Today’s Verse: Rejoice evermore. ~1 Thessalonians 5:16 Two words can make all the difference between a good day and a bad day. These two words differentiate a victorious Christian from a defeated Christian. These same two words differentiate a Christian who pleases God from one who does not. These two words are, “Rejoice evermore.” There is the exhortation to rejoice. Paul’s words are a strong encouragement to believers who were grieving the loss of loved ones and facing the

Today’s Verse: A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. ~Proverbs 17:22 The story is told of a lady who had been bitten by a rabid raccoon. Her doctor examined her and told her that she had rabies from the bite. Immediately, she took a pad of paper and a pen out of her purse and started writing out a list of things. Her doctor asked her if she was writing out her will and last testament. She replied, “No, I am writing out the names of al

Today’s Verse: But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy: ~Ezra 3:12 When we think of our physical, spiritual, and emotional makeup, we can echo what the psalmist said that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. The trichotomy of man—spirit, soul, and body—are so intricately tied together.

Today’s Verse: For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. ~Psalm 30:5 The superscription to Psalm 30 is the dedication of the house of David. During this time, David was experiencing a time of serious trials. He was in a dark place in his life. His enemies were causing him to have doubts and even second guess himself. It was at this time that he learned some valuable things about God’s working in

Today’s Verse: My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; ~James 1:2 Joy is the inner disposition of utmost happiness, contentment, and satisfaction. It is a fruit of the Spirit. Jesus said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” Nehemiah said, “The joy of the LORD is your strength.” David said, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” We think of joy when the go

Today’s Verse: The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice! ~Psalm 21:1 A king is a powerful monarch with rulership, ownership, and sovereignty over people, land, businesses, economy, armies, and riches. He and his family live a lavish lifestyle with sumptuous meals, grand entertainment of guests, servants galore, and the best of everything that ruling a kingdom could render. To live like a king meant grand luxury and the best

Today’s Verse: But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. ~Psalm 5:11 Attending a sporting event of almost any kind brings emotion and exuberance out of almost everyone. We get excited when our team and star players score or make a great defensive play. We roar with excitement when our team plays exceptionally well. We “ahh” and “ooh” after a win. We shou

Today’s Verse: My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; ~James 1:2 One of the basics of daily living is counting. We count our minutes. We count our money. We count our blessings. James starts his practical epistle by telling us to “count it all joy.” The word “count” means to esteem. It is also the word translated into “governor” and “chief.” It has the idea of giving top priority and eminence. As we start a New Year, let us see the priority of cou

Today’s Verse: Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. ~Philippians 3:1 Over the years, I have had the privilege of touring the worksites of several leading manufacturing, processing, or mechanical companies. These tours give a firsthand look at how products are developed or processed. Before each tour, the guide gave a “safety first” instruction that included hard hats, protective cloth

Today’s Verse: Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment. ~Ecclesiastes 9:8 Do you live in the sphere of joy? Charles Spurgeon said, “There is a marvelous medicinal power in joy. Most medicines are distasteful; but this, which is the best of all medicines, is sweet to the taste, and comforting to the heart. This blessed joy is very contagious.” Solomon gives us three areas where we can maximize the joy of living. There is joy in moral purity. “Let th

Today’s Verse: The king shall joy in thy strength, O Lord; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice! ~Psalm 21:1 Psalm 21 is a Psalm of rejoicing. It is a Psalm of worship and praise for the blessings of his salvation. David writes this Psalm as a sovereign and as a son. It is Psalm that looks back, looks at the present, and looks ahead. The essence of this Psalm is “the joy of my salvation.” Let us see this morning why being saved should result in an exuberance of j

Today’s Verse: Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. ~Romans 15:13 What is hope to you? For most of us, we think of hope as that thread we hold onto when there is uncertainty. We consider hope our outlook that future events will have a blessed and better outcome. To the student who has completed and turned in a final exam, hope is the desire that he got the answers right and will get

Today’s Verse: For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. ~Psalm 30:5 Life is a journey of hills and valleys. While all of us would rather enjoy mountain-top living, valleys are an inescapable part of life. This morning we are looking at a passage that encourages us to be strong and not faint when we are going through tough times. It teaches us how God comes through to us at our lowest point of li