The Essence of Joy ― An Uncovering of Its True Meaning

Having known and followed the leading of the Lord Jesus for over forty years, I have discovered true joy. Attaining to the precepts and concepts of joy will bring a calmness of mind and heart; a hope, contentment, and confidence you never had before.

One of the many facets of the Holy Spirit is joy. How beautiful is the fact that when the character and nature of God are alive in a believer, there is no spiritual law that can be binding upon that person? When you are walking in the Spirit, you will not allow the flesh to dictate what you do! You are truly walking in the freedom Jesus promised you.

Maybe you have questions like I did: So, what exactly is JOY? Where is its origin? What does it encompass? How is it expressed? How can I make it mine? You can find those answers and more as you delve into the following pages of this book and learn how to experience joy in your life.

Why twenty-one chapters? Experts say it takes twenty-one days to form a new habit. By reading one chapter a day for the next twenty-one days, you will form a new opinion of the definition of the word joy based on the truth of God's Word. And, with that understanding, you will see your life from a new perspective and experience the essence of joy.

Mrs. Shirley Melnick Kelly accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior in 1974 and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit in 1976. Throughout the years, her walk with Jesus has led her into many areas of Christian service. She stands in the Five-fold Ministry as a prophet. ?She was ordained by John Osteen in 1997 and reconfirmed by his successor, Pastor Joel Osteen in 1999.?

It was at Lakewood Church where she met and married Daniel, the love of her life. She assists her husband as the Comfort Ministry Co-Director, helping families who are grieving. She is a Prayer Partner, teacher for the Women's Ministry and serves as a volunteer when called upon for special projects.

Her outreach includes prophetic conferences, women's retreats, and at various women's groups for special occasions. ?She is a dedicated intercessory prayer warrior and is an avid student of the Word of God. ?Her passion is to see people develop their full potential in Christ and become active in the Kingdom's work.
?