Pastor's Ponderings, August 27, 2025

Let God Help Us Fulfill Our Purpose

 

Viktor E. Frankl, a survivor of the Nazi death camps, once wrote:

“Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life; everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated, thus, everyone's task is unique as his specific opportunity to implement it.”

 

Those words remind us of something powerful: every single one of us has a purpose. God knew that purpose long before we were born. In fact, He said in Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.”

 

But what if we never fulfill that purpose? What if we spend our lives distracted—caught up in endless social media debates, political drama, or arguments about who’s the greatest NBA player—while time quietly slips away? That’s exactly what the enemy wants: to walk us slowly and comfortably from cradle to grave without ever becoming who God designed us to be.

 

Too often, we try to squeeze ourselves into roles, titles, or lifestyles that don’t fit us. We follow trends, chase approval, and settle for someone else’s plan instead of discovering God’s unique plan for our lives. But Jesus gave us a sense of urgency when He said, “We must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work” (John 9:4).

 

So how do we start? First, by seeking God. Ask Him for wisdom—He promises to give it freely to anyone who asks in faith (James 1:5-7). Don’t wait until the end of life to realize your life had meaning all along.

Next, take time to reflect: What comes naturally to you? What brings you joy and feels purposeful? Maybe you’re not called to be a famous preacher—but you can share the love of Christ with someone who desperately needs it. Maybe you’ll never be a billionaire—but you can bless someone in ways that money can’t.

 

Last, know there are people who need what God has placed inside you. Let Him develop your gifts. Let Him guide your steps. When we partner with God, we don’t just exist—we live out the reason we were created.

 

Jeremiah 1:5

New International Version

5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”.

 

John 9:4

New International Version

4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.

 

James 1:5-7

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.

6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, August 19, 2025

God Always Takes Care of Us

When we accept Christ as our Savior, eternal life doesn’t just begin “someday in heaven.” It begins the very moment we invite Him into our lives. From that day forward, we are renewed in spirit—a life that will continue with Him for all eternity (John 3:6).

 

That’s why it’s important not to get caught up in things that won’t last. The latest fashions, gadgets, cars, or even houses may look exciting, but they are all temporary (2 Corinthians 4:18). Jesus reminded us not to waste our lives worrying about these things, because God already knows what we need (Matthew 6:28-32). Instead, He calls us to focus first on His Kingdom and His righteousness—and when we do, He takes care of everything else (Matthew 6:33).

 

In God’s Kingdom, there is power and authority. Jesus said that what we bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and what we loose on earth will be loosed in heaven (Matthew 16:19). Through His Name, we can face problems, challenges, and struggles with confidence—knowing even the enemy must flee (Mark 16:17).

 

Here’s the beautiful truth: when we put God first, He puts us first. When we find joy in Him, He gives us the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4). We don’t need to live weighed down by past mistakes or filled with anxiety about the future (Matthew 6:34). God was faithful yesterday. He is faithful today. And He will continue to care for us tomorrow—and for all eternity.

John 3:6

Amplified Bible

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh [the physical is merely physical], and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

 

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

 

Matthew 6:28-34
New International Version

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 

29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 

30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? |

31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 

32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 

33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

 

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.”

 

Mark 16:17

New International Version

17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

 

Psalm 37:4

New International Version

4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

 

Pastor's Ponderings, August 10, 2025

It Is Time to Act Against Evil

 

If there’s ever been a time to pray for our leaders, it’s now. We need to look beyond our own personal interests and think about our country—and our world—with prayerful hearts. It’s striking how intelligent, reasonable, and even religious people can have such wildly different views of American society today.

 

Benjamin Franklin reportedly said, “We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.” That’s still true. But instead of working together, many now speak of those they disagree with in extreme, even apocalyptic, terms—calling evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20-21, 23). Respectful disagreements have been replaced by name-calling and hate. Yet God tells us clearly: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity” (Psalm 133:1-3).

 

Scripture also warns us that where there is envy and selfish ambition, you’ll find disorder and every kind of evil (James 3:16). And right now, we see plenty of both.

 

So, what should we, as followers of Christ, do when leaders threaten, boast, and build weapons of destruction? Pray for peace—not just for our nation, but for Jerusalem and the world (Psalm 122:6). Pray for our leaders—whether we agree with them or not (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Seek God’s direction—spend time before Him, asking what action He wants us to take.

 

That action could mean marching for justice, petitioning those in authority, boycotting corrupt systems, or boldly speaking truth to power.

The good news is, God has already equipped us. “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). We don’t fight empty-handed—we fight with faith, truth, and the power of the Spirit.

 

So, let’s rise. Let’s take our orders from the Lord. Let’s lift high the blood-stained banner of Jesus and fight the good fight of faith—until the day is done.

 

Isaiah 5:20, 21, 23

New International Version

20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.

21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.

23 who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny justice to the innocent.

 

Psalm 133:1-3

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.

 

James 3:16

New International Version

16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

 

Psalm 122:6

New International Version

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure.

 

1 Timothy 2:1-2

New International Version

1 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.

 

2 Peter 1:3

New International Version
3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness