THE MONKEY TEACHES HOW TO BE HAPPY

"If it makes a monkey happy, then I'll try it too."

Steve and I have used this saying for years around our house. We try to eat one banana every day. I don't know if it helps but it's funny. There are times we remind each other we need to eat more bananas.

Have you ever wished mankind could be more like some of the other creations God made?

The monkey is so carefree and happy, swinging from the trees, content with whatever comes his way.

Mankind seems to be so unhappy sometimes. Why is this? God gave us more to be happy for than any of his other creatures.

We should be rejoicing and jumping with joy over what he has done for us.

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. (Psalm 34:8)

I believe all we do should involve the Lord, whether it is eating, drinking, or working. We should give God praise.

We should use all five senses in worship and praise for our Lord.

Ø  Whenever we taste something that is good, give God praise.

Ø  Whenever we touch something that is good, give God praise.

Ø  Whenever we smell something that is good, give God praise.

Ø  Whenever we hear something that is good, give God praise.

Ø  Whenever we see something that is good, give God praise.

The word raise is in the word praise. Don't pass it by. Take the time to raise your voices, raise your hands, and raise your eyes to the Creator of all good things.

If all God's people put this into effect our world would be changed. We have no reason not to be praising God for all he has done for us.

Some business owners in places we've been have told us, "The worst group of people to serve is the Christians."

Shame on us for acting this way! We need to start exercising our praise in private so that when we are in public, it's our nature to offer praise instead of criticism.

Our lives are filled with hurried people, running to the store; getting items for parties or events. There are long lines in the store and on the roadways in which we must wait. If you have to, put a banana in your grocery cart or car as a reminder to be happy. Whatever you do, show people the love of God.

The verse below uses the word "comfort." When you show forth God's praise and joy to others, it can bring them great comfort so let's take the time to do as the word of God says.

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

(II Corinthians 1:3-4)