Pastor's Ponderings, March 14, 2016

Don't Be Afraid Of Goliath!

Recently my youngest daughter introduced me to a wonderful presentation on YouTube by best selling author and speaker Malcolm Gladwell who spoke on the “The unheard story of David and Goliath.” His marvelous conclusion was that unlike the common knowledge that David was at a disadvantage fighting Goliath, actually David was in a superior position with his slingshot and rocks.  Although he appeared bigger and stronger, Goliath never had a chance. David picked up five stones perhaps in case the first one missed he had four other chances to defeat Goliath.

What does this mean for the Christian today that is facing unimagined problems? It is crucial that those who love the Lord remember that whatever problem we face, we always have the advantage.  Our faith must in the Lord, and we have to remember our God’s faithfulness.

The Bible says that God always causes us to succeed (2 Corinthians 2:14).  David had a slingshot, but God also gives us mighty weapons against modern enemies such as negative thoughts, fear, doubt, worry, anxiety, or uncertainty (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).  We can pray with and for others (Matthew 18:19), knowing that He will hear us, heal us, and answer all of our prayers (Psalm 107:20, 1 John 5:14, 15).  It may not be when we want it and it may not be the way we want it to be, but it will be what is the best for us.

Who is your Goliath? What do you think is insurmountable? Take a moment and hand it over to God.  Your prayers are your secret weapons.  God can handle any challenge you are facing!

2 Corinthians 2:14
New American Standard Bible (NASB)

14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Amplified Bible (AMP)

3 For though we walk in the flesh [as mortal men], we are not carrying on our [spiritual] warfare according to the flesh and using the weapons of man.
4 The weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood]. Our weapons are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.
5 We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ,

Psalm 107:20

New International Version (NIV)

20 He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave

Matthew 18:19
New International Version (NIV)

19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven

1 John 5:14-15
New International Version (NIV)

14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

Pastor's Ponderings, March 7, 2016

Planning For Your Future

Do you have enough money in your financial accounts to take you through your retirement years in comfort? Brian Stoffel, in the October 2015 issue of Motley Fool, wrote that “Most of us do not because instead of having enough retirement savings, ...we have this insidious habit, as Americans, of continually upgrading our possessions as we get older and earn more money. …Ironically, if we could resist temptation and stay off the hedonistic treadmill, we would both (1) find ourselves happier and (2) be doing a better job of saving for retirement, as our lifestyle would cost less, as would our requirements for a comfortable retirement.”

Thank God for this wisdom about retirement savings, but have you considered how much you will need in eternity?  We are all scheduled for death and after death, we have to give an account of what we have done in life before God (Hebrews 9:27).  Many have spent their lives trying to continually make more money so that they could enjoy their working lives and then spend their senior years in comfort.  However, they spend little time contemplating eternity after death. 

Can you imagine have a fully funded IRA, millions of dollars in a 401K, and a paid off mortgage on an expensive home?  Wouldn’t it be nice to have passive income that allows one to travel, dabble in hobbies, visit friends, play with grandchildren and simply retire from the rat race?  As great as that sounds, it pales in comparison to the peace one feels in knowing they will spend eternity with God. There is no greater love than when God gave His Son for our sins so that we could enjoy not just retirement, but an eternity of rest with Him (John 3:16).

Yes, it is great to have met your financial goals, but what about your spiritual goals for your life?  Have you made God first in your life? Did you tell others about what God has done for you?  Are you living according to God’s word when no one is watching?

Thank God for investment income, income property, and great allocation of resources, but it is most important that we plan for an eternal future that is prepared by God (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

Hebrews 9:27
New International Version (NIV)

27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.

John 3:16
New International Version (NIV)

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life

1 Timothy 6:17-19
New International Version (NIV)

17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Pastor's Ponderings, February 29, 2016

God Can Even Protect Us From Zika Mosquitoes

What makes you terrified?  What makes you want to go hide under the bed until the monsters go away?   As if we did not have enough problems with global warming, the spread of nuclear weapons, terrorists, a challenging economy, and general mayhem in the land, now we have the Zika virus spread by mosquitoes.  While there may be only a relatively few species of the hundreds of mosquitoes that attack humans, those tiny flying animals may be a harbinger of death, severe birth defects and mental illness.

“The level of alarm is extremely high,” said the head of the World Health Organization on Thursday, describing the spread of Zika virus around the world. As well it should be: The disease, which seems likely to be causing birth defects, could affect millions of people in several dozen countries. And the virus may be on its way into the U.S. As of Friday morning, no fewer than five New York residents have been diagnosed as Zika positive.

Thank God He is in control of our destiny.  He knows what He thinks about us, which is to accomplish everything that concerns His children (Psalm 138:8).  He wants to do the work while letting us simply be willing and obedient to Him and we will get life’s benefits (Isaiah 1:19).  Therefore, God says that we have to choose not to let our hearts be troubled by anything (John 14:1).  We do not have to fear anything because it will not even come near us (Isaiah 54:14). Of course, this does not mean Christians can be careless and travel to the Caribbean without mosquito repellent, but they should not live in fear and instead should walk in God’s wisdom. But, even if we leave this earth, He has a special place for us with Him forever (John 14:2,3).

We can rejoice in His protection and safety. In spite of what the news media says, let us come out from under our beds without fear and know that our God is in control. 

Psalm 138:8
Amplified Bible (AMP)

8 The Lord will accomplish that which concerns me; Your [unwavering] lovingkindness, O Lord, endures forever--Do not abandon the works of Your own hands.

Isaiah 1:19
New International Version (NIV)

19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land;

John 14:1-3
New International Version (NIV)

1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.
2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

Isaiah 54:14
New International Version (NIV)

14 In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you.

Pastor's Ponderings, February 22, 2016

Pray For Those Who Have Hurt Us

The pain of losing a spouse is very great.  Chris Woolston wrote in HealthDay, “As noted by the National Mental Health Association, surviving husbands or wives lose more than a beloved partner -- they lose a way of life.”  On Wednesday, February 10, 2016, Ingrid Williams, the wife of Oklahoma City Thunder assistant coach Monty Williams, died from a car crash that killed her and the woman that crashed into her.  Yet Monty Williams said that he held no ill will toward the lady.  “Let us not forget that there were two people in this situation, and that family needs prayers as well.”

Thank God that He has blessed Mr. Williams to accept the scripture concerning those who have hurt him.  We are to love our enemies, be good to those who hate us, pray for those who despitefully use and persecute us (Matthew 5:44).  He went on to say that he knew his wife was in heaven. We can follow his example because our God gives us the strength (Philippians 4:13) not to hate but to love, not to be hopeless but to be hopeful, not to give into despair but to know that if God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31).

Let us remember Mr. William’s attitude and know, in spite of the pain of any loss in our lives, that all things are working together for our good for those who love God (Romans 8:28).  He gives us the strength to carry on.

Matthew 5:44
King James Version (KJV)

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Philippians 4:13
New International Version (NIV)

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

Romans 8:31
New International Version (NIV)

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:28
New International Version (NIV)

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, February 15, 2016

Thank God, He Never Changes!

Heraclitus of Ephesus, born in 535 BC, was a Greek philosopher, who wrote, “Everything changes and nothing stands still.”  If that were true, it would be a confusing time for everyone.  Sadly, that is true.  One cannot truly depend upon friends, family, or even oneself.  You may remind a person what they promised last year and they may reply, “Then is then, now is now.”

Religions, doctrines, people and philosophies change.  Recently scientists found that even space and time, from Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity…”are interwoven and dynamic, able to stretch, shrink and jiggle.” But God never changes.  He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).  His words, His laws, and His rules that He pronounced ages ago are still good today and will be good tomorrow (Psalm 119:89-91).

What does that mean for us?  It means that we can have total confidence that He will do for us whatever He has promised even though years may pass by (Numbers 23:19).  He is not wishy-washy or a procrastinator.  His reply to us concerning what He has promised to us is “Yes” and “Amen” (2 Corinthians 1:19-20).   Let us rejoice knowing that we have a sure, constant and consistent God that will always keep His promises (Isaiah 55:11).

Hebrews 13:8
Amplified Bible (AMP)

8 Jesus Christ is [eternally changeless, always] the same yesterday and today and forever.

Psalm 119:89-91
New International Version (NIV)

89 Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.

90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.

91 Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you.

Numbers 23:19
New International Version (NIV)

19 God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?

2 Corinthians 1:19-20
New International Version (NIV)

19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silas and Timothy—was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.”

20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

Isaiah 55:11
New International Version (NIV)

11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Pastor's Ponderings, February 8, 2016

Gratitude Is A Wonderful Thing!

Hilary Hinton "Zig" Ziglar, the great author, salesman, and motivational speaker said, “Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.”  Ungrateful and unthankful people can sometimes drain the joy from being around them. Grateful and thankful people are just more fun to be around.  They appreciate the good things in their lives, put the bad things in their lives in proper perspective, and praise and thank God in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

The Bible says that since we are His children, we can go to Him with thankfulness and praise (Psalm 100:3, 4).  It is good to go to God not just for things or for more blessings or to fix bad situations, but we can go to Him with gratitude for what He has already done, is doing, and will do in our lives. God does not want us to worry about anything.  He wants us to simply come to Him with all of our wants and needs and know that He will hear, help, and comfort us (Philippians 4:6).

This week, let us remember that God wants us to be grateful for all that He has done, and for all that others have done for you.  Let us be grateful!

1 Thessalonians 5:18
New International Version (NIV)

18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 100:3, 4

New International Version (NIV)

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.

Philippians 4:6
New International Version (NIV)

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Pastor's Ponderings, February 1, 2016

God Has Made This Day For Us To Rejoice!

Every Sunday at our church, Sanctuary Gospel Center Church in Ypsilanti, someone will stand up and say, “This is the day that the Lord has made.  I will rejoice because He has made me glad (Psalm 118:24)!”  This shout of praise always gives us a feeling of victory, of success, and joy in Jesus. When we consider this glorious voice of triumph over everything that life has thrown at us, we can remember that God has created everything, including us, very good (Genesis 1:27, 31). 

It should thrill you to know that God deliberately designed everything that He made. We can also know that He has already given us every spiritual blessing that we can use in this life (Ephesians 1:3). He has given us access to His kingdom (Matthew 16:19). Moreover, since He gave His Son for us, isn’t it reasonable to think He would give us everything else (Romans 8:32)?

There are challenges in life, sickness, death, fear, man’s inhumanity to man, and anxiety over the future, but let us for this moment cast all of our concerns, worries, and cares upon God (1 Peter 5:7).  He can handle our little problems because He is a big God.  This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Psalm 118:24
New International Version (NIV)

24 The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.

Genesis 1:27, 31
New International Version (NIV)

27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

Ephesians 1:3
New International Version (NIV)

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

Matthew 16:19
New International Version (NIV)

19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Romans 8:32
New International Version (NIV)

32 “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

1 Peter 5:7

New International Version (NIV)

7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.