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Monday, April 17, 2023 7:39 AM

Faith, Confidence, and Courage

Monday, April 17, 2023 7:39 AM
Monday, April 17, 2023 7:39 AM

Faith is a powerful force that fuels our belief in God and His word, allowing us to face any situation with courage and confidence. Romans 8:31 serves as a constant reminder that if God is for us, no challenge is insurmountable. Embracing faith means trusting in God's plan for our lives, even when the path is unclear or filled with obstacles. We can find solace in the fact that our Creator is infinitely wise, loving, and merciful, always working for our ultimate good. When we allow faith to guide our actions, we align ourselves with divine wisdom, ensuring that we remain steadfast through life's trials and tribulations.

Confidence in God and His word allows us to stand firm in the face of adversity. As we meditate on the promises and truths contained within the Scriptures, we begin to understand the unwavering love and support that God has for us. This understanding strengthens our resolve and helps us remain confident in our convictions, even when external circumstances may seem daunting or overwhelming. When we keep our eyes focused on God and His promises, we can tap into the divine strength that empowers us to overcome any obstacle.

Courage is the byproduct of a strong faith and unshakable confidence in God. With God on our side, we can boldly face any challenge that comes our way, knowing that we are never alone. As we develop our relationship with God through prayer, worship, and study of His word, we grow in our ability to confront difficult situations with courage and conviction. God equips us with the necessary tools to face life's battles head-on, and when we lean on Him, we find the courage to persevere and triumph over any adversity that may come our way. Our faith, confidence, and courage in God ultimately serve as a testament to His power and grace, inspiring others to seek refuge in His loving embrace.

 

Just A Thought,

PSS

Monday, April 10, 2023 9:48 AM

The Spirit of Easter

Monday, April 10, 2023 9:48 AM
Monday, April 10, 2023 9:48 AM

Easter is a time of renewal, rebirth, and hope, as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the triumph of life over death. 

Cultivate:
This Easter attitude, full of positivity and optimism, is one that we should strive to carry with us throughout the year. By embracing the spirit of Easter, we can cultivate a sense of gratitude and joy, allowing it to permeate every aspect of our lives.

Connect:
The Easter season reminds us of the importance of love, compassion, and forgiveness. By practicing these virtues daily, we can foster stronger connections with our friends, family, and community. Just as the daffodils and tulips bloom brightly during this time, we too can blossom by sharing our kindness and generosity with others. In doing so, we can create a more harmonious and beautiful world for everyone to enjoy.

Continue:
This year, let us challenge ourselves to carry the spirit of Easter in our hearts and minds long after the celebration has passed. May we all continue to be beacons of hope, love, and positivity, inspiring others to do the same. 

As we reflect upon the profound message of Easter, let it serve as a gentle reminder that our capacity for renewal and growth is limitless, and that every day presents a new opportunity to make a positive impact on the world around us.

Just a thought, 
PSS

Monday, April 3, 2023 10:23 AM

Why Me?

Monday, April 3, 2023 10:23 AM
Monday, April 3, 2023 10:23 AM

On Palm Sunday, we commemorate Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, an event that marks the beginning of the Holy Week leading up to His crucifixion and resurrection. This day serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' humility and the true nature of His kingship. As the people waved palm branches and cried out, "Hosanna!" they recognized, even if only for a moment, that Jesus was indeed the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Calling:

As followers of Christ, we are called to be missionaries and share the good news of Jesus' love and redemption with others. Our role is not only to invite people into our churches and communities but also to help them understand the true nature of Jesus' kingship — a kingship that transcends earthly power and authority, focusing instead on love, mercy, and sacrifice.

Reflection:

As we celebrate Palm Sunday, let us embrace our calling as missionaries and extend an invitation to those around us to experience the life-changing love of Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords. We must do this not only with our words but also with our actions, by living lives that reflect the values of Christ's kingdom: love, compassion, forgiveness, and humility.

Sharing:

In our efforts to share the good news, we should not be deterred by the preconceived ideas that people may have about Jesus. Instead, let us gently and patiently guide them to a deeper understanding of the true nature of His kingship. As we do this, we will play a part in helping others come to know Jesus as their Savior, the one who brings peace, reconciliation, and hope to a world in desperate need.

So, on this Palm Sunday and beyond, let us commit ourselves to being ambassadors for Christ, inviting others to experience the transformative power of His love and to join us in worshiping Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Just a thought,

PSS

Monday, March 27, 2023 3:03 PM

Having Done All ...

Monday, March 27, 2023 3:03 PM
Monday, March 27, 2023 3:03 PM

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

Monday, March 20, 2023 7:14 AM

Take Up Your Cross And...

Monday, March 20, 2023 7:14 AM
Monday, March 20, 2023 7:14 AM

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

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