Pastor's Ponderings, March 15, 2022

Our God Watches Over Us

 

In the February 15, 2022, edition of the Checkup by SingleCare, authors wrote an article entitled, Mental health statistics 2022.  In that article, they mentioned, “Mental health and substance use disorders affect 13% of the world’s population. That number could increase as people around the world shelter in place and adjust to a new normal amid the coronavirus pandemic.”  Doubtless the uncertainties surrounding the war in Ukraine will exacerbate these disorders. 

 

This statistic demonstrates the worry, anxiety, fear, and terror that many are experiencing. They don’t feel that the cavalry is coming, their end of days are drawing closer, and all hope has gone. The website “Knowing Jesus” various scriptures to remind us that God is watching over us.  Our Lord is looking for those whose hearts are fully committed to Him and who have put their total hope in Him (2 Chronicles 16:9a, Psalm 33:18).  I find it comforting to know that I am not in this alone.  God promises to look after me, instruct me and teach me where to go and what to do (Psalm 32:8).

 

We cannot hide from God, nor should we since He is watching us always (Job 34:21) and wants to bring me to a good end (Jeremiah 29:11).  Let us continue to remind ourselves that while we may feel alone, we are not alone.  We can comfort ourselves knowing that the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords is watching over us always and eternally. 

2 Chronicles 16:9a

New International Version

9 For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 

 

Psalm 33:18

New International Version

18 But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

 

Psalm 32:8

New International Version

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you

 

Job 34:21

New International Version

21 “His eyes are on the ways of mortals; he sees their every step.

 

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

Pastor's Pondering, March 8, 2022

 Let Us Pray For Our Fellow Refugees

For this week’s Pastor’s Ponderings, we discovered a powerful posting from a friend of our family, Selene Anderson. The author is not known at the time of this posting.  Please know that God wants us to be concerned about worldwide refugees.

Today, I found myself complaining about the rising cost of fuel and then I remembered I’d never had to run from missiles. I worried if I needed to stock up on a few staples and then realized I’d never had to send my children to school with their blood type taped on their backs. I shook my head at the thought of our young men and women heading  overseas and then remembered that for the Ukrainians war showed up on their doorsteps.

 

Then I decided- I won’t sit in my house in suburbia and brood over the downward turn of the stock market while people are literally facing death. Instead, I’m going to pray. I know that God will hear from heaven, he will lean down to listen when I pray. The Bible tells me that. I’m going to pray that whatever evil intends that God would turn it around for His glory. 

 

I’m going to pray that good would overcome evil and that it would happen sooner rather than later. I’m going to pray that God would hear the cry of every lost soul facing a war they didn’t want and come to their rescue. I’m praying for the overwhelming, supernatural presence of God Almighty in every corner of the world tonight. 

 

I came here to ask if you’d pray with me. Let’s fill the throne room with our voices as we call out for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. May God hear our prayers and turn this horrific situation around. If He can shut the mouths of hungry lions, split an entire sea in half and raise the dead- He can surely save Ukraine.  Please pray that He will.

 

Copied and pasted from a Facebook post

Pastor's Ponderings, March 1, 2022

Let Us Support Our Fellow Refugees

James B. Coats, first published in 1940 a classic song, “Where Could I Go but to the Lord.”  Some of the lyrics were, “Where could I go but to the Lord? Where could I go oh, where could I go, seeking the refuge for my soul needing a friend to save me in the end? Won't you tell me, where could I go but to the Lord?  Those poignant lyrics reflect the growing refugee crises in the Ukraine where over five hundred thousand have fled the war zone and over five million people are expected to flee.

 

The evil one is using his followers to inflict pain and suffering on the world for private gain, power, and influence. As a result, we are seeing a continual flood of asylum seekers whose only crime is being near evil.  All over the world refugees are trying to escape drug traffickers, war lords, climate change conditions, poverty, and starvation.  The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimated that at the end of 2020, for the first time in recorded history, the number of people forcibly displaced was 82.4 million, and over 26.4 million refugees. 

 

The Bible tells us that those who love the Lord should do all they can to help them (Matthew 7:12).  As we help them through our volunteer work, petitions, and supporting organizations that are benefiting them, we can also pray. The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous are powerful (James 5:16).  Jesus says that when you help them, you have helped Him (Matthew 25:40). Let those who love God ask Him for wisdom as to how we best can serve.  Truly, we are our brother’s keepers.

 

Matthew 7:12

New International Version

12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

 

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.

 

Matthew 25:40

New International Version

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

 

Pastor's Ponderings, February 23, 2022

Let’s Speak The Truth Only

 

For this week’s Pastor’s Ponderings, please click on the Pastor's Ponderings link to our blog and know that God wants us to speak the truth.

The writer, George Orwell, wrote, "In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”  

 

www.pastorsponderings.com

Let’s Speak The Truth Only

 

We are amid an avalanche of leaders telling what they know are lies. On May 18, 2011, MINNPOST Newt Gingrich said, “Anyone who quotes me accurately is a liar.” We see that Vladimir Putin is starting to attack Ukraine while denying the fact.  In the February 18, 2022 NPR segment, the U.S. Charge d'Affaires Kristina Kvien states, "Putin lies, says the top U.S. diplomat in Ukraine."  The writer, George Orwell, wrote, "In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act."  

 

Why do people tell untruths?   Because they are of their father, the devil, who has always lied (John 8:44). We are living in a moment where words lose their meaning and people will tell untruths to get an advantage, to deceive others, or to hide their wrongdoings. During this age, evil people will deceive and be deceived (2 Timothy 3:13).

 

What should those who love the Lord do? We should arm ourselves with the truth of the word of God. The truth that we know will set us free (John 8:32).  Jesus is that truth (John 14:6). God wants us to not be easily deceived by the cunning craftiness of man (Ephesians 4:14).  Further, we must ourselves avoid the temptation to deceive others even when it would benefit us.  We must speak God’s word only. Let us speak the truth with love (Ephesians 4:15).

John 8:44

New International Version

44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

 

2 Timothy 3:13

New International Version

13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

 

John 8:32 

New International Version

32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

 

John 14:6 

New International Version

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

 

Ephesians 4:14-15

New International Version

14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 
15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ

 

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Pastor's Ponderings, February 15, 2022

We Win Our Own Super Bowl Everyday

At the end of a hard-fought battle in the 2022 Super Bowl, the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals.  This celebrated bowl generated billions in revenue.  According to an article in the February 13, 2022, LA Times, players on the winning team will receive $150,000, while the losers will get $75,000 in this worldwide event.

 

While this contest generated much interest, there is another conflict going on that involves an even greater struggle; the conflict between good and evil.  While God has already defeated the world (John 16:33), the devil still tries to convince us that he can somehow win over God. Those who love the Lord, however, have Him on our side against the devil who is seeking our destruction (John 10:10).  The Book of Revelations tells us that the serpent is defeated and cast into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:10).

 

We may never hear our names trumpeted in a worldwide contest and we may never get a ring to celebrate our victory over another.  However, we have power to overcome evil (Mark 16:17).  We have strong armor and defensive weapons to stop his attacks (Ephesians 6:11).  We also have mighty offensive weapons to defeat evil in our lives (2 Corinthians 10:4).  

 

We win our Super Bowl every day when we walk by faith in God (2 Corinthians 5:7) and refuse to bow down to evil.  Let us remember that we are in a daily struggle, but we can do everything through Christ which gives us His strength (Philippians 4:13). We read the back of the Bible and know that we win!

 

John 16:33

New International Version

33 “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.”

John 10:10

New International Version

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Revelation 20:10 

New International Version

10 And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and eve

 

Mark 16:17

New International Version

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

 

Ephesians 6:11

New International Version

11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes

 

2 Corinthians 10:4

King James Version

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

 

2 Corinthians 5:7

King James Version

7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

 

Philippians 4:13

New International Version

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, February 10, 2022

Great Joy In The Lord

 

Recently there have been a plethora of articles that have led the country to have continuing feelings of worry, anxiety and discontent.

 

-       The February 6, 2022 issue of the AP has an article entitled, Top Biden Aide Says Russia Could Invade Ukraine ‘Any Day.  There could be as much as fifty thousand casualties. 

 

-       The October 7, 2021 issue of The Brink from Boston University was entitled, “Depression Rates in US Tripled When the Pandemic First Hit—Now, They’re Even Worse”.  

 

-       The January 2022, The University of Michigan Survey of Consumers indicates the year-to-year Index of Consumer Sentiment fell almost 15%. 

 

While it is true that there are many challenges that the world is facing, we can turn to the Bible to see what God says.  The Bible tells us not to be anxious (Philippians 4:6). Contrary to the news, the Bible tells us to always rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 4:4) no matter what are circumstances may be. The Message version of this scripture says, “Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them.”  This is not to say that we will not have hard times, but we know that our God is working for our good (John 13:7).  

 

Today, you have a few choices to make. you can either choose to worry about the future, or you can be confident in the Lord (Psalm 27:3). You can continue to stress because of our personal challenges, or just declare that your God will take care of you (Phil 4:19).  You can choose to let troubling thoughts dominate our minds, or you can think Godly thoughts that are true, honest, and just (Philippians 4:8). 

 

Let us decide to rejoice and be happy in Him.

 

Psalm 27:3

New International Version

3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.

 

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. 

 

Philippians 4:4

New International Version

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 

 

John 13:7

New International Version

7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

 

Philippians 4:19

New International Version

19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

 

Philippians 4:8

New International Version

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, February 2, 2022

We Need Inspiration From God

The Oxford Languages dictionary defines the word, “inspiration” as, “the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.”  Some writers are saying the earth is reaching the point of no return in climate change. Others are declaring that politically America is similar to the rise of pre-Nazi Germany. Still others write that the wily COVID-19 pandemic seems to be always one step ahead of our brightest scientific leaders.  We need inspiration in this hour.

 

What should we do?  If one has a non-working machine, they should return it to the maker.  Those who love the Lord can go to the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:2).   We need people who understand that wisdom comes from God (James 1:5).  In the book of 2 Timothy, the Apostle Paul says that we should look to the inspired word of God so that we can be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  

 

In the book of 2 Chronicles, King Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was surrounded by unbeatable forces that vowed to defeat him.  After gathering the people together, they fasted, prayed, and reminded God about the enemies against His children. He then said, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12).

 

The Bible encourages us that in all our getting, most of all, we should get God’s wisdom (Proverbs 4:6-7).  God loves us, wants the best for us, and wants us to have a good future (Jeremiah 29:11).  Let us all put aside our differences, humble ourselves, come together and ask God for His wisdom, knowledge, and understanding and He promises that He will give it to us.

 

Jeremiah 29:11

New International Version

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

 

Psalm 121:2

New International Version

2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

 

James 1:5

Amplified Bible

5 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

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17

New King James Version

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 
17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

 

2 Chronicles 20:12

New International Version
12 Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

 

Proverbs 4:6-7

New International Version

6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.
7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.