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A Merry Heart
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingAmidst the holiday season's superficial cheer, true merriment and joy are often absent, as many struggle with stress and obligations. For God's people, however, being merry and joyful is not merely seasonal but a daily part of life. A merry heart, as described in Proverbs 15:13, makes a cheerful countenance, while sorrow of the heart breaks the spirit. Proverbs 15:15 states that he who has a merry heart enjoys a continual feast, and Proverbs 17:22 likens a merry heart to medicine, noting that a broken spirit dries the bones. The Hebrew word for merry, "sameach," means joyful, merry, and glad, reflecting a deep state of contentment and delight. In the Bible, the heart represents the center of human life, encompassing thoughts, feelings, and emotions, often interchangeable with spirit, the vital essence of a person. A merry heart, therefore, signifies a relationship with God, where He has revealed Himself and given His Spirit, evident in how we live with quiet confidence in His presence and care. True joy stems from knowing God and aligning our lives with His ways. Proverbs 2:10-11 highlights that when wisdom enters the heart, and knowledge is pleasant to the soul, discretion and understanding preserve and keep us, fostering peace and satisfaction through obedience to God. A merry heart outwardly affects our attitude and those around us, promoting good health like medicine. Conversely, sorrow and sin create barriers between us and God, leading to depression and failing health. The story of David and Bathsheba illustrates this, as David's sin separated him from God, disrupting his merry heart. In Psalm 51:6-12, David pleads for restoration, asking God to purge his sins, create a clean heart, and renew a steadfast spirit within him, longing to reclaim the joy of God's salvation and the confidence of their close relationship. True merriment, then, arises solely from a deep, sincere relationship with the Almighty God, sustaining us through daily routines and trials with enduring peace and confidence.
The W's and H's of Meditation (Part One)
Sermon by David F. MaasWe become what we think about all day long, so ruminating on carnal thoughts brings death. Conversely, meditating on the right things leads to eternal life.
The W's and H's of Meditation (Conclusion)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasBecause we will ultimately turn into what we assimilate, we must take back the hijacked tool of meditation to drive out carnal thoughts.
Stewardship of God's Temple (Part Seven)
Sermon by David F. MaasThe antidote to double-mindedness and distractions is single-minded focus on God's law through meditating God's word, thus guarding our hearts.
Attitude Is Everything
Commentary by Bill OnisickWe must wrest control of the narrative away from Satan, the Destroyer, expert in promulgating misinformation, focusing instead on the end of the story.
Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part Three)
Sermon by David F. MaasCreating a sense of humor will make it easier to escape the satanic lies of Babylon, or at least make it more endurable.
Why 153 Fish? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeAt Cana, the wedding party (and the physical nation) had water for purification rites, but the wedding feast (and the nation) lacked the all-important wine.
Iron Sharpens Iron (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Ryan McClureHow do we 'sharpen' another's countenance? Most importantly, the imagery implies proximity, closeness. Nothing can be sharpened unless there is contact.
Be Happy (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Gary MontgomeryGod has made it possible through His Spirit for us to be optimistic and happy even in a world that seems to be crumbling around us.
A Time to Laugh
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasAt the right time and in the right situation, laughter can indeed be the best medicine. Humor and merriment can be therapeutic both physically and spiritually.