January 18, 2017 “Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!” is a statement from Psalm 126:3 in The New Living Translation. The context is the return of Israel’s captive people to Jerusalem. They were singing, filled with laughter and realizing that the surrounding nations understood this was a work of God. […]
January 11, 2017 John chapter 17 records the prayer of Jesus, sometimes called the “Farewell Prayer” or the “Priestly Prayer.” It is filled with comfort, challenge and encouragement. In a recent look at this Scripture, I noticed something in a new way. In verse 5, Jesus said: “And now, Father, glorify me in your own […]
January 4, 2017 Wind is on everyone’s mind in this part of Planet Earth today. Our temperatures are not as low as in many parts of the country, but for the Pacific Northwest, it is cold and windy. In my waking up moments this morning, I pondered the significance of wind. It is not my […]
December 28, 2016 The calendar provides an amazing tool for helping humans live an organized and fulfilled life. I admit that sometimes it feels like a stick that nudges me into action to meet deadlines, but I would miss out on many opportunities if it were not for the constant reminder. With just days left […]
December 21, 2016 When a famous person visits a city, there is typically a prior announcement, followed by a noisy welcome. In contrast, when Jesus arrived in Bethlehem, hardly anyone was even aware that He came. The song declares accurately, “How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given.” The first coming of Jesus to […]
December 14, 2016 As I write this “Ponder,” I am in the process of alerting people that all activities on the campus are canceled this evening due to the weather. It is not an easy call, because right now the storm is not too severe, but the outlook appears worse. It does not seem wise […]
December 7, 2016 I am focused this week on the story of the Wise Men, often called the Magi, who searched for Jesus until they found Him. We know very little about them, but they play a significant part in the Christmas Story. All of the Bible information about them is found in Matthew 2:1-12. […]
November 30, 2016 While I realize that the first day of the week is Sunday, and Sabbath is Saturday, my life routine does not follow that schedule, because my focus is on the coming Sunday. Amid my daily ministry schedule – meetings, letters, writing, more meetings, study, prayer, visitation and many enjoyable relationships – I […]
November 23, 2016 On this eve of Thanksgiving 2016, I am grateful: That I know Creator God personally. Jesus made this possible and I am secure with Him forever. For Carol and that at 51 years of marriage, we continue to enjoy life and ministry together. For family and friends who pray for me and […]
November 16, 2016 After a busy day filled with some not so ordinary events, my mind was racing from one thought to another as I tried to fall asleep. Knowing it would be a challenge and wanting to put the time to good use, I decided to think of things for which I am grateful, […]
November 9, 2016 A young man was excited about his first paycheck on a new job. It might have been more money than he had ever received at one time, and his enthusiasm was obvious. With no bank account and apparently little advice, he cashed the check and started spending. Before long, the money was […]
June 3, 2020 It was perhaps 18 years ago that a couple of people suggested I should write a weekly blog. I did not know what a “blog” was, but Ponder with Pastor Bill came out of that idea. It has been good for me to have this opportunity, and I hope it has been…
May 20, 2020 It feels strange, almost wrong, for me to ask this question: How could the Creator and Controller of the universe be held in captivity by it? I hope I am not dabbling in something inappropriate, but this has been on my mind. The confinement of lockdown is a familiar situation for all…
May 13, 2020 Creator God gives us a statement of beauty and hope when He puts a silver lining around a dark cloud in the sky. He reminds us that the darkness is temporary and there is something more powerful than the cloud. It feels like our lives, our community and our world have a…
Meditación con el pastor Bill 6 de mayo de 2020 Sentado en mi silla de tratamiento esta semana frente a una ventana que me daba una vista para el Monte St. Helens, cubierto de nieve sobre un fondo azul cielo. Era una escena magnífica, y tuve mucho tiempo para disfrutarla y reflexionar sobre el significado…
May 6, 2020 My treatment chair this week faced a window that provided a frame for Mount St. Helens, covered with snow against a sky-blue background. It was a magnificent scene, and I had plenty of time to enjoy it and ponder the significance of that mountain. Prior to 1980, I called it “Mount Chrome…