Some lives are harder than others. They just are. Nothing is “fair” and things do not even out. Most of us today live in an age of antibiotics and vaccines for childhood diseases. We have clean drinking water, pasteurized milk, and more food than we can eat. Many parents will never bury a child. ThoseContinue reading “Gratitude Will Make You Happy; Comparison Will Make You Unhappy. Jeremiah 45:3-5.”
Tag Archives: Happiness is found in Gratitude and Serving Others
ARE YOU ENTITLED? Busy David and Lazy David. 2 Samuel 11:1.
David on the Balcony. Picture generated by A.I. One morning during a series of wars, two military men had an interesting conversation: “Haven’t you been on a long journey? Last night you finally arrived in town. Why didn’t you go home and see your wife?” “The ark, and Israel, and Judah are living in tents.Continue reading “ARE YOU ENTITLED? Busy David and Lazy David. 2 Samuel 11:1.”
“I’M NOT RELIGIOUS. I’M SPIRITUAL.” Colossians 2:3,8-9.
It’s the latest cliché: “I’m a spiritual person.” I’d like to ask, “How is your spirituality different from someone who reads poetry while sipping coffee and admiring nature? What is ‘spiritual’ about it?” Most who claim “spirituality,” focus on a mindset: they appreciate beauty, they think about gratitude, and they acknowledge there may or (mayContinue reading ““I’M NOT RELIGIOUS. I’M SPIRITUAL.” Colossians 2:3,8-9.”
ROSE-COLORED GLASSES. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
When I was a child, John Conlee sang a song about perspective: “But these rose-colored glasses that I’m looking through, Show only the beauty, ‘cause they hide all the truth.” I remember asking, “What are rose-colored glasses?” Mama told me it means you don’t see the negatives. That is not a bad thing. If youContinue reading “ROSE-COLORED GLASSES. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.”
How Do You Achieve Greatness? Matthew 20:26.
How do you achieve greatness? Hard work? Dedication? Long hours? Sacrifice? Talent? Competitiveness? Drive? Self-discipline? Early to bed, early to rise? All of those things are vital for many aspects of life. But when the disciples talked about achievements and rank in God’s kingdom, Jesus had an answer so radical it was revolutionary: “Whoever wantsContinue reading “How Do You Achieve Greatness? Matthew 20:26.”
The Sin of Comparison. Matthew 20:1-16.
My wife has a favorite sermon: Dave Edwards’ message “THE SIN OF COMPARISON.” Twenty years ago she bought a copy on cassette and played it for years.[1] Edward’s point was we need to stop comparing our lives to lives around us. Nothing will make you unhappy faster! We learn as children to measure ourselves byContinue reading “The Sin of Comparison. Matthew 20:1-16.”
The Best “Self-love” is Serving Others. Matthew 16:24
A friend of mine was a member of the crew team at Rutgers University. That is the team of eight men rowing a long, narrow boat called a “skull.” The eight sit facing backwards, and a ninth man, the “coxswain,” sits at the back facing forward, guiding and coaching the other eight. (Can you imagineContinue reading “The Best “Self-love” is Serving Others. Matthew 16:24”
Household Words: 