From Wasted to Productive

O. T. #2074 "From Wasted to Productive"

Nov. 26, 2021

Joel 1-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

As we continue in the psalms for encouragement, look at 115:

Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy, and for Thy truth's sake. Wherefore should the heathern say, Where is now their God? But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased. (verses 1-3)

He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great. (verse 13)

Our God is is on His glorious throne, reigning as the Sovereign God of the universe, that is where He is. His throne is founded on mercy and truth (love and faithfulness), which reminds us of His covenant with Israel. Because He loved them, He chose them (Deut. 7:7-11) and gave them His covenant, which He faithfully kept. All of God's people can shout, "Alleluia! For the Lord God omnipotent reigns!"    (Wiersbe)

Who gets credit if God answers my prayer?

With a heavy heart I write, for my sister in law has ovarian cancer, and goes to the oncologist Tuesday for their plan of treatment. Also, a good friend in the ministry has stomach cancer. He is getting a feeding tube and port put in this morning. He will be finding out  the doctors' plan of treatment soon, also. We would appreciate your prayers for these two loved ones. Our God does whatsoever pleases Him, so we give glory to the Lord Most High.

LET IT GROW

As we look further into the first chapter, we read of the four stages of the locust in verse 4 that Joel tells Israel is coming:

1. The palmerworm, which hatches out, is characterized by its gnawing activity;
2. The locust, which gets its wings and flies;
3. The cankerworm, that grows and eats away leaves, fruit, bark;
4. The caterpillar, which is full growth and development, devours anything in its path.

How devastating it would be for the grape harvest to be lost, as well as other crops, such as wheat, barley, fig, pomegranate, apple, etc.

As the locusts invasions were horrible, so would those human armies as they attacked. Those 4 stages of the locust's development are often taken as prophetic of the Babylonian, Persian, Grecian, and Roman empires, which overran and controlled Judah.

Don't be discouraged, for God promised restoration in 2:25. He can repair our losses and make good on what damage we do in our life. Just come to Jesus.

As the father of the prodigal son made up for all that his son squandered, God vows that He will restore our loss.

Worthless years. Futile. Wasted.

Joni Eareckson Tada admits her hidden sins, lack of Bible reading, a dying prayer life after her disabling accident that left her paralyzed from the neck down. Although she has never recovered, she now uses her time and life to honor God and encourage others to come to Jesus.

LET IT GO

Father, please for my wasted years that I squandered on my fleshly desires. Renew my time so it is used for Your glory and honor, sharing the gospel with others.