The Joy of the LordSample

Abundance of Joy by Pastor James Montgomery

Senior Pastor of HCPW, Freedom Pointe Church – Oahu, Hawaii

Scripture

John 15:9-11, “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy.  Yes, your joy will overflow!

Observation

As Jesus shares with the disciples about how vitally important it is for them to stay connected to Him as the “True Vine” or source, He outlines something absolutely beautiful and encouraging for us today.  Jesus says, “I have loved you and my love carries the same level of intensity that the Father has for me.”  Jesus further encourages the disciples to remain or stay connected to His love by obeying His commandments.  Finally, Jesus focuses on the reason for remaining connected to Him – to receive His overflowing joy!

Application

In the midst of everything going on, there is one thing that we can be certain of - the Lord Loves us! 

In fact, Jesus Christ makes it clear 

(a) He loved us from the very beginning, 

(b) He still loves us today, and 

(c) He will continue to love us the same way the Father loves Him.  Now that’s good news!  

The key component that ties this all together can be summed up in this statement: “To experience Christ’s love to the fullest measure, we must remain connected to Him.”  Some would ask, “Well, how do I remain in Jesus’ love or remain connected to Him?  How do I experience this overflowing joy that Christ is talking about?”  Answer:  By staying connected to Jesus through prayer, reading and meditating on the scriptures, taking walks or hikes to experience His amazing creation, or joining a connection/small group.  These actions will allow us to grow and live out our faith.  I am convinced that Jesus had it right; when we are connected to Him in this manner, we experience His love in every way!  Finally, despite what is going on in the world; when we remain connected to Him, we get to experience an overabundance of Joy only the Lord can give! 

Prayer

Father, we thank you for Your wonderful reminder - You have ALWAYS loved us just as the Father has loved You!  We thank you for the many opportunities provided to us to remain connected in You.  We thank you for Your overflowing joy that is given each and every day.  Help us to remember in times of struggle, pain, or setback that You are ALWAYS near.  In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.

Reflection

What is one thing you can do or one way you can position yourself to experience the joy of the Lord?