Pastor's Ponderings, September 21, 2025

Focus on God’s Commands, Not the World’s Suggestions

One of the enemy’s greatest tricks is distraction. He loves to get our attention off God’s purpose for our lives and onto the shiny things the world puts in front of us. That’s exactly what happened in the Garden of Eden. God gave Adam a clear command—to work and take care of the Garden (Genesis 2:15-17). But when the serpent came to Eve, he didn’t remind her of God’s command—he questioned it. He shifted her focus away from obedience and onto temptation (Genesis 3:1-5).

 

The same thing happens to us today. When we spend our energy on things God has warned us against—or waste time chasing people, places, and things that don’t really matter—we end up with regret. We look back and see missed opportunities, bad decisions, and doors we wish we never opened. Disobedience always costs us more than we expect.

 

Jesus understood the importance of focus. At just twelve years old, He told His parents, “I must be about my Father’s business” (Luke 2:49). If Jesus made God’s work His priority at such a young age, how much more should we? Unfortunately, our world doesn’t encourage that kind of focus. Social media feeds us endless stories about celebrities while ignoring the suffering of children in war-torn nations. What matters most often gets drowned out by what gets the most clicks.

 

That’s why we need wisdom from God. James 1:5 reminds us that if we ask Him for wisdom, He’ll give it generously. And Ecclesiastes 12:13 makes it plain: our ultimate purpose isn’t chasing pleasure or comfort—it’s to fear God and keep His commandments.

 

So today, let’s make a choice. Instead of being pulled in a hundred directions by the world’s distractions, let’s commit to following God’s commands. Let’s spend our lives healing, teaching, serving, and loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength (Mark 12:30). Because in the end, the world’s suggestions will fade—but God’s Word will stand forever.

 

Genesis 2:15-17

New International Version

15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 
16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 

17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”

 

Genesis 3:1-5

New International Version

1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 

3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”

4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 

5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

 

Luke 2:49

New King James Version

49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?

 

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

 

Ecclesiastes 12:13

New International Version

13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.

 

Mark 12:30

New International Version

30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

 

Pastor's Ponderings, September 14, 2025

With God’s Love, Let Us Help the Poor

On September 13, 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom responded to a harsh comment made on television about the poor. In reply, he quoted Proverbs 21:13: “Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.”

 

That verse is powerful—and sobering. It reminds us that God takes very seriously how we treat people in need. Jesus once told a story about a rich man and a poor beggar named Lazarus (Luke 16:19-23). After both men died, the rich man found himself in torment while Lazarus was comforted at Abraham’s side. The lesson is clear: wealth, comfort, and status in this life mean nothing if we ignore those who are suffering around us.

 

Scripture repeatedly calls us to care for others in need. Psalm 41:1 says, “Blessed is the one who considers the poor; the Lord delivers him in the day of trouble.” Jesus also taught us the greatest commandments: love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:30-31). If we see someone in need and choose to look away, John asks us plainly: “How does the love of God dwell in us?” (1 John 3:17).

 

Loving people isn’t just about kind words—it’s about action. The world around us is often cold, selfish, and indifferent (Matthew 24:12). But as followers of Christ, we are called to be different. We’re called to love with compassion, generosity, and care (1 John 3:18).

So, let’s pause and examine our own hearts. Do we truly care about the poor, the struggling, and the overlooked? Do we make space in our lives to listen, give, and help? God’s love is not meant to stop with us—it’s meant to flow through us. This week, ask God to give you eyes to see the needs around you and a heart willing to respond. With His love guiding us, let’s not ignore the cry of the poor—but instead, be part of God’s answer.

 

Proverbs 21:13

New International Version

13 Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.

 

Luke 16:19-23

New International Version

19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 
20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 

21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 

23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.

 

Psalm 41:1

New King James Version

41 Blessed is he who considers the poor; The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.

 

Mark 12:30-31

New International Version

30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

 

1 John 3:17

New International Version

17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?

 

Matthew 24:12

New International Version

12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold

 

1 John 3:18

New International Version

18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, September 9, 2025

Let Us Have Faith in God

If you’ve been feeling more anxious lately, you’re not alone. A recent report from the American Psychiatric Association revealed that 43% of adults feel more anxious this year than last year—and that number has been climbing for the past few years. People are worried about everything: the economy, the upcoming election, gun violence—you name it. Stress and lack of sleep are making it even worse.

 

It’s clear: a lot of us are carrying heavy burdens of fear and uncertainty.

But here’s the good news—God’s Word tells us something different. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” In other words, faith is trusting that God is working even when life looks chaotic.

 

And let’s be honest—sometimes the world does feel scary and out of control. But Jesus is not shaken by any of this. Hebrews 1:3 reminds us that He upholds the entire universe by His powerful word. The enemy may try to intimidate us, like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8, 9), but don’t forget—Jesus is the true Lion, the Lion of Judah (Revelation 5:5).

 

The world may whisper, “You’re not going to make it. It’s all falling apart.” But God says something very different:

“I’ve put My angels in charge to protect you” (Psalm 91:11-12).

“You are more than a conqueror through Christ” (Romans 8:37).

“I will keep you from falling” (Jude 24).

“Whatever you do will prosper when you trust Me” (Psalm 1:3).

So, here’s the choice: Do we listen to fear, or do we put our faith in the One who has never lost a battle? Now is not the time to panic. It’s time to trust the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Whatever you’re facing today—anxious thoughts, fear of our political leaders, financial struggles, health concerns—remember this: God is in control, and He loves you. Take a deep breath, give it to Him, and let’s walk by faith, not fear.

 

Hebrews 11:1

New International Version

11 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

 

Hebrews 1:3

New International Version

3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

 

1 Peter 5:8-9

New International Version

8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings

 

Revelation 5:5

New International Version

5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

 

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.

 

Romans 8:37

New International Version

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

 

Jude 24

New International Version

24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—

 

Psalm 1:3

New International Version

3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.