Pastor's Ponderings, November 4, 2024

God’s Got This!

 

We are amid not only political campaigns, but a sea change in politics. Citizens seemingly accept blatant lies, billionaires openly pay for votes, lawsuits are the norm, and one cannot be certain that the real will of the people will be heard.  Opportunistic people are pushing and shoving to win the yearly popularity contests so that their side can use their advantages for more and more power.

 

Those who love the Lord should not despair, because we know that God is still on His throne and that He promotes some and puts down others (Psalm 75:6-7).  The rulers may make decisions, but God controls their heart (Proverbs 21:1) and His will must be done. The Bible tells us that the effectual fervent prayers of the righteous are very effective (James 5:16).  It may not seem that important to spend time on our knees to entreat a Holy God to interfere in the affairs of man, but the Bible is full of people who when faced with a crisis, cried out to God and He Heard them.  

 

When Judah praised God, He intervened and defeated their enemies (2 Chronicles 20:22). When the Israelites left Egypt, God supernaturally destroyed the Egyptian army (Exodus 15:4-5).  When the Arameans attacked the children of Israel, God caused the army to fear for their lives and they ran leaving all of their equipment and resources behind (2 Kings 7:6, 7).  Jesus is unchanged (Hebrews 13:8).

 

Now is not the time to despair, throw in the towel, or moan that all is lost. God is unmoved by schemes, lies, trickery or conspiracies.  He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He has the whole world in His hands. 

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

2 Chronicles 20:22

New International Version

22 As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.

 

Exodus 15:4-5

New International Version

4 Pharaoh’s chariots and his army he has hurled into the sea.

The best of Pharaoh’s officers are drowned in the Red Sea.

5 The deep waters have covered them; they sank to the depths like a stone.

 

2 Kings 7:6, 7

New International Version

6 for the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel has hired the Hittite and Egyptian kings to attack us!” 
7 So they got up and fled in the dusk and abandoned their tents and their horses and donkeys. They left the camp as it was and ran for their lives.

 

Hebrews 13:8

New International Version

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

 

Pastor's Ponderings, October 29, 2024

The Majesty Of God

Unlike the usual depictions of Jesus Christ with long hair and a white robe, the Bible describes Him quite differently.  He seems to have flame from His waist to His head and to His feet (Ezekiel 1:26-28).  He is omnipotent, omniscient, and is in control of everything (Isaiah 6:1-3). Surely, He is marvelous to behold!

 

The Father, Son and the Holy Spirit dwell in Jesus (Colossians 2:9-10) (Colossians 2:9-10) and wants to live richly in us (Colossians 1:27). When that happens, as He is so are we in this world (1 John 4:17).  The world likes to tell us that He is a teacher, a prophet but not the Son of God.  

 

The awesome God wants to be Lord of our life, working in us both to will and to do His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).  He wants us to defeat our enemies because He gives us His mighty power to do anything (Philippians 4:13).  He wants us undefeated and declares that nothing by any means shall hurt us (Luke 10:19). Through Him we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).

 

Today, let us not be shy, self-effacing or apologetic for being children of God. We have God living in us. We are called to be victorious in everything that we do and speak.  Let our light shine brightly (Matthew 5:16). Let the world see His Majesty through us so that they can finally ask what they can do to be saved. 

 

Ezekiel 1:26-28

New International Version

26 Above the vault over their heads was what looked like a throne of lapis lazuli, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. 
27 I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. 
28 Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him.

This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking.

 

Isaiah 6:1-3

New International Version

1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 
2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.
 3 And they were calling to one another:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.

 

Colossians 2:9-10

New King James Version

9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead^]bodily; 

10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all ^[b]principality and power.

 

Colossians 1:27

New International Version

27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

 

1 John 4:17

New International Version

17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.

 

Philippians 2:13

New International Version

13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

 

Philippians 4:13

New International Version

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

 

Luke 10:19

New International Version

19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

 

Romans 8:37

New International Version

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

 

Matthew 5:16

New International Version

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

 

Pastor's Ponderings, October 22, 2024

What Does God Want For Us? 

What is God calling for us to do to be and to become during these tumultuous times?  Just like all parents, He wants us to be the best that we can be.  He does not want us to have trouble, be in trouble or to cause trouble. He does not want us to be destroyed (1 Thessalonians 5:9), but to be obedient to Him and victorious in everything that we do (1 Peter 1:14-16).

 

God tells us to be like Him and set apart from the world by our godly character and moral courage (1 Peter 1:15).  Unlike idols in the world system, His commands for obedience are not a burden, not a terrible strain, or a problem (1 John 5:3).  In our lives today, there are challenges knowing what we should do, where we should go, and who we should we associate with.  God does not promise that He would show us the way or give us vague directions, but that He is the way (John 14:6). 

 

Many are frightened about the events that are cascading all around us.  Astounding greed, horrible suffering, and inexplicable things that make some of us want to hide away and have worldly pursuits to quiet our fear, depression, and confusion.  While the world gives us more and more pain and suffering, God wants us to rest in green pastures, be led beside still waters while He refreshes our soul and gives us guidance along His right paths (Psalm 23:2-3).

 

Today is a good day to forget the past. We can forget those things that have burdened us, distracted us, and delayed us (Isaiah 43:18-19).  Today we can declare that I want what God wants for me since He made me, and I am His child.  What does God want for today? I can and will be whatever He wants me to be since He knows what is best for me.  

 

1 Thessalonians 5:9

Amplified Bible

9 For God has not destined us to [incur His] wrath [that is, He did not select us to condemn us], but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

 

1 Peter 1:14-16

New Living Translation

14 So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then.
15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.
16 For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”

 

1 Peter 1:15

Amplified Bible

15 But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves in all your conduct [be set apart from the world by your godly character and moral courage];

 

1 John 5:3

New International Version

3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,

 

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.

 

Psalm 23:2-3

New International Version

2  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

 

Isaiah 43:18-19

New International Version

18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, October 14, 2024

How About Supporting The True Ruler? 

In less than a month, the United States will choose their leaders who will lead for 2-, 4- or 6-year terms.  The Founding Fathers established elections believing that this was the answer to tyrannical and authoritarian governments and to give the people the right to choose who would govern them.

 

However, citizens have a responsibility not to just vote and forget about the leaders but to pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1-2, Proverbs 21:1). Alfred Tennyson wrote, “Pray for my soul. More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of: Wherefore, let thy voice, rise like a fountain for me night and day.”

 

Our prayers are very powerful (James 5:16).  God hears our cries (Proverbs 15:29). Sometimes we may have wicked rulers (Proverbs 29:2), we cannot just cry, grown, and moan but we can pray, write letters, organize, speak truth to power, and support right thinking rulers as if this is our country because it is truly ours (Psalm 115:16).  

 

We are to be good stewards over our country and take authority over the things that should not be (Matthew 16:19). Let this election season be less about hyperbole, hysteria, and heaping piles of money but let it be about allowing the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords to guide us in all our decision-making.

 

1 Timothy 2:1-2

New International Version

2 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

 

James 5:16

New International Version

16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

 

Proverbs 15:29

New International Version

29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

 

Proverbs 29:2

New International Version

2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.

 

Psalm 115:16

New International Version

16 The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to mankind

 

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.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 5, 2024

The Fierce Urgency of Now

On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr announced, “We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there "is" such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.” According to the Bible, now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).

 

We cannot procrastinate until we feel like moving or until we are pushed into action. We must be about and focused on God’s business. Recently, my dear accomplished, wonderful, and great brother-in-law transitioned into the Church Eternal.  He lived a hilarious, holy, and humble life and received his greatest joy in helping others.  In times like these, we must re-assess what we are doing for Christ.  

 

For example, the Bible says that the Euphrates River will dry before the Second coming of the Lord (Revelation 16:12).  According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, an article entitled,  The Future of the Euphrates River in Syria, “The Euphrates River is at risk of drying up due to climate change. Temperatures in northeastern Syria have risen by one degree Celsius compared to 100 years ago, and average rainfall has decreased by 18 millimeters per month per century.”  The Bible is being fulfilled right now.

 

The Bible declares that faith is the substance of things hoped for and it is the evidence of things that we cannot see, but the emphasis is on right now (Hebrews 11:1).  It is not tomorrow faith or whenever I get around to it faith, but we must know that this time is the accepted time.  We cannot waste time over past events, and we must not daydream about future things.  We must know that everything that we do must be to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). 

 

Today is October 5, 2024.  Let us get up and do what God has called us to do.  Let us do it now, right now before He returns. Jesus will be pleased and call us good and faithful servants (Matthew 25:21).

 

2 Corinthians 6:2 (NKJV)

2 For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

 

Revelation 16:12 (NIV)

12 The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings from the East.

 

Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) 

1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

 

1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)

31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

 

Matthew 25:21 (NIV)

21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, September 23, 2024

Let’s Turn To Jesus During Perilous Times

 

It is great to know that those who love God can turn to Him for His divine protection.  He promised that He would send His angels to keep us wherever we go (Psalm 91:11-12). A classic song made famous when sung by Whitney Houston, “I Go To The Rock” has the lyrics, “… Where do I go when there's nobody else to turn to? Who do I talk to when nobody wants to listen? Who do I lean on when there's no foundation stable?… I go to the rock, I know He's able. I go to the rock.”

 

Jesus is that Rock that we can turn to (Deuteronomy 32:4). The dictionary defines blessings as God's favor and protection. During these times where sudden horrific attacks can happen while attending a music festival, watching a movie or even attending school. There is a constant reminder that we need God’s blessings.  On other occasions where attending a movie brings destruction, and while attending school can bring unspeakable acts of violence, and many other times, we need God’s blessings.  This is not to say that we will never face attacks by the evil one, but He promised that God would never leave us (Psalm 23:4)

 

The Bible says obedience to God will bring His blessings, His favor and protection (Deuteronomy 28:1, 2).  Our adversary, the evil one, has seduced many to believe that their connections, good luck, sixth sense, or even firearms will protect them from sudden evil.  For example, the leader of the National Rifle Association, Wayne LaPierre in 2012, stated that "the only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is with a good guy with a gun.”  Recent events such as the attack at Uvalde school in Texas on May 24, 2022, have proven how ineffective defenses are against an AK-47 (Psalm 127:1).

 

Now more than ever, we can turn to the Rock of our salvation. When we don’t know what to do, when our way seems dark and foreboding and when our leaders seem clearly confused as to what should be done, we can turn to Him.  Let those who love God make the quality decision that all other alternatives are useless, but obeying Him will open the door to receiving His blessings, protection and favor.

 

Psalm 91:11-12

New International Version

11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
12  they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

 

Deuteronomy 32:4

New International Version

4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just.
A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.

 

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.

Deuteronomy 28:1, 2

New International Version
28 If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.

2 All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God:

 

Psalm 127:1

New International Version

1 Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, September 12, 2024

What are you thinking about?

What are the thoughts that occupy your mind?  Are you thinking wonderful, positive, and upright thoughts or are you allowing others to dictate who you are and what you can do and the relationships that you can have.  Many times we will allow negative thinkers to enter our mind to limit our potential, destroy our heritage, and deceive us towards a downward spiral.  

We have a responsibility to filter our minds from stinking thinking (Isaiah 26:3). Not only must we not think the thoughts that distract our focus on the good things that God is doing for us and through us but also He tells us specifically the kinds of thoughts that we are to have.  We are to think pure, lovely, true, honest and just thoughts (Philippians 4:8).  We should do this because He is thinking wonderful thoughts about us (Jeremiah 29:11).

The next time that you get a negative thought about what you can or cannot do, decide to think about the great promises of God, His word, a new idea or a unique way of doing things. Remember that God’s wisdom gives us unique knowledge and brand new ideas so that our future is bright in Him (Proverbs 8:12).

Please comment below and share with others how you learned how to think in a Godly way. You can encourage others to do the same.

Isaiah 26:3
New International Version (NIV)

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

Philippians 4:8
New International Version (NIV)

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.

Jeremiah 29:11
New International Version (NIV)

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.

Proverbs 8:12
New International Version (NIV)

12 “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; 
 I possess knowledge and discretion.