Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his … More Do you notice the missionary spirit here?
This also, I saw, is from the hand of God; for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? (Ecclesiastes 2:24b-25 RSV) Ray Stedman comments, in a message, “Life in the Fast Lane” That is his second declaration, and that is the true message of this book. Enjoyment is a gift of … More Enjoyment is a gift of God.
For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. John Piper, in a sermon, “The Present Power of a Future Possession” So Hebrews 10:34 is saying that the key to the indomitable joy … More Piper: The KEY to Joy
And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away. —Nehemiah 12:43 C.H. Spurgeon comments: “For the Lord had made them glad with great joy.” God alone can give us this great joy. … More Joy and the power of the Word
Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! —Psalm 32:11 Charles H. Spurgeon comments on this verse in The Treasury of David: Be glad. Happiness is not only our privilege, but our duty. Truly we serve a generous God, since he makes it a part of … More Spurgeon: Be glad. Happiness is not only our privilege, but our duty.
For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. John Piper, in a sermon, “The Present Power of a Future Possession” So Hebrews 10:34 is saying that the key to the indomitable joy … More Piper: The key to the indomitable joy
Nehemiah 1:4 As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep … More Biblically-saturated, delight-filled prayer
Ray Stedman, in a 1965 sermon, “Ezra:The Way Back” comments on the events of Ezra 6: The minute the people began to turn back to God, he also turned the hearts of the kings, Darius and Artaxerxes, and they issued the decree that started the temple work again. Finally the work was finished. In chapter … More Celebrating fellowship with God!
Coty Pinckney says that in Mark 10:21-22, Jesus does two things: First, Jesus looks intently at him. The idea, I believe, is to get the young man to look at HIM and to quit looking at himself. This man is very wrapped up in what HE has done and what HE needs. Jesus already said … More HOW to find your greatest joy
Some people are terrified of appearing needy. Obsessed with their public image and how they are perceived, they put on a false front of self-sufficiency and self-reliance. Not David! That’s one of the things I admire most in the author of so many of these psalms. He is utterly unashamed to acknowledge before others his weakness … More Sam Storms: Don’t apologize for that relentless and chronic ache for joy.
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 