Pastor's Ponderings, September 14, 2025

With God’s Love, Let Us Help the Poor

On September 13, 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom responded to a harsh comment made on television about the poor. In reply, he quoted Proverbs 21:13: “Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.”

 

That verse is powerful—and sobering. It reminds us that God takes very seriously how we treat people in need. Jesus once told a story about a rich man and a poor beggar named Lazarus (Luke 16:19-23). After both men died, the rich man found himself in torment while Lazarus was comforted at Abraham’s side. The lesson is clear: wealth, comfort, and status in this life mean nothing if we ignore those who are suffering around us.

 

Scripture repeatedly calls us to care for others in need. Psalm 41:1 says, “Blessed is the one who considers the poor; the Lord delivers him in the day of trouble.” Jesus also taught us the greatest commandments: love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:30-31). If we see someone in need and choose to look away, John asks us plainly: “How does the love of God dwell in us?” (1 John 3:17).

 

Loving people isn’t just about kind words—it’s about action. The world around us is often cold, selfish, and indifferent (Matthew 24:12). But as followers of Christ, we are called to be different. We’re called to love with compassion, generosity, and care (1 John 3:18).

So, let’s pause and examine our own hearts. Do we truly care about the poor, the struggling, and the overlooked? Do we make space in our lives to listen, give, and help? God’s love is not meant to stop with us—it’s meant to flow through us. This week, ask God to give you eyes to see the needs around you and a heart willing to respond. With His love guiding us, let’s not ignore the cry of the poor—but instead, be part of God’s answer.

 

Proverbs 21:13

New International Version

13 Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.

 

Luke 16:19-23

New International Version

19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 
20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 

21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 

23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.

 

Psalm 41:1

New King James Version

41 Blessed is he who considers the poor; The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.

 

Mark 12:30-31

New International Version

30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

 

1 John 3:17

New International Version

17 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?

 

Matthew 24:12

New International Version

12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold

 

1 John 3:18

New International Version

18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, September 9, 2025

Let Us Have Faith in God

If you’ve been feeling more anxious lately, you’re not alone. A recent report from the American Psychiatric Association revealed that 43% of adults feel more anxious this year than last year—and that number has been climbing for the past few years. People are worried about everything: the economy, the upcoming election, gun violence—you name it. Stress and lack of sleep are making it even worse.

 

It’s clear: a lot of us are carrying heavy burdens of fear and uncertainty.

But here’s the good news—God’s Word tells us something different. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” In other words, faith is trusting that God is working even when life looks chaotic.

 

And let’s be honest—sometimes the world does feel scary and out of control. But Jesus is not shaken by any of this. Hebrews 1:3 reminds us that He upholds the entire universe by His powerful word. The enemy may try to intimidate us, like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8, 9), but don’t forget—Jesus is the true Lion, the Lion of Judah (Revelation 5:5).

 

The world may whisper, “You’re not going to make it. It’s all falling apart.” But God says something very different:

“I’ve put My angels in charge to protect you” (Psalm 91:11-12).

“You are more than a conqueror through Christ” (Romans 8:37).

“I will keep you from falling” (Jude 24).

“Whatever you do will prosper when you trust Me” (Psalm 1:3).

So, here’s the choice: Do we listen to fear, or do we put our faith in the One who has never lost a battle? Now is not the time to panic. It’s time to trust the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Whatever you’re facing today—anxious thoughts, fear of our political leaders, financial struggles, health concerns—remember this: God is in control, and He loves you. Take a deep breath, give it to Him, and let’s walk by faith, not fear.

 

Hebrews 11:1

New International Version

11 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

 

Hebrews 1:3

New International Version

3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

 

1 Peter 5:8-9

New International Version

8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings

 

Revelation 5:5

New International Version

5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

 

Psalm 91:11-12

New International Version

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

12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

 

Romans 8:37

New International Version

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

 

Jude 24

New International Version

24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—

 

Psalm 1:3

New International Version

3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.

 

Pastor's Ponderings, August 27, 2025

Let God Help Us Fulfill Our Purpose

 

Viktor E. Frankl, a survivor of the Nazi death camps, once wrote:

“Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life; everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated, thus, everyone's task is unique as his specific opportunity to implement it.”

 

Those words remind us of something powerful: every single one of us has a purpose. God knew that purpose long before we were born. In fact, He said in Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.”

 

But what if we never fulfill that purpose? What if we spend our lives distracted—caught up in endless social media debates, political drama, or arguments about who’s the greatest NBA player—while time quietly slips away? That’s exactly what the enemy wants: to walk us slowly and comfortably from cradle to grave without ever becoming who God designed us to be.

 

Too often, we try to squeeze ourselves into roles, titles, or lifestyles that don’t fit us. We follow trends, chase approval, and settle for someone else’s plan instead of discovering God’s unique plan for our lives. But Jesus gave us a sense of urgency when He said, “We must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work” (John 9:4).

 

So how do we start? First, by seeking God. Ask Him for wisdom—He promises to give it freely to anyone who asks in faith (James 1:5-7). Don’t wait until the end of life to realize your life had meaning all along.

Next, take time to reflect: What comes naturally to you? What brings you joy and feels purposeful? Maybe you’re not called to be a famous preacher—but you can share the love of Christ with someone who desperately needs it. Maybe you’ll never be a billionaire—but you can bless someone in ways that money can’t.

 

Last, know there are people who need what God has placed inside you. Let Him develop your gifts. Let Him guide your steps. When we partner with God, we don’t just exist—we live out the reason we were created.

 

Jeremiah 1:5

New International Version

5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”.

 

John 9:4

New International Version

4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.

 

James 1:5-7

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.

6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, August 19, 2025

God Always Takes Care of Us

When we accept Christ as our Savior, eternal life doesn’t just begin “someday in heaven.” It begins the very moment we invite Him into our lives. From that day forward, we are renewed in spirit—a life that will continue with Him for all eternity (John 3:6).

 

That’s why it’s important not to get caught up in things that won’t last. The latest fashions, gadgets, cars, or even houses may look exciting, but they are all temporary (2 Corinthians 4:18). Jesus reminded us not to waste our lives worrying about these things, because God already knows what we need (Matthew 6:28-32). Instead, He calls us to focus first on His Kingdom and His righteousness—and when we do, He takes care of everything else (Matthew 6:33).

 

In God’s Kingdom, there is power and authority. Jesus said that what we bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and what we loose on earth will be loosed in heaven (Matthew 16:19). Through His Name, we can face problems, challenges, and struggles with confidence—knowing even the enemy must flee (Mark 16:17).

 

Here’s the beautiful truth: when we put God first, He puts us first. When we find joy in Him, He gives us the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4). We don’t need to live weighed down by past mistakes or filled with anxiety about the future (Matthew 6:34). God was faithful yesterday. He is faithful today. And He will continue to care for us tomorrow—and for all eternity.

John 3:6

Amplified Bible

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh [the physical is merely physical], and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

 

2 Corinthians 4:18

New International Version

18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal

 

Matthew 6:28-34
New International Version

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 

29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 

30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? |

31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 

32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 

33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

 

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.”

 

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;

 

Psalm 37:4

New International Version

4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

 

Pastor's Ponderings, August 10, 2025

It Is Time to Act Against Evil

 

If there’s ever been a time to pray for our leaders, it’s now. We need to look beyond our own personal interests and think about our country—and our world—with prayerful hearts. It’s striking how intelligent, reasonable, and even religious people can have such wildly different views of American society today.

 

Benjamin Franklin reportedly said, “We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.” That’s still true. But instead of working together, many now speak of those they disagree with in extreme, even apocalyptic, terms—calling evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20-21, 23). Respectful disagreements have been replaced by name-calling and hate. Yet God tells us clearly: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity” (Psalm 133:1-3).

 

Scripture also warns us that where there is envy and selfish ambition, you’ll find disorder and every kind of evil (James 3:16). And right now, we see plenty of both.

 

So, what should we, as followers of Christ, do when leaders threaten, boast, and build weapons of destruction? Pray for peace—not just for our nation, but for Jerusalem and the world (Psalm 122:6). Pray for our leaders—whether we agree with them or not (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Seek God’s direction—spend time before Him, asking what action He wants us to take.

 

That action could mean marching for justice, petitioning those in authority, boycotting corrupt systems, or boldly speaking truth to power.

The good news is, God has already equipped us. “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). We don’t fight empty-handed—we fight with faith, truth, and the power of the Spirit.

 

So, let’s rise. Let’s take our orders from the Lord. Let’s lift high the blood-stained banner of Jesus and fight the good fight of faith—until the day is done.

 

Isaiah 5:20, 21, 23

New International Version

20 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.

21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.

23 who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny justice to the innocent.

 

Psalm 133:1-3

New International Version

1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard,

running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.

3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

 

James 3:16

New International Version

16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

 

Psalm 122:6

New International Version

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure.

 

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.

 

2 Peter 1:3

New International Version
3 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

 

 

 

 

  

Pastor's Ponderings, July 31, 2025

Don’t Let The Devil Gaslight You

Have you ever felt like someone was trying to twist your reality—like they were messing with your mind, making you question your own judgment or identity? That’s called gaslighting. According to the dictionary, to gaslight is to manipulate someone into doubting their own sanity or reasoning.

 

Believe it or not, this tactic isn’t new. The devil has been using it from the very beginning. In the Garden of Eden, he asked Eve, “Did God really say you must not eat from any tree in the garden?” (Genesis 3:1). He knew exactly what God had said—but he twisted the words to make Eve second-guess herself.

 

Later, he tried to gaslight Jesus in the wilderness: “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread” (Matthew 4:3). Again, he knew who Jesus was, but tried to plant seeds of doubt. 

 

Eve fell for it. Jesus didn’t. Why? Because Jesus knew exactly who He was—and He didn’t need to prove it to the devil. And that’s the key for us today. The enemy still tries to gaslight us with lies like, “You’re not good enough.” “You’ll never succeed.” “God doesn’t really love you.” “You’re too far gone.”

 

But don’t believe the lies. You were created in God’s image. You are made righteous through Christ. You have purpose, power, and value—not because of how you feel, but because of what God says about you.

 

The Bible says: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). “As He is, so are we in this world” (1 John 4:17). “God has given us everything we need for life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). 

 

The devil wants to confuse you, distract you, and make you doubt what God already declared about you. But you don’t have to listen. You can stand firm in truth.

 

So today, choose to reject the gaslighting. Reject the lies. You have been given wisdom, authority, and victory. Don’t let the enemy rewrite your story. Walk confidently in who God says you are—because that truth will never change.

 

Genesis 3:1

New King James Version

1 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”

 

Matthew 4:3

New International Version

3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

 

Philippians 4:13

New International Version

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

 

Romans 8:37

New International Version

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

 

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.

 

2 Peter 1:3

New International Version

3 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.

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, July 22, 2025

 Let Us Keep Rejoicing in the Lord

 

What does it really mean to “rejoice”? Webster’s Dictionary says it means to feel joy or great delight. But in a world full of pain, injustice, and uncertainty, that can sound easier said than done.

 

Jesus told His disciples, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11). He wasn’t saying life would be free of problems. In fact, the world is filled with heartbreaking news—wars impacting innocent people, drone attacks on civilians, political division tearing apart families, and hunger caused by conflict.

 

So, we may wonder: How can we rejoice in times like these? That’s when we remember a timeless message from a gospel song by Clay Evans: “Hallelujah, anyhow. Don’t let your troubles get you down. If Satan blocks your way, stand right up and say, ‘Hallelujah, anyhow!’”

 

We’re not ignoring the pain around us—we’re rising above it. Why? Because the Bible says, “The joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10). That kind of joy doesn’t depend on perfect circumstances. It’s a strength that comes from knowing God is with us, working through us, and has not lost control.

 

Paul says it clearly: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). That means we choose joy—not just when life is good, but even in the hard seasons. Why? Because God is still in charge of every time and every season (Daniel 2:21).

 

This isn’t about being naïve or pretending everything’s okay. It’s about remembering that we’ve been given power through Christ. Colossians 1:11 tells us we are “strengthened with all power according to His glorious might.” And Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” We are not helpless. We are Christ’s ambassadors. And He said we would do greater works because He is with the Father (John 14:12).

 

So today, no matter what you’re facing, rejoice anyway.

Rejoice because God is still good. Rejoice because your future is in His hands. Rejoice because He’s working everything out for your good (Romans 8:28). Rejoice in the Lord—always.

 

John 15:11

New International Version

11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

 

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.”

 

Philippians 4:4

New International Version

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

 

Daniel 2:21

New International Version

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

 

Colossians 1:11

New International Version

11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,

 

John 14:12

New International Version

12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

 

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.