Restoration

O. T. #2084 "Restoration"

Dec. 10, 2021

Joel 2-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

Where do you look when you need help, strength to carry on,  even joy? Where will our help come from?

There are some wonderful words found in Psalm 121, telling us where to look:

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: He that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. (verses 1-4)

Our help comes from the LORD:

• the Maker of heaven and earth; The One who spoke everything into existence has the power to change our situation or strengthen us to make it through. (verses 1-2)
• the Protector of His people; There is no safer place to be than being where God wants you to be. (verses 3-4)
• the One who is shelter and keeper. He protects from all manner of evil-physical and spiritual. God guards his people from harm, day and night, where we are coming or going. (verses 5-8)

The Israeli pilgrims sang this song as they journeyed to Jerusalem to celebrate a Jewish feast. They needed safety on their journey through hills, dusty roads, hot days and chilly nights of camping out, even robbers that could swoop down on them.

He does not sleep nor slumber, but is available at any second, this second. The next time we see a mountain, recall this. Our help awaits.

Twice the psalmist uses these two words keepeth and preserve. The same word is found in Hebrew for both English words-shamar'. It means to hedge about; guard; protect; attend; take heed; keep; preserve; wait.

The Great I Am is available to do whatever we need as His children.

LET IT GROW

What do you need restored in your life, friend? Love, hope, joy, family, job?

Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things. (verse 21)

 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, My great army which I sent among you. (verse 25)

If Israel truly repented, then disaster would not come as Joel warned. Same for us.

 God's blessings are promised only to those who sincerely and consistently follow Him. (Life Application Study Bible)

And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and My people shall never be ashamed. (verse 27)

Is God in your midst this Christmas season? Do you know that there is no other god besides Jehovah God Almighty? Do you know Him personally?

For God so love the world (you and me) that He gave His only Son for us! We are the "whosover" when we believe in Jesus, that will have everlasting life.

Simply believe Jesus died on the cross to take away your sins. Admit you are a sinner in need of a Savior.

I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. (John 11:25)

For by grace are ye save through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for coming as a baby into this world to be our Savior!

Jesus, we bring our broken hearts and messed up lives to You.

Change us, mold us, make us into what You want us to be.

Renew our mind and hearts today.

To You be the glory, honor, and praise for ever.