Wow. Look at all he did. And look at how many times we see the word “I” in there. All those things he did to satisfy himself. Therein lies the root of his dissatisfaction. When you were in Sunday school, did you sing the J-O-Y song? (“J-O-Y, J-O-Y, this is…

HYMN DAY! “Make Me a Blessing,” by Ira B. Wilson gives some great instruction for each of us who love Jesus. 1 Out in the highways and byways of life, many are weary and sad; are weary and sad Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife making the sorrowing glad.…

Let’s not get the idea here that laughter should be avoided. Laughter, it says elsewhere, is good medicine, and science proves it—laughter builds endorphins, which are beneficial for mental health. What brings us to laughter? Joy sometimes spills over in laughter. Nothing maniacal about that. But I’m sure we can…

When defining the word “pleasure,” such words as “happiness,” “enjoyment,” or “fun” would make good substitutes. Solomon is talking to himself here, telling himself to go ahead and dive right in to see if indulging himself would bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose. Remember, he was the king, so…

This passage breaks my heart for two reasons. Judas knew that what he was doing was wrong, and he did it anyway; Jesus knew what Judas would do, and He loved him anyway. The juxtaposition of selfishness and selflessness pierces me in ways I cannot describe. Oh, to remain faithful…

Self contemplation: If I were to make a pie graph of the days of my life, how much of it would be taken with serving others versus serving self? Am I store-housing treasures in heaven by pouring myself out on others? Am I doing enough for my King, who died…

HYMN DAY! B. B. McKinney wrote music that made the ears perk up and listen and words that stirred the heart to change. “Serve the Lord with Gladness” is one such hymn. Do we gladly serve Him and proclaim His love in what we do and say? Verse 1 Serve…

Oh, what beautiful words! I’ve been blessed to know so many people who’ve graduated to heaven who I just know heard those words when they stood before their King. God doesn’t expect me to be perfect—how could I be?—but He asks me to be good (sincerely seeking Him and His…

Jesus wanted His disciples to know He was leaving but also that He would come again. He didn’t give a day and time for His return, so He instructed them to practice readiness—to not be caught up in trivial or inappropriate pursuits. Blessed, He said, is the one who is…

Whenever my mom heard about someone’s unexpected passing, she would say, “It behooves one to be ready.” There’s no doubt in my mind…she was ready when Jesus called her Home. I don’t know what day I’ll breathe my last. I don’t know if the Lord will return when I’m still…