Romans 12:2, Psalm 77

"The most important thing about us," A.W. Tozer says, "is what we think about God." So here's our question this week: Is God happy? And that's not the same as asking "Is God happy with us?" Right now, at this moment, apart from us and his creation, is God a happy God? It's easy to assume that God is a gloomy and angry deity. But is this true? Because if God is a happy God, this changes so much. Let's look deeply into the word this week and ask for the Spirit's direction (and joy).

We're kicking 2018 with a look at one of life's most basic questions: How can we be happy? And two things are clear about this. First, we are designed and commanded to be happy. Second, happiness is just plain hard to come by. For the next few weeks I want to try to bridge this conundrum. God has so much to say about our happiness and he deeply desires that we would, even on earth, experience profound levels of joy and delight. So let's pray for open hearts and for the Holy Spirit to pour into us the truth of God the next few weeks.

What is the purpose of missions? Why should we participate in it? How can we engage today in this great enterprise? This Sunday, Elder Mike will share his passion about missions and show us God's heart for the people of the world.

Remember that Paul is concerned with the submission of God's people to one another in love (Ephesians 5:21). This is the outworking of the Spirit in our lives! We've discussed what this looks like in marriage. And in two weeks we will tackle submission in parenting (Ephesians 6:1-4). But this week, elder George will turn our hearts to our work. How can we be obedient in our work lives, both to those in charge of us, and to the Lord? Let's pray for him, and for own our hearts in preparation.