Last night our church family gathered for a New Year’s Eve Party. We ate. We sang. We laughed. We played games. We even had a balloon drop at midnight. And we hugged and wished each other a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Those words have a special ring to them. They are filled with joy. Excitement. Expectation. And well-wishes. They usher in the new year with a renewed hope. Optimism for better days ahead. The feeling of a fresh start. A clean slate. The opportunity to begin anew.
And yet too often people look for a happy new year in all the wrong places. Advertisers tell us that happiness can be enjoyed if we use the right toothpaste. Wear stylish clothes. Drive a fancy car. Or vacation in luxury resorts. More possessions does not mean greater happiness. Jesus said, “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Lk. 12:15).
Others think happiness is found in better circumstances, a new house or a different spouse. Robert J. Hastings was right when he wrote, “Places and circumstances never guarantee happiness. You must decide within yourself whether you want to be happy. And once you’ve decided that, happiness comes much easier.” Paul said that he had enjoyed abundance, suffered need, was up and down, but in all of this he had learned in whatever circumstance he was to be content.” (Phil 4:11-12).
The word “happy” comes from an old English word “hap” which means chance. It has to do with chance. Luck. Fortune. Or fate. True happiness is more than that. A happy new year is not based on happenstance. Or blind chance. It has more to do with choice.
Abraham Lincoln once said, “I think most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. The late Groucho Marx said it well, “Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it.”
But let me take this one step further. I think real happiness. True happiness. Eternal happiness is found in Jesus. It is seeking a purpose in life greater than one’s self. It is internal instead of external. It is spiritual, not carnal. It is heavenly, not earthly. It is what the Bible calls “the joy of faith.” In fact, really happiness is a by-product.
Happiness for value-driven Believers is found in holiness. When we live righteously Seek those things which are above. Pursue purity. And live a life that is God-centered. Serving others. And selfless. We enjoy happiness that is found in holiness.
So, from KCMO, Norma Jean and I wish for each of you, in the best possible way, a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
ThePreachersWord 
Happy New Year and God bless!
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Happy New Year to you and Norma Jean. I deeply appreciate all the great articles you write. I enjoy them and use bits and pieces almost every day. May your year be filled with happiness and joy as your work in God’s Kingdom.
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Thanks, JB. I appreciate it.
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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Hi Ken, I wanted to confirm our meeting scheduled to begin this fall on sept 14. Happy New Year, Kevin Wright E.Alton C of Christ
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Just want to let you know how much I enjoy your articles. I started receiving them a few months ago through J.B. Williams. I have used them in invitations and have even edited them to fit our bulletin. Hope you do not mind your thoughts being used by others. Always give you credit. Keep up the good work. James C. McJunkins, Saratoga, Arkansas
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How come only she always looks younger each year in the new year photo?
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Congratulations…. this family photo is now the most viewed Preacher Man for 2014!!
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Ken – Happy New Year to you and Norma Jean! Thanks for all that you do for HIM and The Body!!
Ron Kochik – Crane Hill, Alabama
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Happy New Year! I love finding a preacher man with a blog! How awesome~ I have never came across one before in my blogging world.
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Really? I know several.
I’ve beenblogging for 2 years now. Today was post #571. Let me invite you to browse some of the 100+ topics on my blog. Thanks for checking it out. And thanks fortaking the time to comment.
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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Happy New Year! Stooping by from UBC on FB, and glad I did!
Nice to see another “word nerd”, as my family calls me, writing for the Savior! Stopped by because I had to, but I’ll be back because I choose to. 🙂
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Thanks! I appreciate it!
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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This post is blessed confirmation for me. I just finished a blog post regarding joy in the Holy Spirit. So excited to read more about God’s joy!
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Thank you!
I appreciate you reading and taking the time to comment
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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