Today is Monday, January 25th, 2010; Karen's Korner #1746
A couple of paragraphs which introduce readers of my Life Application Living Bible to the book of Philippians:
"The word happiness evokes visions of unwrapping gifts on Christmas morning, strolling hand in hand with the one you love, being surprised on your birthday, responding with unbridled laughter to a comedian, or vacationing in an exotic locale. Everyone wants to be happy; we make chasing this elusive ideal a lifelong pursuit: spending money, collecting things, and searching for new experiences. But if happiness depends upon our circumstances, what happens when the toys rust, loved ones die, health detriorates, money is stolen, and the party's over? Often happiness flees and despair sets in.
"In contrast to happiness stands joy. Running deeper and stronger, joy is the quiet, confident assurance of God's love and work in our lives, that he will be there no matter what! Happiness depends on happenings, but joy depends on Christ!"
"In a life dedicated to serving Christ, Paul had faced excruciating poverty, abundant wealth, and everything in-between. He ever wrote this joyful letter from prison. Whatever the circumstances, Paul had learned to be content, finding real joy as he focused all of his attention and energy on knowing Christ and obeying him."
There are four chapters in the book of Philippians; each of the chapters has as its theme:
# 1 - Joy in suffering
# 2 - Joy in serving
# 3 - Joy in believing
#4 - Joy in giving
It's a total of about 100 verses; might be good reading for all of us as we are tucked away on some of these wintry days and nights!
"Always be full of joy in the Lord;
I say it again,
REJOICE!"
~ Philippians 4:4
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