After thinking about last week’s sermon message about bitterness, I have tried to practice applying wisdom, purity, peace-loving qualities, consideration, submissiveness, mercy, the bounty of good fruits, impartiality and sincerity in my daily life. I can tell you that it has been very hard for me to not be bitter at bitter situations and people. However, I have learned that a physical smile helps to remind me to refocus into godly reactions. I intentionally make myself smile when I am in difficult situations and it has been working 99 percent of the time. There must be a connection between our facial muscles and our hearts. We find in Proverbs, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” I think that it is true that the joyful heart makes our heart thankful in any circumstance.
I have chosen an anthem for this Sunday’s 11:00 AM service with the thought in mind to share a smile and some happiness with you all. The anthem is called, “If You’re Happy, Say Amen!” It not only makes us feel joyful but it helps us to think about the root of happiness in our hearts–Jesus. Mario Gonzales and Jason Richards will praise with the choir through their instruments of double bass and drums.
Also, at the 8:00 AM service, I will sing an old hymn, “Thank You God” as an offertory. I used to sing this song in Korean during difficult times to remind myself how faithful my God has been. I pray that we all lift our joyful hearts up to the Lord through the worship services. Come let us sing together joyful songs to the Lord!
These are the lyrics of the songs.
If you’re happy, say Amen! By André J. Thomas
If you’re happy and you know it, say, “Amen!” say, “Amen!” Amen! Amen! Look in the manger! See the little baby! See him at the temple, talking to the elders. See Him at the seaside, preaching to the people. See Him on the cross bearing all our sins. Died to save us! Rose on Easter! Amen!
Thanks to God
Thanks to God for my Redeemer, Thanks for all Thou dost provide!
Thanks for times now but a memory, Thanks for Jesus by my side!
Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime, Thanks for dark and stormy fall!
Thanks for tears by now forgotten, Thanks for peace within my soul!
Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered, Thanks for what Thou dost deny!
Thanks for storms that I have weathered, Thanks for all Thou dost supply!
Thanks for pain, and thanks for pleasure, Thanks for comfort in despair!
Thanks for grace that none can measure, Thanks for love beyond compare!
Thanks for roses by the wayside, Thanks for thorns their stems contain!
Thanks for home and thanks for fireside, Thanks for hope, that sweet refrain!
Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow, Thanks for heav’nly peace with Thee!
Thanks for hope in the tomorrow, Thanks through all eternity!
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