We all hope for a "happily ever after" kind of story in life. The problem is that we don't understand where true happiness comes from. For most of us, our happiness is dependent on the people or possessions in our life. In Philippians, the Apostle Paul unlocks the secrets to true happiness.

From time to time, we all feel a little overwhelmed. Life has a way of growing more and more chaotic. Even the parts of life we love and enjoy can cause stress and anxiety. When we find ourselves overcome with stress it's hard to think clearly and strategically. Jesus calls to each of us knowing that we are weary; knowing that we need a refresh. We need to learn to us these seasons of stress and anxiety as motivators to push us toward Christ.

God's mission to change the world is accomplished by changing us, not by changing our circumstances. Unfortunately, we have a tendency to disqualify ourselves from being included in God's plans. The way we see ourselves is often the way we live our lives. God has a plan and it does include us. The questions we must answer are: What does God want?; and how can I help?

Each of us have a predisposition toward rebellion. Because of sin, we're all equally prone to sinful choices. In Chapter 7 of Romans, Paul identifies with his readers by sharing his own struggles with choosing the life God desires. Knowing what to do isn't enough. Desire will beat knowledge every time. We must make war on every evil desire.

God's grace isn't a license to do whatever we want. Experiencing His grace should move us to a lifetime of grateful service to Him. Romans 6 helps us see past our own laziness, selfishness, and sin to understand that our life is meant to be lived out as an offering to our Savior.

Most people tend to gravitate toward people with common interests or characteristics. We show grace and love easily toward people with whom we identify. This very truth helps us recognize the amazing quality of God's love toward us. Romans 5 tells us that while we were still sinners, enemies of God, Christ died for us.

Many early believers struggled with tradition and practices of religion coexisting with the new idea of grace. Paul addresses these struggles by discussing Abraham's faith. It's easy for people to focus on outward actions. After all, we can see, measure, and judge those actions. God desires our works to be in response to Him and a sign of the change that has already happened in our hearts.

In chapter three of Romans, Paul helps us understand why we need Jesus For many, surrendering to Christ is difficult because they feel they must behave in way that makes them worthy of salvation. No one is good enough to earn salvation. That is what makes the gift of grace and mercy so amazing. He offers not just a new way to live, but an entirely new life.

Roman Christians might have been hoping Paul would condemn the immoral behaviors of most Roman citizens. However, through Paul, God reminds us of how kind, forbearing, and patient He is with each of us. In the same way, we must be loving and patient with the people in our lives who have not yet come to faith in Christ.

Being a Christ follower in Rome during the first century was extremely challenging. The culture and expectations for people living in Rome were in direct contrast to the life Jesus called his followers to live. There is a lot that twenty-first century Christ followers can learn by studying Paul's leter to the Roman church.