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.

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, July 12, 2025

Let Us Seek God’s Peace

Are you feeling peaceful today?

 

With everything going on around us, peace can feel like a rare thing. The news is filled with stories of flash floods in Texas, government uncertainty, and rising global tension. Even closer to home, many of us are dealing with personal stress—unsafe food, poor air quality, and a growing sense of anxiety. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, over 21 million U.S. adults experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2021. That’s nearly 1 in 10 people.

 

So how can we stay calm in the middle of all this? The Bible gives us a powerful promise in Isaiah 26:3:

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

This kind of peace isn’t just a moment of calm. In the Bible, “peace” means completeness, soundness, safety, and deep contentment. It’s something that lasts even when life feels out of control.

 

We can have worldly peace or God’s peace. When we chase the world’s version of peace—temporary solutions, feel-good distractions, or false promises—it doesn't last. Jesus warned us in John 16:33 that “in this world you will have trouble,” but He also said, “take heart, I have overcome the world.”

 

God offers us a different kind of peace. It’s not weak or passive. It protects us from the inside out. Philippians 4:7 tells us that His peace “guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  He leaves His peace with us.  We do not have to be troubled or afraid (John 14:27).

 

And unlike the world’s peace, God’s peace doesn’t collapse when life gets hard. In fact, 1 Thessalonians 5:3 reminds us that when the world says, “peace and safety,” that’s often when disaster strikes. But God’s peace is steady, strong, and trustworthy.

 

Let us fix our minds on God. Today, we can take a moment to slow down and focus our mind on God. His peace is a gift—freely available to everyone who loves Him. We don’t have to figure it all out or solve every problem. We just need to rest in His presence.

 

Let’s keep our hearts firm, our minds focused, and our spirits grounded in the peace that only God can give. Unlike the world, His peace is real, unshakable, and it lasts forever.

 

Isaiah 26:3

New International Version

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

 

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.

 

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

 

1 Thessalonians 5:3

New International Version

3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

 

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, July 3, 2025

 Who Will Be on the Lord’s Side?

As we head toward the 4th of July in 2025, many people are getting ready for the usual celebrations—grilling good food, spending time with family and friends, enjoying some rest, and reflecting on freedom. But for others, this year feels heavy. There’s a growing concern about who will lead our country and where we’re headed. People are worried about jobs, healthcare, immigration, rising costs, and the overall direction of our nation. Anxiety is everywhere.

 

In moments like this, we can ask the same question Moses asked the people of Israel thousands of years ago. After God had delivered them from slavery in Egypt, the people turned their backs on Him and worshiped a golden calf. Moses stood up and announced, “Whoever is for the Lord, come to me” (Exodus 32:26).

 

That question still matters today. In 2025, who will stand with the Lord? The Bible describes those who are on God’s side: they live with integrity and do what’s right. They speak truthfully and treat others with kindness. They don’t gossip, harm their neighbors, or tear people down. They keep their promises, even when it’s hard. In addition, they help those in need without expecting something in return. These are the people who will stand strong forever (Psalm 15:2-5).

 

The truth is that the world has always had problems. People have always fought for power, wealth, and control—often at the expense of others. But no matter what’s going on around us, we can choose to stand with God. We can choose to live by His word, even when it’s not popular, even when others go a different way.

 

So, as we celebrate this season of freedom, let’s make a deeper choice—the choice to stand on the Lord’s side. Let’s believe Him, obey Him, and stay faithful no matter what.

 

Exodus 32:26

New International Version

26 So he stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the Lord, come to me.” And all the Levites rallied to him.

 

Psalm 15:1-4

New International Version

1 Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?

2 The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart;

3 whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others;

4 who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind;

 

Psalm 15:5

The Living Bible

5 does not crush his debtors with high interest rates, and refuses to testify against the innocent despite the bribes offered him—such a man shall stand firm forever.