Reputation is what others think you are; character is who you truly are before God. The world teaches us to manage our image, to craft a reputation that impresses people. But God isn’t fooled by appearances — He sees the heart. “The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7, NLT). Your reputation may open doors, but only your character will keep you there.

The problem is, without God’s wisdom, we often make decisions based on feelings, public opinion, or what seems right in the moment. Proverbs 14:12 warns, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” Like a hiker following a broken compass, many are headed for disaster because they trust the world’s wisdom instead of God’s truth. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7), and without it, people walk in deception. Are we filtering our choices through God’s Word or through what feels right?

God’s wisdom is like guardrails on a dangerous mountain road. They aren’t there to limit your freedom — they’re there to protect your life. Choosing wisdom means choosing the ancient paths that God has already laid out. The world may chase what’s new, but truth doesn’t change.

So, are you living for reputation or character? Are you following the world’s wisdom or God’s?

Just a thought,

PSS

Sometimes, we hesitate to give because we think what we have isn’t enough. The boy with the five loaves and two fish could have kept his lunch, thinking it was too small to make a difference. But he chose to offer it to Jesus, and that small act of faith became the foundation for a miracle that fed thousands. God isn’t asking us for what we don’t have — He’s asking us to trust Him with what we do have.

The reality is, there were likely others in the crowd who had food, but only one boy stepped forward. He didn’t wait until he had more; he simply gave what was in his hands. Too often, we wait for the “perfect time” or “more resources” before obeying God, but the truth is, what we already have is enough when placed in His hands. Faith isn’t about waiting for abundance — it’s about trusting that God can multiply what we release.

What if today, we chose to be like that boy? What if we stopped focusing on what we lack and instead trusted that God can do more with what we give than we ever could on our own? Whether it’s our time, resources, or obedience, when we step out in faith, we position ourselves for a miracle.

Just a thought,

PSS

God first:

In life, one of the major decisions we make is who or what takes first place. For some, it’s family, and for others, it’s their job or their children. Still, for others, it’s their hobbies or sports. Bottom line: it’s our decision. Even though the abovementioned aren’t bad, the question remains: should they be first place in our lives? I believe the answer is a definite, “No!” God and His ways should always take absolute precedence. If God is first, everything else will fall into place. If He’s not, nothing will fall into place. Again, it’s your choice.

You choose:

Prioritizing God should be reflected in our finances. The first step in making that happen is to return the tithe to Him. The first portion — the tenth — of what you earn is His, and we should return it to Him. We return a tithe and give an offering. When we do, we place God in His rightful place in our lives — first. When that happens, every other area of our lives will start to straighten out. The choice is ours.

Choose this day whom you will serve …. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15 NIV).

Just a thought,

PSS

I’ve noticed that the happiest people I know are people who give of themselves and their resources. On the other hand, the most miserable people I know are selfish and greedy. Coincidence? We should develop a heart for giving. Once we learn this principal and apply it to our own lives, I believe we’ll have more joy, peace, and happiness.

In church terms, people think that if they tithe, they are givers. Even though it all begins with tithing — and every Christian should give their tithes to a local church — in reality, tithing is returning to God what is rightfully His. Giving begins after the tithe, not before it. You return a tithe, and give an offering.

Being a giver means that you give as the Holy Spirit prompts or directs. God is a giver, and we should act and think as He does. We don’t give to get; we just give. Our society has become more selfish, and as believers, we sometimes listen to the world and its philosophies, instead of honoring God and obeying His Word.

Let’s learn to become true givers and watch how God restores peace, joy, and happiness back into our lives. The word “blessed” means: “happy, fortunate, to be envied.” Let’s be that.

Just a thought,

PSS