Through the Bible - Isaiah 7-11, Galatians 6 - Ephesians 1
Good morning,
The statement "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" is one of the most famous phrases from our U.S. Declaration of Independence. Unfortunately, more and more our society tries to find and identifies its happiness in things, possessions.
Gregg Laurie writes, "When we read the word "happiness" in the Bible, it is speaking of something that is self-contained. In other words, you can experience happiness regardless of your circumstances. The happiness the Bible advocates does not come from what you have. It isn't dependent on whether things are going well. It comes from who you know. And the "who" I am referring to is the Lord himself."
For today's verse we'll go to this mornings New Testament reading from Galatians 6, I'm quoting The Message.
For today's verse we'll go to this mornings New Testament reading from Galatians 6, I'm quoting The Message.
Gal 6:7-8 Don't be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others — ignoring God! — harvests a crop of weeds. All he'll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life. The Message
If happiness is found in "who you know" what should it mean in our relationships with God and others?
Gal 6:10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. NLT
Regarding our opportunity, John MacArthur writes that "this Greek word refers to a distinct, fixed time period, rather than occasional moments. Paul's point is that the believer's entire life provides the unique privilege by which we can serve others in Christ's name."
Regarding our opportunity, John MacArthur writes that "this Greek word refers to a distinct, fixed time period, rather than occasional moments. Paul's point is that the believer's entire life provides the unique privilege by which we can serve others in Christ's name."
Think of the various stages in your life, think of the ones that lie ahead. All of them bring unique opportunities for us. Will we use them for the pursuit of things which will harvest a "crop of weeds" or use them as opportunities to plant seeds to cultivate relationships, relationships that lead to eternal life.
Think about what truly brings happiness in your life. When it comes down to it, hopefully, you will find that it is those you love and who love you that bring the most happiness. Why not spend more time planting seeds in these relationships than seeds that will lead to discontent?
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Gal 6:6-11
Be very sure now, you who have been trained to a self-sufficient maturity, that you enter into a generous common life with those who have trained you, sharing all the good things that you have and experience.
Don't be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others — ignoring God! — harvests a crop of weeds. All he'll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.
So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith. The Message
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