What is joy? When the writers of the New Testament wrote about joy, such as in Galatians 5:22-23, when Paul wrote about the Fruit of the Spirit, he used the Greek word kara. That’s right, the women’s name Kara is the Greek word for joy. The people who study words tell us thisContinue reading “Is there a difference between joy and happiness – Fruit of the Spirit: Joy, Part 2”
Tag Archives: happiness
The way to have a better life…now – Ecclesiastes 7:1-14, Part 5
I love the encouragement of this picture. With two and a half months to go in 2020, many of us are holding out for a better life in 2021. Here in the USA, the bitter presidential election will be over. It seems that we will get beyond Covid in 2021. So does that mean, asContinue reading “The way to have a better life…now – Ecclesiastes 7:1-14, Part 5”
The ancient secret to finding true fulfillment in life – Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:12, Part 5
Look at the joy on the girl’s face in the picture above. Isn’t it wonderful? We can only imagine how she got covered in paint, but there is no mistaking that she is feeling deeply joyful about it. Perhaps we adults should let our hair down and have a paint battle from time to time.Continue reading “The ancient secret to finding true fulfillment in life – Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:12, Part 5”
Are social media companies making promises they can’t fulfill? – Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:12, Part 4
Have you seen the recent commercials by Facebook or Tik Tok? Look at the smiles and joy emanating from the people in the commercials. What message would you say these commercials are sending? Here’s what I think the message is: “If you participate in our network you will experience joyful life, true community, fulfillment andContinue reading “Are social media companies making promises they can’t fulfill? – Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:12, Part 4”
You can have joy in the midst of hard times – Ecclesiastes 3:1-15, Part 4
Do you ever struggle to find joy in life? I’m writing this in September 2020, and it feels difficult to have joy. We’ve been in a global pandemic, Covid-19, and nearing 200,000 deaths since March. Wildfires ravaged the west coast of the USA, while hurricanes flood the south. Partisan politics have made the presidential electionContinue reading “You can have joy in the midst of hard times – Ecclesiastes 3:1-15, Part 4”
The only way to truly fulfill your longings – First Sunday of Advent 2019, Part 5
Have you ever thoughts that you be so happy if you hit the lottery? I have. I have dreamed of how I would spend the money. It sounds so freeing. I would be free from debt. My kids would have no college debt. I get excited just typing it. Many of us can feel thatContinue reading “The only way to truly fulfill your longings – First Sunday of Advent 2019, Part 5”
Why did the US death rate jump sharply in recent years? – First Sunday of Advent 2019, Part 1
If you could say in one word what you want more of in life, what would that be? What this question gets at is longing. This Advent, we are talking about longing. Advent is a season of longing. Ancient Christians created the season of Advent as a four week long preparatory time for the greatContinue reading “Why did the US death rate jump sharply in recent years? – First Sunday of Advent 2019, Part 1”
God wants me to be happy, not angry, and never to doubt? [False ideas Christians believe about…God’s desires for Christians. Part 4]
In 1 Timothy 3:12 we read that “all those who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Woah. Maybe God doesn’t want us to be happy, and only cares about us becoming godly or holy, even if it takes us being persecuted? How are we to understand this? Does GodContinue reading “God wants me to be happy, not angry, and never to doubt? [False ideas Christians believe about…God’s desires for Christians. Part 4]”
Does God want you to be rich? (and healthy?)
Have you ever heard of the Health and Wealth Gospel? It is a view of faith in Christ that has been around a while that basically says “if you are faithful enough to God, he has to bless you with health and wealth.” If you believe enough, he will heal you. If you give enough,Continue reading “Does God want you to be rich? (and healthy?)”
When I’m not feeling happy or content in my relationship – 1 Corinthians 7:17-24
Are you feeling discontent in your relationships? Maybe you’re not feeling happy about a relationship? But are you feeling joy? Is there a difference? And what does it matter? When we are unhappy or discontent, we are very tempted to RUN! In our passage from this past Sunday, Paul says “Remain in the situation inContinue reading “When I’m not feeling happy or content in my relationship – 1 Corinthians 7:17-24”
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