True Joy (Jn 15:9-11) by Paul Westendorf

07 May True Joy (Jn 15:9-11) by Paul Westendorf

“As the Father loves me, so I also love you…If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments…” ~ Jn 15:9-11 (full readings)
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Paul’s Reflections:  “If you keep my commandments...”, “that sounds like more rules just to keep me from having fun” or “this is America; we were founded on freedom.”  We’ve all heard these and other sayings (we might have even used a few ourselves at times) when it comes to our actions and the word and teachings of Jesus.  With the celebration of Easter still fresh in our mind, we know and believe in the love Jesus has for us all.  With that immeasurable love, do you believe that Jesus wants nothing but the best for us?  Jesus said, “I have told you this so that My joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”  Let’s look at Joy vs Fun:

• Fun is momentary. You do something that is fun and then it is over. You may have some good memories, but it is over and you are left looking for the next Fun thing.
• Joy is long lasting. It is not a goal but a place where you arrive spiritually/emotionally. Joy lingers in your body, mind and spirit.

The Holy Spirit speaks to us and we know the anxiety of the separation from God when we’ve not kept his commandments.  That is not fun, not freedom, but actually slavery.  This is very much the case by those affected by the abortion industry.  Our culture has become confused with the likes of “I’m Ok, Your Ok” or “Live and Let Live” which allows man to be his own standard.  There is right and wrong as God has laid out for us a path to eternity and everlasting joy with Him.  Our actions should be “hold fast to that which is good” (1 Thess. 5:21-22v) and use our hands not to cast stones, but to pray for and assist those caught in the traps of the world.  In doing this we will remain in God’s love and find true Joy.
* * Paul Westendorf is Membership Coordinator of the National LIFE Runners Team.  His is married to Jacquie and lives in Sioux Falls, SD.   Full bio..

Faith Challenge:   Join in for prayer for those contemplating abortion and those in the abortion industry that they may find a way out.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel..
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Our Prayers: Pray LIFE Runners Creed to End Abortion.  Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, unceasingly. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
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Feast Day:  St. Rose Venerini
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Faith Quote:  “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”~  2 Timothy 1:7
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Through Christ our Lord,
Paul
Jer 1:5