Date: 2026-02-08
AO: 3rd-f
Q: Schnitzel
PAX: Sharpie, Cobra Kai, Pinto, Web, Schnitzel, Dipstick, Mr Rogers, Yogi (Florence)
FNGs: None
COUNT: 8
CONDITIONS: Cold.

WARMUP: prayer

THE THANG:
“If I just had more _, I would be happy?

• money,
• Power
• Success
• Better job
• The list may go on and on…

what are we really chasing when we say we want happiness and so we know?

We opened by acknowledging the cultural lie most of us have absorbed without realizing it: “If I just get a little more—money, status, control, recognition, rest—then I’ll finally be happy.”

The problem is that happiness tied to circumstances is fragile. As soon as life shifts, so does our contentment.

We looked at Solomon’s reflection in Ecclesiastes, a man who had wealth, success, pleasure, and influence—yet still concluded it was “a chasing after the wind.” The takeaway was clear: if happiness is the goal, it will always stay just out of reach.

From there, we turned to Jesus’ words in Matthew 5. The Beatitudes flip our definition of happiness upside down.

Jesus calls men blessed—deeply joyful—not when life is easy, but when they are humble, grieving, hungry for righteousness, and enduring hardship. Joy, according to Jesus, isn’t the absence of pain—it’s the presence of purpose.

We contrasted happiness vs. joy:

• Happiness is circumstance-driven and temporary
• Joy is purpose-driven and resilient

James writes in James 1:2–4 that trials produce perseverance and maturity.

Paul echoes this in Romans 5, reminding us that suffering forms character and ultimately leads to hope. The truth landed hard: God is more interested in our formation than our comfort.

We closed with Matthew 6:33, a call to reorder our pursuits—seek first the Kingdom. Joy is not something we chase directly; it’s a byproduct of pursuing who God created us to be.

As Psalm 16:11 says, “In His presence there is fullness of joy.”

Each man was challenged to reflect on what he is currently chasing and whether it’s shaping him—or controlling him.

The reminder we left with was simple but heavy:

Stop chasing happiness.
Chase purpose.
Joy will meet you there.

MARY: prayer

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
5K F3 Race this coming Valentine’s Day – see channel for details

PRAYER REQUEST:
Schools, us as fathers, husbands, men in the community

BOM: Pinto

MOLESKIN:
Hard is not bad, it’s just hard! True joy is forged in the fire’s of hard! I am thankful that I have a God that works beyond my circumstances!! To Him be the Glory!