Pastor's Ponderings, Friday September 18, 2026

God’s Wisdom Overrides Artificial Intelligence

 

Artificial intelligence, or AI, has quickly become part of our everyday lives. We see it in our phones, at work, in schools, in businesses, and even in the ways we search for information. AI can do some amazing things, but it has also caused people to ask an important question: How far can this technology go, and should we be concerned about what it might eventually do?

 

According to a BBC article by Liv McMahon, some current and former AI researchers have warned that advanced technology could pose serious risks to humanity. One researcher even suggested there is a greater than 10% chance that AI could eventually “kill all humans.” These kinds of warnings naturally cause people to wonder about the future and whether technology could become more powerful than the people who created it.

 

As the world worries, wonders, and marvels at the possibilities and dangers of AI, Christians have another place to turn. We can turn to God. The Bible tells us in James 1:5, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.” That is good advice not only for personal decisions but also for a world trying to figure out what to do with powerful new technology. Human beings can create remarkable things, but human intelligence has limits. God’s wisdom has no limits.

 

Man may be powerful, but God is all-powerful. Man may know many things, but God knows everything. Technology may be able to process enormous amounts of information, but God is the source of all wisdom and knowledge. Nothing takes God by surprise, and nothing is outside of His control.

 

Therefore, we do not have to live in fear of what artificial intelligence—or anything else—might do. Our confidence is not in technology, political leaders, corporations, or human institutions. Our confidence is in God. Hebrews 12:2 tells us to look unto Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith.” When the world becomes confusing, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus. When the future seems uncertain, we need to remember that God is still certain. When people do not know what will happen next, God already knows the end from the beginning.

 

Romans 8:31 reminds us, “If God be for us, who can be against us?”

That does not mean we should ignore legitimate concerns or stop using wisdom when dealing with new technology. It means we should not allow fear to control us. We can learn, ask questions, use good judgment, and make responsible decisions while still trusting the God who is greater than anything humanity can create.

 

As times become more uncertain and people become increasingly concerned about the future, let us focus on the only wise God our Savior. Let us ask Him for wisdom when we do not know what to do. Let us trust Him when we cannot see what is ahead. And let us remember that no matter how advanced human intelligence becomes, it will never surpass the wisdom of God.

 

The joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Through Christ, we are more than conquerors because He loves us. We do not have to live troubled or afraid, because Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you” (John 14:27). Artificial intelligence may be advancing, but God’s wisdom has always been greater. We can face tomorrow with confidence because the God who created us is still in control. Thank God that His wisdom goes far beyond any worldly intelligence—artificial or otherwise.

 

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

 

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

 

Romans 8:31

New International Version

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

 

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 14:27

New International Version

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

  

Pastor's Ponderings, September 5, 2026

God Wants Us To Have His Perfect Peace

Are you worried about what might happen tomorrow? Are you concerned about your family, your finances, your job, or the direction of our country? Do the constant reports of violence, conflict, and bad news leave you feeling anxious or unsettled? If so, you are not alone. Many people are carrying worries that they rarely talk about. But God does not want us to live our lives overwhelmed by fear. He wants His peace to rule in our hearts—a peace that is greater than anything the world can understand (Colossians 3:15; Philippians 4:7).

The Bible tells us that God will keep us in perfect peace when our minds are focused on Him because we trust Him (Isaiah 26:3). That doesn't mean we won't have problems. It means our problems don't have to control what is happening inside of us. It's easy to let the world around us determine how we feel. We watch the news, scroll through social media, hear about the economy, deal with difficult relationships, and worry about our jobs and our children's future. Before we know it, everything happening around us has stolen our peace.

But we must remember this important truth: what is happening around us does not have to determine what is happening within us. Jesus never promised that we would have a trouble-free life. In fact, He told us that we would have trouble in this world. But He also promised that He has overcome the world (John 16:33). The enemy wants to use fear, disappointment, and uncertainty to wear us down. Jesus, however, came so that we could have life—and have it more abundantly (John 10:10b).

Jesus gives us a peace that the world cannot provide. He said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you” (John 14:27). His peace isn't based on whether everything around us is doing well. It comes from knowing that God is with us and that He is still in control. So, when trouble comes, let's choose to turn our hearts toward God. When fear begins to rise, let's pray. When the news becomes overwhelming, let's return to His Word. 

When we don't know what tomorrow will bring, let's remember the One who already knows tomorrow. God wants us to experience His perfect peace—not just occasionally, but continually. Let us receive His peace, walk in His peace, and show a troubled world that it is possible to live with confidence, hope, and peace through Jesus Christ.

 

Colossians 3:15

New International Version

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

 

Philippians 4:7

New International Version

7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

Isaiah 26:3

New King James Version

3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

 

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 10:10b

New International Version

10 … I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

 

John 14:27

New International Version

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

 

Pastor's Pondering, August 21, 2026

Who Shall Separate Us From God’s Love?

Life can change quickly. One day everything seems to be going well, and the next day we’re dealing with bad news, financial pressure, family problems, health concerns, disappointment, or uncertainty about the future. People come and go, circumstances change, and the world around us can leave us confused. But there is one thing we can always count on: God loves us.

 

The Bible tells us that Christ demonstrated His love by laying down His life for us (1 John 3:16). That kind of love is different from anything the world can offer. People may disappoint us. Friends may walk away. Circumstances may change. But God's love remains constant. That is why Paul prayed that believers would be strengthened in their inner being through God's Spirit (Ephesians 3:16). God doesn't want us to be controlled by everything happening around us. He wants us to be strong on the inside so that when life gets difficult, we can remain standing.

 

Christ wants to live in our hearts and make His home there. He wants us to be rooted and established in love (Ephesians 3:17). And love isn't simply something God asks us to show others—it is part of the fruit His Spirit produces in us (Galatians 5:22). Think about the times when you've been hurting, worried, confused, anxious, or afraid. Those are the moments when God's love becomes especially precious. His love reaches beyond what we can understand. 

 

Paul prayed that we would experience the width, length, height, and depth of Christ's love and know a love that is greater than human understanding (Ephesians 3:18–19). This isn't shallow affection or an emotional feeling that disappears when circumstances change. God's love is deep, lasting, and powerful. It reminds us that our value doesn't depend on what other people say about us, what we have accomplished, or what we are going through. The world may try to redefine love, cheapen it, or convince us that love is no longer important. But we don't have to accept that message. We can choose to live in God's love and allow His love to shape how we treat others.

 

Romans 8 asks a powerful question: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” (Romans 8:35). The answer is nothing. Not trouble, hardship, disappointment, persecution, fear, the mistakes of our past or the uncertainty of tomorrow. Nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God that is found in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37–39).

 

We may not be able to control everything happening around us, but we can hold on to this truth: God's love is greater than whatever we are facing. So today, let us stand confidently in His love. Let us allow His love to strengthen us, heal us, and help us love others. Whatever comes our way, we can say with confidence:

 

Nothing and no one can separate us from the love of Christ.

 

1 John 3:16

New International Version

16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.  

 

Ephesians 3:16-19

New International Version

16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 
17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 
18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 
19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

 

Galatians 5:22-23

New King James Version

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 

 

Romans 8:35, 37-39

New International Version

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 
38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 

39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, August 3, 2026

Living The Abundant Life

 

Every day we are surrounded by opinions, arguments, and conflicting messages. Sometimes it seems as though wrong is being called right, truth is being questioned, and people are more interested in winning an argument than seeking wisdom. It can be discouraging to watch our culture change and wonder what God's people should do.

 

The Bible gives us a clear answer. Instead of becoming consumed with anger or fear, God tells us not to be troubled by those who practice evil, because their success is only temporary (Psalm 37:1-2). Rather than constantly complaining about our leaders, we should pray for them. God can change even the hardest heart (Proverbs 21:1). Our sincere and faithful prayers are powerful and effective (James 5:16).

 

As followers of Christ, we are not called to retreat from the world or lose hope when evil seems to increase. We are Christ's ambassadors, representing Him wherever we go (2 Corinthians 5:20). Our mission is to point people to Jesus by sharing His love, His grace, and the hope of salvation. We have the privilege of telling others about His goodness and proclaiming the wonderful things He has done for us.

 

Jesus said that He came so that we might have life—and have it abundantly (John 10:10). That abundant life is not measured by wealth, popularity, or success. It is found in a close relationship with Christ. God wants us to experience His presence every day, where we find lasting joy and strength. He desires for us to prosper spiritually, physically, and emotionally (3 John 2). He wants our lives to be filled with the fruit of His Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These are the qualities that truly make life rich and meaningful. 

 

So, when conversations are filled with discouragement and complaints about everything that is wrong with the world, let's choose a different response. Let's talk about what God has done, what He is doing, and what He has promised to do. Let us encourage others with the hope we have in Christ. The world may seem uncertain, but God is not. He is still on His throne, still working in the lives of His people, and still inviting everyone to experience the abundant life that is found only in Jesus Christ.

 

Psalm 37:1, 2

New International Version

1 Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;

2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.

 

Proverbs 21:1

New International Version

21 In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.

 

James 5:16

New King James Version

16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

 

2 Corinthians 5:20
New International Version

20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

 

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.

 

3 John 2

New King James Version

2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

 

Galatians 5:22-23

New King James Version

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 

23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 

Pastor's Ponderings, July 29, 2026

 Let Us Live for Christ

 

Why do you get up each morning? What gives your life purpose? What keeps you moving forward when life gets difficult?

 

In 1973, Stevie Wonder released the song "Living for the City." The closing lyrics challenge listeners to think about the direction of their lives: "If we don't change, the world will soon be over. Living just enough, stop giving just enough for the city " Those words still encourage us to ask an important question: What are we really living for? People spend their lives pursuing many different things. Some chase success, wealth, popularity, power, or pleasure. Others simply try to make it through each day. While none of these things are wrong in themselves, they can never satisfy the deepest need of the human heart.

 

The Bible points us to a greater purpose. Jesus taught us to treat others the way we want to be treated—the Golden Rule. Instead of using people to gain things, we are called to love people and use the blessings God has given us to help others. The Apostle Paul understood what mattered most. He said his life was "hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3). His greatest desire was that Christ would be honored in everything he did, whether he lived or died (Philippians 1:20-21). For Paul, life wasn't about building his own reputation—it was about pointing people to Jesus.

 

General George S. Patton once said, "Live for something rather than die for nothing." While those words came from a military leader, they remind us that everyone needs a purpose. As Christians, our purpose is found in Christ. The world constantly encourages us to focus on temporary things—possessions, achievements, and recognition. But Scripture reminds us to set our minds on things above, not merely on the things of this earth (Colossians 3:2). Our true citizenship is in God's kingdom, and through Christ we are already seated with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).

 

The things of this world will one day pass away, but our relationship with Christ will last forever. So today, let's choose to live for what truly matters. Let us seek God's will, worship Him wholeheartedly, love others generously, and obey His Word. When we make Christ the center of our lives, we discover the purpose for which we were created.

Instead of simply living for this world, let us live for Christ—the One who has prepared for us an eternal home in His heavenly city (Hebrews 11:10).

 

Colossians 3:2-3

New International Version

2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 

3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God

 

Philippians 1:20-21

New International Version

20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 

21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

 

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 11:10

New International Version

10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

Pastor's Ponderings, July 20, 2026

Smile, My Friend—It's Sunrise

 

One of Robin Williams' final on-screen lines in Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (2014) was, "Smile, my boy. It's sunrise." Those simple words carry a beautiful reminder: no matter how dark the night has been, the sun always rises.

 

Life gives us plenty of reasons to feel discouraged. Every day we hear about conflict, hardship, injustice, and uncertainty. It's easy to become overwhelmed by negative news and the problems around us. But God invites us to lift our eyes and remember that "weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5).

 

The Bible reminds us that even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we are only passing through. We are not meant to live there. God walks beside us, comforts us, and gives us the strength to keep moving forward (Psalm 23:4). We don't have to be afraid because He is always with us.

 

Jesus has prepared an eternal home for us, but He has also given us hope and purpose right here and now. The Bible says we are already seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). Our identity isn't determined by the troubles we face but by the Savior who walks with us.

 

It's also important not to become consumed with the actions of those who do evil. Their influence is temporary (Psalm 37:1-2), but God's Kingdom is eternal. We already know how the story ends—God wins, and those who trust in Him will share in His victory.

 

When life's battles seem overwhelming, God doesn't leave us to fight alone. His Word promises that when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord raises a standard against him (Isaiah 59:19). God is still our defender, our protector, and our refuge.

 

So don't let fear have the final word. Lift up your tired hands and don't lose heart (Hebrews 12:12). Keep your eyes on Jesus, the One who began your faith and will faithfully bring it to completion (Hebrews 12:2). Remember that through Him, you are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37).

 

No matter what yesterday looked like, today is a new sunrise. You can smile because God's joy is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10), His presence is your peace, and through Christ, you can face whatever lies ahead.

So, smile, my friend—it's sunrise.

 

Psalm 30:5

New International Version

5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.

 

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.

 

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,

 

Psalm 37:1, 2

New International Version

1 Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;

2 for like the grass they will soon wither,

 

Isaiah 59:19

New King James Version

19 So shall they fear The name of the Lord from the west, And His glory from the rising of the sun; When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him

 

Hebrews 12:12

New King James Version

12 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees,

 

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.

 

Romans 8:37

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

 

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.” 

Pastor's Ponderings, July 12, 2026

 God Is Our Very Present Help in Troubling Times

 

It can feel like every time we turn on the news; we hear about another crisis. Wars continue to rage, innocent lives are being lost, and conflicts around the world seem to grow more dangerous each day. Families are grieving, nations are divided, and uncertainty has become a part of daily life. Closer to home, we also face our own struggles. Rising prices, health concerns, broken relationships, violence, and uncertainty about the future can leave many people feeling anxious and overwhelmed.

 

So, what should those who trust in God do during times like these? The Bible gives us a clear answer. Instead of allowing fear to take over, God tells us not to become consumed by the actions of those who do evil, because their power is only temporary (Psalm 37:1-2). Rather, we are to keep our eyes fixed on Him. When we focus our minds on the Lord, He promises to give us His perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).

 

Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Even when situations seem beyond our control, nothing is beyond His. We may feel weak at times, but God reminds us that we can do all things through Christ, who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13). The enemy wants us to live in fear. He wants us to believe that the problems surrounding us are greater than the God who lives within us. But throughout Scripture, we see ordinary people who chose faith over fear.

 

Queen Esther is one such example. Faced with the possibility of death, she courageously approached the king to save her people, saying, "If I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16). Her confidence was not in herself but in God's purpose. That same confidence can be ours today. We can choose to have hearts that are steadfast, refusing to be tossed back and forth by every frightening headline or discouraging report. Like David, we can believe that we will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13).

 

The news may try to fill us with fear, confusion, and hopelessness, but God's Word fills us with faith, peace, and hope. We can boldly declare, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). No matter what is happening in our nation or around the world, God is still on His throne. 

 

He controls the times and the seasons, and He is still working all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). So, let us not live in fear. Let us live in faith, trusting that our God is—and always will be—a very present help in troubling times.

 

Psalm 37:1, 2

New International Version

1 Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;

2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.

 

Isaiah 26:3

New King James Version

3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You,

Because he trusts in You.

 

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.

 

Philippians 4:13

New International Version

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

 

Esther 4:16

New International Version

16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

 

Psalm 27:13

New International Version

13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

 

Romans 8:31

New International Version

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

 

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.