Pastor's Pondering, August 21, 2026

Who Shall Separate Us From God’s Love?

Life can change quickly. One day everything seems to be going well, and the next day we’re dealing with bad news, financial pressure, family problems, health concerns, disappointment, or uncertainty about the future. People come and go, circumstances change, and the world around us can leave us confused. But there is one thing we can always count on: God loves us.

 

The Bible tells us that Christ demonstrated His love by laying down His life for us (1 John 3:16). That kind of love is different from anything the world can offer. People may disappoint us. Friends may walk away. Circumstances may change. But God's love remains constant. That is why Paul prayed that believers would be strengthened in their inner being through God's Spirit (Ephesians 3:16). God doesn't want us to be controlled by everything happening around us. He wants us to be strong on the inside so that when life gets difficult, we can remain standing.

 

Christ wants to live in our hearts and make His home there. He wants us to be rooted and established in love (Ephesians 3:17). And love isn't simply something God asks us to show others—it is part of the fruit His Spirit produces in us (Galatians 5:22). Think about the times when you've been hurting, worried, confused, anxious, or afraid. Those are the moments when God's love becomes especially precious. His love reaches beyond what we can understand. 

 

Paul prayed that we would experience the width, length, height, and depth of Christ's love and know a love that is greater than human understanding (Ephesians 3:18–19). This isn't shallow affection or an emotional feeling that disappears when circumstances change. God's love is deep, lasting, and powerful. It reminds us that our value doesn't depend on what other people say about us, what we have accomplished, or what we are going through. The world may try to redefine love, cheapen it, or convince us that love is no longer important. But we don't have to accept that message. We can choose to live in God's love and allow His love to shape how we treat others.

 

Romans 8 asks a powerful question: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” (Romans 8:35). The answer is nothing. Not trouble, hardship, disappointment, persecution, fear, the mistakes of our past or the uncertainty of tomorrow. Nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God that is found in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37–39).

 

We may not be able to control everything happening around us, but we can hold on to this truth: God's love is greater than whatever we are facing. So today, let us stand confidently in His love. Let us allow His love to strengthen us, heal us, and help us love others. Whatever comes our way, we can say with confidence:

 

Nothing and no one can separate us from the love of Christ.

 

1 John 3:16

New International Version

16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.  

 

Ephesians 3:16-19

New International Version

16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 
17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 
18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 
19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

 

Galatians 5:22-23

New King James Version

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 

 

Romans 8:35, 37-39

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. 
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 Ponderings, August 3, 2026

Living The Abundant Life

 

Every day we are surrounded by opinions, arguments, and conflicting messages. Sometimes it seems as though wrong is being called right, truth is being questioned, and people are more interested in winning an argument than seeking wisdom. It can be discouraging to watch our culture change and wonder what God's people should do.

 

The Bible gives us a clear answer. Instead of becoming consumed with anger or fear, God tells us not to be troubled by those who practice evil, because their success is only temporary (Psalm 37:1-2). Rather than constantly complaining about our leaders, we should pray for them. God can change even the hardest heart (Proverbs 21:1). Our sincere and faithful prayers are powerful and effective (James 5:16).

 

As followers of Christ, we are not called to retreat from the world or lose hope when evil seems to increase. We are Christ's ambassadors, representing Him wherever we go (2 Corinthians 5:20). Our mission is to point people to Jesus by sharing His love, His grace, and the hope of salvation. We have the privilege of telling others about His goodness and proclaiming the wonderful things He has done for us.

 

Jesus said that He came so that we might have life—and have it abundantly (John 10:10). That abundant life is not measured by wealth, popularity, or success. It is found in a close relationship with Christ. God wants us to experience His presence every day, where we find lasting joy and strength. He desires for us to prosper spiritually, physically, and emotionally (3 John 2). He wants our lives to be filled with the fruit of His Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These are the qualities that truly make life rich and meaningful. 

 

So, when conversations are filled with discouragement and complaints about everything that is wrong with the world, let's choose a different response. Let's talk about what God has done, what He is doing, and what He has promised to do. Let us encourage others with the hope we have in Christ. The world may seem uncertain, but God is not. He is still on His throne, still working in the lives of His people, and still inviting everyone to experience the abundant life that is found only in Jesus Christ.

 

Psalm 37:1, 2

New International Version

1 Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;

2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.

 

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 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.

 

John 10:10

New King James Version

10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

 

3 John 2

New King James Version

2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

 

Galatians 5:22-23

New King James Version

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 

23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 

Pastor's Ponderings, July 29, 2026

 Let Us Live for Christ

 

Why do you get up each morning? What gives your life purpose? What keeps you moving forward when life gets difficult?

 

In 1973, Stevie Wonder released the song "Living for the City." The closing lyrics challenge listeners to think about the direction of their lives: "If we don't change, the world will soon be over. Living just enough, stop giving just enough for the city " Those words still encourage us to ask an important question: What are we really living for? People spend their lives pursuing many different things. Some chase success, wealth, popularity, power, or pleasure. Others simply try to make it through each day. While none of these things are wrong in themselves, they can never satisfy the deepest need of the human heart.

 

The Bible points us to a greater purpose. Jesus taught us to treat others the way we want to be treated—the Golden Rule. Instead of using people to gain things, we are called to love people and use the blessings God has given us to help others. The Apostle Paul understood what mattered most. He said his life was "hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3). His greatest desire was that Christ would be honored in everything he did, whether he lived or died (Philippians 1:20-21). For Paul, life wasn't about building his own reputation—it was about pointing people to Jesus.

 

General George S. Patton once said, "Live for something rather than die for nothing." While those words came from a military leader, they remind us that everyone needs a purpose. As Christians, our purpose is found in Christ. The world constantly encourages us to focus on temporary things—possessions, achievements, and recognition. But Scripture reminds us to set our minds on things above, not merely on the things of this earth (Colossians 3:2). Our true citizenship is in God's kingdom, and through Christ we are already seated with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).

 

The things of this world will one day pass away, but our relationship with Christ will last forever. So today, let's choose to live for what truly matters. Let us seek God's will, worship Him wholeheartedly, love others generously, and obey His Word. When we make Christ the center of our lives, we discover the purpose for which we were created.

Instead of simply living for this world, let us live for Christ—the One who has prepared for us an eternal home in His heavenly city (Hebrews 11:10).

 

Colossians 3:2-3

New International Version

2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 

3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God

 

Philippians 1:20-21

New International Version

20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 

21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

 

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,

 

Hebrews 11:10

New International Version

10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

Pastor's Ponderings, July 20, 2026

Smile, My Friend—It's Sunrise

 

One of Robin Williams' final on-screen lines in Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (2014) was, "Smile, my boy. It's sunrise." Those simple words carry a beautiful reminder: no matter how dark the night has been, the sun always rises.

 

Life gives us plenty of reasons to feel discouraged. Every day we hear about conflict, hardship, injustice, and uncertainty. It's easy to become overwhelmed by negative news and the problems around us. But God invites us to lift our eyes and remember that "weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5).

 

The Bible reminds us that even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we are only passing through. We are not meant to live there. God walks beside us, comforts us, and gives us the strength to keep moving forward (Psalm 23:4). We don't have to be afraid because He is always with us.

 

Jesus has prepared an eternal home for us, but He has also given us hope and purpose right here and now. The Bible says we are already seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). Our identity isn't determined by the troubles we face but by the Savior who walks with us.

 

It's also important not to become consumed with the actions of those who do evil. Their influence is temporary (Psalm 37:1-2), but God's Kingdom is eternal. We already know how the story ends—God wins, and those who trust in Him will share in His victory.

 

When life's battles seem overwhelming, God doesn't leave us to fight alone. His Word promises that when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord raises a standard against him (Isaiah 59:19). God is still our defender, our protector, and our refuge.

 

So don't let fear have the final word. Lift up your tired hands and don't lose heart (Hebrews 12:12). Keep your eyes on Jesus, the One who began your faith and will faithfully bring it to completion (Hebrews 12:2). Remember that through Him, you are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37).

 

No matter what yesterday looked like, today is a new sunrise. You can smile because God's joy is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10), His presence is your peace, and through Christ, you can face whatever lies ahead.

So, smile, my friend—it's sunrise.

 

Psalm 30:5

New International Version

5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.

 

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.

 

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,

 

Psalm 37:1, 2

New International Version

1 Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;

2 for like the grass they will soon wither,

 

Isaiah 59:19

New King James Version

19 So shall they fear The name of the Lord from the west, And His glory from the rising of the sun; When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him

 

Hebrews 12:12

New King James Version

12 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees,

 

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.

 

Romans 8:37

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

 

Nehemiah 8:10

New International Version

10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 

Pastor's Ponderings, July 12, 2026

 God Is Our Very Present Help in Troubling Times

 

It can feel like every time we turn on the news; we hear about another crisis. Wars continue to rage, innocent lives are being lost, and conflicts around the world seem to grow more dangerous each day. Families are grieving, nations are divided, and uncertainty has become a part of daily life. Closer to home, we also face our own struggles. Rising prices, health concerns, broken relationships, violence, and uncertainty about the future can leave many people feeling anxious and overwhelmed.

 

So, what should those who trust in God do during times like these? The Bible gives us a clear answer. Instead of allowing fear to take over, God tells us not to become consumed by the actions of those who do evil, because their power is only temporary (Psalm 37:1-2). Rather, we are to keep our eyes fixed on Him. When we focus our minds on the Lord, He promises to give us His perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).

 

Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Even when situations seem beyond our control, nothing is beyond His. We may feel weak at times, but God reminds us that we can do all things through Christ, who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13). The enemy wants us to live in fear. He wants us to believe that the problems surrounding us are greater than the God who lives within us. But throughout Scripture, we see ordinary people who chose faith over fear.

 

Queen Esther is one such example. Faced with the possibility of death, she courageously approached the king to save her people, saying, "If I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16). Her confidence was not in herself but in God's purpose. That same confidence can be ours today. We can choose to have hearts that are steadfast, refusing to be tossed back and forth by every frightening headline or discouraging report. Like David, we can believe that we will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13).

 

The news may try to fill us with fear, confusion, and hopelessness, but God's Word fills us with faith, peace, and hope. We can boldly declare, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). No matter what is happening in our nation or around the world, God is still on His throne. 

 

He controls the times and the seasons, and He is still working all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). So, let us not live in fear. Let us live in faith, trusting that our God is—and always will be—a very present help in troubling times.

 

Psalm 37:1, 2

New International Version

1 Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;

2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.

 

Isaiah 26:3

New King James Version

3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You,

Because he trusts in You.

 

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.

 

Philippians 4:13

New International Version

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

 

Esther 4:16

New International Version

16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

 

Psalm 27:13

New International Version

13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

 

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?

 

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, June 28, 2026

 Let Us Help, Not Hurt Others

 

It seems like everywhere we turn; we hear harsh words, angry voices, and constant criticism. Social media, television, and even everyday conversations are often filled with insults, arguments, and put-downs. In today's world, kindness, compassion, and encouraging others can sometimes seem old-fashioned. Too often, the loudest and most aggressive voices get the most attention.

 

More than 350 years ago, the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes observed that without moral boundaries, life would become "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." Sadly, we still see evidence of that today. Many people believe the way to get ahead is by putting someone else down, intimidating others, or looking out only for themselves. But God calls us to live differently.

 

God doesn't want us to be controlled by anger, selfishness, or the desire to hurt others. Instead, He wants us to experience the joy that comes from living His way. The Bible tells us, "The joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). It also reminds us that many of our conflicts begin in our own hearts (James 4:1). That's why God invites us to leave behind our old way of living and put on a new nature—one that reflects His character (Ephesians 4:22-24).

 

Rather than trying to dominate, criticize, or discourage people, God wants us to show His love in the way we live. He calls us to display the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Therefore, this week, let's make a simple decision. When we're tempted to hurt someone with our words, let's choose to encourage them instead. When we could respond with sarcasm, let's offer kindness. 

 

When we're tempted to put ourselves first, let's look for ways to help someone else succeed. The world has seen enough people tearing each other down. It needs people who will build others up. As followers of Christ, let's be that light. Through our words, our actions, and our love, we can show others that there is a better way to live—a life that reflects the heart of God.

 

Nehemiah 8:10

New International Version

10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

 

James 4:1

New International Version

1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?

 

Ephesians 4:22-24

New International Version

22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 

23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 

24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

 

Galatians 5:22-23

New International Version

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 
23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

 

Pastor's Ponderings, June 22, 2026

Let Us Speak Healing Words In Amongst Hurting People

 

The Bible tells us to speak words that build each other up according to what they need (Ephesians 4:29).  Sadly, we live in a world where bullying has become a sport, where hurting others seems like good fun and intimidation in all areas is expected. Leaders curse each other and lie, operatives curse each other on behalf of said leaders, and the strong search for the weak so that they can benefit from their pain.

 

One of the top 10 bestselling motivational books of all time was, “Looking out for Number #1” written by Robert Ringer who also wrote “Winning Through Intimidation.”  This mentality emphasis me first and anyone else next.  Hurt others before they hurt you. But the Bible tells us that a good name and favor is better than the riches that many seek (Proverbs 22:).  

 

The Bible also says that gentle words are to be preferred over harsh words (Proverbs 15:1).  A word spoken at the right time is like apples of gold in a silver setting (Proverbs 25:11). Rather than being warriors and attacking others, we should be people who practice self-control (Proverbs 16:32). It may be easy to retaliate against others because of how they are perceived to have treated us, but God tells us to be still and that He would fight your battles (Exodus 14:14).

 

Let us just pray for our enemies that they would come to know that God is more than enough for their inner conflicts, evil, and struggles. He can give them the peace that they need when hurting others. Despite how great and powerful people are treating others, let us remember that our God is in charge and He will take care of our enemies.  

Ephesians 4:29

New International Version

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

 

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.

 

Proverbs 15:1

New International Version

15 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

 

Proverbs 25:11

New King James Version

11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver.

 

Proverbs 16:32

New International Version

32 Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.

 

Exodus 14:14

New International Version

14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”