Happiness, in many ways, is like a wave. It's a state of emotional high that comes with experiencing something joyous or fulfilling. This could be anything from acing a test, getting a job promotion, to spending quality time with loved ones. However, just like a wave, it peaks and then recedes. It's reliant on external circumstances and events, most of which are beyond our control. This makes happiness fleeting, a temporary state of joy that can easily be disrupted by life's challenges and uncertainties.

On the other hand, contentment is like a deep and steady current beneath the ocean's surface. It's an enduring sense of peace and satisfaction that comes from within. Contentment is accepting and appreciating what we have and where we are in life. It's a perspective that is less about the external world and more about our inner state. It's about recognizing that while we may not have everything, we have enough. Unlike happiness, contentment is not easily swayed by life's ups and downs.

While both happiness and contentment bring positive feelings, their sources and lasting power differ significantly. The pursuit of happiness can sometimes lead to a constant chase for temporary highs and can potentially leave us feeling unfulfilled in the long run. On the other hand, nurturing contentment can provide us with a steady source of satisfaction and peace, even in the face of adversity. This is not to say that we shouldn't seek happiness, but rather, we should strive for the deeper, more sustaining experience of contentment. Contentment provides us with the strength and stability to enjoy happiness when it comes, without being dependent on it.

Just a thought,

PSS

Humility is a life extender:

1. Have a healthy perspective — This can help you face difficult truths about weaknesses in your life, identify and build on strengths, and force growth and change.
2. Understand Who really did it — James 1:17a: Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father.
3. Mention others often — If life is about us only, it becomes very self-serving. We need to serve others.
4. Invest in others — When you help others, God will help you.
5. Love makes you relevant — Always put the word of God first.
6. Integrity is the key — Keep your word.
7. Take your eyes off the scoreboard — Keep serving, no matter what.
8. Yield to the Holy Spirit — He is our teacher; He leads and guides us; He comforts us; He knows exactly what we should do.

Let’s all work on yielding and obeying God and His word. He gives grace to the humble.

Just a thought,

PSS

In Matthew 6:33, the Bible proclaims, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." This verse instructs us to put God first in every area of our lives. It implies that we should not be overly concerned with our earthly wants and needs, but rather prioritize our spiritual growth and our relationship with God. Putting God first means acknowledging Him as the source of our existence, the giver of all blessings, and the ultimate authority in our lives. It means surrendering our will to His and striving to live according to His teachings.

Similarly, Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This verse underscores the significance of trusting God and incorporating Him into every aspect of our lives. To put God first, we must learn to rely on His wisdom and guidance rather than solely on our understanding. It involves seeking His will in all our decisions, big or small, and acknowledging Him in all we do.

Putting God first influences every aspect of our lives — our relationships, work, finances, health, and even leisure. It calls for a daily commitment to prayer, reading and meditating on the word, and living a life of obedience and service. It also involves loving and serving others, for in doing so, we are demonstrating our love for God. When God is our primary focus, our lives are enriched with peace, joy, and a sense of purpose. When we honor God with all areas of our lives, He promises to guide us, meet our needs, and bless us abundantly.

Just a thought,

PSS

The Fourth of July, known also as Independence Day in the United States, is a celebration of the nation's independence from British rule, a monumental event that many believe was guided by divine providence. There is an inherent connection between this celebration and the concept of God, as the country's founding fathers were largely guided by religious principles. The Declaration of Independence itself, a vital document in American history, asserts that all individuals are "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights." This phrase underscores the belief that freedom and human dignity originate from a higher power.

The biblical scripture, Galatians 5:13, affirms this link, saying: "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Freedom, as a divine gift, carries with it a certain level of responsibility. It urges individuals to use their liberty not for selfish or destructive purposes, but to serve others in love, reflecting the compassion and altruism that God teaches. This message resonates deeply with the founding principles of the United States, as the nation was created with an aim of providing its citizens the freedom to serve, grow, and prosper.

Therefore, as Americans celebrate the Fourth of July, they are not only commemorating a historic event, but also acknowledging a spiritual legacy. The fireworks, parades, and speeches symbolize not only the victory over a physical oppressor, but also the triumph of an idea — that all men and women are born with rights that come from God. This concept, deeply rooted in faith, has shaped the United States since its inception and continues to inspire its citizens to uphold the values of freedom, equality, and service to others. So, while the Fourth of July is a time of joyous celebration, it is also a time of reflection and gratitude for the divine guidance that has led to the liberties enjoyed today.

Just a thought,

PSS

In the Bible, there is an ongoing theme of demonstrating faithfulness in little things, with the assurance that such faithfulness will be rewarded with greater responsibilities and blessings. Jesus speaks of this in Luke 16:10: "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." This scripture implies that God assesses our reliability and commitment not based on grand and spectacular accomplishments, but on our daily, ordinary responsibilities. Whether it's our relationships, our occupations, or our talents, we are expected to handle them with integrity, diligence, and faithfulness. Then, we can look forward to God entrusting us with more.

The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 vividly illustrates this concept. In this parable, a man going on a journey entrusts his property to his servants according to their abilities. Upon his return, the servants who were faithful and productive with their talents were commended and given more, while the servant who did nothing with his talent was severely reprimanded. God expects us to use our God-given abilities, resources, and opportunities effectively and for His glory. As we do so, we prepare ourselves for more blessings and responsibilities.

In addition to material or tangible resources, the Bible also encourages us to be faithful with spiritual gifts and the truths we have been entrusted with. Paul writes to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:20, "Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care." Similarly, we are stewards of the spiritual gifts God has given us, and we are called to use them faithfully in serving others and building up the church. Being faithful in such matters not only brings glory to God but also brings us into a deeper relationship with Him. As we prove faithful with what we have been given, we can expect God to entrust us with even more.

Just a thought,

PSS