Pastor's Ponderings, January 20, 2024

Life And Death Can Be Side By Side

 

Claire Rush and Gene Johnson wrote a powerful article in the Associated Press, January 18, 2024, entitled, “An Oregon Teen Saw 3 People Die After Sliding On Ice Into A Power Line. Then She Went To Help.” The article went on to say that “Majiah Washington noticed a flash outside her home after a dangerous storm coated Portland, Oregon, in ice.”  After a woman, her boyfriend and her brother had been electrocuted, Ms. Washington was able to save the baby who was lying on top of the electrocuted father.  

 

The part of the article that was amazing was that after the three had died and she had gotten the child, “Portland Fire and Rescue spokesman Rick Graves praised Washington for her heroism but confessed he didn’t understand how she and the baby weren’t also electrocuted.”  It may have been difficult for the spokesman to understand but we must know that God is still on His throne. 

 

It is awesome to know that God is watching over us.  We don’t know if the heroine knew the Lord or if she had people praying for her, but we must know that God’s eyes are in every place seeing everything (Proverbs 15:3) and He can do anything but fail (Luke 1:37).  Even during tragedies, God can show up and do great things. Knowing that God can do anything but fail, in the new year, let us go to Him.  Even though we are surrounded by tragedy, pain and suffering, we can pray to Him, and give our lives to Him because He cares for us and loves us (John 3:16).

 

Proverbs 15:3

New International Version

3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

 

Luke 1:37

New King James Version

37 For with God nothing will be impossible.”

 

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.

Pastor's Ponderings, January 13, 2024

Afraid Of The End?

 

Peter Turchin, a professor at the University of Connecticut’s Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, predicts that the end of the world is near.  He uses historical and mathematical modeling to predict events and is well respected in his field.  In a recent article in Phys.Org, he described that because of increasing social unrest from “wealth inequality, stagnating well-being, growing political fragmentation and governmental dysfunction,” America could risk implosion within the decade.

 

We have heard predictions of the world or societies ending before. Some have sound scientific theories and others have been quite far-fetched. Regardless of the theory or evidence, we can thank God that He will protect those who love Him (John 17:15-16).

 

At some point, each of our lives will be over but we do not need to live in fear. While God’s children may see the destruction that is coming upon the earth, the Bible says that it will not hurt them (Psalm 91:5-8).  The Bible also says because His children love him, He will rescue and protect them (Psalm 91:14).

 

While some will see physical death, Jesus promised that we would live with Him eternally (John 14:1-3).  Because of current trends, the professor’s arguments about our society collapsing may be convincing. But we know from God’s word that despite any personal, societal or global destruction that may be coming, He will never leave us, and He will not give up on us (Hebrews 13:5).  We can be comforted in His promises.

 

John 17:15-16
New International Version 

15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 
16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.

 

Psalm 91:5-8

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.

7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked

 

Psalm 91:14

New International Version

14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

 

John 14:1-3
New International Version

1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 
2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am

 

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."

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, January 6, 2024

Are Things Beginning To Change?

 

The Associated Press on National Public Radio, January 2, 2024 posted an article entitled, “Israel pulls thousands of troops from Gaza, a possible sign of scaled-back offensive”.  The article went on to say that it was a “step that could clear the way for a new long-term phase of lower-intensity fighting against the Hamas militant group.”  Many across the world have been arguing for, advocating for, and praying for a cease-fire in the region. Hopefully this is a sign that our prayers will be answered.

 

The Bible says that we should not look down upon small beginnings (Zechariah 4:10).  The Bible further says that when God begins a good work in us, He can successfully complete it in the end (Philippians 1:6).

 

What small changes has God begun in your life in 2024?  It may not seem like much.  It may be the possibility of a raise or promotion.  It may be that there is a new treatment for an affliction in your body.  You may have awakened this morning realizing that you are still alive and that God is working in you to strengthen and motivate you to accomplish His will (Philippians 2:13).  You may have a bright new idea that may bring great opportunities to your family.

 

The year 2023 may have been disappointing in terms of goals missed, accomplishments failed, or objectives side stepped.  But let us look for the signs that things are turning around in our favor. God knows what He is planning for us even when things don’t look good.  He is working to help us prosper and give us hope and a future in Him (Jeremiah 29:11).  Whatever God has begun in us He will successfully complete.

 

Zechariah 4:10

New International Version

10 “Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the Lord that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel?”

 

Philippians 1:6

New International Version

6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

 

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.

 

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.