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What makes you happy? A new car, the thought of retirement?
Holding the hand of your first child as she takes her first step?
Perhaps a fast ride or the memory of an exotic vacation?
Our constitution guarantees us the right to pursue happiness. To some, that means spending money, collecting antiques, and searching for new experiences. It all sounds good. But happiness depends on circumstances.
After pursuing all forms of happiness , King Solomon, the wisest and wealthiest man that ever lived on the face of the earth, wrote "all is vanity and vexation of spirit" (see Ecclesiastes).
Pleasure promises more than it can produce. Pleasure satisfies only while you do it. Pleasure results in boredom or frustration. Pleasure seeking becomes a selfish endeavor that destroys true joy. If you live for pleasure, happiness decreases unless you increase your pleasure. Alas, alcoholics, drug addicts, and nymphomaniacs are born. Pleasure appeals and satisfies one aspect of life ignoring the total needs of the individual.
Our own experiences confirm Solomon's analysis. New cars rust, with retirement comes old age and declining health, memories fade, and children grow up to move far from home. We seek other means of happiness and like the wealthy king, find more disappointment.
In these trying times of economic collapse, our pursuit of happiness becomes more difficult as we struggle just to provide the necessities of life for our families. Is there any happiness remaining in our nation . . . in our lives? Not if our only means of contentment falls within the limits of our purse. Happiness depends on our circumstances, but in contrast to earthly pleasures, God offers joy.
Deeper and stronger than happiness, joy is based on the blessed assurance that God loves us and is at work in our lives. He will be there no matter what! While happiness relies on happenstance, joy depends on Christ.
As we share Jesus' love with others, more joy abounds within us and within them. The apostle Paul understood the benefits of partnering with other believers to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Invitation:
Although we have not chosen to be, we are all born into sin because of the fall of man. It sounds hopeless and unfair. But in His infinite wisdom and abundant love, God has provided a choice for us. We can choose to repent of our sinful nature and believe in Jesus Christ. He is faithful and will cleanse us from sin and give us His Holy Spirit to equip us to live for Him. If you’ve made your choice to repent and believe in Jesus, we’d like to hear about it.
If you are free in Christ Jesus, pray for those who remain captive. And tell others, Christians as well as non-believers, what Jesus has done for you. Your testimony will benefit them and help you to strengthen your confidence in Christ’s work in your life and in the future.
If you’d like to participate in our Bible Study, please contact us with your comments, questions, and prayer requests or at twosmallfish@verizon.net Be sure to mention today’s Bible study in the subject line or I will probably not open your e-mail as I am bombarded with spam at this address.
Before becoming a believer, Paul enjoyed abundant wealth as well as a powerful political position. He surrendered it all to follow our LORD. He faced excruciating beatings, extreme poverty, and prison, yet, his letters are saturated with joy. His secret? Paul was convinced that joy is grounded in a strong relationship with Jesus Christ.
Praise Report:
Clayton has gone through his final step in his ordeal. Praise the LORD!
Hallelujah!
When fretting because my prayers seemed to go no further than the ceiling, I received this answer from my Father:
"There's no need for your prayers to go any further than your tearstained pillow. I am here with you. I don't expect you to ascend to me any more than a father expects his infant to jump into his arms. I have loved you with an everlasting love and with loving kindness I have drawn you (Jeremiah 33:3 paraphrased by me).”
WOO HOO!! God is so good—always, all ways.
We are looking forward to your praise reports. Please keep us informed so we can share the wonderful grace of Jesus.
Our Next Bible Study
Read: Philippians Chapter 1:1-10
Joshua Chapter 1:1-9
May God grant you safety, reassurance of His love, and the revelation of Jesus Christ,
Brenda Hendricks.
Prayer Requests:
Pauline, Shelia, Brad, Mike, Frosteen, Phil and Kathy, Dodie, Adrian, Hans and Erin, Matthew, military personnel, those who recently lost their jobs, Sarah and Ben, children with cancer, unsaved, Melinda & Barry and family, Ryan, Nick and Rachel, Tammy, children with birth defects and their families, our Bible Study, special unspoken needs, and remember me, Brenda Hendricks.
