Episodes

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...

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...

Show Notes Summary: On this Fourth of July episode, Pastor Craig dives into a timely reflection on freedom —not just political, but spiritual. With stories, Scripture, and even a few fireworks facts, this episode explores the paradox of being both independent from the world and dependent on a gracious God. It’s a celebration of grace, liberty, and the One who gives them both. (For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org Plea...

In this episode, Pastor Craig humorously imagines a “Grammarly for Theology”—a divine proofreader to catch our doctrinal typos. We explore two spiritual benefits of such a tool: guarding our confession (2 Timothy 4:2–3) and building healthy Christian community (Ephesians 4:15–16). Along the way, we unpack three surprising facts, from ancient word disputes to Luther’s own editorial diligence. Finally, Craig offers a practical exercise: theological proofreading with your Bible and Small Catechism....

In this episode of The Pondering God Podcast , Pastor Craig reflects on the mysterious last transmission of Amelia Earhart and how it mirrors our own spiritual signal strength with God. Through three powerful takeaways—about listening for God’s voice, trusting without a full map, and remembering we are never abandoned—this episode challenges listeners to re-tune their hearts to Scripture and stay connected to the source of all direction and comfort. (For more information on Peace Lutheran Church...

In this episode of The Pondering God Podcast , Pastor Craig McCourt reflects on Genesis 12 and the call of Abram, weaving in lessons from his son Isaiah’s new camper-van birding adventure. We learn three key takeaways: embracing God’s call into the unknown, carrying His blessing outward to others, and pausing to build altars that mark God’s faithfulness. Plus, discover surprising facts about Abram’s journey and practical steps to apply this message in your daily life. (For more information on Pe...