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.

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, April 10, 2025

 God Is Always With Us

 

We’re living in uncertain times. The economy is unpredictable, the justice system often feels inconsistent, and trusted institutions seem to be falling apart. But in the middle of all the confusion, God gives us a clear promise: “I will be with you” (Isaiah 41:10). There’s an old song that puts it beautifully: “He’s got the whole world in His hands.” That includes the wind, the rain, every child, every person—you and me. And that truth hasn’t changed.

 

God knows everything about us—from beginning to end (Isaiah 46:10). He has good plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11), and He promises to hold us steady and keep us from falling (Jude 24-25). When life feels too heavy to carry, He says to cast all our worries on Him because He cares deeply for us (1 Peter 5:7).

 

That kind of love and faithfulness isn’t something the world offers. The world tells us to lean on experts, influencers, and quick fixes. But those things don’t have the power to give us real peace. Only God can do that. And the best part? God doesn’t back away when life gets tough. Even when people let us down or walk away, He remains right by our side. He is our ever-present help—no matter what we’re facing.

 

Yes, this world has its share of trouble. But our hope goes beyond this life. As the old hymn “I’ll Fly Away” reminds us, “Some glad morning, when this life is over, I’ll fly away… to a home on God’s celestial shore.” God is with us now, and He’ll be with us forever. So let’s live with confidence and joy—knowing we are never alone.

 

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.

 

Isaiah 46:10

New International Version

10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’

 

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.

 

Jude 24-25

New International Version

24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—

25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

 

1 Peter 5:7

New International Version

7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, March 29, 2025

Stand Strong in Faith

 

Donnie McClurkin’s song “Stand” asks a powerful question: What do you do when you've done all you can, but it still feels like it's not enough? The answer? You just stand.

 

Life can feel overwhelming. Every day, we’re hit with bad news—natural disasters, political chaos, economic struggles, and heartbreaking tragedies. It’s easy to feel helpless, wondering if anything we do really makes a difference. But when we’ve done all we can, God calls us to stand firm in faith and do everything in love (1 Corinthians 16:13-14).

 

Standing for God doesn’t mean pretending life is easy or ignoring challenges. It means holding on to His promises, even when things feel uncertain. Our faith isn’t just about believing—it’s about trusting that God is still in control. Faith works through love (Galatians 5:6), so when we stand in love, we stand in strength.

 

The enemy wants to shake our confidence, fill us with doubt, and distract us from God’s truth. But the Bible tells us to put on the full armor of God so we can stand strong in difficult times (Ephesians 6:13). God has always been faithful—just as He rescued the Israelites from Egypt and told them to stand still and watch Him work (Exodus 14:13), He is still working today.

 

So, no matter what comes our way, let’s stand for God—fully, consistently, and with unwavering faith. When we stand for Him, He stands with us.

 

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

New International Version

13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 

14 Do everything in love.

 

Galatians 5:6

New International Version

6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

 

Ephesians 6:13

New International Version

13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 

 

Exodus 14:13

New International Version

13 Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.

 

  

Pastor's Ponderings, March 18, 2025

Put God First

 

In his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey talks about the importance of "putting first things first." It means making time for what truly matters in life. For those who love God, that means living in a way that honors Him. The Bible reminds us, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

 

But the world often tells us something different. In a 2023 article, Jo Nash, Ph.D., wrote Philosophical Perspective. This described the mindset of hedonism — the idea that life is about chasing pleasure and avoiding pain. The message is, “If it feels good, do it. You only live once.” That’s the kind of thinking that encourages people to put themselves first. 

The Bible, though, gives us a different perspective. Our time on earth is short — maybe 70 or 80 years (Psalm 90:10) — so what really matters? The Bible makes it clear: the most important thing is to honor God and follow His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13). We were created in His image, and He loves us so much that He gave His Son, Jesus, to die for us (John 3:16). That kind of love is deeper than any pleasure or success the world can offer.

 

It’s easy to get caught up in chasing success, wealth, or recognition — but Christ offers us something greater. He wants to live within us (1 John 4:4), and He’s bigger than anything this world can give — more valuable than money, fame, or power.

 

God promises to provide for us (Philippians 4:19). He promises to heal, comfort, and give us eternal life (Psalm 37:4). So why not put Him first? When we make God our priority, He blesses us beyond what we could ever imagine. Let’s decide today to put God first — and trust Him to take care of the rest.

 

1 Corinthians 10:31
New International Version

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

 

Psalm 34:3

New King James Version

3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together.

 

Psalm 90:9-10

New International Version

9 All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan.

10 Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

 

Ecclesiastes 12:13

New International Version

13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.

 

John 3:16

New International Version

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

 

1 John 4:4

New International Version

4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

 

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.

 

Psalm 37:4

New International Version

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