Service isn’t just something we do — it’s an overflow of who we are in Christ. True service is rooted in love for God and others, not in seeking applause or approval. Jesus said in Matthew 22:37-39 (NLT), “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind … Love your neighbor as yourself.” This kind of love moves us beyond convenience or recognition. It’s not about checking a box; it’s about living out the grace and love we’ve received from God.

Unfortunately, cultural Christianity often distorts the meaning of service. Many serve for image, temporary results, or public praise. But as followers of Jesus, we’re called to serve sacrificially, following His example. Mark 10:45 (NLT) reminds us, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus humbled Himself to wash His disciples’ feet — an act of love, not performance. True service isn’t about being noticed; it’s about pointing people to Christ.

Take a moment to ask yourself, Why do I serve? Are you serving to glorify God, or are you caught up in how others perceive your efforts? Let’s commit to serve from hearts transformed by the gospel — loving God and others without seeking anything in return.

When we serve with eternity in mind, our actions carry lasting significance, making an impact for the kingdom of God.

Just a thought,
PSS

Evangelism is not just a task: it is the heartbeat of biblical Christianity. As followers of Jesus, we carry the responsibility and privilege of sharing the good news of salvation with the world. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT) reminds us: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.” Evangelism is not about winning arguments or forcing faith — it’s about lovingly sharing the hope we have in Christ with those who are lost, offering them the opportunity to experience the eternal life and peace only He can give.

Yet, too often, cultural Christianity tempts us to stay silent. Fear of rejection, misunderstanding the gospel, or prioritizing comfort over obedience can hold us back. But the truth is, the gospel was never meant to be hidden. Jesus Himself declared in Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT): “You are the light of the world —like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket.” Our faith is meant to shine, bringing light to a dark and broken world. Evangelism is not just a religious duty — it’s an act of love, obedience, and eternal significance.

The good news is that we are not alone in this mission. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be bold and faithful witnesses, planting seeds of faith and trusting God for the harvest. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 3:7 (NLT): “It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.”

Evangelism is not about our ability but about God’s power working through us. So, let us rise above cultural expectations and boldly proclaim the gospel, knowing that we are simply messengers of the greatest victory in history: Jesus has won, and through Him, the lost can be saved.

Just a thought,

PSS

In today’s world, there’s an increasing pressure for Christians to conform to cultural ideologies that often conflict with God’s Word. Cultural Christians prioritize acceptance over obedience, embracing relativism and compromising on foundational truths like sexual ethics, the sanctity of life, and the authority of Scripture. But Jesus made it clear in Matthew 6:24 (NLT): “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other.” As followers of Christ, we are called to stand firm, letting God’s Word — not the world —

shape our beliefs and actions.

The distinction between a biblical Christian and a cultural Christian comes down to truth. Woke ideologies, for instance, focus on self-identity, human-defined justice, and reject absolute truth. In contrast, biblical Christianity calls us to die to self and find our identity in Christ, trust God’s definition of justice rooted in His holiness, and stand on the unchanging truth of His Word. As Isaiah 40:8 (NLT) reminds us: “The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.”When we prioritize God’s truth over cultural trends, we live as salt and light in a world desperately needing hope.

Living as a biblical Christian requires intentionality. We must commit to knowing and obeying God’s Word, develop discernment to recognize unbiblical ideologies, and surround ourselves with a community of believers who hold us accountable. Most importantly, we must be courageous in standing for truth, even when it’s unpopular.

The time to stand firm is now. Will we allow God’s Word to guide our lives, or will we be swayed by the ever-changing values of society? Let’s choose to be people of the Word, preserving God’s truth and shining His light in the darkness.

Just a thought,

PSS

As we approach the end of 2024, it’s natural to reflect on what the year has brought — both the victories and the challenges. But God’s Word reminds us not to dwell on the past, whether good or bad. Isaiah 43:18-19 (NLT) says, “But forget all that — it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?” Reflection is good, but it should inspire hope for the future, not chain us to regrets or rest on past successes. God is always calling us forward, inviting us to step into something new with Him.

As we prepare for 2025, let’s commit to running the race with endurance, as Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT) instructs: “Let us strip off every weight that slows us down … and let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” This requires us to leave behind distractions, sin, and anything that weighs us down, including fear of the unknown. Just like a farmer must be patient to see a harvest, we must trust that God is working in the process. If 2024 didn’t go as planned, remember Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT): “For I know the plans I have for you … plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Hope isn’t just wishful thinking — it’s confidence in God’s promises.

So, as we close out this year, let’s embrace gratitude for God’s faithfulness, release anything holding us back, and trust Him with our future. Set spiritual goals that align with His Word, spend time in prayer, and lean into your church community for strength and encouragement. Whether 2024 felt like a mountain or a valley, God’s mercies are new every morning — and every year.

Let’s finish this year well and step into 2025 with faith, courage, and a renewed commitment to live for Him.

Just a thought,

PSS

Christmas is a season of joy, hope, and peace — a time to reflect on the profound truth that Jesus, the Savior of the world, was born. In the familiar carol, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” we are reminded of the angels’ announcement of great joy: “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior — yes, the Messiah, the Lord — has been born today in Bethlehem” (Luke 2:10-11, NLT). This message wasn’t just for the shepherds that night; it’s for all of us today. The birth of Christ is a declaration of God’s love and His desire to bring salvation to everyone who will receive Him.

The angels also proclaimed, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased”(Luke 2:14, NLT). Jesus came as the Prince of Peace, offering a peace that transcends circumstances and fills our hearts even in uncertain times. This peace isn’t something the world can give — it comes from knowing that through Jesus, we are reconciled to God, forgiven, and loved. It’s a peace that strengthens us, gives us hope, and reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas.

As we celebrate this season, let’s respond to the angels’ message with joy and worship, letting the good news of Jesus’ birth fill our hearts. His glory has come near, and through Him, we can have true peace with God. May this Christmas be a time of renewed hope and gratitude as we reflect on the gift of Christ. Wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas!

Just a thought,

PSS