Happy Is The Man

The very first Psalm in the Bible (Psalm 1:1) begins by saying, "Happy is the man," and then it goes on to talk about the things that a happy man shouldn't do, and some things that he should. God is teaching us how to “feed our happy.” So I have to ask, does God want us to be happy? Sometimes the world and even some Christians think that it is better for Christians to be miserable. But if God is giving us instructions on how to be happy, He must want us to be happy. The world will tell you that happy comes from what you have. “Well, if only I had the perfect house,” or “a bigger pay check," or “the perfect spouse,” but God's way is different. Here in Psalm 1, He is explaining that we “feed our happy” by what we do, not by what we have. I believe God wants you to have nice stuff, you’re a child of the King and a joint heir with Christ, but your happiness doesn’t hinge on what you have, but instead, on what you do. "Happy is the man who delights in the word of God." Yeah, happy is THAT guy. So get out your smile, and then get out your Bible and “feed your happy!” #feedyourhappy

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

Inward Renewal

Sometimes it’s like two o’clock in the afternoon, and the day just hasn’t gone the way you had hoped it would. You know what I mean. It’s that day that seems like everything has gone wrong. Or maybe you’re just worn down, tired or stressed. 2 Corinthians 4:16, says, “We do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” God is renewing us from the inside out. The inside is more powerful than the outside. This is how God wins in our lives. The outward problem that pushes on us is no match for the God power that is on the inside of us. God has made you more than a conqueror on the inside. He is renewing you right now―every day a little more renewal. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead is bringing you new strength, every day. So don’t be stressed out by the troubles the world brings to you. Instead, look to Jesus on the inside of you―He’s so much bigger! This is why we don’t lose heart; you and me―we just keep going. You see, with that kind of strength, we can’t be stopped.

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

Being Thankful

In Luke 17:11 is a story of ten men with leprosy, who beg Jesus for healing. Jesus tells them to go and show themselves to the Priests, and as they go to do this, BOOM, they are healed. After they are healed, one of them runs back, throws himself at Jesus’ feet and thanks him. This man was a Samaritan. So Jesus says, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” This is a lesson in being grateful. Every day someone will do something nice for you, like wash your clothes, give you some food, hold a door for you, or teach you something new. And every day is a new batch of air for you to breathe, a new sunrise, a new start. Every day God is doing things for you. Gratefulness is the right reaction. Out of ten people, only one is thankful. Today let that one person be you. When something good happens to you, say “Thank you.” Give it a try, right now―say, “Thank you, Pastor Jason…”

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

Understanding

Psalm 32:9 says, "Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by a bit and bridle or they will not come to you." God wants us to be pliable, teachable and listening for his voice. When God prompts you to do something, do you respond quickly with a good attitude? Do you involve the Lord in your decisions? Do you ask Him for guidance BEFORE you make those decisions? Are you flexible and ready to be obedient to Him, regardless of where He leads you? The Lord wants us to be quick to obey and also have UNDERSTANDING. Where do we get this "understanding?" Actually, it’s hidden in the Bible, but revealed to us by the Spirit, when we read it. If we spend time studying God's word, praying for guidance and listening for His voice, we will be the type of disciples that don’t need to be told many times to do a task, and we won’t need to be coerced into doing what He desires. When we get to heaven, we want to be the disciples who hear, "Well done good and faithful servant!" I want to be that kind of disciple, and I know you do too!

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

He Did Good

In Acts 10:38, we’re told that "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil." So what did Jesus do? Well, he did “good.” And He was healing “all.” Yeah, not just some, but whoever came to Jesus for healing got a whole bunch of it. Blind? Healed. Leper? Healed. Lame? Healed. Okay, so pay attention to this last part—it says that He was healing all who were “under the power of the devil.” So let's make sure we all understand… the junk in our lives that needs healing… it’s from the devil! It's in his bag of tricks. It is Satan who brings destruction, sickness, disease and cruddy stuff like that. According to this verse, it is Satan that was holding them in their sickness. Jesus isn't okay with that! And, just so we’re clear, God and Satan don’t share similar traits. You see, it didn’t say that God had made some of them sick. I like how this says it better—Satan did it, and Jesus didn’t like it. So when the junk in life comes your way, remember clearly who it is that is trying to mess with you, and who it is that has saved you… and remember who is stronger.

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee