Andy Williams ,a.k.a., “Old Blue Eyes” smash hit “Its the most Wonderful Time of the Year” has finally been put away until next November. I remember,as a child, feelings of great anticipation and excitement building through that corridor on the calendar between Thanksgiving and December 25th, ‘crescendoing’ all week into New Years Eve. Decorations have being put up, special treats and meals prepared, packages wrapped and a flood of family and friends have come and gone. But now as the presents are no longer secrets to be kept, the lights have come down and the “Most wonderful time of the Year” is over (one wonders what that means for the rest of the year), the well wishes for a Happy New Year linger on. We truly want a Happy Year this year, but the cold hard fact is that it may not be, that is, depending on your definition of ‘Happy”. In Bible terms God uses the word ‘blessed’ , which means ‘happy’. It is comforting to know that the creator of the universe desires for his people to not only be ‘happy’ in an uncertain world, but to also provide the means for true and enduring ‘happiness’ through any and every trial possibly faced. So just what is the recipe for an abiding happiness? Matthew 5:1-12 contains the ingredients and the directions.

First start off with a generous portion of Humility. Those who have a humble spirit, who are gentle and kind, and those who have compassion for the needs of others will find good in difficult circumstances. “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God” A humble spirit will be at peace for “God gives grace to the humble”

Next add a heaping measure of Righteousness which is something that the children of God actually practice, it is what they do. This is an indicator of their love for God and their brothers. A hunger and a thirst for righteousness in God will always produce happiness.

Lastly, pour in gallons of Mercy. Those with a pure heart seeking the well being of others, peace between men, and enduring persecutions and insults have a focus on the kingdom of heaven. They know their heavenly reward will be great, far better than any possible earthly reward.

We all have the potential for great blessings from the Father of Lights, the Lord our God. The above recipe is actually a summary of how Jesus viewed the world. We would do well to ‘resolve’ to live like Him! He has given us everything and will continue to bless us as we diligently live for His will. Happy New Year!

Josiah was the boy king of Israel who upon hearing for the first time in his life the unadulterated word of the Lord, could hardly believe that his nation was so far from the will of God. God himself accused Israel of forsaking Him and making offerings to other gods. One wonders “How could this have happened?” Well, the same way we forsake God. We get wrapped up in our busy lives, slowly conform to the ways of the world, not realizing that bit by bit, we find ourselves making offerings to other Gods. Not me! you say? Consider these examples. The god of the TV. The god of the work place. The god of entertainment. The god of leisure. The god of food. The god of sex. The god of selfishness. The god of social media. The god of the internet. These are all powerful gods in our lives that demand we make offerings to them. And we do, sometimes unknowingly, sometimes perfectly willingly. Each one possibly not a sin in and of itself, but when we are making offerings to them, in place of God, they become idols just as wicked as the Baal and the Ashera worshipped by faithless Israel. The offering of time, money and attention to these activities is an indicator of just how much of an idol they become. I once heard in a sermon, “Show me your checkbook and video cabinet, and I will tell you who you worship”. When the young king realized how far Israel had drifted from the will of God, he “tore his clothes” and ordered the priests to “inquire of the Lord” on their behalf. God recognized this ‘penitent man’ in his humility. When we have drifted into idolatry, this is exactly where the Lord longs for us to be, repentant and humble before him. He will forgive us and restore us just as he did with Josiah, the man of whom scripture says “was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might”. Beloved, check the areas of your life which demand the most of your time, the best of your attention, require the most of your money, and absorb your deepest devotion. If these areas of your life are consumed by anything other than the Lord, Jehovah God, tear your clothes.