Finding Peace: Proven Practices that Increase Happiness

James Rochford

Our culture today is experiencing an epidemic of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Research shows that many of the things we believe will make us happy actually offer no long-term satisfaction. Scientific studies confirm the Biblical values that happiness is found in relationships, gratitude, and generosity. The Bible also teaches that we are unable to change ourselves at the fundamental heart level and that we need a relationship with Jesus Christ to transform us from the inside out.

Finding Peace: Battling Intrusive Thoughts

Conrad Hilario

In a time when happiness is on the decline, studies have found that a large factor in happiness depends on our thoughts and actions. Research supports the ancient wisdom found in the Bible, that people are happier when they take charge of their thoughts and focus on the good, express gratitude, and have strong and real social connections.

Praise the Lord

Chris Hearty

Psalms 103:1-22

In Psalm 103 the psalmist reflects on the futility of worshipping or putting our trust in anything except God, as anything else is fleeting and unreliable. In God the psalmist finds forgiveness and eternal life, as well as meaning as he puts his trust in God. When this dynamic is in our lives we will enjoy our relationship with God and appreciate His great gifts more.

Showing Love to God

Ryan Lowery

Hebrews 13:15-21

The author of Hebrews concludes by urging believers to continually offer thanks and praise to God. We can show love to God by saying thank you and giving glory to God, living our life with God, singing and praising Him, being generous to others in need, and shepherding His sheep.

Transformation Turning Point

Chris Hearty

Romans 12:1-2

Chapters 1 through 11 of Romans is an exposition of the incredible mercies of God. In Chapter 12, Paul exhorts us, based on all that God has done for us, to give our entire lives to serving God. Many Christians mistakenly believe engaging in worship is an isolated event, distinct from our other Christian or worldly activities. The book of Romans refutes this idea that reduces worship to merely singing, dancing or praising God. Romans, instead, is consistent with the rest of the New Testament that presents worship as giving our whole lives to living in obedience to God. It is a life of lived out every day in thankfulness.

Growing in Our Appreciation of Christ

Brian Adams

Romans 12:1-2

Appreciation is recognizing the full worth of something or someone; grasping the true situation. This teaching explains how we can take the things of God for granted and the impact of appreciation on our lives. Appreciation has many benefits including greater gratitude, greater joy in following God, and greater willingness to forgive. This teaching explains multiple ways to grow in our appreciation.

What was Meant for Evil, God Uses for Good

Joke Van Opstal

Revelation 21:3-4

Being a Christian does not exempt anyone from suffering. No matter how many good things we may do for God, we will still experience suffering, because suffering is not the result of God's punishment on us. Suffering is a tool for our sanctification, to help us grow and develop stronger character. As we grow to know our God, we see that his picture is much bigger than ours, and he is weaving a story through our suffering to bring about good, though we may not see it in the midst of our trials. We have a choice to make in how we respond when faced with suffering: we can give up in bitterness or hold fast to the Lord's promises and His eternal hope.

Joy & Sacrifice

Jim Leffel

Matthew 16:24-25

We learn about what it means to appreciate our lives as a gift from God and to joyfully offer ourselves to God in thanks. Jim Leffel argues that since we are all pouring our lives out for something, the best thing we can pour our lives out for is the cause of Jesus.

Learning from Israel's Mistakes

James Rochford

Luke 17:12-17

Paul encourages the Corinthians to learn from the mistakes of the Israelites, including idolatry, sexual immorality, ingratitude, and self-righteousness. These practices sapped their spiritual vitality, as they do ours today, but this passage offers us ways to restore our walks with God.