Thoughts from John 15

John 15
“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
5 -8 . . . 9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! 12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14-17...

Thought 1) God is the source of all true "fruit" in our lives. Fruit being personal growth on all fronts, as well as fruit in evangelism and increasing his kingdom in that way.

Thought 2) Obedience leads to overflowing joy. Why do I struggle with obedience then? Heartcheck on aisle 7. . . . how's my loving sacrificial service going?