The phrase — when we have done all we know to do, we must keep standing — emphasizes the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. It suggests that, in times of difficulty, we should continue to stand strong even after exhausting our knowledge and resources. 

Inner strength:
This concept is deeply ingrained in many spiritual teachings, which encourage individuals to maintain faith, hope, and determination in challenging circumstances. One of the key aspects of this concept is the idea of inner strength. 

Character:
Life often presents us with obstacles and hardships that test our resolve. In these moments, it is crucial to tap into our inner resources, such as our values, beliefs, and sense of purpose, to stay grounded and maintain our determination. Recognizing that we have done all we know to do, and yet continuing to stand, can be a testament to our character and a source of inspiration for others facing similar challenges. 

Growth:
Additionally, "keep standing" implies the importance of learning from our experiences and growing as individuals. When we face adversity, it is an opportunity for personal development and self-discovery. By staying committed to our path and trusting in our abilities, we become more resilient and better equipped to handle future challenges. This growth mindset encourages us to experience and grow as individuals and to view setbacks as temporary hurdles. It fosters a sense of optimism and hope in the face of adversity. 

In the end, the message of the Scripture is a powerful reminder to maintain faith, embrace personal growth, and draw upon our inner strength as we navigate the challenges that life presents.

Just a thought,
PSS

We need to understand that just saying a prayer to receive Jesus is not enough: we must become followers of Christ. He teaches us to follow Him. We must take up our cross. 

Sacrifice:
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?’ ” (Matthew 16:24-26).

Commit:
Bearing a cross meant one was about to die, and they would have faced ridicule and disgrace along the way. Therefore, Jesus is challenging us to fully commit to our faith and embrace the sacrifices and hardships that come with being a true follower of Christ. This commitment goes beyond simply saying a prayer or acknowledging Jesus as Lord. It involves surrendering our wills, our desires, and our very lives to Him, letting go of our worldly concerns and selfish ambitions in order to prioritize His kingdom and righteousness.

Persevere:
As we follow Jesus, we can expect to face various trials, persecution, and even ridicule from those who do not share our faith. Embracing the cross means being willing to endure these difficulties and stand firm in our beliefs, even when it's not popular or convenient. It's about recognizing the eternal value of our souls and putting our trust in God's promises, rather than seeking fleeting pleasures or material success. This level of discipleship requires steadfastness and perseverance, but it ultimately leads to a deeper relationship with Christ and a more meaningful, purposeful life.

Devote:
Jesus' words in Matthew 16:24-26 serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of wholehearted devotion to our faith. We must be willing to let go of our own desires and plans, and fully embrace the life that God has called us to. Only by giving up our lives for His sake, can we truly experience the abundant life and eternal salvation that He offers.

As followers of Christ, let us strive to carry our cross daily, embracing the challenges and sacrifices it entails, knowing that the rewards far outweigh the costs.

Just a thought,

PSS

Have you ever thought about what God cares about, what He wants from us?

Healing:

God’s heart is for people (2 Peter 3:9). He desires that none should perish, but all come to repentance. He tells us continually to reach the lost, get people saved, make disciples, and teach people what His word says. This is what God is passionate about — healing people from their brokenness. But how can He do that if they don’t know or realize they are broken?

God’s goodness:

The world accepts everything, even thinking up more ways to be evil. So, it’s our responsibility to reach the lost, tell them of the goodness of God. He wants us to have urgency in sharing our faith and reaching people with the gospel. It’s what we are to do, not to cater to people’s feelings but let them know the truth. Why? So that people can make an informed decision about God, about Jesus.

Reaching the lost:

Penn Jillette said, “How much do you have to hate somebody not to proselytize [them]?” If we believe in heaven and hell, we should not care about what people think of us or how upset they may become for our telling them about it. It gives God something to work with.

Let’s get passionate about what God is passionate about — the lost!

Just a thought,

PSS

Hope is defined as a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.

Only believe:

We serve a God who is able to do abundantly above all we could ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). He is also the God of the impossible (Matthew 19:26). If we would ever believe that, we would never be hopeless. I heard a preacher say we don’t need to be hopeful if we are hope filled.

Hang on:

God is hope: He doesn’t have hope; He is hope. We need to hang onto hope so we don’t ever become hopeless. We have to work in this very dark, ungodly world to continue to hope, even through our worst moments, our worst days, and our worst mistakes! God is a God of hope. We need to possess hope. The Bible says hope deferred (put off) makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12).

Choose hope:

There is always a choice to hope, to see light at the end of the tunnel. So, we can’t afford to have our hope deferred, put off, cast off. In fact, faith is the substance of things hoped for. We please God by our faith, by believing Him and His word. So, no matter what you are facing or what you have done, there is hope.

So, let’s continue to have expectations that our circumstances can get better.

Just a thought,

PSS

Have you ever thought about what it means to be an influencer? John Maxwell said, “Leadership is about influencing people to follow, while management focuses on maintaining systems and processes.”

Maintaining:

I think it is very sad that too many believers fall into the maintaining camp instead of influencing people to follow Christ. If all we do is maintain our faith, we will eventually start moving in the wrong direction. We need to become learners and keep growing, moving forward with God. So, to be an influence on people and the culture, we need to stand.

Being consistent:

1) We must consistently stand on the word of God and never back off, regardless of what the world says, what the culture says.

2) We must be consistent in our faith and walk before the Lord.

3) We must become lifelong learners.

Learning:

Even God cannot teach the unteachable. We must remain teachable and be willing to learn. Part of learning is to be able to say, “I was wrong” or “I didn’t know.” God can and will get us whatever information we may need if we are willing to learn, grow, develop!

So, let’s allow God to make us all influencers for good in this lost, dark world and to help people know there is a loving God waiting to help if we are willing to change and repent.

Just a thought,

PSS