The phrase "actions speak louder than words" resonates deeply with the teachings found in John 15:8, which emphasize the importance of bearing fruit as evidence of one's discipleship. In this context, “fruit” symbolizes tangible actions and behaviors that manifest an individual's commitment and beliefs. Much like how a tree is recognized by its fruit, a person's actions are a direct reflection of their inner values and principles. This analogy underscores the idea that what we do is more significant and revealing than what we merely say. Actions, being observable and concrete, carry a weight and authenticity that mere words often lack.

Furthermore, this concept encourages a form of authenticity and integrity in one's life. It's not enough to simply profess certain beliefs or virtues: these must be lived out through consistent, visible actions. This echoes the biblical principle that faith without works is considered dead. In the context of John 15:8, bearing fruit is synonymous with living out one's faith through actions. These actions then become a testimony to others, serving as a practical demonstration of one's beliefs and values. It’s a call to action for believers not to just speak about love, kindness, and faith, but to actively demonstrate these qualities in their everyday lives.

Lastly, the idea that actions speak louder than words aligns with the pursuit of genuine spiritual growth and maturity. In John 15:8, the bearing of fruit is not just a one-time act but a continual process, indicative of a living, growing faith. This continuous action is essential for personal development and for making a meaningful impact in the world. It's about turning good intentions into tangible deeds, thereby transforming abstract beliefs into a lived reality. In essence, it’s a reminder that true faith is not static but dynamic, consistently evidenced through our actions, much like the ever-producing branches of a fruitful vine.

Just a thought,

PSS

The importance of seeking counsel aligned with God's ways, as underscored in Proverbs 11:14 KJV, "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety," stands in stark contrast to the temporary nature of ungodly counsel. Counsel that aligns with God's ways, deriving from the Word of God and a commitment to living by divine principles, offers guidance far surpassing the immediate solutions of worldly advice. It emphasizes virtues such as compassion, integrity, and humility, guiding individuals to consider decisions not just in their immediate context but in their spiritual and moral implications as well. Such counsel ensures that choices are beneficial for both short-term practicality and long-term spiritual growth.

In contrast, ungodly counsel, often anti-God and temporary, tends to overlook these spiritual and moral considerations. Focused on instant gratification, personal success, or gain, it promotes values and actions at odds with God's ways. This type of advice, anchored in the ever-changing norms of society and human reasoning, may offer quick fixes or short-lived satisfaction, but lacks the enduring value and depth found in guidance based on the Word of God. It risks leading individuals away from a path of righteousness and spiritual development, encouraging decisions that favor self-interest and material gains over spiritual well-being and moral integrity.

This distinction between counsel that aligns with God's ways and ungodly counsel emphasizes the need for discernment in choosing our sources of guidance. As Proverbs 11:14 KJV suggests, safety and stability lie in the counsel of many, but it is imperative that such counsel is in harmony with God's ways and teachings. Seeking counsel that resonates with the Word of God enables individuals to make decisions that are wise not just in a worldly sense but in harmony with their spiritual values. This approach ensures a balanced life journey, effectively merging practical needs with spiritual aspirations, leading to not only worldly success but also a spiritually fulfilling and enriching life.

Just a thought,

PSS

Possessing an attitude of thankfulness and gratitude is something that needs to be developed. I believe we would be much happier and more fulfilled as people if we would learn to be thankful.

Some people are only thankful and grateful to the Lord when things are going well. But when things go badly, then we begin to blame Him — we even begin to accuse Him of not caring about or loving us. How sad. The Bible says in Deuteronomy 28:47-48, Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joyfulness of [mind and] heart [in gratitude] for the abundance of all [with which He had blessed you], therefore you shall serve your enemies whom the Lord shall send against you, in hunger and thirst, in nakedness and in want of all things; and He will put a yoke of iron upon your neck until He has destroyed you.

Because people did not serve the Lord with joy and gratitude (one translation says, with enthusiasm — that means a spontaneous reaction), then we would live in want. We are to serve Him with joy and gratitude when things are going well and when things are not.

God has given us so much. He has given us life, air to breathe, food to eat, clothing to keep us warm. He has given us eternal life if we choose His way — receiving Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

We have much to be thankful for, so let’s develop an attitude of gratefulness and serve Him with joy.

Just a thought,

PSS

The concept of grief is often described through various stages, providing a framework for understanding the complex emotions and reactions that follow loss. While the stages are not linear and may vary from person to person, they offer a valuable perspective.

Denial: This initial stage serves as a defense mechanism, often buffering the immediate shock of the loss. In denial, individuals may find it hard to believe the loss has occurred, leading to a sense of numbness or disbelief. It's a temporary response that carries one through the first wave of pain.

Anger: As the masking effects of denial begin to wear off, the pain re-emerges. Here, the intense emotion is not always logical or reasonable, and it may be directed at inanimate objects, complete strangers, friends, family, or even the deceased. The anger may stem from feelings of abandonment, helplessness, or injustice associated with the loss.

Bargaining: In this stage, one may dwell on what could have been done to prevent the loss. Common thoughts might include "If only..." or "What if..." scenarios. This stage often involves a desperate attempt to regain control through a series of negotiations with a higher power in exchange for a reversion or mitigation of the loss.

Depression: As the reality of the loss fully sets in, individuals may retreat, isolate, and focus on the practical implications of the loss. Sadness and regret predominate this stage. It's a period of reflection where the true magnitude of the loss is recognized, often leading to feelings of loneliness and despair.

Acceptance: This stage is marked by coming to terms with the reality of the loss. Acceptance does not mean being okay with what happened, but rather acknowledging the reality and recognizing that life has to be restructured. In this stage, individuals begin adapting to life without the lost entity and start planning for a future as it now stands.

To navigate through these stages, it is important to recognize that grief is a deeply personal and unique experience. There's no right or wrong way to grieve. Accepting your feelings, seeking support from loved ones, and allowing yourself time to heal are crucial. Professional help, like therapy, can also provide guidance and coping strategies. Remember, moving through these stages is not a journey to be rushed —it's about finding a way to live with the changes brought about by loss, at your own pace.

Just a thought,

PSS

The Bible addresses grief in various ways, offering comfort, perspective, and hope to those who are mourning:

1. Comfort and Compassion: The Bible often speaks of God's comfort and nearness to the brokenhearted. For instance, Psalm 34:18 says, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
2. Mourning and Lamentation: Expressions of grief and lamentation are seen as natural and important. The Book of Psalms is full of cries of anguish, such as Psalm 22:1, where David says, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
3. Hope Beyond Grief: The Bible also speaks of hope beyond the immediate pain of loss. For example, in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, Paul writes, "Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him."
4. Resurrection and Eternal Life: Central to Christian belief is the hope of resurrection and eternal life, which offers a profound perspective on grief. In John 11:25-26, Jesus says, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die."
5. Support and Community: The Bible encourages believers to support one another in times of sorrow. Romans 12:15 instructs, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."
6. Understanding and Embracing Human Emotions: The Bible doesn’t shy away from the reality of human emotions, including grief. Ecclesiastes 3:4 acknowledges that there is “a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”

These passages reflect a broad and compassionate approach to grief, recognizing it as a natural part of the human experience, while also offering hope and comfort through faith.

Just a thought,

PSS