The Plank in My Eye

Joel 2:1 (NIV) 
Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming. It is close at hand-- 

When I began my morning devotions and read this verse, I admit that my first inclination is self-righteousness. I think, "Yeah, those people better pull their act together. They better wake up and learn to fly straight before they crash and burn."

Then a voice in my head said, "This means you!" and I am stopped in my tracks. Upon close examination, I find I fall short, not you -- me. I am the one who needs to tremble and acknowledge that Jesus is LORD. I need to pray, to fast, and to repent. Only then I can consider helping someone else.

I am remembering the instructions from the flight attendant. When the plane is in trouble and the oxygen bags fall in front of my face, I must ensure my salvation first. I must get myself to a spot where I am okay, I must ensure I am safe and saved. Only then can I help you. Realizing this, the rest of my morning time with God went like this:

"What now? What can I do to change? "Yet, even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and with weeping and with mourning." (Joel 2:12) This calls for some self-examination. When I pause at the end of my day to thank God, I must review the day and determine if I need to confess, or thank, or beg for help; and then I Praise God.

Lord, this is the start of a new day. Keep me close. Teach me how to be like Your Son, Jesus.  Show me your greatness and power. Be the constant in my life.  Amen.

Joel 2:1-2, 12-17