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.”

 

Pastor's Ponderings, June 15, 2026

Fear Not

 

Last week in Pastor's Ponderings, we talked about the Bible's encouragement, "Do Not Be Afraid." This week, let's continue that conversation because many people are facing fears and uncertainties every day. It's easy to understand why. We see troubling events in our nation and around the world. Government programs and protections are changing. Jobs are being cut. Services that many families depend on are being reduced. Sometimes it seems like decisions are being made that benefit a few while making life harder for many others. These realities can leave people feeling anxious about the future.

 

Beyond human decisions, we also face challenges that are completely outside our control. Hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters remind us how quickly life can change. We have seen pandemics spread across the globe and diseases that continue to challenge medical experts. When we look at everything happening around us, it can be tempting to live in fear.

 

But God's Word points us in a different direction. The Bible reminds us not to put our ultimate trust in people because human beings are limited and imperfect (Psalm 146:3-4). Instead, we are called to place our confidence in God. He knows our future and has good plans for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11). No matter how difficult the journey may become, God promises that He will never leave us or abandon us.

 

Jesus taught that we should not fear those who can only affect our physical lives (Matthew 10:28). Rather, we should stand in awe of God, who has all power and authority. He can keep us from falling and will one day present us before His presence with great joy (Jude 24-25).

God wants us to walk by faith, trusting that He will care for us. The enemy would like us to live in fear, worry, and despair, but God calls us to confidence and hope. As the Apostle Paul declared, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31).

 

Whatever challenges you may be facing today, remember this: you do not have to live in fear. God is with you. He is faithful. He is still in control. So, lift your head, trust in the Lord, and fear not. God is on your side.

 

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 29:11

King James Version

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

 

Matthew 10:28

New International Version

28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

 

Jude 24-25

New International Version

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

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

 

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? 

Pastor's Ponderings, June 7, 2026

Do Not Be Afraid

 

Fear seems to be everywhere these days. Turn on the news, scroll through social media, or listen to everyday conversations, and you'll hear people worried about the economy, health, safety, the future, and countless other concerns. Yet throughout the Bible, God repeatedly tells His people, "Do not be afraid."

In fact, some form of that phrase appears dozens of times in Scripture. That should remind us of something important: God never intended for His children to live in fear. Jesus said, "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32). What an amazing promise! God is not offering us a temporary solution or a fragile earthly kingdom that rises and falls with human leaders. He is giving us a place in His eternal kingdom.

Because we belong to God's kingdom, we don't have to see ourselves as powerless victims of whatever happens around us. God has given His people authority, purpose, and the privilege of living under His care. The enemy would like us to believe that we are weak, helpless, and constantly at the mercy of circumstances. But God's Word tells a different story. Jesus gave His followers authority over the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19). Through Him, we can stand firm against fear, temptation, and discouragement. The devil may try to intimidate us, but he cannot take away what God has promised us.

The world often tells us that we should be afraid—that danger is around every corner and that our future is uncertain. But our confidence is not based on what we see around us. It is based on who God is. Our lives are built on the solid foundation of Christ, and that foundation cannot be shaken. That doesn't mean life will always be easy. There will be difficult days. We will face challenges, disappointments, and situations that test our faith. But even in those moments, God promises to be with us. The Bible says that He always leads us in triumph through Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14).

So, when fear tries to take hold, remember who you are and whose you are. You are loved by God, protected by His presence, and held securely in His hands. Instead of walking by fear, let us walk by faith. Instead of focusing on what could go wrong, let us focus on the One who holds our future. No matter what challenges come our way, we can face them with confidence because God is on our side. And when God is for us, there is no reason to be afraid.

Luke 12:32

New International Version

32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

 

Luke 10:19

New International Version

19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

 

2 Corinthians 2:14

New King James Version

14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 

Pastor's Ponderings, May 29, 2026

David and Goliath

 

At times, life can feel like we’re standing face-to-face with giants. Problems seem bigger than us, stronger than us, and impossible to defeat. The world often tells us we’ve already lost—that we’ll never overcome the challenges in front of us.

 

The Bible gives us a powerful reminder that giants do fall. David was just a young shepherd when he arrived at the battlefield and heard the giant Goliath mocking Israel and terrifying the army. Goliath was experienced, heavily armed, and trained for war since he was young. He even had a shield bearer walking ahead of him. From a human point of view, David didn’t stand a chance.

 

But David saw the situation differently. He believed God was greater than the giant. Armed with only a sling and five smooth stones, David stepped forward in faith. One stone struck Goliath in the forehead, and the giant came crashing down (1 Samuel 17:50–51).

 

Today, many of us are facing our own “Goliaths.” For some, it’s financial struggles. For others, it is sickness, anxiety, depression, addiction, broken relationships, or difficult people. These challenges stand in front of us like giants, trying to intimidate us and convince us to give up.

 

But just like David, we must remember who is on our side. We serve a God who can do the impossible (Mark 10:27). The Bible says, “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). That means our problems are not greater than our God.

 

Through Christ, we have strength to face every battle (Philippians 4:13). When God is for us, no obstacle, no fear, and no enemy can ultimately defeat us (Romans 8:31). So don’t run from your giants. Don’t let fear control your future. Stand in faith, trust God, and believe that the same God who helped David is still helping His people today.

 

Your giant may be big—but God is bigger.

 

1 Samuel 17:50, 51

New International Version 

50 So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.

51 David ran and stood over him. He took hold of the Philistine’s sword and drew it from the sheath. After he killed him, he cut off his head with the sword.

 

Mark 10:27

New International Version

27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

 

1 John 4:4

New International Version

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

 

Philippians 4:13

New International Version

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

 

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?

 

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.