Too Content to Repent?

Please welcome Pastor Jeff Morlock to the Daily Bible Blast team of devotion writers. 

Read Matthew 3:1-11

Here’s that word again - “repent”. Just as we’re about to start a new year with a clean slate, it shows up to ruin our mood. This word we won’t hear anywhere else but in Scripture or at church. This word that John the Baptist screams at the top of his lungs. This word that calls us out and makes us feel guilty. Any chance we can rescue this word from all the negative baggage associated with it, and reclaim its value for ourselves and our world in 2020? 

I think for most of us repentance means saying you’re sorry. Or better, that you’re really, really, sorry and will never do it again – whatever “it” is. And of course, that’s part of what repentance entails. But only a very small part. To repent primarily means to turn around, to start over, to take another direction, to chart a different course. when one’s current course of behavior has caused pain to self, others, or God. 

So, as we reclaim this word for ourselves in the coming year, in what one aspect of your life do you need to repent (change direction) right now? Is there some practice or habit you could begin that might produce more abundant life for you or those around you?

Is there an element of our life together that needs repentance? How might you use your time and energy in the coming year to help bring about change?

Prayer:
Lord, don’t allow me to be too content to repent. Would you give me a soft heart to recognize where and how my actions have caused you sorrow? Would you fill me with your Holy Spirit so that my repentance is empowered by more than weak willpower and quickly broken resolutions? In Jesus' name. Amen.

Sinful desires: A Precursor to Death

By Thomas Denegre

Did you commit murder? Rob a bank? Have adulterous affairs?  Chances are you’re a good Christian and you didn’t do any of these things.   But Jesus said that was not good enough.

In this week’s reading from Matthew 5:21-35 Jesus teaches there is a higher standard to our behavior, for he states to the crowd;

“Everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty of murder before the court.”

“Everyone who has not forgiven his brother their sacrifice or prayer will not be heard.”

“Everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Clearly, it’s not enough that our outward behavior be righteous, but so too must be the thoughts in our heart.  Jesus goes on to say, “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” Matt 15:18

Just as it takes three elements to make a campfire; oxygen, fire, and wood.  So, too does sin need three elements; the world we live in, sinful thoughts and desires (motive), and opportunity.

Some people may say, that if sinful thoughts are just as bad as the sin, then why shouldn’t you just do the sin.  Simply, a life in sin kills the heart and separates us from God.  Sin is on the same level as nerve gas and atomic weapons; deadly and catastrophic. 

Acting out sinful desires causes harm and death to us in many ways.

·         One, it causes people to excuse sin rather than stopping sin.  It deadens the heart and we become desensitized to actions leading to death. Good becomes evil and evil becomes good. Sadly, we see this when churches fly rainbow flags to endorse rebellion.

·         Two, sin will kill, steal, and destroy. 

·         Three, intentional sin is rebellion against God, especially when a person celebrates the sin rather than repents from it.

·         Four, sin will always hurt and kill people.  Free love has aborted 60 million people and that’s just the tipping point.

For myself, to stop the opportunity of sin, I must remove the motive of sin in my heart.  Jesus came to target the evil in my heart and transform it into his image. He knows my heart is defiled, but when I became born again, I was given a new spirit and heart.  God said in Ezekiel; “And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 11:19

By living in life union with Jesus and having his words living powerfully within me (John 15:7), I can become aware of my thoughts and motives.  While I cannot stop a thought from occurring, I can stop nurturing it. I also know when I do sin, I quickly repent of it to my Father, because God desires to forgive and heal me. By having a spirit-to-spirit relationship with God, I have a guardian at the gate to my heart that lets in good motives while keeping evil ones out.  I trust God when he said, 'I will give them a heart to know Me, for I am the LORD; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with their whole heart.” Jeremiah 24:7

You Are Unstoppable

by Thomas Denegre

As a young boy I often heard the family tell the story of my cousin who was killed in Iwo Jima during World War II.  As a Marine he was leading his squad when from behind them a Japanese soldier sprung out of concealed bunker to kill them.  He blocked the shooter by taking the full impact of the bullets and died saving his buddies.  Later my cousin was awarded the Silver Star medal. Jesus once said, “There is no greater love than a love that sacrifices all.”  John 15:13

As a believer I’ve learned this simple rule. Talk is cheap; action is everything. Children are especially good at identifying the hypocrites. People hide behind a mask of righteousness while conducting themselves like a depraved sinner.  It gives Christianity a bad name.   On the other hand, we have experienced a love beyond words that touched us in a magnificent way. This is what makes discipleship extraordinary. This is the action that changes people, cultures, and nations.

I learned no one cares about what you know, rather they want to know you care.

In today’s reading the apostle John teaches how love transforms our hearts into powerful action.

We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children let us not love with word or with tongue, but with deed and truth. 19 We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things. 1 John 3:16-20       

As a believer and disciple of Jesus, you are the most powerful person walking on this earth. For the love of God inside you will conquer all, for it is written, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” 1 Cor. 13:7 and his “perfect love casts out all fear.”  1 John 4:18

Jesus said, “if you live in life-union with me and if my words live powerfully within you—then you can ask whatever you desire, and it will be done.” John 15:7(TPT)

As a believer and disciple, you must open your heart to Jesus to allow his love to work in you and through you.  You do this by being transparent with your wounds and grievances.  Give your wounds to the Lord so he can heal your heart from hardness to tenderness. Repent and forgive others for the grievances.  Keep your gunny sack empty of grievances as this will eliminate bitterness and resentment in your heart.

Through this healing process the Holy Spirit can flow its living streams of life through you and onto others.  Knowing you are loved and healed, you will see people as God sees people.  It will become your nature to act out of God’s love. You’ll be able to love the unlovable. Forgive the unpardonable.  Console the brokenhearted.    Just in your tiny section of the world you’ll be able to have a powerful impact with family, friends, and strangers.  The power of God’s love through you will change you, change others, and change the culture.  Just look how the believers conquered and changed the Roman empire!

Open your heart to Jesus and become the unstoppable person God designed you to be, for your fellow disciples and the Most-High God will always be there to support you.

Make it Right

Numbers 5:6 (MSG)
⁶  "Tell the People of Israel, When a man or woman commits any sin, the person has broken trust with GOD, is guilty, and must confess the sin he has committed."

Sin is serious stuff, as we read in the Old Testament and the New. When we commit any sin, we break off with God. We are deemed guilty and must repent. God is fair and just, and when we commit a wrong, we are given a chance to make it right. Restoration is God's plan, confession and repentance is our next move.

One commentary I turned to for clarity said that an essential role of the people of God is bringing reconciliation and justice to scenes of conflict and abuse. How do we do this? One way is to recognize when we fall short of God’s expectation and immediately seek forgiveness. Too often, we only have to look as far as our own doorstep to find conflict and abuse. 

Just like the people of Israel who bound themselves to obey God's commandments, who routinely fell short, so do we. Often this takes the form of mistreating others. Unkind words, hateful glares, obscene gestures, are these all forms of mistreatment. All this sort of behavior is sinful and must be confessed.

A problem in today's world is that many do not recognize wrong doing. We don't consider name calling and slandering as wrong. As Christians, we must act different. This is where we are wise to have a few people around us who can hold us accountable. People we trust that we give permission to speak into our lives and hold up a mirror to us when we are less than what God desires.

God is ready to forgive...are we ready to confess and change?

Numbers 5:5-10

Repent and be baptized

 March 16


Read Acts 2:36-40 and reflect on the passage.

When the Holy Spirit is at work, things happen. It is only one sermon that Peter preaches at the first Pentecost, but the results are both clear and necessary. People hearing Peter sense the need for something to happen—for them to do something. The Holy Spirit is working. And so Peter simply says/ invites them and us, “Repent and be baptized.”

Peter tells his hearers to let the Holy Spirit continue His work in their lives, causing both the need and the desire for change and new life in Jesus. Peter invites the people to act this Holy Spirit work out in their lives: “Repent and be baptized.”

To us who already believe, the invitation is still being made: Keep repenting; keep living as the baptized person you are in Christ. Let this life in Jesus move you forward to more and different in His Kingdom. Be who you are in Jesus more and more. Rejoice that God is still at work in you.

Pentecost happens; it keeps happening, if we will. God is not done with us; there is still more coming in Jesus’ Kingdom!

Questions

1. What might the Holy Spirit be asking you to do for Jesus in your life? Feel free to ask Him.

2. Are there specific things that you need to repent of as a baptized believer? Ask the Holy Spirit to show/convict you. He will.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, keep moving me “over the fences” of my life. Give me the joy of seeing Your work in me every day. Amen.





—Paul ulring

In tune

“When I have brought them back from the nations and have gathered them from the countries of their enemies, I will show myself holy through them in the sight of many nations.” Ezekiel 29:27

My guitar had remained in the closet, untouched for at least 10 years, probably more. A nice guitar, it nevertheless “played like a beast” after having sat dormant for so long.

So I took it to a local guitar-maker and asked if they could work on my “Guild F-40 bluegrass flattop” to make it play better. They finished in just a couple of days and, upon picking it up, I was jaw-dropping astounded at the difference! Not only was the instrument much easier to play, its sound was more beautiful than I had ever heard it.

We live in a world grossly out of tune, don’t we? Melody has given way to dissonance; harmony is a memory. We look around for skilled conductors and find none. The world plays like a beast, we might say.

In times like this, we believers tend to blame others for the disharmony. But it is we whom God first calls to repentance. Why? Because it is through a sanctified church – a holy priesthood – that people truly experience the character of God.

When we turn from gossip and speak encouragement, people notice.
When we turn from blame and extend grace, their hearts hope.
When we turn from isolation to engagement, people welcome.
When we turn from pious pride to holy humility, their hearts thaw.
When we turn from greed to giving, people rejoice.
When we turn from lukewarm to hot, their hearts burn.
When we turn from sin and to God, people follow.

Ours is to submit our own out-of-tune hearts to the Craftsman who carefully readjusts them to his design. And when we do, others will gather to hear the Musician who plays beautifully through a re-tuned us.

Repentance begins in us. The blessings resound throughout the world around us.

[Click here to see the daily reading in Ezekiel 39:25-29.]

Repentance PR

Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God. Your sins have been your downfall! Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to him: “Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously that we may offer the fruit of our lips.” Hosea 1, 2

Word association. I’ll say a word and you say the first thing that comes to mind. Ready?

“Repent.”

What was the first thing that came to mind? Sin? Sinner? Judgment? Turn around?

If ever a word could hire a PR firm, I suspect “repent” would be among the first in line. People don’t like to hang out with repentance or meditate on its meaning; it is much more comfortable to note it, attach our connotation to it and move on. Non believers think “judgment” and brace themselves against it. Believers think “sinners” and amen in smug agreement. And we all lose out in our limited view. So let’s give repentance a fair shake.

Should it surprise us that it his own people whom God most often calls to repentance? It was true of Old Testament Israel and it was true of New Testament believers. The church in Ephesus had lost its first love, and Jesus said, “repent."  The churches in Pergamum and Thyatira had welcomed false teachings, and Jesus said, "repent.” The church in Sardis was found weak, disobedient and lacking in its deeds, and Jesus said, "repent.” The church in Laodicea had lost its fervor and Jesus said, "repent.” The call to repentance resounds throughout the earth, but perhaps first and foremost to God’s own people.

Which leads us to the other thing we need to understand about repentance. Certainly we are called to turn away from sin, but repentance is every bit as much a call to blessing. It reflects God’s judgment, yes, but it holds forth his mercy, as well. Listen to God’s heart in repentance, so beautifully spoken through his prophet, Hosea: “I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them. I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily. Like a cedar of Lebanon he will send down his roots; his young shoots will grow. His splendor will be like an olive tree, his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon" (Hosea 14:4-6). Such hope! Such favor! Such love!

Repentance is not a beat-down, but an opportunity. It is not a desert, but an oasis. It is not confinement; it is freedom.

“Repent.” Me.

“Repent.” Blessing.

[Click here to see the daily reading in Hosea 14:1-9.]

Are we inviting the Locusts?

Joel 1:13-14 (MSG)And also you priests, put on your robes and join the outcry.
You who lead people in worship, lead them in lament.
Spend the night dressed in gunnysacks, you servants of my God.
Nothing’s going on in the place of worship, no offerings, no prayers—nothing.
Declare a holy fast, call a special meeting, get the leaders together,
Round up everyone in the country.Get them into God’s Sanctuary for serious prayer to God.

Joel was a prophet in the Southern Kingdom of Judah during the period of the Divided Kingdom (930-722 BC). Verses 13 and 14 are a call to repentance during a time in the Nation of Judah when the country was being ravaged by locusts.

What the chewing locust left, the gobbling locust ate;
What the gobbling locust left, the munching locust ate;
What the munching locust left, the chomping locust ate. (Joel 1:7 MSG)

Joel was warning the people that God was not happy with their sinful ways, but said there was hope for them if they would turn from their ways and repent and change. We have seen this over and over again. Read the stories from the other Minor Prophets like Jonah or Hosea. Each of these stories tells of a time when the people did their own thing; worshipped false gods and lived sinful lives.

We see much the same thing now. We are living for ourselves. We treasure our hi-tech items. We change the definitions of things we don't agree with, we go with the flow and allow our values to drown in a sea of tolerance.

God is willing to forgive, but He is waiting for us to repent; He needs us to change and set aside our false gods. Joel is calling the people to fast and to pray and to beg forgiveness. Were Joel with us today, he would likely be saying the same thing.

Joel 1:-7, 13-14

John 9:42-48

Why does God send people to hell?

He doesn't!

The Lord counsels us, guides us, directs us and reminds us over and over again.   He warns us, models for us, commands us, and offers us a grand reward.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Mark 9:42-43 And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believes in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell.

These words of Jesus are not threats, they are warnings. He is not condemning, he is cautioning. God does not want to see any of his children enter into hell.

I doubt the picture we have in our mind of someone cutting off their hand is literally what Jesus meant, but it is that serious. It’s an illustration of our God’s great forgiveness if we are sincere in our repentance.

His love is extreme, just as our dedication to him should be. When we do wrong, we must not only sincerely confess and repent, but do something about it that causes us to change and not repeat the offense. Sometimes that means making an extreme transformation in our life that may be very difficult at the time.

We may wonder what God is waiting for. Why doesn't he come and fulfill his promise right now? This world is a mess. It may be wise to take advantage of God’s delay. 

2 Peter 3:9  The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

2 Peter 3:14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace with him.

Read/Listen to John 9:42-48

Live!

Acts 9:36-43

Today’s reading is about a woman named Tabitha. Scripture describes her as a disciple who was always doing good and helping the poor. She became ill and died. Many who knew her mourned with great sadness.  Knowing Peter was near, they sent for him. Peter bowed in prayer and directed Tabitha to get up. She was offered another opportunity to live; to extend her earthly life. She rose as Peter directed her. This became know all over the area causing many people to believe in the Lord.

We too are offered new life on a daily basis. With each setting sun, God offers his forgiveness if we go to him with a sincere heart and confess our sin with repentance and cleansing as our motive. Every dawn brings us a fresh, new beginning in his grace if we so choose.

1 John: 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Psalm 32:5 I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.

God has provided a way out from under the heavy weight of guilt. That way begins with basic acknowledgment, continues with confession and remorse, and ends with accepting his forgiveness.

Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

We CAN begin anew, with a fresh opportunity to live, love, and reach others, for the sake of the kingdom of God. Accept this most precious gift of forgiveness; and do what may be even more difficult-forgive yourself as well, and LIVE! 

Read/Listen to Acts 9:36-43

Repent. Remember. React.

Repentance is a major sub-theme in the Bible. Peter told people that to be saved they needed to, “Repent and be baptized.” John the Baptist told people to, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

Peter and John were speaking to unbelievers. Believers, too, have a need to repent. We confess and ask for (and get) forgiveness in our church services, and many Christians repent of their sins on a regular, if not daily, basis.

My Webster’s Dictionary says repentance is, “Remorse or contrition for past conduct or sin.” I suppose that is accurate, but today’s reading, Zechariah 12:10-14, adds much depth to that definition.

The Bible is a story of Man disobeying God. No person can do what God demands. We are sinners because of our actions, and because we descended from sinners. God demands a sacrifice for our sin. In fact, we deserve death. Yet, because God loves us, Jesus was that sacrifice, so that we might live.

Zechariah prophesies the impact of Jesus' death on the Christian Church (Jerusalem). The entire church will mourn. It will mourn like parents mourn the death of an only child. It will mourn like Israel mourned the death of King Josiah (who died in the plain of Megiddo).  Everyone will mourn, and the mourning  will be deep.

Jesus, a man with the same human emotions as you and I, died for our sins. One could even say that Jesus died because of our sins. Realizing that should make us mourn deeply, as Zechariah suggested.

Yet repentance yields fruit. We are given Jesus’ Spirit and asked to carry out his mission. We live with Jesus here on Earth and we will live with him after our earthly death.

Repent of our sins. Remember our savior. React and do his work.

Take a Daily Inventory

Acts 2:37-41 (NIV)  When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"  Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call."  With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation."  Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

We all have those things we don't want to think about. We have memories of days when our behavior left something to be desired. In fact we may even recall things we would rather forget about completely. I think it is just such a moment the people Peter was addressing were feeling. Peter reminded them they had just crucified Jesus, their LORD and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

The reality of their deeds was sinking in and they were feeling guilt and fear wash over them. Their response was, "Brothers, what shall we do?" How can we make this wrong, right? Have you ever been there? Did you ever wake up one morning with a conscience so covered with guilt you just wanted to dig a hole and crawl in?

What a freeing moment it is when we learn God can make it right. How light our spirits can be once we hear the words, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins." These words must have made an impact on the crowd that day for about three thousand accepted the message and were baptized. Can I hear an AMEN?

Each one of us has the same opportunity. Each of us can hand over all our guilt and shame; we can turn from our sins and repent, knowing there is forgiveness. Imagine how good we will sleep when we regularly take an inventory of the day just lived, determine where mistakes were made and confess to God. Then when we wake in the morning we will awaken to a new day.

Acts 2:37-41

Acts 2: 14-41

The Spirit Is For You!

Peter Addresses the Crowd

This “sermon” is the first by one of Jesus’ followers recorded in the bible. It should be of particular interest to those seeking to understand God, as it clearly touches on every important aspect of Christianity. Read and dissect each part of this message, and you will clearly see what the Christian faith is all about. Share with those who need to know. Peter presents these key points:

-Jesus did miracles and was unlike any other person who ever lived (verse 22) "Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.”

-Jesus was a real, historical person. He suffered, died, and was raised from the dead

(verse 23-24) “This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.”

-Jewish prophets made specific prophecies about Jesus before he was born, giving proof that the Bible is God’s Word (verses 16-21-spoken by the prophet Joel, and 25-28-said by David about him).

-Jesus is Lord-Ruler of all, God in human body-the Messiah, the promised Deliver of Israel (verse 36) “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

-Trust in Jesus, not yourself, for salvation (verse 38) Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

-God wants to dwell in you through the Holy Spirit (verse 38-39)…"The promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off-for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

-The rest of the world is headed for disaster apart from God. Don’t get entangled by its corruption (verse 40) With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from the corrupt generation.”

Read/Listen to Acts 2: 14-41 

Matthew 3: 1-12

John The Baptist Prepares The Way

“John’s clothes were made of camel hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.”

The picture this paints for us is so sincere. Can’t you just envision the men, women and children journeying to this place of peace and hope? Not in a hurry like we are today, as they walked through the desert or rode on the backs of camels and donkeys. Not filled with anxiety about getting to work on time or earning enough money to cover the bills or purchase unnecessary toys. Filled only with the urgency of their hearts, to be forgiven and filled with the grace of God,……..they traveled.

Matthew uses thought provoking symbolism to paint us a picture of this scene. As John saw the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he had a message for them. It began with the phrase; “You brood of vipers!” He went on to inform them that; “One must produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” It is not just one act of dipping in the water that will make us sons of God, but true repentance and living a fruit bearing life. “The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

John then promises Jesus’ coming, as he speaks of one who is more powerful than he, one whose sandals he is not fit to carry. His words illustrate Jesus’ baptizing style as far more intense than his, as Jesus uses the Holy Spirit and fire to baptize. “His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

The term winnowing is defined as: examine something in order to remove the bad, the unusable or undesirable parts.

The message is clear. Seeking forgiveness and repenting is necessary, yet it is not the end, but the beginning. From this place, maintaining a sincere heart and bearing fruit for the Lord, we will be spared from the winnowing fork. Amen.

Read/Listen to Matthew 3: 1-12 

Joel 2:18-27

I find myself searching God's Word for answers every day.  I am so conflicted during this season of grieving, that I can't seem to make a decision; at least not one I will move forward on without changing my mind a dozen times.  I am learning that God wants me to be searching His Word every day.  He desires that I come to Him with my problems and my pain.

Was there a time when you felt as if God didn't care or that He had left you hanging?  I am finding the Book of Joel to be filled with God's promises to always be there for us, no matter how we feel; to always take care of us no matter what situation is causing us pain.  God is faithful to forgive, heal, love and protect even when we have not acted in a manner deserving of this treatment.

Joel's assignment from God was to tell the people God wasn't going to put up with their behavior for long, and their behavior had consequences.  Joel also told the people about repentance, about forgiveness and about God's faithfulness and His compassion.  The last segment of Chapter two we find God answering the people and promising health, happiness, security and live everlasting, upon their turning to Him.  

As for me and you, take comfort; Truly, God will make all things right.

Read the Message version of Joel 2:18-27 at Biblegateway.com by clicking here.

or

Read the NIV version of Joel 2:18-27 at Biblegateway.com by clicking here.

Now That I Have Your Attention- Part 2 Joel 2:12-17

We have been talking about how God will sometimes try to get our attention through hardships. The people of Israel have turned from God and gone their own way. As any loving parent, who wants what is best for their children, God is disciplining his through trials.

He has not left them without hope though. Our passage today says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” I just love that last line. Don’t tear your clothing, tear your heart instead.

Does your heart break over your sin? I am not talking about your friend’s sin or your spouses. It is good for our heart to break over the sin of another, but our heart must also break over our own sin. That is when true repentance can happen. We can be sad that we are going through a trial. We can even recognize that God is trying to get our attention, but unless our heart breaks over the sin in our lives we will never change.

Ask God today to show you where you fall short and to break your heart over that sin. Our passage also says, “Who knows? Perhaps he will give you a reprieve, sending you a blessing instead of this curse. Perhaps you will be able to offer grain and wine to the LORD your God as before.”

Read today's passage at Biblegateway.com Joel 2:12-17

Lament for Jerusalem - Psalm 137

A lament is an expression of grief and this Psalm finds the captive Israelites mourning over her predicament.  Captivity is an uncomfortable situation and one that might seem hopeless at times.  Freedom is something to give thanks for often but as humans we don't always recognize the good life until it gets sticky.

Captivity for the Israelites meant they were under the rule and whim of her enemies, not a fun place to be.  There are times in life when we feel oppressed, perhaps not physically captive, but prisoners none the less.  During those times in life when my heart is heavy and I take on more sadness I may feel like a hostage to my situation, destined to live without joy.

The Babylonians had years of warnings and opportunity to repent and turn to God but they chose not too.  We too, sometimes act like they did.  The key for us though is we have Christ, we have salvation, we have undeserved and abounding grace.  All we need to do is accept it, turn to Jesus, open up the Word and dig in.

Things are a bit tough for me right now, and that is exactly where you will find me--and my journal; every morning and some afternoons and evenings too.  Meet you in the Word.

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Jesus Begins to Preach - Matthew 4:12-17

Jesus started His ministry in Galilee right after he heard John the Baptist had been imprisoned.

Matthew tells us Galilee is a land of “people living in darkness…in the land of the shadow of death”. (v 16) People without Christ live in darkness. Christ brings light to any place He is invited to come in.

Jesus began to preach “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (v 17b) Jesus Christ is present, in person, beginning to preach the message of repentance. He says the kingdom of heaven is near. It won’t fully arrive until the Holy Spirit comes after Christ’s ascension into heaven.

Repentance is the central theme of Jesus’ earthly ministry! Repentance is not just expressing sadness or regret for what we have done. It isn’t even just a change in our thinking. Repentance is the changing of all that we are: our desires, our values, and our behaviors. We choose to turn from the way we are into a new person focused on God: living our lives under God’s care and control.

I know I make mistakes. Making mistakes comes with living and breathing; they can’t be avoided. However mistakes only remain mistakes when I don’t acknowledge them and learn from them. I must confess them to God and turn from them allowing Him to change and transform me.

“From that time on Jesus began to preach…” (v17) He is still speaking today. Turn to Him. His love and forgiveness are always available to transform minds and hearts.

Read today's text on Biblegateway.

No Grandkids In Heaven Matthew 3:1-10

When did you become a Christian? For all of us the experience is different. Some can remember a specific time and place where we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Others of us have come to faith over time. Maybe we grew up in the church and always believed in God but as we grew in knowledge, realized we now understood our need for a relationship with Christ.

Our scripture text today has John the Baptist addressing the Pharisees and Sadducees, warning them that they cannot ride into eternity on Abraham’s coattails. He says, “And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.” He does not want the religious leaders to fool themselves by believing they don’t need the Savior.

The same is true for us today. God does not have grandchildren. I have heard from countless people when I ask them if they are a Christian that yes, their parents are Christian so they guess they are too. It does not work that way. We all need a personal relationship with Jesus, so if you can't remember when you committed your life to Him, why not make it today!

Read today passage on Biblegateway Matthew 3:1-10

Jesus' letters to the Church -- Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22

Have you ever feared the mailman? Have you ever wondered what bad news the letter carrier might be putting in your mailbox today? During the difficult financial times we are currently facing, many of us fear the Over Due notices which arrive too often. We expect these letters, we know we are late with some payment and we are struggling to keep afloat.

The seven churches referred to in the book of Revelation received some unpleasant mail. The Church in Sardis, which had compromised with its pagan surroundings, was told to “…repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.” (Revelation 3:3).

The church in Laodicea had become self-sufficient, forgetting their need for a Savior. “So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:16). Those in Laodicea were right and powerful, not faithful and true.

When reading Revelation, I get the feeling we are experiencing Déjà vu. Déjà vu, meaning "already seen" in French) is the experience of feeling sure that one has witnessed or experienced a new situation previously. Could either of the two churches cited in our reading for today, Sardis and Laodicea, be mistaken for a church near you?

Heavenly Father, teach us to listen to your Word, to heed your warnings and to repent.

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