Attached to the vine John 15:9-11

This week we continue the theme of being attached to the vine, Jesus, from whence comes the bearing
of Christian “fruit”, fruit based on love.  This love manifests itself in many ways.  One of these ways is inner joy.  Some may consider that thought strange.  With things happening in our lives, with all the negatives in the news and elsewhere, where is this inner joy?  In times like this, some may even wallow in their own self pity.  Perhaps there are times when your own self esteem is so low that you could stand on it.  It may even occur that not only donʼt you believe that you are loved, but that you donʼt love yourself.  Feeling alone and empty, except for the thoughts that drive you further down this path, is one of the issues that Jesus tackles in this text.  Read verses 9-11.  Godʼs word is there for us for such times.  In the same way, God the Father loves his incarnate Son, Jesus.  Jesus loves you.  The Father loved the Son for doing His Fatherʼs will to save us.  This same love Jesus has gifted to us.  Jesus, out of love for us, literally went through hell in every way, to complete his mission of our redemption.  Through Jesus we have gained victory over the world.  The devil always likes to get into our head so that our thoughts drift away from the love of God through Jesus.  But Jesus has given this big golden thread that creates a circle around you, reflecting the love of Jesus into your whole being.  This love is alive and has been put into you to bring you joy.  It happens as we realise and remain in Jesusʼ love, a love that brings joy.  Remain in my love.  John 15:9

Pastor Darryl