Joy

The Parable of the Lost Son

Again we find in this passage that something is lost, the lost is found and because of it there is great rejoicing. This is the parable of: The lost son (vv. 11-24) – The son is willfully lost. He wanted to have his own way so he rebelled against his own father and brok …

The Transformation of Pain to Joy

Jesus explained how the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth. The Spirit’s great work is that of illumination, bringing God’s truth to all men (vv. 12-15). All truth is God’s truth. Man does not discover it; God reveals it as a gift. As we witness in this hostile world, the Holy Spirit takes the …

A Merry Heart Is Like Medicine

Dishonesty does you no good, and telling lies will get you in trouble (v. 20). The person who becomes the parent of a self-confident fool does it to his sorrow, and the father of such has no joy in him (v. 21). When the heart is filled with joy a man’s whole being is refreshed. …

David Petitioned God For Inward Renewal

As David states, “Create in me a clean heart” (v. 10). He is interested in more than just forgiveness of sins. He wants a new heart and not just his old one changed. He is not asking for restoration but for regeneration. He prays that the Holy Spirit will not be taken …

Return of the Seventy

The events of this chapter should not be confused with the sending out of the twelve apostles, even though there are similarities in the instructions given. The twelve apostles ministered in Galilee while these seventy disciples were sent into Judea. In this passage we find …

IllustrationOur Lifestyle Can be a Reproach to Others

Men are born sinners and it makes them very uncomfortable to be around righteous people. Therefore it is only natural for them to try to do away with people or things that tend to expose their sin. An example of this is the removing of the Bible from our public schools. I r …

IllustrationOliver Wendell Homes Choice of a Career

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., was a member of the U.S. Supreme Court for 30 years. His keen mind and work earned him the unofficial title of “the greatest justice since John Marshall.” At one point in his life, Justice Holmes explained his choice of a ca …

IllustrationThe Time for Joy is Now, Not Next Week

Author Leo Buscaglia tells this story about his mother and their “misery dinner.” It was the night after his father came home and said it looked as if he would have to go into bankruptcy because his partner had departed with their firm’s funds. His mother went out and …

IllustrationOliver Wendell Holmes – Supreme Court Justice

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., was a member of the U.S. Supreme Court for 30 years. His mind, wit and work earned him the unofficial title of “the greatest justice since John Marshall.” At one point in his life, Justice Holmes explained his choice of a career by sa …