traffic Controller

 

On May 9, 2025, an article by Ryan Grenoble in the Huffington Post reported a concerning event: “Newark Air Traffic Control Radar Goes Down AGAIN.” According to the article, this wasn’t the first time—just a couple of weeks earlier, a 90-second outage left air traffic controllers unable to see, hear, or talk to the aircraft they were responsible for guiding. Imagine being a passenger on one of those planes, completely unaware of what was happening, trusting that someone in a tower had eyes on your flight.

 

It's a reminder of how much we depend on others to guide us safely, especially when we can't see the full picture ourselves. Life works the same way. There are moments when we feel like we’re flying blind—unsure of what’s ahead, disconnected from guidance, and uncertain about where we're headed.

 

But here’s the good news: with God, that will never happen. Those who love and trust Him are never flying solo. God doesn’t have outages or system failures. He never loses track of us, never stops listening, and never stops guiding. His eyes are always on us. He sees the big picture—every twist, every storm, every detour—and He knows exactly how to get us safely to our destination (Jude 24).

 

Even when we feel like we’re spiraling or in free fall, He is there, steady and sure. Psalm 121:3-4 says, “He will not let your foot slip—He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”

 

So, the next time life feels uncertain, remember who your Controller is. He isn’t in a tower that can go dark. He’s a loving God who knows you by name and sees every detail of your journey. In His hands, you're never lost (Jeremiah 1:12, Psalm 121:7-8)—you’re always safely guided (Isaiah 41:10).

 

Jude 24

New Living Translation

24 Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault.

 

Psalm 121:3-4

New International Version

3 He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

 

Jeremiah 1:12

New International Version

12 The Lord said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.”

 

Psalm 121:7-8

New International Version

7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;

8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

 

Isaiah 41:10

New International Version

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.

 

Pastor's Ponderings, May 3, 2025

God Will Never Leave Us or Forsake Us

 Losing someone we love is never easy. Over the past few weeks, our hearts have been heavy as we said goodbye to three beloved family members and a dear friend. In moments like these, it's natural to feel overwhelmed by grief. But even in our sadness, there is comfort in knowing that God is nearby.

 

Psalm 116:15 reminds us, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones." That verse tells us something deeply reassuring: God doesn't overlook our pain. He watches over us and holds every moment—even our hardest goodbyes—with great care and love. He knows us so well that even the number of hairs on our head is accounted for (Luke 12:7), and every tear we cry is noticed and remembered (Psalm 56:8).

 

Sometimes life feels isolating. We might believe we're facing everything alone, that no one sees us or truly cares. But that's simply not true. God is always with us. He sees us. He cares deeply. And He has promised to return one day and bring us into eternal life with Him.

 

Yes, the world can be tough. There's no shortage of challenges, confusion, or heartache. But God hasn’t left us to deal with it all on our own. Galatians 1:4 reminds us that He "rescues us from the present evil age." Even when things look out of control, He is working behind the scenes.

 

We may not always understand why hard things happen. But we can hold onto this truth from Romans 8:28: "All things work together for good to those who love God." That includes the hard, the painful, and the unexpected.

 

God is our constant. He is our quiet companion, our wise guide, and our ever-present helper. He was there when we took our first breath, and He'll be there when we take our last. And through every step in between, He walks beside us.

 

So today, take heart. You're not alone. God sees you, loves you, and will never leave you or forsake you.

 

Psalm 116:15 

Amplified Version

15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones

 

Luke 12:7

New International Version

7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

 

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.

 

Galatians 1:4

New International Version

4 who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and 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, April 24, 2025

We Are the Apple of God’s Eye

 

You’ve probably heard the phrase “the apple of my eye.” It shows up in love songs, movies, and everyday conversations—like in Stevie Wonder’s classic hit You Are the Sunshine of My Life. In that song, he sings, “You are the apple of my eye, forever you'll stay in my heart.” It's a beautiful way of saying, “You mean the world to me.” The phrase “apple of my eye” comes from ancient times. Originally, it referred to the pupil—the most sensitive and protected part of the eye. That’s why it became a symbol of something (or someone) extremely precious and loved.

 

Now here’s the amazing part: God feels that way about you. Psalm 17:8 says, “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.” That’s how much God cares—He protects us like we’re the most delicate, valuable part of His own eye. Think about that. When something gets too close to your eye, your body reacts instantly to shield it. That’s the kind of love and protection God offers us. You are not forgotten. You are not invisible. You are cherished.

 

Life doesn’t always make us feel that way, though. There are days when the world seems to be against us, when people let us down, or when our hearts are heavy with stress, fear, or pain. But even in those moments, God’s love doesn’t fade. He is still with you. He’s still on your side (Romans 8:31), and He’s still saying, “You are mine. I’ve got you." Colossians 2:10 reminds us that we are complete in Him—not because we have it all together, but because He does. And His love is constant, even when our emotions aren’t.

 

So we can walk into today knowing this: You are deeply loved. You are held. You are the apple of God’s eye. Let that truth bring you peace, confidence, and joy. And when life gets tough, remind yourself—“I’m precious to God. He’s got me covered.”

 

Psalm 17:8

New International Version

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

 

Romans 8:31

New International Version

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

 

Colossians 2:10

New International Version

10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.

 

Pastor's Ponderings, April 18, 2025

God Is Our Bridge Over Every Problem

 

Life can feel overwhelming. Stress, anxiety, and uncertainty seem to be everywhere. People are looking for peace, for answers, for a way through the chaos. It is easy to feel like we’re just barely holding on.

 

Back in the 1970s, Simon & Garfunkel released a song called "Bridge Over Troubled Water." One line goes, “When you’re weary, feeling small… I’m on your side when times get rough.” That imagery is powerful—someone willing to lay themselves down like a bridge to help you get across the hard stuff. It’s a beautiful reflection of the love God has for us.

 

God is that bridge. He gets us over the deep waters of life—the heartbreaks, the confusion, the fear. He doesn’t just watch from a distance; He steps in. He protects us, lifts us, and keeps us from falling (Isaiah 46:4). Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), and that’s exactly who He is—our way through every challenge.

 

When life hits hard, God lifts a standard against the storm (Isaiah 59:19b). When we cry out for help, He sends His word to heal and restore us (Psalm 107:19-20). He’s not just a lifeline—He’s the whole rescue plan.

 

So instead of giving all our attention to bad news, social media rants, or hopeless headlines, let’s stay focused on God’s truth. Let’s keep His promises in front of us—on our minds and in our hearts (Proverbs 4:20-22). No matter what you’re facing, know this: God is your bridge. He’s strong enough to carry you, steady enough to walk on, and loving enough to always see you through to the other side.

 

John 14:6

New International Version

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

 

Isaiah 46:4

New International Version

4 Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you

 

Isaiah 59:19b

New King James Version

19 …When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.

 

Psalm 107:19-20

New International Version

19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.

20 He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.

 

Proverbs 4:20-22

New International Version

20 My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.

21 Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;

22 for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.