Pastor's Pondering, October 23, 2025

Despite Political Turmoil, Let’s Choose Peace

 

Politics today can feel like chaos on repeat. Every headline seems more unbelievable than the last. Recently, a lighthearted but immature comment from the White House made national news—proof that even those in power can act more like kids on a playground than leaders of a nation. It’s easy to get frustrated, confused, or even angry when it feels like our leaders are missing the mark or ignoring the values we hold dear.

 

So, what are followers of God supposed to do in times like this?

First, we need to remember what Scripture says about authority. The Bible tells us that “all authority comes from God” (Romans 13:1). That means even imperfect leaders are allowed their position under His sovereign plan. God expects leaders to act with justice and fairness (Proverbs 8:15) and to reject evil while speaking truth (Proverbs 16:12-13).

 

But when they don’t, God doesn’t call us to outrage—He calls us to prayer. The apostle Paul reminds us to pray and give thanks for “all people, including kings and those in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Prayer isn’t passive—it’s powerful. “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16).

Our prayers can move hearts, shift circumstances, and invite God’s peace into a divided world. Proverbs 21:1 says that the hearts of rulers are in God’s hands, and Psalm 84:11 promises that He withholds no good thing from those who love Him.

 

So instead of letting frustration or fear rule our hearts, let’s pray boldly. Let’s ask God to guide our leaders, strengthen our communities, and bring peace to our nation. When we turn to Him instead of turning on each other, we can live “peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:2).

 

Now more than ever, the world needs people who pray more than they panic, love more than they argue, and trust God more than they fear man.

 

Romans 13:1

New International Version

13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God

 

Proverbs 8:15

New International Version

15 By me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just

 

Proverbs 16:12-13

New International Version

12 Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.

13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right.

 

1 Timothy 2:1-2

New International Version

1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 
2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

 

James 5:16

New King James Version

16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

 

Proverbs 21:1

New International Version

21 In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.

 

Psalm 84:11

New International Version

11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, October 11, 2025

 Let Us All Seek the Peace of God

 

Life can feel overwhelming sometimes. There’s so much noise—stress at work, worries about the future, and constant bad news. But in the middle of all that, God invites us to rest in His peace. The Bible says His peace “surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7) and that we should let it rule our hearts (Colossians 3:15).

 

When our thoughts stay focused on God, He promises to keep us in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). Jesus Himself told us that life in this world would bring trouble, but He also said, “Take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). That means no matter what’s happening around us, peace is still possible.

 

It’s true—there are challenges everywhere. The world is full of pain, conflict, and injustice. But we don’t have to let that steal our joy or fill us with fear. God has already won the battle against evil. The question is: will we let the world shape our emotions, or will we let God shape our peace?

 

Society often tells us that our worth depends on what we have—money, status, or power. But God tells a different story. He says we are chosen, loved, and valuable to Him (1 Peter 2:9). Jesus paid the price for every sin—past, present, and future—and has given us everything we need to live a godly life, including His peace (2 Peter 1:3).

 

Yes, life can be hard. We may face grief, sickness, financial strain, or personal struggles. But even in those moments, we can look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. He gives us strength for today and hope for tomorrow.

 

He’s prepared a home for us in heaven—but even now, while we walk through this life, we can experience His peace. So, no matter what comes your way, don’t give up and don’t lose heart. Let us open our hearts and receive the peace that only God can give.

 

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.

 

Colossians 3:15

New International Version

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful

 

Isaiah 26:3

New King James Version

3 You will keep him in perfect peace,Whose mind is stayed on You,

Because he trusts 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.”

 

1 Peter 2:9

Amplified Bible

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

 

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, October 5, 2025

Praise the Lord—Always!

Psychologist Jordan Peterson once said, “What you aim at determines what you see.” That’s true for all of us. What are you aiming at today? Are your eyes fixed on Jesus—the author and finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2)? Or are you focused on everything that’s going wrong?

 

The world constantly pushes us to look at the negative—to dwell on what’s broken, unfair, or uncertain. But God calls us to look at His side, to see His goodness and His hand at work even in difficult times.

 

There’s a song that captures this spirit perfectly: Hallelujah anyhow

“Hallelujah anyhow,

Never, never let your problems get you down.

When temptation comes your way,

Lift your head up high and say,

Hallelujah anyhow!”

 

That’s the kind of praise God loves—praise that rises even in the middle of the storm. Life comes with burdens, pressure, and problems, but we don’t have to carry them alone. Like a newborn who rests without worry in their parent’s arms, we can rest in our Heavenly Father’s care. We can enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise, thanking Him for what He has done, what He is doing, and what He will do (Psalm 100:4).

 

He holds everything together by the power of His word (Hebrews 1:3). The Bible invites everyone therefore to shout for joy to the Lord and worship Him with gladness (Psalm 100:1-2). Why? Because we belong to Him. We are not here by chance—God Himself made us, and we are His (Psalm 100:3). And even when we fail or fall short, His love never changes. He is good, His mercy never runs out, and His faithfulness endures forever (Psalm 100:5). 

 

So, no matter what today looks like—good or bad, calm or chaotic—take a moment to lift your head and your heart toward Heaven. He is worthy of our praise, and when we praise Him, we find peace and strength for the journey ahead. Let’s praise the Lord—always!

 

Hebrews 12:2

New International Version

2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

Psalm 100:1-5

New International Version

1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

.

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.