Episodes

On National Look Up At The Sky Day (April 14), Pastor Craig McCourt reflects on Psalm 19:1–6 (ESV) and invites listeners to practice simple, do-able spiritual habits: a five-minute sky pause, pairing Scripture with skywatching, and a short photo-plus-prayer exercise. He offers practical stargazing tips for Minnesota — what to look for in the coming weeks (the Moon, Venus, possible Lyrid meteors, and spring constellations) — and shares a few odd historical examples of things that have fallen from...

In this episode of The Pondering God Podcast , Pastor Craig explores the question, “Is the Resurrection Old News?” Using John 20 and 1 Corinthians 15, he reflects on why Easter joy often fades after one Sunday and why the resurrection must remain central to our daily lives. Through humor, storytelling, and Scripture, he shares three spiritual benefits of keeping Easter front and center: daily hope, identity in Christ, and purpose in mission. Along the way, listeners enjoy surprising Easter tradi...

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 info...

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 ...

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 si...

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. (F...

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 Crai...

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 ,...

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, l...

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....

In this episode of The Pondering God Podcast , Pastor Craig celebrates National Drive-Thru Day with a call to slow down and savor God’s Word. Through Scripture, storytelling, and three wild drive-thru tales, he reminds listeners that faith, rest, and wisdom can’t be ordered to-go. With Proverbs pointing out that there are no shortcuts to spiritual maturity—and no express lanes to wisdom—this lighthearted yet profound message encourages every listener to embrace a deeper, unrushed connection with...

In this episode, Pastor Craig explores the comforting and challenging truth that God has no limits . Through personal stories, Scripture, and a touch of humor, we’re reminded that God is present everywhere, knows everything, and has the power to intervene in our lives. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, confused, or just stuck in traffic, this episode invites you to trust the God who’s never stuck, never surprised, and never short on solutions. (For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, wh...

In this episode, Pastor Craig explores the viral Coldplay Kiss Cam moment involving Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR chief Kristin Cabot, asking the question: When is humor not funny? Through Scripture, quotes from Martin Luther and C.S. Lewis, and reflections from Rev. Ben Griffin, we’re reminded that Christian humor must be rooted in mercy, not mockery. Jude 20–23 and John 8:1–11 call us to rescue—not ridicule—and to show compassion in a world that often laughs at what should break our hearts....

ponderingGod Podcast - Message Monday - Featuring a message from Pastor Craig McCourt. Today's Episode was recorded on July 6, 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, le...

On today’s episode of The Pondering God Podcast, Pastor Craig McCourt explores those discouraging days when it feels like the universe is lined up against us. Drawing from Psalm 40:23, Craig reminds us that lament can give way to praise as we trust in God’s unfailing love. He offers five tangible ways the Body of Christ can encourage those wrestling with depression or simply overwhelmed by life’s curveballs: prayer, sharing Scripture, practical help, empathetic listening, and words of affirmatio...

In this episode, Pastor Craig McCourt compares the famously secure Fort Knox vault to the eternal inheritance God has reserved for believers. Exploring five security features of Fort Knox—from blast-proof doors to restricted tours—Craig highlights how our heavenly inheritance is even more imperishable, undefiled, unfading, and divinely guarded. He weaves in true stories: the 1974 foil of a helicopter-and-explosives heist, a 2022 main-gate breach, plus the fictional Goldfinger caper. Each of the ...

In this episode, Pastor Craig McCourt tackles the classic castaway question: if a boy lived—and died—alone on an island, could he be saved? We dive into Scripture to see that salvation is purely by God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ, not by our works. Along the way, Craig shares three remarkable real-life castaway stories—from Alexander Selkirk’s four-year sojourn to José Salvador Alvarenga’s 438-day drift and a British couple’s survival experiment—to illustrate the power of tru...

In this episode of The Pondering God Podcast , Pastor Craig McCourt draws rich spiritual lessons from the simple wonder of a campfire. Fresh off a Minnesota camping trip filled with friends, flames, and fire-colored magic, Craig offers three Scripture-rooted truths about fueling faith, being transformed by God’s Word, and the unifying glow of the Gospel. Alongside humorous anecdotes, curious campfire facts, and a tasty shoutout to SPAM, he reminds us that even in smoke and s’mores, God is speaki...

ponderingGod Podcast - Message Monday - Featuring a message from Pastor Craig McCourt. Today's Episode was recorded on Nov. 27, 2024 at Peace Lutheran Church in Arlington, MN Thanksgiving Eve Worship (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 ri...

In this episode, Pastor Craig McCourt reflects on National Cheer Up the Lonely Day through a confessional Lutheran lens. He explores biblical promises—Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 68:6, and Hebrews 13:5—and shares a vivid illustration of Christ as a bridge over loneliness. Pastor John Niebuhr joins for an interview on modern loneliness, the unique challenges pastors face, and practical church responses. Listeners are challenged to identify someone in their life who feels isolated and take a simple step t...

In this episode of The Pondering God Podcast, Pastor Craig McCourt reflects on Jesus’ simple yet powerful summary of God’s law: Love God. Love Neighbor. With warmth, humor, and plenty of stories—including riding shotgun with chickens and pigs in Houston—Pastor Craig shows how this straightforward command can simplify and strengthen our spiritual walk. You’ll gain three spiritual benefits of a love-focused life and be challenged to carry this truth into every corner of your day. Don’t miss the do...

In today’s episode, Pastor Craig McCourt invites listeners into the rich truth of 1 John 3:1, exploring what it means to be a “Child of God.” Through engaging stories, surprising royal facts, and Scriptural depth, Craig reflects on both the spiritual blessings and the holy expectations of this identity. Whether you're standing tall in faith or dragging your feet in doubt, this episode is a reminder: you are loved, you are called, and you are His. For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, wh...

In this flavorful episode, Pastor Craig celebrates National Chocolate and Almonds Day by exploring great combinations—from your snack drawer to your soul. From biblical dynamic duos like Moses & Aaron and Paul & Barnabas to theological truths like repentance & forgiveness and water & the Word, we see how God weaves together powerful partnerships that point us to grace. With a touch of humor and hearty storytelling, this episode reminds us why some combinations are both eternal and essential. (Fo...

ponderingGod Podcast - Message Monday - Featuring a message from Pastor Craig McCourt. Today's Episode was recorded on June 29, 2025 at Peace Lutheran Church in Arlington, MN The third in a series of God's Outreageous Claims - How to Win the Rat Race, Without Becoming a Rat (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 li...