Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 20, 2014
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:9-11
Jesus beautifully describes a three legged stool as our growing relationship with Him: love—obedience—joy. He says the matchless love His Father has for Him is the same level of love He has for us. Unconditional, unfathomable and unselfish are just a few of the categories of the Father and Son’s love. Jesus, for the love of the world: gives up His life, lays down His life and shares His life. He remained in His Father’s love as an example and a reminder for us to remain in His love. No amount of betrayal or abuse kept Jesus from remaining faithful and fruitful.
Therefore, as we travel through trials and triumphs in life we are conscious to remain in the love of Christ. Because of our imperfections we lean into and on our perfect Lord Jesus. Just as an electric car cannot travel too far without a charge from its power source, so our soul is made alive by staying charged with Christ’s love. When we stray from His pure love, we lose the power to love well. His love covers our sins and energizes us to live life in His love.
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).
Moreover, obedience to Christ is evidence of remaining in Christ’s love. Our love compels us to follow His commands. Yet, Jesus did not leave us without a blueprint to build a life of loving obedience. He modeled the perfect way for us to obey. For example, with prayerful patience He waited on His Father’s timing before He advanced with major ministry initiatives. He did only what His Father directed Him to do. Jesus brought God glory in the process. Thus, with prayerful precision we follow the Spirit’s lead. Even when difficult, we love Jesus by first pleasing Him.
What is your strategy for joy and happiness? In God’s economy joy and happiness are the by products of abiding in Christ’s love and obeying His commands. The pursuit of happiness in people, places and things only leaves us discontent, even bankrupt of joy. Joy is incomplete without the inclusion of Christ’s abiding love. A clear conscience of love and obedience to Jesus creates a deep, abiding joy within our soul. Love + Obedience = Joy!
“But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you” (Psalm 5:11).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, during spiritually dry times, teach me not to give up but give in to You.
Related Readings: Psalm 45:7, 90:14; Romans 8:38-39; Philippians 2:2, 4:1; Hebrews 1:9
Post/Tweet today: Because of our imperfections we lean into and on our perfect Lord Jesus. #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: 8 min video, Beth Moore-Loving Obedience: http://tinyurl.com/pvdxd8w
Order our new book, The Way of Wisdom: A Journey Towards Spiritual Growth, just out October 1st! Boyd’s one minute book video- http://bit.ly/1nhZ2bt
