Thousands of books have been written to show people how to be happy. Many articles appear in magazines to tell people the secrets of a joyful and satisfying existence. Psychologists, teachers, preachers, and others claim they have learned the secret of successful living.

Many in our world are in pain. Their lives are troubled. Violence and immorality abound in the world. Much of the sadness people experience is brought upon themselves. By making bad choices they have created for themselves a life of misery.

The "beatitudes" given by Jesus Christ in His Sermon on the Mount tell us how to be happy and have a contented life (Matthew 5:1-12). The beatitudes are:

1) Blessed are the poor in spirit
2) Blessed are those who mourn.
3) Blessed are the meek.
4) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness.
5) Blessed are the merciful.
6) Blessed are the pure in heart.
7) Blessed are the peacemakers.
8) Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake.

There are many in the world who hurt themselves and others. They are not happy and cannot find happiness unless they repent. People who are cruel, mean, selfish, violent, impure in heart, and uninterested in spiritual matters cause much of the unhappiness in the world. One cannot find peace by serving Satan. The pleasures of sin last only for a season. When the season is over, one has to pay the consequences for his sins.

If one really wants to be happy, he will be humble, meek, merciful, gentle, kind, and patient. He will treat other people right because that is the way he wants them to treat him (Matthew 7:12). The way we treat other people affects the way we feel. If we treat others properly, we will be much happier.

If one really wants to be happy, he will hunger and thirst after righteousness. He will learn the truth from the Bible and apply it in daily living. His goal will be to serve God and not himself. When he does this, he will find that he is much happier.

If one really wants to be happy, he will strive to be pure in his heart. One may gain short lived pleasure from thinking about things which are not pure. A heart that is continually filled with evil thoughts will harden and become evil.

The world is confused. Most people do not know where they are going. Millions are struggling to find out who they are and why they are on the earth. Many are filled with despair because they do not know God. Let the Lord tell you how to be happy.

He knows you better than any psychologist, philosopher, preacher, or other so-called expert. After all, God created us.

Original Source-
Truth for the World

Bridal Shower
The ladies of the congregation are invited to a Bridal Shower for Heidi Gilbert, today at 3:00 p.m. in the annex. We are asking you to share one of your recipes with Heidi. Please see Kelly or Karen for a recipe card. Heidi and Darin are registered at Target and at Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Pantry Item
This week’s Pantry Items are “condiments” —
such as; salt, pepper, mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, etc.. Help out if you can.

Ladies’ Work Group
The Ladies’ Work Group is scheduled to meet tomorrow evening (Monday) at 7:00 in the annex. All of our ladies are invited to attend and participate in the group’s activities and fellowship.

Personal Work Group
Visitation Team “B” is scheduled to meet today in Assembly Room “B”. The time is still to be announced.

Directory Photos
Keep in mind that we are taking photos for a new membership directory. See Carl or Nancy Chambers if you would like to make an appointment to have your picture made after the morning or evening services in the annex.

Lectureship Books
Bob Bauer still has a few of the 2004 Florida School of Preaching lectureship books and the book on CD-ROM available for purchase. Audio CD’s of the lectureship are also available and may be previewed online at www.FSOP.net. See Bob for details.

Every person converted in the New Testament was a person who learned he was wrong and changed. You could be wrong as well. "Study to show your self approved unto God". 2 Tim. 2:15.