Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, which is most greatly experienced in the heart of those willing to surrender all self-sufficiency: self-promotion, self-reliance, self-protection, and self-absorption: it is a gift given.

18. Godly character is what you are when you've been tried and proven. It is not what you say you are, or what people think you are but, instead, it is what shines through after you have suffered and have endured. It is the proof of your genuineness.

Character is what is hidden deep, shows up in the worst of times, be it good or bad, and reflects the heart of a man.

Sometimes the right thing to do will cost us our greatest sacrifices, but the rewards will always outweigh our losses

Saul wanted to destroy his best warrior, David, instead of helping David destroy his real enemies. Lesson: The very person you are fighting against may be your greatest asset.

Run your race. It's the only one that will count in eternity.