Happy?

"...while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." ~ 2 Corinthians 4:18

As often as we use the word "happy" in today's society, surprisingly, it's very rarely used in the Bible.

Why?

Because God knows that happiness is based on our emotions, susceptible to one's plot in life or circumstance. As such, God never promises us happiness. Instead, He promises us such things as joy, peace, fulfillment, contentment - gifts expressed despite the circumstances in which one finds him- or herself.

God is eternal and, as such, wants to give us eternal things.

So, don't seek after those things which are fleeting and temporary. Instead, seek those things that can last forever.

God bless,
J.W.

Gifted

"For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more." ~ Luke 12:48

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always had a grand sense of responsibility – responsibility to be somebody, to make something of my life, to be great. This has undoubtedly led some to wonder, “what makes you so special?”

The answer – Nothing. But I’ve been given so much in life – so many gifts, so many blessings, so much peace, joy, and love – I know there must be something big required of me.

God doesn’t give us gifts for us to keep them for ourselves. He gives us gifts so that we can share those gifts with others.

So, how much have you been given in your life? What kind of responsibility do you think that gives you?

According to the Bible, if you’ve been given much, then much is expected in return.

That’s a tremendous responsibility, but one worth having.

God bless,
J.W.

Represent Your Clique

"In everything, set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." ~ Titus 2:7-8

God calls us to set an example for others in the way we live our lives. Just like you are called to represent your employer on your job, God calls us to be adequate representatives for Him in the world.

So what type of example are you setting? What type of impression are people getting about God through you?

We are God's mouthpieces here on earth? As such, we have an obligation to represent Him well.

God bless,
J.W.

True Success

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?' Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." ~ Matthew 22:34-40

True success in life doesn't come through accomplishment or title, but through your ability to love.

It's the single most important aspect of your relationship with God.

God bless,
J.W.

Are You Listening? (Part II)

"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'" ~ Isaiah 30:21

The key to success in life is the ability to hear God's voice.

Are you listening?

God bless,
J.W.

Signs of the Times

“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains." ~ Matthew 24:6-8

It started with 9/11 and continued with Hurricane Katrina.

In 2004, we entered Iraq and a deadly tsunami hit Indonesia and the Asian Pacific.

In the past year, we’ve had earthquakes in Haiti, Chile, Baja, CA, and China.

Most recently, we’ve had unprecedented volcanic eruptions in Iceland, another earthquake in Indonesia, and a major earthquake in China.

Still having doubts that Jesus’ promises aren’t real? Just look around and you’ll see that His words still ring true.

Believe today!

God bless,
J.W.

The Scales of Life

"Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making." ~ Proverbs 16:11

In today’s partisan society, it seems as if no one knows the meaning of the word balance. Everything’s either black or white, this or that, one way or the other.

But God calls us to live a temperate life (meaning to have self-control). For Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that "there is a time for everything, a season for every activity under Heaven."

So, don’t fall into the trap of living in the extreme. God wants you to experience life to its fullest. The key is to live a life of balance.

God bless,
J.W.