The excitement of youth often rests in the potential of the future. It lies in the hopes and dreams that are up ahead somewhere, but we don’t know exactly where, but we know that one day we will look back and find ourselves much further ahead in the game of life.  As the years advance it is a great feeling to look back and count the improvements, the milestones, the victories that have been enjoyed.  It’s also great to look ahead at a future that is still brighter yet. The best is yet to come.  Joy comes when we experience the feeling of progress, “I’m not what I used to be, and I’m not as good as I’m going to be.” It’s sweeter as the years go by.

The emotional life of Jesus is puzzling to many people. They have trouble seeing Him as being able to relate to our daily lives. Many people see Him as living in a sort of a protective bubble. Instead of mere assumptions, lets look into what Scripture reveals.

Jeroboam, of Old Testament Bible fame (book of 1 Kings) felt that God was asking too much. God set a standard. God ask for compliance. Jeroboam thought it would never work. Jeroboam is an example of people today. They look at the Bible teachings and think that God is asking too much. They think it is impossible to live the bible life. They just can't see themselves living it out. The changes see too demanding. Many people never really think it through. They are like a child looking at a new vegetable on the dinner plat and magically knowing they don't like it before they ever taste it. Christ came that we might have life and have it more abundant. However, to get the abundant life Jesus planned, we must follow His plan.

Serving others is the secret to the deepest and most satisfying life possible. Jesus gave us the secret in Acts 20:35 when he told us that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Jesus showed us the way to the top, when he left heaven, took on the form of a servant, and even served us unto death. And now he has the name that is above every name. We can share in this same mysterious life. It is a mystical path as far as many are concerned, but it is the way of basic bible Christianity. When we follow in the footsteps of Jesus we naturally become servant leaders and thus find our greatest and deepest joy and satisfaction. It is a paradox, of course, but it also is the way of the Christian life.

Christians sometimes view modern technology as inherently evil. I think we are called to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves, meaning we should use technology is a wise way. Let it help carry our lives and work forward to greater development. We live in a wonderful time. We have abundance today at a level no other generation could even imagine. Yet, if we are not wise this blessing can become a weight that drags us off course. I want you to excel and be the best you can be taking advantage of all the wonderful options available today.

Simple bible Christianity packs a wonderful blessing. One of the greatest gifts, a top ten blessings, is the key to unlocking the way. It's what everyone dreams about. Sure people seek it with extremely different methods, some moral and some immoral, but once you get past the surface, we are all seeking the same thing. God understands this. He has given us the recipe, the map, to the success we desire. For many of us, there is just one key element lacking. An element that you have complete control over. And once you own this, the door opens and life begins a new journey, a real journey, that before this moment, most people only read about.

God's seems so mysterious, so far away, and unreachable. Even more mysterious is His plan for your life. What has God called you to do? What does He want to work and achieve through your life? What is God's blueprint and game plan for your life. Most people wish they had been born with a book explaining what they are suppose to do, when they are suppose to do, and the people they should team up with along the way. It doesn't seem to work that way, or does it. Is it possible that the answers to all our basic questions are so obvious that they have been hiding in the open all along?

Noah's story is timeless. The underlying problems of his day resonate with the challenges of today. Noah's focus and walk with God demonstrate the keys necessary for success today. Noah's story stirs practical questions and spiritual questions. It is always a good choice for those that desire to get a step closer to God. I pray that this podcast will be a blessing and a little joy in your day.

We all would like more enjoyment in life. We would like to feel more and more that we are on top of our game and making progress. Ingratitude for some things at some times is appropriate, but beyond those few times, it is a negative energy that just draws us deeper and deeper into a lifeless blackhole that sucks the life and joy out of us. Why in the world would anyone intentionally enter that dark emotional place? Why would someone choose that on purpose? I'm not sure, but I do know that many people frequently make that choice. I also know that I have been guilty of making that negative emotional choice. Sure, it's crazy. It is illogical, and it is part of the human experience. So, while I cannot totally eradicate negative feelings from life, I know by experience in the practice of Christianity, we can excel still more, we can draw nearer to God, we can make progress, little by little to that better life we desire.

Christmas is a mixed bag of joy and stress. The trick is not to eliminate the stress completely, but to end up with more joy than stress. If you do that, then you are a winner. You were successful, on top of your game. This podcast we look into how to use the well-known bible teachings as a tool for gaining the most joy possible out of your Christmas holiday season.