Unshakable Assurance

The rhetorical question, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" posed by Paul in Romans 8:31, offers profound assurance to believers. This statement is nestled within a passage that highlights God's unending love and inexhaustible support for His people. It is meant to comfort and embolden those who might feel overwhelmed by adversities or opposition. By emphasizing that God's presence on our side is mightier than any possible foe or obstacle, Paul underscores the invincibility that comes from being under God's protection. This isn't merely about facing human adversaries but confronting life's trials with a steadfast heart, knowing that the ultimate victory is assured through divine advocacy.

Comprehensive Victory

This declaration is further explored through the succeeding verses (Romans 8:32-39), where Paul elaborates on the nature of God’s support. The argument builds from the general to the specific: not only is God for us, but He also did not spare His own Son, Jesus Christ, to ensure our well-being and salvation. This ultimate sacrifice exemplifies the depth of God’s commitment to His followers. It leads to the conclusion that if God has already provided for our greatest need — salvation through Jesus — then surely He will also graciously give us all things necessary to triumph in life’s battles. The verse powerfully points out that nothing can hinder God’s plan for His people, be it trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword.

Enduring Confidence

Paul’s query, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" invites believers to live with a spirit of boldness and confidence. It serves as a reminder that God's favor is not a temporary or flimsy shield but a profound and enduring commitment to those He loves. The subsequent verses paint a vivid picture of this protection, affirming that neither death nor life, angels nor demons, our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow — not even the powers of hell — can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord. This eternal security fosters a courageous and hopeful outlook, encouraging Christians to face challenges with the knowledge that they are not alone and ultimately undefeatable with God on their side.

Just a thought, 

PSS

The greatest mistake you can make in life is continually fearing that you’ll make one.

                                                                                  — Elbert Hubbard

Fear of:

One of the worst fears people deal with is the fear of failure. Fear of failure is really fear of change and of what others may think of you. This fear limits us, our opportunities, and our growth and progress in life. Without mistakes we wouldn’t ever learn and grow.

Inevitability of:

It’s not that we want to make mistakes: it’s the reality we all will. They are inevitable. They will happen. What we need to be able to do is to recover from them. A doctor told me that after a workout what determines what kind of shape you’re in is how quickly you recover — your recovery time. In life, what is your recovery time from making a mistake? So many don’t attempt much in their lives because they are afraid of making a mistake. Everyone God ever used in the Bible blew it at some point. As Christians we think we have to be perfect to serve the Lord, to honor Him. This is simply not true.

Power of:

We just have to be willing to learn from our mistakes and keep on moving forward. Let’s not keep repeating the same mistakes over and over again. Failure is an event, not a destiny. Failure is not final. It happens to all of us.

Let’s learn how to overcome and never see failure as our enemy. Look at it and be thankful that we are growing and learning and becoming more like God.

Just a thought,

PSS

Regret is stronger than gratitude. Did you know the dead receive more flowers than the living?

The rut of regret:

Regret is defined as: a feeling often accompanied by sadness, shame, and guilt. Regret is when you wish you had done things differently in your past. It is a robber of life and enjoyment. It leaves us feeling bad about ourselves and really does steal our joy. So, regret is powerful, and so many get stuck there.

Learn from the past:

We cannot go back in our past and do things over. Our decisions are our decisions. The thing we can do is learn from them so we don’t continue to make the same mistakes over and over again. We should learn from our mistakes as well as from our successes. We all have to learn to move forward and not live in the past. Being grateful, I believe, will help us do that.

Be grateful:

Gratitude is defined as: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Gratitude is more than feeling thankful for something: it is more like a deeper appreciation for someone (or something) which produces longer lasting positivity and peace of mind. We should be so grateful to God for His forgiveness and His kindness. The Lord is near the heartbroken and He saves those who are crushed in spirit (contrite in heart, truly sorry for their sins) (Psalm 34:18 AMP). If you have blown it living in your past mistakes, if you have been crushed in your heart and mind, repent for whatever part you had in it. God will heal your heart and mind.

Let’s learn and practice gratitude. It will cause our lives to be better.

Just a thought,

PSS

Easter isn’t just a day we mark off on the calendar: it’s the heartbeat of our faith, showcasing God's unmatched power to resurrect and lavish us with grace. It stands as a living testament to the victory Jesus Christ won over death and sin — a victory that's not just a tale from the past but a present and ongoing promise. This promise whispers to us about hope, renewal, and the courage to face our challenges, reminding us that, with God, rejuvenation is always within reach. Each day is a fresh opportunity to step into the light of His resurrection, embracing the change and endless possibilities that faith in Him brings.

During this season, we're called to a deeper reflection and a higher action, aligning our lives with Jesus’ teachings by cultivating love, pardoning offenses, and striving for peace within our circles. It's time to examine our hearts, to shed any grudges, and to welcome the life-changing touch of God’s grace.

But Easter isn't just about introspection: it's about living out the Gospel. This means making the church not just a place we go, but a priority in our lives and a central hub for our actions. By diving into church ministries, lending a hand in organizing and running church activities, or contributing to the church's mission, we become active participants in spreading the love and teachings of Christ.

As we move away from the Easter season, let’s challenge ourselves to keep the church at the forefront of our lives. Committing to the church, engaging in its ministries, and serving our church family is how we carry forward the incredible message of hope and resurrection. It’s about more than just showing up on Sundays: it's about embedding ourselves in the fabric of the Church, enriching our spiritual journey, and nurturing a community bound by faith and service.

Through this commitment, we keep the spirit of Easter alive all year long, fostering a culture of renewal and grace that has the power to transform not only our own lives but the world around us. Easter is just the starting point, urging us to live out our faith boldly and visibly, especially through our unwavering dedication to the life and community of the Church.

Just a thought,

PSS

In the heartwarming embrace of Palm Sunday, we find ourselves at the threshold of Holy Week, a time that calls every Christian to a journey of reflection, humility, and profound gratitude. Palm Sunday is not just a day: it's a divine invitation to align our hearts with the essence of Jesus Christ's ultimate sacrifice. On this day, as we remember Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, it's crucial to see beyond the festivities and recognize the symbols of victory as emblems of the path Jesus chose — a path marked by suffering, sacrifice, and unconditional love for humanity. It's a moment that urges us to deeply ponder the nature of true kingship and servitude, as Jesus rode into Jerusalem not with the grandeur of earthly kings but with the peace and humility fitting the King of kings.

Palm Sunday should stir within us a spirit of deep reflection. It's a time to contemplate the journey of Jesus toward the cross, the burden of the sins He bore, and the depth of His love for us. This day challenges us to examine our lives through the lens of Christ's teachings, asking ourselves how we can embody His example of love, sacrifice, and forgiveness in our daily walk. It's an opportunity to lay down our cloaks of pride, anger, and bitterness, metaphorically at the feet of Jesus, just as the crowds did with their tangible expressions of honor. In doing so, we not only honor His sacrifice but also prepare our hearts to receive the transformative power of His resurrection.

Finally, Palm Sunday is a call to action. It reminds us that Christianity is not a passive faith but a call to actively live out the teachings of Jesus in every aspect of our lives. As we step into Holy Week, let this day ignite in us a renewed passion to serve others, to spread love in the face of hatred, and to be beacons of hope in a world often shrouded in darkness. Let us walk in the footsteps of our Savior, carrying our crosses with the same humility and faith, knowing that beyond the pain of Good Friday lies the joy of Resurrection Sunday. By embracing the lessons of Palm Sunday, we not only commemorate a historical event but also reaffirm our commitment to living a life that reflects the heart of Christ.

Just a thought,

PSS