Pastor's Ponderings, December 30, 2024

God Bless the Memory of His Saints

On December 29, 2024, President Jimmy Carter passed away at the remarkable age of 100. Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, celebrating his many years of service and accomplishments. While the challenges of his presidency have faded into the background, his character and dedication continue to shine as a beacon of humility and integrity.

President Carter’s legacy reminds us of the importance of a good name. The Bible teaches that “a good name is better than precious ointment” and “to be chosen rather than great riches” (Ecclesiastes 7:1, Proverbs 22:1). In a time marked by self-promotion and relentless personal branding, President Carter’s life stood as a testament to humility, service, and joy.

Though we may not fully know President Carter’s personal relationship with God, his actions spoke volumes about the values he upheld. His life serves as a reminder to reflect on our own legacies. How will we be remembered? Will our lives inspire admiration and gratitude, or regret and sorrow? As Christians, we are called to be “living epistles” read by everyone (2 Corinthians 3:2-3). Our conduct is a reflection of our faith and Savior, Jesus Christ. Do our actions draw others closer to God, or do they drive them away?

It is essential to live a life that pleases God. Just as Jesus “grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52), we too must strive to live in a way that honors Him. By embodying kindness, humility, and selflessness, we create opportunities for others to see God’s love in action and feel compelled to seek Him. Our ultimate goal should be to hear these cherished words from our Heavenly Father: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).

President Carter’s example challenges us to evaluate our lives and align them with God’s purpose. Let us live in such a way that, like him, we leave behind a legacy of faith, service, and goodness that glorifies God and inspires others to follow Him.

 

Ecclesiastes 7:1
New International Version

7 A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth.

 

Proverbs 22:1

New International Version

22 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

 

2 Corinthians 3:2-3

New International Version

2 You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone.
3 You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

 

Luke 2:52

New International Version

52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man

 

Matthew 25:23

New International Version

23 “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 yo

Pastor's Ponderings, December 16, 2024

God Wants to Pour His Blessings Upon Us

 

In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses explains to the children of Israel how they can receive God’s blessings (Deuteronomy 28:1-2). According to Strong’s Concordance, the word blessing comes from the Hebrew word “bḗrāḵâ,” which means “praise of God, a gift, present, and a treaty of peace.” Moses teaches that obedience to God will result in an abundance of blessings that will come upon them and remain with them because of their faithfulness.

 

Moses emphasizes that God’s blessings will encompass every area of their lives. They will be blessed wherever they are, their children will be blessed, their life’s work will flourish, and they will experience favor in all their endeavors (Deuteronomy 28:3-7). However, Moses also warns that disobedience to God will bring curses instead of blessings (Deuteronomy 28:15).

 

God’s desire is to bless us abundantly. When we strive to avoid strife and conflict in our lives, we create a space for His blessings to flow. Psalm 133:1-3 beautifully illustrates this principle, reminding us that unity invites God’s blessings, including His peace and provision, to dwell with us.

 

In today’s world, many people are burdened with feelings of despair, despondency, and depression. Yet, there is hope for those who love the Lord and choose to obey Him. God promises to provide for His people, offering not just material blessings but the peace and joy that only His presence can bring. 

No matter the circumstances, those who align their hearts with God and live according to His ways can look forward to His unwavering provision and abundant blessings.

 

Deuteronomy 28:1-7

New International Version

1 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:

3 You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country.

4 The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks.
5 Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed.
6 You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.

7 The Lord will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven.

 

Deuteronomy 28:15

New International Version

15 However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you:

 

Psalm 133

New International Version

1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard,

running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.

3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

 

 

Pastor's Pondering, September 10, 2024

God Loves Us Unconditionally

 

The world around us is constantly changing. Leaders come and go, beliefs and doctrines evolve, and social and political landscapes shift. These changes can feel unsettling when we focus on the words and actions of human leaders. However, amidst all this uncertainty, one truth remains steadfast: God's love for us never changes (Hebrews 13:8). His love is eternal, preserving, protecting, and prospering us (Romans 8:31-32).

 

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 8:35 that nothing can separate us from Christ’s love—not trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or even the sword. Through His unchanging love, we are not just survivors but more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).

 

When life feels confusing, disheartening, or overwhelming, we can find comfort in Paul’s words from Romans 8:38-39:

 

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

This assurance allows us to rest in the safety, security, and satisfaction of His love. No matter what we face, we can remain unshaken and unconquered because the King of Kings and Lord of Lords loves us unconditionally.

 

Today, let us rejoice in the unchanging love of God—a love that sustains us in every season of life

 

Hebrews 13:8

New International Version

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

 

Romans 8:31, 32

New International Version 

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

 

Romans 8:35, 37

New International Version 
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 

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

 

Romans 8:38, 39

New International Version 
38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,
39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

 

Pastor's Pondering, December 3, 2024

Gleeful Anticipation: A Life of Joyful Expectation

 

This week’s Pastor’s Ponderings reminds us of a powerful truth: God calls us to live with a gleeful anticipation of life in His presence. His strength enables us to choose happiness over worry and to embrace the joy He provides.

 

Let’s decide to walk in joy and gleefully anticipate the blessings God has prepared for us.

 

Gleeful Anticipation: A Life of Joyful Expectation

 

"Happiness is a choice." This idea encourages us to consciously focus on the good in our lives while trusting God to handle the challenges. In Joshua 1:8, God tells us that meditating on His Word and following His guidance will lead to prosperity and success. Similarly, 3 John 2 reminds us of God’s desire for us to live abundantly and enjoy good health.

 

We’ve all had those moments where joy springs up unprompted—a smile brightens our face, and happiness fills our hearts, even without external causes. These moments reflect the inner peace and gladness that come from trusting God. Interestingly, scientists note it takes fewer muscles to smile than to frown. Why not make smiling—and choosing joy—a habit?

 

Reflecting on songs like “If You’re Happy and You Know It” reminds us how simple expressions of happiness can transform our mood. Similarly, Bobby McFerrin’s playful tune “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” offers a gentle nudge to release anxiety and embrace positivity. The lyrics remind us that worry not only affects us but can also impact those around us.

 

As believers, we can approach life with confidence, knowing that God delivers us from our troubles (Psalm 34:19). Even when life feels overwhelming, we are reminded that we are made righteous through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). This assurance frees us to radiate joy and share hope with others.

 

Take a moment today to think about the goodness of God—what He has done, what He is doing, and what He promises to do in your life. His love for us is so immense that He gave His only Son, Jesus, to secure our salvation. As Romans 8:32 assures us, if God gave us His Son, will He not also graciously give us all things?

 

Let’s decide to walk in joy and gleefully anticipate the blessings God has prepared for us. When we choose happiness rooted in His promises, our lives become a testimony to His love and faithfulness.

 

Joshua 1:8

New International Version

8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you 

will be prosperous and successful.

 

3 John 2

New International Version

2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.

 

Psalm 34:19

New International Version

19 The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;

 

2 Corinthians 5:21
New International Version

21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

 

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, November 19, 2024

God’s Joy Shall Strengthen Us

Life often presents us with confusing and difficult situations that can leave us feeling hopeless, helpless, or without direction. These moments may make our struggles—be it sickness, loneliness, poverty, or fear—seem insurmountable. Yet, the joy of the Lord provides us with hope and strength. As the song by Soul Survivor reminds us:

"The joy of the Lord is my strength.
In the darkness, I'll dance; in the shadows, I'll sing,
The joy of the Lord is my strength."

This joy empowers us to rise above our challenges, enabling us to “run against a troop” and “leap over walls” as Psalm 18:29 says. God's joy fills us with the motivation, power, and inspiration we need to triumph over obstacles.

 

The world often urges us to focus only on what is tangible—to “be real” and rely solely on what we can see, touch, or measure. Yet, as believers, we are called to fix our eyes on what is unseen and eternal. As 2 Corinthians 4:18 reminds us, “What is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” Through faith, we can look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who endured the cross with joy and now reigns victoriously (Hebrews 12:2).

 

Life’s difficulties are inevitable, but God has promised to deliver us from them all (Psalm 34:19). How should we respond? By choosing to lean on His strength, not our own. Our praise is a powerful weapon against the enemy. As Psalm 8:2 declares, “Through the praise of children and infants, you have established a stronghold… to silence the foe.” We can also move in faith. Let us move forward with hope, for “faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).

 

Today, let us embrace the joy of the Lord as our strength. This joy empowers us to rise above trials and to accomplish everything God calls us to do. No matter how overwhelming life may feel, we can rest in the knowledge that His strength is sufficient, His joy is enduring, and His promises are true.

“For by You, I can run against a troop, and by my God, I can leap over a wall” (Psalm 18:29).

 

Psalm 18:29

New King James Version

29 For by You I can run against a troop, By my God I can leap over a wall.

 

2 Corinthians 4:18

New International Version

18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

 

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 34:19

New International Version

19 The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;

 

Psalm 8:2

New International Version

2 Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.

 

Hebrews 11:1

New International Version

11 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

 

Let Us Stand On God’s Word

 

Donnie McClurkin’s classic song “Stand” poses a powerful question: “What do you do when you’ve done all you can, and it seems like it’s never enough? What do you say when your friends turn away, and you’re left alone? What do you give when you’ve given your all, and it seems like you can’t make it through?” His answer is simple yet profound: “You just stand, when there’s nothing left to do; you just stand and watch the Lord see you through.” 

 

Life can feel overwhelming when we face difficult circumstances—whether it’s a doctor’s dire diagnosis, a banker’s disheartening report, or a judge’s final verdict. These moments challenge us, but the Bible gives us hope. We are called to “stand still and see the salvation of the Lord” (Exodus 14:13). To stand is not to surrender but to anchor ourselves in faith, ready to receive God’s direction (Ephesians 6:14-18). The children of Israel found themselves trapped between the Red Sea and the advancing Egyptian army. They had nowhere to turn, but God provided a way forward. 

 

Throughout history, the oppressed have faced adversity, persevering in faith while waiting for God’s deliverance. They stood firm, ready for His guidance. We, too, must not be swayed by what we see, hear, or feel. We are called to stand on the solid Rock of God’s Word (Matthew 7:24-25), trusting in His promises. As we stand firm, we will witness the Lord seeing us through, just as He has done in the past. Now and forever, we can trust in God’s Word to bless, sustain, and deliver those who believe.

 

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.

 

Ephesians 6:14-18

New King James Version

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 

15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 

16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 

18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

 

Matthew 7:24-25

New International Version

24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

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.