Robert W. Whipple
I saw a book one time called The Happiest People on Earth. The inevitable question we ask when we see that title is, what does it take to be happy? Have you ever asked yourself that?
The Natural and the Spiritual
Every area of our life has two forces working and operating simultaneously, the natural force and the spiritual force. Both forces operate invisibly. The natural and the spiritual were never meant to be separated. They can operate independently, but were designed to work together to maximize a truly meaningful life.
Long-lasting happiness results from knowing that, no matter who you are, God has a plan for you. Contrary to popular belief, God is not mad at you or waiting to pass judgement or condemnation on you. He is not out in the cosmos with a Texas-sized fly swatter ready to slap you down. It does not matter what you have done in the past or even if you have trouble believing in Him. He still wants you to know He has a plan for your life—a great and meaningful plan. One of the first steps of happiness is not having to figure out life on your own. Wow, how nice that is! The Bible puts it plainly when it says, roll all your cares on the Lord. If that doesn’t put things in the right perspective, nothing will. God loves you today and He has a wonderful plan for your life, in the spiritual and even in the natural. (A few examples of the natural are: riding your motorcycle, pickleball, softball, and even playing golf.) No matter how you feel, what your circumstance looks like or what you have been through, you have the opportunity to trust in something so much bigger than you. God wants to have a relationship with you seven days a week. That is important because the next step to long-lasting happiness is building a wonderful relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Fellowship at the Ranch
In the natural, one of the next steps is developing relationships with people. Fellowship at the Ranch is a group of like-minded people growing together. That’s why our tagline is “One of the Friendliest Churches Right Here in Your Own Backyard.”
There are multiple benefits of being a part of Fellowship at the Ranch. One of my favorites is our spiritual leaders along with our pastor, Ed Jones, have the common goal in mind to be right in the center of God’s will. Bottom line, being in the center of God’s will is where you are going to find the most fulfillment, which produces real happiness.
Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”