“Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the  countenance the heart is made better.”–Ecc. 7:3

Every once in a while you hear something that turns your thoughts upside down, or in this case right side up! A good example of this is found in Ecc.7:3 where Solomon says, “Sorrow is better than laughter“. And you’re probably thinking, “You’ve got to be kidding!”. To our way of thinking it is much better to laugh than to cry. This just goes to show that our thoughts are not always God’s thoughts ( Isa. 55:8-9). Our question is “How can this be?” Solomon gives us the answer–“ for by the sadness of the  countenance the heart is made better.”

What’s best for our soul isn’t always the most pleasing to our senses. This is not to say that laughter isn’t good for us. The Bible says, “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance”(Prov. 15:13), “a merry heart doeth good like a medicine“(Prov. 17:22). But laughter is not nearly so transforming as sorrow is. We are strengthened by our struggles. If you don’t believe it just spend some time with a Spirit-filled Christian who is suffering or terminally ill. You will learn more from him in an hour than from the party hearty crowd in a lifetime. Contrary to what you might think or feel, sometimes the best things that happen to us brings tears to our eyes. That’s why the Psalmist said, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that  I might learn thy statutes.”(Psa. 119:71).When God promised that “And we know that all things work together for good to them  that love God, to them who are the called according to his  purpose.“(Rom. 8:28) that includes the things that make us cry. –HDS

“…who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?“– Esther 4:14
Some times I feel like I’m living in the wrong generation. Things have changed so much since I started preaching over 50 years ago that I feel out of place. I wonder, “What in the world am I doing in the world?” Even with all the effort put forth by preachers and churches for centuries the world keeps getting worse rather than better. That causes some to say, “What’s the use?” So here we are in an ever changing world with a never changing message to a people who refuse to change for the better. Why?

Paul said, “to depart, and to be with Christ” would be “far better“(Phil. 1:23), but then he quickly added, “Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful“(Phil. 1:24). That makes me realize that if this is the wrong generation I wouldn’t be living! In spite of the fact that I feel out of place, labeled too old fashioned, out of touch with the times,etc., God has a reason for me to be here or I wouldn’t. So regardless of how I feel or what others think, I am exactly where I need to be. So are you. We are a part of this generation for a purpose—“for such a time as this”.

Since God hasn’t given me a reversed version of His Word, nor the liberty to change it, nor permission to quit, I need to keep preaching it as it is to people as they are. The need to change is with this generation. Rather than me/you backing off, giving up, or joining the ranks of this generation, it needs to return to the old paths. It’s not my job to change the world, but my joy to tell the world of the One who can and eventually will. May it be said of us what was said of David who “served his own generation by the will of God” (Acts 13:36)—HDS

I love the old song that says…..

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”–Phil. 1:21

A young man came to W. E. Gladstone when he was Prime Minister of England and said,

“Mr. Gladstone, I would appreciate your giving me a few minutes in which I might lay before you my plans for the future. I would like to study law.”

“Yes,” said the great statesman, “and what then?”

“Then, sir, I would like to gain entrance to the Bar of England.”

“Yes, young man, and what then?”

“Then, sir, I hope to have a place in Parliament, in the House of Lords.”

“Yes, young man, what then?” pressed Gladstone.

“Then I hope to do great things for Britain.”

“Yes, young man, and what then?”

“Then, sir, I hope to retire and take life easy.”

“Yes, young man, and what then?” he tenaciously asked.

“Well, then, Mr. Gladstone, I suppose I will die.”

“Yes, young man, and what then?”

The young man hesitated and then said, “I never thought any further than that, sir.”

Looking at the young man sternly and steadily, Gladstone said, “Young man, you are a fool. Go home and think life through!”

Sp how is it with dear friend– have you thought it through? Would death be gain for you? Do you know you would go to heaven if you died today? You can settle this matter once for all and be at peace by trusting Christ as your Lord and Savior. I hope you will not only think about it, but actually receive Him today.–HDS