Don't Confuse Pleasure With Happiness

It's been said that Happiness consists of three things...i. something to love; ii. something to do; iii. something to hope for.

For the believer, Christ is the One he loves; His service is the something he has to do: and His approval and eternal companionship the what he hopes for.

Have you ever finished a good book wishing there were more to the story? Have you ever watched a movie leaving the theater unsatisfied? Perhaps after a good meal you’ve wished there were more to come.

Such things clearly provide us with momentary pleasure, but our desire for more belies our unhappiness. Why are we so unhappy in our society today? We are the most prosperous nation on the earth yet one out of every four individuals in our nation has some kind of depression. What are we doing wrong?

Are we confusing pleasure with happiness? Many feel that their personal happiness rests upon having one pleasurable moment after another. They reason that they simply aren’t happy unless each moment is filled with pleasure. We need to stop thinking this way and look at happiness from a differently.

Happiness does not depend merely upon having pleasurable moments, but rather, upon whether or not we are content or satisfied with the moments that come our way. In other words, I don’t have to feel pleasure from something in order to be happy. Is this a strange concept to you?

The word “pleasure” connotes the idea of enjoyment due to momentary gratification. The word “happiness,” however, contains the idea of a prolonged state of satisfaction and contentment associated with one’s overall circumstances.

We ask, “Are you happy?” and we mean by that question to know about one’s general conditions in life. We ask, “Are you pleased?” and mean whether one is satisfied with a particular item.

Happiness is a state of mind. We can be happy regardless the situation we are in. Paul said in Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say, rejoice.” We can control our state of mind by focusing upon happy things. Pleasure, however, is a feeling experienced in the body.

The Proverbs writer said, “He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich” (Proverbs 21:17). The Hebrew parallel here indicates that loving pleasure is the same as loving “wine and oil,” things associated with bodily pleasure. As Christians we are to focus upon the spiritual, not the physical (Colossians 3:2).

Happiness rests upon contentment. Paul tells Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” One blessing that comes from contentment is an indescribable happiness which cannot be easily subverted. On the other hand, pleasure is often driven by boredom or being malcontent.

When we are dissatisfied we seek for something to stimulate our senses so as to create bodily pleasure. We simply end up unsatisfied after the experience has ended, or craving more in an addictive like behavior.

Solomon experienced this as recorded in Ecclesiastes 2:1 “I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.” Proverbs 14:13 states, “Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.” Let us learn contentment if we desire to be happy.

Happiness is satisfied with “clean fun.” It is interesting that the word “fun” is not in the Bible. We do find, however, that God “gives us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17). In that regard, God’s gifts are pure and unadulterated. James 1:17 states, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

On the other hand, pleasure often delves into sinfulness. Paul spoke to Timothy of a time when men would be “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:4) and the Hebrew writer spoke of Moses who chose not to “enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season” (Hebrews 11:25). Sinful activities may produce pleasure but ultimately provide no lasting happiness.

In closing, let’s resolve to seek happiness regardless of our circumstances, to base our happiness upon contentment, and to enjoy the good things God has given while shunning sin in our lives. By so doing, we can avoid confusing pleasure with happiness.

Prayer:

May today there be peace within you.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing that you are a child of God.
Let His presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, and to bask in the sun.
It is there for each and every one of you.
-Mother Theresa

Have a blessed day!

Julia

Bitterness: A Marriage Killer! (Part 1)

A rattlesnake, if cornered, will sometimes become so angry it will bite itself. That is exactly what the harboring of hate and resentment against others is--a biting of oneself. We think that we are harming others in holding these spites and hates, but the deeper harm is to ourselves.

Just recently I heard about a marriage in which the bitterness had grown so bad that the wife couldn’t sleep at night. This was only one of the many symptoms of a marriage infected by bitterness. There are many others. Again and again we see couples devastated by bitterness. It is a pity that couples wait until their marriage is on the verge of breakdown before they deal with the bitterness in their lives.

Bitterness, I believe, is the number one killer of our marriages. Many would object and say it is differences on money or incompatibility, but these people do not understand how bitterness is a root problem to these and many other marital difficulties. It is this bitterness which step by step separates the couple from each other and lessening their commitment to each other.

God wants to bring healing to your marriages. He wants to eliminate all resentment!

Part of our problem is that we don’t understand how He has already given us the tools to snap the intimidating influence of bitterness in our marriages through the wonderful power of the Gospel.

That little stone that God used in David’s hand is much like a special tool that God has given to His children to take down the threatening giant of bitterness. When we in our simple faith and obedience respond, we see God’s powerful love bring down all the walls of resentment.

If you could exchange a marriage where you merely tolerate each other for one in which you can't wait to be with each other, would you? There is no doubt that God created marriage to be a blessing for mankind. Both the husband and wife are to find great fulfillment in marriage.

The scriptures reveal many things about bitterness. Hebrews 12:15 states three things about bitterness:

1) Short of God’s grace (The mark of bitterness)
2) Root of bitterness (The nature of bitterness)
3) Being defiled (The result of bitterness)

In today's message, let's examine the first thing about bitterness, Short of God’s grace (The Mark of Bitterness). The second and third things will be discussed in subsequent blog entries, so stay tuned!

People can claim to be God’s and yet not have God’s blessing upon their lives. This is true with bitter people. Hebrews 12:15 says that some people come ‘short of the grace of God.’ Bitter people have withheld grace and therefore, God withholds His grace and mercy from them. Jesus clearly stated this in the Sermon on the Mount in the Lord’s prayer and afterwards emphasized it (Matthew 6:14-15).

Jesus talked a lot about forgiveness for it lies at the heart of the gospel. Jesus tells us of the man who refused to forgive one who owed him so little even when the king had already forgiven his much larger debt (Matthew 18:23-35). When we withhold grace, it will be withheld from us.

Those people who are caught in the net of bitterness think that they have the right to carry out their vindictive spirit. When in fact, Jesus clearly states that these people who refuse to forgive others are in great danger. We know these passages raise all sorts of questions about what does “comes short of the grace of God” mean.

Does it mean that a Christian can loose his salvation? Jesus describes their judgment in a very vivid way. We will leave it as Jesus did. He leaves us no doubt as to the cost of an unforgiving heart. The point is simply that in no case is anyone right to carry bitterness in his soul. We must always forgive everyone even our mate.

In closing, God’s grace will be held back from us as long as we hold it back from another. An unforgiving spirit is like withdrawing life and allowing death to set into our bodies. No wonder bitter people have the saddest marriages and lives on earth.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, there is anger in my heart and I cannot root it out. I know that I should calm down and offer the hurt and disappointment to You but my emotion is running away with me. Help me to overcome this weakness and give me peace of heart as well as mind. Let me learn from this experience and grow into a better human being. Amen.

Have a blessed day!

Sharon

Who Is YOUR Example?

A study once disclosed that if both Mom and Dad attend church regularly, 72% of their children remain faithful. If only Dad, 55% remain faithful. If only Mom, 15%. If neither attended regularly, only 6% remain faithful. The statistics speak for themselves--the example of parents and adults is more important than all the efforts of the church and Sunday School.

The Bible also speaks of of examples. First, there is imitating those who are good examples (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17; Hebrews 13:7), and being a good example to others (cf. 1 Timothy 4:12). The former will be the subject of our discussion today.

Such scriptures should cause one to ask, "Who is my example, my role model as a Christian?" So, let's take a closer look at this question. Who is YOUR example?" Is it the Lord Jesus Christ? He definitely was for the apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 11:1). He should be our example as well! Without a doubt, Jesus should be our example...

a. On how to please one another (Romans 15:1-3);
b. On how to love one another (Ephesians 5:1-2);
c. On how to look out for one another (Philippians 2:4-5);
d. On how to suffer patiently when mistreated (1 Peter 2:20-23);

Yes, Jesus certainly serves as our prime example!

Who is YOUR example? Is it the apostle Paul? After all, he urged the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 4:6; 11:1) to give no offense (1 Corinthians 10:32); and to seek the benefit of others (1 Corinthians 10:33).

Paul did this as he urged the Philippians (Philippians 3:17)...

a. To not consider themselves as having attained perfection (Philippians 3:12a);
b. To press on to maturity (Philippians 3:12b-15);
c. To live according to the level they have learned (Philippians 3:16);
d. To enjoy a close relationship with the God of peace (Philippians 4:9)

Paul did this as he praised and encouraged the Thessalonians for receiving the Word despite affliction (1 Thessalonians 1:6), and to avoid being a burden to others (2 Thessalonians 3:7-10). This Bible shows us that Paul and other New Testament Christians provide wonderful examples!

Who is YOUR example? Is it other faithful Christians? As Paul advised the Philippians (Philippians 3:17) to note those walking like Paul, and to consider them a pattern to follow. Or, as advised by the writer to the Hebrews to imitate the faith and patience of those who inherit the promises (Hebrews 6:12), and to follow the faith of those who rule over us (Hebrews 13:7). We can say that many Christians today provide examples worthy of emulation.

So I ask you again, "Whose example are you following?" You are imitating either Christ or some other Christian (either living or dead). Does your life suggest that the example you are following is less than honorable (e.g., the
Laodiceans - Revelation 3:14-16)?

In closing, I sincerely hope these questions have prompted serious introspection on your part as to who is your example or role model as a Christian.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, may everything I do begin with You,
continue with Your help,
and be done under Your guidance.
Amen

God bless you,

Jenelle

The Spiritual Privilege of Prayer

There is a motto which reads: "You can do more than pray AFTER you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray UNTIL you have prayed."
-The King's Business

Prayer is a vital part of our spiritual life. It should be as natural as the urge to breathe, but its use is often neglected. God wants his children to talk to him in prayer. There are at least 650 definite prayers in the Bible. 450 of these have recorded answers. We can rest assured that God answers prayer.

What should our prayers express? How about the following...

1) Praise (Exodus 15).
2) Help in time of peril (Exodus 17).
3) Our needs (Exodus 22:22-24).
4) Mercy (Exodus 32).
5) Intercession on behalf of others (Exodus 32:7-14).
6) Benediction (Numbers 6:24-27).
7) Dispelling discouragement (Numbers 11:10-35).
8) Thanksgiving (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
9) Patience (James 5:10-11; cf. Job 2:10; Job 13:15; Job 42:10; Matthew 10:22; cf. Revelation 2:10). God’s answer can be yes, no, or wait.
10) A spirit of repentance (Luke 15:18-21).
11) A spirit of obedience. God answers prayers of those who know, obey, and keep his commands. “…. If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:14-15; cf. John 15:10; 1 John 3:22). Christ, himself, is an example of this (John 8:29).
12) Our faith (Mark 11:22-24; Hebrews 11:6; James 1:6).

What about our attitudes in prayer? An unforgiving spirit can erase the power of prayer (Matthew 6:14-15). Though not commanded as essential, fasting is often associated with prayer (Psalm 35:13; Daniel 9:3; Matthew 9:15; Acts 10:30; Acts 13:3; Acts 14:23; I Corinthians 7:5). Jesus told us to be persistent in prayer (Luke 11:5-10). The same thought is in the parable of the unjust judge (Luke 18:1-8). Perseverence in prayer is also needed (Ephesians 6:18). We must pray on and on, wrestling like Jacob, panting like David, hoping like Elijah, persistent like Bartemaeus, crying with tears like Jesus.

We should never pray selfishly (James 4:3). Again, we are taught to put the Lord’s business first in prayer (Matthew 9:37-38). Lack of unity can hinder prayer (1 Peter 3:7). We should pray one for another. Paul often speaks of mentioning names in prayer (Romans 1:9; 1 Corinthians 1:4; Ephesians 1:16; Philippians 1:3-4; Colossians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Timothy 1:3; Philemon 1:4). Paul had a very long prayer list!

What should our prayers consist of? Privacy is an advantage for our individual prayers (Matthew 6:6). Showing off with prayer is condemned (Matthew 6:5). Vain repetitions or mechanical praying is strongly denounced (Matthew 6:7; Mark 12:40). What is commonly called the Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 is never so called in the Bible.

This was a model prayer given by Jesus for his disciples to pray. Christ never prayed this prayer for himself, as is shown by the words, “forgive us our debts (sins)” (Matthew 6:12; cf. Matthew 18:21) – Jesus was sinless (2 Corinthians 5:21). Also, the words “thy kingdom come” were given in a setting that preceded the coming of the church or the kingdom (Matthew 16:18-19). The kingdom for which they were taught to pray did come in their lifetime (Mark 9:1).

How should we pray? We must always pray in accordance with God’s revealed will (1 John 5:14-15). We must live in union with him (John 15:7). The entire godhead is involved in our prayers. Our petitions are to the Father (Matthew 6:9), through the name of Christ, who is our mediator (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 9:15), and with the help of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26).

Just as baptism is in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, so expressing in Jesus name would indicate unity of godhead (Matthew 28:19; Acts 4:12; Acts 22:16 cf. Acts 2:21; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Philippians 2:9-10; Hebrews 1:2; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Peter 3:22; Revelation 17:14). Prayer should never take the place of our spiritual efforts to get things done. We should pray as if all depended on God and “work” as if all depended on us. The emphasis is on work and pray, or watch and pray.

In conclusion, the prayer of all prayers is found in John 17, the Lord’s prayer, when he prayed for his disciples that they might all be “one” (cf. John 17:21-23). This is the real Lord’s prayer. Jesus is our great high priest who intercedes for us (Romans 8:34; (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1).

This great spiritual privilege of prayer makes Christians the salt of the earth, as they pray for civil leaders (Matthew 5:13; 1 Timothy 2:1-2). We as God’s prayer warriors are to be at our posts constantly as a great deterrent to evil in this present world (Matthew 26:41; Luke 18:1; Romans 1:12; Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Prayer:

Guide me lord, you are my heart
you are my strength, you are my hope.
Teach me Lord, and guide my way
I love you more each passing day.

May the Lord be with you always!

Phoebe

(Video) Easter Video (from a child's point of view)

Enjoy this creative video about the Easter story told from a child's point of view! ~Eve

Saturday Scripture Gold with Bibi: The Significance of the Resurrection

Hello, and welcome to Saturday Scripture Gold. Thank you for taking time out of your busy weekend to drop by!

Dr. Seamands tells of a Muslim who became a Christian in Africa. "Some of his friends asked him, 'Why have you become a Christian?' He answered, 'Well, its like this. Suppose you were going down the road and suddenly the road forked in two directions, and you didn't know which way to go, and there at the fork in the road were two men, one dead and one alive--which one would you ask which way to go?'"
-Warren Webster, April, 1980, HIS, p. 13.

"Easter Sunday" is an annual holiday celebrated by many. Millions of people commemorate the resurrection of Jesus on this day. Many consider it as "the most holy" of religious holidays. For some, it marks the only time they attend church services (Christmas runs a close second!)

Christians in the first century did not have an annual observance of this event. The word "Easter" is found only once in the KJV Bible (cf. Acts 12:4). The word in the Greek is actually "Passover", and so translated elsewhere in the KJV. "It is reasonably certain that the NT contains no reference to a yearly celebration of the resurrection of Christ" (ISBE). The annual observance is a human tradition, introduced in the second and third centuries.

Churches today who follow the New Testament pattern do not celebrate "Easter" per se. Like the church in Jerusalem, they are content to abide in the apostles' doctrine (Acts 2:42). They note Paul's teaching regarding religious holidays (cf. Galatians 4:9-11). And, they also value Jesus' warning regarding the traditions of men (cf. Matthew 15:9).

This does not in any way demean the importance of the resurrection of Christ. It has great significance to the Christian. It is something we should think about often (certainly more than once a year!). And, it is an appropriate subject even on "Easter Sunday", just as sermons on thankfulness are around Thanksgiving, and mothers are on Mother's Day. Even though churches may not celebrate such holidays per se.

With that thought in mind, allow me to use this opportunity to review the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ for the Christian. It's significance can first be seen by considering the following...

What if Christ was not raised? If this was so, then gospel preaching is in vain (1 Corinthians 15:14). The preaching of the apostles is empty, meaningless because they proclaimed nothing more than a fairy tale, a story of fiction.

We would also have to say our faith is vain (1 Corinthians 15:14). Our belief in Christ would also be empty, and meaningless. For our faith would be on a lie, a story of make believe, not truth.

We would have to conclude that the apostles were false witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:15). They swore that God raised Jesus from the dead (Acts 2:32). They also claimed to spend 40 days with Him after the resurrection, eating and drinking with Him (Acts 10:39-41). There is no way they could have been deceived or mistaken; either they told the truth or they were deliberate liars, deceivers, and frauds!

We would have to say that we are still in our sins (1 Corinthians 15:17). It would have been a liar or lunatic that died on the cross. No such person could have provided a sacrifice that was holy and without blemish.

We would have to say that believers have perished at death.(1 Corinthians 15:18). Their faith would have been in a false Messiah. They would have had no atonement for their sins. Dying in their sins, there would be no hope.

Lastly, we would have to say that Christians are to be pitied (1 Corinthians 15:19) for the following reasons:

1. Because we believe in a false Messiah;
2. Because our faith in Him leads us to refrain from much worldly pleasure;
3. Because we are often ridiculed or persecuted for our faith.

As Paul makes it clear, the resurrection of Christ is foundational to the Christian faith. If Jesus is not raised, then we should not be Christians! Now let's examine the significance from another angle.

What if Christ has been raised? In that case, it verifies our justification (Romans 4:24-25). Jesus claimed His blood would be adequate (Matthew 26:28). By raising Jesus from the dead, God demonstrated His acceptance of Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins! (Romans 8:33-34).

His resurrection demonstrates the power available to the Christian (Ephesians 1:18-20); the power available at our conversion (Colossians 2:11-12; 1 Peter 3:21); and the power available to live the Christian life (Romans 8:11-13; Philippians 2:12-13; 4:13; Ephesians 3:20; 6:10).

It also gives us hope concerning our own resurrection (1 Peter 1:3). Simply put, His resurrection gives us a living hope! (1 Peter 1:21). Especially concerning the resurrection of believers! (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14).

Finally, His resurrections demands our complete loyalty (Romans 14:9). He was raised and then exalted to become our Lord (Acts 2:32-36; Ephesians 1:20-23). Thus, our lives and service belong to Him (Romans 14:7-8; 2 Colossians 5:15).

In conclusion, the impact of the resurrection of Jesus should not go unfelt in our lives. As a historical event it has everlasting implications for both the believer and the unbeliever. The believer must never lose sight of the significance of the
resurrection. Do our lives demonstrate that we serve a risen Lord and Savior? Do we possess the hope, peace, and strength that the reality and power of His resurrection gives to the Christian?

The unbeliever also needs to examine the significance of the resurrection carefully. It verifies the deity of Jesus, that He has all authority (Romans 1:4; Matthew 28:19; Act 2:36). It verifies the truthfulness of what He taught, such as...

1) No one can come to the Father but through Him (John 14:6)
2) His blood was shed for the remission of sins (Matthew 26:28)
3) He came to offer abundant life (John 10:10)
4) He went to prepare a place for us (John 14:2)
5) He shall come again (John 14:3)
6) There will be a resurrection of the dead and ensuing judgment (John 5:28-29; 12:48)

If Jesus rose from the dead, then one must believe in Him! (cf. John 8:24). May we never forget "the significance of the Resurrection of Christ" in our lives!

Now, let's pray...

O Father, give us the humility which realizes its ignorance, admits its mistakes, recognizes its need, welcomes advice, accepts rebuke. Help us always to praise rather than to criticize, to sympathize rather than to discourage, to build rather than to destroy, and to think of people at their best rather than at their worst. This we ask for in thy name's sake. Amen

Until next time...

Have a blessed week!

Bibi

(Video) Cardboard Stories

You can say a lot on a piece of cardboard. People from The Austin Stone share the story of God's redemptive work in their lives. ~Eve