Pastor's Ponderings, May 19, 2026

Let Us Stand Against Evil

This is not the time to ignore evil or pretend it doesn’t exist. Thomas Jefferson once said, “Bad men need nothing more to accomplish their ends than that good people look on and do nothing.” Those words still ring true today. As followers of God, we are called to stay close to Him, seek His guidance, and allow Him to work through us to bring light into dark places.

 

The Bible gives us a powerful example in the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. When the king ordered everyone to worship a golden image, they refused because they chose to obey God instead of man—even though it meant being thrown into a fiery furnace (Daniel 3:16-17). What’s remarkable is that they stood firm even before they knew whether God would rescue them. That took incredible courage and faith.

 

Their story challenges us to ask ourselves: Will we stand for what is right when it’s difficult? Throughout history, many people have followed evil simply because others told them to. We’ve seen it in oppressive governments, racism, violence, and injustice. Too often, people go along with wrong because it feels easier than standing up for truth.

 

But God calls us to a different way of living. Proverbs warns us not to follow people who try to lead us into harming others or taking advantage of the vulnerable (Proverbs 1:10-13). When we hurt people for selfish gain, we end up damaging ourselves as well. Jesus said the enemy comes only to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10), and we should never reflect that spirit in how we treat others.

 

Instead, God wants us to stand for justice, mercy, and compassion. That may mean speaking up for those who are mistreated, helping those in need, voting with integrity, peacefully standing against injustice, or simply showing kindness in a world that often lacks it. Isaiah reminds us to help free the oppressed, feed the hungry, provide shelter, and care for those in need (Isaiah 58:6-7).

 

The world doesn’t need more hatred or silence—it needs people who are willing to love courageously and live faithfully. Let us be examples of God’s love, truth, and compassion as His ambassadors in a hurting

 

Daniel 3:16-17

New International Version

16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 

17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

 

Proverbs 1:10-13

New International Version

10 My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.

11 If they say, “Come along with us; let’s lie in wait for innocent blood, let’s ambush some harmless soul;

12 let’s swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit;

13 we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder;

 

John 10:10

New International Version

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

 

Isaiah 58:6-7

New International Version

6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?

7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Pastor's Ponderings, May 11, 2026

Our God Will Never Forget Us

This past Sunday, many of us celebrated Mother’s Day—a time to honor the love, sacrifice, and dedication of mothers everywhere. Mothers often give so much of themselves to care for their families. They work long hours, pray through sleepless nights, and put the needs of others ahead of their own. Sometimes those sacrifices go unnoticed or unappreciated by people. But there is one thing we can be sure of: God never forgets.

The Bible says that God is not unjust and will never forget our work and labor of love (Hebrews 6:10). Every act of kindness, every sacrifice, every prayer, and every moment spent helping others matters to Him. God’s love for us is even greater than the love of a mother for her child. In Isaiah 49:15-16, God asks, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast?” Even if that were possible, God says He could never forget His children because we are engraved on the palms of His hands.

Think about that. The Creator of the universe knows everything about us. He sees our struggles, our disappointments, our victories, and our pain. Psalm 56:8 says He keeps track of every tear we cry. Luke 12:6-7 tells us He even knows the number of hairs on our heads. Nothing about our lives escapes His attention. Sometimes life can make us feel forgotten. We may feel overlooked, lonely, or discouraged when things don’t go the way we hoped. We may even feel like we’ve failed God too many times. But His promise remains the same: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

God has a plan for each of our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that His thoughts toward us are good and full of hope for the future. He is still working, still guiding, and still bringing His purpose to pass in our lives. So today, let your heart be encouraged. The God who created the stars and holds the universe together also thinks about you personally. He loves you, remembers you, and has prepared a future filled with hope and eternal joy in His presence (Ephesians 2:6).

Our God will never forget us.

Hebrews 6:10

New International Version

10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.

 

Isaiah 49:15-16

New International Version

15 “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!

16 See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.

 

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.

 

Luke 12:6-7

New International Version

6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.
7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows

 

Hebrews 13:5

New International Version

5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

 

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.

 

Ephesians 2:6

New International Version

6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 

Pastor's Ponderings, May 1, 2026

Let Us Redeem Our Time

 

Most of us start the day with good intentions. We wake up thinking, “Today is going to be a good day.” We may even say, “This is the day the Lord has made—I’m going to enjoy it (Psalm 118:24).” But then life happens. We get distracted, pulled in different directions, or caught up in things that don’t really matter. Before we know it, the day is over—and we’re left wondering where the time went and what we accomplished.

 

There’s an old song by Otis Redding called “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” One of the most memorable lines says, “Watchin’ the tide roll away… wastin’ time.” That line hits differently when you really think about it. How often do we find ourselves doing the same thing—letting hours pass without purpose? Scrolling, worrying, daydreaming, or putting off what really matters?

 

The Bible encourages us to be mindful of how we use our time: “Make the most of every opportunity” (Ephesians 5:15–17). In other words, don’t let life just happen—be intentional with it.  We should focus on what truly matters. If we’re honest, many of us can look back and remember things we invested time in that didn’t lead anywhere. Ideas we chased, habits we picked up, or distractions that pulled us off track. It’s part of being human—but it’s also a reminder to do better moving forward.

 

God doesn’t want our lives to be wasted on things that don’t matter. Romans 12:1 encourages us to offer our lives to Him fully—to let Him shape how we live, what we do, and how we spend our time. The truth is, we don’t always know the best way to use our time. But we don’t have to figure it out alone. James 1:5 tells us that if we ask God for wisdom, He will give it to us. He will guide us, help us prioritize, and show us what really matters.

 

What should we do? It’s easy to stay stuck in the planning stage—thinking, dreaming, or saying “one day I’ll…” But without action, nothing changes. The enemy would love for us to stay distracted—always thinking, never doing. Always busy, but never productive in the ways that truly count.  We must use the time that we have been given.

 

Time is one of the most valuable gifts we have. We can’t save it, pause it, or get it back once it’s gone. Every day is an opportunity—and once it passes, it’s gone for good. We’re already well into 2026. Instead of focusing on what we didn’t do earlier this year, let’s focus on what we can do starting today.

 

Let us spend time seeking God’s direction and letting go of habits and distractions that hold us back.  We should focus on what has lasting value and live in a way that honors God. 2 Timothy 2:20–21 reminds us that when we clean out the things that don’t belong in our lives, we become more useful for God’s purpose. So, starting now, let’s be intentional. Let’s live with purpose. Let’s make our time count. Let’s redeem our time.

 

Psalm 118:24

New King James Version

24 This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Ephesians 5:15-17

New International Version

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 
16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 

17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

 

Romans 12:1

New International Version

12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

 

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

 

2 Timothy 2:20-21

New International Version

20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 

21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. 

Pastor's Ponderings, April 23, 2026

Let’s Be Sure of This: Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love

 

What are you sure about in life? Back in 1789, Benjamin Franklin famously said that nothing is certain except death and taxes. And honestly, that still feels true today. But there are other things we tend to count on—like a mother’s love, gravity keeping our feet on the ground, or the sun rising every morning.

 

The Apostle Paul tells us there’s something even more certain than all of that: God’s love for us (Romans 8:38–39). He didn’t say this lightly. He went through hardship, pain, and opposition. Yet through it all, he became convinced that nothing—no trouble, no mistake, no circumstance—could come between us and God’s love. That’s a powerful truth.

 

Think about it: God loved us so much that He gave His Son, and Jesus gave His life for us. As Scripture says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). That’s the kind of love we’re talking about—real, sacrificial, unshakable love.

Now, let’s be honest. We live in a world where it’s hard to know what to believe. There is misinformation, confusion, and people twisting the truth. But in the middle of all that, one thing never changes: God’s love is steady.

 

No matter what you’ve done in the past, what you’re dealing with right now, or what you may face in the future, God has already made a way for us to be forgiven and restored (1 John 1:9). When we come to Him honestly, He meets us with grace. The Bible reminds us again: His love endures forever (Psalm 136:1). Even when we mess up—even when we fall short—He doesn’t walk away.

 

That doesn’t mean we always get it right. We all have moments where we stumble, make poor choices, or drift off track. But here’s the good news: God’s love isn’t based on our perfection. It’s based on who He is.

So, when you’re feeling unworthy, discouraged, or unsure, remember this: nothing can separate you from His love. Not your failures. Not your doubts. Not your past.

 

As Scripture says, love “covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). Why?

Because God loves you—no matter what.

 

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.

 

John 15:13

New International Version

13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

 

1 John 1:9

New International Version

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

 

Psalm 136:1

New International Version

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.

 

1 Peter 4:8

New International Version

8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

  

Pastor's Ponderings, April 16, 2026

God Is Victorious! He Makes Us Overcomers!

Everywhere we look, there seems to be conflict. Leaders arguing with the media. Political and religious figures clashing. Even those in positions of authority disagreeing among themselves. At the same time, the gap between the rich and the poor keeps growing. It can feel like the whole world is unsettled.

 

However, the real question is: what are we focusing on? Are we focused on God, or are we getting pulled into the constant noise, drama, and fear around us? The Bible reminds us that what we set our minds on matters (Romans 8:5). This world constantly pushes desires, distractions, and pride (1 John 2:16), but we don’t have to get caught up in it.

 

In fact, God says something powerful about us—we’re not just trying to get through life, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). Even more than that, we are called to reign in life through Christ (Romans 5:17). That means we don’t live defeated—we live from a place of victory.

 

Yes, the enemy will try to distract us. He throws “fiery darts” our way—offense, fear, doubt, frustration (Ephesians 6:16). His goal is simple: get our eyes off Jesus. If he can do that, he can shake our peace. But we must remember—our fight isn’t really against people. It’s against the unseen forces that influence the chaos around us (Ephesians 6:12). 

That changes how we respond. Instead of reacting in anger or fear, we stand firm in faith. So don’t let the headlines steal your peace. Don’t let arguments and negativity take over your heart. God has given us a better way.

When we keep our minds on Him, He gives us peace (Isaiah 26:3)—a peace that doesn’t even make sense in the middle of everything going on (Philippians 4:7).

 

This week, let us make good decisions: don’t let the world control your thoughts, don’t let negativity shape your attitude but choose to focus on God. Because no matter what’s happening around us, God is still victorious—and through Him, so are we.

 

Romans 8:5

Amplified Bible

5 For those who are living according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh [which gratify the body], but those who are living according to the Spirit, [set their minds on] the things of the Spirit [His will and purpose].

 

1 John 2:16

New International Version

16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.

 

Romans 8:37

New International Version

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

 

Romans 5:17

New International Version

17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!

 

Ephesians 6:16

New International Version

16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one

 

Ephesians 6:12

New International Version

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

 

Isaiah 26:3

New International Version

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

 

Philippians 4:7

New International Version

7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Pastor's Ponderings, April 8, 2026

 Let Us Focus on God’s Word and Not The World’s Opinions

It often feels like the whole world is on edge. Headlines shift by the hour, and people wait anxiously to see what leaders will do next. One decision can impact millions, and it’s easy to feel like our future is hanging in the balance. But here’s the truth we need to hold onto: our hope is not found in human decisions—it’s found in God.

The Bible reminds us in Jeremiah 29:11 that God knows the plans He has for us—plans to give us hope and a future. That means our lives aren’t ultimately controlled by governments, world events, or public opinion. God is still in charge. It’s tempting to put our trust in leaders, systems, or even our own understanding. But Scripture gives us a different perspective. Psalm 146:3–4 reminds us that human leaders are temporary—their plans don’t last forever. And Jeremiah 17:9 tells us that even our own hearts can lead us in the wrong direction without God.

In other words, if we rely only on people—or even ourselves—we’re building on something unstable. Let’s be honest: the world is loud. We’re constantly bombarded with opinions—on social media, on the news, at work, and even among friends. Everyone seems to have a different idea of what’s right, what’s wrong, and what we should do next. It can feel overwhelming, like being pulled in a hundred directions at once. On top of that, many systems around us are driven by profit, power, or personal gain rather than what’s truly good. It’s not always easy to know who or what to trust.

So, what should we do in the middle of all this confusion? The Bible gives a simple but powerful answer: focus on God. Ecclesiastes 12:13 says our responsibility is to honor God and follow His ways. Proverbs 3:5–6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not rely on our own understanding. That means when the world gets noisy, we quiet our hearts and listen for God’s voice instead.

And if we don’t know what to do? James 1:5 gives us reassurance—just ask God for wisdom, and He will give it generously. Today, instead of being consumed by headlines, opinions, and fear, let’s center our lives on God’s Word. His truth doesn’t change. His guidance is steady. His wisdom is reliable. When we focus on the Creator instead of the chaos around us, we find clarity, peace, and direction. 

So, take a breath, turn your attention back to God, and trust Him to lead you—no matter what’s happening in the world.

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 146:3-4

New International Version

3 Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.

4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.

 

Jeremiah 17:9

New International Version

9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

 

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.

 

Proverbs 3:5-6

New International Version

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

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

 

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.

Pastor's Ponderings, March 31, 2026

God Wants Us Blessed

 

Back in 2008, Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States. Interestingly, his name has a meaning tied to blessing—peace, well-being, hope, and a future. And that’s a powerful reminder of something even bigger: God’s desire for all of us to be blessed. From the very beginning, God created us to grow, thrive, and succeed in what He has called us to do (Genesis 1:22). His plan has always been for our lives to be filled with purpose and goodness.

 

But when we look around, the world doesn’t always reflect that. Many people struggle just to get by. There’s enough food in the world, yet millions still go hungry. Housing costs continue to rise, making it harder for families to keep a roof over their heads. And the gap between the wealthy and everyone else keeps growing. It can feel discouraging when we see so much inequality and hardship.

 

That’s the reality of the world system—but it’s not God’s heart. God’s desire for us is very different. He wants us to live well, not just barely survive. The Bible tells us He wants us to be in good health and prosper in every area of life (3 John 2). He is eager to be kind and gracious to us (Isaiah 30:18). He promises to meet our needs (Philippians 4:19) and bless us spiritually in ways the world can’t match (Ephesians 1:3). He even equips us so we can do good and make a difference in the lives of others (2 Corinthians 9:8).

 

So instead of focusing only on what’s going wrong in the world, we can choose to focus on God. He is still in control. He is still providing. And He is still blessing. Therefore, Let’s fix our eyes on Jesus, trust His promises, and believe that He wants good things for our lives. No matter what’s happening around us, we can live with hope—knowing that God’s blessings are real, personal, and available to us every day.

 

Genesis 1:22

New King James Version

22 And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.”

 

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.

 

Isaiah 30:18

New International Version

18 Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

 

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.

 

Ephesians 1:3

New International Version

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

 

2 Corinthians 9:8

New International Version

8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

 

 

 

 

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