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“So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” John 16:22

Of all the phrases bestowed to us by the Founding Fathers, few come up more than pursuit of happiness. Yet who knows where the nation really stands on that score. Now an answer may be forthcoming. Amid a wave of research on the subject, the federal government is seeking ways to measure what some have called Gross National Happiness (GNH).

A panel of experts in psychology and economics began convening in December to try to define reliable measures of subjective well-being. If successful, these could become official statistics.

The idea of the government tallying personal feelings might seem frivolous or impossibly difficult. For decades, after all, the world has gotten by with gauging a nation’s quality of life on the basis of its GDP, or gross domestic product, the sum of its economic output. But economists and others have long recognized that GDP, a dollars and cents measure, doesn’t count everything that might be considered important when assessing living conditions. Our gross national product accepts that which makes life worthwhile.

But as the government ventures into the squishy realm of feelings, statisticians will first have to define happiness and then how to measure it. Neither is a trivial matter. There is even some doubt whether people, when polled, can accurately say whether they are happy. Personally I think they are on the wrong track.

Well, I have a suggestion. First they have to differentiate between happiness and joy. Happiness comes from without; joy comes from within. Happiness is often determined by our economic station in life. Joy comes from inner peace in our soul. Happiness focuses on the now; joy looks to eternity. Happiness comes on the mountain tops; joy is peace in the valleys of life.

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning (Lamentation 3:22-23). Now that is the wellspring of true joy and the measuring stick for us all.

How to you define happiness? You spell it joy and it’s not something capable of external numerical evaluation since it comes from within and when you have it, no one needs to measure it because it becomes an obvious part of your daily life.

Questions: Are you living a life of happiness and joy? If not, what steps can you take today to move towards having joy?

“But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.” (Acts 16:25-26, NKJV)

Is it really possible that we as Christians could significantly impact our cities for Jesus? The Word tells us that we have been given dominion and authority on the earth, and the responsibility to “tend and keep it” (Genesis 1:26, 2:15).

One of the most important ways we exercise that authority is through prayer in Jesus name. Praise and prayer in the mouths of the people of God are powerful weapons that can break the chains, open the doors, and set the captives free. So there is a direct link between our decision to pray and the circumstances that are evident around us.

There is a saying, “evil prevails when good men do nothing.” As the people of God we have the authority, power, and responsibility to intercede on behalf of our cities. We have the promise that if we abide in Him, we can ask what we desire (according to His will) and it will be done for us (John 15:7).

So what is your desire for your city? Is it for healthy, unified families, for unity and power in the church, for honest government, for schools to uphold biblical values? I encourage you to follow the desires that God has set in you heart, engage in unified prayer with others, and watch and see how the Lord will transform you city.

Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” (Mark 9:23, NKJV)

Question: What is your desire for your city? Will you commit to praying for this to happen?

I’ve grown to enjoy the day when we celebrate another year in the history of our nation.  I like walking down to the park, listening to the music, watching the multitude of flags flying from car hoods and childrens’ hats and marching bands.  I like watching my kids run around while the band plays our national anthem.

I especially love the giant flag cake.

It’s a big deal when the cake arrives.  It arrives on its own special car, at the end of a parade of old-fashioned cars, and is big enough to feed several hundred patriots.
There’s something special about celebrating the place where you live.  It’s a small portion of a day where one can proudly say “this place is a good place to live. And for that, I’m thankful.”  This is what we call patriotism.

Patriotism: The academic edition

In our current reality, patriotism has become closely intertwined with images of battle, conflict, and supporting our troops.  Being a patriot conjures up images of flags waving in the background, with immaculately-trained troops going to battle against an invisible enemy.   I can admit it, I’m a war aficionado.

Given the choice of learning about history, or the history of warfare, I’d default to the latter.  I enjoy learning about the weaponry and the political maneuverings of warring states.  I’ve even spent time in Israel studying the details of modern and historical warfare.  Not that I’m a gun nut (or even remotely so), but the details of history are fascinating to me.

Call me a war geek.

It’s not my fault, really.  As a young child of about eight, my brother and I discovered my grandfather’s naval uniform in a trunk, tucked away in the basement of his house.  Inside this trunk were things we had never seen in real life.  A naval uniform, complete with a hat, sat neatly folded in the bottom of the trunk.  A few bullets, the size we had never seen, had been collected.  There were newspaper clippings of men in uniform standing aboard a ship, saluting perfectly.

It was as if we had stumbled across a family treasure.  What had my grandfather done while in this very uniform?  What lands had it seen?  What sort of battles had it been a witness to?  How had my grandfather felt while he was wearing this uniform?

It wasn’t until later in life that I rediscovered this passion for history.  In university, I was forced to take a class called The Violent Century: a Look at Historical Warfare.  I begrudgingly sat for three hours as a professor ranted about the details of modern combat between nations.  However, as the semester wore on, there was a growing problem.

I was hooked.

The brilliance of my professor was found in his recounting of the historical record.  It wasn’t about dates.  It wasn’t about accomplishments.  It was about the humanity behind the history. What were soldiers thinking when they first donned their gas masks and engaged the enemy?  What kind of emotions took hold when a fellow soldier was killed by an invisible sniper?  How did it feel to live in the trenches of the Second World War?  Even more recently, how does our country engage in conflict and how does it affect the family life of soldiers?

My experience with guns and conflict and war have been limited to two venues: an exercise in academics and through the lens of CNN.  I am limited to the snapshots of war – another soldier killed, a military exercise over there, a soldier returning home.

Patriotism: The human edition

I recently had the experience of encountering a soldier in full uniform.  On the news that night, I had seen that one battalion had returned home after serving on a tour in Afghanistan.  Immediately, I wanted to approach him and thank him for what he had done for my country.  I mean, when we’re talking about patriotism, these people are on the front lines of the definition.

Being a patriot is literally defined as one who loves and defends his or her country. Regardless of your opinions on the current wars raging across our world, there are men and women, fellow human beings, fighting in the wars that we watch on our television screens.

I walked past the soldier.

Either out of embarrassment or timidity, I didn’t say anything.  I’m not sure I would know what to say, except a stumbling “thank you.”  This has been the extent of my experience in patriotism.  And yet the news has brought to me an entirely new perspective on patriotism and war.  Recently, on a few major news sites, there have been a regular occurrence of men and women returning home from the war.  Soldiers returning to their families.

The best images have come from inside classrooms.  Dads and Moms, dressed in fatigues, surprising their young children by coming home early.  Inevitably, the child breaks down in tears, runs to Mommy or Daddy, and weeps uncontrollably into the uniform of their country.

Well, color me patriot.

Strip away the flag-waving politicians and the loud military music and our nation is about people.  It’s people with families and friends, individuals who have chosen to serve in a way that our country calls them to.  Dads who have daughters and sons waiting at home — daughters with bright futures and sons with developing potential.  Mothers who have the invaluable gift of nurturing and loving.

If becoming a patriot is to love one’s country, despite its flaws and mistakes, then by extension, it means loving the people that are part of that country. And, despite the fact that some of those citizens cut me off on my way to work this morning, there is something great about being able to celebrate our nationality together.  It is wonderful to be free to let our kids run around while our national anthem plays.  It is a gift to lay in a park, listening to music play from a community band, to enjoy the celebration of another year in our nation.  It’s incredible to be able to wave our flag and think about the blessed life that we are able to take part in, to say ‘thank you’ to those soldiers in uniform that pass us on the street.

And, of course, to eat flag cake.

Related reading:
Military Lives – The amazing life stories of patriots who fight for their country
Confronting Giants – An online interactive life study on finding strength to face life’s challenges

Related:
Is Your World Not Like It Should Be?

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority.” 1 Timothy 2:1

When was the last time you prayed for your government’s leaders? I was reminded again today that this is one of God’s commands to us. He made it a high priority. A friend of mine called to tell me that he had read Dr. Bill Bright’s book on prayer and fasting and had begun to fast on Mondays. What really encouraged me is that he responded to God’s call to be an intercessor.

Intercessory prayer has become a priority for him. When his wife had an aneurysm and was told she would always be an invalid, my friend began to intercede for his wife. God heard his cry and she recovered. But, unlike so many of us, my friend now intercedes for many people. Often when our personal prayers are answered, we stop interceding. But not this dear friend.

He spends one to two hours every morning and thirty minutes at night praying and interceding for others. He prays daily for sixteen government leaders and for the Supreme Court judges. I read a quote a while ago that said that if we prayed as much as we criticize, the world would be a different place. I believe that! May God let my actions make it real in my prayer life.

For help on “How to Pray”, click here: Breakthrough Prayer

Dear Father, forgive us for so often focusing our prayers on “me and mine.” We should also be interceding for our leaders. Make us effective intercessors. Amen.

Question: Which leader in your life needs prayer right now?

About this Author: Katherine Kehler

Let’s pray for …

… our leaders who know and love God that they might have wisdom and understanding.

… our sons and daughters are currently engaged in active combat.

… those returning injured, for the families of  those who do not return, for the scars and hurts that you cannot see ie. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

… the families of those returning as they try to knit themselves together again.

… the mighty protection of the Lord over our troops during operations.

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1).

When was the last time you prayed for your government’s leaders? I was reminded again today that this is one of God’s commands to us.  He made it a high priority.  A friend of mine called to tell me that he had read Dr. Bill Bright’s book on prayer and fasting and had begun to fast on Mondays. What really encouraged me is that he responded to God’s call to be an intercessor.

Intercessory prayer has become a priority for him.  When his wife had an aneurysm and was told she would always be an invalid, my friend began to intercede for his wife.  God heard his cry and she recovered.  But, unlike so many of us, my friend now intercedes for many people.  Often when our personal prayers are answered, we stop interceding. But not this dear friend.

He spends one to two hours every morning and thirty minutes at night praying and interceding for others.  He prays daily for sixteen government leaders and for the Supreme Court judges.  I read a quote a while ago that said that if we prayed as much as we criticize, the world would be a different place.  I believe that!  May God let my actions make it real in my prayer life.

For help on “How to Pray” visit Breakthrough Prayer

Dear Father, forgive us for so often focusing our prayers on “me and mine.”. We should also be interceding for our leaders.  Make us effective intercessors.  Amen

Question: How can we pray faithfully and effectively for our leaders?

About this Author: Katherine Kehler

Is it really possible that we as Christians could significantly impact our cities for Jesus? The Word tells us that we have been given dominion and authority on the earth, and the responsibility to “tend and keep it” (Genesis. 1:26, 2:15). One of the most important ways we exercise that authority is through prayer in Jesus name.

Praise and prayer in the mouths of the people of God are powerful weapons that can break the
chains, open the doors, and set the captives free. So there is a direct link between our decision to pray and the circumstances that are evident around us.

There is a saying, “evil prevails when good men do nothing.” As the people of God we have the authority, power, and responsibility to intercede on behalf of our cities. We have the promise that if we abide in Him, we can ask what we desire (according to His will) and it will be done for us” (John 15:7).

So what is your desire for your city? Is it for healthy unified families, for unity in the church, for honest government, for schools that uphold biblical values? I encourage you to follow the desires that God has set in your heart, engage in unified prayer with others, and watch and see how the Lord will transform your city.

“Jesus said to him, If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9: 23 NKJV).

Questions: What is your desire for your city for your country? What could be your part in seeing that happen?

About the Author Emmie Stanley

Are you searching for purpose in life? Take this Study.

“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14).

The petite rancher’s wife seemed too gentle for the dry and rugged life of interior South America. Yet there she was, willingly working alongside her husband and making a good life for them and their children.  She was oblivious to the quiet peace and joy that radiated from her. This woman knew and depended on her God… and He was there to direct her.

The rural folks lived nearby, trying to make their own living on the dusty dry grasslands. The children especially touched this gentle woman’s heart. She prayed and pondered and spoke with her husband. It would be a big responsibility to start a school on the corner of their ranch. It would be costly and maintaining it would be difficult with little or no government support.

Still, the vision would not leave her. Education was the only chance these children would have to make a better life for themselves.  And she knew they needed Jesus. No one else was there to tell them of His love and His hope for their lives. Her husband donated a sheep and Maria gathered donations of items from interested friends and associates. She would hold a raffle.

And so the first funds were generated for the dream of a little school where children could learn to read and write and hear about the love of Jesus.

The first building to be erected was a small church. The little steeple with the cross on the top stood boldly out against the horizon. A traveling preacher passed by and offered to preach once a week. Little by little the small church acted as a magnet to draw interest and people, teachers and children, donations of food and help. Little by little a small band of interested people, led by the rancher and his wife, sacrificed their own resources to bring a school into being.

I had the privilege of standing in that little church with Maria and other women who, with their husbands, had also captured Maria’s vision and helped bring the school into being. We met the teacher and the pastor who, with his wife, are now house parents to 50 children. These children come from the surrounding area and spend their weeks learning of Jesus and how to read and write. Its taken time and the way has not been easy. Yet the little church has become an anchor in the area as families come and go bringing their children after the weekend and staying to hear of Jesus’ love for them.

A sign on the top of the church says “For the Glory of God Alone”.  The children and the pastor prayed with us as we stood in the hot afternoon sun. We presented a toy to each child. Many had never owned their own toy. They laughed and played and thanked us. Such treasures these children are.  Treasures in the sight of God the Father who loves their child-like faith and whose presence in their lives will change them forever.

All because one woman allowed God to touch her heart. One woman prayed and pondered.  One woman took a simple step of faith and began. Others caught the vision and came along. Today families in the area have a church and the children have a school…  all to the glory of God alone.

“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14).

What is God stirring in your heart? Pray and ponder. Ask for His direction. Take a step of faith and begin.  Who knows what God wants to accomplish through that deep stirring in your heart. It will be all for the glory of God alone. Don’t miss the blessing of obedience.

Father God,
Your kingdom purposes are the things that bring true joy and satisfaction to my heart. Help me to pay attention to the small stirrings in my heart that come from You. Help me to obey. Whether it’s taking muffins across the street or building a school on a ranch, may Your Spirit speak to my spirit and together we will build the kingdom of God….. all for Your glory alone. I ask this, with expectation, in the powerful name of Jesus, amen.

Questions: Has God laid something on your heart but you are unsure of how to bring it to pass? What is stopping you from getting started? What would be your first step?

About the Author Gail Rodgers

It has been said that “if mum is having a good day, the whole family is having a good day!”  And my experience tells me that it is true!

As Canada Day approaches, my thoughts turn to those people who serve our country in elected government positions.  We are admonished to pray for them so that we, the people, can lead peaceable lives. In other words, when the leaders of our country are having a good day, we are all having a good day.

            Leaders who have had a good night sleep, whose families are safe, healthy, intact, understanding and supportive of the leader’s role, are much more able to focus on their jobs and make decisions that well be wise and beneficial for us all. It is good and right for us to remember these leaders and their families in our prayers.

For the month of June, as we look ahead to Canada Day, let us be thankful for those who give so much to serve us, and be mindful in prayer for them, their families, the responsibilities they carry and the decisions they have to make.

Consider what it says in Leviticus 26:8, that five of us shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of us shall put ten thousand to flight!  According to Leviticus, we can have a formidable impact when we band together as a praying army in agreement for our government leaders, and we can expect to have influence for a good day for our nation!

“For I will look on you favorably and make you fruitful, multiply you and confirm My covenant with you.” Leviticus 26:9 (NKJV)

Prayer Points:

• Pray wisdom, courage, and  health for our elected officials and their families
• Pray for those who know the Lord, that they would do their job in a way that reflects Gods ways
• Pray for those who don’t know the Lord, that he would draw them to himself, and use them for His purposes
• Pray that God would put open doors in front of them to be able to accomplish what is good for our nation

    Blessings to you all, Emmie

“The details remain to be determined. However, Canada’s contribution will not include funding of abortions.”

This was one of International Co-operation Minister Bev Oda’s statements regarding the Canadian government’s recent decision to not include abortion funding along with other G8 funding for things such as family planning and the use of contraceptive methods. This decision (at odds with the other G8 countries) has again sparked the abortion debate.

One of the things that is most frustrating about this debate is how little actual discussion occurs. What flies back and forth is usually rhetoric that ignores the most central questions and does little to bridge divides or change minds.

For example, Mark Fried of Oxfam Canada commented that “imposing Canada’s ideological beliefs is ridiculous.” (MetroNews) But this seems to me to be meaningless rhetoric. At the face of it, Mr Fried is decrying imposing of ideological beliefs while simultaneously doing exactly that. It’s like saying “You shouldn’t tell people what to do!” If people shouldn’t do it, why are you doing it? And note carefully the unwritten assumption behind Mr Fried’s remarks: Taking an anti-abortion stance is “imposing Canada’s ideological beliefs”, but taking a pro-abortion stance would not be. This however is wrong. Either way, Canada would be taking an ideological stance on the issue. The question is whether or not it is the correct stance, and name-calling one stance “ridiculous” does little to further constructive discussion.

Elsewhere in the same article, Paul McPhun, operations director for Doctors Without Borders, decries at one moment excluding abortion in a “black and white way”, and the next moment says that “If you want to reduce maternal mortality, you can’t do it in half measures.” It sounds like Mr McPhun does indeed favor treating abortion in a “black and white way”, except that he favors abortion for all instead of abortion for none.

All of these rhetorical flourishes and tangents ignore what seems to me to be the central question in the abortion issue: Is the unborn a human being? If not, then go ahead and kill it. But if it is, we necessarily must be very careful about any talk of killing it at all! Of course we should be concerned and compassionate towards needs of fellow human beings, especially women in third-world countries, but this compassion should not come at the expense of the lives of other human beings. And so we return to the “central question” above: What is the unborn? For a thoughtful exploration of this issue, please pay a visit to Scott Klusendorf’s CaseforLife.com.

If you are considering getting an abortion, or have had an abortion and are dealing with your decision and/or post abortion syndrome, or just need someone to talk with, please feel free to contact an online mentor confidentially to talk privately via email.