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Be Happy!

In the Word

“Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my door. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD …” (Proverbs 8:34–35).

Of the Word

Happy! Happy! Happy! This seems to be the mantra of today’s society. Advertising tells us we deserve happiness, so go buy the new car or the latest electronic gadget. In reality, the happiness that comes from material things is fleeting and, sadly, the car gets a dent, and the gadget gets replaced in the stores by an even better one. The happiness we felt when they were new is long gone.

Scripture’s meaning of “blessed” is happy — God’s kind of happy. It is a true happiness that isn’t tied to a thing that only gives us pleasure for a little while. This happiness is found in the Word of God that assures us we are loved and protected by the almighty Father. Proverbs tells us to listen to God’s wisdom and daily search God’s Word for instruction — and then pay heed to it.

Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death” (John 8:51).

A Point to Ponder: Do I need to re-evaluate what I think brings happiness into my life? 

Walking with my Lord

Father, because of the death and resurrection of Jesus my Savior, I have eternal life! No earthly possession can ever bring me more happiness than that promise. In His saving name I give thanks and pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 6/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Seeing Red

In the Word

Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly (Proverbs 14:29).

Of the Word

It has many names — annoyed, outraged, irritated, or just plain mad. But whatever we choose to call it, its name is anger, and it can be destructive. Will things that could cause us to be angry come our way? Yes. But we are instructed to be slow to anger as is our loving God. The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (Psalm 145:8).

The acts of a hasty temper may lead to screaming, door slamming, throwing whatever is handy, or hurling insults — all things that not only hurt others but can hurt us. Unchecked anger can poison our very being and lead us to sin.

God doesn’t want anger to overpower us. Nor does He want us to harbor resentment or hold a grudge. He does give us these words to follow; “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry… (Ephesians 4:26 NIV). God is telling us to let it go!

A Point to Ponder: What anger or resentment in my life do I need to turn over to God?

Walking with my Lord

Lord, I confess I allow anger and resentment to creep into my life. Through Your Holy Spirit help me control my words and actions. I pray in Jesus’ forgiving name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 5/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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“Listen to Me.”

In the Word

“Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways” (Proverbs 8:32 NIV).

Of the Word

Countless times we have said or heard the words, “Listen to me.” With these words the speakers are indicating they want to say something that, in their opinion, we need to hear. We also know that sometimes the information is heeded, and other times it falls on deaf ears.

In Proverbs 8:22, it is God’s wisdom admonishing us to listen and walk in God’s ways and to be prepared to receive God’s blessings. We can enjoy the happiness of knowing we live in the loving, forgiving hands of the almighty God.

Jesus also tells us to listen … “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28b) Because Jesus gave His life for us, paid for our sins on the cross, and rose again from the dead, we will one day be with Him in heaven. In Christ we have the words of eternal life. Now that’s a message worth listening to!

A Point to Ponder: Which of God’s wise words do I need to pay closer attention to today?

Walking with my Lord

Forgiving Lord, through the power of Your Holy Spirit help me rejoice in hearing Your Word and strengthen me to walk boldly in Your ways. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 4/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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