Pastor's Ponderings, February 24, 2025

Love God, Love Others

In April 2013, a 14-year-old boy named Cristian Marian Becheanu did something incredible. In a small town in Romania, a three-year-old boy named Gabriel fell 15 meters (about 50 feet) into a narrow well. For 11 long hours, professional rescuers did everything they could to save him, but nothing seemed to work. The situation felt hopeless.

 

Then Cristian stepped in. With great courage, he allowed himself to be lowered headfirst into the well. A few tense moments later, he emerged—holding Gabriel safely in his arms. The crowd watching burst into relief and joy. A child’s life was saved because one person was willing to take a risk.

 

Cristian’s bravery reminds us of an even greater rescue—the one Jesus made for all of us. He didn’t just risk His life; He gave it. He took on death itself so that we could have life. He went to the Cross, was buried in the grave, and three days later, He rose again, declaring that all power was in His hands (Matthew 28:18). He loves us so much that He sacrificed everything to save us (1 John 3:16).

 

Just as Gabriel’s parents were desperate to see their child saved, God longs for us to be saved, too. But He doesn’t want us to live in fear—He wants us to trust Him. Jesus tells us not to be troubled because He has everything under control (John 14:1). He has a plan for our lives, one filled with hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

 

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for another (John 15:13). Cristian risked his life to save a little boy, but Jesus went even further—He gave up His life so that we could live eternally with Him. That kind of love changes everything. Because He first loved us, let’s choose to love Him in return—and love others along the way.

 

Matthew 28:18

King James Version

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

 

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.

 

Hebrews 2:3

New International Version

3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.

 

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,

 

John 14:1-2

New International Version

1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me.
2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for 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.

 

John 15:13

New International Version

13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Pastor's Ponderings, February 15, 2025

How Should We Behave in 2025?

As we step into 2025, it’s clear that the world is changing—especially when it comes to how people treat one another. Kindness is sometimes seen as weakness, and bad behavior is often celebrated. Jokes can cross the line into cruelty, and hurting others is brushed off as entertainment. In times like these, it’s important to ask: How should we behave?

 

The Bible gives us a clear answer. Ephesians 4:29-32 (The Message) encourages us to:

 

·      Be mindful of our words

·      Avoid causing grief to God

·      Show gentleness and kindness

·      Forgive others, just as God has forgiven us

 

But what if people around us don’t act the same way? What if they continue to be unkind, ungrateful, or uncaring? While we can’t control others, we are responsible for our own actions. One day, we’ll all answer for how we lived (Romans 14:11-12). That’s why we’re called to focus on our own hearts, rather than judging others (Romans 14:4, 13).

 

A great way to check ourselves is to ask: How would I feel if someone treated me this way? Would we want others to judge us harshly? Would we appreciate being treated with kindness, even when we don’t deserve it? The Bible reminds us of a simple but powerful rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31). And whenever we have the chance, let’s choose to do good (Galatians 6:10).

 

In a world where negativity is easy, let’s stand out by choosing kindness, integrity, and love. Because no matter how much the world changes, doing good will never go out of style.

 

Ephesians 4:29-32

The Message

29 Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.

30 Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted.

31-32 Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.

 

Romans 14:11-13

New International Version

11 It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,

‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’”

12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.

 

Romans 14:4

New International Version

4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

 

Luke 6:31

New International Version

31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

 

Galatians 6:10

New International Version

10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Pastor's Ponderings, February 7, 2025

What Should We Do Next? Let’s Turn to God

In the 1976 movie Network, the character Howard Beale famously declares, “I don’t have to tell you things are bad. Everybody knows things are bad.” He talks about unemployment, financial struggles, and fear—things that, honestly, still sound familiar today. His solution? Shouting frustrations out the window.

 

But God offers us something far better.The Bible reminds us to “learn to do right, seek justice, defend the oppressed, and help those in need” (Isaiah 1:17). And in another passage, He promises that if we seek Him and turn away from wrongdoing, He will bring healing to our land (2 Chronicles 7:14).

 

That’s comforting, isn’t it? Even when we’ve messed up, God assures us that He can restore us. If we choose to follow Him, we’ll experience His goodness (Isaiah 1:18-19). Temptation is real, but God always provides a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13). He has plans for us—plans for hope and a good future (Jeremiah 29:11).

 

So today, instead of focusing on fear, let’s focus on Him. Instead of dwelling on weakness, let’s rely on His strength. Instead of holding onto hate, let’s embrace His love. No matter how overwhelming life feels, God is calling us to come to Him (Revelation 22:17). He is, and always will be, the answer to life’s challenges.

 

Isaiah 1:17-19

New International Version

17 Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.

Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.

18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord.

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;

though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land.

 

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

 

1 Corinthians 10:13

New International Version

13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

 

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

 

Revelation 22:17

New International Version

17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.