Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Pastor's Ponderings, February 23, 2022

Let’s Speak The Truth Only

 

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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

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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Tuesday, February 15, 2022

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

(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

(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.


 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday, February 10, 2022

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.

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

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

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.
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.