Standing for God's truth isn't always easy, and we can see this clearly in the life of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Stephen was a man full of the Holy Spirit, empowered to perform miracles and defend the truth with great wisdom. But standing for the truth often brings opposition. The religious leaders couldn't handle his boldness, so they accused him of blasphemy, stirring up false charges to silence him. Just like Stephen, when we stand for the truth of God's Word today, we may face lies, opposition, or even rejection.

What’s powerful about Stephen’s story is that, in the midst of his greatest trial, he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. While Scripture often speaks of Jesus sitting at God's right hand, in this moment, Jesus stood to honor Stephen’s faithfulness. This is a reminder to us that Jesus always stands with those who stand for Him. Even when the world turns against us, we are not alone. Jesus is with us in our trials, and He sees our faithfulness.

We should expect challenges when we stand for Christ, but we must not lose heart. Just like Stephen, we are called to speak the truth in love, even when it costs us something. The world may resist the truth, but our reward is not from this world — it’s from Jesus Himself.

So let us keep our eyes on Him, knowing that He stands with us and will one day welcome us home with open arms.

Just a thought,

Pastor Steve

The Bible talks about trials, troubles, and temptations. It also says when we experience trials and troubles, we should see it as an opportunity to grow — to mature in our relationship with God, and in how we deal with problems.

Temptations vs Trials:

Now temptations are different from trials or troubles. Temptations come from the inside, while trials come from the outside. The Bible teaches that temptations don’t come from God but from the evil desires that dwell in our hearts and minds. But trials come to us from circumstances, sometimes beyond our control.

Opportunities:

We will all have trials — no one is immune to trials or troubles in life. But how we see them is of vital importance. The Bible teaches we should see them as opportunities to grow and mature as a Christian and as a person.

Catalysts:

Trials will let us know what we are all about, what we really believe. They can tell us what our weak spots are and what our strengths are. Some think when we face hardships of any kind it’s because God doesn’t care or doesn’t love us. Nothing could be further from the truth. I don’t believe God causes hardships, but if we honor Him and keep His word, they can cause us to become stronger, better in life.

Next time you find yourself in a trial, stay true to God, and look for the solutions and learn from them. See James 1:2-4, 13-14.

Just a thought,

PSS

The Bible talks about trials, troubles, and temptations. It also says when we experience trials and troubles, we should see it as an opportunity to grow — to mature in our relationship with God, and in how we deal with problems.

Temptations vs Trials:

Now temptations are different from trials or troubles. Temptations come from the inside, while trials come from the outside. The Bible teaches that temptations don’t come from God but from the evil desires that dwell in our hearts and minds. But trials come to us from circumstances, sometimes beyond our control.

Opportunities:

We will all have trials — no one is immune to trials or troubles in life. But how we see them is of vital importance. The Bible teaches we should see them as opportunities to grow and mature as a Christian and as a person.

Catalysts:

Trials will let us know what we are all about, what we really believe. They can tell us what our weak spots are and what our strengths are. Some think when we face hardships of any kind it’s because God doesn’t care or doesn’t love us. Nothing could be further from the truth. I don’t believe God causes hardships, but if we honor Him and keep His word, they can cause us to become stronger, better in life.

Next time you find yourself in a trial, stay true to God, and look for the solutions and learn from them. See James 1:2-4, 13-14.

Just a thought,

PSS

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

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