The Joyful Heart

A call for us to seek true righteousness and a true humble submission before the Lord.

 An exploration of Psalm 136, especially its repetitive refain: 'His steadfast love endures forever.' Special focus on the meaning of Hebrew ḥesed.

An exploration of the ability to incline (<i>nāṭâ</i>) one's heart towards God's Word, as well as pray that God will turn one's heart

A recounting of the Easter story where Jesus appears to two discouraged disciples on the road to Emmaus.

Outlines the evidence that supports Christ's resurrection as an historical event.

Hosea speaks to lethargy and complacency and urges us to press forward in the Lord with urgency, to seek him actively.

Both Jesus and the Apostle Paul taught very clearly that we must love our enemies, not hate them and seek revenge. Uses examples from Charlie Kirk's memorial service.

Hope and encouragement to those who are crushed and hopeless. An exposition from the Hebrew.

A short story of the hardships encountered by Mary and Joseph going to Bethlehem, and their final realization that it was God's plan all along.

An exposition of Paul's command to patiently -- and with love -- forbear and forgive.

 A verse by verse exposition of Psalm 100, Old Hundredth that teaches us to bring thanks before the Lord. 

Explains the image of a 'living' sacrifice and outlines why and how our way of thinking has been corrupted by conforming to the culture, and needs a thorough renewing by God, so we see his future for our lives.

Traces the history of Peter Waldo (1140-1205 AD), who translated the Bible into the venacular and then sought to live out Jesus' commands, with his followers, the Waldensians, no matter what the cost. He was a proto-Protestant who lived three centuries before the Protestant Reformation.

Considers God's working unknown to us to mold us and prepare us for future ministry and events, worked out through trusting Him. 

Explores the amazing truth that we are called 'children of God,' in the light of our sin and undeservedness. The Joyful Heart,  8 Aug 2025. 

Defines a Bible study journal, lists benefits, and outlines steps to begin a journal.  The Joyful Heart , July 5, 2025.

A meditation on the vital importance of listening carefully to Jesus. The Joyful Heart , June 26, 2025.

Provides the rationale for Christian fellowship, then provides steps to form a small group to help meet one's own needs for fellowship.  The Joyful Heart , May 26, 2025.

A meditation on how God perceives good works and prayers as fragrant, pleasing incense before his throne. The Joyful Heart , March 19, 2025.

A meditation of the great value in God's words that he longs to speak to us.  The Joyful Heart , 11 Mar 2025.

A meditation on communion with God, building on the images of Adam and Eve walking with God in the cool of the day. An appeal to seek this kind of daily fellowship in our day. Joyful Heart Newsletter , March 2, 2025.

Thoughts on what a heart pilgrimage means in terms of our everyday seeking of God's presence. The Joyful Heart, 6 Feb 2025.