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

Excuses are easy, but obedience requires faith. Jesus told a parable about a great banquet where those invited made excuses — land, business, relationships — things that weren’t bad, but they became barriers to saying yes to the Master’s call (Luke 14:16-24). The truth is, we all have reasons we can’t — too busy, too unqualified, too afraid — but God isn’t asking for our convenience: He’s asking for our obedience. His invitation is always open, but we have to make the decision to accept it.

God’s mission isn’t about who’s already here — it’s about who’s still missing. If we’re not willing to step out of our comfort zones and invite “one more,” we’ve lost sight of His heart. We can’t assume someone else will do it. The lost aren’t waiting at the church doors; they’re in our workplaces, our neighborhoods, and even our own families. They need someone who will notice them, care enough to invite them, and show them the love of Jesus. That’s the mindset we must have — to make room for one more.

So, what’s your excuse? Is it fear of rejection, feeling like you don’t know enough, being too busy? None of those excuses hold up in light of eternity. The time is now. The opportunity is today. Someone is waiting on the other side of your obedience. No more excuses — it’s time to make room for one more!

Just a thought,

PSS

Every one of us has a pain threshold. That pain threshold is the thing that can limit our lives. When something costs you too much, it seems too hard, the sacrifice is too great, that’s your pain threshold. We will never rise above it. We can never go beyond our pain threshold.

Life is not fair:

The Bible teaches that, while we are on this earth, we will experience trials and tribulations. In other words, we will all experience stuff that is not good and not fair. Our ability to process these things will determine the level of success each one of us will have. 

Rejection:

Life is not always fair, and it’s not always going to be easy. Steve Jobs was rejected by more than 20 venture capitalists before one said yes. Thank God his pain threshold wasn’t 19. After 19 rejections, I am done. No, he wasn’t going to quit. His pain threshold was high enough that he could handle 20 rejections, and probably more than that.

No pain, no gain:

See, none of us will ever rise above our pain threshold. Some of us have very minimal pain thresholds. The first sign of a setback, and we quit. That’s why we won’t experience the success we seek. It’s not because of someone else: it’s because of us. The good news is: we can work on our ability to handle pain, setbacks, problems, and issues, by recognizing our attitude during times of trials, then beginning to grow in that area.

Learn to persevere and keep going, no matter what. Learn to endure as a good soldier, realizing setbacks and delays don’t mean we can’t — they are merely obstacles to overcome. Food for thought.

Just a thought,

PSS

So often, we underestimate the power of one. One decision, one conversation, one act of obedience can change everything. Jesus modeled this in the way He pursued the lost — leaving the ninety-nine to find the one, rejoicing over one sinner who repents, and calling His followers to reach just one more. The mission of the Church isn’t about massive crowds; it’s about individual lives being transformed, one at a time. 

Reaching just one more requires intentionality. It means stepping out of our comfort zones, sharing the gospel boldly, and living with the urgency that today might be someone’s only opportunity to hear the truth. We don’t need to have all the answers or be perfect evangelists — we just need to be willing. The early Church grew because believers took personal responsibility to share their faith. They weren’t passive; they were intentional. If we adopt that same mindset, we’ll see lives changed, families restored, and communities impacted for eternity.

Who is your one more? Who in your life needs to hear the truth of God’s love? Someone is waiting on the other side of your obedience. Just one more conversation, just one more invitation, just one more act of love could make all the difference. Heaven rejoices over just one more — so should we.

Just a thought,

PSS