Pastor's Ponderings, September 23, 2024

Let’s Turn To Jesus During Perilous Times

 

It is great to know that those who love God can turn to Him for His divine protection.  He promised that He would send His angels to keep us wherever we go (Psalm 91:11-12). A classic song made famous when sung by Whitney Houston, “I Go To The Rock” has the lyrics, “… Where do I go when there's nobody else to turn to? Who do I talk to when nobody wants to listen? Who do I lean on when there's no foundation stable?… I go to the rock, I know He's able. I go to the rock.”

 

Jesus is that Rock that we can turn to (Deuteronomy 32:4). The dictionary defines blessings as God's favor and protection. During these times where sudden horrific attacks can happen while attending a music festival, watching a movie or even attending school. There is a constant reminder that we need God’s blessings.  On other occasions where attending a movie brings destruction, and while attending school can bring unspeakable acts of violence, and many other times, we need God’s blessings.  This is not to say that we will never face attacks by the evil one, but He promised that God would never leave us (Psalm 23:4)

 

The Bible says obedience to God will bring His blessings, His favor and protection (Deuteronomy 28:1, 2).  Our adversary, the evil one, has seduced many to believe that their connections, good luck, sixth sense, or even firearms will protect them from sudden evil.  For example, the leader of the National Rifle Association, Wayne LaPierre in 2012, stated that "the only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is with a good guy with a gun.”  Recent events such as the attack at Uvalde school in Texas on May 24, 2022, have proven how ineffective defenses are against an AK-47 (Psalm 127:1).

 

Now more than ever, we can turn to the Rock of our salvation. When we don’t know what to do, when our way seems dark and foreboding and when our leaders seem clearly confused as to what should be done, we can turn to Him.  Let those who love God make the quality decision that all other alternatives are useless, but obeying Him will open the door to receiving His blessings, protection and favor.

 

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.

 

Deuteronomy 32:4

New International Version

4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just.
A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.

 

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.

Deuteronomy 28:1, 2

New International Version
28 If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.

2 All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God:

 

Psalm 127:1

New International Version

1 Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, September 12, 2024

What are you thinking about?

What are the thoughts that occupy your mind?  Are you thinking wonderful, positive, and upright thoughts or are you allowing others to dictate who you are and what you can do and the relationships that you can have.  Many times we will allow negative thinkers to enter our mind to limit our potential, destroy our heritage, and deceive us towards a downward spiral.  

We have a responsibility to filter our minds from stinking thinking (Isaiah 26:3). Not only must we not think the thoughts that distract our focus on the good things that God is doing for us and through us but also He tells us specifically the kinds of thoughts that we are to have.  We are to think pure, lovely, true, honest and just thoughts (Philippians 4:8).  We should do this because He is thinking wonderful thoughts about us (Jeremiah 29:11).

The next time that you get a negative thought about what you can or cannot do, decide to think about the great promises of God, His word, a new idea or a unique way of doing things. Remember that God’s wisdom gives us unique knowledge and brand new ideas so that our future is bright in Him (Proverbs 8:12).

Please comment below and share with others how you learned how to think in a Godly way. You can encourage others to do the same.

Isaiah 26:3
New International Version (NIV)

3 You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast, 
because they trust in you.

Philippians 4:8
New International Version (NIV)

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.

Jeremiah 29:11
New International Version (NIV)

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.

Proverbs 8:12
New International Version (NIV)

12 “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; 
 I possess knowledge and discretion.

Pastor's Ponderings, September 5, 2024

Let’s Not Worry About The Future

 

What will happen to us in the future?  While those who love the Lord look forward to Jesus’ soon coming, others are dreading the reports of horrible signs and wonders from the end times. We have heard the prognosticators, prophets, politicians, and talking heads who try to have an opinion about what will happen.  But if we are really concerned about what will happen in our lives, we should go to Our Maker who sees the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10) since our days are laid out before Him (Psalm 139:16).

 

If we need wisdom or knowledge concerning our future, we should ask God who gives wisdom to everyone liberally (James 1:5).  We don’t have to go to the false prophets who tell people what they want to hear but we can hear from the Spirit of truth who will tell us what is yet to come (John 16:13).

 

What will fulfill my purpose in this place at this time? Should we go here or go there? We may ask should we vote for this person or for that person? Should we take this job, stay with this person, or start this business.  Since God knows the future, we can trust Him to guide our path (Psalm 119:105).  He is looking for people who will trust Him even though they don’t know the future but who trust in the God who has everything under control.  

 

Today, let us trust the Creator of Heaven and Earth who knows what He thinks about us.  He wants to bring us to an expected end in Him (Jeremiah 29:11). He promises our future is with Him in heavenly places.  Let us look forward to a great time in our future (Psalm 27:13).

 

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.’

 

Psalm 139:16

New International Version

16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

 

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

 

John 16:13

New International Version

13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come

.

Psalm 119:105

New International Version

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

 

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 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.