The Secret of Happiness

According to WebMD, scientists and researchers have found 12 secrets that make people happy. Here they are listed in order:

1. Optimism

2. Love

3. Courage

4. Sense of choice

5. Proactivity

6. Security

7. Good health

8. Spirituality

9. Altruism

10. Perspective

11. Humor

12. Purpose

What if I was to tell you that this is not the real secret of happiness? Don't get me wrong, I think all of the 12 "secrets" are great skills to practice. Indeed, I believe that I do actually try to practice most of those things in my life...but the real reason that I am happy is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ.

The only lasting happiness I have found in my life is the joy of knowing God's love, really experiencing His care and compassion in my life. As the Bible says (NIV Translation) in the book Romans, "If God is for us, who can be against us?...Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is Christ Jesus our Lord".

In my relationship with God, I have come to experience the fruit of the Spirit which is "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" from Galatians 5:22-23. The 12 principles listed are practical and applicable in my daily life but they are not the reason that I am happy. My hope and my lasting happiness comes from know a God that cares for me more than I can ever imagine. This relationship with God gives me: optimism, love, courage, sense of choice, proactivity, security, good health, spirituality, altruism, perspective, humor, and purpose. Happiness can never been found in anything but in the One who created Happiness in the first place, the awesome Creator.

Note: My wife and I will be on a honeymoon in the next few weeks, I will resume blogging at the beginning of May. Hopefully, I will be able to upload some awesome pictures of God's blessing us on our cruise in Asia.

We Are Not Called to Random Acts of Kindness...

We Are Not Called to Random Acts of Kindness...from just this sentence alone you might think I am a cold heartless human being who does not care for others. But as Christians, I believe random acts of kindness are not what we are called to live out. The keyword here is not "kindness" but "random". Do you believe we are called for only random acts? Or purposeful acts? Committed acts? Consistent acts? Sacrificial acts? Do you know what I am getting at yet?

This video caught on camera from cars is inspirational, no doubt about it (Post a comment below or reply by e-mail and tell me YOUR favorite act of kindness). I believe the Bible calls you and I to an even higher standard and higher calling. We ought to practice more than "random" acts of kindness; God calls us to "purposeful" acts of kindness.

Sure,we all need random acts of kindness, I agree. "Random" meaning "spontaneous, not planned, and in the spur of the moment". However, God tells us ALSO to be purposeful in sharing love and kindness. Here are three Bible passages that you can start reading more about how to be kind, love your enemies, and be consistent in doing good.

Luke 6:35 says, "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil."

1 Peter 4:8 says, "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins."

2 Thessalonians 3:13 says, "As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good."

Brothers and sisters...I challenge you today to not just practice random act of kindness whenever you might remember or whenever a need might arise (those things are good, do not get me wrong)...but to also PURPOSEFULLY practice acts of kindness every single day. Cultivate a habit of helping others, being kind, and doing good EVEN when you don't "feel" in the mood. Try being compassionate and loving EVEN to those who "hate" you. Push yourself to do the right thing EVEN when "everyone" around you is turning the other way or turning a blind eye.

By doing so, God promises that our reward will be great. For our treasure is not found anywhere on earth but in the eternal riches of heaven. God bless you this week as you practice "Purposeful Acts of Kindness".

Living Victoriously

In preparation for preaching next Sunday, God's Word keeps asking me a question, "How does one live victoriously?". Not just the occasional moments of triumph and success like making a last second jump shoot 3-pointer or scoring a touchdown for victory in Ultimate Frisbee. I mean how do I (and how do we) live a life that is victorious daily? A life that overcomes (1 John 5:4*)? A life where we are more than "conquerors" (Romans 8:37**)?

How do I live as an "overcomer" every single day?

There is a recent song in the radio by Christian singer Mandisa called "overcomer" with a catchy tune. At first, the song sounds like your typical pop song driving down the road. However, there is biblical message found in the chorus that God is upholding us.

"You're an overcomer Stay in the fight ‘til the final round You're not going under ‘Cause God is holding you right now You might be down for a moment Feeling like it's hopeless That's when He reminds You That you're an overcomer You're an overcomer"

Ephesians 6:10-13 says, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

So, yes it is possible to live a victorious life daily. But, I will also say, that it is not as easy as it sounds. Just like this passage says, we Christians are not fighting against what we can see (flesh and blood) but against what we cannot see (cosmic powers and spiritual forces). And trust me, it is a lot harder to fight things that you cannot see! Just imagine trying to stand up against or fight Invisible Woman...it's almost impossible to overcome what you cannot see, feel, or touch.

The beauty of Scripture, however, is that God has GIVEN us what we NEED to be an OVERCOMER. We are strong in the Lord and strength of His might when we accept, use, and put on God's armor: His helmet of Salvation, His breastplate of Righteousness, His belt of Truth, His sandals of the Gospel, His shield of Faith, and His sword of the Spirit. For the reminder from Ephesians is our battle is a spiritual one and an important one. And most importantly, we have a victorious Savior and Lord Jesus Christ who has already won the victory at the Cross (1 Corinthians 15:57***). We no longer have to be afraid but we can trust in His promises.

*1 John 5:4 says, "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith"

**Romans 8:37 says, "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."

***1 Corinthians 15:57 says, "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

When Life Gives You Lemonade...

Why do bad things happen to good people? What do we do when tragedy happens? When hard times befall us? There really is no good answer to any of these questions. The fact is that bad things happen and it happens to good and bad people alike. Life is not easy, God never promised life to be easy. But in the book of Revelation, God does promise us some wonderful things:

Revelations 21:1-6: Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.”

You may have heard of the proverbial phrase, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Well what happens when life gives you something completely unexpected like lemonade...and you might not even like lemons or lemonade at all! Well when life gives you lemonade, make lemons. Life will be all like whaaat. That is not my quote, its a quote my wife shared with me watching one of her favorite TV shows.

The great lesson of life is that we do not have control about what happens to us. We do have control, however, what we choose to believe, what we choose to do with our lives, and how to respond to tragedy. God has given us a promise that one day there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. But until that day comes, let us all learn to "make lemons with lemonade" and the results well that just might surprise us.

She is worth far more than rubies...

10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

...

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31 has always been a mystery for me as a young single man. The question is where do you find a woman of such noble character? She sounds perfect, too perfect! I mean honestly where do you find a woman with all that strength, dignity, wisdom, kindness...the Proverbs 31 list seems impossible in our world today at least!

Well, now that I am a married man, I think I'm just starting to understand this passage for the first time. My wife Leah is showing me everyday that I am with her a glimpse into what Proverbs 31 really means. It is one thing to read Proverbs 31, it is totally another thing to see, listen, and feel Proverbs 31 lived out in my daily life.

And everyday, I am trying more and more to find ways to give Leah praise. Finding ways to encourage my wife's talents, gifts, and virtues. This is something I think all of us can learn to do with our loves ones: husbands, wives, children, friends, and family. Not only that, I think we can learn to apply some of these principles with complete strangers or even our worst enemies.

What do I mean by this? Earlier in Proverbs 15:1, the author writes, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." This is a classic verse of biblical wisdom. But more than that, if we not only read this verse but learn to apply this to our lives, we truly can avoid many heated arguments and conflicts. In the same way, if we understand the principle of Proverbs 31, than I think we can truly learn to appreciate our spouses, loved ones, and maybe just maybe even our enemies.

You see as a young man, I thought I always had to keep my eye open for the "one", the "women of noble character". And in some ways, yes, the Lord brought Leah into my life...but that is not the main lesson here. What I have learned as a married man, is that we have to apply Proverbs 31 into our lives. You might be asking but isn't this all about a "wife of noble character". My answer is yes and no. Yes, this passage is talking about the ideal biblical wife but it is also more than that. This virtues in this passage can AND should be applied by everyone: male, female, boy, or girl. If you want to find the "perfect" spouse, you have to first be the "perfect" spouse. In other words, start learning to apply Proverbs 31 into your life. Learn how to appreciate a "wife or woman of noble character" by practicing those things. You will quickly (and I mean this) learn how difficult it is to practice even a few of these biblical qualities. I hope this helps you understand the importance of applying God's word into your life before ever trying to "look" for that special one.

What will last?

Today in my devotional, I read through Matthew 24 and here is what struck me the most out of this passage: "What will last?" I mean Jesus got my attention when He told His disciples that not one stone will be left on another. Reading Scripture always surprises me...I've read the Bible repeatedly from cover to cover multiple times (some portions more than others). Yet, for the first time, I see just how nothing, absolutely nothing will last for eternity...except one thing...

Jesus says a whole bunch of surprising things: There will be false Messiahs, massive wars on global scales, famines and earthquakes, and to top it off (as if that was not enough!)...Jesus says that is just the beginning of the birth pains. Then, Jesus goes on to say: There will be persecution (you will be persecuted to be exact) and death, there will hatred by all nations, there will be betrayal and turning away of faith, there will be false prophets, and if that was not bad enough...Jesus says because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.

I don't know about you, but that sounds like a pretty bleak and dark world...I'm not exactly sure if I could handle something like that if that happened today.

But here is the good news, the shimmer of hope! Are you ready for it?

Jesus is coming back. No one knows the day or the hour. No person. Not even the angels. (So please do not let anyone in heaven or earth literally fool you by saying He knows when Jesus is coming back). Only God the Father knows the exact time when God the Son will return.

Matthew 24:42-44 says,“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."

The most comforting portion of this Scripture for me is found just a few verses earlier in Matthew 24, Jesus says, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." No matter what happens...the words of Christ will remain. Ever wonder why some portions of the Bible are in red? Those are the words of Christ and for me there is comfort that I can trust in His promises. Even why heaven and earthy fall away...I can trust in the Lord. Is that not the most beautiful promise in all of HIStory?

Stepping Into a New Year - 2014

For those of you who actively follow my blog, I'm sorry for not posting anything in a while. My life has been busy the last few weeks: Christmas events, social gatherings, visiting family in NY and VA, traveling during snowstorms, getting sick, preparing for new year, etc... Just the normal stuff that makes up the Christmas and New Year holiday, right? Well, I just want to thank you for sticking around with me if your still reading this.

So what's new for 2014? Well, believe it or not...I've been married for just over 6 months to my wonderful and beautiful wife Leah. I've mentioned it before and I will mention again here and many more times in the future...I could not ask God for a more awesome blessing than the friendship and support of my loving PFL (Partner For Life!). She more than anyone else has made this past year the happiest of my life. And to be fair, she has also helped me through the hardest moments this past year as well (some of those moments being our own arguments and conflicts together I might add).

By this summer, I will have been serving at my church Home of Christ in Menlo Park for three years! So far I've made it past the Gallup studies that estimate the average term for a youth minister is 18 months. I guess I can wipe some sweat from my brow now...but in all seriousness, I am thankful that God has provided a place for me to call my "home" church. It's not been easy but it has been one amazing learning experience. There is not higher privilege in my mind than God giving me an opportunity to build relationships, care for youths, and work with volunteers to build up His kingdom. So I am grateful and I hope that this year the obstacles won't look like exit signs but entrance signs for me to push through and press on to the work that God has called me to do.

What do I look forward to this year? Matthew 18:1-6 says,

"At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea."

I liked reading this passage in the King James Version because I see the emphasis on how Christ says we are to humble oneself as a child of God. My prayer is that I serve my Lord Jesus Christ with all my heart, mind, and soul this year. Just as my Savior has received me with open arms, I hope to share that same love with all those that I shepherd this year. I hope that for you too, you will find that God is receiving you with open arms and wants you to do the same with others around you.

Blessing Others With What We are Given

Today, I watched a powerful story on video that popped on my Facebook mini-feed. Here is what happened in the story: A marketing director was contacted by 20th Century Fox to make a promo video for the upcoming movie "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty". The studio gave him a $25,000 budget but instead of making a trailer about Walter Mitty, the director spent the money on helping the victims of typhoon Haiyan. So the director lived out the "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" as his promo video.

As Christians, we too are called to live extraordinary lives. We are called to go serve the poor, feed the hungry, and help the sick. I want to make a difference in the world, how about you? At our church, we are finishing the last book of the Bible, Revelation. A few days ago, we read about great multitude covered in white robes from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne of God.

Revelation 7:15-17 says,

“They are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. ‘Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,’ nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”

This is my 100th post, I hope all of us can remember that our purpose should always aim towards eternity with Jesus Christ. Remember to GIVE this Christmas season. You can give time, you can money, you can give love, and you can give hope. But most importantly, remember God's gift of salvation to us and that we are called to share this gift with others. Feel free to watch the video below.

Angels We Have Heard on High!

Here are two rendition of Angels We Have Heard on High that I thought you might enjoy! My prayer is that the words of this song have as much meaning to you and I as it did when the shepherds first heard the angels sing on the first Christmas day. Be blessed as you are listening and singing GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO with the angels!

What's your favorite Christmas song and why?

Listening and singing your favorite Christmas song helps ushers in the season of celebration for many people. Some people love the traditional hymns. Other love the new pop renditions of timeless classics. Still others even turn to tunes about Santa and reindeers. Well, I would like to know what is your favorite Christmas song and why?

Since I ask you to share, I will volunteer to share first! Let's see if you can guess my favorite Christmas song as I describe the setting... "On a quiet holy night, shepherds stand guard watching and tending their flocks. Suddenly, angels appear speaking (and singing) about good news. The shepherds are afraid but the angels calm their fears speaking about the birth of a Savior - Jesus Christ."

If you haven't guessed already, I really enjoy listening to the beautiful chorus of "Angels We Have Heard on High". The angelic melody brings both wonder and peace with "Gloria, in excelsis Deo!" This song reminds me that God enters the lives of ordinary people like the shepherds and also to you and me. In the Christmas season, we can join along in singing with all of creation to give glory to God in the highest!

The origin of "Angels We Have Heard on High" is anonymous. It has always been printed with no known lyricist or composer. There is some historical studies that many years ago shepherds in the hills of southern France had a Christmas Eve custom of calling to one another, singing "Gloria in Excelsis Deo," each from his own hillside. The traditional tune that the shepherds used may have been from a late Medieval Latin chorale. It became the magnificent chorus of "Angels We Have Heard on High."

"Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o'er the plains, And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? Say what may the tidings be Which inspire your heavenly song?

Come to Bethlehem and see Christ Whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

See Him in a manger laid, Whom the choirs of angels praise; Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, While our hearts in love we raise."

Now it is your turn to share your favorite Christmas song and why!

Christmas Revelation

Today's title combines the Christmas season and our last book this year of devotional Revelation. Christmas has always been my favorite holiday of the year. It's my favorite not because of the gifts, carols, or Christmas trees. Although, I love all of those things. The most beautiful part of Christmas for me is that we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

This year, Leah and I, are beginning to wrap gifts. We picked out our very first Christmas tree together. We are starting to sing Christmas songs. What amazes me in particular is that people celebrate Christmas whether or not they believe in God. For those who don't believe in God, Christmas is in general a happy time of year to give gifts and celebrate with family. Christmas is a fun holiday because family and friends give gifts to one another. For those who do believe in God, Christmas is more than just a happy time of year...Christmas celebrates the Messiah, the coming of a long-awaited Savior. Christians celebrate Immanuel who is God with us. Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, God's one and only son who paid the penalty for our sin with His innocent life.

Isaiah 9:6-7 says, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this."

So I hope you will join in the annual Christmas Revelation with me this year. A child was indeed born with a name above every name. His name is Jesus. He is a wonderful counselor, a mighty God, a prince of Peace, and in Him we can commune with our Everlasting Father. So when you say "Merry Christmas" this year emphasize the "Christ". We cheer, celebrate, and carol to proclaim the promise of Jesus Christ. As you wrap your gifts, decorate your Christmas tree, or sing carols remember that this is all about worshiping God. Thank Jesus for this season. Thank Him for the blessing of a Christmas revelation.

Be in Awe of God's Creation...See it for yourself!

Got some free time on your hands? Here are two must-watch videos about being in awe of God. One is focused more on the earth and everything in it...The other enlarges the scope to the entire universe, the stars, and the infinite expanse outside the earth...I hope you enjoy being in awe of God as much as I did.

Watch if you want to be in awe of God's Creation - The Earth:

Watch if you want to be in awe of God's Creation - The Universe: