Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments. Ecclesiastes 12:13 Sylvia Plath was an American poet and author who often described the emptiness of life from her perspective as a non-Christian. On one occasion, she wrote, “I felt very still and very empty, the way the eye of… Read More »

So I reflected on all this, attempting to clear it all up. I concluded that the righteous and the wise, as well as their works, are in the hand of God; whether a person will be loved or hated—no one knows what lies ahead. Ecclesiastes 9:1, NET One of Jesus’ most comforting parables is that… Read More »

So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun. Ecclesiastes 8:15, NIV One of the biggest surprises… Read More »

Jesus in the center. John 19:18 Where was Jesus on the day He died? He was in the center between two thieves. He was in the center of humanity, in the center of history, and especially in the center of the story of redemption. Where is He in your life? Are you Christ-centered? Paul Tripp… Read More »

His heart is established; he will not be afraid. Psalm 112:8 Charlie Brown, the famous character in Charles M. Schultz’s Peanuts comic strip, is quoted as saying, “I think I’m afraid of being happy because whenever I get too happy something bad always happens.” Don’t we all feel that way—at least sometimes? Our happiness is often diminished… Read More »

You cannot serve both God and money. Luke 16:13, NIV John Wesley, the eighteenth-century revival preacher, said in his sermon on the shrewd steward (Luke 16:1-13) that we should use every penny God gives us in a way that will most profit our souls. That doesn’t necessarily mean we put all our money in the… Read More »

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38, NIV Glenn Morison, a Canadian Christian, wrote in his church-related paper, “I’ve never met a person who… Read More »

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 Our journey through life is like children who anticipate Christmas morning. They know something exciting awaits them, but they don’t know… Read More »

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15 Most parents of teenagers have heard the following in a moment of tension: “Mom/Dad, you just don’t understand!” It’s not just adolescent hormones or immaturity that produces… Read More »

Let heaven fill your thoughts; don’t spend your time worrying about things down here. Colossians 3:2, TLB There is so much to worry about on this earth! Perhaps your burdens are pressing down on you like an anvil. We have to look up to heaven and remind ourselves that Jesus is on the throne. We… Read More »