Faith in God is a profound and unyielding trust in the divine will and the unfathomable design of the universe. It's the belief that despite the challenges and uncertainties life presents, there is a higher power orchestrating the larger tapestry of existence. This kind of faith is not just about believing in God's existence but trusting in His wisdom, timing, and purpose. It is about surrendering to the idea that even when things seem insurmountable, God has a plan and His intentions are always for our ultimate good.

The teachings of Mark 11:22–24 call on believers to have unwavering faith, especially in times of adversity. When faced with doubts, fears, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, believers are encouraged to lean on their faith, recognizing that with God, all things are possible. This is not a call for passive resignation, but rather an active trust that invites believers to partner with the divine, acknowledge the vastness of God's power, and understand that our human perspective is limited. In doing so, believers can find strength, resilience, and hope, knowing that they are held within the comforting embrace of a loving God.

Having faith in God also shapes how we interact with the world around us. It provides a foundation of hope, guiding us to act with kindness, compassion, and love. It instills a sense of purpose, anchoring us during times of tumult and ensuring that we remain grounded in our convictions. Through faith, we learn to see challenges not as deterrents but as opportunities for growth and deeper understanding. We learn that every trial has a purpose, and through unwavering trust in God, we can navigate life's complexities with grace, wisdom, and an enduring spirit.

Just a thought,

PSS

In order to serve God, we must all realize it is going to cost us something. It will at times cost us our desires, our will; at times it will require a sacrifice.

The sacrifice:

A sacrifice is not really a sacrifice unless something means a lot to us — unless we really want to do something. It’s something we give up for someone or something else. If it doesn’t mean anything to us, it’s not really a sacrifice at all.

He paid it all:

“Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay His head’ ” (Matthew 8:20 NLT). Following Jesus will not always be easy or comfortable. It will often require great sacrifice of what we want, and doing what God’s word teaches. Following Christ, to do what He asks, may cost us popularity, friendship, leisure time, or convenience.

Pay the price:

The price of following Christ is saying and doing, “Not my will, but let His will be done.” It is our choice! Too many of us believe we can follow Christ, and do whatever we want. We follow Christ, and do what He requires us to do. It is our choice. Whatever we are unwilling to let go of may be the very thing that costs us our eternal salvation.

Being a disciple of Christ may not always be easy, but it will always be worth it. Again, it is our choice.

Just a thought,

PSS

Legacy isn’t something we leave one day; it’s something we’re living every day. Long before our race is finished, our choices, our faithfulness, and our obedience are already telling a story. People may not remember every word we say, but they will remember the life we lived and the example we set. The question isn’t whether we’re leaving a legacy — it’s whether we’re leaving one that points people to Christ.

Paul didn’t measure his life by comfort, applause, or ease. He measured it by faithfulness. At the end of his life, he didn’t say he had it easy; he said he finished well. That kind of finish doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through daily surrender, staying anchored in God’s Word, and choosing obedience even when it’s costly.

One day, each of us will stand before the Lord, and what will matter most is not how popular we were, but whether we kept the faith. So, live today with eternity in mind. Run your race with purpose. Finish strong. Leave a legacy that lasts.

Just a thought,

PSS

Christmas isn’t just the celebration of a baby in a manger — it’s the announcement that a King has arrived. We’re comfortable with Jesus as Comforter, Counselor, and Savior, but Christmas forces a deeper question: Is He King? The child given to us came with a throne, a kingdom, and authority. And while we love the peace He brings, we often resist the rule He requires. It’s possible to admire the King without ever surrendering to Him.

Surrender isn’t a vague spiritual idea; it’s very practical. In the simplest sense, surrender means laying down the right to always have things your way. In Scripture, surrender carries the idea of placing yourself under authority — choosing obedience over preference and trust over control. It’s saying, “God, You outrank me.” Surrender shows up not just in what we believe, but in what we do after God speaks.

The Bible says every knee will bow to Jesus. The only real question is when. Grace gives us the opportunity to bow now — not out of fear, but out of trust. Surrender isn’t loss; it’s freedom. Because the safest place in the world is under the authority of a good King — and the King who asks for our surrender is the same King who gave His life for us.

Just a thought,

          PSS

Christmas reminds us that the soul was never designed to be satisfied by things that fade, break, or need replacing. We can chase success, accumulate possessions, and reach milestones we once prayed for, only to discover the emptiness is still there. That restlessness isn’t a flaw — it’s a signal. God placed eternity in our hearts, and anything temporary will always fall short of filling an eternal soul.

The danger is not in having things, but in expecting things to do what only Christ can do. When we look to money, relationships, comfort, or control to give us peace and identity, we place a weight on them they were never meant to carry. That’s why contentment doesn’t come from having more, but from treasuring the right thing. When Christ becomes our treasure, circumstances lose their power to rule our joy.

This Christmas, the invitation is not to upgrade our lifestyle, but to receive a Savior. Jesus did not come to add something to our lives — He came to be our life. And when Christ is enough, we discover what Paul learned long ago: true satisfaction is not found in what we gain, but in whom we belong to.

Just a thought,

      — PSS