Becoming a World Changer in a World in Need of Change (Step Up Series)

 

Becoming a World Changer in a World in Need of Change

We are, as Christ followers, called to do great things.  If we don't step up and into God's calling, we are going to miss out on His blessings.  Christ raised us up and He wants us to step up to always walk with Him.

Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him. - Colossians 2:6

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon titled "World Changer."  You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.

 

 

To recap our 2021 focus:

In 2021, I am going to step up by making Christ first, walking banded together, advancing as a force multiplier, and sacrificing as a world changer. 

 

Becoming a World Changer in a World in Need of Change

Christ First

I put Christ first by studying God's Word.

Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. ² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. - Romans 12:1-2

Banded Together

I band with others in authentic relationships, through valleys and victories, for the joy of doing life together.

So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually parts of one another. - Romans 12:5

Force Multiplier

I make disciples to multiply gospel impact, launching them to disciple others.

However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly: if prophecy, in proportion to one’s faith. - Romans 12:6

A spiritual gift is whatever God wants to do in the world through His church.

World Changer

I will change the world by shining the light of Jesus to every person, culture, and cause.

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. ¹³ When they had entered the city, they went up to the upstairs room where they were staying, that is, Peter, John, James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. ¹⁴ All these were continually devoting themselves with one mind to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. - Acts 1:12-14

The world has yet to see what God can do with a person who is fully consecrated to Him.  By God's help, I aim to be that one. - D.L. Moody

 

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Our world needs change.  As Christ followers, we are called to be world changers.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. ¹⁶ Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. ¹⁷ Never repay evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all people. ¹⁸ If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people. ¹⁹ Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” - Romans 12:14-20

Imagine how we could change the world for the better if we all, as Christ followers, would step up and live out God's truth.  This means shining the light of Jesus to every person, culture, and cause.  We CAN change the world.  

 

God has placed you in the neighborhood where you live, in the job you are in, in the school you attend, and in the places where you go.  These are the places where you (and me) are to step up.

 

How do we bless people where we live, work, and play?  Consider the following acronym. 

 

B - Begin with prayer.

L - Love and listen.

E - Eat (Invite your neighbors and coworkers to dinner.)

S - Serve them.

S - Share the Gospel with them.

 

When we step up, God shows up! 

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Becoming a World Changer in a World in Need of Change

Jesus Was Baptized (Jesus Habits Series): 5 Reasons for Baptism

We are continuing our series titled "Jesus Habits."  We all develop habits.  Some are good and some are not so good.  Some habits are down right bad.  As Christ followers, we should try to follow the example of Jesus as closely as possible.  Today's habit topic is baptism.  Jesus was baptized.

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.  You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.

Jesus Was Baptized

Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan, coming to John to be baptized by him. ¹⁴ But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have the need to be baptized by You, and yet You are coming to me?” ¹⁵ But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. ¹⁶ After He was baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and settling on Him, ¹⁷ and behold, a voice from the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” - Matthew 3:13-17

Baptism is not a sacrament. Baptism is a Biblical command.   

So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. - Acts 2:41

But when they believed Philip as he was preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were being baptized. - Acts 8:12

Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord together with his entire household; and many of the Corinthians, as they listened to Paul, were believing and being baptized. - Acts 18:8

Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins by calling on His name. - Acts 22:16

The Biblical order is this:  Faith first, then baptism.

Baptism doesn't save you.  Faith saves you.  You can go to Heaven without baptism, but you can't go to Heaven without faith.

The Beautiful Word Coloring Bible is available here.

Reasons for Baptism

1.  Jesus was baptized.  We should follow His example.

Jesus was not a sinner.  He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness.  He was an example for us. 

Now why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? - Luke 6:46

Surrendered obedience is the mark of true belief.

2.  Baptism gives you an opportunity to identify publicly with Jesus.

Baptism is an expression of faith to the world.

3.  Baptism allows you to experience cleansing of sin.

Only faith can cleanse, but baptism is the public symbol of what has already happened.  Only the shed blood of Jesus can cleanse you.

4.  Baptism marks a new beginning in your life.

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? ² Far from it! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? ³ Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? ⁴ Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. - Romans 6:1-4

5.  Baptism bands believers together as Christ followers.  

Baptism is an act of obedience in response to faith in Christ Jesus. 

The one who has believed and has been baptized will be saved; but the one who has not believed will be condemned. - Mark 16:16

Jesus was baptized.  5 Reasons for Baptism

Should Easter Be Cancelled (Asking for a Friend Series)

It's Easter Sunday in the year 2020.  Due to the COVID19 virus, the country is on shut down.  Restaurants are closed.  Theaters are closed.  Factories are closed.  Retail stores are closed.  Pretty much everything is closed except for government declared "essential" businesses such as grocery stores and gas stations.  Even our churches are closed to gathering in person.  Basically . . .the United States and much of the world is cancelled and closed.  BUT, should Easter be cancelled?

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon titled "Should Easter Be Cancelled?"  This is the first installment in his "Asking for a Friend" series.

You are invited to listen, watch, and worship with us here.

Should Easter Be Cancelled?

In 1 Corinthians 15, we learn the facts about Christ's resurrection.

Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.
 
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also.  For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. - 1 Corinthians 15:1-9

Friend, Easter CAN NOT be cancelled . . . ever.

Why?  Because . . . 

Easter is something that has already happened.  It is a fact.  Refer to 1 Corinthians 15:4 above.  Jesus was dead but now He is alive again.

I'm reminded of an old song we used to sing at church titled "Because He Lives."

 

Easter is our foundation.  We stand firm on the fact that Easter has already happened.  We stand firm on the gospel.

Because of Easter, we know that Jesus is who He says He is.  Jesus keeps His promises.  There is life after death.

The risen Jesus comes to where you are.

Jesus first appeared to Peter.  Then, He appeared to all the disciples who were hidden in a home because they were afraid.  Jesus brought peace to His disciples.  He will bring peace to you too.

You can read more about Easter morning, the empty tomb, and Jesus' appearances here in John 20.

The risen Jesus calls you by name.

The Bible tells us that He keeps a record of our tears.

You have taken account of my wanderings;
Put my tears in Your bottle.
Are they not in Your book? - Psalm 56:8

Jesus appeared to many.  Is He appearing to you?

Who in your family may come to Jesus during this Corona-virus crisis?

Jesus came to Paul while Paul was in a state of rebellion. (Acts 9:1-19)

Are you in the middle of something right now, a situation that seems hopeless?  Jesus come to you right where you are.

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Easter is an event but it is also an experience.

There is nothing wrong with dressing up in new spring clothes, enjoying egg hunts, and bunny treats, but Easter is SO MUCH MORE!  

Easter is a personal event.  Has Easter happened to you?

That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. - Philippians 3:10

What does it mean to experience Easter?

*My sin is forgiven.  (1 Corinthians 15:3)
*My present has been transformed.  I am different. (1 Corinthians 15:10)
*My future is totally secure.  (1 Corinthians 15:22)

We are all going to physically die, but because of Easter, we can live eternally.

Where will you spend eternity?

Do you have a relationship with Jesus?  Learn more here.

In closing, I'm reminded of a more recent song that beautifully illustrates my relationship with Jesus.  I hope that you will choose to begin or deepen your relationship with Jesus too.

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Should Easter Be Cancelled?

You might be interested in this FREE Easter mini lesson.

Love Where You Are (from the Love Where You Live Series)

Love Where You Are is the last installment in our Love Where You Live series.  In the Bible, Jesus tells us that we are to be His witnesses in areas all around us and beyond; even to the remotest parts of the earth.  God is clear about what He wants us to do.

Love Where You Are (from the Love Where You Live Series)

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon titled "Love Where You Are."  You are invited to watch, listen and worship with us here.

Love Where You Are | January 26, 2020 | Pastor Jeff Crook from Christ Place Church on Vimeo.

Wherever we live and work, God has placed us there.  We are to take the message of Jesus to dark places.  How do we do this?

How to Love Where You Are

1.  Be present.

Wherever you are, be all there!  Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God. - Jim Elliot

This "Wherever You Are Be All There" print is available here.

Let's not be preoccupied or distant.  Be ready for whatever God wants you to do wherver you are right now.

As born again believers, we have the power of the Holy Spirit.

Some of His disciples then said to one another, “What is this thing He is telling us, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me’; and, ‘because I go to the Father’?” - John 16:17

When Jesus went up, the Holy Spirit came down.

Love Where You Live (from the Love Where You Live Series)

Love Where You Live is the third installment in our Love Where You Live Series.  First we covered the topic Love Your Neighbors.  The second installment covered Loving Others Well.  In this third installment of the series, we are covering more about the series title, Love Where You Live.

Love Where You Live

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.  You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.

Love Where We Live | January 19, 2019 | Pastor Jeff Crook from Christ Place Church on Vimeo.

If you live in the same region as me (north Georgia), 6 out of 10 people do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ.  That's the statistic my pastor gives us in the video above and I want to stress here that we live in the heart of the Bible Belt.  Growing up here in the deep south, I never would have believed that 6 out of 10 people would not have a relationship with the Lord.  If you ask, most people might say they are Christians, but it is heartbreaking to me that so many people don't what the difference between attending Sunday morning services and having a real growing relationship with Christ.  There is a big difference.

And I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me always, for their own good and for the good of their children after them. - Jeremiah 32:39

We need a singular focus, a singular mission to point people to Jesus.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."  And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.  And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. - Acts 1:8-10

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Love Your Neighbors (Love Where You Live Series)

We know the Bible tells us to love our neighbors, but who are our neighbors?  I grew up in the pre-social media age.  Our neighbors were the people who lived next to us in our neighbors.  It was that simple.  Today, the definition of the word "neighbor" has changed a bit.  Vocabulary.com defines "neighbor" as "a nearby person or thing."  That's a pretty general definition.  In our current "everything is instant" culture, even people are as near as your phone or computer screen.  We can see someone face-to-face almost anytime we want with a few clicks of a few buttons or keys.  Therefore, our neighbors extend beyond the people who live right next to you.  My pastor's first sermon in his new series (Love Where You Live) is titled, "Love Your Neighbors."  Let's learn how to love our neighbors like the Lord tells us to love them.

Love Your Neighbors (Love Where You Live Series)

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon titled Love Your Neighbors.  You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.

Loving Our Neighbors | January 5, 2019 | Pastor Jeff Crook from Christ Place Church on Vimeo.

Love Your Neighbors

The past is a nice place to visit, but a terrible place to live.  We need to let go of past grudges and move forward into the future.

See your world with clear vision.  Learn to love the people around you because God has brought them into your path.  He has placed you where you are so you can love the people where you are.

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.  The second is this, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."  There is no other commandment greater than these. - Mark 12:30-31

Love the Lord with all your being and love your neighbor as yourself.

Loving God flows into loving others.

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:18-20

It is possible to reach even your most difficult neighbors because you have the authority of Christ.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth. - Acts 1:8

Start where you are.  Love where you are first.  People like Billy Graham are great and wonderful with huge platforms and God uses them to reach large numbers of people, but God uses people like you and me to reach people face-to-face, one person at a time too.

Who is your neighbor?  Your neighbors are the people who live near you but they are also any people who God places in your path.  

Who lives with you?  Your spouse, kids, a parent, a grandparent?  a dorm roommate?  Someone else?  Do the people who live with you know Jesus?  Do the people who live with you know you know Jesus?  
Don't let difficult people keep you from sharing Jesus with them because according to Acts 1:8, it is not you but the power of the Holy Spirit who reaches them.

2020 Focus:  Love where you live by continuing to bless and and love your family and friends.  Create a "love where you live" culture by discipling your church family to make a gospel impact in the community by using your resources, influence, and voice.

Who lives around you?  Only 10% of people can name one of their neighbors and only 1% has had a meaningful conversation with one.  (The Art of Neighboring)
We have gone from front porches to privacy fences.  We have many connections on social media but we have only shallow relationships and those relationships are growing less and less meaningful.

Our culture has changed but God has not changed.

We can't love our neighbors if we don't know who they are.

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. - Romans 12:10-13

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This kind of hospitality as described in Romans 12:10-13 is not and option or a spiritual gift.  It is a command that we are all supposed to obey.  

Jesus came to serve and to save.  He was focused on building relationships. 

For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. - Luke 19:10

The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, "Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!" - Luke 7:34

A meal is a good way to build a relationship.  People don't care how much you know (about Jesus, the Bible, or God) until they know how much you care (about them).

Our current culture has us somewhat afraid of people we don't know, but if we get to know them, we won't fear them.  

Who lives in you?  This is the most important question because if God lives in you, then you will love your neighbors.

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. - Romans 8:11

As we move forward in this new year, we will not go alone.  If we want God to do something new, we need to get to know new people.   

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Love Your Neighbors (Love Where You Live Series)

Read all other posts in the Love Where You Live Series here.

Why, God? (Study on the Book of Habakkuk)

Why, God?  (Study on the Book of Habakkuk)

We just started a new Sunday morning Bible study series.  We are beginning a study on the book of Habakkuk.  Habakkuk is one of the minor prophets.  The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon titled "Why, God?"

You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.

An Honest Conversation | October 6, 2019 | Pastor Jeff Crook from Christ Place Church on Vimeo.

Why, God?

Habakkuk Chapter 1:  An Honest Conversation

We might have been in this book in the past even if we didn't know it.  How many times have we cried out the same way and asking the same questions?

How long, O Lord, will I call for help,
And You will not hear?
I cry out to You, “Violence!”
Yet You do not save. - Habakkuk 1:2

Habakkuk means to embrace and to wrestle.

Stages of Grief

1.  Isolation

Satan loves for us to feel this way. 

2.  Anger

3.  Bargaining

We bargain when we say things like, "God, if you do this, I will do that."

4.  Despair

5.  Acceptance or Bitterness

Avoid bitterness!

Habakkuk begins with gloom but it ends with glory.

Habakkuk's Complaint

Habakkuk's complaining began with things he was seeing in the world around him.

Why do You make me see iniquity,
And cause me to look on wickedness?
Yes, destruction and violence are before me;
Strife exists and contention arises.
⁴ Therefore the law is ignored
And justice is never upheld.
For the wicked surround the righteous;
Therefore justice comes out perverted. - Habakkuk 1:3-4

Habakkuk saw injustices around him.  Does that sound familiar to you?  What are some things that seem unfair in the world around you?  For me, I see children fighting cancer, couples battling infertility, family and friends battling various health issues, loss of life . . . the list could go on forever.

Habakkuk was seeing injustices in the land that he loved, the land of Judah.

Habakkuk's complaint grew in intensity.

Are You not from everlasting,
O Lord, my God, my Holy One?
We will not die.
You, O Lord, have appointed them to judge;
And You, O Rock, have established them to correct. - Habakkuk 1:12

God's answer is found in Habakkuk 1:6.

“For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans,
That fierce and impetuous people
Who march throughout the earth
To seize dwelling places which are not theirs. - Habakkuk 1:6

Habakkuk's complaint caused him to grow closer to God.

Habakkuk was upet, hurt, and venting to God, BUT Habakkuk never walked away from God.  He still embraced God.

God knows our human frailty and weaknesses.  God understands when we don't understand.  He won't turn His back on us even when we are frustrated with Him.

God's Answer

“Look among the nations! Observe!
Be astonished! Wonder!
Because I am doing something in your days—
You would not believe if you were told.
“For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans,
That fierce and impetuous people
Who march throughout the earth
To seize dwelling places which are not theirs. - Habakkuk 1:5-6

OH verse 5!  God IS working and He IS moving!

What God is doing is so great that we wouldn't believe it even if He told us!

All the bad that Habakkuk saw, God was using it for good.  God uses pain and horrible events to spread the gospel.  

Things might look bleak for you right now, but God IS working.  He is working in a way that you wouldn't believe it or understand it if He told you.  In the book of Acts, Paul quoted Habakkuk.

Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses. Therefore take heed, so that the thing spoken of in the Prophets may not come upon you:

‘Behold, you scoffers, and marvel, and perish;
For I am accomplishing a work in your days,
A work which you will never believe, though someone should describe it to you.’” - Acts 13:38-41

Even Jesus cried, "Why, God?"

About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” - Matthew 27:46

Do you feel abandoned?  You are not alone.

God knows where you are.

God knows what you are doing.

God knows what you are going through.

God is here.

Remember that the devil will never have an honest conversation with you.  You can trust God . . . always.

Do you follow Jesus?  Here's more about how you can follow Jesus and have a personal relationship with Him. 

Read all posts in this Habakkuk study here. 

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Why, God?  (Study on the Book of Habakkuk)

Way too many people feel like their lives are meaningless and the suicide rate is alarming.

Do you feel like your life is meaningless?  I'm here to tell you that your life has meaning.

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon titled "The Meaning of Life."  You are invited to watch, listen and worship with us here.

 

The Meaning Of Life. | September 1, 2019 | Pastor Jeff Crook from Christ Place Church on Vimeo.

The Meaning of Life

Many circumstances might cause you to begin to question the meaning of life, the brevity of it.  Birth, marriage, a stillborn child, loss of a child, a milestone birthday, something else you experience that leaves a huge impact on your life whether it be positive or negative - all of those things (and many others) could cause a person to question the meaning of life.

When we look at the Scriptures, we will find that we inherit meaning and purpose.

What is our aim in life as believers in Jesus?  To glorify God and enjoy Him.

Those who do not have a relationship with Jesus often find themselves asking what more is there to life.  There must be something more.

There is nothing more outside of God.  Nothing makes sense apart from God.

Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in You.
I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good besides You.”
As for the saints who are in the earth,
They are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight.
The sorrows of those who have bartered for another god will be multiplied;
I shall not pour out their drink offerings of blood,
Nor will I take their names upon my lips.

The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You support my lot.
The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.

I will bless the Lord who has counseled me;
Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.
I have set the Lord continually before me;
Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will dwell securely.
For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol;
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.
You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. - Psalm 16

We tend to measure our worth based on the people and things around us or a position we hold at work on in our communities.  However, our meaning, our purpose, is nothing apart from God.

As a child of God, every relationship I have is tied to my relationship with the Lord.

We were made by God and for God.

Life is not random.

Life is no accident.

We have purpose and meaning in the Lord.

We usually want these things:

1.  We want to choose the right path in life.

2.  We want to find what makes us happy.

3.  We want the path we are on an the happiness we feel to last.  Take another look at Psalm 16:11

We want joy instead of happiness.  Happiness is circumstantial.  Joy is not. Even when your circumstances are not good, you can still have joy.

Joy in the Lord lasts forever.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. - John 10:10

For in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His children.’ - Acts 17:28

View all posts in this View-master Series here.

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