This Is the Old Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book or two of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we’ll continue looking at the genres of Major and Minor Prophets.
The Book of Joel: This book, addressed to Judah, is a collection of prophecies made through the prophet Joel, primarily revolving around a locust plague meant to signify the coming Day of the Lord. In it, God calls Judah to repent and return to Him.
How Joel Fits Into the Story: The book of Joel shows the Creator and Redeemer God in complete control of all the universe. Joel reminds us that the God of judgment is also a God of mercy, who stands ready to redeem and restore when His people turn to Him and trust Him.
Reflection Questions:
1. What did you learn about God’s nature from Joel 2:12–17 that can draw you to repentance?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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91 thoughts on "Joel"
Reflection Questions:
1. What did you learn about God’s nature from Joel 2:12–17 that can draw you to repentance?
He is jealous for our love! He does not want it to be squandered or used up on someone or something else, and He assures is that He is already abounding in love for us so our love is safe with Him! But more than that: He is so worthy of our love and undivided devotion because He is the Maker of the whole universe, with thoughts and ways which are higher than ours.
The fact that God desires me to come to Him draws me to repentance. The fact that He wants my full self, not concealing any part of my heart but laying it all bear before Him feels relieving and tells me that it’s safe. When He tells me that He is gracious and compassionate, I know that I will be met with care and love that I don’t deserve (He may turn and relentless and leave behind a blessing’).
Oh Lord, please see my heart and fix it to you. Empty it of impurity. I pray for you to shine through and reside in there. I’m sorry for all the foolish things I cling to and worship instead. Help me to fall into your arms and trust you. God I need you. Thank you for who you are. Please be with me today. In Jesus’s name, amen.
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Our Lord is slow to anger and abounding in love for! Nowhere is this seen more clearly than at the cross when sun is dealt with in the ultimate expression of love! I stand in awe, Lord. May I stand in awe all day. Amen
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Question 1: What did you learn about God’s nature from Joel 2:12-17 that can draw you to repentance?
– God asks us in a lot of ways to return to Him and to repent. The book of Joel really shows me how much God wants us close to Him, to confine in Him, turning back toward Him. That Jesus wants us to be cleansed of our sins that He died for on the cross.
Question 2: How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
– I really don’t think that we will ever be able to wrap our minds around the total depths of God’s love for us. He is always abounding in love for us.
I love the message that when we turn and repent we leave a blessing behind.
Amen
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Reflection Questions:
1. What did you learn about God’s nature from Joel 2:12–17 that can draw you to repentance?
He asks us in so many ways to come back to Him. To repent. It really shows me how much He wants us near to Him, confiding in Him, turning towards Him. That He wants us to be cleansed of our sins and learning to be better everyday.
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
That I don’t think I’ll ever be able to truly know the totality of the depths of our God’s love for us.
1) Our Lord God is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in faithful love, and relents from sending disaster. God gives us unmerited favor and has compassion on us. He sees us as we are and is moved to compassion by our frailty. He is slow to anger-giving us time to come to repentance. Because of his patience, he will relent from sending disaster when we sin. There are consequences to our sins, yes, but they are meant to grow us, not break us. In His love, God lets us suffer the consequences of our sins so we will learn from them and then turn to Him in repentance. God’s love is faithful. Nothing can take His love away from us and there’s nothing we can do to make Him stop loving us. He relents from sending disaster. Yes, terrible things happen on this side of eternity that we do not understand and they seem disastrous to us, but everything that happens He uses to fulfill His good purposes. He is sovereign. He is in control. Nothing escapes His watchful eye. It’s because of His favor, of His seeing us in our weaknesses and understanding that in our state as a fallen creation we will never be able to make it on our own, of His faithful and eternal love, and His patience that we are able to humble ourselves and seek repentance and to trust Him to be all that He says He is and do all He says He will do.
2) The Lord gives us an open invitation to return to Him and even tells us how to do it-with all our heart, with fasting, weeping and mourning. He reveals attributes of His nature that draw us back to Him. He invites us to come to Him with instructions to listen carefully and pay attention. While there will be powerful consequences to our sins, God’s forgiveness, compassion, and restoration are even more powerful (thanks SRT!). Through our obedience and repentance, and Christ paying the penalty for our sins, our relationship with God is restored. It’s because of God’s Spirit within us that we are able to follow Him in obedience, and because of Christ’s blood covering us that we can walk in the firm belief of our salvation. Thanks and praise be to God!
Hey y’all! I’m sorry that was so long but I’m still new at this. Hopefully I’ll get better! Thank you for being patient with my rambling. Much love and God bless!
“There are consequences to our sins, yes, but they are meant to grow us, not break us.” Amen!
❤️ How often have I seen a Christian be unable to handle their own sins’ consequences and get mad at God?
Welcome Dwan. No problem with being long. This is a great community to share in and as we learn together so helpful to have the insight and perspectives of others. :)
So good Dwan! Thank you and welcome!
I may be way off base, but did Isaiah 55:6 stand out to anyone? “Seek the Lord while he may be found” While he may be found. Is that because we are told that one day we may not have access to our Bibles. Or an I reading too much into it?
Joel reminds us where to turn and remain. That God is gracious and compassionate. James is pretty black and white. Submit to God. Draw near to God. And He will draw near to you.
Traci, I read 55:6 as don’t waste time, seek Him now while we can. One day, we won’t be able to because either our time on earth is over or all will experience the 2nd coming of Christ. And as you said, in this crazy world we or others may not always have access to the Bible.
There are too many, I think, that plan to repent at the 11th hour – but only the Lord knows the time and the day.
Yes, agreed! Also..if you refuse over and over..to the message of Jesus,like pharaoh, your heart will be hardened.
The world hears but refuses to listen. Look what is happening here. Although there are churches everywhere..something serious is happening that Christians refuse to see. We are naive. Listen and search for Him while we can. We are meant to prioritize God above everything else. Yet we are going about blindly in our blissful life and might have a rude awakening. History will repeat always. It’s not to be scared…but to know. Wisdom. Awareness. Knowing His word, living it daily. We have the armor…but is it ready and prepared, or is it buried in the closet. That doesn’t do much good at the 11th hour as you said! Our lamp has to be ready, with oil (the Spirit), waiting anxiously for our bridegroom. I think the American church is just playing church for Sundays, and devotions through the week to check off.
Sorry…didn’t mean to go off on a tangent..I just feel it in my Spirit. Urgency.
I agree as well. Don’t waste a moment in seeing the Lord
I agree, as we love to procrastinate! Tomorrow may be too late, seek whilst you can, whilst you have eyes to see and ears to hear, Tomorrow is promised to no one..
Amen.
Hugs ya’ll..❤️
Good thing He is slow to anger, right?
Joel 2:12-17 is a wonderful reminder of God’s gracious, compassionate heart toward His people Israel – and to us who are born again.
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He loves the unlovable
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He forgives the unforgivable
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He redeems the irredeemable
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He is slow to anger
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He is abounding in love
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And as Tina stated, “Even now” – when we are sinners that daily mess up, God longs for us to return to Him – with our whole heart, because He loves us that much.
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James 4:6-10
•submit •resist •come near •wash •purify •grieve •change •humble
All action words that require us to “do”. And God will lift you up.
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Father God, thank you for your compassion, long-suffering and gracious heart. Thank you for calling me out of darkness into Your marvelous light. Thank you for reminding me how much you love me, even now – when I daily mess up. All praise and glory to You.
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Happy Friday She’s! May you feel God’s loving arms wrapped around you today. ❤️
Amen
Amen, Sharon.
I also though about how looooooong suffering God is and still.. EVEN NOW..❤️
1. …..for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Thank you Jesus for Love and compassion, patience, grace and mercy even when I don’t deserve it. Reminds me of a veggie tale episode. Loved Veggie Tales!
2. God’s plan was always for us to come to Him. Come as we are. We don’t have to be perfect, Our JESUS was perfect and Father God offered us His One and Only Son Jesus for you and I. All we have to do is say “YES” to Jesus and accept this beautiful gift of His life and sacrifice. Even when we mess up!
Good morning sweeties. Happy Friday! Though I’m on break, Friday continues to be my favorite day of the week! Prayers are appreciated as I can “hear” my son setting up for his Coffee pop-up. Please pray it will go well. He’s still waiting to hear back if his business is a “go” Meanwhile he wants people to know he’s still here. Also he has another meeting/interview in July regarding employment. It definitely has been a test of trusting Jehovah Jireh! Alyssa is still waiting hear from a position, as well and has another interview on the 7th for a different position. I was praying last night for my kiddos and trusting that my JESUS knows best for both of them.
Continued prayers for your son and for Alyssa!
And HE does!
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Continued prayers for ‘the barista’ and Allysa, and your mama heart, Mari.❤️
if you’ve read prairie fires you’ll see how devastating locusts plagues can be
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“For Your Glory” Cee Cee Winnans!
May the words of my mouth
The meditations of my heart
Be pleasing to You
I delight in Your ways
More than silver and gold
You are my treasure
For Your glory, for Your name
Let my life be a holy pleasing offering
All my worship, all my praise
I surrender my heart and soul, my everything
For Your glory
For Your glory
Day after day
And night after night
The sky shows Your splendor
Like a potter and clay
I’m the work of Your hands
My purpose forever
For Your glory, for Your name
Let my life be a holy pleasing offering
All my worship, all my praise
I surrender my heart and soul, my everything
For Your glory
For Your glory
Heaven declares Your glory
Your honor, Your greatness, Your power
Heaven declares Your glory
Your honor, Your greatness, Your power
I will declare Your glory
Your honor, Your greatness, Your power
I will declare Your glory
Your honor, Your greatness, Your power
For Your glory, for Your name
Let my life be a holy pleasing offering
All my worship, all my praise
I surrender my heart and soul, my everything
For Your glory
I will declare Your glory
Your honor, Your greatness, Your power
I will declare Your glory
Your honor, Your greatness, Your power
Amen
Beautiful song, Rhonda.. Amen.❤️
So many things coming to mind from these Scriptures!
Joel 2:13
So rend your heart, and not your garments;
Return to the Lord your God,
For He is gracious and merciful,
Slow to anger, and of great kindness;
And He relents from doing harm.
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Isaiah 55:6
Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
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Isaiah 55:2a
Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
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And the James 4 verses.
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Our prodigals and the lost are seeking a life that is soul satisfying in places and people that can never provide true satisfaction. Our souls will NEVER be satisfied without turning to, connecting with and walking with God.
Bear with me for a moment, I’m not condoning the ‘sport’ but have you seen dogs racing around a track? There is a mechanical rabbit on a stick that stays in front of them as they race. They will run longer and faster than their bodies are made for, all to chase a rabbit that can never be caught … the race is about chasing and not catching. Is this not what the world and the evil one trains & lures the lost and the prodigals to do, live their lives for a never ending chase?
But God, Hallelujah, He is right where He has always been, waiting with open arms for all to turn to Him.
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Praying for the prodigals and the lost, that they will seek Him Today.
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James 4:6b
“God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
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This brought to mind something I mentioned a while back about importance of me being ‘right’ – when I take an objective look, most things I get riled up about are just not that important in the long run and even the ones that do have some importance, most won’t matter next week, month, year. I work to lay those down quickly and move on. If there are truly important things, I work to look at ways for resolution/correction so that at some point, those can be resolved, forgiven and laid down as well. Life ain’t easy …
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DWAN great post! ❤️
MARINA S praying for provision and for job success for your husband ❤️
I love this imagery! Thank you for this example. Great words
Amen Searching!
You are so right Searching, with your analogy. How sad it is that so many are chasing things that are meaningless and hopeless and things that will never satisfy. Very well said.
I agree…such a great analogy Searching! Hope I can remember that to share!
Thank you, dear sister!
Ohh….that analogy. Thank you.
Hmmm, I thought I replied this morning?!
Great verses and personal example! Thanks for sharing! ❤
Oh a double AMEN, to your analogy, Searching, so true..❤️
“For he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger, abounding in faithful love,
and he relents from sending disaster.”
He is such a good and awesome God! Even His judgment is mercy. He does not want us to stay where we are but turn back to Him!
Joel packs a punch! For then and for today! Turn back to me my people, my creation! His patient and faithful love is lasting even when we/I go astray. When I am stubborn, hard headed, prideful, and walking solo! Yet..he knows what we/I need to turn my wicked steps around. Maybe he trips me, maybe I fall into a pit, maybe the fire overtakes me, or a giant appears- Even If—he was/is with me and it gets my attention. Makes me stop in my tracks as I had been getting further and further away from Him. The locust came in my life for sure, (many a time) and I finally saw the One that was wanting me all along.
I weep over my sin these days, not in shame or unforgiveness, for I know that is in redemption and mercy and grace…but that it must have broke his heart at the time seeing his daughter destroying her life, hurting herself and others. Sin has consequences, some short and quick and shallow, some lasting and deep. But God..he forgives and so we don’t need to remind ourselves in shame, but to know he has boundaries for purpose and his Holiness.
Joel clearly tells us that Jerusalem is his holy place forever to dwell. He dwells in his people and in their hearts today, but will return in that little place and all eyes will see Him!! How amazing that will be, and us, his children return with him!
17″Then you will know that I, the Lord your God, live in Zion,my holy mountain. Jerusalem will be holy FOREVER, and foreign armies WILL NEVER CONQUER HER AGAIN.
20 “And Judah will remain FOREVER, and Jerusalem will endure through all future generations”
Those that curse Israel will be cursed. Stand with Israel. Pray for the people to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus. In that day…people will prophesy, and dreams… W
e are living in the days..time is short. Christ followers should be paying attention to the signs and aware. Not be ignorant. Or uncaring. Too busy. Self-focused. We live for His purposes and to reap the harvest! Lets bring in the sheaves..going diligently to share the light in a dark world. We have to be separate and district from the world. We can not be double minded, sitting on the fence! Luke warm. Nope, we are to be on fIRE for the Lord, for what he has done for us! Weeping over our sin, and knowing he is weeping for our neighbor, our children, our cities and country. Joel is giving us the call this morning to sound the alarm…don’t let the locust consume our families and cities.
The song “I Speak Jesus” comes to mind! we have a powerful weapon in prayer. But also, God wants our physical action of being boots on the ground. A mouthpiece on social media, letters, and texts. There are just so many ways to share Jesus! Are we diligent in our given mission!? Serve with a joyful heart my friends! :)
We have baptisms early in the morning! Always exciting! One of our butterflies, Shalan, will be baptized! A story of redemption, and how I got to be a part of it! She is the second one! Glory to God!! He actually showed me that she would come to our church and I would be a part of her and her daughters life! How amazing is that!? Stacey is doing well too, she is the other one that I am close with and got baptized at our church a couple of years ago. (unfortunately she has probation in a different county so has to live there.)
Have a good Friday and great wkd She’s!
Praise the Lord that Shalan will be getting baptized, and that you get to be a part of it! Wonderful! Praise God!!…continued prayers for all your “butterflies”. ❤️
These ladies, Rhonda, Shalan and Stacey, are your ‘such a time as this’
Amazing..
Praying all is beautiful today, and that the party in heaven, over the life given to Jesus, pours down and over to your neck of the woods today..❤️
1) God “is merciful and compassionate,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
He is eager to relent and not punish.” NLT
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PSALM 145:8-9 NLT also says:
The Lord is merciful and compassionate,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
9 The Lord is good to everyone.
He showers compassion on all his creation.
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2) His offer of repentance is still on the table. The offer of redemption is still valid today through belief and relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord. The people of Joel’s day had to perform physical acts (sacrifice, etc.). Jesus has already handled the sacrifice on our behalf. We only have to call on Him in repentance and He restores us.
His GRACE is GREATER than ALL our sin! Praise Him!
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SONG SHARE: Praise with CARMEN today:
Grace Greater Than Our Sin
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
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This passage from Joel always reminds me that I do not take my sin as seriously as I should. I forget or quickly set aside that it deeply grieves my Heavenly Father and separates me from Him. In His great grace, mercy and love He is so compassionate to cast my sin aside, as far as the east is from the west. I am so undeserved of such generous forgiveness and yet its there. What a faithful, loving God we serve, that He forgives, redeems and desires us to be in relationship with, to be found by Him, to seek Him with all our hearts. Thank you Lord. May I be found faithful to you❤️
Thank you for your continued prayers. I still do not have much more of a clear diagnosis but have had more tests and labs and those are slowly coming in. My doctors really feel that the couple of tumors in my lymph nodes, even though still very small are just starting to affect my body differently and so I need to begin a treatment. Thankfully at this point, there is a less invasive option and its a hormone injection therapy and I don’t have to jump right to radiation or chemo. I will have my first injection on Monday. Please keeping praying for definitive diagnosis; the unknown feels so unsettling. Please pray that this will be an effective treatment for me and address my current symptoms quickly and that side effects would be minimal or non existent. And for peace and assurance that this is the right next step. Thank you ❤️
Continued prayers for you , Wendy, that the hormone therapy will be effective❤️
Prayers will continue for you, Wendy!
Wendy, praying in agreement, sister! Sending hugs! ❤❤❤
Prayers for you Wendy.
Praying, Wendy ❤️ for effectiveness of this treatment and that you will see positive results soon. Praying the Lord will comfort you and give you His peace in the unknown and in the waiting.
Continued prayer for all your health needs Wendy and for peace of mind and heart as you walk through this uncertain time. ❤️
Praying right now sweet Wendy.
Prayers now and continuing, sweet Wendy. ❤️
Praying for you Wendy for God’s wisdom and blessings all over your body and over the treatment plans.
Praying for you Wendy ❤️
I speak Jesus over you and your treatment plan.
Thank you so much everyone. Your words of encouragement, support and prayers are just such a blessing and bring me to tears. This week has been a slog for sure and the Lord has used many people to remind me of His faithful presence and care. Thank you sisters ❤️
continued prayers for you, Wendy.
HE is near, and HE is moving.. ❤️
So sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family.
As He revealed to Moses on Mt Siani, God’s nature “is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in faithful love.” This should shape our picture of Him as One who deserves our wholehearted devotion. And cause us to draw toward Him in repentance without fear.
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Today’s reading shows me that the story of redemption displays God’s patience and faithfulness in drawing me to Himself and holiness.
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Have a blessed day Shes
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So blesssed that our Lord is slow to anger and filled with faithful love toward us! So blessed with the hope of eternal life that He has given us through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Especially now as my mom has gone to her Heavenly home. Early yesterday morning, she left her broken body behind and now walks with Jesus. Thankful for all of your prayers throughout Mom’s journey ❤️
O, Cat-tee, so sorry for your loss and thankful for your mom’s gain.
Praying the peace of your Savior fills your and your family’s hearts
My condolences to you and your family. May your sadness be comforted by Jesus and the memories of your Mom.
Cat-tee, I’m sorry for your loss, but rejoice that mum now sings with the angels..
Sending you much love covered in prayers and hugs as you navigate life now without your sweet mama..x
So very sorry for your loss. Praise the Lord for the hope of heaven. May the Lord’s comforting presence be near.❤️
Cat-tee, I am so sorry for your loss and so thankful your mom is healed and with Jesus ❤️
Cat-tee, I am praying for you at this time. Someone told me recently at Gene’s home going “Saddened rejoicing”. So true, we are grieving because of the hole left in our lives but rejoicing our loved one’s suffering is over. They have gained their heart’s desire to be with Jesus! God be with you, comfort you with His peace, and bless you as you walk through the coming days.❤
Amen! Prayers for you both. Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine…So glad we have the blessed assurance our loved ones are home!
I echo your thoughts, Linda. So many emotions but the thought of our departed leaving their broken bodies behind was such a comfort for me at the time of my Mom’s passing but I still miss her so much – saddened rejoicing.
My prayers are with you, cat-tee ❤️
Cat-tee, I am so sorry for your mom’s recent decline and passing. You were a blessing to her in her hard days. Prayers for strength and comfort for you and your family. ❤
Your mom is home and healed, but I know your heart aches. Praying for comfort in these hard times.
So sorry for your loss Cat-tee. Even though you know she is with Jesus, it’s hard to say good-bye. Praise God she is fully healed and with her Savior. May you feel God’s peace and comfort as you mourn her loss. ❤️
Cat-tee, so sorry to hear of about your mom. Praying for you right now. Joining our sisters here lifting YOU up to JESUS!
I am so sorry for your loss, Cat-Tee. ❤️
Praying for God’s comfort over you Cat-tee. Sorry for your loss.
Cat-Tee, I am so sorry for your loss. I’m praying peace and comfort for you and your family. ❤️
EVEN NOW… is fast becoming a favorite.. Just like BUT GOD.., it may only be two words but boy does pack a punch.. right through to the marrow..
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When your heart is for the LORD, when you are aligned with our Father God, when you know who God is.. EVEN NOW become saving words..
EVEN NOW.. when I have sinned, sinned and sinned again..
EVEN NOW..when I have walked away from God, because He has not answered my prayer..
EVEN NOW..whilst my heart wanders..
EVEN NOW.. as I bring new idols into my home..
EVEN NOW, as I walk past those in need, or neglected, when I could have helped others..
EVEN NOW.. as I go through the motions of church, but not truly engaging.. Yep..
EVEN NOW..
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BUT GOD..
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EVEN NOW, He calls us to repent and return to Him, to come as we are, dirty, unclean, a mess, unworthy, He calls us to come, seek Him while He may be found, come, return to Him, EVEN NOW, when we have been unfaithful in word, thought and deed, He says come, for He gracious, and compassionate, slow to anger, and wait for it, abounding in faithful love, always, no matter what, His love never changes.
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Thank you Father God, Thank you..
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Gods nature to give us His best, always, means that we always, always have Hope, whichever way we turn, because the Hope we have in Him, will always bring us home to Him!
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AMEN..
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Happy Friday dear hearts, Be blessed knowing you are His and He is yours, and that He has only love in His heart for you..
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Much love, as always covered in hugs and prayers..❤️
Oh the Amazing Love of God!! How merciful, how marvelous and oh what patience!
Amen sister!!
Amen ❤️
So true, sister ❤️
Wow, that was good Tina! “Even now”!
Thank you for that. Have a blessed day as it’s already underway! ❤️
Amen!
Amen, Tina ❤️❤️
EVEN NOW – Great focus (great song title!)! Hugs and love back to you, TINA! ❤
From yesterday subce I could NOT get it to pist under your reply to my comment re:soup:
Thank you, TINA, for the smile; I am glad you are well and not in need of soup! Much love back to you, sister! ❤❤
Amen, Tina!
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