I have heard it said that one of the greatest sins of the modern church is a lack of joy. I can certainly relate. My first decade as a Christian was fraught with worry, guilt, shame, and, to a certain degree, depression. I often wondered - where is the joy and fulfillment? Jesus said "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10) but I wasn't seeing that.
So what changed? Well, mostly my focus. Instead of focusing on me and who I was - on my struggles, on my failures, on what I was doing wrong, on working to please Him - I started focusing on Jesus and what He had done for me. I accepted His forgiveness. I accepted that when I fail (and I do - often) that His grace is sufficient. But mostly I prayed for a relationship with Him and peace in my heart. And slowly that is taking place. I have a long ways to go, but I have come a long distance. And it doesn't really matter to Him how far we have come on this journey; the only thing that matters is which direction we are facing.
Below is a "Love Letter from Jesus" that I came across this morning. Read it as a prayer this morning, and accept the joy and fulfillment that He is offering you.
Amazing Grace and Eternal Peace be yours - TODAY!
Bruce
A LOVE LETTER FROM JESUS
My Beloved, do not be fooled by the evil one. He will try to convince you that you have wandered too far from Me and that you cannot come back. That is never true. I am compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love. If you confess your sins, I am faithful and just and will forgive your sins and purify you from all unrighteousness.
Have you ever wondered how high the heavens reach? My love for you is higher than that. And how far do you think the east is from the west? That is how far I have removed your sins from you. They are gone. So do not go looking for them; do not even try to remember them, because I do not.
Be glad when you come before Me. I love to hear you sing joyful songs of praise. Just think of all the benefits you enjoy as My child. And as you rejoice and give thanks to Me even in difficult times, I will fill you with a peace that you cannot explain.
So do not listen any more to the evil one. He only wants to rob you of your joy ~~~joy you will find in My presence. Come into My presence. Approach My throne of grace with confidence, and you will receive mercy and find grace to help you in your time of need. Come even now ~~~I am waiting for you.
 | Bruce MacPherson macpherson@celtic.ca |
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