Happiness is based on circumstances, joy is based on biblical truth. In 1943 Nazi Germany, at the time Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote the quote below, he was under severe persecution from the Third Reich for courageously standing against Hitler. Bonhoeffer’s classic, The Cost of Discipleship, is well-worn on my bookshelf. Bonhoeffer’s devotion to Christ cost him … Continue reading Why we sing “Joy” and not “Happiness” to the World
Bonhoeffer
Joy vs. Happiness
Happiness is rooted in circumstances. Joy, on the other hand, is rooted in biblical truth - regardless of our circumstances. This is precisely why, incarcerated for his faith, Paul, while still languishing in prison, could write, "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!" Make no mistake: the type of joy … Continue reading Joy vs. Happiness
The Question No Christian Wants to be Forced to Answer
We’d love nothing more than to have our son, Jordan Watts, back. But, I remember something Jordan said in a video that was played at his Memorial Service: “If God were to take all my fingers away I would love him just the same.” (Jordan was an artist and his hands were his life.) Jordan’s … Continue reading The Question No Christian Wants to be Forced to Answer
Called to…..Suffer?
Take [with me] your share of the hardships and suffering [which you are called to endure] as a good (first-class) soldier of Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:3; Amplified) Dr. Erwin Lutzer has been pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago since 1980. After listening to a sermon of his the other day on Paul’s “thorn … Continue reading Called to…..Suffer?
Costly Grace
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8) "When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die." That statement opens the introduction to Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s classic work, “The Cost of Discipleship.” For … Continue reading Costly Grace