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.

 

Let Us Stand On God’s Word

 

Donnie McClurkin’s classic song “Stand” poses a powerful question: “What do you do when you’ve done all you can, and it seems like it’s never enough? What do you say when your friends turn away, and you’re left alone? What do you give when you’ve given your all, and it seems like you can’t make it through?” His answer is simple yet profound: “You just stand, when there’s nothing left to do; you just stand and watch the Lord see you through.” 

 

Life can feel overwhelming when we face difficult circumstances—whether it’s a doctor’s dire diagnosis, a banker’s disheartening report, or a judge’s final verdict. These moments challenge us, but the Bible gives us hope. We are called to “stand still and see the salvation of the Lord” (Exodus 14:13). To stand is not to surrender but to anchor ourselves in faith, ready to receive God’s direction (Ephesians 6:14-18). The children of Israel found themselves trapped between the Red Sea and the advancing Egyptian army. They had nowhere to turn, but God provided a way forward. 

 

Throughout history, the oppressed have faced adversity, persevering in faith while waiting for God’s deliverance. They stood firm, ready for His guidance. We, too, must not be swayed by what we see, hear, or feel. We are called to stand on the solid Rock of God’s Word (Matthew 7:24-25), trusting in His promises. As we stand firm, we will witness the Lord seeing us through, just as He has done in the past. Now and forever, we can trust in God’s Word to bless, sustain, and deliver those who believe.

 

Exodus 14:13

New International Version

13 Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.

 

Ephesians 6:14-18

New King James Version

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 

15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 

16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 

18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

 

Matthew 7:24-25

New International Version

24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

Pastor's Ponderings, November 4, 2024

God’s Got This!

 

We are amid not only political campaigns, but a sea change in politics. Citizens seemingly accept blatant lies, billionaires openly pay for votes, lawsuits are the norm, and one cannot be certain that the real will of the people will be heard.  Opportunistic people are pushing and shoving to win the yearly popularity contests so that their side can use their advantages for more and more power.

 

Those who love the Lord should not despair, because we know that God is still on His throne and that He promotes some and puts down others (Psalm 75:6-7).  The rulers may make decisions, but God controls their heart (Proverbs 21:1) and His will must be done. The Bible tells us that the effectual fervent prayers of the righteous are very effective (James 5:16).  It may not seem that important to spend time on our knees to entreat a Holy God to interfere in the affairs of man, but the Bible is full of people who when faced with a crisis, cried out to God and He Heard them.  

 

When Judah praised God, He intervened and defeated their enemies (2 Chronicles 20:22). When the Israelites left Egypt, God supernaturally destroyed the Egyptian army (Exodus 15:4-5).  When the Arameans attacked the children of Israel, God caused the army to fear for their lives and they ran leaving all of their equipment and resources behind (2 Kings 7:6, 7).  Jesus is unchanged (Hebrews 13:8).

 

Now is not the time to despair, throw in the towel, or moan that all is lost. God is unmoved by schemes, lies, trickery or conspiracies.  He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He has the whole world in His hands. 

 

Psalm 75:6-7

New International Version

6 No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves.

7 It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.

 

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 Chronicles 20:22

New International Version

22 As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.

 

Exodus 15:4-5

New International Version

4 Pharaoh’s chariots and his army he has hurled into the sea.

The best of Pharaoh’s officers are drowned in the Red Sea.

5 The deep waters have covered them; they sank to the depths like a stone.

 

2 Kings 7:6, 7

New International Version

6 for the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel has hired the Hittite and Egyptian kings to attack us!” 
7 So they got up and fled in the dusk and abandoned their tents and their horses and donkeys. They left the camp as it was and ran for their lives.

 

Hebrews 13:8

New International Version

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

 

Pastor's Ponderings, October 29, 2024

The Majesty Of God

Unlike the usual depictions of Jesus Christ with long hair and a white robe, the Bible describes Him quite differently.  He seems to have flame from His waist to His head and to His feet (Ezekiel 1:26-28).  He is omnipotent, omniscient, and is in control of everything (Isaiah 6:1-3). Surely, He is marvelous to behold!

 

The Father, Son and the Holy Spirit dwell in Jesus (Colossians 2:9-10) (Colossians 2:9-10) and wants to live richly in us (Colossians 1:27). When that happens, as He is so are we in this world (1 John 4:17).  The world likes to tell us that He is a teacher, a prophet but not the Son of God.  

 

The awesome God wants to be Lord of our life, working in us both to will and to do His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).  He wants us to defeat our enemies because He gives us His mighty power to do anything (Philippians 4:13).  He wants us undefeated and declares that nothing by any means shall hurt us (Luke 10:19). Through Him we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).

 

Today, let us not be shy, self-effacing or apologetic for being children of God. We have God living in us. We are called to be victorious in everything that we do and speak.  Let our light shine brightly (Matthew 5:16). Let the world see His Majesty through us so that they can finally ask what they can do to be saved. 

 

Ezekiel 1:26-28

New International Version

26 Above the vault over their heads was what looked like a throne of lapis lazuli, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. 
27 I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. 
28 Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him.

This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking.

 

Isaiah 6:1-3

New International Version

1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 
2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.
 3 And they were calling to one another:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.

 

Colossians 2:9-10

New King James Version

9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead^]bodily; 

10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all ^[b]principality and power.

 

Colossians 1:27

New International Version

27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

 

1 John 4:17

New International Version

17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.

 

Philippians 2:13

New International Version

13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

 

Philippians 4:13

New International Version

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

 

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.

 

Romans 8:37

New International Version

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

 

Matthew 5:16

New International Version

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

 

Pastor's Ponderings, October 22, 2024

What Does God Want For Us? 

What is God calling for us to do to be and to become during these tumultuous times?  Just like all parents, He wants us to be the best that we can be.  He does not want us to have trouble, be in trouble or to cause trouble. He does not want us to be destroyed (1 Thessalonians 5:9), but to be obedient to Him and victorious in everything that we do (1 Peter 1:14-16).

 

God tells us to be like Him and set apart from the world by our godly character and moral courage (1 Peter 1:15).  Unlike idols in the world system, His commands for obedience are not a burden, not a terrible strain, or a problem (1 John 5:3).  In our lives today, there are challenges knowing what we should do, where we should go, and who we should we associate with.  God does not promise that He would show us the way or give us vague directions, but that He is the way (John 14:6). 

 

Many are frightened about the events that are cascading all around us.  Astounding greed, horrible suffering, and inexplicable things that make some of us want to hide away and have worldly pursuits to quiet our fear, depression, and confusion.  While the world gives us more and more pain and suffering, God wants us to rest in green pastures, be led beside still waters while He refreshes our soul and gives us guidance along His right paths (Psalm 23:2-3).

 

Today is a good day to forget the past. We can forget those things that have burdened us, distracted us, and delayed us (Isaiah 43:18-19).  Today we can declare that I want what God wants for me since He made me, and I am His child.  What does God want for today? I can and will be whatever He wants me to be since He knows what is best for me.  

 

1 Thessalonians 5:9

Amplified Bible

9 For God has not destined us to [incur His] wrath [that is, He did not select us to condemn us], but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

 

1 Peter 1:14-16

New Living Translation

14 So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then.
15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.
16 For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”

 

1 Peter 1:15

Amplified Bible

15 But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves in all your conduct [be set apart from the world by your godly character and moral courage];

 

1 John 5:3

New International Version

3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,

 

John 14:6

New International Version

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

 

Psalm 23:2-3

New International Version

2  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

 

Isaiah 43:18-19

New International Version

18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, October 14, 2024

How About Supporting The True Ruler? 

In less than a month, the United States will choose their leaders who will lead for 2-, 4- or 6-year terms.  The Founding Fathers established elections believing that this was the answer to tyrannical and authoritarian governments and to give the people the right to choose who would govern them.

 

However, citizens have a responsibility not to just vote and forget about the leaders but to pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1-2, Proverbs 21:1). Alfred Tennyson wrote, “Pray for my soul. More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of: Wherefore, let thy voice, rise like a fountain for me night and day.”

 

Our prayers are very powerful (James 5:16).  God hears our cries (Proverbs 15:29). Sometimes we may have wicked rulers (Proverbs 29:2), we cannot just cry, grown, and moan but we can pray, write letters, organize, speak truth to power, and support right thinking rulers as if this is our country because it is truly ours (Psalm 115:16).  

 

We are to be good stewards over our country and take authority over the things that should not be (Matthew 16:19). Let this election season be less about hyperbole, hysteria, and heaping piles of money but let it be about allowing the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords to guide us in all our decision-making.

 

1 Timothy 2:1-2

New International Version

2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—

2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness

 

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 International Version

16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

 

Proverbs 15:29

New International Version

29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

 

Proverbs 29:2

New International Version

2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.

 

Psalm 115:16

New International Version

16 The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to mankind

 

Matthew 16:19

New International Version

19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”