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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue # 492 May 16, 2002 Joy It was an easy day to be in a good mood. It was the first sunny, warm day after a period of extended fall dreariness. The rain had stopped at last and the forecast was for warm sunny weather for at least a week or more. Everywhere I went people were smiling and friendly. It seemed as if a huge weight had been lifted off their shoulders. The cashiers at the market made pleasant small talk and people on the street said hello. The forecast was wrong. That night a storm rolled in and it rained for two days straight before clearing up again. What a difference. These same pleasant smiling people were surly, frowning and generally unhappy. If they made small talk at all it was about how miserable life was in general and the weather was in specific. That’s the way of the happiness of this world; it depends on the circumstances around us. It is transitory and fragile. It is the closest to true joy most people ever get. The joy of the Lord is something else entirely. It comes from deep within our Spirit. It doesn’t matter what the circumstances in our lives are. It’s more than happiness, it is peace, hope, comfort, a sense of purpose and more all rolled into one. Like anyone else we can still go through down periods but the joy of the Lord is still there providing hope and comfort. Our joy is not dependant on other people or circumstances. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9 NIV You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence Acts 2:28 NIV Until next time, no matter what life throws you, rejoice in the Lord. His joy overcomes all things. Be blessed today. Hallelu Yah Kevin Do you know the real joy that can only come from having a personal relationship with Jesus? Email me and I’ll share some Bible verses that explain why a personal relationship with Jesus is so important and a prayer that will make it possible. Or simply begin the relationship by saying a prayer along the lines of: Dear God: I have made many mistakes in my life and done things I am not proud of. I need your love and forgiveness. I believe that you came into this world and gave your life on a cross to pay for my sins and that you defeated death and rose again. Please forgive me, and be the Lord of my life. I give my life to you Lord. Amen If you pray this prayer let me know and I will direct you to some free non-denominational resources that will help you grow in that newfound relationship. Did you know that at Gleanings, we have a dedicated team of prayer warriors and all prayer concerns are kept strictly confidential? Your comments, your questions and your joys are shared with the prayer team, to keep me accountable as the head of the ministry and to encourage them as they see God at work in your life. As with prayer all these things are kept confidential within the Gleanings team. To share your prayer concerns and praise reports email us at corbin_writer@shaw.ca If you enjoy this issue of Gleanings From The Word, email it, in its entirety, to a friend. For information on use of Gleanings in your church newsletter or other situations please visit the permissions page To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit http://hundred-acre-woods.com/magic-list/lists/ or email me at corbin_writer@shaw.ca Archived issues of Gleanings From The Word can be found on our web site http://gleanings.jesusanswers.com To share your thoughts on this issue of Gleanings, or to share prayer concerns email us at corbin_writer@shaw.ca or write us at Gleanings From The Word 114 Oak St Sherwood Park, AB Canada T8A 0V8 © 2002 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin Gleanings From The Word Ministries International All Rights Reserved
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