William Burroughs once said, “Desperation is the raw material of drastic change.” Webster’s defines it this way: “...driven to or resulting from loss of hope; offering so little chance as for improvement; hopeless.” To become so desperate can either be a good turning point or can become a point of destruction in our lives. When we become so downcast that we realize something has to change, and we become sick and tired of being sick and tired, only then will we decide to make good changes in our lives. It’s actually a good thing when we discover that some of our behaviors are creating destruction and hurt. That’s when we can adjust our thinking and our attitudes. We shouldn’t allow circumstances to get so bad that we make foolish decisions out of desperation. The bottom line is that sinking so low that you become discouraged may not be the best place to be, but if viewed from the right perspective, it could be the catalyst to cause long-lasting transformations in our lives. Let’s continue to grow and develop our character and our way of life so as to live peaceably with ourselves and others if possible.

We can never underestimate the power of forgiveness. I don’t think we could talk about it enough, because it’s such an important part of our spiritual, emotional, mental and physical lives.  There is such a releasing power found within forgiving and being forgiven. All of us make mistakes, no matter how hard we try. As we grow and develop, we’ll make less and less of them, and so will others. The ability to pardon and release others from the wrongs and injustices done to us, is an attitude that we must develop not for them, but for our own well-being. If we don’t, we’ll harbor hate and contempt in our hearts and that will lead to more pain. On the other hand, if we’re sincerely sorry, being forgiven frees us from the guilt and shame of doing wrong and hurtful things to others. Forgiveness isn’t just about pardoning others, but us as well.  So no matter what goes on in our lives, let’s purpose to be forgiving people. Learn to let go, and walk in an attitude that helps us, not hurts us. Remember: unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to die.

Just a Thought,

PSS

Legacychurch.com

Habits are an important part of our lives. Bad ones cause problems and good ones cause success. Steve Gladden said, “Men don’t decide their future; they decide their habits and their habits decide their future.” What are your habits? What’s causing you not to succeed? An example of a destructive habit is the habit of procrastination. It will create stress and desperation and place undue pressure on those around us.

It has been said that it takes 21 days to develop a habit. We should develop good, healthy habits that create success. One such habit we should seek to develop is that of growing. One of my mentors, who invested a lot of time and effort in me, told me that in order to grow, I should learn something everyday. I never forgot that. If all of us learn to master that habit, it will help us as we move forward in life.

Just a Thought,

PSS

Legacychurch.com

We should live by principle, not by pressure. Peer pressure, if allowed, can be a catalyst for making decisions. We feel pressure from people we are around to do a certain thing and the next thing you know, we do something we regret, or more importantly, something we know is wrong. Have you heard the phrase, “Well, everyone is doing it”? It still doesn’t make it right. We should be guided by our values and beliefs. The decisions we make should be governed by our principles. For example, if everyone else is taking a longer lunch than they are supposed to, they are stealing time from that company. That doesn’t give you the right to do it too. We know that stealing is wrong and that obeying the rules is right. We should purpose to be honest and we won’t violate our standards and ethics for anyone or anything. What morals do you live by? That’s how we should base our choices, not by being pushed or pressured into doing something. When I worked for UPS, I was pressured into slowing down and coming in late. My values, on the other hand, dictated that regardless of what went on, I was paid to do a job, and I did it. We’ll have clearer consciences and a reputation for honoring our word if we don’t cave in to pressure tactics. It’s better to be respected than liked.

Just a Thought,

PSS

Legacychurch.com

Racism defined is, “the belief in superiority of one race over another or others”. The truth is, God created the different races to show His diversity, imagination, greatness and His power. The human race just seems to always get it wrong. Hopefully, one day, the people of God will become as passionate about Jesus and seeing the lost saved as the world is about current affairs. It’s so sad that people live their lives with principles that are good as long as those principles agree with what they want in life (or should I say, with what they really want to do). We allow the media to sway our thoughts and beliefs. What a tragedy! God’s Word should dictate what we believe. The media and the world will pass away, but God’s Word will last forever. Let’s stand for the truth and live our lives accordingly. Let’s respect one another and put God first in our lives.

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

Just a Thought,
PSS
Legacychurch.com