[The Mayor]

December 29, 2003

The Pursuit Of Happiness

Read: Matthew 5:1-10

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. —Matthew 5:3

Bible In One Year: Revelation 13-15

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Everyone is looking for happiness, and people follow many avenues trying to find it. They look for it in money, parties, self-improvement programs, fancy cars, luxurious homes, or promoting a cause.

That's the wrong list. The right one is found in Matthew 5. Jesus taught us that deep and lasting happiness comes from being right with God. He said we are blessed, or happy, when we are:

• Poor in spirit—recognizing our desperate need for God.
  
• Mourning—realizing the awfulness of sin and being genuinely sorry for it.
  
• Meek—demonstrating self-control, even when we are mistreated.
  
• Hungry and thirsty for righteousness—longing to be holy and pure.
  
• Merciful—showing mercy to others, just as God shows mercy to us.
  
• Pure in heart—being singleminded and sincere in our devotion to Christ.
  
• Peacemakers—sharing the peace Christ offers, and promoting peace with one another.
  
• Persecuted—being willing to suffer for Jesus' sake.

Looking for happiness? Follow Jesus' way. —Dave Branon

Happy are they who love the Lord,
Whose hearts have Christ confessed,
Who by His cross have found their life,
Beneath His yoke their rest. —Bridges

Happiness depends on what you are, not on what you have.

[LadyX]

Thank you, Rus, for your cup of steaming fresh coffee and our Daily Bread serving we might otherwise not fit into our 'busy days.'

You and Gail and Carlsbad (Caveman) Carl work tirelessly to get us going, and we are indebted to you.

As for the flubs and typos, our friends and our Lord know our human limitations and overlook them...:))
He knows your heart, Rus, and it is a good one...

Need to venture forth and replenish depleted supplies, executing my Chief Quartermaster Duties.
Hold down the Fort - LOL

[Temple Owl]

Good morning everyone.

[ST.LOUIE1]

Your tag says it all.

Morning, Mayor.