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Monday, November 18, 2024 11:34 AM

Living Generously

Monday, November 18, 2024 11:34 AM
Monday, November 18, 2024 11:34 AM

Living a generous life is deeply rooted in the understanding that our time, resources, and abilities are not just for our own benefit, but for the enrichment of others. This principle is beautifully encapsulated in the words of Winston S. Churchill, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Generosity is not merely about financial giving: it’s a broader philosophy that encompasses giving of oneself — time, attention, and care. It's about cultivating a spirit of abundance rather than scarcity, seeing life as an opportunity to enrich others. This perspective is life-changing, transforming every interaction and decision into a chance to positively impact another person’s life.

 

Scripturally, generosity is a core principle in the Bible. 2 Corinthians 9:7 states, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” This verse highlights the attitude behind generosity — it’s about the joy and willingness in giving, not just the act itself. This perspective fosters a culture of kindness and open-handedness, encouraging individuals to give not out of obligation, but out of a genuine desire to help and spread kindness.

 

The ripple effect of living generously is profound. Anne Frank once said, “No one has ever become poor by giving.” This statement underlines the paradox of generosity — in giving, we often receive. Not necessarily in material wealth, but in joy, fulfillment, and purpose. Generous living has the power to create communities where empathy and support are prevalent, and where the act of giving is valued as a vital part of human experience. It’s about understanding that our greatest legacy is how we impact the lives of others and how we contribute to a world that is more compassionate and kind.

 

Just a thought,

PSS

Monday, November 11, 2024 9:19 AM

Vision

Monday, November 11, 2024 9:19 AM
Monday, November 11, 2024 9:19 AM

Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” This verse speaks directly to the need for clarity and purpose in our lives. A “vision” here isn’t just about seeing a grand plan; it’s about understanding God’s truth and aligning our lives with it. When we lack direction from God’s Word, we end up lost, following our own desires or the shifting values of the world. It’s like trying to navigate in the dark without a light. But when we have vision, rooted in His truth, it keeps us focused and grounded, even in a world that often pulls us in every direction.

 

The second part of the verse points to the importance of obedience, saying that those who “keep the law” are blessed. Happiness here isn’t the fleeting feeling that comes and goes with circumstances. It’s a deep-seated joy and peace that come from walking in step with God’s ways. We see this played out in life: those who have God’s vision and follow His commands avoid many of the pitfalls that lead to heartache and regret. His Word acts as a safeguard, leading us away from paths that harm and toward a life of blessing and fulfillment.

 

When we understand the importance of vision, it changes how we approach everything from our relationships to our goals. God’s vision gives us a reason to live beyond ourselves, to look beyond temporary satisfaction, and to pursue something lasting and meaningful. This verse is a reminder to seek His vision daily, to let His truth shape our decisions, and to find joy in obedience. It challenges us to live with purpose, not just to exist, because without vision, we perish not just in the physical sense, but spiritually, losing the very essence of a life worth living.

 

Just a thought,

PSS

 

Monday, November 4, 2024 10:43 AM

Changing Your Mindset from Victim to Overcomer

Monday, November 4, 2024 10:43 AM
Monday, November 4, 2024 10:43 AM

We live in a world where it’s easy to fall into a victim mindset, believing that life happens to us and we’re powerless to change it. If we embrace this perspective, we start to view every obstacle as an unfair burden, and self-pity creeps in. We tell ourselves that our problems are unique, that others couldn’t possibly understand, and we end up trapped, waiting for someone or something to rescue us. But here’s the truth: as long as we’re stuck in self-pity, we’re giving away our power and refusing to grow.

 

God never intended for us to live as victims. Scripture tells us that we are “more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37, NIV). To conquer, we have to change our mindset, choosing to see challenges as opportunities to grow rather than reasons to give up. Shifting from a victim mentality means taking responsibility for our reactions, no matter what life throws at us. It means saying, “I may not be able to control what happened, but I can control how I respond.” This is where true strength and resilience are built — not in avoiding challenges, but in facing them head-on with faith.

 

If you’re stuck in self-pity today, decide to reframe your perspective. God is with you, and He’s using every hardship to make you stronger. Don’t settle for the victim mindset; choose to be an overcomer. Embrace a growth mindset, trust God’s process, and let every setback be a setup for the victory He has planned for you.

 

Remember, you have the power to rise above, because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.

 

Just a thought,

PSS

Monday, October 28, 2024 9:57 AM

God’s Healing Power

Monday, October 28, 2024 9:57 AM
Monday, October 28, 2024 9:57 AM

We serve a God who is not only capable of performing miracles, but He’s also willing. Too many of us believe that God can heal, but deep down, we wonder if He will heal us. Let me tell you — He will. The same Jesus who touched the leper and said, “I am willing,” hasn’t changed. The Bible says He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever. He sees your pain; He hears your prayers, and He is still in the business of healing. It’s not a matter of “if” He can; it’s about believing that He’s ready and able right now.

 

Faith is the key that unlocks the door to healing. James tells us that the prayer of faith will heal the sick, and that’s a promise we can stand on. God doesn’t turn a blind eye to our suffering, and He hasn’t lost His power. The world will tell you to rely on human effort alone, but we have to remember that we serve a supernatural God who created our bodies and can restore them. Healing might come instantly, over time, or in ways we don’t expect, but never doubt that God is working.

 

So, when you pray, pray with confidence. When you seek healing, do so with the boldness that comes from knowing your Heavenly Father is both able and willing. And if you’re not the one who’s sick, be the one who prays for someone else’s healing. God’s power is still flowing through His Church, and He’s calling us to believe again.

 

Just a thought,

PSS

Monday, October 21, 2024 9:19 AM

Getting to Know Him

Monday, October 21, 2024 9:19 AM
Monday, October 21, 2024 9:19 AM

So many people know about God, but not as many know God. There is a big difference.

Knowing about:

I know some things about Michael Jordan, but I don’t know him. I have never met him, talked to him, hung out with him. I can give you a few facts about him: he played basketball, one of the greatest (arguably the greatest) to ever play the game. But it doesn’t mean I know him. That’s how too many people are with God. They know some things about Him, but they don’t really know Him.

Knowing Him:

Once we get born again, saved, we should begin to pursue God, and really get to know Him. Too many believe the ultimate goal is to get saved. That is just the beginning of our relationship with God. The ultimate goal should be to know Him. How do we do that? One way is by doing His word, reading His word and then acting on it. You can’t get to know God outside of knowing His word. We need to get to know Him as our healer, as our provider. We do that by reading what He says about those things.

The ultimate goal:

Getting to know Him is our ultimate goal. Philippians 3:8 NLT — Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ. Knowing Christ is the greatest accomplishment in any of our lives. It’s what will cause us to live an abundant, everlasting life. Jesus says in John 17:3, And this is the way to have eternal life — to know You, the only true God.

It’s our call what we seek. If we seek to know God, we will experience abundant, everlasting, eternal life.

Just a thought,

PSS

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