.
A familiar refrain we hear this time of the year, but can we assure the year
to come will be happy? What does it take to be happy? How can we assure that
no matter what the circumstances the New Year brings we will be happy?
Happiness is more a condition of the heart than a result of the events that
happen around us. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus
Christ.
Have you ever listened to a post incident interview that took place with the
drivers who were involved? Each driver has a take on what took place. Each
one saw things from a different perspective. If you listen closely you can
determine the one event that triggered the incident. It starts something
like this; “I thought I could” or “I had the position but”. We think we can
predict the results of our choices but many times the results are not what
we would expect.
Our perception of the situation is many times different from someone
else’s. Most times we don’t see or don’t understand all the effects of our
actions. Did you ever wonder why we need officials at races? They are the
ones whose perception counts. They are the ones who decide what really
happened. Who has the final say on the other decisions we make in our life?
Whose opinion do we listen to?
What does this have to do with being happy? Well, think of it this way,
when we understand that the results of our decisions affect more than just
us our perspective changes. When we realize that things don’t revolve around
us we begin to understand that the decisions we make should take others into
consideration. When we consider the condition of others we start to see
things through God’s eyes. True happiness is a direct result of how we
affect the lives of others. We think however that our happiness is a direct
result of the things we do and have.
We live much of our lives focused on what affects us. When according to
God’s plan we should live our lives with more consideration for the welfare
of others. Paul writes in Philippians about how we should respond to the
blessings we receive from God.
Philippians 2:1-5;
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort
from his love,
if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then
make my joy complete by being like-minded,
having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of
selfish ambition or vain conceit,
but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should
look not only to your own interests,
but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as
that of Christ Jesus:
Paul reminds us that our attitude should be the same as Christ’s.
Think of Jesus, He came and sacrificed His life, not for what He received,
but for what we received. I believe it pleased Him to give His life up for
anyone who would believe in Him. His heart was at peace and He was filled
with joy. Paul outlines it for us;
Philippians 2:6-8;
(Jesus), being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God
something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in
human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became
obedient to death-- even death on a cross!
This seems contrary to our definition of happiness. How can you be
suffering so and yet be “happy”?
Happiness for a Christian is defined differently than it is for others.
Happiness is less a state of circumstances and more a condition of the
heart. When our heart is in tune with God’s will we are filled with a peace
that passes understanding and a joy that isn’t easily understood. The love
of God in our lives demonstrated to others in the choices we make produces
true happiness in our lives.
Paul helps us redefine our focus in life. We find the peace of God when
we concentrate on the things that please God. Paul explained that being in
God’s will was more important than having all the trappings the world has to
offer.
Philippians4:8-13;
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is
excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have
learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice.
And the God of peace will be with you.
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for
me. Indeed, you have been concerned,
but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in
need,
for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it
is to be in need,
and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being
content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether
living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me
strength.
We are programmed in life to think happiness comes from what we have.
That is not true. Did you ever know someone who had everything they ever
wanted? That is not possible because there is always something else we want.
It seems we are never satisfied. We never have everything we want. In his
letter to Timothy, Paul councils him to pursue the things of God.
1Timothy 6:6-12; But
godliness with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it.
But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap
and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and
destruction.
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for
money,
have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many grief's.
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness,
godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of
the faith.
We think that we can satisfy ourselves by attaining things. We think
happiness comes from having those things. The fact is that no matter what we
have there is always something missing. Something only God can provide. No
matter what we attain in life we are not satisfied until we ask Jesus into
our heart. He is the only one who can fill the void that we try to fill with
everything else. We can only receive that peace that passes understanding
from God through Jesus.
So when I say Happy New Year I mean I hope you find the true meaning of
life. I hope you realize where true satisfaction and fulfillment come from.
I hope you find the saving grace of Jesus. God promises peace to those who
trust in Him. Are you at peace? God fills our hearts with joy when we pursue
His will. Happiness is a result of living the life that God has planned for
us. Make a New Year’s resolution that will change your life, resolve this
year to submit to God’s will for your life. Let God have control and make
every effort to let Him guide your thoughts and actions.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
MOTORSPORTS 2015 - We are excited to get 2015 going in a few
weeks at Motorsports 2015 in Philly. We have a great line up of cars and
maybe a surprise or two. Be sure to stop by and say hi.
Your words of encouragement and testimony mean a great deal to us. Stop
by and share how our efforts have been instrumental in your life.
Until next time, be a witness for our Lord with the ministry decals
and apparel. See them at the Show Your Faith Apparel Store at
http://www.rwjm.com/store. Send us your prayer and counseling needs no matter
what part of our racing family you are in, or give us a call. Remember that
God loves you, we love you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing. GOD BLESS.
 Mail reaches us at Racing with Jesus Ministries, PO Box 586,
Tolland, CT 06084.
Check our weekly printed pages in "Area Auto Racing
News",
the East Coast’s largest weekly racing paper.
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articles.
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Please remember, we can only do what we do because of your prayerful
financial support.
Numbers 6:24-26 "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord
make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face
toward you and give you peace."
May God always Bless you, everyday in everyway. Rev. Don
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