There are many different words used to describe a toilet. Bathroom, water-closet, john, lavatory, latrine, out-house and the Can are some common pseudonyms. The word “lavatech” is a contraction of two words; lavatory and technician. A “lavatech” is a toilet custodian! This dubious title is reserved for that person who is in charge of toilet service and maintenance. As unpleasant as the duties may be it is the first step up the ladder to greatness. Only those who are willing to submit to this lowly task and do it with pride will emerge as chief or company director.
Children want to begin their life as prosperous as their parents who have worked forty years to get where they are at. Employees strive for promotions before they have achieved competency where they are assigned. Associate pastors think they can do a better job than does the Senior Pastor who pioneered and built church. Everyone wants to be president while still a laky. Few people are willing to pay the dues needed for greatness. Napoleon is credited to have said, “There is no greater immorality than to occupy a position for which one is neither qualified nor called.”
Moses herded of cattle for forty years before God used him as Leader of Israel. Joseph was a slave and a prisoner before he became Governor. David tended sheep and carried cheese and bread to fighting forces in the front lines. It was twenty years after he was anointed King of Israel that he dawn the crown. It has been said that it takes twenty years to become an overnight success.
Character is formed in the crucible of time where the main ingredient is adversity. Pain and hard work are the dynamics that build moral fiber. Oak trees take decades to mature. Thistles spring up overnight. So never despair when you feel like you’re down in the toilet. God is in the process of preparing you for greatness and is busy building your testimony! Bill Cosby said that “There’s no labor a man can do that’s undignified, if he does it right.” Jesus put it more succinctly when He said “Well done good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.” Matt. 25:21
During the dark hours of World War II when all of London appeared to be on fire, Sir Winston Churchill challenged his people with these words. “We shall draw from the heart of suffering itself the means of inspiration and survival.” The climb from “The Can” to “The Crown” begins at the bottom rung. Never become discouraged by your situation. Satan uses circumstances to rob you of your faith.
The life story of Harland (1890-1980) is an inspiration to everyone. His father died when he was a boy. He dropped out of school to care for his siblings while his mother worked. A stepfather beat him mercilessly and he ran away from home. He tried numerous jobs and failed at everything. As 65 he was an attendant at a service station when he got his first Social Security check of $105. With that he started cooking his mother’s recipe for chicken. Harland David Sanders; better known as Colonel Sanders, became a house hold name as did his “Finger Licking Good” Kentucky Fried Chicken.
“Whoever shall exalt himself shall be abased. He that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Matt. 23:12
WOW These are WordsOfWisdom we can live by!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Better Because of the Breaking
Most things are broken for the purpose of destruction. I had the opportunity to travel throughout some of the theaters of war in Europe. A half a century later you could still sense the heavy oppression. I was amazed that fifty years following World War II, many of the building were still standing in ruins. The destruction was devastating to those that were forced to endure it. Destruction is motivated by hate, greed and a thirst for power. It is demonic! Jesus said that “The thief comes for no other purpose but to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10)
Breaking things has a positive purpose as well. A wall is broken down to make more room in a house. A road is dug up to make to widen it into a boulevard. A face undergoes cosmetic surgery to remove unsightly characteristics in a make-over. Shepherds have been known to break the legs of a wayward sheep. This action may seem cruel to the Animal Rights Activists, but it is for the animal’s good. When the legs heal and the sheep is able to prance again, it will be cured of its wayward nature. Many sheep have been lost to predatory animals because they wonder off into oblivion doing their own thing. The analogy is clear. God breaks things for His Divine purpose and for our own good. He does not break things for the purpose of destruction but for reconstruction. The end result is always for the better.
Do you feel like you have been bruised, bent, broken and burnt out and that your usefulness had ended? Has the enemy led you to believe the lie that God has abandoned you and there is no further need for your life? However painful your breaking may be, it is not for your destruction. Matthew quotes Isaiah 42:3 when he said of Jesus, “A bruised reed shall he not break and smoking flax shall he not quench ….” (Matthew 12:20) Reeds grew in abundance near the water’s edge. Children made flutes from the hollow stems. Should one become damaged it was thrown away and another reed was picked. There were plenty available. Flax was shredded into hair-like clusters. The small bunch was placed in a dish filled with oil. As a floating wick it burned brightly to give light to the entire room. When it began to smoke it was discarded and replaced with a new flax wick. There were plenty of wicks available. The CEV translation reads “He won't break off a bent reed or put out a dying flame …” Regardless of your brokenness, know that God will never cast you off. He is remolding you into a useful instrument.
So you have been broken? You have not been “smashed” for your destruction. The enemy will try to get your mind to think that. Perhaps your breaking is by God’s design. It is for your benefit and His glory. Paul knew that well. Listen to his testimony: “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:7-9) Have the confidence that you will make music again!
“Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me! Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me! Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me! Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me. “ - Daniel Iverson (Moody Bible Institute © 1935)
WOW These are WordsOfWisdom we can live by!
Breaking things has a positive purpose as well. A wall is broken down to make more room in a house. A road is dug up to make to widen it into a boulevard. A face undergoes cosmetic surgery to remove unsightly characteristics in a make-over. Shepherds have been known to break the legs of a wayward sheep. This action may seem cruel to the Animal Rights Activists, but it is for the animal’s good. When the legs heal and the sheep is able to prance again, it will be cured of its wayward nature. Many sheep have been lost to predatory animals because they wonder off into oblivion doing their own thing. The analogy is clear. God breaks things for His Divine purpose and for our own good. He does not break things for the purpose of destruction but for reconstruction. The end result is always for the better.
Do you feel like you have been bruised, bent, broken and burnt out and that your usefulness had ended? Has the enemy led you to believe the lie that God has abandoned you and there is no further need for your life? However painful your breaking may be, it is not for your destruction. Matthew quotes Isaiah 42:3 when he said of Jesus, “A bruised reed shall he not break and smoking flax shall he not quench ….” (Matthew 12:20) Reeds grew in abundance near the water’s edge. Children made flutes from the hollow stems. Should one become damaged it was thrown away and another reed was picked. There were plenty available. Flax was shredded into hair-like clusters. The small bunch was placed in a dish filled with oil. As a floating wick it burned brightly to give light to the entire room. When it began to smoke it was discarded and replaced with a new flax wick. There were plenty of wicks available. The CEV translation reads “He won't break off a bent reed or put out a dying flame …” Regardless of your brokenness, know that God will never cast you off. He is remolding you into a useful instrument.
So you have been broken? You have not been “smashed” for your destruction. The enemy will try to get your mind to think that. Perhaps your breaking is by God’s design. It is for your benefit and His glory. Paul knew that well. Listen to his testimony: “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:7-9) Have the confidence that you will make music again!
“Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me! Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me! Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me! Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me. “ - Daniel Iverson (Moody Bible Institute © 1935)
WOW These are WordsOfWisdom we can live by!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Feeling Like An Ashe
The “Scorched Earth Policy” is a military strategy which destroys anything that may be useful to the enemy. Virtually everything is left in total destruction. Initially it was called “burning crops”. This was done to deny the enemy a source of food. It was used against Napoleon and Hitler’s armies that invaded Russia. Everything was reduced to ashes. The practice goes back to early history.
David, his warriors and their families lived in Ziklag, a Philistine city that was given him during his exile in the days of Saul. While David and his men were at war, the Amaelkites invaded his city and left it in smoldering ruins. Clouds of bellowing smoke, razed homes and broken artifacts left in smoldering ruins was the scene that greeted them upon their return. Their wives, children, cattle and all their possessions were taken. “Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep … And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters ...” (1 Samuel 30:1-6) Everything David had worked for had gone up in smoke. His life achievements, his hopes and dreams had been dashed to pieces. All that was left were the broken shards and smoldering ruins of what “once used to be”. Camelot was gone. Furthermore, those that were closest to him abandoned him and were about to stone him.
There are many that can identify with David. Have you gone through so severe a loss that all your strength is waned because of weeping? The gossip that is shared in hushed tones behind your back is more damaging that a physical stoning. You cry out for help, but no one is able to change your circumstances. You feel totally demoralized and everything you have accomplished has been burnt to the ground and left in ashes. You feel like running, but where? Suicide is not the final escape. Curling up in a fetal position and sleeping through days of depression will never make the pain go away. Loading up on mind altering substances and mood elevating chemicals will only worsen to problem. Striking out at those around you in a futile attempt to vent your pain will further isolate you. Giving up is no solution either. Where does on turn in such times?
David found the answer. “… David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” (1 Samuel 30:6) There is no other place to turn. Every human resource is limited. The Lord may use human resources to help you, but your strength is found in the Lord. Remember that safety is not found in the absence of danger. It is found in the presence of God. Protection is not secured by the strength of our defenses. It is found in the presence of God. Security is not assured by the abundance of our wealth. It is found in the presence of God. Pray for the presence of God in your life! Turn to Him in your moment of despair. He alone will turn your ashes into beauty and give you joy.
God will “… appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:3)
WOW These are WordsOfWisdom we can live by!
David, his warriors and their families lived in Ziklag, a Philistine city that was given him during his exile in the days of Saul. While David and his men were at war, the Amaelkites invaded his city and left it in smoldering ruins. Clouds of bellowing smoke, razed homes and broken artifacts left in smoldering ruins was the scene that greeted them upon their return. Their wives, children, cattle and all their possessions were taken. “Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep … And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters ...” (1 Samuel 30:1-6) Everything David had worked for had gone up in smoke. His life achievements, his hopes and dreams had been dashed to pieces. All that was left were the broken shards and smoldering ruins of what “once used to be”. Camelot was gone. Furthermore, those that were closest to him abandoned him and were about to stone him.
There are many that can identify with David. Have you gone through so severe a loss that all your strength is waned because of weeping? The gossip that is shared in hushed tones behind your back is more damaging that a physical stoning. You cry out for help, but no one is able to change your circumstances. You feel totally demoralized and everything you have accomplished has been burnt to the ground and left in ashes. You feel like running, but where? Suicide is not the final escape. Curling up in a fetal position and sleeping through days of depression will never make the pain go away. Loading up on mind altering substances and mood elevating chemicals will only worsen to problem. Striking out at those around you in a futile attempt to vent your pain will further isolate you. Giving up is no solution either. Where does on turn in such times?
David found the answer. “… David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” (1 Samuel 30:6) There is no other place to turn. Every human resource is limited. The Lord may use human resources to help you, but your strength is found in the Lord. Remember that safety is not found in the absence of danger. It is found in the presence of God. Protection is not secured by the strength of our defenses. It is found in the presence of God. Security is not assured by the abundance of our wealth. It is found in the presence of God. Pray for the presence of God in your life! Turn to Him in your moment of despair. He alone will turn your ashes into beauty and give you joy.
God will “… appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:3)
WOW These are WordsOfWisdom we can live by!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
The Lord of the IS
02/04/2011
International College of Behavioral Counselling
Web site: wilfkent.org - Email: wilfkent@wilfkent.com - Blog: www.wilfkent.blogspot.com
The Lord Of The IS
“It is what it is until it is no more and then no one will know what it is!” The “is” problem was addressed by David Hume, a Scottish philosopher (1711-1776). He noted that many make claims about what ought to be on the basis of statements about what it is.There is a huge gap between our idea of how things ought to be and what actually “is”. The first is based on our world view, religious conviction, personal preferences, upbringing, attitude and disposition. It structures our world as we would like it to be. The later is based upon fact. Reality cannot be denied. Regardless of how we would like it to be, it is what it is! When it is no more, we will not know why it is! Is this a depressing reality? Not really!
Because we live in a cursed world with a depraved nature under control of the evil one, we are continually being vexed by the chaos and disorder that “is”. Abraham’s nephew chose to live in Sodom and Gomorrah. He was daily tormented by his circumstances and sought to change them. His influence however was marginal at best. Even his sons-in-law ridiculed him when he warned them of coming doom.
It is important to change the things we can. If we“…are the salt of the earth, the light of the world and a city that is set on a hill that cannot be hid (Matthew 5:13-14) then the logical conclusion is that our circumstances are under our control. In most cases they are. We think that if we could muster a bit more faith, give a little more to the church, study the Word more faithfully, pray a little harder and get rid of some of our destructive habits, God would be pleased with us. Surely then He would help us change what it “is” that torments us. All this effort is noble but there are things we cannot change. Furthermore, except the LORD build the house, they labor do so in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman wakes but in vain. (Psalms 127:1)
The Good News is that our God whom we serve is the Lord of the “is”. He is present in every circumstance and we gain our strength from that fact. Our peace and happiness does not come with the changing of the “is”. It comes from the knowledge of His presence. Remember that “nothing err by chance befalls to those whom God in purpose calls!” He is never surprised by what “is” and is never thwarted in His intended purposes. He will never leave us or forsake us and He is well able to deliver us from every trial. Lot found this to be true. God … rescued Lot, a good man, who was distressed by the immoral conduct of lawless people. That good man lived among them, and day after day he suffered agony as he saw and heard their evil actions. And so the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials …. (2 Peter 2:7-9) God is the Lord of whatever “is” and He … is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy… (Jude 1:24)
Perhaps we give too much importance to our disappointments and trials. Take comfort in the fact that in all things God is at work for your good. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:12-13)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
WOW These are WordsOfWisdom we can live by!
International College of Behavioral Counselling
Web site: wilfkent.org - Email: wilfkent@wilfkent.com - Blog: www.wilfkent.blogspot.com
The Lord Of The IS
“It is what it is until it is no more and then no one will know what it is!” The “is” problem was addressed by David Hume, a Scottish philosopher (1711-1776). He noted that many make claims about what ought to be on the basis of statements about what it is.There is a huge gap between our idea of how things ought to be and what actually “is”. The first is based on our world view, religious conviction, personal preferences, upbringing, attitude and disposition. It structures our world as we would like it to be. The later is based upon fact. Reality cannot be denied. Regardless of how we would like it to be, it is what it is! When it is no more, we will not know why it is! Is this a depressing reality? Not really!
Because we live in a cursed world with a depraved nature under control of the evil one, we are continually being vexed by the chaos and disorder that “is”. Abraham’s nephew chose to live in Sodom and Gomorrah. He was daily tormented by his circumstances and sought to change them. His influence however was marginal at best. Even his sons-in-law ridiculed him when he warned them of coming doom.
It is important to change the things we can. If we“…are the salt of the earth, the light of the world and a city that is set on a hill that cannot be hid (Matthew 5:13-14) then the logical conclusion is that our circumstances are under our control. In most cases they are. We think that if we could muster a bit more faith, give a little more to the church, study the Word more faithfully, pray a little harder and get rid of some of our destructive habits, God would be pleased with us. Surely then He would help us change what it “is” that torments us. All this effort is noble but there are things we cannot change. Furthermore, except the LORD build the house, they labor do so in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman wakes but in vain. (Psalms 127:1)
The Good News is that our God whom we serve is the Lord of the “is”. He is present in every circumstance and we gain our strength from that fact. Our peace and happiness does not come with the changing of the “is”. It comes from the knowledge of His presence. Remember that “nothing err by chance befalls to those whom God in purpose calls!” He is never surprised by what “is” and is never thwarted in His intended purposes. He will never leave us or forsake us and He is well able to deliver us from every trial. Lot found this to be true. God … rescued Lot, a good man, who was distressed by the immoral conduct of lawless people. That good man lived among them, and day after day he suffered agony as he saw and heard their evil actions. And so the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials …. (2 Peter 2:7-9) God is the Lord of whatever “is” and He … is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy… (Jude 1:24)
Perhaps we give too much importance to our disappointments and trials. Take comfort in the fact that in all things God is at work for your good. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:12-13)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
WOW These are WordsOfWisdom we can live by!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Benched, Sidelined, Shelved
Professional Sports Teams have more players than are needed for the game. This is true for every team sport whether ice hockey, base ball, rugby, succor, cricket, basket ball or the grid iron. As many players stand on the side line as those that are playing waiting for the coach to call their names if and when they are needed. Although fully trained, equipped and ready to go, many seldom see action on the field. Some are dismissed entirely. Terms like “benched, sidelined and shelved” are terms that describe such a state.
Are you trained, fully dressed and ready to be deployed but you find yourself sitting on the side line? Do you see your contribution as unwanted and having little value? After being fired from his position at a large church, the pastor lamented, “The Lord knows my heart. He knows my willingness to serve Him. He also knows where I am at and He can come and fetch me any time He chooses!” He was benched from active ministry for several years. During this time the Lord qualified him for a position that out shined his former ministry like the noonday sun out shines the faint flickering of a distant candle.
The Scriptures are replete with examples of people that were sidelined, benched and shelved. After being qualified in the courts of Pharaoh, Moses was set aside for forty years. Abraham and Sara were sidelined well into old age before God used them. David spent multiplied days in the Judean hillside caves hiding for his life. Elijah and John the Baptist wandered through the deserts. And then … and then there is you sitting on your bench … waiting.
Hebrews chapter eleven has an impressive list of names in the Faith Hall of Fame. Their victories electrify us. Moses led Israel across the Red Sea; Joshua witnessed Jericho’s walls fall; Rahab was a safe place for the Hebrew spies; “and what shall I more say … of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again…” These are the heroes in God’s Super Bowl or World Cup of victory. But there are more! The display of winners continues. “Others were tortured not accepting deliverance … others had trial of cruel mocking and scourging; were placed in bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, sawn asunder, tempted, slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented… they wandered in deserts, mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. These all obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise.”
When the enemy assaults by telling you that you are an old dinosaur and that your usefulness is over, benched, sidelined, retrenched or “whatever”, remind him that you are not a fossil yet! And as long as you roam this Earth it will reverberate with the footsteps of one that is influencing it for the Kingdom of God!
We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)
WOW These are WordsOfWisdom we can live by!
Are you trained, fully dressed and ready to be deployed but you find yourself sitting on the side line? Do you see your contribution as unwanted and having little value? After being fired from his position at a large church, the pastor lamented, “The Lord knows my heart. He knows my willingness to serve Him. He also knows where I am at and He can come and fetch me any time He chooses!” He was benched from active ministry for several years. During this time the Lord qualified him for a position that out shined his former ministry like the noonday sun out shines the faint flickering of a distant candle.
The Scriptures are replete with examples of people that were sidelined, benched and shelved. After being qualified in the courts of Pharaoh, Moses was set aside for forty years. Abraham and Sara were sidelined well into old age before God used them. David spent multiplied days in the Judean hillside caves hiding for his life. Elijah and John the Baptist wandered through the deserts. And then … and then there is you sitting on your bench … waiting.
Hebrews chapter eleven has an impressive list of names in the Faith Hall of Fame. Their victories electrify us. Moses led Israel across the Red Sea; Joshua witnessed Jericho’s walls fall; Rahab was a safe place for the Hebrew spies; “and what shall I more say … of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again…” These are the heroes in God’s Super Bowl or World Cup of victory. But there are more! The display of winners continues. “Others were tortured not accepting deliverance … others had trial of cruel mocking and scourging; were placed in bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, sawn asunder, tempted, slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented… they wandered in deserts, mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. These all obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise.”
When the enemy assaults by telling you that you are an old dinosaur and that your usefulness is over, benched, sidelined, retrenched or “whatever”, remind him that you are not a fossil yet! And as long as you roam this Earth it will reverberate with the footsteps of one that is influencing it for the Kingdom of God!
We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)
WOW These are WordsOfWisdom we can live by!
A Forced Smile On A Bursdened Face
Most people search for happiness in things and security and health and relationships. These are important to wellbeing. I know that happiness is a choice so I make a quality decision to display a happy disposition in the midst of each trial. The choice of happiness results in emotional stability, physical health and meaningful relationships. Furthermore it displays obedience to God’s command to “Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4) Happiness is the chief ingredient for wellbeing and it works ,,, most of the time. However, I tire in my dogged determination to put a smile on a face that is preoccupied with the problems.
Happiness by sheer determination during persistent conflict is a difficult up-hill battle. I am tired of problem-solving; being responsible to keep things going; meeting deadlines; keeping everyone happy and having to have the answer for every one’s problems. I feel like yelling “Enough Already! Enogh es enough!” How can I put a smile on my tormented face? Is there no reprieve from my trouble? Is there no lessening of the trials that I endure? It was Solomon who said,”hope deferred makes the heart sick!” (Proverbs 13:12) Right now my heart is sick and my happy disposition is only a manufactured front. This kind of “happiness” is not genuine. It is a self-deceiving façade.
God promised that my life should be a “joy unspeakable and full of glory!” (1 Peter 1:8) Then where is my joy? Where do I error? My mistake is found in the source where I seek to find my happiness. Surely happiness is not found in the abundance of things or the absence of problems. If that were true happiness would be impossible because the world is in a chaotic mess. Jesus said that “In this world you shall have tribulation!” (John 16:33) Then He added “but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Genuine happiness does not come with the absence of trail but with the presence of Jesus. He made this clear when he chided the murmuring Pharisees, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. But this He spoke of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive….” (John 7:37-39)
There is a well-spring of peace and happiness deep within the inner recesses of our beings that transcends every human trail. It bubbles with spontaneous peace that spills over as a natural consequence of God’s presence. It satisfies the longing soul and it influence all those that may come in contact with us. That is what Jesus meant when he said “out of your belly shall flow rivers of living waters!” (John 7:38-39) An old hymn expresses this well. “I’ve discovered the way of gladness. I’ve discovered the way of joy. I’ve discovered relief from sadness. It’s happiness without alloy. I’ve discovered the fount of blessing. I’ve discovered the Living Word. It’s the greatest of all discoveries … when I found Jesus my Lord!” True happiness is found in the secret place of His presence.
Whom having not seen, you love; in whom, though now you see him not, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (1 Peter 1:8)
WOW These are WordsOfWisdom we can live by!
Happiness by sheer determination during persistent conflict is a difficult up-hill battle. I am tired of problem-solving; being responsible to keep things going; meeting deadlines; keeping everyone happy and having to have the answer for every one’s problems. I feel like yelling “Enough Already! Enogh es enough!” How can I put a smile on my tormented face? Is there no reprieve from my trouble? Is there no lessening of the trials that I endure? It was Solomon who said,”hope deferred makes the heart sick!” (Proverbs 13:12) Right now my heart is sick and my happy disposition is only a manufactured front. This kind of “happiness” is not genuine. It is a self-deceiving façade.
God promised that my life should be a “joy unspeakable and full of glory!” (1 Peter 1:8) Then where is my joy? Where do I error? My mistake is found in the source where I seek to find my happiness. Surely happiness is not found in the abundance of things or the absence of problems. If that were true happiness would be impossible because the world is in a chaotic mess. Jesus said that “In this world you shall have tribulation!” (John 16:33) Then He added “but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Genuine happiness does not come with the absence of trail but with the presence of Jesus. He made this clear when he chided the murmuring Pharisees, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. But this He spoke of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive….” (John 7:37-39)
There is a well-spring of peace and happiness deep within the inner recesses of our beings that transcends every human trail. It bubbles with spontaneous peace that spills over as a natural consequence of God’s presence. It satisfies the longing soul and it influence all those that may come in contact with us. That is what Jesus meant when he said “out of your belly shall flow rivers of living waters!” (John 7:38-39) An old hymn expresses this well. “I’ve discovered the way of gladness. I’ve discovered the way of joy. I’ve discovered relief from sadness. It’s happiness without alloy. I’ve discovered the fount of blessing. I’ve discovered the Living Word. It’s the greatest of all discoveries … when I found Jesus my Lord!” True happiness is found in the secret place of His presence.
Whom having not seen, you love; in whom, though now you see him not, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (1 Peter 1:8)
WOW These are WordsOfWisdom we can live by!
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