Temptation is often subtle, creeping into our lives when we least expect it. It rarely presents itself as something overtly harmful; instead, it masquerades as a reasonable choice, a justified action, or even a harmless indulgence. The danger lies in its ability to appeal to our natural desires, whether it's the need for comfort, recognition, or power. By disguising itself as something good, temptation leads us away from God's perfect will for our lives, inch by inch, until we find ourselves far from where we intended to be.

In moments of weakness, when we are physically or emotionally drained, temptation becomes even more powerful. It strikes when our defenses are down, offering shortcuts, easy solutions, or instant gratification. But these seemingly small compromises can lead to significant consequences. Jesus’ example in the wilderness shows us that the best defense against temptation is a deep reliance on God's Word. He countered every temptation with Scripture, demonstrating that the truth of God’s Word is our most potent weapon against the lies of the enemy.

The reality is that temptation is an inevitable part of life. However, we don't have to face it alone or unprepared. By staying rooted in Scripture, vigilant in prayer, and connected to the Holy Spirit, we can recognize temptation for what it is and resist it. It’s not about never being tempted — it’s about being equipped to overcome it, knowing that in our moments of weakness, Christ's strength is made perfect. Remember, temptation is not a sin, but yielding to it is. Let’s choose today to stand firm, resist the enemy, and walk in the victory that Christ has already won for us.

Just a thought,

PSS

The condition of our hearts is like the soil in a garden — what we allow to take root there determines the fruit we bear. Just as a gardener carefully tends the soil, removing weeds and enriching it for growth, we must be vigilant about what influences our hearts. The Word of God is powerful and life-changing, but it can only flourish in a heart that is soft, receptive, and free from the distractions and cares of this world. Are we creating an environment where God’s Word can truly take root and produce a harvest?

Each of us must ask ourselves: What kind of soil am I? Am I like the hard path, where the Word is quickly snatched away? Am I shallow soil, where faith withers at the first sign of trouble? Or am I choked by the thorns of worldly worries and desires? Jesus calls us to be good, fertile soil — people who not only hear the Word but also allow it to transform our lives and produce fruit that reflects His love and truth.

The fruit we bear is a testament to the state of our hearts. A life rooted in Christ will naturally produce good fruit — visible, beneficial, and reflective of His character. But if we find ourselves bearing rotten fruit, it’s time to re-evaluate the soil of our hearts. With God’s help, we can change our environment, prune away what hinders us, and cultivate a heart that is fully receptive to His Word, ready to yield a bountiful harvest.

Just a thought,

PSS

We definitely live in difficult times. The Bible calls these days perilous times. The word perilous means hurtful, dangerous, unpredictable, uncontrollable, and high-risk periods of time will come.

The last days:

We are seeing we are in the last of the last days, right now! (2 Timothy 3:1). We are living out the Scriptures. We are living in a moment when no one really has any answers. There is no one to ask because in our recent history we have never experienced what we are experiencing in our world today.

No fear:

So, what do we do? Firstly, don’t panic: God has not been caught off guard. He knew this was going to happen. He knew that there would be tremendous amounts of fearmongering and overreacting, as people tend to do. Secondly, don’t be afraid: don’t live in fear, for God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. We are not to live in fear. We do need to use wisdom, but never fear.

The word:

We do not ever lay aside the word of God for any man, any government. It’s the word of God that lasts forever. The world doesn’t have the answers — they don’t offer any hope to the lost or hurting. Let’s seek God like never before. Let’s take what the enemy means for evil, and use it to do good. Let’s share our faith with others like never before. Let’s be the Church, and lead in these perilous times we live in.

It’s all a choice. I pray we choose life.

Just a thought,

PSS

There are way too many converts in the body of Christ.

A convert is:

A convert is one who believes in Jesus, but that’s where it stops. They don’t help. They stand on the sidelines and cheer Jesus on. The problem with that is Jesus didn’t come and die for a bunch of cheerleaders. He came and died for disciples. We are called, commanded to go (as you go, as you live your life) make disciples (Matthew 28:18–20). We are not to make converts.

A disciple is:

A disciple is one who is growing, maturing, being a doer of the word; who is striving every day to obey Christ, obey His word, realizing that they will make mistakes, but because they are a disciple, repent and keep on going. A convert is never really seeking God, never really experiencing any real-life change. They want only fire insurance; they don’t want to go to hell. But if that is all it is, they are going to be very disappointed when Jesus comes back and looks at them and says, “I don’t know you!”

A true disciple is:

We must all become true disciples — willing to put aside our wants, our desires, for what Christ wants us to do. We must deny ourselves and follow Jesus, turn from our selfish ways and follow Jesus, put His ways, His will first, regardless of how uncomfortable it makes us feel.

You have to choose: are you going to stand on the sidelines or get in the game and fulfill the great commission to go and make disciples?

Just a thought,

PSS

Good advice is not always godly advice.

The highest standard:

We should weigh every decision against the word of God. When faced with a problem or a tough decision, we should go to the word of God and take our counsel from it. When we are at a crossroads in our life, what we put our trust and confidence in is important. It is the difference between life and death, success and failure, overcoming or being conquered by something or someone. You are the only one who can decide for your life — no one else can decide for you. 

What you believe in:

What a person believes is very important to their life. If you choose to believe in the word of God, and you have complete trust and confidence in the word of God, it will bring life to all your being. Proverbs 4:22 NLT says, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. This is speaking about the word of God.

The final say:

Allowing God’s word to have the final say will keep you safe, protected from making decisions that could cause harm to your life and well-being. God’s word is full of wisdom — we must hold on to it, trust in it, and have confidence in it.

It’s your choice. You choose whom you will serve.

Just a thought,

PSS