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Monday, March 25, 2024 12:59 PM

The Ultimate Sacrifice

Monday, March 25, 2024 12:59 PM
Monday, March 25, 2024 12:59 PM

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

Monday, March 18, 2024 12:21 PM

I Will Pray About It...

Monday, March 18, 2024 12:21 PM
Monday, March 18, 2024 12:21 PM

When someone drops the "I'll pray about it" line, they might be sincerely hitting the pause button to chat with God about the next steps. But let's be real: sometimes folks use this as a fancy way of dragging their feet or flat-out saying no without having to say it. It's like putting on a spiritual show but not really planning to buy a ticket to the action. We're all about being honest and direct in our walk with faith, so if it's a no, let's just say it's a no, right?

 

James wasn't messing around when he said, "Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:17). That's as clear as day. It's like saying, "Talk is cheap." If we're spending all our time saying we'll pray about this or that but never actually get around to doing something, then what's the point? Faith isn't just something we talk about — it's something we live out. Prayer is powerful, sure, but it's not a cop-out. It's supposed to fuel us into action, not give us an excuse to sit back.

 

So, here's the deal: praying about it should be the start, not the end. Let's make sure when we say we'll pray about something, we're not just using it as a polite brush-off. Faith and action go hand-in-hand. It's like being in a car with the engine running but never putting it into gear. We need to drive forward, powered by our prayers and our actions. That's living out our faith — it's active, it's real, and it makes a difference. Let's not just say it: let's do it.

 

Just a thought,

 

PSS

Monday, March 11, 2024 12:43 PM

Which Philosophy Will You Choose?

Monday, March 11, 2024 12:43 PM
Monday, March 11, 2024 12:43 PM

Psychology developed what is called the humanistic perspective, in which human nature is viewed as basically good. This is the philosophy that rules over our Western society. The world’s philosophy is creating a world that continually is getting more and more selfish. This philosophy is in direct contrast to the word of God.

The Bible teaches us that human nature is sin nature. Matthew 15:19: For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. Another verse adds coveting, wickedness, deceit, envy, pride — all these evil things come from within.

God says our nature is not good, and the only way to truly change that is by accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior and inviting God into our hearts and minds to change this selfish human nature. Only God can do that. Only God can satisfy our spiritual hunger. Nothing else the world seeks can — not power, money, success, nor individualism.

See, if you adopt the humanistic philosophy of life, there is no need for a savior — no need for God. This type of thinking is creating a very selfish mentality: thinking only about me — but God says to die to self and begin to take on His characteristics.

It’s your choice what philosophy you choose to live by. One leads to eternal death, and one leads to eternal life — you choose.

Just a thought,

PSS

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