They are often words we say without giving them any thought, but their meanings and, just as importantly, their implications, can have a huge impact on both ourselves and other people.

So far, we have looked at the words 'I' and 'if' respectively. These two words are so little that you would be forgiven for not even noticing them on the page. But this month our word is a little bit easier to see! It is the word 'joy'. Rev'd Jess thought it would be a nice one to look into.

Hmmm, I hear you grumble, "Not much of that around nowadays! What with wars, crime, floods, drought, global warming, multiple air crashes, multitudes of car crashes, poverty, inflation,,,,,,," STOP! Enough already! Seek and you will find and find joy you will!

It may be when you wake up to a gloriously sunny morning, when your daughter gives birth to new life, when your favourite football team gets promoted or when you settle down at the end of the evening and experience your daily communion with our Lord.

Prayers do get answered you know. I can speak from personal experience. If you don't pray then I suggest you give it a try, especially if there is little joy in your life.

In Christianity, joy is a prime factor. St Paul got it spot on when he wrote in his long letter to the fledgling but divided Roman Church:

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit". Ch 15, v13.

Why not search your Bible for other examples of where the word 'joy' can be found? The New International Bible features it over 150 times. St Paul used it several times when writing from his prison cell to the Philippian Church.

I thank you for reading this and I hope you enjoyed the experience! If you have any comments you would like to make then please flip over to our Contact page.

All Biblical text examples used in this series of articles are from the New International Version of the Bible.

Ken.

PLEASE NOTE. This and all other entries in 'News and Notices' are usually listed in order of date published or amended.