I heard and saw a great example once. Surrounding a camp fire someone toke a stick and separated one amber from the fire and soon on its own it grew cold. May we continue in these things and find ourselves within the warmth of His love that are joy may be full. I pray that He blesses these words and He touches the hearts of those that abide in His love.
Extra credit: You did run well; who hindered you? We find many a stumbling block that hinders our joy. Today we hear from Octavius Winslow. This was taken from his morning devotions and ask the question Is It Winter with Your Soul.
Jhn 15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
Jhn 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
Jhn 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and [that] your joy might be full.
How do we Love Him?
The first thing I desire to point out is that there is no change in theme or context between these verses and the ones that proceed. We have dealt closely, with just cause, abiding and abideth and the necessity to be in Him. We know that the fruits come from and of the vine and we give no credit or glory to the end product. In the light of the knowledge the Spirit has provided, we see and know in these verses before us that Christ love for His children is immutable and is unaffected by our changeableness. But take heed my brother that many times our enjoyment of His love can depend on our continueness in it. As the Father loved Him so Christ poured out His love as a sacrifice on the cross and His love for His elect is forever unwavering in commitment and zeal. But, dwelling on our love it is poor, fluctuating, and can make us miserable. As we shut ourselves up to prayer and scripture we will grow weary. As we separate ourselves from brethren and love we grow cold. Though we may abide in Him and His love is changeless as we continue not our joy and assurance are not full. But as He loves us and is faithful we shall in time find rest and comfort again. He shall fix our eyes, ears, hands, feet, mind, and heart upon His love and truth and it shall fill us with praise and joy. Very blessed indeed are those who abide in faith and assurance and whose joy is full
