Too often, when faced with a decision, we ask the wrong questions. Is there any profit in it? Is there any harm in it? The real question should be “will it glorify God?” If it doesn’t we should refrain. There are a lot of what we call “gray areas” in life–areas where it is not apparent that it is right or wrong, questionable things. Our response to those are very telling as to our character. Just because it doesn’t break a commandment that doesn’t mean we should do it. Even sinless things can become sinful. So rather than get lost in the maze of questions as to whether our choice is right or wrong we should ask ourselves “will it bring glory to God?” If it does that’s all that matters, because that’s what matters most. If it doesn’t we should avoid it like the plague. No good can come from doing that which fails to bring glory to God. When in doubt don’t. “Do all to the glory of God“—that makes the smallest thing of major importance.–HDS

Better to miss a meal. or a night’s sleep, or a days work than to go a day without God’s Word. We can do without a lot of things, but this isn’t one of them. You aren’t ready to face the future until you’ve looked back to what Jesus said. Never start the day’s journey without first having considered what Jesus said.–HDS

Regardless of how impossible your situation seems God is able to solve it. He is greater than your problem. And, knowing what He can do, what He has done, and what He has said gives us faith and peace. The Bible repeatedly tells us not to fear or worry, so such a life is possible and definitely more pleasant than trying to solve everything ourselves. Doing good will meet with some difficulties that puts our faith to the test. Expect it, but keep moving on toward your goal. God is already there. Whatever fear you are facing God is able to remove it, defeat it, and use it for good. He has proven Himself by defeating death, hell and the grave. Trust Him! –HDS

If this moment is your “time of need” accept His invitation and receive His help. You can’t find it any place else. There is no other option. Christ isn’t one of many ways, He is the only One who can help. He is our only hope. As soon as you sense your need you should rush to the throne of grace, where the helpless find help. Neither the number or the nature of your needs matter. With Him all things are possible. Don’t wait until you are crushed beneath the weight of your woes, harmed by your hardships, defeated by your foes, or embittered toward life. Whatever your need is, we serve a God who is able to meet it and He invites you to “come boldly”.–HDS

Pay close attention to what Paul didn’t say. He didn’t say, “I want to depart because of the difficulties here”. Nor did he say, “I want to depart because of the delights of heaven”– although that would be understandable. What he said was that he had “a desire to depart, and be with Christ“. That was his motivation. You could build a strong case for death being preferred over life because of the painful things we leave, or the pleasurable things we receive, but neither of those were Paul’s point of emphasis. It was not the woes of earth, nor the wonders of heaven–no, it was the attraction of Christ that he mentions. Nothing we escape here or enjoy in heaven can compare to Christ. For Paul, whether it was in life or in death, it was all about Christ. Christ was his all and all! His desire wasn’t due to the wickedness of the world, or the weariness of the flesh, nor even the wonders of heaven, great as they are. It was all about Jesus. That’s not to say that those things never entered his mind, most assuredly they did, but it was Christ alone that was first and foremost on his mind. So I make no apology when I say, the longer I live the less I want to live.–HDS