Pastor's Ponderings, April 12, 2022

God’s Positioning System 

As a person who has been challenged with folding maps on long trips, I welcomed the arrival of the new Global Positioning Systems. Instead of having to worry about making wrong turns, I could simply type in my destination and allow it to direct my journey.  I was very happy to note that it would even tell me my time of arrival.  All I need to do is steer, brake, and keep my eyes on the road and not on difficult to read maps.

 

Just like the GPS, it is great to know that God is better than satellites and He will direct our paths to our expected destination (Jeremiah 29:11).  We don’t have to worry if He is tired or sleeping on the job (Psalm 121:4). He is always present even when we make wrong turns in life.  He promises to speak when we turn to the left or right (Isaiah 30:21).  He gives us the light we need on our path when we turn our lives over to Him (Psalm 119:105).

 

Just like I have no desire to turn off my GPS during my travels, we should have no desire to stop listening to God.  He promises to go with us even though we go through deadly times (Psalm 23:4).  Let us remember to tell all of those who are around us that they don’t have to struggle to find the best direction in life.  More than our GPS, God will be a protection for us as He guides us (Isaiah 58:8).  

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 121:4

New International Version

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

 

Isaiah 30:21

New International Version

21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

 

Psalm 119:105

New International Version

105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

 

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.

 

Isaiah 58:8

New International Version

8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, April. 4, 2022

Let Us Cry Loud Against Evil 

Cole Delbyck wrote an article in the Apr. 3, 2022, Huffington Post, entitled, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Beams Into Grammys With Call To Action.  The President said, "Tell the truth about the war on your social networks and TV. But not silence.”  Moreover, Andy Blatchford wrote in the 03/24/2022, Politico magazine, an article entitled, Band of others: Ukraine’s legions of foreign soldiers are on the frontline. The article went on to indicate that up to 20,000 volunteers from around the world have joined with the Ukrainian military to fight in the war.

 

Just as this president, during this war, is challenging the world to help, God is calling for those who love Him to awake from their slumber and cry out loud against sin (Isaiah 58:1).  A classic quote from an unnamed author was, “The Only Thing Necessary for the Triumph of Evil is that Good Men Do Nothing.” Those of us who love the Lord must stand in agreement against atrocities in this war and other horrors around the globe. 

 

We have mighty weapons that we can wield under God’s direction (2 Corinthians 10:4).  Our weapons are the power of prayer, the Name of Jesus, and the sword of the Spirit. We must pray continually (Thessalonians 5:17). Speak truth to power.  We must make intercession and pray for world leaders for God’s wisdom (1 Timothy 2:1-2).  Also, we can remind ourselves that God’s joy is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

 

Now is not the time to say it is somebody else’s problem.  When we see our brother in need and do nothing about it, how does God’s love dwell in us? (John 3:17).  The scripture says that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39).  Now is the time to ask God what we can do as children of God and cry loud joyfully and victoriously. 

 

Isaiah 58:1

New International Version

58 “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.

 

2 Corinthians 10:4

New International Version

4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

 

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.

 

Nehemiah 8:10

New International Version

10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

 

John 3:17

Amplified Bible

17 But whoever has the world’s goods (adequate resources), and sees his brother in need, but has no compassion for him, how does the love of God live in him?

 

Matthew 22:37-39

New International Version

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

37 This is the first and greatest commandment. 

39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, March 29, 2022

Let Us Build Our Future Upon God

On Sunday, March 27, 2022, the 94^th Academy Awards program costing $42.9 million finally ended.  There were awards won, songs sung, dancers shimmied, and jokes resounded.  There was even a disturbing conflict that escalated into a slap in the face of a presenter.  

 

Today, we live in a world that promotes fantasy, entertainment, social media, and internet influencers. Any focus on the Lord, holiness, the Golden Rule, or the Ten Commandments seems old-fashioned.  Most are thinking about living free, looking out for number one, seeking pleasure, or grabbing all the gusto in life.  

 

While many people may not consider building their life upon God, God is always thinking about us. He wants to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).  He gave His Son Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins (John 3:16).  He promised to never leave us (Hebrews 13:5). He desires for all of us to have eternal life with him (2 Peter 3:9, Ephesians 2:6).

 

Although the world wastes time on things that will not matter in eternity, we must remember that only the things that we do for Christ will last.  We should, therefore, build all our hopes, dreams, and aspirations on eternal things.  While the world can spend millions on temporal pleasures, let us be examples of those who are looking to our Savior, Jesus Christ, who started and perfected our faith in Him (Hebrews 12:2).  Let us build our lives upon the solid Rock of Jesus (Matthew 7:24-25).

 

Jeremiah 29:11

New International Version

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

 

John 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.

 

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.”

 

2 Peter 3:9

New International Version

9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

 

Ephesians 2:6

New International Version

6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

 

Hebrews 12:2

New International Version

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.

Matthew 7:24-25

New International Version
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 
25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, March 24, 2022

This is a reprint of a blog that we did on March 11, 2019.  We are in a challenging time with man's inhumanity to man all over the world. However, we have to remember 

God Gives Us The Victory In Every Situation

One of my favorite childhood superheroes was Superman played by George Reeves.  When he was hurt in the 1956 episode, “The Big Freeze,” I was devastated. Imagine my pain when news came in 1959 that George Reeves had died.  It was disappointing to know that the man who was "Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive! Able to leap tall buildings at a single bound!" "Yes, it's Superman- strange visitor from another planet who came to Earth with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men” was simply a man, no superhero, just a man.

In the Bible, we discover those who love the Lord are much more powerful than any mythical Superman.  At a child of God’s request, He made the sun to go backwards (2 Kings 20:9-11). The Bible says that we can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13). We know that since God is on our side, nothing or no one can defeat us (Romans 8:31).  

Bullets bounced off of Superman’s chest, but the Bible states that no weapon that is formed against those who obey God will prosper (Isaiah 54:17a). Superman could defeat some bad guys, but children of God have been given the ability to deal with bad bosses.  Super heroes cannot heal the sick, but the Bible says that believers will lay hands on the sick and they will recover in the Name of Jesus (Mark 16:18).

God gives us power to always defeat the enemies (2 Corinthians 2:14). Therefore we can conquer any challenges that may come our way, with God on our side. Mythical heroes usually travel alone, but God lets His angels surround us to protect and keep us wherever we go (Psalm 91:10-11). This is not to say that Christians are never defeated, but God promises us that He will always accompany us in spite of trying circumstances (Deuteronomy 31:6).  

This week may be challenging, but we don’t need to call for a superhero because the Greater One lives in us and He gives us power and He will be with you to guide you.  Remember all things are possible to those that believe (Mark 9:23) and God will give you the victory in every situation.

2 Kings 20:9-11
New International Version (NIV)

9 Isaiah answered, “This is the Lord’s sign to you that the Lord will do what he has promised: Shall the shadow go forward ten steps, or shall it go back ten steps?”

10 “It is a simple matter for the shadow to go forward ten steps,” said Hezekiah. “Rather, have it go back ten steps.”

11 Then the prophet Isaiah called on the Lord, and the Lord made the shadow go back the ten steps it had gone down on the stairway of Ahaz.

Philippians 4:13
New International Version (NIV)

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

Romans 8:31
New International Version (NIV)

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Isaiah 54:17a
New International Version (NIV)

17 no weapon forged against you will prevail…

Mark 16:18
New International Version (NIV)

18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

2 Corinthians 2:14
King James Version (KJV)

14 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.

Psalm 91:10-11
New International Version (NIV)

10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

Deuteronomy 31:6
New International Version (NIV)

6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Mark 9:23
King James Version (KJV)

23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

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.’