The words of Jeremy Taylor, the 17th century Anglican bishop, continue to haunt my mind: "God threatens terrible things, if we will not be happy."

I think he's right, but it raises a whole bunch of other questions. For instance...

• Does that mean if I'm not happy I won't go to heaven when I die?
• What if I'm not by nature a "happy" person?
• If I have to endure terrible tragedy in life, do I dare mourn?
• If Jeremy Taylor is right, why don't Christians emphasize God's intent that we be happy more?

Another thought on this, the Bible is indiscriminate in its pleasure language: joy, satisfaction, happiness, contentment... it's all used interchangeably in the Bible. How do I take pleasure in God consistently when life is such an emotional roller coaster? And what if I don't delight in God now? How do I get it? 

I intend to explore this some more this coming Sunday 8:15 a.m. and at 10:30 a.m. Hope to see you there.

I am so looking forward to our Dedication and Open House for the new church facility here at Mitchell Wesleyan Church. I look forward to meeting so many new people who have said they plan on stopping by. Our schedule is:
        8:15 a.m. -- Traditional service with dedication prayer
        9:30 a.m. -- Cultivate classes for all ages
      10:30 a.m. -- Contemporary service with dedication prayer
      11:30 - 2 pm -- Facility tours with a stand-up lunch for all who attend

Do pray for this event to be God-honoring.