Friday, August 27, 2010
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. John 15:11-12
Here Jesus is teaching in the previous verses that IF you abide in Him and in His word, then you will bear fruit (Jn. 15:5) and you also can ask anything (Jn 15:7) and He will do it. The key word is "abide". You cannot just pick the parts of His word that you like and obey them. You must obey ALL of His word. If His words abide in you, then you will not ask for something contrary to Him and His words. He said these things verse eleven tells us, so that HIS joy "might remain" in us! Imagine that! The joy of Jesus Christ in YOU! I've spent much of my life living in defeat from the chains of depression and guilt. The misery of depression is a battle that rages in many, many people all around us. If you have never lived in this prison, then you cannot rightfully tell someone to just "get over it!". If you have never been in their place, then you lack understanding. I can say though, as a survivor of depression, that V-I-C-T-O-R-Y can be won and is only lasting in Christ. God's Word is ALWAYS true and is ALWAYS applicable to us today. If you are down, there is joy to be found in Christ Jesus. He may not change your circumstances, but you can rest in Him and His promises to you. Verse twelve tells us the secret to finding joy in Christ. It says, "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." That is how you do it! Serve others before you serve you. Think of others before you think of you. Love others more than you love you.
This goes TOTALLY against the flesh and can really only be done by allowing Christ to mold you into His image. Ask Him today to begin to soften your heart to His Word and seek opportunities to be a blessing to others. Serving others brings true and lasting joy. J~Jesus O~Others Y~you!!!