We should certainly count our blessings, but we should also make our blessings count.
God does not begin by asking us about our ability, but only about our availability, and if we then prove our dependability, he will increase our capability.
In Gospel grammar, death is not an exclamation point, merely a comma.
You rock a sobbing child without wondering if today’s world is passing you by, because you know you hold tomorrow tightly in your arms.
Thus worshiping, serving, studying, praying, each in its own way squeezes selfishness out of us; pushes aside our preoccupations with the things of the world.
In contrast to the path of selfishness, there is no room for road rage on the straight and narrow way.
When we rejoice in beautiful scenery, great art, and great music, it is but the flexing of instincts acquired in another place and another time.
What we insistently desire, over time, is what we become.
Let us have integrity and not write checks with our tongues which our conduct cannot cash.
Men and Women of Christ magnify their callings without magnifying themselves.
All crosses are easier to carry when we keep moving.
How could there be refining fires without our enduring some heat?
The hardest work you and I will ever do is to put off our selfishness. It is heavy lifting!
Daily hope is vital, since the ‘Winter Quarters’ of our lives are not immediately adjacent to our promised land either. An arduous trek still awaits, but hope spurs weary disciples on.
Joshua didn’t say choose you next year whom you will serve; he spoke of “this day,” while there is still daylight and before the darkness becomes more and more normal.
Faith in God includes Faith in God’s timing.
Most of our suffering comes from sin and stupidity; it is, nevertheless, very real, and growth can occur with real repentance. But the highest source of suffering appears to be reserved for the innocent who undergo divine tutorial training.
If the kingdom of God is not first, it doesn’t matter what’s second.
C. S. Lewis pointed out that some people are angry with God for His not existing, and others for His existing but for failing to do as mortals would have Him do. Instead of such childishness, we are urged to know God and to learn of His attributes.
The more seriously we work on our own imperfections, the less we are judgemental of the imperfections of others.