We’ve all faced discouragement at some point in our lives. It’s that feeling of being weighed down, like no matter what we do, we just can’t catch a break. It can come from setbacks, failures, or even from our own sins. But let me remind you that discouragement is one of the enemy’s most used weapons because it pulls us away from trusting God. When you’re discouraged, you start questioning everything — your abilities, your worth, and even God’s plan for your life. That’s exactly what Satan wants. But here’s the truth: discouragement doesn’t have to define you or your future.

The Bible is full of people who faced discouragement but didn’t stay there. Look at David, who wrote some of the most powerful psalms while he was being hunted by Saul; or Peter, who denied Jesus three times but was restored and became a pillar of the early Church. Discouragement didn’t end their stories, and it doesn’t have to end yours either. God’s grace is greater than any failure, any sin, or any setback you’re facing. What matters isn’t that you fall — it’s that you get back up and trust God’s plan for your life.

So, if you’re feeling discouraged today, don’t stay in that place. Turn back to God, confess your struggles, and let His Word speak life into you. Remember, as Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.” God is with you and He will never leave you in your valley. Discouragement may come, but it doesn’t have to stay. Trust in Him and watch how He turns your situation around for His glory.

Just a thought,

PSS

It is by God's grace only that anyone can be saved. No amount of good works, religious rituals, or personal righteousness can ever be enough to bridge the gap between our sin and God's holiness. Salvation is not something we can earn or deserve; it is a free gift that comes solely through faith in Jesus Christ. As Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT) says, “God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” We are all in need of God's grace, and it is only through His mercy and love that we can be saved.

No one is too far gone for the grace of God. The story of Saul is a powerful reminder that even the most hardened sinner can be transformed by the love and power of Jesus. Saul, who later became the Apostle Paul, was a man bent on destroying the church, persecuting Christians with relentless zeal. But when Jesus met him on the road to Damascus, everything changed. Saul’s life was completely transformed by God’s grace, and he went on to become one of the greatest evangelists and leaders in the early church. If God’s grace could reach a man like Saul, then it can reach anyone, no matter how far they have wandered or how deep they have fallen.

The truth is, none of us are beyond the reach of God’s grace. His love is limitless, and His mercy knows no bounds. No sin is too great, no heart too hardened, and no past too broken for God to heal and restore. The same grace that saved Saul is available to each one of us today. All we have to do is surrender, believe, and allow God to do what only He can do — transform our lives from the inside out. The good news is that God’s grace is sufficient, and no one is ever too far gone for His love.

Just a thought,

PSS

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