What is your greatest need? Maybe you are thinking: more money, better health, or nicer stuff. Although these may be legitimate needs, they are not our greatest need. In fact, while hanging on the cross, Jesus said it best as He pleaded, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” He didn’t pray for our prosperity or health; He prayed for our greatest need — forgiveness.

Forgiveness is: the act of pardoning somebody for a mistake or wrongdoing, liberating completely, canceling a debt. The great news about forgiveness is that it’s exactly what Jesus does for all who call on His name and follow Him. No matter what you’ve done, if you ask Him, He’ll forgive you. And as we receive His forgiveness, it is vital that we forgive others as well.

As the New Year approaches, let’s move forward knowing that our greatest need has already been met — God gave his only Son so that we can be forgiven — His greatest gift in exchange for our greatest need. 

Just a thought,

PSS

‘Tis the season for Christmas trees, presents, family and lots of good food. Don’t get me wrong: It is fun to give and receive gifts, and good to spend time with family. However, Christmas has become so commercialized that most people believe it’s more about family and gifts than the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. But, it’s much more than that — Christmas is about the salvation of the world.

God sent His only Son to die for us so that all of mankind would have the opportunity to have our sins forgiven and a relationship with God. When Jesus came, He was born, walked the earth, and gave His life for every one of us who would believe in Him. Christmas is a celebration of that birth — that the Savior of the world has come, Emmanuel (God with us).

Salvation is the greatest gift mankind has ever received. We should honor it, and honor Jesus as Savior. I am so grateful for what Jesus has done for me. His sacrifice has given me a life and, more importantly, a relationship with God. As we celebrate Christmas this Friday, let’s remember the purpose of His birth — the incredible sacrifice He made for our salvation.

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas.

Just a Thought,

PSS

All his life, a Wimbledon tennis champion thought that winning this major tournament would result in life as he had never known it. Following his championship, he said, “The thrill of victory lasts about fifteen minutes.” Most people think that success produces life, but Ecclesiastes 4:8 says that man is always working but never satisfied.

Just because you perform well and produce a lot doesn’t mean that you will experience true life. Jesus said, numerous times over, that He is the giver of life, and He gives it abundantly. Don’t get me wrong: being productive and having achievements in life are important, but we must realize life is more than that — it’s about seeking His kingdom and His righteousness.

Achievements can be a blessing, but they are not to become what we seek. First and foremost, having confidence in His Word, we are to seek God. As we do everything as unto the Lord, we give Him all the glory, because He is the giver of life — peace, joy, faith and hope. The things in this life are temporary, but what we do for God is everlasting.

Let’s learn to be grateful.

Just a Thought,

PSS

Have you ever thought about the statement, “Things happen for a reason”? In some ways, it could be a coping mechanism to get through a difficult or hurtful situation, but sometimes people use this as an excuse to evade responsibility. Other times, people use this reasoning to justify a decision that didn’t work out or to blame God for their circumstances.

For the most part, I do believe things happen for a reason. However, there are many times when our circumstances are a direct result of our own decisions. For example, someone said, “Everything happens for a reason, but sometimes the reason is that you’re stupid and make bad decisions.” Sadly, instead of taking responsibility for their lives, so many blame someone or something for their problems.

The first step toward positive change is to take responsibility for your life. Own up to the choices you have made, play the hand you’ve been dealt and keep moving forward. In doing so, you will begin to see your circumstances improve and your life change for the better.

Just a Thought,

PSS

So many people today suffer with all kinds of addictions: the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit forming. When we think of addictions, most likely we think of drugs or alcohol. But the interesting thing is that we don’t hear or talk about the addiction to failure.

Addiction to failure is learned through habitually quitting or giving up and continuing in patterns or habits that produce the wrong results. You can have all the right knowledge, but hold on to the wrong beliefs or behaviors, and you will tend to encounter failure more than success. In turn, you blame someone or something for those results, which gives you a false reason for your failure.

Everybody will fail, but to fail well means you learn from your mistakes and then purpose not to regret them. Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t — you’re right.” You can’t play the blame game and expect success. To be successful, learn to persevere — no matter what hurt or difficulties you may experience.

Successful people aren’t the “lucky ones;” they are the people who work hard and persevere — that is, they fail well. You must take complete responsibility for the decisions in your life and purpose to get up every time you are knocked down, then you will begin to break the addiction to failure.

Just a Thought,

PSS