Do You Want Happiness?

Jesus wants us to be happy. But it's not what you think. Check this sermon clip out - pic.twitter.com/iQOxJmh79M

— Derwin L. Gray (@DerwinLGray) February 11, 2016

How Do You Socktober?

God tells us in Isaiah 58:7
New Living Translation
Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.

By now, millions of people have heard of Kid President. He has captured many hearts with his cuteness, but more importantly, he has a heart and helps motivate others to good. I am challenging churches and schools everywhere to help him reach his goal of 3 million. Set up your own Socktober Drive. Don't limit it to socks, you can choose blankets, canned food, toiletries, deodorant, soap, brushes, etc. We want to help the homeless shelters and get them supplied with items before the cold winter. Check out the website: happysocktober.com They even have an official seal! Check it out:

God's Grace

Grace of God
 Heavy rains remind us of challenges in life. Never ask for a lighter rain, Just pray to God for a better umbrella. That's Attitude! Life is not about finding the right person, but creating the right relationship. It's not how we care in the beginning, but how much we care till the very end. Some people throw stones in your path. It depends on what you make with them; a Wall or a Bridge? Always remember you are the architect of your own life. Search for a good heart, but don't search for a beautiful face, coz beautiful things are not always good, but good things are always beautiful. It's not important to hold all the good cards in life, but it's important how well you play the cards you hold. Often when we lose all hope & think this is the end, be silent for a Moment, remember God and pray. "It is often just a bend, not the end". One of the basic differences between God and humans is this: God gives, gives, and forgives. But the human gets, gets, gets, and forgets to do the same. Always Be Thankful . . . If you think it is your alarm clock that woke you up this morning, try putting it beside a non-living body and you will realize, that it is the Grace of God that awakened you. If you are grateful to God for your place in life and the abundance given you, please share this with all your friends. BY GODS GRACE ALONE We are here experiencing BEING, and have been given so many Intrinsic Gifts. Have Faith, and you will 'demonstrate' a happy & successful life. ~*~ The One GOD is always with us GOD'S BLESSINGS BE YOURS! ================================ This came across my email sent by a dearSister in Christ. Do not have information on who created it. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

What is Love?

Well folks, I have been on a 5 week vacation from work. I spent the first portion battling pneumonia and with the good Lord's grace, was able to overcome it after 3 rounds of anti-biotics. While recovering, I read more than normal, and studied God's word. The last portion of my vacation was spent with family and grandkids. We love having each of our grandkids over during the summer to visit and join their cousins to play and interact with each other. This is exhausting, but very rewarding as grandparents. Today, I came across this video that I wanted to share. Before you watch the video, think how YOU would answer the question, "What is Love"? Hope you enjoy this.

National Unrest

I have had uneasy feelings and have been somewhat depressed since the Supreme Court made its so called ruling on Gay/Lesbian marriage. I have read much literature on the topic with debates in comments that bash each other with their personal opinions. Of all the articles I have read, this is probably my favorite that was pointed out by our preacher this morning. Thank you Ray Wells for you honesty, and knowledge as you teach us the truth according to God's Word.

To our friends and neighbors in Branson, We love homosexuals. You read it correctly. The church of Christ in downtown...

Posted by Branson church of Christ on Friday, June 26, 2015

Rules for Life #2

This post is a continued article from the original post called:
7 Cardinal Rules for Life 
Rules for Life #1 (with bible references) 

Rules for Life #2:
What other people think of you (is none of your business)

I am taking the seven Cardinal Rules of Life and looking for scripture that supports the rule and giving my thoughts about it. Here are some verses that I have found that apply to rule #2:

• Proverbs 29:25 (NIV) Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.
• Luke 12:4-5 (NASB) I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!
• John 5:41 (NIV) I do not accept glory from human beings,
• John 5:44 (NIV) How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
• John 12:43 (NIV) ...for they loved human praise more than praise from God.
• 1 Corinthians 15:10a (NASB) Bus by the grace of God, I am what I am,...
• 1 Peter 2:15 (NASB) For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.
• 1 Peter 3:17 (NASB) For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for what is wrong.
• 1 Peter 4:14a (NIV) If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of Glory and of God rests on you.
• Romans 12:18 (NASB) If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
• Luke 6:26 (NIV) Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.
• Mark 12:14 (NIV) ...Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are, but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth
• Galatians 1:10 (NIV) Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

There are so many scriptures on pleasing men or gaining praise from others rather than from God. Our focus in life should be pleasing our maker. God is happy when we share the gospel (good news) with others. Pleasing Him is foremost above all else. We should not put our efforts into satisfying others; nor should we worry what others think about us. Seeking praises of men will trap us and get us off of our true purpose in life. Knowing God's love gives us confidence and helps us appreciate our uniqueness and individuality. You have quirks that annoy others? Become comfortable with being YOU. The more relaxed we can be with our own differences, the more comfortable we start to feel just being ourselves. Thank God for our differences and use them to His glory. God controls all and carries us through the fun times and the dark times. When we put our trust in Him, we can overcome the trials and tribulations that come our way. I love this saying, "God can't please everyone, what makes you think you can?"  Some people can fill our heads full of negative thoughts and pull us down if we let them. Allowing this self-doubt to creep in will torment us if we let it. Don't let others ruin your self-image. Our self-worth, and true acceptance comes from within...with God. Live your life by God's standards, not the world's! He is supreme!

Christ is Risen & Alive

Watch this video on how every person needs Christ in order to wash away your sins. Without Him, life is hopeless. This is a great visual. Hope you enjoy it, especially after Easter, knowing that Christ is alive and sitting on the right hand of GOD, waiting for us to hear, believe, repent, be baptized, and obey.

He took our sins away...

Posted by Jesus Christ is KING on Friday, September 12, 2014