***Secret to Happiness*

        In today's Gospel reading from Mark 9, Jesus said to the Twelve, "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all." If you always want to be first in serving yourself, you keep feeding your ego and one day it'll get so puffed-up and take complete control of you, possibly ruining your soul forever. On the other hand, if you only want to serve all others for God's sake, you'll enjoy freedom and peace and become first in his eyes. It's choosing to feel good for a little while or be truly happy for all eternity.

**Perfect Obedience = Spiritual Success

        Apart from the Lord, we can do nothing, for he is the vine and we are the branches (John 15:5). Whatever we conquer spiritually, it's the Lord conquering it through us. Victory is assured when we let him lead and command us. Perfect obedience to the Lord is the key to spiritual success.