Holy Bible:   John 15:9-17

     9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
     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.
     11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
     12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
     13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
     14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
     15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
     16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.  
     17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.

Verse: Psalm 16:11

   “In Your presence is fullness of joy”

Maggie doesn’t care much for television. She would rather look out a window than stare at a small screen. Reading doesn’t thrill her either. She has been known to “chew” on books, but only in the strictly literal sense. Nevertheless, when Jay and I read or watch TV, Maggie participates. Even though she doesn’t  enjoy what we’re doing, she enjoy what we’re doing, she enjoys being with us. Maggie is our very devoted dog. More than anything (well just about anything) Maggie wants to be with us.

     The word dogged means determined and persistent. These words describe Maggie. They should also describe us. When we are devoted to God, we want to be with Him even when He’s doing something that makes no sense to us. We may ask, “Why, Lord?” when He seems angry (Ps 88:14) or when He seems to be napping (44:23), or when the wicked prosper (Jer.12:1). But when we remain devoted to God despite our questions, we find fullness of joy in His presence (ps.16:11)

     Jesus knew that we would have questions. TO prepare us for them, He urged us to abide in His love (John 15:11). Even when God’s ways are inexplicable, His love is reliable. So we remain doggedly devoted to Him. – Julie Ackerman Link

Never should our love be just a word.

A passing phase, a brief emotion;

But love that honors Christ our Lord

Responds to Him with deep devotion. – Hess

Conclusion:  We find joy when we learn to abide in Jesus’ love