A week ago we celebrated Palm Sunday, the day when the crowds were hailing Jesus as King and shouting, “Hosanna!” But when He didn’t do what they thought He should do — when He didn’t meet their expectations — by Friday, they were yelling, “Crucify him!” Although they succeeded, He later rose from the dead. As a result, we now celebrate Easter — the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

At one time, we were all dead in sin, headed for eternal damnation and separation from God. Because Jesus rose from the dead, however, we can have eternal life. This is the Good News. But many reject Him because He doesn’t measure up to their expectations of who they want God to be. As a consequence, they live according to how they feel, which is so deceptive and misleading. As Ravi Zacharias said, “Jesus does not offer to make bad people good but to make dead people alive.”

If we truly believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, we must choose to follow Him and live according to His Word. Jesus said, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Therefore, to celebrate the Good News, purpose to live according to His Word, His will, His way.

Just a thought,

PSS

One of the things we should all do is volunteer our time to help and serve others and organizations. To volunteer means to freely offer to do something that you don’t get paid for. Volunteering not only helps us to become less selfish, but it is also healthy for us. As Christians, however, we must change our perspective from that of being a volunteer, to that of being a servant.

As you begin your journey with God and start to volunteer, it shouldn’t stop there. Although volunteering is good, it should grow into servanthood. As a servant, you want people to be blessed; and you’re not concerned about keeping score. Instead, you allow God to keep score; and you focus on serving — doing whatever is asked of you (see Hebrews 6:10).

Volunteering is an action; serving is an attitude. Volunteers keep score; servants make sacrifices. Volunteers are time sensitive; servants are need sensitive. Volunteering makes you look good; serving makes God look good. Volunteering is about convenience; serving is about commitment. Volunteers focus on what they give; servants focus on what Jesus gave.

Let’s stop fighting over preferences, and purpose to be a servant of our Lord Jesus. The Bible says, “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28 NIV). By following Jesus’ example and growing in your faith, keep believing that God will make you a servant. As you serve God and other people, it will bring the greatest joy to your heart.

Just a thought,

PSS

So many Christians believe God is here to fulfill our dreams and make us happy; but when we think that way, we will miss the truth about our salvation. In fact, God came into our lives to fulfill His will, His desires. God gave us eternal life and freedom from sin. In return, He expects total devotion, total loyalty, total commitment and total obedience.

Many believe that God’s only role is to give them what they want — that serving Him means that He wants only for them to be happy. The truth, however, is that this is God’s story to be told — His will to be done. It’s really about His will, not ours; but God requires serious obedience. Therefore, in order to be a devoted Christian, we must learn to deny ourselves.

Our walk with God is not about our convenience; it’s all about self-denial. Remember what Jesus said in the garden, “Not My will, but Your will be done.” When God’s will is done in our lives, then we will be fulfilled — not the other way around. Total devotion to God means keeping His commandments (His Word). When we are fully devoted, it’s all about putting God first.

Just a thought,

PSS

If you have a set of beliefs that makes up your core being, then you should live by it — no matter what. My beliefs come from the Bible, the Word of God; and quite often they conflict with the culture of the day, going against what is popular and accepted as appropriate behavior.

So what do we do when we’re attacked and criticized because our beliefs conflict with society? We should defend them and never compromise. If you compromise on something you say you believe in, then it was never truly a belief. In fact, we can compromise on a lot of things, but never on the Word of God.

We should learn how to defend our beliefs and values so that, when others criticize, we are not put to shame; because we are prepared to answer (I Peter 3:15-16). I’ve been criticized a lot for what I believe on certain issues, but — no matter what people say — I stay true to my beliefs.

The Bible is truth and knowing the truth makes us free and gives us confidence. Therefore, take a stand, and don’t give ground to compromise.

Just a thought,

PSS

As the old saying goes, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” This is erroneous, however, because words really do matter, and they have a bigger impact than we may realize. In fact, words have the power to affect us positively or negatively (see Proverbs 18:21). The words we say about ourselves and others have an enormous effect on our behavior and reveal a lot about our mental state. Words also affect us on an emotional level and speak to the content of our character.

For instance, if you think and say things such as: I’m not talented, I’m not good enough, I’m not smart, or I’m not pretty enough, this will only make you feel less than you are and keep you from pursuing your dreams altogether. On the other hand, however, words can also be a vehicle for change and inspiration. If you think and say things such as: I have talent, I can do whatever I put my mind to, I am smart, I am good enough, you will go from self-doubt to self-confidence — giving you the courage to accomplish your dreams.

As you can see, words truly do matter. Changing your words from negative to positive will help you feel better about yourself and accomplish more. So, let’s take an inventory of our thoughts and the words we speak about ourselves and others.

Just a thought,

PSS