Happiness

Solomon wrote: "A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones" (Proverbs 17:22). Is happiness missing in your life? Let me suggest some guidelines for living a healthier and happier life:

  1. Live A Simple Life - Be moderate and temperate in your lifestyle.
  2. Spend Less Than You Earn.
  3. Think Constructively - Proverbs 23:7.
  4. Cultivate a Flexible Disposition.
  5. Be Grateful.
  6. Rule Your Moods.

We at the Independence Church of Christ would like to help you find happiness through Jesus Christ. We meet at 401 S. 11th with Bible classes at 9:30 AM and Worship at 10:30 AM. See You Sunday!


Happiness (2)

This life has no promises except death and taxes. Let me continue with a few more suggestions on how we may live a happier life on this earth. They are:

  1. Give Generously - Give of your: Time, Talents, and Money will bring great joy.
  2. Work with The Right Motives.
  3. Be Interested In Others.
  4. Make The Most of Today.
  5. Take Time For a Hobby.
  6. Stay Close To God - James 4:7,8.

We at the Independence Church of Christ would Ike to help you find happiness through Jesus Christ. We meet at 401 S. 11th with Bible classes at 9:30 AM and Worship at 10:30 AM. We hope to see you Sunday.


A Merry Heart

S0lomon wrote: 'A merry heart doeth good like a medicine" (Pro. 17:22). We live in a world of pressures and turmoil. So, how can a person learn how to be happy in this world. The answer: "Think with wings" and here is how one may do this:

  1. Think Positively.
  2. Think Progressively.
  3. Think Constructively.
The measure of a man is in his thoughts. "For as he thinks in his heart, so he is" (Pro.23:7). How and what do you think about, as you toil through the day. Remember put wings on your thoughts and live one day at a time.

The Independence Church of Christ meets at 401 S. 11th St. Bible classes begin at 9:30 AM with Worship at 10:30. We hope to see you this Sunday.


Be Good to Yourself

God created us all unique individuals. Yet, many times we hurt the one's nearest to us. Most of the time it is a reaction to how we feel about ourselves. So, how do we learn the art of being good to ourselves?

Four things:

  1. Help Yourself - Life is an education, so learn from it.
  2. Low Yourself - learn to appreciate yourself for who and what you are.
  3. Accept Yourself - The acceptance of self will lead to tranquility.
  4. Adjust Yourself - The secret of living a tranquil life - adjustment.

Remember what Solomon wrote: "For as a man thinks, so he is" (Pro.23:7). So, be good to yourself!

The Independence Church of Christ meets at 401 S. 11th St. Bible classes at 9:30AM with Worship at 10:30. We hope to see you Sunday.


Get Out of Yourself

The unhappiest and most self-centered person I know is the same person. The problem with our society is self-centeredness. But. where can man find the answers to life's problems? The Bible is the answer, if we will but take the time to open the book. So then, how can a person get out of themselves? Note, the following:

  1. Happiness comes from losing self-- Jesus said: "He that finds his life shall lose it; and he that loses his life for my sake shall find it" (Matt.10:39).
  2. Happiness comes from helping others--"It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).
  3. Happiness comes from knowing Christ. 'Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice!" (Phil.4:4).

Consequently, if you are unhappy with your life, then try living by getting out of yourselves. Come visit us! We are the Independence Church of Christ- We meet at 401 S.11th St.


The Quest for Peace

"Peace is found where it is lost - in human attitudes and behavior" (Brownby, Medicine, p. 91). So, how can a person find peace with himself? Here is a list of some ideas:

  1. Be Forbearing.
  2. Be Understanding.
  3. Be Compassionate.
  4. Be Forgiving.

All of these ideas can be found in the Bible. In fact, all of them were a part of the life of Christ. Are these a part of your life? The Independence Church of Christ is seeking to learn more about Christ and His church. Will you come as we together learn more about Christianity?

We meet at 401 S. 11th with classes at 9:30 AM and Worship at 10:30 AM. Come visit us!


Self-Esteem

How and what do you think about yourself? For many, our self-esteem is dependent upon our performance--that is do we measure up to the standards of this world and the opinion of what others think about us. For many this is how a person determines his or her self-esteem

The writer of Proverbs writes: "For as he thinks within himself, so he is" (Proverbs 23:7). Our self-esteem should not be based on our performance or our the opinion of others. But our self-esteem should be based on the word of God! Again, Jesus said: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourset" (Matthew 22:39). How you treat your neighbor is a reflection of how you treat yourself.

Come visit us at the Independence Church of Christ, 401 S. 11th. Bible classes begin at 9:30 AM with Worship at 10:30. Come join us.


Factors That Are Needed For a Good Self-Esteem

What is the meaning of self-esteem? It means that we are to have respect and regard for ourselves to recognize our potential. As humans we have a built-in worth, and self-esteem is how we feel about our self-concept. Our self-esteem will depend upon our recognition of our "self-potential." What are some factors that will help in developing our self-esteem?

  1. A sense of security.
  2. A sense of belonging.
  3. A sense of competence.
  4. A sense of worth.

Paul the apostle, wrote in Galatians 2:20:

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it's no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me."

Paul's security is having been crucified with Christ.

Paul's belonging is living the Christian life, "Christ lives in me."

Paul's competence is living "by faith."

Paul's worth is in Jesus Christ. "Who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me."

Come visit the Independence Church of Christ. We meet at 401 S. 11th St. Bible classes begin at 9:30AM with worship at 10:30AM See you Sunday!


Seven Principles for Successful Living

The Bible is solutions to life's problems. For example, are you searching for answers in seeking a better life? Consider Psalm 119:57-64. The writer offers seven principles for successful living. They are:

  1. Have a Resolute Purpose (57) "I have said", "I will"
  2. Pray for Guidance (58)
  3. Self-Examination (59)
  4. conquer Procrastination (60)
  5. Learn How to Handle Disappointments (61).
  6. Watch Your Associates (62)
  7. Be A Student of God's Word (64).

Life is full of challenges. The Bible is the answer to life's problems.

Come visit us at the Independence Church of Christ. We meet at 401 S. 11th St. Bible classes start at 9:30 AM with Worship at 10:30 AM. See you Sunday!


How To Handle Mistreatment
Ps. 119:81-88

The 119th Psalm is rich with instruction for everyday life. In verses 81-88. the writer teaches how to handle mistreatment:

  1. What does the Scriptures say (83)
  2. Remember reverses don't last long (84).
  3. Leave the Justice to God (84b).
  4. Lean on the Trustworthiness of God (96).
  5. Use the help of others (86b).
  6. Never Give Up (87).
  7. Draw strength from the nature of God (88).
  8. Keep the Testimonies of God (88b).

This life is not easy. There are no promises of anything. However, the Psalmist offers some timely therapy in a world of confusion.

Come visit us at the Independence Church of Christ. We are located at 401 S. 11th St.


Invest in the Lord

We live in a world that revolves around money. People are looking for the best investment for their money. We need to plan for the future, today!

The same can be said of our spiritual life. We need to plan for the future, today! The person who invests in the Lord will never have to worry about his/her investment. Consider the words of Solomon:

"How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding. For its profit is better than the profit of silver, And its gain than fine gold. She is more precious than jewels; And nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor" (Proverbs 3:13-16).

If you're looking for the best investment, invest in the Lord.

The Independence Church of Christ is seeking that investment. Come learn about the debt that we could not pay in the investment in God's Son. We have classes for all ages beginning at 9:30 AM and Worship at 10:30 AM. The Church of Christ is located at 401 S. 11th St. in Independence, Kansas. Come Worship with us.


The Fear of Failure

The greatest of fears may be the fear of failing. We can do very little by ourself. However, linked with God all things are possible. Paul the Apostle said of himself: "I know in me dwells no good thing" (Romans 7:18). That was because Paul was thinking of his own ability. But when he realized the real source of strength, and power comes from God, then Paul had a change of mind: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil-4:13). Paul's fear of failing was laid to rest, because he realized that God alone is the source of strength.

The lesson is simple. God wants us to be humble. He condemns pride and arrogance. He admonishes us not to think too highly of ourselves, yet we are to have a healthy self-esteem. God wants us to be successful and strong with a healthy self image . He exhorts us to get wisdom, but it is the "wisdom that is from above."

Come learn more about God's plan for you at the Independence Church of Christ, 401 S.11th St. Our Bible Classes begin at 9:30 AM and Worship is at 10:30 AM.


Uses of Adversity

Perhaps your life has had more than its share of rain. The shadowed days may outnumber the shining ones. The problem of human suffering has challenged the minds of all ages.

The Bible assures us that there is a blessing for those who endure. "Blessed is the man that endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to them that love Him" (James 1: 12).

Come and learn more about God's wonderful blessings found in the Bible. The Independence Church of Christ welcomes you. We meet at 401 S. 11th St. Our Bible Classes begin at 9:30 AM and Worship at 10:30 AM. Come Worship with us.


Overcoming Adversity

History is enriched with the names of heroic souls who "out of weakness were made strong", who learned that "men may rise on stepping stones of their dead selves to higher things."

For example, Helen Keller, could neither hear or see, and she tells us that she had found a world of beauty that is not visible to the natural eye. Adversity builds dimension to our character! It is the people that have overcome adversity that have helped us live better lives...they triumphed in their troubles.

The same could be said for Jesus. The Bible tells us, He was made perfect "through suffering." In addition, Jesus has declared that, "In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

Jesus stands ready to help you overcome the problems that this world may bring. Please join us this Sunday at the Independence Church of Christ, 401 S. 11th St. Bible Classes begin at 9:30 AM and Worship is at 10:30 AM.


"The Can Do attitude"

The difference between winning and losing is in our attitude. If we think we will lose, then we have already lost the battle. If we think we can achieve a victory; then we will win. The secret is in our attitude. Consider for a moment the Apostle Paul:

"For I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am ... I know how to get along with humble means... I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:11-13).

Paul, was a great soldier for Jesus Christ. He overcame many trials in his lifetime. The secret to Paul's success can be ours if we can learn "the can do attitude" like Paul.

The Independence church of Christ is seeking that attitude, which is characteristic of New Testament Christians. Will you join us this Sunday? Our Bible Classes begin at 9:30 AM with Worship at 10:30 AM. We meet at 401 S. 11th st., Independence. Come Worship with us.


Three Crosses

The Gospel of Luke records Jesus being crucified between two thieves (Luke 23:33-49). The account is a powerful message for us. The three men bearing three crosses is a graphic picture of sin and its consequences.

To illustrate:

My friend what cross are you carrying today? In addition, Jesus states, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Luke 9:23).

The Independence Church of Christ invites you come learn more about The Cross that we must carry to be pleasing unto Him. Our Bible Classes meet at 9:30 AM with Worship at 10:30 AM. Come Worship with us this Sunday.