Pastor's Ponderings, September 23, 2024

Let’s Turn To Jesus During Perilous Times

 

It is great to know that those who love God can turn to Him for His divine protection.  He promised that He would send His angels to keep us wherever we go (Psalm 91:11-12). A classic song made famous when sung by Whitney Houston, “I Go To The Rock” has the lyrics, “… Where do I go when there's nobody else to turn to? Who do I talk to when nobody wants to listen? Who do I lean on when there's no foundation stable?… I go to the rock, I know He's able. I go to the rock.”

 

Jesus is that Rock that we can turn to (Deuteronomy 32:4). The dictionary defines blessings as God's favor and protection. During these times where sudden horrific attacks can happen while attending a music festival, watching a movie or even attending school. There is a constant reminder that we need God’s blessings.  On other occasions where attending a movie brings destruction, and while attending school can bring unspeakable acts of violence, and many other times, we need God’s blessings.  This is not to say that we will never face attacks by the evil one, but He promised that God would never leave us (Psalm 23:4)

 

The Bible says obedience to God will bring His blessings, His favor and protection (Deuteronomy 28:1, 2).  Our adversary, the evil one, has seduced many to believe that their connections, good luck, sixth sense, or even firearms will protect them from sudden evil.  For example, the leader of the National Rifle Association, Wayne LaPierre in 2012, stated that "the only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is with a good guy with a gun.”  Recent events such as the attack at Uvalde school in Texas on May 24, 2022, have proven how ineffective defenses are against an AK-47 (Psalm 127:1).

 

Now more than ever, we can turn to the Rock of our salvation. When we don’t know what to do, when our way seems dark and foreboding and when our leaders seem clearly confused as to what should be done, we can turn to Him.  Let those who love God make the quality decision that all other alternatives are useless, but obeying Him will open the door to receiving His blessings, protection and favor.

 

Psalm 91:11-12

New International Version

11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
12  they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

 

Deuteronomy 32:4

New International Version

4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just.
A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.

 

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.

Deuteronomy 28:1, 2

New International Version
28 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:

 

Psalm 127:1

New International Version

1 Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, September 12, 2024

What are you thinking about?

What are the thoughts that occupy your mind?  Are you thinking wonderful, positive, and upright thoughts or are you allowing others to dictate who you are and what you can do and the relationships that you can have.  Many times we will allow negative thinkers to enter our mind to limit our potential, destroy our heritage, and deceive us towards a downward spiral.  

We have a responsibility to filter our minds from stinking thinking (Isaiah 26:3). Not only must we not think the thoughts that distract our focus on the good things that God is doing for us and through us but also He tells us specifically the kinds of thoughts that we are to have.  We are to think pure, lovely, true, honest and just thoughts (Philippians 4:8).  We should do this because He is thinking wonderful thoughts about us (Jeremiah 29:11).

The next time that you get a negative thought about what you can or cannot do, decide to think about the great promises of God, His word, a new idea or a unique way of doing things. Remember that God’s wisdom gives us unique knowledge and brand new ideas so that our future is bright in Him (Proverbs 8:12).

Please comment below and share with others how you learned how to think in a Godly way. You can encourage others to do the same.

Isaiah 26:3
New International Version (NIV)

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

Philippians 4:8
New International Version (NIV)

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Jeremiah 29:11
New International Version (NIV)

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.

Proverbs 8:12
New International Version (NIV)

12 “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; 
 I possess knowledge and discretion.

Pastor's Ponderings, September 5, 2024

Let’s Not Worry About The Future

 

What will happen to us in the future?  While those who love the Lord look forward to Jesus’ soon coming, others are dreading the reports of horrible signs and wonders from the end times. We have heard the prognosticators, prophets, politicians, and talking heads who try to have an opinion about what will happen.  But if we are really concerned about what will happen in our lives, we should go to Our Maker who sees the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10) since our days are laid out before Him (Psalm 139:16).

 

If we need wisdom or knowledge concerning our future, we should ask God who gives wisdom to everyone liberally (James 1:5).  We don’t have to go to the false prophets who tell people what they want to hear but we can hear from the Spirit of truth who will tell us what is yet to come (John 16:13).

 

What will fulfill my purpose in this place at this time? Should we go here or go there? We may ask should we vote for this person or for that person? Should we take this job, stay with this person, or start this business.  Since God knows the future, we can trust Him to guide our path (Psalm 119:105).  He is looking for people who will trust Him even though they don’t know the future but who trust in the God who has everything under control.  

 

Today, let us trust the Creator of Heaven and Earth who knows what He thinks about us.  He wants to bring us to an expected end in Him (Jeremiah 29:11). He promises our future is with Him in heavenly places.  Let us look forward to a great time in our future (Psalm 27:13).

 

Isaiah 46:10

New International Version

10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’

 

Psalm 139:16

New International Version

16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

 

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

 

John 16:13

New International Version

13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come

.

Psalm 119:105

New International Version

105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

 

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 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.

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, August 24, 2024

Happy Running In Christ!

 

Saturday, August 24, 2024, is a great day for the 2024 HAP CareSource Crim Festival of Races in Flint Michigan!  Although I was unable to participate this year, this remains one of my favorite races and I hope to run next year.

 

People ask me and other runners, why do we run? Why are we trying to get faster and beat our previous time?  I recently saw a posting on @thebizsecrets that our main competition in life is our own procrastination, negative thoughts, doubts, fears, insecurities, and even our comfort zone that allows us to stay where we are when we should be up and about the Master’s business (Luke 2:48-49).

 

We are not running against other people in life, but against a spiritual enemy that is committed to preventing us from reaching our God given potential (Ephesians 6:12).  We all were born with purpose, and we must run through our lives until the day is done.  Now is not the time to give up, give out, or give in.  

 

We should lay aside every hindrance and run our own race with endurance and patience so that we can finish our course.  We can do this while focusing upon Jesus who began our faith in Him and will bring it to maturity (Hebrews 12:1-2).

 

It is time to get up and write the vision that God has given us (Habakkuk 2:2).  We must write it down, check it twice, avoid the distractions, disregard the naysayers and forget the discouragers.  We have a race to run, and it is a great day to forget the past and run toward our outstanding future in Him.  Happy running in Christ!

 

Luke 2:48-49

New King James Version

48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”

49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?

 

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.

 

Hebrews 12:1-2

New International Version

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 

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.

 

Habakkuk 2:2

New International Version

2 Then the Lord replied:

“Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.

Pastor's Ponderings, August 14, 2024

Getting the Right Perspective

When I was a child, I thought, spoke and acted like a child but when I grew up, I put away childish things (1 Corinthians 13:11). Childhood can be a wonderful time of innocence, of learning and exploring mysteries and of seeing life from different points of view.  

 

I watch children learning to walk, talk, create, make music, play and exercise, they are using parts of their bodies that are initially strange to them, but with proper guidance, they develop their talents along the paths that God has intended for them.  

Just like children, God wants us to grow spiritually to maturity in our salvation.  God expects us to grow up in Him.  He says to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10). As saints of the most High, He expects us to feed on His word, take His word in our hearts and learn and grow in Him.

 

We should be stronger in Him day by day so that eventually some of the things that upset, discouraged and stymied us when we were young in Christ should be relatively unimportant as we mature.  The gossip that hurt you, the schemes that blocked you and the confrontations that disappointed you look very different as we grow in the Lord and have a mature perspective on life in Christ.

 

The Bible tells us that as we spend time with Him and grow into maturity with Him, He has different expectations of us. We thank God for the spiritual milk (1 Peter 2:2, 3), but God expects that we should become teachers of God’s word and eat solid foods for the mature (Hebrews 5:12-14).

 

God is looking for His children to share the good news and help new believers in their walk with Christ. We learn from our mistakes and failures and can then turn around and share our struggles with others and tell them that God delivered us and can do the same for them.

 

Today, God is calling for us to have a new and mature perspective on life with Christ. Old things have passed away and behold all things have become new (1 Corinthians 5:17). We have new blessings, new benefits, and most of a new perspective as we learn more and more about the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

 

1 Corinthians 13:11

New International Version 
11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.

 

Ephesians 6:10

New International Version

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

 

1 Peter 2:2, 3
New International Version

2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 

3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

 

Hebrews 5:12-14

New International Version

12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 

13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 

14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

 

1 Corinthians 5:17

New King James Version

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new

Pastor's Ponderings, August 5, 2024

 Building Up Our Hope

When I was young, I sang an old hymn called Hold On To God’s Unchanging Hands.   The lyrics were, Time is filled with swift transition, naught of earth unmoved can stand, build your hopes on things eternal, hold to God’s unchanging hand. Hold to God’s unchanging hand, hold to God’s unchanging hand; build your hopes on things eternal, hold to God’s unchanging hand.

It is astounding how things are changing.  In the sixties, I remember happily looking forward to the boxy Apple Macintosh 512K. Now, I have 8 gigabytes in my cell phone.  (Update, in 2024, my iPhone has 16GB). In education, politics, science, and industry, our world is changing at a break neck pace.  Most of us are trying hard to keep up with changing paradigms, career patterns, culture, philosophies, and religions.

But thank God that He never changes and lives forever (Psalm 45:6).  He is the same God yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).  His word never changes (Psalm 119:89). The world may redefine behavior and call it acceptable in polite company.  However, what was disobedience to God years ago is still disobedience now. Obeying God still brings great benefits and disobeying has terrible consequences (Proverbs 15:6).

I know that it is important to know what is happening in the world and to appear to understand how people act and think.  However, let us remember that while men will change on a dime, our hope for our future rests on an eternal God. He is consistent and obeying Him will always benefit us.

Psalm 45:6

New International Version (NIV)

6 Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.

Hebrews 13:8
New International Version (NIV)

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

Psalm 119:89
New International Version (NIV)

8 Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.

Proverbs 15:6

New International Version (NIV)
The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin.

Pastor's Ponderings, July 29, 2024

It Is A New Day!!!

During these challenging times, we must remember that our times and our seasons are in God’s hands (Proverbs 19:21, Psalm 31:15).  As recent events all over the world have demonstrated, man may construct their complex plans, projections, and processes, but God has the final say (Psalm 75:6-7). We must know that God has the whole world in His hands, and He is making all things new (2 Corinthians 5:17).  At the end of days, when the last trumpet sounds, God declares that I am making everything new!” (Revelation 21:1-5).

Since He is in the business of newness, let us not get bogged down by our past, our present, or even our dreams about our future. His mercies are renewed every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).  We have a fresh start; a reset of 24 hours to begin again. While the evil one will try to anchor us into our past failures, we can joyfully remind him of his future defeat. 

Heraclitus, a Greek Philosopher, said, “The only constant in life is change.” We beg to differ; nothing is constant but the word of our Lord (Matthew 24:35).  He is the one in charge of our past, present and future. God says, “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.” (Jeremiah 29:11).  

He even renews our youth! (Psalm 103:5). Let us not focus on our limitations but meditate the unlimited love of God who wants us to sit with Him in authority in heavenly places.  Let us continue to say, it is a new day (Psalm 118:24)!

 

Proverbs 19:21

Living Bible

21 Man proposes, but God disposes

 

Psalm 31:15

New International Version

15 My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.

 

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.

 

2 Corinthians 5:17

Amplified Bible

17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].

 

Revelation 21:1-5

New International Version

1 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 
2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 
4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

 

Lamentations 3:22-23

New King James Version

22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

 

Matthew 24:35

New International Version

35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

 

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 103:5

New International Version

5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

 

Psalm 118:24

New International Version

24 The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.