National JoyGerm Day, celebrated every January 8th, was founded in 1981 by Joan E. White of Syracuse, New York, as a movement to spread kindness, optimism, and contagious joy. For Christians, this day offers a natural opportunity to reflect the joy of Christ — through Scripture, acts of kindness, visiting the lonely, and living out the fruit of the Spirit. Joy isn't just an emotion; it's a witness. And when we share it, we point others to the One who is the source of all true joy.

(For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org
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In this episode, Pastor Craig explores the often‑overlooked timing of the Magi's visit in Matthew 2:1–12 and why it matters that they arrived two years after Jesus' birth. Through storytelling, Scripture, and practical application, we learn three key lessons: God's timing is perfect, seeking Jesus requires persistence, and the Gospel is for all nations. The Magi's long journey encourages us to keep seeking the King in our daily lives with renewed resolve and hope.

(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!
Get your very own ponderingGod Podcast sticker for your water bottle, or coffee cup, or laptop cover, or bathroom mirror.... simple send your address to me through our comment page at www.ponderinggod.org
To support the ministry of PonderinGod and help cover our online and production costs, visit our support page). Thanks!

In this episode of The Pondering God Podcast, Pastor Craig kicks off the new year with a warm and humorous reflection on the gift of Scripture memory. Drawing from Psalm 119:11—"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you"—he explores why memorizing Scripture strengthens our faith, equips us for spiritual battles, and helps us recognize the voice of our Good Shepherd. Along the way, he shares personal stories, practical illustrations, and three creative (and slightly silly) ways to memorize Bible verses.

Listeners are encouraged to choose one verse to hide in their hearts this week, trusting that God will use His Word to shape their year with hope, clarity, and confidence in Christ.

(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!
Get your very own PonderingGod Podcast sticker for your water bottle, or coffee cup, or laptop cover, or bathroom mirror... simply send your address to me through our comment page at www.ponderinggod.org
To support the ministry of PonderingGod and help cover our online and production costs, visit our support page at www.ponderinggod.org/support. Thanks for listening!)

In this episode of the Pondering God Podcast, Pastor Craig explores the powerful role of angels in Scripture and in our lives today. Using Acts 12 as a launching point, we reflect on how God sends His holy angels in response to prayer, and how we can pray for those bound by sin and darkness. With insights from Martin Luther and practical steps for daily life, this episode invites listeners to be part of God's rescue mission—and to ponder what it means to be the church that goes to the people.

(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!
Get your very own ponderingGod Podcast sticker for your water bottle, or coffee cup, or laptop cover, or bathroom mirror.... simple send your address to me through our comment page at www.ponderinggod.org
To support the ministry of PonderinGod and help cover our online and production costs, visit our support page). Thanks!

TODAY marks the begining of a 4 week series based on 2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

We as a congregation are traveling through the book "God Speaks" (Available through Amazon) We are glad to have you along for this 4 week journey.

ponderingGod Podcast - Message Monday - Featuring a message from Pastor Craig McCourt.

Today's Episode was recorded on Sept. 28, 2025 at Peace Lutheran Church in Arlington, MN.

(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!

We would love to hear from you. Leave us a comment right here.

Get your very own ponderingGod Podcast sticker for your water bottle, or coffee cup, laptop cover, or bathroom mirror.... send your address to me through our comment page at www.ponderinggod.org

You can check out our new blog page at www.godponders.org

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

TODAY marks the begining of Season 7 of the ponderingGod Podcast and we are excited to have you join us on our journey.

ponderingGod Podcast - Message Monday - Featuring a message from Pastor Craig McCourt.

Today's Episode was recorded on August 17, 2025 at Peace Lutheran Church in Arlington, MN part of the God's Outreageous claims series.

(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!

We would love to hear from you. Leave us a comment right here.

Get your very own ponderingGod Podcast sticker for your water bottle, or coffee cup, laptop cover, or bathroom mirror.... send your address to me through our comment page at www.ponderinggod.org

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

ponderingGod Podcast - Message Monday - Featuring a message from Pastor Craig McCourt.

Today's Episode was recorded on July 20, 2025 at Peace Lutheran Church in Arlington, MN part of the God's Outreageous claims series.

(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!

We would love to hear from you, leave us a comment right here.

Get your very own ponderingGod Podcast sticker for your water bottle, or coffee cup, or laptop cover, or bathroom mirror.... simply send your address to me through our comment page at www.ponderinggod.org

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

In the final episode of Season 6 - we look back on Season 1 Episode 6 - The Storm! We will return again on August 25th with season 7

(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!
Get your very own PonderingGod Podcast sticker for your water bottle, or coffee cup, or laptop cover, or bathroom mirror... simply send your address to me through our comment page at www.ponderinggod.org