Pastor's Ponderings, February 15, 2022

We Win Our Own Super Bowl Everyday

At the end of a hard-fought battle in the 2022 Super Bowl, the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals.  This celebrated bowl generated billions in revenue.  According to an article in the February 13, 2022, LA Times, players on the winning team will receive $150,000, while the losers will get $75,000 in this worldwide event.

 

While this contest generated much interest, there is another conflict going on that involves an even greater struggle; the conflict between good and evil.  While God has already defeated the world (John 16:33), the devil still tries to convince us that he can somehow win over God. Those who love the Lord, however, have Him on our side against the devil who is seeking our destruction (John 10:10).  The Book of Revelations tells us that the serpent is defeated and cast into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:10).

 

We may never hear our names trumpeted in a worldwide contest and we may never get a ring to celebrate our victory over another.  However, we have power to overcome evil (Mark 16:17).  We have strong armor and defensive weapons to stop his attacks (Ephesians 6:11).  We also have mighty offensive weapons to defeat evil in our lives (2 Corinthians 10:4).  

 

We win our Super Bowl every day when we walk by faith in God (2 Corinthians 5:7) and refuse to bow down to evil.  Let us remember that we are in a daily struggle, but we can do everything through Christ which gives us His strength (Philippians 4:13). We read the back of the Bible and know that we win!

 

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.”

John 10:10

New International Version

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Revelation 20:10 

New International Version

10 And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and eve

 

Mark 16:17

New International Version

17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

 

Ephesians 6:11

New International Version

11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes

 

2 Corinthians 10:4

King James Version

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

 

2 Corinthians 5:7

King James Version

7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

 

Philippians 4:13

New International Version

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, February 10, 2022

Great Joy In The Lord

 

Recently there have been a plethora of articles that have led the country to have continuing feelings of worry, anxiety and discontent.

 

-       The February 6, 2022 issue of the AP has an article entitled, Top Biden Aide Says Russia Could Invade Ukraine ‘Any Day.  There could be as much as fifty thousand casualties. 

 

-       The October 7, 2021 issue of The Brink from Boston University was entitled, “Depression Rates in US Tripled When the Pandemic First Hit—Now, They’re Even Worse”.  

 

-       The January 2022, The University of Michigan Survey of Consumers indicates the year-to-year Index of Consumer Sentiment fell almost 15%. 

 

While it is true that there are many challenges that the world is facing, we can turn to the Bible to see what God says.  The Bible tells us not to be anxious (Philippians 4:6). Contrary to the news, the Bible tells us to always rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 4:4) no matter what are circumstances may be. The Message version of this scripture says, “Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them.”  This is not to say that we will not have hard times, but we know that our God is working for our good (John 13:7).  

 

Today, you have a few choices to make. you can either choose to worry about the future, or you can be confident in the Lord (Psalm 27:3). You can continue to stress because of our personal challenges, or just declare that your God will take care of you (Phil 4:19).  You can choose to let troubling thoughts dominate our minds, or you can think Godly thoughts that are true, honest, and just (Philippians 4:8). 

 

Let us decide to rejoice and be happy in Him.

 

Psalm 27:3

New International Version

3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.

 

Philippians 4:6

New International Version

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

 

Philippians 4:4

New International Version

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 

 

John 13:7

New International Version

7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

 

Philippians 4:19

New International Version

19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

 

Philippians 4:8

New International Version

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, February 2, 2022

We Need Inspiration From God

The Oxford Languages dictionary defines the word, “inspiration” as, “the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.”  Some writers are saying the earth is reaching the point of no return in climate change. Others are declaring that politically America is similar to the rise of pre-Nazi Germany. Still others write that the wily COVID-19 pandemic seems to be always one step ahead of our brightest scientific leaders.  We need inspiration in this hour.

 

What should we do?  If one has a non-working machine, they should return it to the maker.  Those who love the Lord can go to the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:2).   We need people who understand that wisdom comes from God (James 1:5).  In the book of 2 Timothy, the Apostle Paul says that we should look to the inspired word of God so that we can be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  

 

In the book of 2 Chronicles, King Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was surrounded by unbeatable forces that vowed to defeat him.  After gathering the people together, they fasted, prayed, and reminded God about the enemies against His children. He then said, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12).

 

The Bible encourages us that in all our getting, most of all, we should get God’s wisdom (Proverbs 4:6-7).  God loves us, wants the best for us, and wants us to have a good future (Jeremiah 29:11).  Let us all put aside our differences, humble ourselves, come together and ask God for His wisdom, knowledge, and understanding and He promises that He will give it to us.

 

Jeremiah 29:11

New International Version

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

 

Psalm 121:2

New International Version

2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

 

James 1:5

Amplified Bible

5 If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17

New King James Version

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 
17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

 

2 Chronicles 20:12

New International Version
12 Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

 

Proverbs 4:6-7

New International Version

6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.
7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, January 28, 2022

Despite Man’s Decisions, God Will Triumph

Rebekah Sager in the January 25, 2022, Daily Koss, wrote an article indicating that a Texas GOP agriculture commissioner blocks federal aid to Black farmers.  The article went on to indicate the nation’s Black farmers are one group of Americans in agriculture who deserve to be taken care of because of discriminatory behavior by various powerful organizations.  The article further stated, “But just as this group was poised to receive desperately needed relief, Texas Republican Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller challenged the law, blocking the farmers from the money they were rightfully due.”

 

The Bible says, “When good people run things, everyone is glad, but when the ruler is bad, everyone groans.” (Proverbs 29:2 MSG). What should citizens do when we see such bad behavior by those in charge? We could be angry and conspire against our perceived bad guys. Or we could become passive and say, “What can we do?  The bad guys always win and that is just the way it is.”

 

But what should we do as children of God?  One thing that we should do is to sincerely turn to God and ask Him for our next moves.  God can send those leaders and change circumstances in favor of those who love Him since all things work together for those who love God (Romans 8:28).  He promises to guide our footsteps. Another thing for those who love the Lord is to humble ourselves, pray, learn God’s commandments, and turn from our own evil ways.  If we do this, the Bible promises that God will hear us, forgive our collective disobedience, and make things right in our land (2 Chronicles 7:14).  

 

We are not naïve optimists hoping the evil people will suddenly get a divine revelation and come crying to their knees.  But the Bible tells us to not get upset about bad people since they will be out of the way in God’s timing (Psalm 37:1, 2).  Therefore, we should not stop praying (1 Thessalonians 5:17), putting God’s will first in our lives and allowing Him to speak to our heart for our next steps. Despite how things seem to be God is still on the throne and He will work things out.   

 

1 Thessalonians 5:17

New International Version

17 pray continually,

 

Proverbs 29:2

The Message

2 When good people run things, everyone is glad, but when the ruler is bad, everyone groans.

 

Romans 8:28

New International Version

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.

 

2 Chronicles 7:14

New International Version

14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

 

Psalm 37:1, 2

New International Version

1 Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;
2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, January 21, 2022

Through God Let’s Defeat COVID in 2022

For those who were expecting a quick turnaround in 2022 in COVID-19, we are noticing upticks in hospitalizations, cases, and deaths despite over 63.0% of the United States being fully vaccinated.  This is occurring despite having a less deadly variant dominating the cases. Truly, this has not had the expected effect of putting this virus in our past.

 

What should we do as children of God? First, we should say that this virus is going away. The Bible says that we should say those things that are not as if they were (Romans 4:17).  Our life is a result of what we are continuing to say (Proverbs 18:21) so we should speak that our God is greater than any virus (1 John 4:4). The God that lives inside of us is greater than any force in the world.

 

Next, we should pray that God will protect us from its deadly effects because sincere and fervent prayers are very effective (James 5:16). The Bible says that man ought to always pray (Luke 18:1). Lastly, we should believe that our society will emerge victoriously having defeated a horrible adversary (Mark 9:23).  This is not a magical formula for success, but what we believe greatly influences victory.

 

Therefore, let’s not say this virus will win.  Let us not skip our prayers against the virus,  and we should not accept the belief that this plague will triumph over the world.  God has got the whole world in His hands despite how things look.  Let us let Him work through us (Philippians 2:13)

 

Romans 4:17

Amplified Bible

17 (as it is written [in Scripture], “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the sight of Him in whom he believed, that is, God who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.

 

Proverbs 18:21

New International Version

21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

 

1 John 4:4

New International Version

4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

 

James 5:16

New International Version

16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

 

Luke 18:1

New International Version

1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

 

Mark 9:23

New International Version

23 “’If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

Philippians 2:13

New International Version

13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Poderings, January 11, 2022

Let’s Do God’s Will in 2022 

What will we do in 2022?  It is a new day, a new time, and a new opportunity to see what amazing things that God has for us.  Old pain, challenges, mistakes, and failures can be put in the past while we contemplate our future. In the political realm, many are predicting a march towards a fascist state.  In the educational realm, many want to scrub history of anything that may be upsetting for some.  Our medical front line warriors and researchers are burning out because of COVID-19 while others argue it is all a myth, false flag, or big lie.  We really need to hear an answer from the Lord.

 

What should those who love the Lord do in 2022?  The Bible tells us that we must take this opportunity to seek the Lord while He can be found and call Him while He is near (Isaiah 55:6). We must tell everyone that God wants us to change our thoughts and actions to what He would want us to do (Isaiah 55:7).  

 

We have a mission to tell a sick and dying world that God wants everyone to turn around and come to Him (Acts 17:30) because He has a place for us in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).  This year, we can use His scriptures when we fear, have doubt, are anxious, worry, or disobey God (Corinthians 10:4).  He gives us the answer. 

 

We must decide that this year we will obey His commandments, pray, study the Bible, and meditate His scriptures. We can ask God for His wisdom since man’s wisdom is what got us into the world’s horrific mess in the first place (James 1:5).   Everyone, let us seek God, listen for His voice, and do His will so that 2022 can be the best year that we have ever had.

 

Isaiah 55:6, 7

New International Version

6 Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.

7 Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts.

Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

 

Acts 17:30 

New International Version

30 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.

 

Ephesians 2:6 

New International Version

6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

 

Corinthians 10:4 

New International Version

4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

 

1 Timothy 6:12

New International Version

12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, January 3, 2022

Faith In The New Year

Then he who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.”  And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” (Revelations 21:5)

 

God makes all things new. We have finally arrived at this New Year during a global pandemic. We may feel hopeless at times, but God has given us a new day in a new year to bear witness to his glory. The only way we can combat this hopelessness is to have faith that God will move us beyond the most insurmountable roadblocks that we can imagine. It may not be popular to say, but even for believers, we often lack faith that God will truly take care of us. 

 

I am going to let you in on my personal testimony. This testimony includes many blessings, curses, and obstacles where God’s words proved repeatedly to be faithful and true. I grew up believing God but wasn’t a regular church goer. My grandmother, Helen V. Fair, prayed for me, ministered to me, and taught me to always have faith in God. 

 

When I decided to have my child at the age of twenty-two, I held on to what I had been taught and had faith that God had plans for me even though I didn’t know how we would be okay. Having a child as a college student with six credits left to graduate was a difficult decision.  Many times, I felt stupid and that I had let everyone down, but God gave me the strength to press forward, and I gave birth to my first-born son on a Saturday in 1992.

 

As a parent, I now understand how my own parents felt when I had my son, but God was with me anyway. I returned to my mother’s home (much to her disappointment) and pushed forward. Over the next five years, I suffered heart breaking setbacks including experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, and poverty. Some days, I cried out to God asking how I went from a student at a top tier university to an impoverished woman. Other days, I was grateful for another opportunity to live in that moment, on that day and appreciate the gift of life for myself and my son. 

 

However, most of all I KNEW as I do today that God had more for me. I did not even know Jeremiah 29:11 at the time, but I knew that God had PLANS FOR ME!!!  I was often weary and broken because I felt like a failure, but I would tell God – whatever challenge You allow in my life, I will face it head on withYou by my side. I promise. 

 

With God providing me strength, good health, and supernatural energy, I jumped at opportunities to do better. I would work extra jobs and step through doors whenever they opened even if it they appeared “small.” I trusted that God was moving me one step forward every time. I knew for sure that God would not bring me through the valleys of life without me learning and growing from it.

 

By the time my son was six, I started working at an internet company where I would eventually become a manager and be able to provide for my family beyond my greatest imagination. My childhood dream was to become an attorney, but despite everything that happened God had a different plan for me, and I was walking in my purpose. God qualifies the called and I am a witness and have fruit from it.

 

Now my story did not end there.  Nearly 30 years after leaving school to start my family, 2022 is the year that I will receive my bachelor’s degree in just a few months. God knew the desire of my heart all along and He is making it happen. I have no idea where God is going to take me, but I have faith.

 

I am standing in awe of how God has blessed me when I didn’t see how He could turn a situation around. God blessed me with a husband of over 20 years and counting, a college graduate for a son and another son currently attending college, and a granddaughter who will be a star. Most importantly, through it all I have faith in God.

 

I have asked people who have been in church all of their lives, “Where is your faith? How can you think so small when God has shown you how enormous, powerful, and mighty the Lord is?” 

 

In this New Year – believe that God will make all things new, get your devotional and write about what the Lord is telling you, and BELIEVE in the manifestation of the fruit that your life WILL bear. Take the small opportunity with growth potential. Share your gifts by volunteering. Tell yourself that you are God’s child, and don’t believe what other people say. This is a New Year, and each blessing and opportunity is God making all things new – receive it.

 

Revelation 21:5

King James Version

5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

 

Jeremiah 29:11

King James Version

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.