Pray To God And Then Obey His Commands

James LaPorta from the 1/19/21Associated Press wrote an article entitled, 2 National Guard Members Removed From Biden Inauguration Over Militia Ties.  During times of global and national crises, we should be able to totally trust our elected officials, police officers, military, national guard and other authorized agencies to not have conflicts of interests, to protect us and to adhere to their constitutional responsibilities.  

 

The Bible says that we are to submit to these authorities because they are ordained by God (Romans 13:1-4).  We are not to fear them if we do what is right.  However, when those in authority do not adhere to their lawful rules and regulations, terrible results may ensue.  

 

What should the body of Christ do when there is wrongdoing among those responsible to protect us?  First, we must pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Second, although we must pray for everyone, we must especially pray for those who are in authority so that we all can live quiet and peaceful lives (1 Timothy 2:1-2).  

 

Third, while praying, we must ask for directions from God (Philippians 4:6).  During the Civil Rights movement, they were peaceful, prayerful, and made their petitions known to the proper authorities.  Last, we must then act on what God tells us to do.  Saint Augustinewrote, “Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.”  

 

God may be leading us to write letters to people and institutions of influence.  He may lead us to organize, and comment through the internet to change minds or to peacefully march. He may even tell us to cry out and speak truth to power because of evil doings (Isaiah 58:1).  Let us pray and then act obediently to God.

 

Romans 13:1-4

Amplified Bible

1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God [granted by His permission and sanction], and those which exist have been put in place by God. 

2 Therefore whoever resists [governmental] authority resists the ordinance of God. And those who have resisted it will bring judgment (civil penalty) on themselves.
3 For [civil] authorities are not a source of fear for [people of] good behavior, but for [those who do] evil. Do you want to be unafraid of authority? Do what is good and you will receive approval and commendation. 

4 For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, [you should] be afraid; for he does not carry the [executioner’s] sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an avenger who brings punishment on the wrongdoer.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:17

New International Version

17 pray continually, 

 

1 Timothy 2:1-2

New International Version

1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 
2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

 

Philippians 4:6

New International Version

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

 

Isaiah 58:1

New International Version

1 “Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to my people their rebellion and to the descendants of Jacob their sins.

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, January 11, 2021

Our God is Steady While the World is Shaking

In the January 6, 2021 Harvard Gazette, Christina Pazzanese wrote an article about the recent invasion of the US Capitol entitled, Concern over storming of the Capitol.  She quoted Professor Daniel Carpenter who stated, “So, what we saw today was an attack on the legislative foundations of our democratic republic and an attack on the popular sovereignty that legitimates our democratic republic. [And] for a moment, it succeeded,” he said.  According to a Department of Defense 2020 release, we have a $750 Billion dollar defense budget but it did not prevent a few thousand civilians from wreaking havoc on our government.  

 

In addition to this political attack, we suffered a health attack in that “Up to 30% of Americans may be infected with coronavirus by year-end, Dr. Scott Gottlieb told CNBC on Monday.”  We have the best healthcare system in the world, but according to covid-19 worldwide stats, we are leading the world with COVID-19 deaths. 

 

Ben Werschkul wrote an article in the January 8, 2021 Yahoo finance entitled, There are 3 million fewer jobs now than when Trump took office. The article went on to indicate that an analysis of Trump’s jobs record and found that “job growth has actually slowed under Trump” compared to Obama but not by a significant amount.” In addition, Jeffry Bartash wrote an article in the September 11, 2020 MarketWatch entitled, U.S.’s annual budget deficit tops $3 trillion for the first time ever after coronavirus relief while  the 2016 the Fiscal Year budget deficit totaled $587 billion.   

 

While these attacks have shaken people, those who love the Lord can retain their peace if they keep their minds upon Him (Isaiah 26:3).  We can decide to throw up our hands and despair or we can have faith in the God that loves us so much that He sacrificed His Son Jesus so that we could have eternal life with Him (John 3:16).  Even when we are in the valleys of our life, He promised that He would accompany us and never leave us (Psalm 23:4, Hebrews 13:5).

 

Many people are terrified that there will additional and more deadly future attacks.  However, we who love the Lord must keep believing that God holds the whole world in His hands, and He controls what the leaders can and cannot do (Psalm 75:7).  Let us take heart and assure others that our hope is in the eternal God that can do anything (Luke 1:37).  The world may be shaky, but we can rest on an unshakeable God.

 

Isaiah 26:3

New International Version

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

 

John 3:16

New International Version

16 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

 

Psalm 23:4

New International Version

4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

 

Hebrews 13:5

New International Version

5 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.”

 

Psalm 75:7

New International Version

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

 

Luke 1:37

New King James Version

37 For with God nothing will be impossible.”

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, January 5, 2021

Let’s Have Honest Words and Helpful Actions

Hayley Miller wrote an article in the January 3, 2020 Huffington Post stating that “President Donald Trump on Saturday pressured Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a fellow Republican, to recalculate the state’s tally of presidential election votes to overturn President-elect Joe Biden’s win”.  The reason that the world knows the details of this conversation was that it was recorded and leaked to the press. Whether you agree with the comments made during the recording or not, many of us would be horrified to know that our hidden words and activities were readily available to the public.

 

The Bible says that the hidden things will be exposed (Luke 12:2-3).  We have to recognize that despite our desires that our dirty laundry not be exposed we must know that we have to give an account of our life’s activities and negative words before an all-knowing God (2 Corinthians 5:10).  We may cover our lifestyle with expensive clothes and smooth words, but God knows our inner man (1 Samuel 16:7).

 

We should live our life knowing that God is keeping record of everything we do. Since we are being evaluated, let us all endeavor to live our lives as if we are  an open book, transparent and without devious motivations. Let us be transparent and not have devious motivations.  Let us not be hypocrites but honest, open, and straightforward. Let us decide that by honest words and actions, we will always be an encouragement to others (Ephesians 4:29).  As a result, we will never be ashamed when our words and activities are brought into the light.

Luke 12:2-3

New International Version

2 There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.

3 What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.

 

2 Corinthians 5:10

New International Version

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

 

1 Samuel 16:7

New International Version

7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

 

Ephesians 4:29

New International Version

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

 

 

 

 

 

God’s Promises Are Unchanging

This is how the first Pastor’s Ponderings began on August 17, 2013, three hundred and eighty-three blogs ago.  

 

“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.” 

 

The major lifestyle changes in 2020 consists of wearing masks, social distancing, and washing our hands while dealing with a deadly pandemic.  Next year it may be some other lifechanging events. Heraclitus said, “The only constant in life is change.” Things that were so important seven years ago such as group activities, shopping at the mall, and exotic vacations have ground to a halt while we focus on ordering gifts online and Zooming for our education and employment. 

 

However, we serve God who never changes.  He is the same yesterday, today, and will be the same forever (Hebrews 13:8).  He is an unchanging God in a constantly changing world.  God wants us to know that His love for us never changes (Lamentations 3:22-23).  He is still helpful when we find ourselves in trouble (Psalm 46:1).  According to the Inspiration Café Blog, there are seven promises of God

I will be with you.

I will protect you.

I will be your strength.

I will answer you.

I will provide for you.

I will give you peace.

I will always love you.

 

While it is true that we seem to be surrounded by events that are out of control, God wants us to keep things in perspective by focusing on Him (Hebrews 12:1-2). His promises are unchanging.

 

Hebrews 13:8

New International Version

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

 

Lamentations 3:22-23

New International Version

22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.

23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

 

Psalm 46:1

New International Version

1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

 

Hebrews 12:1-2

New International Version

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

2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, December 23, 2020

Receive God’s Abundant Life

Dan Diamond, in the December 16, 2020 issue of Politico magazine, wrote an article entitled, ‘We want them infected’: Trump appointee demanded ‘herd immunity’ strategy, emails reveal. Apparently the HHS science adviser Paul Alexander had called for millions of Americans to be infected as means of fighting Covid-19. 

 

In addition, Lee Moran, in the December 17, 2020 Huffington Post, wrote that Alexander was advocating for the Trump administration to pursue a herd immunity strategy during the public health crisis. “Infants, kids, teens, young people, young adults, middle aged with no conditions etc. have zero to little risk….so we use them to develop herd…we want them infected…” Alexander wrote in his emails, per the news outlet. Sadly, as of the middle of December 2020, over 320K persons have perished in the United States and we are leading the world in deaths.  

 

If there was ever a time for the body of Christ to pray, this is it.  Given some misguided decisions that have been made, we must pray for the heart of our leadership so that they will make right decisions (Proverbs 21:1).  This is the time for us to pray powerful and effective prayers because we know God will hear us (James 5:16).

 

We should pray for leaders who will lead with compassion, wisdom, and in close harmony with God.  He is the one who will give wisdom and understanding so that they can make the tough decisions (James 1:5).  God declares that if they will acknowledge Him and not simply rely on their own viewpoints, He will help them make the right decisions (Proverbs 3:5-6).  We have firestorms raging, economic catastrophes, and the ongoing pandemic.  Furthermore, we have climate change that is forcing refugees from their homes, constant wars,  and criminal activity on the street and in the boardroom.  We have only a few years to live our lives and they are full of trouble (Job 14:1).

 

What should we do?  Let us pray, learn and apply the knowledge that He has made available for us.  We should be optimistic knowing that God has everything under His control and all of these terrible happenings lead to a good outcome eventually (Romans 8:28). While some leaders may make unfortunate and costly decisions, let us remember that Jesus came to give us an abundant life (John 10:10).   

 

Proverbs 21:1
New International Version

1 In the LORD's hand the king's heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.

 

Timothy 2:1-3

New International Version

1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 
2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 
3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior

 

James 5:16

New International Version

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

 

James 1:5

New International Version

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you

 

Proverbs 3:5-6

New International Version

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

 

Job 14:1

New International Version

1 “Mortals, born of woman, are of few days and full of trouble.

 

Romans 8:28

New International Version

28 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.

 

John 10:10

New King James Version

10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, December 14, 2020

Fulfilling God’s Purpose For Our Life

The Matrix Reloaded is a 2003 American science fiction action film written and directed by the Wachowskis. One of the villains, Agent Smith confronted the good guy, Neo, with his thoughts about purpose, “There’s no escaping reason, no denying purpose. Because as we both know, without purpose, we would not exist. It is purpose that created us. Purpose that connects us. Purpose that pulls us, that guides us, that drives us.  It is purpose that defines us, purpose that binds us.”  Although based in fiction, just like Neo, we must also fulfill our purpose in life.

 

Les Brown, the motivational speaker, said, “The graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled, the books that were never written, the songs that were never sung, the inventions that were never shared, the cures that were never discovered, all because someone was too afraid to take that first step, keep with the problem, or determined to carry out their dream.”

 

What is your purpose upon the earth?  Why are you here and what must you accomplish during life’s journey?  God says that He has plans to give us a hope and future (Jeremiah 29:11). His plan is that everything that happens works together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).  Furthermore, He explained the purpose of mankind which is to do be fair, love kindness and loyalty and to humbly obey God (Micah 6:8).

 

If we do not really know our purpose, God simply suggests that we ask Him, and He will give us His wisdom for what we must do in life (James 1:5).  He promised to guide our footsteps (Psalm 37:23). We do not want to come to the end of our life and find that we purposely drifted along with no goals in mind and accomplished nothing that God had in mind for us. Let us obey God and allow Him to work His purpose in our lives so that He can declare in our conclusion, “Well done.” (Matthew 25:21)

 

Jeremiah 29:11

New International Version

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

 

Romans 8:28

Easy-to-Read Version

28 We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. These are the people God chose, because that was his plan.

 

Micah 6:8

Easy-to-Read Version

8 Human, the Lord has told you what goodness is. This is what he wants from you: Be fair to other people. Love kindness and loyalty, and humbly obey your God.

 

James 1:5

New International Version

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you

Psalm 37:23

New International Version

23 The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;

 

Matthew 25:21

New International Version

21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, December 7, 2020

God Is The True Source of Wisdom

Madagascar, a 2005 American computer-animated comedy film, produced this dialogue, “This is your captain speaking. I have good news and bad news. The good news is that we will be landing immediately.... the bad news is, we're crash landing.”  While this exchange is amusing, the truth is that a confusing, jumbled and mix of news, entertainment, saying, and quotes constantly bombard our senses.  Therefore, we have to know which are true and important and which are to be ignored.

 

The Bible tells us that we must distinguish between what the evil one is telling us and God’s commandments (Leviticus 10:10-11).  We must then endeavor to speak, and do only what God is commanding us and not what the evil one wants us to say and do.  Our words matter.  Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21).  Our actions matter. God does not want us listening and obeying the evil one. If we listen to what God says, we will get the good things from this land. (Isaiah 1:19-20).

 

We can choose to speak illness, sadness, or trouble or we can speak the truth that God helps us in our troubles in life (Psalm 46:1).  We can lament about our inability to accomplish anything or we can declare that we can do all things through Christ who loves us (Philippians 4:13).

 

Truly all sides are sending us mixed messages.  Our trusted leaders are saying one thing today and a different message simultaneously. Some of us have succumbed to the confusion and have decided not to believe anything.  But God tells us that all things are possible to those that believe (Mark 9:23).  If we want to know what is true, we have the right to go to our Creator and ask for His wisdom (James 1:5, Proverbs 2:6 ). God is the sole source of truth. Let us continue to ask Him for His wisdom and ignore the worldly mixed messages.

 

Leviticus 10:10-11

New International Version

10 so that you can distinguish between the holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean, 11 and so you can teach the Israelites all the decrees the Lord has given them through Moses.”

 

Proverbs 18:21
New International Version

21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

 

Isaiah 1:19-20

Easy-to-Read Version

19 “If you listen to what I say, you will get the good things from this land. 

20 But if you refuse to listen and rebel against me, your enemies will destroy you.” The Lord himself said this.

 

Psalm 46:1

New International Version

1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

 

Philippians 4:13

New International Version

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

Mark 9:23

New International Version

23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

 

James 1:5

New International Version

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

 

Proverbs 2:6

New International Version

6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding