Volume 4 8 December 2002 Issue 41
Is There Really a "Key" to Happiness?
by Tom Wacaster
Through the years I have come across a number of articles and books that share with the reader "the key" to happiness. Most of these articles provide some helpful suggestions, but none, so far as I now recall, provide the single, solitary key to happiness. Happiness derives from the practical application of a multitude of Biblical principles to one's own life. The Psalmist writer presents at least three keys to happiness in one verse: "Blessed is the man that (1) walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, (2) nor standeth in the way of the sinners, (3) nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful" (Psalms 1 :1). Our Lord presented no less than nine keys to happiness in the sermon on the mount (see Matthew 5:3-12). It is quite unfortunate that so many never come to possess genuine happiness. Ab-el-Raham, a Moorish ruler, is reported to have said, "I have reigned above fifty years in victory and peace, beloved by my subjects, dreaded by my enemies, and respected by my allies. Riches and honor, power and pleasure have waited on my call. In this situation I have diligently numbered the days of pure and genuine happiness which have fallen to my lot; they amount to 14!" Someone reported seeing a bumper sticker that read, "If my life was a TV show I'd change the channel." I fear that these two examples express the sentiments of a large number of our population. Five plus decades of material affluence have produced naught but frustration, disappointment and disillusionment. Friend, you will not find happiness in pleasure, possessions or pride. It comes from deep within, out of a heart that has learned to be content with life's circumstances. Expensive clothes, a nicely furnished house, and a large bank account just don't seem to satisfy that deep inner longing. Life's unexpected tragedies leave us asking, "Where did happiness go?" It is time we learned that happiness is not just a feeling; it is a state of mind. Poor people can be happy. Sick people can be happy.
Surely all of us are familiar with brethren who, though enduring great I trials and suffering, are still happy. They have recognized that true I happiness comes from being at peace with oneself and from being content with one's situation. Dr. William C. Menninger, one of the world's most highly respected psychiatrists, wrote: "The big person is rare the world is filled with many 'small potatoes' who do not grow up in their capacity to give of themselves, of their substance, of their energy and their time. Good causes with constructive opportunities exist in every community. There is still validity in the old admonition, 'If you would save your life, lose it.' That is basic to mental good health, and following it is an indication of emotional maturity." God put it this way: "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith" (Gal. 6:10). Likely there are some now reading this bulletin who have sought, but failed to find, genuine happiness. Perhaps it is time you took a closer look at how you are going about finding that happiness.
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Jesus Christ- The Great Advocate
by Lee Moses
There has long been a great interest in this country regarding courtroom drama. From Stephen Vincent Benet's The Devil and Daniel Webster to the television show peny Mason, to the current slew of popular reality courtroom television shows, the rapt attention of Americans has been seized through their curiosity as to how each attorney would defend his case and how each judge and jury would determine the fate of the defendant. However, there is courtroom drama taking place on a continual basis, regarding cases far more consequential than in any television show, movie, or actual criminal case.
Those who have a good familiarity with the Gospel accounts of the Bible (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) are privileged to know of the great work done by Christ while on earth. They know that His work on earth was completed (John 17:4; 19:30). However, part of '. His work on earth included making Himself qualified for the great work which He would do after His resurrection and ascension that as an Advocate. Jesus offered Himself upon the cross and offered His blood in heaven as the ultimate and final blood sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9: 12). But the suffering that came with this process provided Him the credentials to be the perfect Advocate for Christians (Hebrews 5:8-9). While He has assumed a body far more glorious than ours (Philippians 3:21), He still has an understanding of the temptations man faces in the flesh, whereby Christians know that they can find compassion and Advocacy from Him when approaching the Father in prayer (Hebrews 4: 15-5:2).
If Jesus Christ had already completed the entirety of the work He would do for mankind, it could be stated without hesitation that He had already done more in behalf of humanity than any man or woman had ever done or could ever do. But Scripture reads, "If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (I John 2: 1). Though a Christian may sin, every time he responds to his sin by praying to the Father in the name of Jesus Christ (John 16:23), accompanied with repentance and confession (I John 1 :6,9), Christ will respond by going to work in the Christian's behalf as his Advocate.
The word "Advocate" is translated from a word literally meaning "one who is called along side." According to W.E. Vine, "It was used in a court of justice to denote a legal assistant, counsel for the defense, an advocate; then, generally, one who pleads another's cause, an intercessor, advocate." In The Devil and Daniel Webster, Mr. Jabez Stone was elated when the great attorney Daniel Webster agreed to take his case. How much more elated the Christian should be that Jesus Christ has agreed to take his case! Jesus will plead the cause of every Christian who responds to sin appropriately. Although Christians have thorough knowledge of the work and master teaching of Christ while on earth, what a thrill it would be to know how He has gone about His work as Advocate through the ! many years!
Jesus Christ continues to work diligently for His people. The Christian has no reason to remain discouraged when a sin happens to prey upon him. The Lord has provided the word for strength against that sin (Psalm 119: 11), and opened up an avenue of prayer whereby the Christian will have the best Advocate for His case --with a guaranteed verdict of "justified."
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Family News and Notes
Reminder Men's Business Meeting tonight following the evening services. All men of the congregation are encouraged to attend.
Mark your calendar...the mid week service for Christmas week has been changed to Thursday, December 26th.
At the Clarksville Bible Quiz last Tuesday nite, Jeremy Nance and Christi Charlton won 2nd and 3rd place in the high school division. The next Bible Quiz will be January 28th, covering the book of Philippians.
On December 17th at 9:30 a.m., the Ladies Bible Class will be filling holiday bags for those we want to remember at this time of the year. If you would like to help with this, you may bring individually wrapped non-perishable foods or travel-size toiletries. There will be a basket in the foyer, or they may be placed in the kitchen. If there is someone you would like for us to remember please give their name to Veleta, Billie or Amy.
Jerry Freeman had his surgery last Wednesday morning. His doctor stated that everything went well. He should be able to come home within 5 days following the surgery. His address there is:
Jerry Freeman
Baylor Medical Center
3500 Gaston Avenue
Truett Building, Room 645
Dallas, Texas 75246
Phone: 214-818-8645
Aaron Day passed away last Tuesday. He was the preacher at the Cliffview Church of Christ in Dallas and former preacher at Shepherd street congregation. He baptized Mary Glover and her family. His funeral service was conducted at 11 :00 a.m. Thursday in Dallas.
Zeneth Hargrove is in Room 302 of Titus Regional Medical Center. She has had pneumonia and while being treated she had an allergic reaction to her medication and that set her back.
Grady Duncan had a minor surgery last Tuesday. He has been recovering at home.
The following have been sick at home this past week.
Elna O'Neal, Mary Hall, Irene Duncan, Wanda Carlock, JoAnn Miller, Carl Lee, Pat Dillard
Todd Ranes remains in Wadley Hospital in Texarkana. He has been moved to Room 651.
THANK YOU " Dear Brothers & Sisters: I want to thank you for your generous help to my medical bills. I hope to have my reconnecting surgery soon, so please keep me in your prayers. Again, thank you. You don't know how much I appreciate the help.
-With Christian Love, Tami Dickeson"
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PRAYER LIST
Delores Adams, Perry Cooper Sandra Cooper, Grady Duncan, Patsy Duncan, Jerry Freeman, Zeneth Hargrove, Bonnie Horton, Howard Horton, Corine Hudson, Dick Justiss, Ruby Lawhon, Wade Miller, Elna O'Neal, Glenn Parham, Murphy Ross
ALSO: Paula Duncan, Evelyn Harrison, Alice O'Neal, Todd Ranes
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Service Arrangements
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Wayne Pickrel
SONG LEADER: Bill Jones
PRAYERS
Sunday
a. m. First Prayer Gene Campbell
a. m. Closing Bob Hedges
p. m. First Prayer Tom Wacaster
p. m. Closing Fred Harkrider, Jr.
Wednesday
First Prayer George O'Neal
Closing Bud Roach
COMMUNION:
a. m. Gene Campbell Bob Hedges
Roger Grimes Bud Roach
Lewis Robertson Darrell Cooper
p.m. Ralph Phillips Devon Phillips
ATTENDANCE COUNTER: Grady Duncan
TRANSPORTATION will be provided to those who need it.
Please call, Frankie Sargent at 572-2647
