Dear Friends,

It was so good to see so many of you again last Sunday. Those of you I missed I hope I see this week.

To pursue happiness, you must first be awake. Being awake brings you to attention to what is real. Being spiritually awake is a prerequisite to seeing life in all its wonder and beauty.

This week I will talk about waking up. I will share how many spend their whole lives asleep to what God has given for them and why.

Please come we are going to have a great time.

Blessings,

Joe

Please try to attend a small group. As you get ready for Sunday think about the following scriptures and talk about the questions.

 

Why do many Church people seem so negative, fearful and pessimistic?

 

How does pessimism fearfulness and negativity line up with scripture?

 

Explain how the message of these verses could change you?

Romans 8:28   We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose.

1Thessalonians 5:16-19 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit.

 

 

What can contribute to someone going through life asleep to Gods goodness and the beauty and wonder of living?

 

Do you believe God wants you to be truly happy?

Ecclesiastes 3:11-13 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. 13 That everyone may eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God.

 

 

What barriers can get between you and the happiness God has for you now?

 

How can we be awakened to Gods grace and daily power?

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentlenesses, self-control; against such things there is no law.

 

 

Why would people choose to be asleep to Gods goodness and guidance in living?

Ephesians 5:13-19 And when all things are brought out to the light, then their true nature is clearly revealed; 14 for anything that is clearly revealed becomes light. That is why it is said, “Wake up, sleeper, and rise from death, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like ignorant people, but likewise people.16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;

Ecclesiastes 3:12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.

 

 

Do these verses tell us our happiness is conditional on circumstances or other people?