PonderingGod

Each Monday Morning, we bring you a message, hot off the press or from the archives. We pray that these messages are an extra boost of encouragement to you.

Today's Message is from May 21, 2023, at Peace Lutheran Church - The title is "The First Voter's Meeting EVER"

Today's Text is Acts 1:13-26

For more information on Pastor Craig McCourt and the ministry of Pondering God or to send us a message visit us at www.ponderinggod.org

For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org

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National Pack Rat Day - There is a topic you didn't think you would hear on Pondering God. Pastor Craig does love a challenge, so he took this as a personal quest to find a Biblical Perspective to being a Pack Rat.

For more information on Pastor Craig McCourt and the ministry of Pondering God visit us at www.ponderinggod.org

For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org

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To Support the ministry of PonderinGod and help cover our online and production costs, visit our support page

We are called to be prepared... like a Pack Rat for anything that might come our way - here are 4 ways to get prepared...

• Prepare your heart. Psalm 51:10
• Prepare your mind. Romans 12:2
• Prepare your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
• Prepare your work. Colossians 3:23-24

Each Monday Morning, we bring you a message, hot off the press or from the archives. We pray that these messages are an extra boost of encouragement to you.

Today's Message is from May 14, 2023, at Peace Lutheran Church - The title is Apologize for Jesus

Today's Text is 1 Peter 3:13-22

For more information on Pastor Craig McCourt and the ministry of Pondering God visit us at www.ponderinggod.org

For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org

Please share this podcast with a friend, and do us a favor by giving us a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcast!

To Support the ministry of PonderinGod and help cover our online and production costs, visit our support page

13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him. 1 Peter 3:13-22 (ESV)

Each Monday Morning, we bring you a message, hot off the press or from the archives. We pray that these messages are an extra boost of encouragement to you.

Today's Message is from May 7, 2023, at Peace Lutheran Church - The title is "Royal Priesthood" On a Sunday that began with a Baptism, we look at who we are as heirs of Heaven

Today's Text is 1 Peter 2:2-10

For more information on Pastor Craig McCourt and the ministry of Pondering God visit us at www.ponderinggod.org

For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org

Please share this podcast with a friend, and do us a favor by giving us a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcast!

To Support the ministry of PonderinGod and help cover our online and production costs, visit our support page

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV)

For more information on Pastor Craig McCourt and the ministry of Pondering God visit us at www.ponderinggod.org

For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org

Please share this podcast with a friend, and do us a favor by giving us a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcast!

To Support the ministry of PonderinGod and help cover our online and production costs, visit our support page

But how does the Bible describe our inheritance in heaven? What are some of its characteristics? Well, according to 1 Peter 1:4, our inheritance is:

• **Imperishable**. This means that it will never decay, deteriorate, or wear out. Unlike the things of this world that are subject to corruption and destruction, our inheritance is eternal and indestructible. Nothing can harm it or take it away from us.
• **Undefiled**. This means that it is pure, holy, and free from sin. Unlike the things of this world that are stained by evil and tainted by guilt, our inheritance is perfect and blameless. Nothing can defile it or diminish its value.
• **Unfading**. This means that it will never lose its beauty, splendor, or significance. Unlike the things of this world that fade away with time and lose their appeal, our inheritance is glorious and majestic. Nothing can dim its radiance or reduce its worth.
• **Reserved**. This means that it is kept and guarded by God Himself. Unlike the things of this world that are uncertain and insecure, our inheritance is sure and safe. Nothing can prevent us from receiving it or enjoying it.

Well, the Bible gives us some amazing clues about what Heaven will be like for those who trust in Jesus as their Savior and Lord.

- A place of peace and joy. In Heaven, there will be no more pain, sorrow, sin, or death. We will live in perfect harmony with God and with each other. We will enjoy His presence and His love forever. (Revelation 21:4, Psalm 16:11)

- A place of glory and honor. In Heaven, we will receive rewards for our faithfulness and obedience to God. We will also share in the glory of Jesus, who died and rose again for us. We will be transformed into His likeness and reflect His beauty. (1 Corinthians 3:12-15, Romans 8:17, 1 John 3:2)

- A place of inheritance and authority. In Heaven, we will inherit all things that belong to God. We will also reign with Him over the new heaven and the new earth. We will have a role and a responsibility in His kingdom. We will be His co-heirs and co-rulers. (Revelation 21:7, 2 Timothy 2:12, Revelation 22:5)

These are just some of the amazing things that God has in store for us in Heaven. But the best thing of all is that we will see Him face to face and worship Him with all our hearts. We will know Him as He knows us. We will be with Him forever. (1 Corinthians 13:12, Revelation 22:4)

Each Monday Morning, we bring you a message, hot off the press or from the archives. We pray that these messages are an extra boost of encouragement to you.

Today's Message is from April 30, 2023, at Peace Lutheran Church - The title is "What's it all about" There is more to life than the Hokey Pokey - thanks to the Good Shepherd

Today's Text is John 10:1-10

For more information on Pastor Craig McCourt and the ministry of Pondering God visit us at www.ponderinggod.org

For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org

Please share this podcast with a friend, and do us a favor by giving us a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcast!

To Support the ministry of PonderinGod and help cover our online and production costs, visit our support page

Today I want to talk about a topic that many of us struggle with how to discover God's will for our lives. I know it can be frustrating and confusing to figure out what God wants us to do, especially when we face significant decisions or challenges. But I believe that God has a plan and a purpose for each of us, and He wants to reveal it to us in His perfect timing. So how can we discover God's will for our lives? Here are three ways that have helped me along my journey.

For more information on Pastor Craig McCourt and the ministry of Pondering God visit us at www.ponderinggod.org

For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org

Please share this podcast with a friend, and do us a favor by giving us a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcast!

To Support the ministry of PonderinGod and help cover our online and production costs, visit our support page

3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:3-4 (ESV)

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 (ESV)

4 Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. 5 Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. Psalm 25:4-5 (ESV)

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

Each Monday Morning, we bring you a message, hot off the press or from the archives. We pray that these messages are an extra boost of encouragement to you.

Today's Message is from April 23, 2023, at Peace Lutheran Church - The title is "Insert Sermon Here" Easter is now 3 weeks behind us and life gets back to normal...OR should our Hearts be burning?"

Today's Text is Luke 24:13-35

For more information on Pastor Craig McCourt and the ministry of Pondering God visit us at www.ponderinggod.org

For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org

Please share this podcast with a friend, and do us a favor by giving us a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcast!

To Support the ministry of PonderinGod and help cover our online and production costs, visit our support page

Life can be hard sometimes, but it can also be wonderful. God calls us to encourage one another on this journey. Sometimes encouragement is given, and sometimes it is needed. Today I share ideas on How to encourage one another and ways that I have been encouraged. So don't give up! Keep trusting him, and look for the pretzel!

For more information on Pastor Craig McCourt and the ministry of Pondering God visit us at www.ponderinggod.org

For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org

Please share this podcast with a friend, and do us a favor by giving us a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcast!

To Support the ministry of PonderinGod and help cover our online and production costs, visit our support page

The Bible is full of God's promises for his children. He promises never to leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), to give us strength and courage (Joshua 1:9), to work all things for our good (Romans 8:28), to supply all our needs (Philippians 4:19), to forgive our sins (1 John 1:9), to heal our wounds (Psalm 147:3), to comfort us in our sorrows (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), and to give us eternal life (John 3:16). Whenever you feel discouraged or hopeless, remind yourself of these truths and claim them by faith.

Each Monday Morning, we bring you a message, hot off the press or from the archives. We pray that these messages are an extra boost of encouragement to you.

Today's Message is from Easter Morning, 2023, at Peace Lutheran Church - The title is "All about Earthquakes?" Our God does Earthquakes.

Today's Text is Matthew 28:1-10

For more information on Pastor Craig McCourt and the ministry of Pondering God visit us at www.ponderinggod.org

For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org

Please share this podcast with a friend, and do us a favor by giving us a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcast!

To Support the ministry of PonderinGod and help cover our online and production costs, visit our support page.