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Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Read John 15:9 “Just as my Father has loved me, I too have loved you; so stay in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will stay in my love — just as I have kept my Father’s commands and stay in his love. 11 I have said this to you so that my joy may be in you, and your joy be complete.
"I have said these things to you so that my joy will be in you and your joy will be complete."[John 15:11]
If I were shipwrecked on a desert island, the one section of the Bible I would want with me would be that marvelous fifteenth chapter of the Gospel of John. It is so full of practical suggestions for Christian living.
I have often been amazed that so many Christians have never found, or at least have not chosen to receive, Christ's gift of joy. Let me introduce to you such a person. Let's say her name is Marian. Because of a difficult childhood-desertion by her mother when Marian was only eight years old, and a controlling and abusive father-Marian always appeared uncertain and distrustful. All this, despite the fact that she was stunningly beautiful and very bright.
Many men wanted to date her, but her aura of "leave me alone, I don't trust anyone" made all of her relationships prickly. That is, until John came onto the scene. John was a little older than Marian, and he had already graduated from college and was established in his family's business. He seemed to see Marian through a different set of lenses.
Marian probably tested John's patience in the beginning, but like a swimmer learning to trust the water, Marian began to trust what John said as truth. She blossomed! It was like seeing a caterpillar turn into a butterfly. Whereas she had been defensive and fearful, she became poised, confident, and joyful.
I once heard a very sophisticated older man say he could always spot a woman who had been deeply loved because she seemed to have an air of confident joy. He suggested that such women usually have a good sense of humor, get along well with others, and aren't afraid to tackle big jobs. I thank God that Christ offers us the gift of joy!
Prayer: Eternal God, help us to remember that as we walk in fellowship with the risen Christ, his joy will bubble up inside of us and overflow to bless others. In his name we pray. Amen.
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