John 15:9-11

I’m excited about today’s promise! We picked up where we stopped yesterday. So, this is still Jesus talking. Jesus loves us like God the Father does. Isn’t that comforting to know? I mean, we talk about His going to the cross for our sins but sometimes we don't really think about JESUS loving us. (John 3:16 says for GOD so loved the world, not Jesus.) Of course, we should know that Jesus loves us, but reading it here really hit me.

In verse 10, Jesus tells us how to remain in His love, by obeying His commandments. This is more than just the 10 Commandments. I think Jesus one up’d those. For example, the Commandment of don’t commit adultery… Jesus said, “If you look at a woman lustfully, you’ve committed adultery in your heart.” So, that’s making the commandment more personal. Ya know? When we remain in that way of living, we are doing good!

Our promise for remaining in His love is that we will be FILLED with joy and our joy will overflow! Who doesn’t want that!? Right!? You see, JOY is NOT happiness. Happiness is based on circumstances. It comes & goes. Joy is from the LORD! It’s a fruit of the Spirit, so it's ALWAYS there. Even when we go through hard times, we can choose joy. God’s love can’t be taken from us, and we can have overflowing joy by remaining in Him. That’s so great news today!