{"id":21851,"date":"2023-07-22T00:01:37","date_gmt":"2023-07-22T07:01:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/?p=21851"},"modified":"2023-07-21T10:27:35","modified_gmt":"2023-07-21T17:27:35","slug":"finding-real-fulfillment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/finding-real-fulfillment\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding Real Fulfillment"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><a href=\"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Finding Real Fulfillment.mp3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-474\" src=\"http:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/SEV-CampfireAudio.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"375\" height=\"108\" srcset=\"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/SEV-CampfireAudio.jpg 375w, https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/SEV-CampfireAudio-300x86.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px\" \/><\/a>PSALM 66 : 8&#8211;14<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>NKJV:<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><\/b><b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">8. \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u201cOh bless our God; you peoples!<\/b><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>And make the voice of His praise to be heard,<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><\/b><b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">9. \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/span>Who keeps our soul among the living,<\/b><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>And does not allow our feet to be moved.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><\/b><b>10. \u00a0 For You, O God, have tested us;<\/b><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>You have refined us as silver is refined.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><\/b><b>11. \u00a0 \u00a0You brought us into the net;<\/b><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>You laid affliction on our backs.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><\/b><b>12. \u00a0 \u00a0You have caused men to ride over our heads;<\/b><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/b><b>We went through fire and through water;<\/b><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/b><b>But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><\/b><b>13. \u00a0 \u00a0I will go into Your house with burnt offerings;<\/b><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>I will pay You my vows,<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><\/b><b>14. \u00a0 \u00a0Which my lips have uttered,<\/b><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>And my mouth has spoken when I was in trouble.\u201d<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Distractions, distractions, distractions,&#8230;.life is full of them.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Everywhere people turn, there seems to be another great thing, opportunity, person to meet, or organization to join that will provide you with everything you would ever want or need with little, if any, effort required on your part.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>All of these worldly offerings promise fulfillment, contentment, and long term happiness.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span><b>But the contentment that the world offers is fleeting and incomplete.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b> Some blessings and rewards flow initially, but all too soon they dry up and cease to exist.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>All too often the costs and expenses incurred with the taking of this offered chance to win far exceed the revenue you receive or the benefit you obtain from the taking of this chance.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>The financial result becomes a net loss&#8230;.and you find yourself back at the starting point you previously occupied when the big chance came crashing into your life&#8230;albeit poorer than before you started.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b>Thankfully, the fulfillment that God offers is all encompassing and everlasting.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Sometimes, amid the inevitable hustle and bustle of life here on earth, we can temporarily forfeit the joy of having Christ in our life as we wrestle with the challenges of daily living.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Distractions push us off course.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Distractions take us away from consistently working our new found businesses.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Distractions interrupt our making new friends and developing new personal relationships.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span><b>Yet<\/b> <b>God\u2019s Word is completely clear:<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>fulfillment through Christ and your obedience to His Instructions is available to all who seek it and claim it.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Joy, happiness, and long term peace of mind all exist in people\u2019s lives and can also be a part of your life,&#8230;if you have discovered the Lord Jesus Christ and have accepted Him into your own heart.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">I sincerely hope that you have done that very thing.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>I sincerely hope that you can count yourself among the number of people who are known as Believers in Christ.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Happiness and real fulfillment is achieved through a series of actions, efforts, and events.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>It is a process of sorts that takes you down the real path that you desire to follow culminating in the greatest joy and blessing for which you have been searching. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Seek first a personal, transforming relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, and then claim the joy, the fulfillment, and the spiritual abundance that the Shepherd (Jesus) offers His sheep (those who believe in Him).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Pastor, author, and world evangelist, Billy Graham once said, \u201c<b>We<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>are never more fulfilled than when our longing for God is met by His presence in our lives.\u201d<\/b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>What a profound statement of truth he gave to his listeners.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Other great men and women have also made similar statements of guidance to those folks who are seeking that lasting, eternal happiness that only Jesus Christ offers.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Peace of mind, soundness of mind, and full<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>knowledge of where you will spend your eternal future after your life on this earth expires,&#8230;gives you a stability that only Believers in the Lord Jesus possess.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>This strong and stable foundation on which to live your life provides the basis that enables those who have it,&#8230;to face all kinds of challenges, distractions, irritants, anxieties, tribulations, and battles while still maintaining their peace of mind, creative productivity, and calm countenance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Golf teacher and author, Harvey Penick, once remarked, \u201c<b>Accept your disappointments and triumphs equally.<\/b>\u201d<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Maintaining your emotional stability is a mark of a mature Christian. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Problems, challenges, and set backs are all a part of life.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>You are going to have to deal with them whether you want to or not.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>God allows pain and suffering into your life so as to redirect your path of travel.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Professional golfer, Peter Jacobsen said it well when he stated, \u201c <b>A bogey can be like a wake-up call.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>It can snap you back mentally.<\/b>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">When you know who you really are in Christ, you will always be able to bounce back from any adversity.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Pro golfer, Hale Irwin emphasized this Truth of Life when he said, \u201c<b>You can talk strategy all you want, but what really matters is resiliency.<\/b>\u201d<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>All the great leaders of other people possess and exhibit this tremendous character trait of resiliency.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">I hope you can see from this discussion that all real and true fulfillment in your life can only come from your Creator, God Almighty.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Consequently I would tell you that if you want to increase your sense of fulfillment, then earnestly strive to find God\u2019s predetermined path for your life&#8230;.and follow it!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Once you have discovered that which you are seeking, then grow in The Lord.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Read and ponder His written Word daily.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Learn what He wants you do with the precious average 75-80 years He has given you to live on this earth.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span><b>Use your life and energies to love, serve, and benefit your fellow man.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Put other people first before satisfying your personal needs and desires, and always give all the praise, honor, and glory for your accomplishments to God.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Remember what the Word of God tells us through the psalmist.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b>Psalm 119 : 73&#8211;78<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>ESV:<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><\/b><b>73. \u00a0 \u00a0\u201cYour hands have made and fashioned me;<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>give me understanding that I may learn your<\/b><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>commandments.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><\/b><b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">74. \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/span>Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,<\/b><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>because I have hoped in your word.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><\/b><b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">75. \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/span>I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous,<\/b><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><\/b><b><\/b><b>76. \u00a0 \u00a0Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your<\/b><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/b><b>promise to your servant.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><\/b><b>77. \u00a0 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;<\/b><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>For your law is my delight.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><\/b><b>78. \u00a0 Let the insolent be put to shame,<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>because they have wronged me with falsehood;<\/b><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.\u201d<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Knowing who you are in Christ gives you an internal spiritual power that makes you bulletproof to the problems and challenges that you face every day.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Grow closer to God daily through the reading and feeding on His written Word.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b>God\u2019s Greatest Blessings to All of You&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>PSALM 66 : 8&#8211;14\u00a0 NKJV: 8. \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u201cOh bless our God; you peoples! \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 And make the voice of His praise to be heard, 9. \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Who keeps our soul among the living, \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 &hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/finding-real-fulfillment\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21851","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-spiritual-believers"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21851","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21851"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21851\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21853,"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21851\/revisions\/21853"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21851"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21851"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21851"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}