“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21 NIV). Happiness comes from service and giving your life away. Until you understand this, you’re not going to be happy for much of your life. Happiness does not come from self-gratification. It comes from self-sacrifice.Paul knew that to be happy, he had... Continue Reading →

“If by continuing to live I can do more worthwhile work, then I am not sure which I should choose. I am pulled in two directions. I want very much to leave this life and be with Christ, which is a far better thing; but for your sake it is much more important that I... Continue Reading →

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace” (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT). In Philippians 4:6-7 we find one of the most difficult teachings in the entire Bible to obey: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about... Continue Reading →

“Sing out your thanks to him; sing praises to our God” (Psalm 147:7 TLB). Learning to thank God for what he has given us is an important part of our spiritual journey. So how do you make gratitude to God an integral part of your life?One of the most important ways to do it is by... Continue Reading →

“O Lord, now I have heard your report, and I worship you in awe” (Habakkuk 3:2 TLB). If you want to hear God speak, worship God.In other words, thank him for his presence in your life and for being interested in the details of your life. Thank him for answering your prayers: “O Lord, now I have... Continue Reading →

For my determined purpose is that I may . . . progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly” (Philippians 3:10 AMP). Happiness is found in getting to know God a little bit better every day.In Philippians 3:10, Paul said, “For... Continue Reading →

“Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8 NLT). Have you noticed how easily you can lose your joy over some little thing? It’s usually the small irritations that cause you to lose your happiness. Somebody cuts you off in the middle of the road when... Continue Reading →

“I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith” (Philippians 3:9 NLT). Legalism will rob you of happiness. It’s the attitude that you have to prove your love to God, which means you... Continue Reading →

“Put your heart right, Job. Reach out to God . . . Then face the world again, firm and courageous. Then all your troubles will fade from your memory, like floods that are past and remembered no more” (Job 11:13, 15-16 GNT). You can’t heal the most pervasive, costly wounds in your life by focusing on... Continue Reading →