The Secret to JOY?

Was listening recently to a sermon from our church when visiting Pastor Colin Gregory said:
 " the secret to JOY is ABIDING!"

That stopped me in my tracks... Abiding.
It's so often it's an aspect  of Christian walk we know  of.. 
But do I dwell there?

The next day I read through a devotion with the same passage.. Who else but God could do that?

John 15: 10 - 11

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

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.

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full."

"In thy presence is fullness of JOY.."

Like most aspects of the Christian life, abiding is found by self discipline.
By being in the word, meditating upon its depths, being instant in prayer, in fellowship with the Father  through a seeking  spirit of enquiry, and to be in fellowship with believers in God's house. 
The personal part is first. Without it, the latter is meaningless  and our walk joyless.
Through this abiding, the fruit of the Spirit flows into our life.
Love, JOY, peace ... 

John 15:4-5,7

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Note: "Without Me, ye can do nothing".

How blessed of God we are to live in  a land where we are free to know the Lord as our very own Saviour, read His holy word, pray without ceasing and thus to abide in Him through the Spirit's work, to share Him with others.. may we indeed be women of the word  and burn brightly for Christ all our days.
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Wisdom From Oswald Chambers
"There is no condition of life in which we cannot abide in Jesus. 
We have to learn to abide in Him wherever we are placed."  
Our Brilliant Heritage, 946
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Lord bless and strengthen you in your daily doings, dear ones, trust this mediation upon the word has blessed  you as it has blessed me... if so please leave me a comment .Praying for you all.
Prayer hugs, Shaz in Oz.x

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