Monday, December 29, 2025

Pastor's Ponderings, December 29, 2025

God Delivers His Children From Evil

 

Have you ever looked around and wondered why the world feels so chaotic? It seems like everywhere we turn there’s conflict, confusion, and division. People argue over small differences, tempers flare easily, and kindness often feels in short supply. The Bible tells us there is a real spiritual battle happening behind the scenes. Scripture describes the enemy as one who prowls around, looking for ways to harm, divide, and destroy (1 Peter 5:8). He stirs up pride, dishonesty, violence, and trouble—things God clearly hates (Proverbs 6:16–19).

 

Because of this, our world can feel upside down. Business leaders act like politicians. Politicians threaten and posture instead of serving. Pastors feel pressure to entertain, while entertainers are treated like moral authorities. Many people seem driven by fear—afraid they won’t have enough; afraid they’ll be left behind—so they fight for everything they can get. It’s as if something unseen is pushing people in unhealthy directions.

 

The Bible explains that the enemy blinds the minds of those who don’t believe, making it hard for them to see the truth (2 Corinthians 4:4). Jesus warned that when blind leaders lead blind followers, everyone ends up falling into trouble (Luke 6:39). The goal of the enemy has always been the same: to steal, kill, and destroy, keeping people trapped and confused (2 Timothy 2:26).

 

But that is not the end of the story. God promises wisdom to anyone who asks Him (James 1:5). He gives peace to those who seek Him because He is the Prince of Peace. He fills us with joy that gives us strength, even when life feels heavy (Nehemiah 8:10). For those who love the Lord, God promises stability and growth—like a tree planted by water that continues to bear fruit (Psalm 1:3). His desire is not for us to live in fear or confusion, but to prosper, be healthy, and walk confidently with Him (3 John 2).

 

As we move through today and into 2026, let’s keep our eyes on Jesus, the One who began our faith and continues to strengthen it. Let’s choose not to be shaken by all the noise, anger, and confusion around us.

We belong to our Creator. We are held in His hands. And no matter what happens in the world, God will keep us, protect us, and love us forever.

 

1 Peter 5:8

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.

 

Proverbs 6:16-19

New International Version

16 There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him:

17  haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,

18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil,

19 a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

 

2 Corinthians 4:4

New International Version

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

 

Luke 6:39

New International Version

39 He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?

 

2 Timothy 2:26

New International Version

26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

 

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.

 

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.”

 

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.

 

3 John 2

New King James Version

2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

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