Focus On His Love

You know, sometimes when I sin against God and it grieves me and I go back to Him once again and ask for His forgiveness I still feel I am missing something.
My relationship with my Heavenly Father urges me to be thankful as well and to truly look at how blessed I am. I believe God doesn't want me to focus on my sin more than the incredible love and grace He has for me.
As a father I understand this and wish to convey the same message to my children. He doesn't excuse my sin/disobedience but He wants me to get beyond it; "mercy before judgement" as the bible states.
If I understand more of and how deep His love is toward me, I invariably will sin less. I will want to please Him more than I want to please myself. I will no longer grieve over my sin (because I have done something wrong or broken a command) as much as how I've abused my relationship with Him.
After I have said, "I'm sorry." (for possibly the 10, 000th time), I must say, "Thank you!" It seems to put my heart in the right place; into His presence, into His loving arms. - JSS

Our Greatest Gift

The greatest present we could ever receive was wrapped in flesh and bundled with the garland of grace. This present was an expression of love, a Christmas celebration with our Father in Heaven. This present is Jesus, our Savior, our joy and our friend. He is our gift from on high, from cradle to the cross. How will we accept Him? How will we handle this beloved gift? He is for us and wishes to dwell within us. He is our greatest
gift! - JSS

Emmanuel, God With Us

Matthew 1:23 KJV
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Dear Readers,
May you and those you love experience the presence, peace and joy of Jesus Christ today. Have a very merry and blessed Christmas and New Year!

In His Love and Grace, 
Joe