Pastor's Ponderings, May 9, 2024

“Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”

Last weekend, our grandson, Ethan Clay, graduated from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. The family was there to wish him and his fellow graduates well while they contemplated their future. At the graduation ceremony, Dr. Pamela Whitten, the first female president of the university announced that the oldest graduate was 77 and the youngest was 18.  This was a wonderful occasion that demonstrated that the students had not let gender, age, or anything stop them from beginning to reach their goals.

 

That great occasion reminds me of one of my favorite Dr. Seuss books, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” One of the lines are, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...” 

 

As believers, we want walk in confidence towards our goals as the Bible tells us that God will steer us in the right direction. His Word will tell us which way to go (Isaiah 30:21). He said that He was pleased to give us the proper motivation (Philippians 2:13). When we are confused, discouraged, or disheartened, He promises that He will light our feet and our pathway in life (Psalm 119:105). It is good to know that although we have brains in our head, we can be excited about what God has planned because no one has seen the good things that God will give to those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9).

 

This world is full of possibilities, crammed with opportunities, with multiple open doors leading to many shining paths (Proverbs 4:18). Those shining paths are God’s direction for happiness, fulfillment, and His purpose for us.  We are not on our own, but we have a conductor that will lead us evermore. Oh, the places you will go!

 

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.”

 

Philippians 2:13

New International Version

13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

 

Psalm 119:105
New International Version

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

 

1 Corinthians 2:9

New International Version

9 However, as it is written: “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—

 

Proverbs 4:18

New International Version

18 The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

Pastor's Ponderings, May 3, 2024

God Makes Great Choices

 

Have you ever felt that you missed your great opportunity in life?  When the doors to your future opened wide, you may have felt that you were taking a nap and you only woke up to see them closing permanently.  What was even worse for you was that you could see someone else skipping merrily along their shining path to their glorious future. 

 

Well, today is the today that you can feel happy, content, and joyful.  The Bible says that it is God’s pleasure and will to adopt those who love Him to be His children (Ephesians 1:5). Since we have become His children, we are then joint heirs with Jesus and we get good things from Him (Romans 8:17). It does not matter what we seemed to have missed out on in life, God has gotten something better for us and that is to have His purpose work in our lives (Isaiah 46:10).  God wants us to know that our life is blessed even though it may not seem like it. It does not matter about lost opportunities or closed doors. God has promised that His kingdom belongs to us (Matthew 16:19, Luke 12:32)! 

 

Today, we don’t have to place our hope in our relationships, careers, savings, or even personalities to guarantee that good things will happen for us.  Although it may seem that we have taken the wrong fork in the road, chosen the wrong career, or made the wrong decision, we have to remember that God is in control. We can make good decisions because He is still directing our path (Psalm 37:23). Because we love Him, everything is working together for our good (Romans 8:28).  So, relax, be happy, contented, and joyful.  God makes great choices!

 

Ephesians 1:5

New International Version 

5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—

 

Romans 8:17

New International Version 

17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

 

Isaiah 46:10

New International Version 

10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’

 

Matthew 16:19

New International Version 

19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

 

Luke 12:32

New International Version 

32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

 

Psalm 37:23

New Living Translation 

23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.

 

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.

Pastor's Ponderings, April 27, 2024

Hallelujah Anyhow!

 

Today could be a day to look on the dark side of life and see all the challenges that life is bringing us.  Or we can say what the Bible says, which is, “This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24).  Since we are what we focus on, talk about, and think about, it behooves us to think the thoughts that God wants for us (Philippians 4:8).  We should focus on letting His mind be in us (Philippians 2:5) and we should speak those things that are not as though they were (Romans 4:17). 

 

In the book of Genesis, when the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the deep, He noticed that the earth was “formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep  (Genesis 1:1, 2).  He could have looked at it and decided that there was no hope.  He could have decided that it all was a waste of time, the devil was running around wreaking havoc, and people were going to do terrible things anyway. 

 

But the first thing that He did was to say, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3).  As He is so, we in this world (1 John 4:17).  When we see that our challenges are great, there seems to be no way out and problems seem insurmountable, we can shine the light of God on every situation.  We can declare that this is God’s Day and despite what comes or goes, who comes or goes, we are going to rejoice.  There is a classic song, “Hallelujah Anyhow” which has the lyrics, “Hallelujah anyhow, never let your troubles get you down. When trials come your way, hold your head high and say, Hallelujah anyhow.”

 

We will not let the evil one get the victory by trying to get us to focus on that which is, but we will look to God to tell us what can be.  If we are not going to praise God during trials and tribulations, those watching us will not either.  Today, let us think, declare, and say, “Hallelujah anyhow!”

 

Psalm 118:24

New King James Version

24 This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.

 

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

 

Philippians 2:5

New King James Version

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,

 

Romans 4:17

New International Version

17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.

 

Genesis 1:1, 2

New International Version
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

 

Genesis 1:3

New International Version 
3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light

 

1 John 4:17

New King James Version

17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.

  

Pastor's Ponderings, April 19, 2024

Our Times Are In His Hands

 

On December 23, 1776, Thomas Paine wrote The Crises.  The first few lines were, “These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”  Perhaps in 1776, it was clear who the enemy was and who were the good patriots.  Unlike in 2024, some seem to yearn for the 1800s, and others long for Gilead, the Handmaid’s Tale,  while others look at how the country can be greatly blessed in the future.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Facts, science, rational thinking seem to be a matter of choice and one’s political opponents are not simply wrong or the loyal opposition, but they are considered evil and unworthy for compromise.  What should those who love the Lord do in such a charged environment?  First, we must seek the face of God by reading His word and praying for Him to be in our situation (Psalm 27:7-9).  Second, we must seek His wisdom (James 1:5).  Last, we must be willing to obey Him (Deuteronomy 30:16) even if He is not voting for our political party or expressing His support for our wars at home or abroad.

 

While we are to pray for leadership, we must not only be willing to obey, but we must also actually be obedient to His will. Evil does not care who is in charge if chaos reigns, passions are ignited, and continuing conflicts are the coin of the realm.

 

Let’s decide today that, while political and legal challenges are occurring that have never occurred before, we will seek God’s face. We will strive to receive His wisdom and will obey His commands despite pressure from friends, foes, relatives, and neighbors to follow their commands. 

 

Psalm 27:7-9

New International Version

7 Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me.

8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”Your face, Lord, I will seek.

9 Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior.

 

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.

 

Deuteronomy 30:16

New International Version

16 For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

Pastor's Ponderings, March 30, 2024

God Is In Charge of This Election

 

In this election year when distortions, deceptions, and distractions drown out truth, we may ask what kind of leaders we should have in office.  If one needs wisdom about our choices, the Bible says to ask God (James 1:5).  The Bible established the criteria for God’s kind of ruler.   It says that the leader must judge with justice and righteousness.  The leader must defend the afflicted, save needy children, and must crush the oppressor (Psalm 72:1-4, 7) so that the people can prosper. 

 

We have a responsibility in this tumultuous election season. The Bible tells us that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for the kings and those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-4).  If we do not pray for them, we should not be surprised that the temptations of leadership may lead them astray. 

 

We can complain about the leadership, or we can talk to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.  Millions of dollars will be spent in this crucial election, but the outcome depends upon God who will raise up some and put down others (Psalm 75:6-7).

 

Let us pray, protest, write letters, and support those leaders that God has chosen.  To do this we must vigorously seek the face of God that He may send us His leaders.  Let us also ask for wisdom that that we will recognize their worth when they arise.

 

1 Timothy 2:1-4

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,

4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

 

Psalm 72:1-4, 7

New International Version

1 Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness.

2 May he judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice.

3 May the mountains bring prosperity to the people, the hills the fruit of righteousness.

4 May he defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; may he crush the oppressor.

7 In his days may the righteous flourish and prosperity abound till the moon is no more.

 

Psalm 75:6-7

New International Version

6 No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves.

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

Pastor's Ponderings, March 24, 2024

Our Secret Place

 

On Mar 22, 2024, the Associated Press wrote an article entitled, Russia Says 115 Killed In Concert Hall Raid; Islamic State Group Claims Responsibility.  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.

 

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.  

 

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).

 

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 He will be with us (Psalm 91:15).

 

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. 

 

Psalm 91:1-3

New International Version

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence

 

Psalm 34:19

New International Version

19 The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;

 

Psalm 46:1

King James Version

46 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble

 

Psalm 91:5, 6

New International Version
5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.

 

Psalm 91:15

New International Version
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, March 16, 2024

God Has The Final Word

 

In an article published by The Hill on 3/13/24, Tara Suter wrote an article entitled, “Russia ready to use nuclear weapons if sovereignty is threatened: Putin.”  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.

 

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).

 

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.  

 

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).

 

Matthew 24:2, 12-14

New International Version

2 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?”
12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 
13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 
14 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

 

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.

 

Mark 16:15-16

New King James Version

15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 

16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

 

Daniel 2:20-22

New International Version

20 and said “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.

21 He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

22 He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.