tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88689056146752245522024-03-27T02:35:35.505-04:00Pastor's PonderingsA Ministry of Sanctuary Gospel Center ChurchPastor's Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986094098767538464noreply@blogger.comBlogger537125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868905614675224552.post-80033175988631989402024-03-24T15:22:00.000-04:002024-03-24T15:22:12.149-04:00Pastor's Ponderings, March 24, 2024<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Our Secret Place</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">On Mar 22, 2024, the Associated Press wrote an article entitled, </span><a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/gunmen-in-combat-fatigues-open-fire-at-moscow-concert-hall-russian-news-agencies-say_n_65fdc6a1e4b087dad30567d6" style="color: #954f72;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Russia Says 115 Killed In Concert Hall Raid; Islamic State Group Claims Responsibility. </span></a><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"> Even though Russia is a controlled society where real dissent is not tolerated, this attack still took place. In the world, there is no safe hiding place.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">However, in God, there is a secret place. This is your refuge where you can hide, protected from the attacks from outside. The Bible tells us that those who are in God’s secret place can rest in His shadow (Psalm 91:1). When we know that God is protecting us, our perspective about world events, personal crises, and unexpected events changes. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Even our language changes when we can say that God, not man, is our refuge, our fortress, and our God that we can trust as a deliverer (Psalm (91:2, 3). Challenges will still severely impact those who love the Lord. Indeed, the Bible says that the righteous have many challenges, but He delivers them out of them all (Psalm 34:19).<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">He is a very present help in our trouble (Psalm 46:1). He tells us that we do not have to be afraid of nightly terrors or daytime horrors (Psalm 91:5, 6). This is not to say that the righteous will not suffer but the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords tells us that <u>He will be with us</u> (Psalm 91:15).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">We live in an uncertain world. That is why we need the protection, peace, and hope of a relationship with the God that can do anything. Rather than man’s temporary and uncertain shelter, let us seek God’s eternal protection in His secret place. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Psalm 91:1-3<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">1 <i>Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">2<i> I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">3<i> Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Psalm 34:19<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">19<i> The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Psalm 46:1<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">King James Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">46<i> God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Psalm 91:5, 6<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<b><br /></b>5<i> You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">6<i> nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Psalm 91:15<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<b><br /></b>15<i> He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>Pastor's Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986094098767538464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868905614675224552.post-26458861451783211982024-03-16T21:12:00.000-04:002024-03-16T21:12:55.706-04:00Pastor's Ponderings, March 16, 2024<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">God Has The Final Word</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">In an article published by The Hill on 3/13/24, Tara Suter wrote an article entitled, “<a href="https://thehill.com/policy/international/4528460-putin-russia-ready-to-use-nuclear-weapons-if-sovereignty-threatened/#:~:text=However%2C%20Putin%20said%20his%20country,changed%20it%2C%E2%80%9D%20he%20said." style="color: #954f72;">Russia ready to use nuclear weapons if sovereignty is threatened: Putin</a>.” Since many nations are supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russia, this comment seems terrifying. The use of nuclear weapons and their retaliatory escalation could then lead to the end of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">In the Bible Jesus’ disciples also were concerned about the end of the age and they asked Jesus about what would happen (Matthew 24:2). He said that people would increase in wickedness, but those who stand firm, not temporarily, not from time to time, but to the end would be saved. What should those who love the Lord do? He emphasized that the Good News of His salvation would be shared all over the world before the end comes (Matthew 24:12-14).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Those who love the Lord should not put our faith and trust in our political leaders, academicians, ecclesiastical leadership, or social influencers. We should look to Jesus who began and will mature our faith (Hebrews 12:2). We should be supportive of and join those who are sharing the Gospel at home and abroad. The end of the world will not be determined by worldly rulers, but it will be determined in God’s timetable. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Let’s not be anxious about threats to our safety or livelihood. Let’s decide to follow Jesus’ directive to go into all the world discipling mankind to believe and obey Him (Mark 16:15-16). Despite their pretentions, mankind can only go so far as God allows us to go. Let us pray for mankind to turn to God. We must remember that God raises up leadership and disposes of others and He alone knows the time and the seasons for all things (Daniel 2:20-22).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Matthew 24:2, 12-14<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">2<i> As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”<br /></i>12<i> Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, <br /></i>13<i> but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. <br /></i>14<i> And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Hebrews 12:2<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">2<i> 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.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Mark 16:15-16<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New King James Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">15<i> And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">16<i> He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Daniel 2:20-22<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">20<i> and said “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">21<i> He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">22<i> He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>Pastor's Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986094098767538464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868905614675224552.post-16761472703820944652024-03-09T16:49:00.000-05:002024-03-09T16:49:32.295-05:00Pastor's Pondering, March 9, 2024<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">We Really Need God’s Direction in 2024</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">In 2024, the United States of America is engaged in a high-stakes election where the vision of this country will determine the future. We must get past the rhetoric about who will have bragging rights for the next few years, get serious, and seek God. Whatever one’s political persuasion, people are dying at home and abroad. However, many seem more focused on their group’s talking points and less about what is good for the overall country (Isaiah 5:20, 21).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">What is God saying about this election? Most will argue that God is on their side. Notwithstanding, this is what the Bible says. As the children of Israel approached Jericho, Joshua saw an armed man whom many commenters say was Jesus. He asked the armed man on whose side was He. The armed man said, “<i>“Neither,” he replied, “<u>but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come</u>.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Joshua understood quickly that he had had to get on the Lord’s side and responded,<i>“What message does my Lord have for his servant?” </i>(Joshua 5:13-14). This is what our leaders, followers, and all of those in between must say during 2024. What is God truly saying? He may not be saying what we think He is saying to support our agenda. The Bible tells us that the Spirit of Truth will give us direction (John 16:13). God advises us to ask for His wisdom (James 1:5). God promised to guide our steps (Psalm 32:8).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">It is long past time for posturing. Now is the time to pray. We need to stop arguing with each other and start entreating God. We must cease looking to our own interests and to look to Jesus who began and will mature our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Since we really need God’s direction, let us not depend upon temporary worldly leadership, but implore His eternal leadership.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Isaiah 5:20, 21</span></b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><br />New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">20<i> 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.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">21<i> Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Joshua 5:13-14<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">13<i> Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">14<i> “Neither,” he replied, “<u>but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come</u>.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">John 16:13<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">13<i> 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.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">James 1:5<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Psalm 32:8<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">8<i> I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Hebrews 12:2<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">2<i> 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.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>Pastor's Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986094098767538464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868905614675224552.post-78911872289008855372024-02-17T13:21:00.004-05:002024-02-17T13:21:50.811-05:00Pastor's Ponderings, February 17, 2024<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16pt;">We Become What We Look At</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Jon Bloom a writer for the website “Desiring God”, on July 1, 2007, wrote an article entitled <a href="https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/learn-from-darwin" style="color: #954f72;">Learn From Darwin, We Become What We Behold</a>. He wrote, “We condition our minds to value whatever we watch and study and contemplate the most. … we become what we behold. What absorbs our interest, what we give our attention to most, shapes our thinking and trains our affections.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">For those who have spent their time studying God’s word, practicing holiness, and trying to become like God, this is great news. We have been looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Those of us who love the Lord know that He began a good work in us. We are His workmanship, and He will continue to work in us until He returns (Philippians 1:6). We know that we are changed in the presence of God to become more and more like Him (2 Corinthians 3:18). Great news!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">However, those of us who have not looked to Jesus, but have returned to focus on the seductive evil of the world, the weak and miserable forces (Galatians 4:9), may be concerned. Since we may have focused on fleshly things, the lusts of the world and the pride of life, we may be afraid that we will receive destruction at the Day of Judgment (Galatians 6:8). What can we do?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Thank God there is hope for us! In the Bible, King David turned away from God when he committed adultery and murder. After these grievous sins, he made a firm decision that he would set no evil thing in front of his eyes (Psalm 101:3). He decided further that he would have his eyes look straight forward, would carefully consider the paths in life he was taking, and would not turn to the left or right (Proverbs 4:25-27). The Bible lets us know that God will give us a way to escape any temptation that may come our way (1 Corinthians 10:13).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Let us decide that from now on, we will turn our eyes away from entertaining temptations of the world and focus on the word of God and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Let us allow Him to change us to become blessed, prosperous, healed, and holy, and able to resist any devilish desires. Let us look to Jesus Christ and become just like Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Hebrews 12:2 <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">2 <i>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.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Philippians 1:6 <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">6 <i>being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">2 Corinthians 3:18 <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">18 <i>And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Galatians 4:9 <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">9 <i>But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Galatians 6:8 <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">8 <i>Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Psalm 101:3 <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">3 <i>I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Proverbs 4:25-27 <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">25 <i>Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">26<i> Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">27<i> Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">1 Corinthians 10:13 <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version (NIV)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16pt;">13</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; font-size: 16pt;">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.</i> </p>Pastor's Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986094098767538464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868905614675224552.post-3384126127224419332024-02-09T13:40:00.001-05:002024-02-09T13:40:49.930-05:00Pastor's Ponderings, February 9, 2024<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">God Brings Clarity In Turmoil</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Those who are observing our current political turmoil may rejoice or despair depending upon their political leanings. The Bible says when the wicked are in power people mourn (Proverbs 29:2). What should we do? The book of Nehemiah shares the thought that we all have done wrong and ought to turn back to God for His solution to our problems and to unite our country (Nehemiah 1:7-9). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">What should we do? We must remember that whoever rises to power, and authority is not based upon opinion polls, political power, or even financial resources. God controls who rises and who falls (Psalm 75:6-7). We are not struggling against people, but against evil forces (Ephesians 6:12). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">What should we do? We ought to always pray (Luke 18:1). We can ask God for wisdom since He knows the future (James 1:5). We can unite with others who love the Lord and ask for His leadings as to what we should do as a group knowing that He is there in our midst (Matthew 18:19-20). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">What should we do? He may tell us to write petitions, vote as a block or as individuals, march in the streets, or otherwise protest. However, He could allow us to remember like He instructed King Jehoshaphat who was accosted by a large army. He told him that the battle was the Lord’s (2 Chronicles 20:15). Let us be patient; God will bring clarity to our turmoil.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Proverbs 29:2<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">2<i> When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Nehemiah 1:7-9<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<b><br /></b>7<i> We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">8 <i>“Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, <br /></i>9<i> but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Psalm 75:6-7<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">6<i> No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">7<i> It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Ephesians 6:12<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Amplified Bible<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">12<i> For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Luke 18:1<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">18<i> Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that <u>they should always pray and not give up.<o:p></o:p></u></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">James 1:5<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">5<i> 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<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Matthew 18:19-20<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">19<i> “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">2 Chronicles 20:15, 22, 23<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<br />15<i> He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>Pastor's Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986094098767538464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868905614675224552.post-89763847797518427952024-02-03T19:42:00.000-05:002024-02-03T19:42:54.864-05:00Pastor's Pondering, February 3, 2024<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Our Social Influencer is Christ</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Some of us have been staring at social media and are concerned about who are the top influencers, who is going to win what award, or what the beautiful people are doing. However, the Bible tells us to set our affection on things above rather than on short term things of the earth (Colossians 3:2). It is crucial that we take the perspective that we are just passing through and we are not in love with this world system. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">The Bible tells us that we are not to love the world because everything in the world can be categorized as lust of the flesh and eyes, and pride of life. (1 John 2:15, 16). The Amplified version of this scripture says pride of life is the “[pretentious confidence in one’s resources or in the stability of earthly things]<i>. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">We like to think that our clothes, cars, or cash can insure us against the calamities of life so we hold onto them and like ostriches hide our heads in the sand, so we don’t have to think about problems. However, the world is quickly passing by (1 John 2:17). Only the things that we do in obedience to Christ will last forever.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">In a world that is only focused on the here and now, let us be examples of people who are thinking eternally by putting our faith in Jesus Christ. Those who love the Lord are striving to obey God’s word and are practicing living like Christ tells us to live. We are in this world system, not of it. We are like a ship in the ocean. Although the ship is sailing in the ocean it’s not technically a part of the ocean but simply passing through it. It is time to live for God, resist our sinful desires, and look expectantly to Christ’s soon coming return to the earth. Let us allow God to be the greatest influencer in our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Colossians 3:2<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Amplified Bible<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">2 <i>Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value].</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">1 John 2:15-17<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Amplified Bible<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">15<i> Do not love the world [of sin that opposes God and His precepts], nor the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">16<i> For all that is in the world—the lust and sensual craving of the flesh and the lust and longing of the eyes and the boastful pride of life [pretentious confidence in one’s resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father, but are from the world. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">17 <i>The world is passing away, and with it its lusts [the shameful pursuits and ungodly longings]; but the one who does the will of God and carries out His purposes lives forever.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>Pastor's Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986094098767538464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868905614675224552.post-79617156463551880062024-01-20T11:00:00.000-05:002024-01-20T11:00:13.729-05:00Pastor's Ponderings, January 20, 2024<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Life And Death Can Be Side By Side</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Claire Rush and Gene Johnson wrote a powerful article in the Associated Press, January 18, 2024, entitled, </span><a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/winter-weather-oregon-electrocution-deaths_n_65a9e0c8e4b076abd7aaffff" style="color: #954f72;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">“An Oregon Teen Saw 3 People Die After Sliding On Ice Into A Power Line. Then She Went To Help.”</span></a><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"> The article went on to say that “Majiah Washington noticed a flash outside her home after a dangerous storm coated Portland, Oregon, in ice.” After a woman, her boyfriend and her brother had been electrocuted, Ms. Washington was able to save the baby who was lying on top of the electrocuted father. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">The part of the article that was amazing was that after the three had died and she had gotten the child, “Portland Fire and Rescue spokesman Rick Graves praised Washington for her heroism but confessed he didn’t understand how she and the baby weren’t also electrocuted.” It may have been difficult for the spokesman to understand but we must know that God is still on His throne. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">It is awesome to know that God is watching over us. We don’t know if the heroine knew the Lord or if she had people praying for her, but we must know that God’s eyes are in every place seeing everything (Proverbs 15:3) and He can do anything but fail (Luke 1:37). Even during tragedies, God can show up and do great things. Knowing that God can do anything but fail, in the new year, let us go to Him. Even though we are surrounded by tragedy, pain and suffering, we can pray to Him, and give our lives to Him because He cares for us and loves us (John 3:16).<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Proverbs 15:3<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">3<i> The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Luke 1:37<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New King James Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">37<i> For with God nothing will be impossible.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">John 3:16<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">16<i> For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>Pastor's Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986094098767538464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868905614675224552.post-37718729215958356582024-01-13T13:57:00.000-05:002024-01-13T13:57:18.519-05:00Pastor's Ponderings, January 13, 2024<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Afraid Of The End?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><a href="http://peterturchin.com/" style="color: #954f72;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Peter Turchin</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">, </span><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">a professor at the University of Connecticut’s Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, predicts that</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><a href="http://today.uconn.edu/2016/12/using-social-science-to-predict-the-future/" style="color: #954f72;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">the end of the world</span></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></span><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">is near</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">He uses</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><a href="http://peterturchin.com/cliodynamics/" style="color: #954f72;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">historical and mathematical modeling</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">to predict events and is well respected in his field. </span><span style="background: white;"> </span><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">In a recent article in Phys.Org, he described that because of increasing social unrest from “wealth inequality, stagnating well-being, growing political fragmentation and governmental dysfunction,” America</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><a href="http://today.uconn.edu/2016/12/using-social-science-to-predict-the-future/" style="color: #954f72;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">could risk implosion</span></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></span><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">within the decade.</span><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"></span><o:p></o:p></p><o:p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">We have heard predictions of the world or societies ending before. Some have sound scientific theories and others have been quite far-fetched. Regardless of the theory or evidence, we can thank God that He will protect those who love Him (John 17:15-16).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">At some point, each of our lives will be over but we do not need to live in fear. While God’s children may see the destruction that is coming upon the earth, the Bible says that it will not hurt them (Psalm 91:5-8). The Bible also says because His children love him, He will rescue and protect them (Psalm 91:14).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">While some will see physical death, Jesus promised that we would live with Him eternally (John 14:1-3). </span><span style="background: white;"> </span><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Because of current trends, the professor’s arguments about our society collapsing may be convincing. But we know from God’s word that despite any personal, societal or global destruction that may be coming, He will never leave us, and He will not give up on us (Hebrews 13:5). </span><span style="background: white;"> </span><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">We can be comforted in His promises.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">John 17:15-16</span></b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><br />New International Version <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">15 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.</i></span><span style="background: white;"> </span><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><br />16 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Psalm 91:5-8<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">5</span><span style="background: white;"> </span><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">6<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,</i></span><i><span style="background: white;"> </span></i><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">nor the plague that destroys at midday.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">7<i> A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">8<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Psalm 91:14<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">14</span><span style="background: white;"> </span><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">“<i>Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">John 14:1-3</span></b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><br />New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">1 “<i>Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.</i></span><span style="background: white;"> </span><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><br />2 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">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</i>? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">3 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Hebrews 13:5</span></b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><br />New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">5 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p></o:p>Pastor's Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986094098767538464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868905614675224552.post-55442115082887047872024-01-06T09:35:00.000-05:002024-01-06T09:35:24.138-05:00Pastor's Ponderings, January 6, 2024<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Are Things Beginning To Change?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">The Associated Press on National Public Radio, January 2, 2024 posted an article entitled, “</span><a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/02/1222459172/israel-pulls-thousands-of-troops-from-gaza-a-possible-sign-of-scaled-back-offens" style="color: #954f72;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Israel pulls thousands of troops from Gaza, a possible sign of scaled-back offensive</span></a><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">”. The article went on to say that it was a “step that could clear the way for a new long-term phase of lower-intensity fighting against the Hamas militant group.” Many across the world have been arguing for, advocating for, and praying for a cease-fire in the region. Hopefully this is a sign that our prayers will be answered.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">The Bible says that we should not look down upon small beginnings (Zechariah 4:10). The Bible further says that when God begins a good work in us, He can successfully complete it in the end (Philippians 1:6).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">What small changes has God begun in your life in 2024? It may not seem like much. It may be the possibility of a raise or promotion. It may be that there is a new treatment for an affliction in your body. You may have awakened this morning realizing that you are still alive and that God is working in you to strengthen and motivate you to accomplish His will (Philippians 2:13). You may have a bright new idea that may bring great opportunities to your family.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">The year 2023 may have been disappointing in terms of goals missed, accomplishments failed, or objectives side stepped. But let us look for the signs that things are turning around in our favor. God knows what He is planning for us even when things don’t look good. He is working to help us prosper and give us hope and a future in Him (Jeremiah 29:11). Whatever God has begun in us He will successfully complete.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Zechariah 4:10<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">10<i> “Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the Lord that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel?”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Philippians 1:6<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">6<i> being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Philippians 2:13<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">13<i> for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Jeremiah 29:11<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">11<i> 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.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>Pastor's Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986094098767538464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868905614675224552.post-35029323756296693682023-12-30T14:26:00.000-05:002023-12-30T14:26:10.073-05:00Pastor's Ponderings, December 30, 2023<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">The Beatitudes are God’s Blessings to Us</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">In our world where evil seems to dominate, the Bible lets us know that we can be blessed or happy. In the book of Matthew, Jesus taught the Sermon on the Mount. In a few of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-8), Jesus showed us some categories of people that will be blessed. He taught that the poor in spirit, (those who regard themselves as insignificant) get the kingdom of heaven. Why? In a world that prides itself on pride, the Scriptures tell us that those who humble themselves will be lifted (Matthew 23:12).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">But what about those of us who have done terrible things and are suffering from guilt? For those who are mourning over their sins and are genuinely sorry for them, God promises they will be comforted (Matthew 5:4). The Holy Spirit is there to comfort us when we repent. Moreover, in a world full of the self-serving, the scriptures promise that those who are meek, the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, and the self-controlled, will have the privilege of inheriting the earth. This is because God gave the earth to man (Psalm 115:16). Only the meek will understand and appreciate what God has given to us.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">While we live in a vain, vicious, and vengeful world, He tells us that the merciful shall receive mercy. While many merciful people have suffered and are suffering, somehow, they will receive mercy. It may not be on this side of Heaven, but He promised it; we will receive it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Lastly, He promises the pure in their heart will see God (Matthew 5:8). When the end of time is upon us, we will be those who running towards Him in joy and not running away in terror. While these scriptures make up some of the Beatitudes, let us stand up, look up and see that God’s blessings are coming.<i><u><o:p></o:p></u></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><u><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></u></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Matthew 5:3-8<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">3<i> “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">4 <i>Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">5<i> Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">6<i> Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">7 <i>Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">8<i> Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Matthew 5:3-8<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Amplified Bible<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">3<i> “Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are the poor in spirit [those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">4<i> “Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace] are those who mourn [over their sins and repent], for they will be comforted [when the burden of sin is lifted].<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">5<i> “Blessed [inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect] are the [a]gentle [the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled], for they will inherit the earth.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">6<i> “Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">7<i> “Blessed [content, sheltered by God’s promises] are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">8<i> “Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature] are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character], for they will see God.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Matthew 23:12<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">12 <i>For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Psalm 115:16<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">16<i> The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to mankind<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>Pastor's Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986094098767538464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868905614675224552.post-37120061139946517222023-12-23T10:59:00.000-05:002023-12-23T10:59:30.790-05:00Pastor's Ponderings, December 13, 2023<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16pt;">God Loves Cheerful Givers</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">According to </span><a href="https://ofhsoupkitchen.org/four-types-giving-according-bible" style="color: #954f72;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen</span></a><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">, there are four kinds of giving in the Bible; tithes, offerings, first fruits, and almsgiving. While tithes are ten percent of your income (Malachi 3:10), offerings are what you want to give (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). First fruits come from new blessings that one receives (Proverbs 3:9) and almsgiving (Matthew 6:3-4) are for mankind such as giving to the less fortunate in food, clothes, cash, or volunteering in shelters. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16pt;">While tithes, offerings, first fruits are to God, almsgiving are for mankind.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">My youngest daughter shared a blessing that she received when she got unexpected money. She used that and her personal money and gave it to a relative in need. Less than 24 hours later, she was pleasantly surprised when she received ten times what she had originally received. 2 Corinthians 9:7 states, “…God loves a cheerful giver.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">When we see famine, disease, and suffering throughout the land, we should remember that God is not trying to guilt anyone into helping others. However, when we give with the right motives, which is that one simply desires to help, He looks upon one’s heart. Let God lead you in your giving. He can bless you in so many ways.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></i><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Malachi 3:10<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">10 <i>Bring the whole <u>tithe</u> into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not <u>throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it</u>.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">2 Corinthians 9:6-8<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">6<i> Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. <br /></i>7<i> Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, <u>for God loves a cheerful giver</u>. <br /></i>8 <i>And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Proverbs 3:9<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">9<i> Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the<u> firstfruits</u> of all your crops<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Matthew 6:3-4<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">King James Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">3<i> But when thou doest <u>alm</u>s, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">4<i> That thine alms may be in secret: and <u>thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.<o:p></o:p></u></i></span></p><p><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i> </p>Pastor's Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986094098767538464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868905614675224552.post-50891428537497394772023-12-16T18:12:00.000-05:002023-12-16T18:12:15.867-05:00Pastor's Ponderings, December 16, 2023<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Can God Count On You To Help Others?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><a href="https://www.straightdope.com/21341430/who-originated-now-is-the-time-for-all-good-men" style="color: #954f72;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of the party</span></a><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">. This was a typing drill by a teacher named Charles E. Weller. We can update this drill to “come to the aid of the world.” The world is being asked whether they support the Ukrainians or the Russians. Do they support Israel or Palestine? The stories of worldwide evil are continual and heartbreaking. However, we cannot just sit on the sidelines, hide our heads in the sand and pretend that all is fine in the world. Should we turn away from the suffering, or should we turn to God for direction?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">The Bible asks when we see others in need and show no compassion for them, how can we say we have God’s love? (1 John 3:17-18). On Judgement Day Jesus will declare that whatever one did for even the least of people, they did it to Him (Matthew 25:37-40). What can we do when even the most brilliant of our leaders seem to offer no workable solutions?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">First, we are to always pray and not give up (Luke 18:1). Second, we are to ask God for wisdom (James 1:5), and third knowing God always hears us, we are to confidently ask God for His intervention (1 John 5:14-15). God may tell us to sit-in, protest to our leaders, march for peace, or write letters to the decision-makers. If we are willing and obedient, we will get the best of the land (Isaiah 1:19)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">A Hillel first-century Jewish scholar said, “</span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/983886-if-not-you-then-who-if-not-now-when" style="color: #954f72;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">If not you, then who? If not now, when?</span></a><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">” Now is the time for all to come to the aid of the entire world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">1 John 3:17-18</span></b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><br />New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">17<i> If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? </i>18<i> Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Matthew 25:37-40<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">37<i> “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? <br /></i>38<i> When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? <o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">39<i> When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">40<i> “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, <u>whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me</u>.’<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Luke 18:1<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">18<i> Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">James 1:5<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Amplified Bible<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">5<i> If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">1 John 5:14-15<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">14<i> This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">15<i> And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Isaiah 1:19<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New Life Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">19 <i>If you are willing and obey, you will eat the best of the land.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>Pastor's Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986094098767538464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868905614675224552.post-13403515696382541562023-12-09T10:36:00.000-05:002023-12-09T10:36:25.062-05:00Pastor's Pondering, December 9, 2023<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16pt;">Let Us Run Our Race Focused On Jesus</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">On August 17, 2013, I posted my first Pastor's Pondering describing my experience with running. To bring you up to date, on November 27, 2023, I ran my most recent 5K race. Unfortunately, I fell at the beginning of the race, hurt my knee, fractured my rib but ran anyway. I even tripped over my youngest daughter's feet, but other runners picked me up and I continued to run. My youngest daughter wore bright pink shoes, and I chose to forget the pain and other people, and to just to focus on her shoes for the remainder of the 3.1 miles. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">During the race I felt okay but afterwards I noticed the damage to my knee, and it would be a few weeks before I learned of my rib fracture. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">I’ve now been running ten years and I have learned that it is important to focus on my destination despite the many obstacles and to finish the course. The August 17, 2013, Pastor’s Pondering blog, is a reminder that God wants us to focus on Him and “that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus<i>”</i>(Philippians 1:6). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">August 17, 2013<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Recently, I have had a major lifestyle change. Because of my youngest daughter’s encouragement, I have begun to run three- and six-mile races. Until I started racing, my past runs were limited to running to the refrigerator. Now I am eagerly preparing for a 13.1-mile half-marathon race this fall.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">When I run, I am reminded of the race that Jesus spoke about in Hebrews. I put aside everything that might distract me or slow me down. I run despite the pain in my legs, sweat on my forehead, laborious breathing, and sometimes nausea in my stomach. But when I complete my race, all the effort is forgotten. I am thrilled at being a part of a group of finishers. Some ran faster than others and others just walked, but we finished our course.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Today is a bright new day for each of us. God has given all of us a unique opportunity to begin over again on a fresh path. He encourages us to forget about past failures, missed chances and failed goals. We are all standing at our own unsullied starting line. It does not matter how we performed yesterday; we can run this race with patience. We can get through our difficulties, our challenges, our failures, and our victories. We can run with joy knowing that Jesus is leading us.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Happy running with Jesus!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Philippians 1:6<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">6 <i>being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Hebrews 12:1, 2<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version (NIV) <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">1 <i>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, <o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">2 <i>fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith...</i></span><i><o:p></o:p></i></p>Pastor's Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986094098767538464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868905614675224552.post-5168779389983631662023-11-28T16:28:00.000-05:002023-11-28T16:28:44.385-05:00Pastor's Ponderings, November 28, 2023<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Let Us Be On The Lord’s Side</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">The November 27, 2023 </span><a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/israel-palestinians-11-hostages_n_65651a0be4b0f35896f7026e" style="color: #954f72;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Associated Press</span></a><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"> indicated that Hamas in the Gaza Strip had released more hostages during the truce between them and Israel. This is amazing news that even during war, chaos, suffering and horror, God can open a door. We must believe that since God has begun a good work, He can work it out to completion (Philippians 1:6). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Many people have begun to despair. Either you are for Israel, or you are for the Palestinians. Both are religious countries, and many are certain that God is on their side and that He defends their cause. However, saints of the Most High God must make the quality decision that people must be on His side rather than He choosing a side. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">We are to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6-8). We are also for each other (James 5:16). We are to go to our knees and ask God for His divine intervention in a political leader’s affairs so that we can live peaceful lives (1 Timothy 2:1-2). We are to pray that God’s will be done in all worldwide conflicts. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">In the Bible, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments, the people were out of control. Moses did not ask about the differing factions, groups, or opinions. He asked who was on the Lord’s side (Exodus 32:25, 26). In the latest Middle East conflict, we are not asking the right questions. Who is on the Lord’s side? He is not a supporter of political parties. He does not run a democracy but a theocracy. Now is the time for us to go before the Lord and intreat Him for His divine intervention and to declare that like the Levites, the priests, we will rally to Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Philippians 1:6<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">6 <i>being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Psalm 122:6-8<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">6 <i>Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">7 <i>May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">8 <i>For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">James 5:16<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">16 <i>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.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">1 Timothy 2:1-2<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">1 <i>I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—</i><br />2 f<i>or kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></u></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Exodus 32:25, 26<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">25<i> Moses saw that the people were running wild and that Aaron had let them get out of control and so become a laughingstock to their enemies. </i>26 <i>So he stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the Lord, come to me.” And all the Levites rallied to him.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p>Pastor's Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986094098767538464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868905614675224552.post-20970506210875108882023-11-20T09:02:00.000-05:002023-11-20T09:02:14.630-05:00Pastor's Ponderings, November 20, 2023<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">God Is Happy When We Succeed</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; font-size: 16pt;">Recently, our youngest daughter, Denise Fair Razo, won the 2023 Emerging Leader Award. It was a wonderful occasion that honored Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business graduates in various business fields. The honorees were applauded by their families, friends, and colleagues. We were very happy to be among the cloud of witnesses watching this awesome event. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; font-size: 16pt;">Just as we were happy, God Himself is pleased when His children accomplish tasks for and in Him. The Bible says that He wants us to prosper in all things (3 John 2). Just as her family rejoiced over Denise, God wants us to have peace and well-being in our lives (Jeremiah 29:11). In fact, He promised that He would perfect those things in our lives that concern us (Psalm 138:8).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; font-size: 16pt;">While it may be easier to think that God is too busy for us, He is with us, loves us, and delights in us (Zephaniah 3:17). When we in turn delight in Him, He makes our footsteps firm and helps us whenever we stumble (Psalm 37:23-24). Today when many are tearing others down, setting traps for them, and plotting against them, let us know that there is the One who is in your audience and who is pleased with your work. Let us rejoice knowing that God delights in us.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://biblehub.com/3_john/1-2.htm&source=gmail&ust=1700575039012000&usg=AOvVaw0ur4hiv_grxuHWoY6Uipmv" href="https://biblehub.com/3_john/1-2.htm" style="color: #954f72;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; text-decoration: none;"></span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b style="color: #954f72;"><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b style="color: #954f72;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://biblehub.com/3_john/1-2.htm&source=gmail&ust=1700575039012000&usg=AOvVaw0ur4hiv_grxuHWoY6Uipmv" href="https://biblehub.com/3_john/1-2.htm" style="color: #954f72;" target="_blank">3 John 2</a></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://biblehub.com/3_john/1-2.htm&source=gmail&ust=1700575039012000&usg=AOvVaw0ur4hiv_grxuHWoY6Uipmv" href="https://biblehub.com/3_john/1-2.htm" style="color: #954f72;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; text-decoration: none;">New King James Version</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://biblehub.com/3_john/1-2.htm&source=gmail&ust=1700575039012000&usg=AOvVaw0ur4hiv_grxuHWoY6Uipmv" href="https://biblehub.com/3_john/1-2.htm" style="color: #954f72;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; text-decoration: none;">2 <i>Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.</i></span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Jeremiah 29:11</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Amplified Bible</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">11 <i>For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace</i>and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Psalm 138:8</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">New King James Version</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">8 The Lord will perfect that which</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif; font-size: 24pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Zephaniah 3:17</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">New International Version</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">17 <i>The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. <u>He will take great delight in you</u>; in his love he will no longer rebuke you,</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Psalm 37:23</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">New International Version</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">23 <i>The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">24 <i><u>though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand</u></i><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><u><span style="background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></u></i><br /></p><span style="color: #888888;"><p></p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></span>Pastor's Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986094098767538464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868905614675224552.post-52505722464949217552023-11-13T08:58:00.000-05:002023-11-13T08:58:49.649-05:00Pastor's Ponderings, November 13, 2023<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">God Has A Breakthrough For Us</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Adam Fulton and (earlier) Léonie Chao-Fong, Richard Luscombe, Ashifa Kassam and Reged Ahmad wrote an article in the November 10, 2023 Guardian entitled, “</span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/nov/10/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-benjamin-netanyahu-gaza-fighting-pauses-un-palestine" style="color: #954f72;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">WHO says a child is killed every 10 minutes in Gaza – as it happened</span></a><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">.” The World Health Organization has given us a painful reminder that people are implying that childhood slaughter is justified, and payback is appropriate and an eye for an eye is just a good start. Perhaps we should consider the quote that some authors have attributed to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">What should those who love the Lord do when passions are inflamed, reason has fled the room, and one can only hope to slow down the inexorable death march? First, since politicians, military leaders, media personnel have so far not been able to know how to stop the carnage, we must look to God’s wisdom for help and who promised to give it to us (James 1:5). Second, we must petition leadership, protest the madness, and implore those who have the power to stop the fighting. Third, we must stay on our knees and ask God for divine intervention. In the book of 2<sup>nd</sup> Chronicles, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to wage war against Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:1) and surrounded the Children of Israel. King Jehoshaphat prayed, “<i>our eyes are upon thee.”</i>Then God worked miraculously and defeated their enemies (2 Chronicles 20:12). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">In the book of Daniel, he also prayed, and the angel showed up twenty-one days later and explained that he had been held up by demonic forces but was helped by the archangel Michael (Daniel 10:12, 13). We must remember that this is a spiritual battle. We are not fighting against other people but against powerful demonic spirits (Ephesians 6:12). While it may look hopeless, God will show up and show Himself mighty in this conflict. God is still in charge.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">James 1:5<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">5<i> 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.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">2 Chronicles 20:1, 12<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">King James Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">1 <i>It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them other beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">12<i> O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but <u>our eyes are upon thee</u>.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Daniel 10:12, 13<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">12<i> Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. </i>13<i> <u>But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.</u><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Ephesians 6:12<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">12<i> 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.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></i><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p>Pastor's Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986094098767538464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868905614675224552.post-9643288806195324182023-11-06T09:04:00.001-05:002023-11-06T09:04:16.840-05:00Pastor's Ponderings, November 6, 2023<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16pt;">Trusting God In Difficult Times</span><a name="OLE_LINK1"></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Have you found out that your goals may never be achieved? Have you found out that the illness is very bad? Have you ever been disappointed by those who you have trusted in and believed in? Despite life’s disappointments, the Bible tells us to trust God with all our heart and don’t rely on what we understand (Proverbs 3:5-6).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Our great God is more than enough for all our problems. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">It may seem like all is lost but He promised us that He would supply everything that we need (Philippians 4:19)</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">. </span><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">It may not be now or even soon, but He will work things out for our good (Romans 8:28). It may seem that God does not always come through for us. We know that people have, are, and will suffer catastrophes in their life even though God is All powerful. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">In the Bible, Job questioned God concerning all his trials and tribulations. In reply, God told Job what He had done and was doing. As a result, Job repented and said that he had spoken carelessly (Job 42:1-3). Many times, we will talk about the bigness of our problems and not consider the bigness of our God who wants to bring us hope and a successful conclusion in our lives (Jeremiah 29:11).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Let us look at our God and not focus on the world’s powerful distractions. We may not understand fully what is going on, but we must remember that God holds the whole world in His hands. Let us have confidence in Him that He knows what He is doing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Proverbs 3:5-6<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">5 Trust<i> in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">6 <i>in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Philippians 4:19<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">19<i> And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Romans 8:28<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">28<i> And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Job 42:1-3<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<br />1<i> Then Job replied to the Lord:<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">2 “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">3 You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Jeremiah 29:11<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Amplified Bible<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">11<i> For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span> </p>Pastor's Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986094098767538464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868905614675224552.post-6520065020074706132023-10-30T09:02:00.000-04:002023-10-30T09:02:28.046-04:00Pastor's Ponderings, 10 30 2023<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;">Reprint from Pastor's Ponderings, October 29, 2018</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;">God’s Love Abounds</span></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;">Andy Campbell and Sebastian Murdock wrote an article on October 27, 2018, in a Huffington Post website entitled, “</span><a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/a-week-of-american-hate-bombs-mailed-black-americans-executed-jews-slaughtered_us_5bd4cd3be4b055bc948c9805" style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;">A Week Of American Hate: Bombs Mailed, Black People Executed, Jews Slaughtered</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;">.” The article states, “A man executed two black people at a grocery store... A Donald Trump supporter…sent bombs in the mail to the president’s opposition. An avowed anti-Semite walked into a synagogue and killed 11… This was one week in American hate.” </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;">Many have engaged in violent words and acts of viciousness. Perhaps this week will mark a turning point in the escalating war of hatred. The Bible says that we are not to let evil overcome us, but that we must overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). We must believe that the God that lives on the inside of us is greater than the evil outside of us (1 John 4:4). Even though we may totally disagree with people who have opposing views, Jesus tells us to love our enemies and to do good to those that persecute you (Matthew 5:44). God is love and His love covers many problems in life.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;">Martin Luther King had </span><a href="http://www.thekingcenter.org/king-philosophy" style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;">Six Principles Of Nonviolence</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;">. “Principle six states, “Nonviolence believes that the universe is on the side of justice. The nonviolent resister has deep faith that justice will eventually win. Nonviolence believes that God is a God of justice.” We have to remember that Jesus said that those who live by the sword will die by the sword (Matthew 26:52) and God is the one that has the last word on retaliation (Romans 12:19). <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;">This week, when evil confronts us, when negative words explode all around us, and when talk of retribution emerges; let us remember the words of Jesus. In the Sermon on the Mount, He said that peacemakers are blessed and will be called God’s children and those who are attacked for being righteous are blessed and will have the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 5:9-10). Let us remember that our God is love.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;">Romans 12:21</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;"><br />New International Version (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;">21 <i>Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;">1 John 4:4</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;"><br />New International Version (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;">4 <i>You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;">Matthew 5:44</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;"><br />New International Version (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;">44 <i>But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;">Matthew 26:52</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;"><br />New International Version (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;">52 <i>"Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;">Romans 12:19</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;"><br />New International Version (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;">19 <i>Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;">Matthew 5:9-10</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;"><br />New International Version (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;">9 <i>Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt;">10 <i>Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><br />Pastor's Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986094098767538464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868905614675224552.post-71539354558735747542023-10-23T09:00:00.000-04:002023-10-23T09:00:39.557-04:00Pastor's Ponderings, October 23, 2023<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">God Will Work It Out</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">When we look at the challenges in the world, one thinks of the poem by Rudyard Kipling entitled “If.” The first sentence gives us clarity in these confusing times. “If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you.” Many who seem to be casting about lost, anxious, angry and worried should remember the Douglas Miller song, “</span><a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=my+soul+has+been+anchored+lyrics&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8" style="color: #954f72;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">My Soul Has Been Anchored</span></a><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">.” Some of the lyrics are, “But if the storms don't cease and if the winds keep on blowing in my life, my soul has been anchored in the Lord.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">We hear repeatedly that we are in uncharted waters. The rules of polite society and civilized behavior seem to be cast aside for those in the book, “Leviathan” by Thomas Hobbes. He described man at his worst. "…continual fear, and danger of violent death; and the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">However, we thank God that He always causes us to win in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14). We can boldly proclaim that we are in Him and He has successfully overcome the world (John 16:33). It is so crucial that we walk closely with the One who oversees the universe and not get distracted with the evil one. The Bible says, despite worldly challenges, if God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Edmund Burke said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” What are we going to do today to stop the triumph of evil? We are going to allow God to lead us. God may tell us to organize, protest, use social media or write letters to our leaders. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">We are not going to remain silent, hidden, hunched over, but we are going to lift our heads. We are going to lift our voices. We are going to declare, say, speak that God is eternal, victorious, and He is going to work this thing out. He will rise in His time and work things out for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Let God’s people announce His triumph through word and deed. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">2 Corinthians 2:14</span></b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><br />King James Bible<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">14 <i>Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.</i><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">John 16:33<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">33 “<i>I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Romans 8:31<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">31 <i>What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Romans 8:28<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">28 <i>And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p>Pastor's Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986094098767538464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868905614675224552.post-46047977443235445752023-10-16T10:55:00.000-04:002023-10-16T10:55:23.504-04:00Pastor's Ponderings, October 16, 2023<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">God Still Reigns In The Middle East</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">On October 13, 2023, as the world looked on with horror, soldiers from Hamas from the Gaza Strip attacked Israel and succeeded in bringing death, chaos, confusion, and anger as they slaughtered their citizens and took away some for hostages. When Israel returned fire, many advised caution because those living in the Gaza Strip were living in an open-air prison and were also suffering under the ruling regime of Hamas. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">The Bible proclaims that when wicked are in authority, their citizens suffer (Proverbs 29:2). How should those who love the Lord respond to these and other acts of unspeakable and repugnant acts? We must recognize that these acts do not come from God, but they come from our adversary the devil (1 Peter 5:8). His purpose has not changed from the beginning of the world, which is to kill, steal and to destroy (John 10:10a). We are not fighting against people but against unseen evil forces (Ephesians 6:12)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Those who love the Lord must remember that Jesus came to destroy the devil’s work (1 John 3:8). We are not using conventional warfare, terrorist tactics, or nuclear weapons but we use the weapons of God (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). We have been given the authority to forbid and to permit knowing that whatever we forbid or permit in the earth has already been forbidden or permitted in heaven (Matthew 16:19). We must speak the word of God like Jesus spoke to the storm and said, “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Let us not forget to pray for those in authority because they are in the hand of God (Proverbs 21:1). Let us remember to pray for those on both sides who are suffering and dying. Let us remember that even though these attacks are personally horrible and painful, our God is still in control.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Proverbs 29:2<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">2<i> When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">1 Peter 5:8</span></b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><br />New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">8<i> Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">John 10:10a<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">10<i> The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy….<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Ephesians 6:12<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New Living Translation<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">12<i> For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">1 John 3:8<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">8<i> The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">2 Corinthians 10:4-5<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">4<i> The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. <br /></i>5<i> We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Matthew 16:19<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New Living Translation<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">19<i> And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Mark 4:39<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New King James Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">39<i> 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.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Proverbs 21:1<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">21<i> In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p>Pastor's Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986094098767538464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868905614675224552.post-17151189575868709702023-10-09T11:43:00.001-04:002023-10-09T11:43:20.316-04:00Pastor's Ponderings, October 9, 2023<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><a name="OLE_LINK1"></a><a name="OLE_LINK2"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Let’s Always Ask God For His Guidance<o:p></o:p></span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">For this week’s Pastor’s Ponderings please click on the Pastor's Ponderings link to our blog and learn that God wants to be involved in all our life choices since He knows what is best.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">We can be confident in Him and His divine guidance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Let’s Always Ask God For His Guidance<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">In the 9/30/2023 Pastor’s Ponderings entitled, “We Are Healed Right Now”, I wrote that I was preparing to run in the Detroit Free Press Marathon on October 15<sup>th</sup>. However, since I was injured, I have the option to postpone my registration until 2024. Just like many of us, I must decide whether I should run this race or not. I thank God that the Bible tells us that if anyone lacks wisdom, we can ask God in faith, and He will share His wisdom with us (James 1:5). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">We are blessed to serve the true and living God who knows the past, present and future. He doesn’t need to guess, inquire into dusty books, slick computer programs, or consult with brilliant prognosticators. All our life is laid out before Him (Psalm 139:16). He holds everything in His hands (Psalm 24:1-2). He promises to light our path in life and provide a lamp for our feet (Psalm 119:105).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">God may direct us in circumstances, situations, people, or even a still small voice (1 Kings 19:12-13). The Bible says that when the Holy Spirit comes, He will guide us in all truth letting us know what is to come (John 16:13). It is wonderful to know that we are connected to the Eternal God who loves us, wants the best for us and covers us. We can be confident in Him and His divine guidance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">James 1:5<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">5 <i>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.</i><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Psalm 139:16<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">16 <i>Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Psalm 24:1-2<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">1 <i>The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">2 <i>for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Psalm 119:105<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">105 <i>Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">1 Kings 19:12-13<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">12<i> After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. <br /></i>13 <i>When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">John 16:13<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">13<i> 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.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p>Pastor's Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986094098767538464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868905614675224552.post-53109648678924526652023-09-30T17:02:00.000-04:002023-09-30T17:02:01.015-04:00Pastor's Ponderings, September 30, 2023<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">We Are Healed Right Now</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">In the Sanctuary Gospel Center Church Friday Night Bible Study, we are studying Pastor Bill Winston’s book, “Redeemed From Sickness.” Recently as I prepared to present the topic, I fell and hit the stairs at my daughter’s home. We thank God that we did not break a hip or hit my head but the continuing pain in my side is intense. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">My wife and I spoke and continued to say healing scriptures and to declare I was healed. We declared that because of Jesus’s suffering sacrifice on the cross that I am healed (Isaiah 53:5). We said that if any are sick, we are to call for the elders of the church and that God would raise up the sick (James 5:14-15).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">The scriptures further tell us to lay our hands on the sick and that they would recover (Mark 16:18b). Therefore, whenever I am asked, I say that while I am still in pain, I am healed because God gives us what we want when we ask in the Name of Jesus (John 14:13, John 16:23-24). I take pain medication, but I know that it is not the source of relief; Jesus is my source. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">I am preparing to run in the Detroit Free Press Marathon on October 15<sup>th</sup>. I am asking for those who would pray to pray for my healing. God is the eternal God, and, for Him, everything is now. We therefore have faith that we are healed, not in the future, but right now. So, today I am declaring that nothing that comes against me including falling upon my side shall defeat me (Isaiah 54:17) and in the Name of Jesus I am healed right now. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Isaiah 53:5<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">5<i> But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">James 5:14-15<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">14<i> Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. <br /></i>15<i> And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Mark 16:18b<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">18<i> ... <u>they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”<o:p></o:p></u></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><u><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">John 14:13<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">13<i> And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">John 16:23-24<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">23<i> In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. <br /></i>24<i> Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Isaiah 54:17<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">17<i> no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p>Pastor's Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986094098767538464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868905614675224552.post-72643943639338248602023-09-23T20:59:00.001-04:002023-09-24T09:10:05.437-04:00Pastor's Ponderings, September 23, 2023<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Our God Benefits Us Greatly</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;">According to the </span><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm#:~:text=Regular%20physical%20activity%20is%20one,ability%20to%20do%20everyday%20activities." style="color: #954f72;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;">Centers For Disease Control and Prevention</span></a><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;"> website, “Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities.” As the actor </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Keep-Moving-Truths-Living-Longer/dp/1602863113" style="color: #954f72;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;">Dick Van Dyke</span></a><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;"> said, “When people ask my secret to staying youthful at an age when getting up and down from your chair on your own is considered an accomplishment, you know what I tell them? 'Keep moving.'"<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;">The benefits of physical activity are undeniable, and we should attempt to incorporate regular physical activity into our lives. But most importantly we must put God in our lives because He really gives us great benefits that will help us now and eternally (Psalm 68:19). He gives us everything that we need for our lives (2 Peter 1:3). But can God really give us all that we need? He said that He would supply <u>all our needs</u> not according to the limitations of the world but according to His unlimited and eternal riches (Philippians 4:19). Furthermore, the Bible says that His goodness and mercy will follow us for all our lives (Psalm 23:6).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;">We are the apple of God’s eye, and He wants the best for us in every area of our lives. We can continue to look to Him who is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). We should enjoy His help and tell others that while other benefits will eventually end, we can enjoy the joy of His presence forever. Truly, He benefits us greatly. <i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;">Psalm 68:19<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;">New King James Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;">19<i> Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation! Selah<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;">2 Peter 1:3<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;">3<b><i><sup> </sup></i></b><i>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.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;">Philippians 4:19<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;">19<i> And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;">Psalm 23:6<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;">6<i> Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;">and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;">Romans 8:28<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-size: 16pt;">28<b><i><sup> </sup></i></b><i>And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p>Pastor's Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986094098767538464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868905614675224552.post-13624293697114428972023-09-16T13:10:00.000-04:002023-09-16T13:10:18.219-04:00Pastor's Ponderings, September 16, 2023<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Tragedies May Come But God Reigns</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">According to the September 14, 2023 Associated Press, “</span><span style="background: white; color: #954f72; font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://apnews.com/article/libya-floods-derna-storm-daniel-mass-graves-21b1a195d261a642e12dac13f0d19431" style="color: #954f72;">Flooding death toll soars to 11,300</a> </span><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">in Libya’s coastal city of Derna, aid group says.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">“In comments to the Saudi-owned Al Arabia television station on Thursday, Derna Mayor Abdel-Moneim al-Ghaithi said the tally could climb to 20,000 given the number of neighborhoods that were washed out.” Without warning, it seems the local dams collapsed and whole villages were washed out to sea.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">We are still reeling from the earthquake catastrophe in Morocco and the over 52,000 deaths in the Ukraine war. Despite this worldwide horror, we must still stand up and declare and decree that this is the day that the Lord has made, and we will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24). Our God reigns despite looming and ongoing strikes, indicted politicians, and the drug cartels dealing death blows at home and abroad. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">When the world asks how an Omniscient and Loving God could allow these disasters, we can ask God for wisdom about how to share His love and comfort. We can declare and decree that our God still loves the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son for us (John 3:16).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Despite that world’s challenges, we are convinced that nothing or no one will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39). We can suffer, cry, sympathize and empathize with those who have been hit by the vagaries of life or who have lost their lives altogether. Despite what comes or what goes, all things work together for the good for those who love the Lord and who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). God is still on the throne.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Psalm 118:24<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">24 <i>The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">John 3:16<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">16<i> For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Romans 8:38-39<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">38<i> For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, <o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">39 <i>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.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Romans 8:28<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">28<i> And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p>Pastor's Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986094098767538464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868905614675224552.post-13092332683389023892023-09-11T15:11:00.000-04:002023-09-11T15:11:47.367-04:00Pastor's Ponderings, September 11, 2023<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">What Man Can Conceive, Man Can Achieve</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">One of the first known versions of this saying was by the prominent social reformer and socialist </span><a href="https://quoteinvestigator.com/2022/03/27/achieve/" style="color: #954f72;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Robert Owen</span></a><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">. He wrote, “man can conceive what man can achieve.” Others have written various versions of this saying which implies that our achievements are only limited by what we can imagine. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">When mankind began to build the Tower of Babel, God Himself came down to see their work and declared, “nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them” (Genesis 11:4-6). Perhaps we have limited ourselves when God wants us to do the exploits which are unattainable by human means, while saying that nothing will be impossible for us (Matthew 17:20). The Bible says that we have not even conceived of the things that God wants for His children (Corinthians 2:9). God can do immeasurably more than we can ask for or even think about (Ephesians 3:20).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">It might be that when the evil one tempted Eve in the Garden by saying, “Did God say?” he directed her view away from the eternal, abundant, and limitless life in God. Today, God has given us each the measure of faith (Romans 12:3) with which one can ask for anything. Some may ask for healing for a headache when God wants to heal cancer. Some may give monthly to the impoverished in other countries. This is commendable but pales in comparison to God wanting to give us knowledge of witty inventions to bring prosperity, water, and fruitfulness to the dry lands.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Let us ask God for His wisdom to fulfill our limitless potential in Him. He wants to expand our territory and extend our tents. Let us use the unlimited mind of Christ, think His thoughts, and allow Him to use us to bring Heaven down to earth and walk in His authority to destroy the works of the evil one. What great thing can you conceive and allow God to work with you to achieve?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Genesis 11:4-6<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<br />4 <i>Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">5 <i>But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower the people were building.</i> <br />6 <i>The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Matthew 17:20<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">20<i> He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Corinthians 2:9<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">9<i> However, as it is written:<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”—the things God has prepared for those who love him—<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Ephesians 3:20<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">New International Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">20<i> Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">Romans 12:3<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">King James Version<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 16pt;">3<i> For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p>Pastor's Ponderingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986094098767538464noreply@blogger.com0