Everyone wants this. They work for it. Shop for it. Save up for
it. Vacation for it. Go out on the weekends for it. Marry for it. Divorce for it.
What is it? Happiness! Most everyone seems to be on this pursuit of happiness.
Even our Declaration of Independence declares, “We hold these truths to be
self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by
their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life,
Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
But the pursuit of happiness has a problem with
it. We never seem to attain it. As the Royal Governor of Virginia noted in
1774, the Americans "for ever imagine the Lands further off are still
better than those upon which they are already settled." He added that,
"if they attained Paradise, they would move on if they heard of a better
place farther west." So let's spare our youth and those we mentor a
lot of grief by addressing this empty pursuit of happiness.
Remember when you got your first stereo or car? Pretty cool, huh!
Yeah, for a few days. Then it was time to pursue something else for happiness.
"The eye is never satisfied with seeing." We seem to be always
looking for more. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon tells of pursuing all kinds of
things to find happiness. "I denied nothing my eyes desired; I refused my
heart no pleasure." How did that pursuit of happiness work out for you
Solomon? "Everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind."
Eccles.1:10,11.
Later, his pursuit of happiness ended in God. "To the man who
pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness" Eccles.2:26. So
happiness is an inward gift, not an outward pursuit. Happiness is also a
byproduct. Pursue it and you will miss it, but pursue something (or someone)
else and it will find you. So what should we pursue instead? God! Yes, but what
does that look like? Here are time tested ways
for inadvertently finding happiness in the PRESENT, rather than
pursuing it into the future mist.
Praise God for who he is. Try going through the alphabet of His
names and attributes.
Rejoice in who you are in Him. A saint, a son of the King, a mighty
warrior, etc.
Enjoy the moment- come to your senses. Enjoy your God given senses
more.
Smile and sing! Just try being depressed while doing such:)
Encourage others. Don't leave the blog without encouraging
some of your brothers.
Never dwell long on the negatives. They will come, but don't give them room and board.
Thank God and others often. Try using the top of each hour to thank
God for something over the past hour.
So give yourself the gift or PRESENT of happiness.
I don't need a half nickel more to be happy. Nor do I need a new car, house or wife. Nor do I need to eat out a lot. "The cheerful heart has a continual feast" Prov.15:15. To rejoice is a choice. "A happy heart makes the face cheerful" Prov.15:13. "A cheerful look brings joy to the heart" Prov.15:30.
Now Read Prov.15:15-32 and be on the look-out for a verse you may need to heed.
1.-Imagine you are sharing with a youth group about when as a youth you or a friend pursued happiness in a thing. What was it and what happened?
2.-Share the verse you picked out from Prov.15:15-32 and write it out on your MP3 card. Then look for opportunities to enrich others with it. Pick one item from the PRESENT list above and copy it on your MP3 card as well. I copied the entire list on the back of my 3x5 card. I need to keep working on these things too.
Now Read Prov.15:15-32 and be on the look-out for a verse you may need to heed.
Please give a word of encouragement to Armando and Horacio (773-983-1641) who were MIA yesterday.
1. Growing up as a kid we were very poor, so I had very few toys and always felt my friends had so much more and were that much happier. There was a time when it seemed like all my friends had bicycles except for me. So I wanted one really bad so I could fit in with them and also "be happy".
ReplyDeleteAfter saving some money for what seemed like an eternity I was able to buy a used bike. It sure was fun that day to be able to ride with my friends but by the end of the day I was not happy like I thought I would be. Now I wanted all the other things that my friends had, thinking that by having them I could finally be happy.
I wasn't until after being on my own and having a full time job that I started to realize that true happiness did not come from things. Because now I could buy things that I wanted but still did not feel complete. It was only realizing who I was in God that made be feel complete and not the things of the world.
I still struggle with this sometimes, thinking that maybe by having a nicer car or a better job or whatever it may be, I would be happier. But I have to keep reminding myself of the times when I got something that I though would make me happy but instead I felt empty. Only that daily presence and communion with Christ can provide me with true happiness.
2. Prov 15:22 "Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. "
Eccles 2:26 " The man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness. "
Amen Roger! "Only that daily presence and communion with Christ can provide me with true happiness." There's nothing like it, nothing that can compare to it. May you be filled with joy and happiness today in the presence of the LORD!
DeleteThanks for sharing and being open Roger.I too struggle with materialistic things at times. I have realized that helping others seek God is more enjoyable.
DeleteGod Bless your bro! I can definitely relate. You are a strong person. One thing I must say is that growing poor, one appreciates and takes care of what we had. Over all, all of that material stuff is probably not around but the love of God still fills us with happiness and is ever lasting.
DeleteOh, what a touching story Roger! Great lesson learned from it.
Delete1. Money was the pursuit of happiness for me. I always thought if I had more money I would be stress free. I use to buy lottery tickets in hope to win big. I would see people on TV with money who looked so happy. I realized through time that having money is not all its worked up to be. I began to become grateful for what gods blessed me with. I also knew that my true treasure is eternal life in gods kingdom. I'm blessed!
ReplyDelete2. Proverbs 15.22.ESV Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. Encourage others.
I was right there with you James. Also thanks for your post yesterday too. Those are some good questions to ask ourselves...
DeleteI think most of us before having a relationship with God seek happiness through money. I thank God you now know that your happiness is with Him.
DeleteAmen James. I learned to be faithful to God and He will take care of me. He does not want us to take His caring for granted. He wants us to make right choices in life.
DeleteGood James! I think most people appear very happy on the TV. It's the one time to shine. It's the ultimate achievement for many in this selfie generation.
DeleteAmen James, I totally agree that eternal life is the true treasure.
DeleteGood thoughts, James! Yes, I agree with you that eternal life with God is the real, true treasure, and it is one that cannot be taken away.
Delete1. A big thing for me is that I tried to find happiness in a person and a relationship. I made that person an idol, putting her and my relationship with her before God and sometimes even my family. I put all my emotional eggs in one basket, thinking that it would last forever. 9 years later I was left heart-heart - broken, emotionally unstable, rejected, empty, no hope...then I surrendered to Christ and my whole world changed, not over not but seemingly over the course of these past four years I have grown to understand my completeness in Christ. I finally have come to a good understanding that only He satisfies. I have chased after a lot of the winds in life, money, possesions, drugs, sex, all leaving me still searching for more. But I can attest and proclaim that walking in the satisfaction of the Lord for who He is...your mindset changes. The things that I chased after I see them with a renewed mind, a heavenly mindset.
ReplyDelete2. Proverbs 15:31
Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.
Glad God transformed you in the man that you are now. Be strong and continue to lead by example. You have a lot of young believers that look up to you. God bless you bro!
DeleteAnd God has given you one happy smile Eddie! :)
DeleteGreat testimony, so glad that you have found the true source of happiness... Christ!
Delete1.Accomplishing things as a youth. Material things were big, first car, cell phone making the first string on the football team. There are so many things that you think make you happy. "Accomplishment". But I still felt empty. The only one thing that can satisfy your soul is God the Father through His precious Son Jesus Christ and to be filled with the Holy Spirit..
ReplyDelete2.Proverbs 15:22
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
Good George. "Only Jesus can Satisfy Your Soul" Remember that song?
DeleteAmen to that George! God satisfies all are needs.
DeleteAs I shared before, when I was a teen. I got in some trouble for cashing checks. It was nerve racking when I went to the currency exchange.I has happy to receive the money, until I got caught. That is when I realized that it was not worth it. I now thank God for the conviction he has put in me. I thank God for giving me the spirit of truth and integrity.I also, thank God I have a band of brothers I can trust and seek counsel.
ReplyDelete2. Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel,but with many advisers they succeed.
1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Good Sam and very good cross references. Thanks.
DeleteGreat job Sam in continuing to listen to God's voice as He continues to guide your paths. You are a great example of a person that seeks to honor God.
Delete1. I must say I struggled growing up with materials. I grew up poor and wanted the new toys and cloths. I remember seeing my cousins that lived down the block stop by with bags of groceries in their new cloths. I would get the hand me downs from my brother that would never fit. This put a drive in me to hustle at a young age. Delivering newspapers, cutting grass, returning the shopping carts at Aldi so I can keep the quarter. Once I started making money I felt like their was never enough and I still was not happy. My circle of friend would drain me and where never around when I was broke. Now I enjoy helping others. I like to give advice to my kids and their friends. Family makes me happy. God makes me happy, able to wake up every day and work for the Lord makes me happy. Everyday I give thanks for everything the Lord has given me. He has always provided. Sitting back and praying with my wife or listening to my kids listen to Christian music while showering makes me happy. Hearing their prayers makes me happy.
ReplyDelete2. Proverbs 15:16 Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.
Beautiful Horacio! You are a happy and blessed man. It was good taking with you this morning and I look forward to getting to know you better.
DeleteWow Horacio what a great testimony of how God has changed your life and you find happiness in the many blessings that God has given you through your family. May God continue to bless you.
Delete1. The vain pursuit and novelty of acquiring possessions, reaching achievements and fulfilling lifelong desires quickly dissolves into dissatisfaction, discouragement and despair. Only God can fill the God size void in our hearts and provide us with unimaginable joy. "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:11
ReplyDelete"First I was dying to finish my high school and start college. And then I was dying to finish college and start working. Then I was dying to marry and have children. And then I was dying for my children to grow up. Then I was dying see them marry and have children. Then I was dying to retire. And now I’m dying, and suddenly I realized I FORGOT TO LIVE!" (Author unknown to me)
2. Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:33
What a powerful quote you've shared. I honestly never thought of it that way, but how true that we spend our energy speeding through life, only to find ourselves grasping for years lost as we approach our end, and who is to say that end may be far off. It could very well be tomorrow. I will strive to live and slow this ship down. I've been going 100 miles an hour for far too long.
DeleteYes, great quote Robert! Thanks for sharing that.
DeleteWow Robert what a wonderful quote, sure makes me stop and thing about my priorities in life.
DeleteGreat words.
DeleteThanks brother, great words, great insight
DeleteGrievous punishment is for him who forsakes the way; He who hates reproof will die.
ReplyDeleteAll the days of the afflicted are bad, But a cheerful heart has a continual feast. Better is a little with the fear of the LORD Than great treasure and turmoil with it. (Proverbs 15:10, 15-16 NASB)
1. I have found that searching and straining for happiness only leads to slavery of the thing you crave. Like Solomon said, it's like chasing the wind you will never grasp it. It comes and goes. Pursuit of happiness many times leads to pursuit of selfishness. Many bodies have been strewn across the road to attain it. Especially pursuit of pleasure only leads to more longing. It's like giving warm saltwater to a parched throat. Pursuit of lust in my life has only led to more lust, less pleasure, and more bondage. It just digs the whole deeper an leads to death.
Brother Nic, "Pursuit of happiness many times leads to pursuit of selfishness" well said. "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." James 4:1-3
DeleteVery well said Nic!
Delete1. When I was a teenager the hours that I wish I could get back the most were the hours that I spent playing video games by myself and my parents basement. The game was fun but it always came to an end where I felt dissatisfied and wish I could get the time back.
ReplyDelete2.proberbs15:19 The path of lazy people is overgrown with briers;
the diligent walk down a smooth road.
Brother Dave D, I conveniently forgot about all the hours I too would frivolously waste for the short lived victory of flipping a game. Thanks for sharing, God bless you :-)
DeleteDave D. you are so correct video games can waste a lot of time but lest not forget how much it cost on the system and then the games. Now when I think of buying things I think of the end of the movie Schindler's list when he was getting in his car to get away
DeleteDave, I have been down that road, brother. I wish I could take back all those hours spent on video gaming (and recover all the money spent on games I no longer play). This, too, was an addiction of mine for many years, and the companies that make these games are only making them more accessible by making them compatible with our phones and tablets. You can literally play anywhere, anytime. Someone needs to corner the market and roll out a Bible Scripture Trivia game.
DeleteOh, did your mom (my sister) know about those long hours playing video games? :)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI can't think of anything I did for fun when I was younger, so it must not been very fun. Proverbs 15;16 Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil
ReplyDeleteLOL Flo!
DeleteThat is so funny Flo, I am sure that you did some things for fun! ie like eat a lot of sweets :)
DeleteWhen I was younger I thought having as many girlfriends as possible is what made me a man. I learned that wasn't true especially when I had a son at sixteen and half. I got married at that age and divorce at eighteen. What a teenage life I had. I worked full time and went to high school full time. I supported my little family until the divorce than I supported my son. If I could go back and know what I know now my life would have been different. I love my son but I was not ready at the time to be a father. Although I did it but my teenage life was gone and I had to be a man.
ReplyDeleteProverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. I believe in this verse a lot. I had many arguments in my life time but if you heard my argument voice you would think I was just talking. I don't yell or scream. I talk in a calm voice. Don't get me wrong I have raised my voice in about five or six arguments but normally I am calm. No one is perfect.
Wow Mike! Didn't know that. My heart goes out to you. And my respect goes up for you. I wish I had as good of a track record with my volume. I rarely yell, but my volume goes up when stoked.
DeleteMike thank you for sharing that important part of your life. You surely have a lot of words of wisdom to share with young people today that are pursuing the wrong things in life.
DeleteWhen I first started working, during my undergraduate education, I fixated of acquiring material goods. I foolishly invested my time, energy, and hard earned money on researching and puorchasing the latest gadget. Best Buy became my go-to place as it was conveniently located between my university and home. I was bleeding money and putting next to nothing away. What's worse, I contributed little to my family. I justified my actions by convincing myself that the devices I was blowing hundrends of dollars on at a time would also benefit my family. A new digital camera would allow us to take pictures. A new camcorder would allow me to capture family moments, but it was never quite enough. Soon, I was making charges to a store credit card that would take me years to pay off. Keeping up with the latest tech brought me a false sense of completion and joy, but I was accumulating debt and had nothing to fall back on.
ReplyDeleteEventually, I outgrew this obsession with "keeping up". I learned to make the most of what I had. Moving out to Chicago and living indepedently of my parents helped...gone were the days of living for free at mom and dad's. With monthly rent, car insurance, and other bills coming each month, there was only money for the necessities. The pursuit of "happiness" can make us prisoners of debt, idolaters, and worshipers of false idols. Today, I am happy to be able to provide for my wife and help my family back home when I can. I show my gratitude for my health, my life, and the beauty God surrounds me with by not seeking the satisfaction only God can give in fleeting things.
Proverbs 15:32 "Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding."
I, too, opted to include all of PRESENT on my MP3 card. It is a great reminder of what we should fix our eyes upon to see our happiness flow from within.
Excellent Osiris! Looking forward to talking and hopefully walking together soon.
DeleteBrother Osiris, keeping up with the Jonesess, been there, done that too. Hard lessons, but let us thank God that we're not the same person we once were.
DeleteWhen I was around 19-20 I wanted to the fast money and nicer things. I always thought the more money I had the happier me and my family would be. All it did was make me an unfaithful husband and a bad father. I eventually went away for about 3 1/2 years but when I came home I was a changed man. I realized the importance of my family. I give all thanks to GOD because he gave my family the strength and forgiveness to stand by my side
ReplyDeleteThe greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live. (Proverbs 15:27 NIV)
Very powerful and vulnerable of you to share such Ricardo. The wise will learn much from you.
Delete1) I like Soloman and I suppose many others filled myself with many pleasures. And I found and for a time satisfaction, but as the activities became common, satisfaction dissolved and discontent arrived and there I was again attempting to find the elusive happiness I had originally set out to find. I found that pleasure needed meaning and I began to seek mine out as I sought out and investigated the claims and person of Christianity I found happiness, joy and motivation in the discovery of Jesus, his claims and his presence. The things I pursued were sex, drugs and adrenaline rush's, I ended up homeless then incarcerated before I was willing to see if Jesus was real, if his claims could be trusted. thirteen years later I answer yes and yes.
ReplyDelete2) 17. Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred.
Relationships over materials.
I smile with the ending of your painful ordeal Antonio. It has a happy ending. :)
DeleteAntonio, I'm glad you found Jesus and put your trust in him.
DeleteYou are an Awesome man of God, Antonio :) I love reading your posts my brother :)
DeleteBrother Tony, I never tire of hearing your testimony. It encourages my heart, what a beautiful testimony of restoration!
Delete1
ReplyDeleteGrowing up in the way I pursued people and people pleasing was what had become a stumbling block for me. For a long time as a youth I held my happiness in other people and constantly being nearby others; there was zero long term Joy in pleasing people. I needed to learn that God is only one that I need to please.
2
Did it; wrote verse 15:22
Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.
I also chose to put the whole list on my card
Ahh, you make me smile Gary. I feel happy reading your good words and those of our other brothers. God is at work in our lives.
DeleteI like how you put it Gary. "there was zero long term Joy in pleasing people." That's a very significant life lesson to learn. People can manipulate and be abusive in wrong relationships. Praise to our Heavenly Father that He is nothing like that. May the Lord enable you to build many good relationships with those men around you, and may He use you to guide and align them to become right with God.
Delete1) As far as I can recollect, I think I learned early in childhood that things didn't bring happiness for very long. As a child there were a lot of things I wished I could have, that I thought would make me happy. I imagined what it would be like to have those things. Once in a while, on my birthday, or Christmas, I would receive something I had been wanting. The happy feeling soon dissipated after a day or two. I think I realized the pattern that the happiness sought from things was very short lived. I think overall I was fairly content with the circumstances I found myself in throughout life. Happiness did come, but not by searching for it. It came through right relationships, first with God and now also with my wife. That happiness is a rich fulfillment and deep satisfaction which is a gift and blessing that God grants.
ReplyDelete2) Did It
Great post David- you get it bro
DeleteGlad you learned that early on Dave. You were spared from being pierced with many pangs.
DeleteTest. 3x hopefully
ReplyDelete1. I don't remember a physical item that I sought for happiness, but I always looked for my Dad's admiration. I worked very hard at everything I did always, including practicing harder and longer than anyone I knew. I wanted to see my Dad acknowledge me as being great -- but no matter how much I accomplished it wasn't the best. I almost always made the All Stars and sometimes MVP-- but he always told me there was more to be the best.
ReplyDeleteNow I realize that I should have only seemed the approval of my true Father God, as he loved me no matter who I was. I realize that you cannot be the best without God and all I do is for his Glory.
2. " Withiut counsel plans fail, but with many advisors they succeed. " proverbs 15:22
So true we need God's counsel and understand that without him we will fail. Also, we need the advice of other Brothers as we cannot know it all
Did it
What a treasure your father missed enjoying in a son that loved him. We love and admire you Jack, a pale reflection of your heavenly Father's love for you. He rejoices over you with singing! Zeph.3:17
DeleteMan o man I can cope with you brother. Sure am glad that we both seek the acknowledgement & approval that comes our Father in heaven.
DeleteJack you have been every bit and more of a MVP in my life since I met you. Love you you brother!
DeleteBrother Jack, all I can hear is God speaking from heaven, "You are my son, in whom I am well pleased :) " I thank God that He has called you and I out as His sons of His :) Wow, we have Royalty flowing thru our veins :) Son of the King!
Delete1. When we were young, we wanted Nintendo games all the time. Each time we bought a new game, we were excited and played it nonstop until we beat the game. Then we got bored with it and we wanted more games. It's true about never being satisfied. We get what we want then we want more. It can go on forever. All we need is God and we will live forever.
ReplyDelete2..Proverbs.15:18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,
but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.
Smile and sing! Just try being depressed while doing such
I'm smiling reading your wise words Chuy!
DeleteI was exactly the same way as a kid. Glad I understand now that no material thing can ever truly satisfy a person. Very good post, Chuy!
Delete1.-I thought that by buying a car I would be happy and I would go anywhere I wanted to go. I quickly received many traffic violations that cost me much money. Then I had my driver’s license suspended. I was not feeling happy. The car broke down and I lost my driving privilege. I learned the responsibility of having car was greater than being happy. Who knew? I would advise young man to focus on the responsibility of having car and the hard work to maintain a car.
ReplyDelete2.-Proverbs 15:16 Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. Did it.
Praise God for who he is.
Rejoice in who you are in Him.
Enjoy the moment.
Smile and sing!
Encourage others.
Never dwell long on the negatives.
Thank God.
great verse. my brother continue the great work on the blog
DeleteOh you got me to laughing Oscar! With a good life lesson to boot. My favorite way to learn.
Delete1- i would say that i pursued happiness in friends but they would bring me down or find other interests. i've tried finding happiness in worldly things but they were either taken away or only brought a short joy. i know a buddy who told me the only time he is happy is when he gets high or drunk. the next morning he regrets the fact he got drunk and high and, that "happiness" was short lived. though the happiness and peace that last forever comes from Jesus the one true king.
ReplyDelete2-Proverbs 15:29 NIV The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
How sad that your friend's happiness is reduced to such a small window of time with guaranteed regrets. See what he thinks of "I Thought" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcft7b-6abc
DeleteMay the Lord use you Vince to be that vessel of Christ to your friend and encourage him there is far more better ways for him than just that... he looking for something. ....
DeleteBrother Vince, I'm glad you re-prioritized your pursuits in the right direction, Jesus!
Delete1. The pursuit of happiness is amazing! Just keep striving for it and the Lord will bless u with it.
ReplyDelete2.. Proverbs 15 : 17 better a small serving of vegetables with love, then a fattened calf with hatred.
Thanks for posting Phil, despite another long, hard day I bet. But you overcame. I'm proud of you.
DeleteYou could share much on the empty pursuit of happiness. You have a powerful testimony.
Phil, your comment reminded me of Matthew 7:7-8 7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."
DeleteBrother Phil, "keep striving" persistence, perseverance & resolve ;-)
Delete1) I remember when I really didn't know what i needed in my life and in a 3 month span I tried buying happiness I bought myself a Harley, clothes, when tried going out to bars and clubs. Then I got saved one day and the happiness I got from truly finding God was something I could never explain, those that understand what I am talking about know that their is a feeling of happiness when finding the love for God and reading his word.
ReplyDelete2) Better is a dinner of herbs where love is
than a fattened ox and hatred with it.
(Proverbs 15:17 ESV)
We are all so happy for you Andre! So glad you're in God's family and ours!
DeleteYes! And we all rejoice because one more received the gift of salvation! Amen brother
DeleteSo glad that you are rejoicing in the Lord, not so much for what He gives you daily, but much more Just for His presence and wanting more of Him :) Like John the Baptist said, "He (Christ) must increase and I must decrease :) "
Delete1 - When I was in my twenties I had a 10 year old car and wanted a new car. I always drove used cars and thought how great it would be to have a brand new one. I had an idea of how much I wanted to spend but after looking around ended up buying a more expensive new car and I was proud of my purchase. It was a nice car but it was just a car and didn’t change my life. Now I know there are better things in life to look forward to than material things.
ReplyDelete2 - Proverbs 15:17 Better a small serving of vegetables with love, than a fattened calf with hatred.
I like your choice of Proverbs 15:17.
DeleteI'm sure am glad we learn from our mistakes in our early twenties :).
Yes brother exactly, they are materialistic possessions they will never bring happiness, let's set our sight in God always and bask in his glory!
DeleteBoy oh boy there are many stories about This "pursuit of happiness" but one comes to mind quickly. As a young adult(21yrs) I was hired as a sales rep in one of the largest companies in the U.S(T-Mobile). As a beginner I was off to a fast pace, I was young and making close to 40k my first year there. I thought to myself "not bad for a guy that doesn't have a degree yet". I quickly evolved into a top seller eventually getting recognized by my regional managers. I eventually was sorrounding myself with people who were making 6 digit checks as I was being promoted to assistant manager. I was getting molded into that person that wanted what my peers had, so I dressed like them, went out with them, thought like them, spoke like them. After another year of the same ol same ol I was getting tired of the hustle & bustle game. One day while we(peers) were out I I took a few steps back and took a long hard look at the crowd I was with, I looked up*(this is before I surrendered my life to the Lord) I looked up & asked is this what happiness is about? The money, the party scene, the girls, the promotions, basically being something I am not.. an imposter??!! * now don't get me wtong, I believe in success as long as it's done with integrity, bit I was chasing after something that I quickly lost a desire of.
ReplyDeleteNow, a follower and a believer of my Lord Jesus Christ, He has given a different meaning to the desires of my heart and given me a whole different perspective of it.
pro.15.16.niv Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.
Wow. Imposter....now you're emulating Jesus. Chasing after his heart, trying to walk and talk in love and truth.
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DeleteMoney can have a way of corrupting, you made s wise choice brother!
DeleteI remember always being happy just being with my cousins and family, especially my cousins George n Charlie who are my age. We were always together most of the time until we started seeing and spending less time together at around the ripe young ages in our 30's. When we were kids we use to go shoe shinning all day on weekends, go into the garbage cans everywhere to look for soda bottles to get 2 cents for small bottles n 5 cents for quart bottles. We were just hustling for money to buy the things our parents were not able to spend money for us, we bought pizza, ice cream, penny candies. During this time we were so young and just enjoying being together, bonding until we got older and started slowly going our separate way, experiencing the effects of the neighborhood we lived in, our innocent no longer, we slowly became a product of our environment. We lose those joys of life as we get older and lose sight of what life really is, it is to always enjoy and treasure every moment in your life. Prov. 15:30 "Light in a messenger's eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones."
ReplyDelete1. As a boy, I liked to collect sets of toys. I always was happy when getting one toy for a short period, but then I'd see a new one. The cycle would keep continuing. I had to realize that I couldn't be satisfied by things. It was like chasing the wind. Yes, they can make me happy, but only for a short time. It is far better to chase eternal things that not only can satisfy but cannot be taken away either.
ReplyDelete2. Here are my MP3 verses:
Proverbs 15:32 "Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding."
Proverbs 15:16 "Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil."
So glad to see your faithfulness blogging :) Watching you grow in Christ makes my heart sooooooooo HAPPY :)
Delete-Your Uncle
1. This is going to sound funny, but when I was younger and in my teenage years, I always had a lot of acne on my face, so I would work out with weights often, so that I could be ripped and have a nice body,--- hoping that the girls would like me for my body, since my face was so full of pimples, LOL :) This is the honest truth, and I can't believe I am sharing this :) This was a driving force in my life for so many years, trying to find happiness in working out and impressing the ladies! Then I came to Christ, and all that changed "instantaneously" as I no longer had a desire to workout at all. Of course, now it shows, and I have gained too much weight, but I am soooooo much more happier :)
ReplyDeleteI kid with my nephews and nieces sometimes, because they tell me that I have a big belly. So I tell them that "I am not fat, I am just big boned :) " and God loves me :)
2. Proverbs 15:22 says, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." --- this has been so true in my life
Very funny Israel , how we are so focussed on 1 feature or item and miss the big picture when we get older. I am happy for you that you live today in the joy of Jesus and are about to receive his gift of becoming 1 flesh soon. You are Blessed bro
DeleteSo I have always pursued happiness since I was a child. I always was around my mother and sister when I was growing up and never really hung out with any friends. My mother pretty much kept us for herself I guess. She tried to give us what we needed and my father was not around, I didn't meet my father until I was 15/16 years of age. So I guess my happiness was being around my mother most of the time and the little things she would get me. I would see my friends from school getting nice clothes and toys and stuff but I knew that my mother couldn't afford it. As I grew up the search for happiness was completely confused and altered by having envy of other people and how much they had without working much I thought but late in the game of life I realized it requires hard work and diligence.
ReplyDeleteProverbs 15:32-33
Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.
Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.