Morning Devotional 040226 Choose Joy

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

April 2, 2026

John 15:9-17

9 “As the Father loved me, I too have loved you. Remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have said these things to you so that my joy will be in you and your joy will be complete. 12 This is my commandment: love each other just as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than to give up one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I don’t call you servants any longer, because servants don’t know what their master is doing. Instead, I call you friends, because everything I heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You didn’t choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you could go and produce fruit and so that your fruit could last. As a result, whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. 17 I give you these commandments so that you can love each other.

Good Morning! Jesus loves us!

I have long preached the words “choose joy.” Joy is available for all who choose to follow Jesus. Following Jesus is not a passive act; it requires commitment. First, we must answer the call to come and see. Second, we must embrace the teachings of Jesus. Next, we must choose to follow God’s commandments. 

On the surface, this sounds easy, but it requires us to make hard choices, like taking risks by loving our enemies. As Christians, we are to be the face of Christ for the world. This is equally challenging because Christ stepped outside the norms of society by eating with sinners, talking with the outcasts, and walking among the sick. Christ had no need to gather earthly possessions. Christ gave up his life for us, his friends, so that we might be saved. 

To choose the joy that Christ offers requires us to actively love God, love our neighbors as ourselves, and to walk the path of righteousness. Truly, this is hard, and without God, it is not possible for us, mere mortals. By God’s grace, we, who choose joy, are provided with all we need to live a life for Christ. By God’s grace, we, who falter (more times than we can count), are welcomed home each time we humble ourselves and ask forgiveness. 

Joy is within our grasp. What will you choose?

God of Wisdom, you bless us abundantly! We see the rewards of living a life of Christ, and we try our best. Despite our propensity to sin, you love us and offer us peace. Thank you for sending Jesus to save us. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: Those who choose Christ, choose joy!

I choose joy!  Pastor Liz