Pastor's Ponderings, January 27, 2026

Who Is on the Lord’s Side?

 

Have you ever noticed how two people can look at the exact same thing and come away with completely different conclusions? There’s a reason. Optical illusions are so fascinating—what we see often depends on our perspective, experiences, and mindset. One image, two viewers, two very different interpretations.

 

We see this play out in real life all the time. Recent tragic events in Minnesota are a painful example. People are watching the same footage, hearing the same facts, yet describing what happened in completely opposite ways. Even when clear evidence is available, opinions remain firmly divided. What we see is shaped by how we think—and by what we choose to believe.

 

That reality should cause those of us who love the Lord to pause and ask an important question: How does God want us to see the world? The Bible tells us that believers have access to a different way of seeing—the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). We are also encouraged to let Christ’s attitude and way of thinking guide our lives (Philippians 2:5). That means we can’t simply adopt the loudest opinions or the most popular narratives around us.

 

Scripture warns against calling good evil and evil good (Isaiah 5:20). Yet that happens all the time. Compassion is criticized. Mercy is dismissed. Care for immigrants, strangers, and the poor is questioned—even though Jesus made it clear that loving and serving them is central to following Him (Matthew 25:35).

 

At some point, we all must decide where we stand. Being “on the Lord’s side” isn’t about politics, popularity, or personal comfort. It’s about aligning our hearts with His. Jesus consistently showed concern for the overlooked, the homeless, the hurting, and those pushed to the margins of society. Scripture tells us that He went about doing good and healing those who had been harmed (Acts 10:38). That same calling rests on us today.

 

God makes it clear what kind of faith He desires—not empty words, but action: freeing the oppressed, breaking chains of injustice, feeding the hungry, and caring for those without shelter (Isaiah 58:6–7).

 

So let’s make a conscious choice to see the world through God’s eyes, not through fear, anger, or misinformation. Let’s refuse to echo the cruelty and indifference of the world system. Instead, let’s stand up for the vulnerable, help those in need, and love the people others ignore.

When we choose to be on the Lord’s side, God promises blessing, healing, protection, and guidance. He hears our cries and walks with us every step of the way (Isaiah 58:8–9).

 

Dear friends, let us commit ourselves to having the mind of Christ—and to living boldly, compassionately, and faithfully on His side.

 

1 Corinthians 2:16

New International Version

16 for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?”

But we have the mind of Christ.

 

Philippians 2:5

New King James Version

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus

 

Isaiah 5:20

New International Version

20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter

 

Matthew 25:35

New International Version

35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,

 

Acts 10:38

New International Version

38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

 

Isaiah 58:6-9

New International Version

6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?

7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.

9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.

 

  

Pastor's Ponderings, January 19, 2026

 Let Us Seek God’s Righteousness

In 2013, Pharrell Williams released the upbeat song “Happy.” It was catchy, fun, and impossible not to smile when it came on. The lyrics encouraged people to clap, dance, and celebrate happiness—no matter what was going on around them.

 

What’s interesting is that the song became popular during a time of real stress and uncertainty. Back then, just like now, people were worried about debt, jobs, healthcare, war, disease, crime, and the future. Chaos and tension felt normal. And today, not much has changed. Jesus even acknowledged this kind of worry when He said that these are the things the world is always anxious about (Matthew 6:32).

 

But Jesus also gave us reassurance. He told us not to live in constant worry because God already knows what we need (Matthew 6:31, 34). Worry doesn’t add anything to our lives—but trusting God does.

That’s why Scripture encourages us to lift our focus higher. “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). 

 

Jesus said if we seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness first, everything else we truly need will be taken care of (Matthew 6:33).

As believers, we’re not powerless. God has given us authority—to stand against evil and to release what is good and life-giving. As His representatives on earth, we can pray and live out, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

So yes, we can still be happy. We can live with joy, hope, and excitement—not because life is perfect, but because God is working on our behalf. Evil doesn’t get the final word. Therefore let’s choose to seek God’s righteousness, trusting that this is exactly where peace, purpose, and true happiness are found.

 

Matthew 6:31-34

New International Version
31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 
32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own

 

Colossians 3:2

New International Version

2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

 

Matthew 6:10

New International Version

10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

 

 

Pastor's Pondering, January 7, 2026

Let Us Rejoice in 2026

A new year is here, and with it comes fresh opportunity. New beginnings. New chances. Many of us start the year setting goals, making resolutions, and hoping this will be the year things finally change. And the good news is—you don’t have to be held back by past mistakes or missed opportunities. What’s behind you doesn’t have to define what’s ahead. You can honestly say to your family, friends, and neighbors, “I’m not the same person I used to be.” God is still working, and real transformation is possible.

 

The Bible tells us that God already has a plan for our lives—a good plan, filled with hope and purpose (Jeremiah 29:11). He invites us to stop living in the past and to move forward toward what He has called us to be (Philippians 3:14). That means letting go of old habits, old thinking, and old fears, and stepping into the new life we have in Christ (Ephesians 4:22–24). With His strength, we can do what once felt impossible (Philippians 4:13).

 

When doubts creep in and tell you, “This is just the way you’ve always been,” remember the truth: God has rescued you from darkness and brought you into His Kingdom (Colossians 1:13). You don’t have to think the old way anymore—you have the mind of Christ. You are not who the world says you are; you are who God says you are.

 

Maybe you stumbled in previous years. Maybe last year felt like a struggle. But in 2026, God can keep you standing and guide you forward (Jude 24). Where there was defeat, He brings victory (1 Corinthians 15:57). Where there were flaws, God continues His work of shaping and restoring you (Psalm 138:8).

 

This year is not a repeat of the past—it’s a fresh page. And God is ready to create something beautiful in your life. So let us rejoice in 2026, trusting that the best is still ahead.

 

Jeremiah 29:11

New King James Version

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

 

Philippians 3:14

New International Version

14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

 

Ephesians 4:22-24

New International Version

22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;
23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;
24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

 

Philippians 4:13

New International Version

13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

 

Colossians 1:13

New International Version

13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

 

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—

 

1 Corinthians 15:57

New International Version

57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Psalm 138:8

New King James Version

8 The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.