Happiness as defined by Merriam-Webster’s dictionary is a state of well-being and contentment, joy, or a pleasurable or satisfying experience. To be holy is defined as exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness.
Growing up in the Catholic church I understood being holy as the individuals who lead us in church, the priests and deacons, and of course Jesus. I never thought of myself as ever being holy since my actions were not even close to emulating that. Through many bible studies and wonderful Christian friends, I have learned that Jesus died to allow us to become righteous and holy in God’s eyes. Through repentance, shifting my focus outward, spending more time in prayer, and walking in His way, the happier I am. This is not to say that I get it right all the time, absolutely not, I am still a work in progress.
When I walk outside the lines God has placed there is this nudge from the Holy Spirit. I feel Him tug at me saying things like, was that really a nice way to respond to your husband when he was just trying to help you? Were those words uplifting or encouraging for your daughter or did they just bring her down? These reminders keep me coming back to Jesus asking for forgiveness and it’s what brings me back to happiness and holiness.
May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13
As we reposition our focus toward others and show them love by our actions, we are walking down the narrow path God has laid out for us. We are walking toward holiness.
God calls us to be His holy people. If you look in the New Testament when Paul addresses the crowds of people, he calls them God’s holy people.
To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours. 1 Corinthians 1:2
To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:7
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people. Ephesians 1:18
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12
The podcast I am reviewing this week is one of my favorite authors and podcasters, Annie F. Downs, “That Sounds Fun”, Episode 244 with Dr. Derwin L. Gray. Derwin was a professional NFL player with the Indiana Colts and then for the Charlotte Panthers. He is the founding and lead pastor of Transformation Church (TC), a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped community in Indian Land, South Carolina.
This episode had so many great points, from how Derwin and his wife Vicki came to know Christ, to speaking to your friends about Christianity, prayer, and his new book called “The Good Life”. The notes I took were seven small notebook pages, wow, my hand ached after that. I will hit on a few of the topics but I highly recommend you listen to the entire episode.
Derwin explained his experience of friends sharing Christ with him and his wife. He said “When people shared Christ with us, they were not threating us like you are immoral, you are sinning. It was a presentation of here is what Christ has done, here is who He is and this is how He loves you, enter into this. It wasn’t a threat it was an invitation. Sin was acknowledged and repentance was needed. It was an invitation to grace.”
Annie asks Derwin “What would you go back and say to your nineteen-year old Derwin Gray?” Derwin responds “What I would have said to myself is you are going to accomplish everything you want and more and when you do you are going to find out that you are empty. There is someone with living water that wants to fill you with love and grace and mercy. I was too full of myself to receive Christ at nineteen.”
Derwin’s new book “The Good Life” is based off of the Beatitudes in Matthew 5. It talks about happy are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven, happy are those who mourn for they will be comforted, happy are the merciful. Derwin asks “Can we please show each other some mercy? We are like living in a world of payaras and we are eating each other alive and Satan is loving it!”
Derwin points out “Jesus describes these seven characteristics that lead to happiness. A happy life which is a holy life. The life of happiness that leads to the holy life. The beatitudes turn us into the people we want to be friends with.” I absolutely love that!
They go on to talk about how to be a peacemaker and how we should mourn with those who mourn. Such good advice that will help heal our nation if we will heed it.
Friends, I pray this has helped you to seek more happiness through looking at God’s word and applying it to your life. I am grateful you took the time to read this and I am praying for you. Let me know if there is anything I can specifically be praying for you.
“That Sounds Fun Podcast”, Episode 244, Dr. Derwin Gray
“The Good Life” book by Derwin Gray
Transformation Church, Pastor Derwin Gray
Follow me on Instagram @thegodlypodreview
Follow me on Twitter @thegodlypodrev1
thegodlypodreview.wordpress.com 
There is just a single joy in this life, to adore and be cherished. Thanks for sharing your post.
LikeLike
Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate you.
LikeLike