Pastor's Ponderings, January 14, 2025

In this week’s Pastor’s Ponderings, we are blessed to have my youngest daughter, Denise Fair Razo, write an awesome blog!  

Hopefully, everyone will focus on the word of God and realize what God is asking for us to do to be blessed

The Year of Preparation: A Foundation for the Future

As I reflect on the direction for 2025, one word continues to resonate deeply: preparation. This year is not just about achieving goals but about building a strong foundation for what lies ahead. It’s about aligning my heart, home, and habits with God’s purpose to prepare for the blessings and responsibilities of 2026. Proverbs 31:25-26 reminds us that the virtuous woman “is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” Her preparation allows her to face the future with confidence—a goal I strive toward.

 

Preparation is not only spiritual but also practical. The Bible speaks often about stewardship. Proverbs 13:22 says, “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children.” This verse inspires me to set my family up for financial success by organizing our resources, saving intentionally, and focusing on investments that can grow generational wealth. These actions honor God by demonstrating faithfulness with what He has entrusted to us.

 

As I’ve been reflecting on this journey, I’ve been reading James Clear’s Atomic Habits, which emphasizes the power of small, consistent actions to create lasting change. Clear writes, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” This perspective has encouraged me to examine the daily habits I’m cultivating. Whether it’s dedicating time for prayer, establishing routines for financial stewardship, or committing to physical health, these small actions build the systems that prepare me for God’s greater plans. Proverbs 16:3 advises, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” When paired with intentional habits, preparation becomes an act of faith and discipline.

 

As a wife and a mom, preparation also means dedicating myself to nurturing the heart of my home. Whether it’s setting aside intentional time for family meals, supporting my husband’s goals, or being present and patient with my child, these acts of love create a legacy of care and stability. Ephesians 5:15-16 reminds us to “be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.” This wisdom inspires me to cherish the moments I have with my family and prepare a home filled with faith and grace.

 

Ultimately, preparation is an act of trust in God. Hebrews 11:7 says, “By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family.” Like Noah, we don’t always know what lies ahead, but we trust God’s leading. This year, my preparation is my act of obedience and faith, knowing that the work done today—both spiritually and practically—will bear fruit tomorrow. I encourage you to join me in making 2025 a year of intentional preparation, setting the stage for God’s greater plans in the years to come.

 

Proverbs 31:25-26

New International Version

25 “...is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 

26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”

 

Proverbs 13:22a 

New International Version

22 “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children.”

 

Proverbs 16:3

New International Version

3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”

 

Ephesians 5:15-16

New International Version

15  “...be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 

16 making the most of every opportunity.”

 

Hebrews 11:7a  

7 “By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family.”

Pastor's Ponderings, January 9, 2025

God Can Even Quench Fires

 

When wildfires rage, it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed. The latest wildfires in Los Angeles have captured global attention, with out-of-control flames devastating communities and landscapes. It's natural to wonder: Why is this happening? Who’s to blame? Politicians? Businesses? Some even point fingers at God.

 

But instead of dwelling on blame, let’s ask ourselves: How should those of us who trust in God respond when disaster strikes?

 

In the Bible, there’s a powerful moment where Jesus and His disciples are caught in a raging storm at sea. The disciples, panicking, wake Him. But Jesus doesn’t get up to assign blame or scold them for their fear. Instead, He speaks to the storm: “Peace, be still!” And just like that, the wind and waves obeyed, and calm was restored (Mark 4:37-40).

 

This story reminds us of God’s ability to bring peace to even the most chaotic situations.

 

Many believers around the world are likely already praying for the fires to cease. But it’s important not to lose heart. Galatians 6:9 encourages us: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

 

When faced with disaster, we can learn from King Jehoshaphat in the Old Testament. Faced with hostile armies, he didn’t panic—he prayed. He sought God’s guidance and placed his trust in Him (2 Chronicles 20:3-4).

 

Now, does that mean the wildfires will disappear overnight? Maybe not. But we can trust that God hears our prayers and will respond in His perfect timing.

 

The Bible also gives us this promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

 

So, what can we do? We can pray.

 

Pray for the firefighters risking their lives.

Pray for the families who have lost homes and loved ones.

Pray for the communities working to rebuild.

Most importantly, pray that God will bring an end to this catastrophe.

God is still in control, even in the face of flames and destruction. He can do anything but fail. Let’s place our trust in Him, now and always.

 

Mark 4:37-40

New King James Version

37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 
38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?

 

Galatians 6:9

New International Version

9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

 

2 Chronicles 20:3, 4

New International Version

3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. 

4 The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.

 

2 Chronicles 7:14

New International Version

14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Pastor's Ponderings, December 30, 2024

God Bless the Memory of His Saints

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

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

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

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

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

 

Ecclesiastes 7:1
New International Version

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

 

Proverbs 22:1

New International Version

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

 

2 Corinthians 3:2-3

New International Version

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

 

Luke 2:52

New International Version

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

 

Matthew 25:23

New International Version

23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share yo

Pastor's Ponderings, December 16, 2024

God Wants to Pour His Blessings Upon Us

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

Deuteronomy 28:1-7

New International Version

1 If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. 
2 All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God:

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

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

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

 

Deuteronomy 28:15

New International Version

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

 

Psalm 133

New International Version

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

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

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

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

 

 

Pastor's Pondering, September 10, 2024

God Loves Us Unconditionally

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

Hebrews 13:8

New International Version

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

 

Romans 8:31, 32

New International Version 

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 
32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

 

Romans 8:35, 37

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

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

 

Romans 8:38, 39

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

 

 

Pastor's Pondering, December 3, 2024

Gleeful Anticipation: A Life of Joyful Expectation

 

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

 

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

 

Gleeful Anticipation: A Life of Joyful Expectation

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Joshua 1:8

New International Version

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

will be prosperous and successful.

 

3 John 2

New International Version

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

 

Psalm 34:19

New International Version

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

 

2 Corinthians 5:21
New International Version

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

 

Romans 8:32
New International Version

32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

  

Pastor's Ponderings, November 19, 2024

God’s Joy Shall Strengthen Us

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

Psalm 18:29

New King James Version

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

 

2 Corinthians 4:18

New International Version

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

 

Hebrews 12:2

New International Version

2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

Psalm 34:19

New International Version

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

 

Psalm 8:2

New International Version

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

 

Hebrews 11:1

New International Version

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