1 Kings 2 In this passage King David gives his last words to his son Solomon. He tells Solomon to be a man and to follow YHWY’s commands. These are good words. What is shocking to me is that he says nothing about raising a good family. David’s life has been turmoil due to his lack of leadership within his own home. And yet David still has not learned his lesson. Unfortunately Solomon will not Read More …

Today I want to discuss a blessing that I believe is one of God’s greatest avenues in experiencing His joy…people.  Most of my experiences of intense joy are found in relationships.  My wife Jen and I have friends over often.  In these meetings I relish the deep laughter that comes with sharing life with other people.  Even after everyone leaves and Jen and I retreat to our bed with a stack of dirty dishes in the sink, there is Read More …

“And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed.  Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, ‘Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven…Get up, pick up your bed and go home.’” (Matthew 9) In the pursuit of joy, God grants us His gifts in many ways.  Some gifts are immediate, others last longer.  In this story, the paralyzed man was given immediate joy. Before that day he had known nothing of the joy of running through Read More …

          After taking inventory of my life one day I was startled by my lack of consistent happiness.  As I surveyed my recent recollection I could honestly say that I was just not that happy of a person.  In these moments two roads diverged into a wood.  First, I could accept the unhappiness I experienced as the true state of the “real world” and surrender.  Second, I could seek avenues of happiness until I either Read More …