When almost every human choice is made with happiness in mind, why do we continue to miss out on lasting happiness? Perhaps happiness isn’t something we pursue but rather something that ensues…What if happiness is not stuff we fill up on but something we make room for? Real happiness may not be something out there at all (material) but something in here (spiritual).
In this compelling narrative, best-selling author Mike Hayes and Dr. Jeffrey Garner journey through the eight beloved Beatitudes from Jesus’ revolutionary Sermon on the Mount. Religious and non-religious readers alike will smile and feel inspired in learning that Jesus, despite popular understandings, was in fact deeply invested in human happiness. Jesus’ happiness, however, consoles sorrow, embraces emptiness, confronts injustice, and is even present in our suffering—all that we avoid in our search for happiness. Aptly reframing the Beatitudes as happy oracles, Mike and Jeffrey share personal stories and historical insights that optimize Jesus’ happy message for a 21st century audience. This book challenges our cultural conceptions of happiness and beautifully guides the reader into Jesus’ Real Happy life.
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As christians we often feel like we should be happy but our reality doesn't always hit the mark. This book offers an in-depth study of the beatitudes found in Matthew 5. Jesus addresses the attitudes we have (feeling inadequate, sad, fearful,and/or experiencing injustice, etc.) and uses them as invitations to come to Him. The book explores how God wants to bless us; he wants us to be happy and fulfilled in Him. Most people do not see the extraordinary hope within ourselves, but God sees that in us. The book is encouraging and engaging. Mike Hayes and Dr. Jeffery Gardner uses relatable experiences in our lives to help understand the topics. In addition, each chapter contains prayer and declarations to take action.
I was part of the beta reading team for this book and it has transformed the way I view God and myself. It’s truly a no fluff happiness handbook with a wealth of information. I appreciate that it referenced old philosophers and the Bible. It’s a great handbook for Christians and non-Christians alike. I will be reading this probably annually as a reminder to myself of true happiness and hopefully focusing on something new from the book each time. Please do yourself a favor and buy this book!! You won’t regret it!