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Mark 8:35 - The Right Way to Find Happiness.

Mark 8:35 (NLT) If you try to hang on to 
your life, you will lose it. But if you give up 
your life for my sake and for the sake of the 
Good News, you will save it.  

   In our selfie culture of today, people 
have literally died trying to get the ultimate 
photos of themselves by doing something dangerous. 
We want to look good and give the appearance 
that we have it all together. Basically, were 
obsessed with ourselves. 
   The Bible even says that one of the signs 
of the last days would be that people will love 
only themselves: In the last days there will 
be very difficult times. For people will love 
only themselves and their money. They will be 
boastful and proud, scoffing at God (2 Timothy 
3:1-2 NLT). 
   Is that not an accurate statement of 
today? In contrast to our narcissistic culture, 
Jesus said, If you try to hang on to your life, 
you will lose it. But if you give up your life 
for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, 
you will save it (Mark 8:35 NLT). 
   Jesus was effectively saying, If you 
get your priorities in order, if you deny 
yourself and take up the cross, you will find 
fulfillment in life. Theres nothing wrong with 
wanting to be happy. But it wont come from 
chasing happiness. 
   Heres what you need to know: Selfish 
people are unhappy people. Studies have confirmed 
this. You can get a momentary burst of what we 
might call temporary happiness by doing something 
selfish. But as one expert pointed out, selfish 
happiness fades quickly and then drives you to more 
selfish behavior. 
   On the other hand, acts of selflessness 
bring happiness. Many of us know this from 
experience. When weve done something for someone 
else, putting the needs of another person before 
our own, weve experienced happiness. 
   Thats really what Jesus was saying. 
You wont find happiness by pursuing it. 
Youll find it by putting God first in your life 
and following Him. [Greg Laurie from Harvest 
Ministries; https://www.harvestdaily.com] 

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE

Mark 8:34-37 - FOLLOWING JESUS.

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20211023-0935.html 

YOUR COMMENTS

If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or 
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either 
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in 
hearing from you.  Thanks in advance and let's keep 
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred 
Gibbs  

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

Most Important Decision in Life: 
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0 

A Man without Equal by Bill Bright: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo 

Steps to Peace by Billy Graham: 
https://stepstopeace.org/ 

Seeking God Made Real: 
http://vimeo.com/31489782 

Prayer Made Real: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE 

LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES 

Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: 
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/ 

Amazing Facts Bible Studies: 
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx  

Voice of Prophecy Discover Bible Study 
Guides: 
https://www.voiceofprophecy.com/study/discover 

Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: 
http://www.bibleresearch.info/ 

LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS

Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of 
Adventist World Radio: https://www.awr.org/bible 

Panorama of Prophecy with Pastor Doug 
Batchelor: https://www.panoramaofprophecy.com/  

Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW: 
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens 

Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657  

Islam and Christianity in Prophecy, The 
Third and Final Conflict by Tim Roosenberg: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHSJB-fuHLU&list=PLWhQIHGTHlkaGg5Cwe3NDzWtFX8vNSpsE