Pastor's Ponderings, October 5, 2025

Praise the Lord—Always!

Psychologist Jordan Peterson once said, “What you aim at determines what you see.” That’s true for all of us. What are you aiming at today? Are your eyes fixed on Jesus—the author and finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2)? Or are you focused on everything that’s going wrong?

 

The world constantly pushes us to look at the negative—to dwell on what’s broken, unfair, or uncertain. But God calls us to look at His side, to see His goodness and His hand at work even in difficult times.

 

There’s a song that captures this spirit perfectly: Hallelujah anyhow

“Hallelujah anyhow,

Never, never let your problems get you down.

When temptation comes your way,

Lift your head up high and say,

Hallelujah anyhow!”

 

That’s the kind of praise God loves—praise that rises even in the middle of the storm. Life comes with burdens, pressure, and problems, but we don’t have to carry them alone. Like a newborn who rests without worry in their parent’s arms, we can rest in our Heavenly Father’s care. We can enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise, thanking Him for what He has done, what He is doing, and what He will do (Psalm 100:4).

 

He holds everything together by the power of His word (Hebrews 1:3). The Bible invites everyone therefore to shout for joy to the Lord and worship Him with gladness (Psalm 100:1-2). Why? Because we belong to Him. We are not here by chance—God Himself made us, and we are His (Psalm 100:3). And even when we fail or fall short, His love never changes. He is good, His mercy never runs out, and His faithfulness endures forever (Psalm 100:5). 

 

So, no matter what today looks like—good or bad, calm or chaotic—take a moment to lift your head and your heart toward Heaven. He is worthy of our praise, and when we praise Him, we find peace and strength for the journey ahead. Let’s praise the Lord—always!

 

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 100:1-5

New International Version

1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

.

Hebrews 1:3

New International Version

3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

Pastor's Ponderings, September 28, 2025

Difficult Times Have Come, But God Is Still Faithful

It doesn’t take much to see that we’re living in challenging times. New rules, regulations, and decisions from leaders often feel confusing or even harmful. Many people seem more interested in attacking others than admitting their own faults.

 

The Bible reminds us that this shouldn’t surprise us. Paul wrote that in the last days people would become lovers of themselves and of money (2 Timothy 3:1-2). They would commit evil acts, live with unholy attitudes, and fill their minds with profane thoughts (2 Timothy 3:3-4). They might even appear religious but deny the true power of the risen Christ by the way they live (2 Timothy 3:5).

 

We see this around us today—people who call themselves wise yet never come to know the truth (2 Timothy 3:7), and those who boast about being important but are deceiving themselves (Galatians 6:3). But God calls us to live differently. Instead of tearing each other down, we are commanded to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). We are called to encourage one another and build each other up, not break each other down (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

 

Even during chaos, God is still faithful. He invites us to return to Him, repent of sin, and find a new life in His Son, Jesus (Colossians 1:13). Through Christ, He has seated us in heavenly places and entrusted us to be His ambassadors in the world (2 Corinthians 5:20).

So don’t lose heart. Difficult times may surround us, but God’s promises remain the same. If we stay faithful to Him, we will one day hear those beautiful words: “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matthew 25:23).

 

No matter what the world looks like, remember this: God is still on the throne, and He is still faithful.

 

2 Timothy 3:1-5, 7

Amplified Bible

1 But understand this, that in the last days dangerous times [of great stress and trouble] will come [difficult days that will be hard to bear]. 

2 For people will be lovers of self [narcissistic, self-focused], lovers of money [impelled by greed], boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane, 

3 [and they will be] unloving [devoid of natural human affection, calloused and inhumane], irreconcilable, malicious gossips, devoid of self-control [intemperate, immoral], brutal, haters of good, 

4 traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of [sensual] pleasure rather than lovers of God, 

5 holding to a form of [outward] godliness (religion), although they have denied its power [for their conduct nullifies their claim of faith]. Avoid such people and keep far away from them. 

7 always learning and listening to anybody who will teach them, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

 

Galatians 6:3

Amplified Bible

3 For if anyone thinks he is something [special] when [in fact] he is nothing [special except in his own eyes], he deceives himself.

 

Mark 12:30-31

New International Version

30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

 

1 Thessalonians 5:11

New International Version

11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

 

Colossians 1:13

New International Version

13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

 

2 Corinthians 5:20

New International Version

20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God

 

Matthew 25:23

New King James Version

23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

.

Pastor's Ponderings, September 21, 2025

Focus on God’s Commands, Not the World’s Suggestions

One of the enemy’s greatest tricks is distraction. He loves to get our attention off God’s purpose for our lives and onto the shiny things the world puts in front of us. That’s exactly what happened in the Garden of Eden. God gave Adam a clear command—to work and take care of the Garden (Genesis 2:15-17). But when the serpent came to Eve, he didn’t remind her of God’s command—he questioned it. He shifted her focus away from obedience and onto temptation (Genesis 3:1-5).

 

The same thing happens to us today. When we spend our energy on things God has warned us against—or waste time chasing people, places, and things that don’t really matter—we end up with regret. We look back and see missed opportunities, bad decisions, and doors we wish we never opened. Disobedience always costs us more than we expect.

 

Jesus understood the importance of focus. At just twelve years old, He told His parents, “I must be about my Father’s business” (Luke 2:49). If Jesus made God’s work His priority at such a young age, how much more should we? Unfortunately, our world doesn’t encourage that kind of focus. Social media feeds us endless stories about celebrities while ignoring the suffering of children in war-torn nations. What matters most often gets drowned out by what gets the most clicks.

 

That’s why we need wisdom from God. James 1:5 reminds us that if we ask Him for wisdom, He’ll give it generously. And Ecclesiastes 12:13 makes it plain: our ultimate purpose isn’t chasing pleasure or comfort—it’s to fear God and keep His commandments.

 

So today, let’s make a choice. Instead of being pulled in a hundred directions by the world’s distractions, let’s commit to following God’s commands. Let’s spend our lives healing, teaching, serving, and loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength (Mark 12:30). Because in the end, the world’s suggestions will fade—but God’s Word will stand forever.

 

Genesis 2:15-17

New International Version

15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 
16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 

17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”

 

Genesis 3:1-5

New International Version

1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 

3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”

4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 

5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

 

Luke 2:49

New King James Version

49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?

 

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

 

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.

 

Mark 12:30

New International Version

30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

 

Pastor's Ponderings, September 14, 2025

With God’s Love, Let Us Help the Poor

On September 13, 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom responded to a harsh comment made on television about the poor. In reply, he quoted Proverbs 21:13: “Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.”

 

That verse is powerful—and sobering. It reminds us that God takes very seriously how we treat people in need. Jesus once told a story about a rich man and a poor beggar named Lazarus (Luke 16:19-23). After both men died, the rich man found himself in torment while Lazarus was comforted at Abraham’s side. The lesson is clear: wealth, comfort, and status in this life mean nothing if we ignore those who are suffering around us.

 

Scripture repeatedly calls us to care for others in need. Psalm 41:1 says, “Blessed is the one who considers the poor; the Lord delivers him in the day of trouble.” Jesus also taught us the greatest commandments: love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:30-31). If we see someone in need and choose to look away, John asks us plainly: “How does the love of God dwell in us?” (1 John 3:17).

 

Loving people isn’t just about kind words—it’s about action. The world around us is often cold, selfish, and indifferent (Matthew 24:12). But as followers of Christ, we are called to be different. We’re called to love with compassion, generosity, and care (1 John 3:18).

So, let’s pause and examine our own hearts. Do we truly care about the poor, the struggling, and the overlooked? Do we make space in our lives to listen, give, and help? God’s love is not meant to stop with us—it’s meant to flow through us. This week, ask God to give you eyes to see the needs around you and a heart willing to respond. With His love guiding us, let’s not ignore the cry of the poor—but instead, be part of God’s answer.

 

Proverbs 21:13

New International Version

13 Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.

 

Luke 16:19-23

New International Version

19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 
20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 

21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 

23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.

 

Psalm 41:1

New King James Version

41 Blessed is he who considers the poor; The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.

 

Mark 12:30-31

New International Version

30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

 

1 John 3:17

New International Version

17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?

 

Matthew 24:12

New International Version

12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold

 

1 John 3:18

New International Version

18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, September 9, 2025

Let Us Have Faith in God

If you’ve been feeling more anxious lately, you’re not alone. A recent report from the American Psychiatric Association revealed that 43% of adults feel more anxious this year than last year—and that number has been climbing for the past few years. People are worried about everything: the economy, the upcoming election, gun violence—you name it. Stress and lack of sleep are making it even worse.

 

It’s clear: a lot of us are carrying heavy burdens of fear and uncertainty.

But here’s the good news—God’s Word tells us something different. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” In other words, faith is trusting that God is working even when life looks chaotic.

 

And let’s be honest—sometimes the world does feel scary and out of control. But Jesus is not shaken by any of this. Hebrews 1:3 reminds us that He upholds the entire universe by His powerful word. The enemy may try to intimidate us, like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8, 9), but don’t forget—Jesus is the true Lion, the Lion of Judah (Revelation 5:5).

 

The world may whisper, “You’re not going to make it. It’s all falling apart.” But God says something very different:

“I’ve put My angels in charge to protect you” (Psalm 91:11-12).

“You are more than a conqueror through Christ” (Romans 8:37).

“I will keep you from falling” (Jude 24).

“Whatever you do will prosper when you trust Me” (Psalm 1:3).

So, here’s the choice: Do we listen to fear, or do we put our faith in the One who has never lost a battle? Now is not the time to panic. It’s time to trust the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Whatever you’re facing today—anxious thoughts, fear of our political leaders, financial struggles, health concerns—remember this: God is in control, and He loves you. Take a deep breath, give it to Him, and let’s walk by faith, not fear.

 

Hebrews 11:1

New International Version

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

 

Hebrews 1:3

New International Version

3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

 

1 Peter 5:8-9

New International Version

8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings

 

Revelation 5:5

New International Version

5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

 

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.

 

Romans 8:37

New International Version

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

 

Jude 24

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—

 

Psalm 1:3

New International Version

3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.

 

Pastor's Ponderings, August 27, 2025

Let God Help Us Fulfill Our Purpose

 

Viktor E. Frankl, a survivor of the Nazi death camps, once wrote:

“Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life; everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated, thus, everyone's task is unique as his specific opportunity to implement it.”

 

Those words remind us of something powerful: every single one of us has a purpose. God knew that purpose long before we were born. In fact, He said in Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.”

 

But what if we never fulfill that purpose? What if we spend our lives distracted—caught up in endless social media debates, political drama, or arguments about who’s the greatest NBA player—while time quietly slips away? That’s exactly what the enemy wants: to walk us slowly and comfortably from cradle to grave without ever becoming who God designed us to be.

 

Too often, we try to squeeze ourselves into roles, titles, or lifestyles that don’t fit us. We follow trends, chase approval, and settle for someone else’s plan instead of discovering God’s unique plan for our lives. But Jesus gave us a sense of urgency when He said, “We must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work” (John 9:4).

 

So how do we start? First, by seeking God. Ask Him for wisdom—He promises to give it freely to anyone who asks in faith (James 1:5-7). Don’t wait until the end of life to realize your life had meaning all along.

Next, take time to reflect: What comes naturally to you? What brings you joy and feels purposeful? Maybe you’re not called to be a famous preacher—but you can share the love of Christ with someone who desperately needs it. Maybe you’ll never be a billionaire—but you can bless someone in ways that money can’t.

 

Last, know there are people who need what God has placed inside you. Let Him develop your gifts. Let Him guide your steps. When we partner with God, we don’t just exist—we live out the reason we were created.

 

Jeremiah 1:5

New International Version

5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”.

 

John 9:4

New International Version

4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.

 

James 1:5-7

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.

6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, August 19, 2025

God Always Takes Care of Us

When we accept Christ as our Savior, eternal life doesn’t just begin “someday in heaven.” It begins the very moment we invite Him into our lives. From that day forward, we are renewed in spirit—a life that will continue with Him for all eternity (John 3:6).

 

That’s why it’s important not to get caught up in things that won’t last. The latest fashions, gadgets, cars, or even houses may look exciting, but they are all temporary (2 Corinthians 4:18). Jesus reminded us not to waste our lives worrying about these things, because God already knows what we need (Matthew 6:28-32). Instead, He calls us to focus first on His Kingdom and His righteousness—and when we do, He takes care of everything else (Matthew 6:33).

 

In God’s Kingdom, there is power and authority. Jesus said that what we bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and what we loose on earth will be loosed in heaven (Matthew 16:19). Through His Name, we can face problems, challenges, and struggles with confidence—knowing even the enemy must flee (Mark 16:17).

 

Here’s the beautiful truth: when we put God first, He puts us first. When we find joy in Him, He gives us the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4). We don’t need to live weighed down by past mistakes or filled with anxiety about the future (Matthew 6:34). God was faithful yesterday. He is faithful today. And He will continue to care for us tomorrow—and for all eternity.

John 3:6

Amplified Bible

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh [the physical is merely physical], and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

 

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

 

Matthew 6:28-34
New International Version

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 

29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 

30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? |

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.

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

 

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.”

 

Mark 16:17

New International Version

17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

 

Psalm 37:4

New International Version

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