What is Eating Up Your Joy?

O. T. #2093 "What is Eating Up Your Joy?"

Dec. 24, 2021

Summary of Joel

LET IT GLOW

... and let thy saints shout for joy. (Psalm 132:9b)

What produces joy in your life? Do you have something to shout for joy about? Is your joy found in Jesus? Or is it found in things and money? Is our desire to love God with all of our heart, serve Him will all of our will, doing  His will?

God sent down love to us when Jesus came. Have you found this love? Are we living by faith our by sight today? Jesus told us how we should live-love God and love others as our self. Are we?

Things to ponder today.

LET IT GROW

One more time let us take a look at what god said through His prophet Joel. One of the things that stands out to me is the warning that a locust plague was coming. Although Joel did not specifically name the sins of Israel, it is understood-idolatry.

Did you know that locust are grasshopper-like insects? They eat up green plants when a swarm attacks an area. I recall seeing grasshoppers everywhere in several summers. Not only was their noise bad to put up with, but their devouring the plants was also.

So that leads us to so some serious thinking as we have the close of 2021 coming. Do we have locusts in our life? If we were to make a Can we make a list of what kind of locusts eat up our joy, what would be on it? Is a critical spirit there? How about worry for our future? How about the health of our loved ones or our self? How about the pressures to buy gifts for everyone in our circle?

So as we live in a joyous time of year, is Jesus our joy?

 

LET IT GO

Keep our focus on You, Lord Jesus Christ.

You alone can give us inner peace and everlasting joy amidst troubles.

Please bless all who read this with salvation and joy today!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Hope in Weariness

O. T. #2092 "Hope in Weariness"

Dec. 23, 2021

Summary of Joel

LET IT GLOW

Dear friend, where is your hope today?

I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in His Word do I hope. (Psalm 130:5)

Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption. (verse 7)

Need some hope? Here is where we get it-Jesus, the Savior of the world. He has mercy and redemption. May He bless you exceedingly abundantly above all we think or ask.

 

LET IT GROW

As we look back over just three chapters which contain the prophecies of Joel, what did we learn?

• Joel's name in Hebrew means Johovah (is his) God. What a fitting name for Joel, for he proclaimed Almighty God was/is in charge of events in this world and His children.
• Joel's message was to Israel, warning them to repent of their idolatry and immorality, lest judgment would come-the plague of locust and the Day of the Lord.
• Israel did not head the warnings and the Assyrian empire was sent to wipe out the ten Northern Tribes, their land, and treasures.
• It was 210 years later that Babylon conquered Judah and Jerusalem because of the same sins.
• When all human hope is gone, Jesus is there.
• Then Jesus will return to earth to reign as King and cleanse all of sin,.

Joel 2:32 says, And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered...

Have you called on Jesus, asking forgiveness of your sins, and be your Savior?

Are you choosing to follow, obey, and worship God alone as your Sovereign Lord?

And rend your heart, and not your garments and turn unto the LORD your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth Him of the evil. (Joel 2:13)

Our God is gracious and merciful and has great kindness. Will you turn to Him today?

LET IT GO

It's all about You, Jesus.

You are our hope of salvation, hope of eternal life.

There is no other.

Are You Blessed?

O. T. #2091    "Are You Blessed?"

Dec. 22, 2021

Joel 3-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in His ways. (Ps. 128:1)

Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD. (verse 4)

Four times a form of the word blessed appears in this chapter. In verse 1, blessed means happy; happiness; while in verse 4, blessed means to bless God as an act of adoration, praise, thank.

Feareth refers to reverent, which appears twice.

So in verse 1, we are being told, if we want to be happy, then we should reverent the LORD and follow His ways. When we praise, thank, adore, and reverence the LORD Jesus, we will enjoy the fruit of our labor, and we will be blessed with children and grandchildren.

God works through individuals and families. Our love should extend into the church and our community. Are we watching for His working and blessings?

LET IT GROW

Looking at verses 17-21, we read what will happen after judgment is poured out. Everything will change after King Jesus returns to reign. Joel promises:

• a Holy City, Jerusalem; Eight times this phrase is used in Scriptures, so Jerusalem will be cleansed of the evil ones and sin.(verse 17)
• a restored land; It will be as a land flowing with milk and honey, in addition to water and wine. (verses 18-19)
• a cleansed people; Their sins will be forgiven and God will restore them Himself.
• a Glorious King will dwell there-Jehovah Shammah, The LORD is There.

Joel's prophecy begins with tragedy and ends with triumph as the King of kings and LORD of lords reigns. And Christ shall forever and ever. (Rev. 11:15) The rider on the white horse, Jesus Christ, will come and set all things right. (Rev. 19:11) Come Lord Jesus.

 

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for coming to earth, endured temptations and harsh treatment. What a Wonderful Savior, the Lamb of God who takes away our sins!

We honor, love, and adore You, Holy One of Israel.

Such grace and mercy You show us everyday.

Thank You for the abundant life You alone provide.

We are looking to the everlasting life that You, Jesus have for us.

Hope in Darkness

O. T. #2089  "Hope in Darkness"

Dec. 17, 2021

Joel 3-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Before His ministry, Jesus was a carpenter. (Mark 6:3) He is currently building His church in this world. (Matt. 16:18) Jesus calls us to build our lives, our homes, our churches, and the kingdom of God around the world. (The church is the people.) Without Jesus we can do nothing. (John 15:5)

Psalm 127:1a says, Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it...

A family without God can never experience the spiritual bond God brings to relationships. Evil and corruption are allowed inside to tear down the home and family.

Is God our highest priority in our home and family? Are we letting Him do the building of faith, love, purity, hope, and trust? Do our children see us praying and reading God's Word? Are we instilling those in their lives, too?

LET IT GROW

Need some hope today as we live in this messed up world? Continue reading.

Joel continues to warn the people of the Day of the Lord and the Great Tribulation to come. Even when darkness surrounds us, we can still have hope in our life. Look at verses 15-17.

... but the LORD will be the hope of His people, and the strength of the children of Israel. (verse 16c)

Hope means a shelter, refuge, trust.

Is the Lord Jesus your hope of eternal salvation? Is He your hope as you live in the world?

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)

Hope in the Christian's life is not wishful thinking. It is confident expectation. The Lord of the universe is also over every circumstance we experience. We can live with confidence because our hope is in One who is faithful. (Blackaby)

LET IT GO

Jesus, You alone are our hope.

We place our trust in You, our Savior and King.

Strengthen us as we go throughout this day.

Glory to God in the Highest!

What a wonderful Gift!

O. T. #2090   "What a Wonderful Gift!"

Dec. 20, 2021

Joel 3-Part 4

So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, My holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more. (verse 17)

LET IT GLOW

Can you think back to the times you have listened/watched children programs at Christmastime? What a sweet sound as precious innocent ones sing about our Savior and His praises. They seem to be able to touch hearts like no other, right?

In looking at Psalm 127 again, we find that children are a blessing and gift from the Lord, a reward.

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is His reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them. (verses 3-5a)

Children should be treated as a wonderful inheritance, who are given loving care and training. Unfortunately, it is too common that children are a burden instead of a blessing, a treasure. Society often looks down on a family of 4 or more children. (Our daughter has 6 and niece has 5.)

If we do not teach our children to know and love the Truth in God's Word, who will? Then in years to come, who will plant the seeds of Truth and fight the battles against evil? If parents do not shape their children with Christian qualities, and aim them in the right direction (toward Jesus), who will? If they do not see moms and dads live depending upon God by faith, where will they find it?

Not every couple is blessed with children. However, they can value, pray for, be examples, protect and give spiritual teachings to other children.

Too many wrong examples are being exposed to our precious children of sinful lifestyles nowadays. We must point out to them what is right and wrong according to God's Word. Protect them as much as we can from sinful influences.

So next time we see a mother with several children at the grocery store, let's offer them a helping hand, encourage them, let them know how blessed they are to have those priceless gifts hanging onto their leg.

LET IT GROW

Joel is speaking in the third chapter of the coming promises of restoration of Judah and Jerusalem, as well as the Day of the Lord, the Great Tribulation period, and judgment upon the enemies of them.

When the sun and moon darken everything, and He roars out of Zion, and earth shakes, look up, for your Redemption is nigh. Jesus will be the hope and strength of His people.

What are the effects upon Jerusalem and Judah when God pours out His judgment?

• They will know that Jehovah is God.
• They will know He is in their midst.
• Jerusalem will be holy
• Strangers will not violate Jerusalem and Judah anymore. [Liberty Bible Commentary]

Wow! What a contrast of the fate of Israel and the nations. Isaiah 51 described Jerusalem, the Holy City, and Israel as a desert turned into a garden, where there will be thanksgiving and melodies of praise sung to Jesus and joy and gladness will be.

Folks, we don't have to wait for Jesus to return, for He is here with us right now in the form of the Holy Spirit. He can give us joy and gladness overflowing as we rejoice in a Savior being born, dying on a cross, and rising from the dead so we can have live forevermore with Him.

Dear one, do you know this Blessed Savior Jesus? Have you admitted your sins to Him and asked His forgiveness yet? He loves you so much and is waiting to give you His gift.

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for coming as a baby, living a perfect and sinless life among a sinful mankind.

May we never get over such a miraculous and wonderful gift You have given!

Thank You for the blessings of children in our families and churches and communities. May we raise them in the admiration of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Great Things

O. T. #2088   "Great Things"

Dec. 16, 2021

Joel 3-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Psalm 126 contains two outstanding verses:

The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. (verse 3)

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. (verses 5-6)

There was a time that God did great things for the Jews and they gave Him the glory.

If you can explain what is going on, God did not do it. (Dr. Bob Cook)

Have you been utterly astonished by events that have taken place in your life? Some things can only be explained by God did it.

I think of the recent surgery and recovering of our dear sister in law. She was told she had cancer in a large tumor on her ovary. Later, she was told it was an 80% chance it was not cancerous. Hope arose for our family. We all kept praying for her, and God answered with a cancer-free diagnosis. Tears of joy ran down my face. It was a God-thing, He did it with His mercy. Thank You Heavenly Father.

Have you had any God-things lately in your life or family?

It pleases the Lord when we water with our tears the seed of the Word that we sow. We cannot reap if we do not first sow the seed, and the seed must be watered with our tears and our prayers. some blessings God sends suddenly, and some come in the course of time, and some come as we patiently sow and weep. (Wiersbe)

In due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galatians 6:9)

Are you ready to reap what you have sown?

 

LET IT GROW

In verses 9-14, we find that God will deal with His enemies. They will prepare for war with God. Judgment will come, eventually and completely. The enemies that God will judge are almost numberless; they are multitudes. The Great Tribulation period will culminate with the death of every last unbelieving human being on the face of the earth.

Multitudes will be in the Valley of Decision. Will they repent of their sins, believe in, and surrender to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior before it is too late?

What about you dear friend? Are you in the Valley of Decision right now? It will be too late once you die, so turn to Jesus and be saved from the penalty of your sins right now. Jesus loves you so much that He took your place in order for you (and me) to not have to pay for your sins eternally. Jesus is the only way to heaven.

Believer, will you pray with me that all who read this will come to know Jesus as their Savior?

LET IT GO

Heavenly Father, thank You for such a wonder plan, becoming a man, one of us, so we can have everlasting life in heaven with You. We are sinners in need of a Savior today.

We owe You our all, our breath of life and beat of our heart, as well as salvation by faith in Jesus.

Such love demonstrated when You came down in Jesus Christ to die on a cross for our sins, our Sacrificial Lamb that takes away the sins of the world.

I pray all who read this will surrender to You, Jesus, admitting they are sinners in need of a Savior. Give them faith to believe in You today.

You alone are God, and can do great things.

Refresh Your children today.

Glory to God in the Highest!

Praise to Jesus the Only Savior!

Peace is Available

O. T. #2087 "Peace is Available"

Dec. 15, 2021

Joel 3

LET IT GLOW

If there is one thing we need in our lives, homes, nation, and world, it is peace. Here are a few verses that use the word peace.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. (Ps. 122:6)

The word peace, in Hebrew is the shalluwn (shaw-lome'), means safe, well, happy, friendly, rest, all is well, be well, wholly.

The world cannot provide this kind of peace. Real peace comes from faith in God. To find peace of mind and peace with others, you must find peace with God.

The psalmist was not praying for his own peace and prosperity, but for his friends and family in Jerusalem. Isn't this intercessory prayer? How often do we neglect praying for others, but focus on our own needs and desires?

We are to pray for Jerusalem, also, for it is the Lord's beloved city and people. It is the place He chose for His King Jesus and for the worship of His name. (Ultimately, those prayers will be answered when Jesus comes back to reign as King, and it will be in Jerusalem.

[Resource: Life Application Study Bible; The Tony Evans Bible Commentary ]

In Isaiah 9:6, Jesus is the Prince of Peace. The book of John tells us about peace:

Jesus said, Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)

This word peace, means rest, quietness, prosperity, in the Greek language.

Other verses in John includes 16:33; 20:19, 26; Luke 2:14, 29; Galatians 6:22.

A heart for God will surely be a heart filled with praise and prayer.(Wiersbe)

Dear one, do you have the peace that only God can give?

 

LET IT GROW

The beginning of Joel 3 speaks about the judgments coming upon Israel. God will deal with the nations of the world for the way they have treated His people Israel.

Joel gives three important announcements:

1. Nations prepare for judgment!
2. Nations prepare for war!
3. Nations prepare for defeat!

What the nations have done to the Jews is scattering them, selling them into slavery, plundering the land of its wealth, and taking what belonged to the Lord using it for their own gods. This happened with Babylon, Assyria, the Greeks and Romans.

A great future battle will take place in the Valley of Jehoshaphat (the Lord judges), which is  the Battle of Armageddon, according to Revelations 16:16) Nations will unite against the Lord and His Christ (Ps. 2:1-3) but we know who wins-the Lamb of God who becomes the Lion of Judah and Victor.

So believers need to pray for peace of Jerusalem and witness to them that Jesus is indeed their Messiah and Lord.

[Resource: The Wiersbe Bible Commentary]

LET IT GO

Prince of Peace, fill us with Your joy and peace.

You have everything under control.

Thank You, Jesus, for leaving Your home in heaven so it can  one day be our home. such love and sacrifice.

Glory to God in the Highest!

And peace to you, friend.

Let Us Go

O. T. #2086 "Let Us Go"

Dec. 14, 2021

Joel 2-Part 9

LET IT GLOW

I hope it has encouraged you to read through the psalms while studying this year the great prophets of Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, and now Joel. It has been tough to hear of the coming judgments of God upon His people due to their idolatry, as well as straying away from the Word. So thank you for continuing with me.

Now take a look at Psalm 122, which David wrote. One verse I have highlighted in my Bible is:

I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. (verse 1)

David expressed his excitement as he anticipated worshiping with the people of Israel in the tabernacle in Jerusalem. (The temple was not yet built.) The Jews were to come together to worship the God of Israel during specified times of feasts. They were to give Him thanks. Jerusalem was also the city of the king, the location of the thrones of the house of David. (verse 5) The Messiah would come through this royal family, and did, might I add.

What is our attitude when it is time to go into the house of the Lord? Is it  an enjoyable time, one that stirs up eagerness to hear from the Word of God? Or is it a duty to be filled? Is there unconfessed sin or has our love for God cooled?

LET IT GROW

Before we continue into chapter 3, I realized there was something I overlooked. In this book of Joel, there is one time that he used the word Almighty (Shadday/Shaddai) used to describe their God. It is found in 1:15 when referring to the destruction to come to Israel. 

Our God is all-sufficient One, the bountiful One, the God who can do anything-El Shaddai. This descriptive word of God is used 48 times in the Old Testament, 31 times in Job, and 8 times in Revelation.

Joel believed El Shaddai could, had the ability, to stop the invasion of the locust (Assyrian army), but would only do so if Israel repented of their sins.

So many times we read of the all-powerful God doing miraculous tings that only He could do-creating the world, parting the Red Sea and Jordan River, defeating armies for Israel, delivering them from slavery in Egypt, and giving Elizabeth and Mary baby sons.

Friend, do you believer in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ? (Sorry for the bluntness.) He chose to come to earth as a baby, without sin in His life, to be the sacrifice for our sins (having lived a sinless life).

For God so loved us that He sent His only Son, to be the Messiah and Savior. Christ is the Lamb of God that takes away our sins. We cannot come to God except through Him. He is our door to heaven. This is why we worship the risen Savior.

Will you trust in Him today as your Savior? It is my prayer that you will. 

LET IT GO

Is there something we need to let go of before we bow before our Savior, the Newborn King, to be reborn spiritually?

Come let us gather together with believers to worship the Risen Savior. Come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord this season.

We give You praise and thanksgiving for loving us so much that You would leave heaven to walk among sinful men, endure temptations and pain on the cross so we can be with You in heaven, Jesus!

Fill us with Your love today and help us share Your love with others today.

 

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.

Find the Light

O. T. #2083 "Find the Light"

Dec. 9, 2021

Joel 2-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

Where are you going my friend? Do you need a light for your path today? Here is where you can get it.

As we finish looking to Psalm 119 for encouragement, we see God's faithfulness in verse 90: Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.

Then in verse 89, we read of His faithful Word: For ever, O LORD, Thy Word is settled in heaven.

Verse 105 is a familiar verse about the Word of God: Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Finally, we find out how we can get great peace from verse 165: Great peace have they which love Thy law; and nothing shall offend them.

How precious is God's Word! It will last forever. It can illuminate and guide our path of life in this dark world. Is there great joy in loving and keeping the Word of God? Are we thanking Him for such a wonderful Word written to us, filling us with the love of God? Are we experiencing His peace as we obey His law, statutes, testimonies, and Word?

LET IT GROW

Starting in verse 15, Joel invites Israel to blow a trumpet in Zion again, to gather the people, to call for a fast and weeping before their God before judgment comes upon them.

As the priests and ministers come into the Lord's presence, they are to ask God to:

• Spare His people;
• Not let His special possession become an object of mockery;
• Not let them become a joke for unbelieving foreigners who ask, Has the God of Israel left them:"

When these things happen, what will God do?

• He will have pity on His people and guard the honor of His land; (verse 18)
• He would send grain, new wine, and olive oil to satisfy their needs; (verse 19)
• He will drive away the armies from the north, sending them into a parched wasteland. (verse 20)

After repentance would come restoration for Israel, but they would not come to God, admitting their sins of idolatry and immorality. God was waiting on His people so He could do great things for them. but they would not do so.

Is God waiting on us to come to Him in repentance? Is unbelief, unfaithfulness, or disobedience in our life? Are our prayers unanswered? We must turn to God, confessing our sins.

LET IT GO

 

The Light of the world is Jesus!

Come let us adore Him, Christ the LORD!

All glory be given to You!

Do You Have Hope?

O. T. #2082 "Do You Have Hope?"

Dec. 8, 2021

Joel 2-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

Now who could not us some hope today? Where is your hope? There is a place to find it, dear friend. Come along with me, for there is plenty of hope to go around.

In the Hebrew language, hope means to wait; to be patient; trust; tarry.

In wrapping up Psalm 119, we find the word hope appearing 4 times:

1. Remember the Word unto thy servant, upon which Thou hast caused me to hope. (verse 49)
2. My soul fainteth for Thy salvation: but I hope in Thy Word. (verse 81)
3. Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy Word. (verse 114)
4. Uphold me according unto Thy Word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.

Where is our hope found? It is found in God's Word, for in God's Word we find hope.

I like how Webster's Dictionary defined hope: trust, reliance, belief in fulfillment.

Is Jesus your salvation? Is He your hope of eternal life in heaven? If so, then we rejoice in your hope. Let us live in our hope placed in Jesus. If not, today can be your day of salvation. Place your hope in the Son of God that takes away the sins of the world-Jesus Christ.

LET IT GROW

Verse 14 of Joel 1 says, Who knoweth if He will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind Him: even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?

If only Israel had repented of their sins, then they would not have been captives in Assyria. God is immutable, unchanging. It is man who needs to change, have a change of heart and a change of mind. He would have turned devastation into blessing if only they had.

Blessing means prosperity; present, in the Hebrew language.

Webster defines blessing as encouragement, approval.

Israel's land would not have been destroyed, but they would not turn away from idols and worship God. He would have stopped His plan of devastation in Israel , blessed them in the field and the vineyard so they could have offer a meat and drink offering unto God.

If you've held to prolonged unrighteous attitudes against God, you've made Him your enemy. But, don't run from Him because He's your only hope. (Tony Evans)

If we know of others that are there in their life, share their only hope with them-Jesus. It is by faith that He accepts us.

Paul wanted his life to be like a drink offering upon Christ. How about us?

LET IT GO

Place our hope in Jesus and He will not disappoint us, but give us more hope. Find hope in God's Word, for it is there.

Blessing and honor and praise be to the only Savior!

We believe and trust in You only!

Where to Find Hope and Delight

O. T. #2081 "Where to Find Hope and Delight"

DEC. 7, 2021

Joel 2-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

Are you weighed down by all there is on your to-do list this month? Join me as we discover what can lighten this list.

Continuing in Psalm 119, we read of several words that the psalmist uses for the Scriptures. Look at how many times they are used within these 176 verses:

• Word-38times
• testimonies-11 xs
• law-25 xs
• precepts-21 xs
• statutes-22 xs
• commandments 22 xs
• judgment-4xs

David sincerely and genuinely sought the blessings of God through obeying His Word. 

Word means promise.

In verse 11, he says, Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.

About 143 times those words from the list were used. What are we to do with them?

• Meditate on them;(verse 15, 78)
• Respect them; (verse 15)
• Delight in them; (verse 16, 77)
• Not forget them; (verse 16)
• Learn them; (verse 71)
• Be comforted by them; (verse 52
• Get understanding from them; (verse 104)
• Put our hope in them; (verse 114, 147)
• Respect them; (verse 117)
• Love them exceedingly; (verse 167)
• Get deliverance; (verse 170)
• Praise God for them.(verse 175)

God's Word was so very important to David, right? And so it should be to us. It is a road map to our God, since it is Truth.

 

LET IT GROW

What do we find when we rent our heart, not our garments, and turn unto the LORD our God? Verse 13b tells us we find He is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness. (Israel would have had God not sending the plague of Assyria.)

God loves His people so much that He will cause them to face their sin and bring them to the place of repentance, confession, and restoration. (Falwell)

LET IT GO

Thank You Father for Your grace and mercy, slow anger, and great kindness. Especially grateful am I that my sister in law does not have cancer!

Help us to love Your Word and You more each day.

May our hope and delight be in Your Word.

 

How Do We Walk, Keep, and Seek?

O. T. #2080 "How Do We Walk, Keep, and Seek?"

Dec. 6, 2021

Joel 2-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

This chapter 119 is the longest psalm and chapter. It was probably was written by David. Immediately he wrote how we can be happy (blessed) and joyful. Who couldn't use some today? It instructs us how to stay pure and grow in faith.

Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in His ways. Thou hast commanded us to keep Thy precepts diligently. (verses 1-4)

Are we joyfully following the instructions of the LORD? Are we being joyful, especially this month in which we celebrate our Savior's birth? Are we people of integrity?  As we obey His laws are we joyful? do we search the Savior with all of our hearts?

I really had not thought about it this way before. If we are living uprightly, what have we to fear? Is our way of righteousness, pointing others to Jesus?

So the verbs here are walk, keep, and seek. So we are challenged today to do these things-live and walk uprightly, doing the right thing, keep God's Word so others can see it is the Truth, and seek the Lord with a whole heart so we can do His will, His way. Wow!

 

LET IT GROW

What did the Lord say in verses 12 and 13?

• Turn to Him with all our heart, with a fast, with weeping, and mourning. After repentance comes restoration and healing.
• Rend your heart and not garments. Grieve over your sinful ways, repenting. A broken heart God will not despise nor turn away from.
• Turn to the LORD your God. Idols will not help Israel when the Day of the LORD comes, for they have no power.

Do we just say a prayer of repetitive words going through the motions? Or is our heart sincere?

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart-these, O God, You will not despise. (Ps. 51:17 NKJV)

When we do as God says, we will experience His grace and mercy, slow anger, and great kindness. His unfailing love is waiting for us. He is eager to relent and not punish.

As we read of the character of God, we find His abounding love. We can depend on our God, for He never changes. When sinners repent and turn to Him, God is faithful to forgive us, not judge us.

LET IT GO

To You alone have we sinned, O God.

We ask Your forgiveness through Jesus.

Change our hearts and lives.

Keep us seeking You and walking after Your Word in our lives.

Fill us with joy today.

The King of kings has come!

The Messiah lives today!

Give honor and praise to Jesus Christ, the Son of God!

 

Hosanna in the Highest

O. T. #2079   "Hosanna in The Highest"

Dec. 3, 2021

Joel 2-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Still looking into Psalm 118 for encouragement:

Blessed be He that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of (from)the house of the LORD. (verse 26)

In Matthew 21:9, we read the same words:

And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the LORD; Hosanna in the Highest.

Jesus was entering Jerusalem riding on a donkey as some people recognized Him as the Messiah and King of the Jews. Look at this.

Hosanna, in the Greek language, means oh save! ; an exclamation of adoration.

Now that is something to get excited about, folks! Jesus Christ came to be our Savior. Is He your Savior? If not, He is waiting to be, for His work is complete for salvation. Simply believe in Him, ask Jesus to come into your heart, and ask forgiveness of your sins. Such love Jesus showed for you and me!

However, the religious leaders of Israel rejected Him and had Jesus put to death. Nevertheless, God vindicated Him and raised Jesus from the dead to be the Lord of all. Those with eyes of faith recognize this as wondrous. (verse 23)

Isn't it fantastic how God's plans came together! Our Savior is living!

 

LET IT GROW

Read through verses 3-11 in chapter 2.

Before the plague of locusts came, the earth looked like the Garden of Eden. The beautiful land had green and luxurious foliage. What was coming to change that is:

• Fire and flames will sweep over the land as the Assyrian army comes to the mountains; (verse 3)
• Fear will be on the faces of the people as anxiety and terror pains the inhabitants; (verse 6)
• Falling upon the sword, men will try to commit suicide and seek death, but will not be able to do so. (verse 8)

Such a catastrophic scene is pictured in verses 9-10, which is similar to Revelation 9 during the Great Tribulation, the Day of the Lord. Joel prepared the way for John's writings.

Under God's control, the Assyrian army marched upon Israel since they would not pray and repent and worship God alone.

Who can abide it? Except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved. (Matt. 24:22)

J.V. McGee tells us the answer:

In Rev. 7, God will shut down the forces of nature, withholding the winds from blowing (God's judgment upon earth) until the two great companies of the redeemed are sealed and made secure. If God's people are going to make it through the terrible time of tribulation, they will have to be sealed.

Matthew Henry said: None can escape the arrests of God's wrath, can make head against the force of it, or hear up under the weight of it. (1 Samuel 6:20; Ps. 75:7)

What a horrific time! But our Hosanna has come-Jesus Christ the Savior and Messiah! He alone is hope during that time. He alone is our hope during this time in which we live.

LET IT GO

Jesus, You alone are The Savior,  The Messiah, The Way, The Truth, The Life.

Hosanna to God in the Highest!

Please save all who read this.

Trumpets

O. T. #2078  "Trumpets"

Dec. 2, 2021

Joel 2

LET IT GLOW

The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. (Psalm 118:14)

The LORD hath chastened me sore: but He hath not given me over unto death. (verse 18)

The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. (verses 22-23)

Although Jesus was rejected by His people the Jews, He is now the "cornerstone", the most important part of the church. (Acts 4:11) The cornerstone is the foundation stone, holding the structure together. (Life Application Study Bible)

Is Jesus your strength, song, salvation, and cornerstone for your life?

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (verse 24)

In spite of our mood, situation, sorrow, guilt, can we rejoice in Jesus? God has given us this day to live and to serve Him, so that is reason enough to rejoice!

Do we recognize Jesus as the Messiah? Is He our living hope?

Can you hear it?

 

LET IT GROW

Look at verses 1 and 2 of chapter 2, Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in My holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand.

A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong: there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.

Judah must hear and heed the prophet's instructions:

• Blow the trumpet and sound the alarm in Jerusalem, which was used to call the congregation together for meetings, to usher in the beginning month, to note solemn days and festive occasions, warn them of war declared, as well as call a fast. Also, it was used to alert people to the seriousness of the crises.

Their weapons against the invading enemy would be repentance and prayer; the Lord would fight for them. However they would not do so, therefore, God would be in charge of this invasion, fulfilling His word.

• All human hope was gone, for the day of darkness and gloom, thick clouds, and deep blackness was coming, the terrible day of judgment.
• Nothing like it has been seen before or will ever be seen again.(There has never been anything like this, and never will be again.)
• The Assyrian army was coming to invade Israel, to ravage the land of Israel, the Northern Tribes.

Friend, are you ready for the trumpet of the Lord Jesus to be sound as He comes back to take His people home?

Have you made preparation? If the trumpet were to sound today, where would you spend eternity? Right now, will you ask Jesus to forgive your sins and be your Savior? He is only a prayer away.

LET IT GO

Jesus, we rejoice in this day You have made and allowed us to live in.

Thank You for Your salvation.

Nothing is impossible for You, Jesus.

Will you do miraculous things today?

Glory to God in the Highest!

The Day of The Lord

O. T. #2077  "The Day of The Lord"

Dec. 1, 2021

Joel 1-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

Dear one, are you fearful, in distress, trusting in people? Here is help.

In looking to Psalm 118 for encouragement, we read:

Let them now that fear the LORD say, that His mercy endureth for ever. (verse 4)

I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. (verse 5)

The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? (verse 6)

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. (verse 8)

The Lord is merciful, so call upon Him and He will answer. He is on our side, so do not fear. Are we putting our trust in God or people?

God's love is unchanging in the midst of changing situations. This give us security.  If you can put your trust in planes, trains, cars, or buses to get you to your destination, are you willing to trust God to guide you here on earth and to your eternal destination? (Life Application Study Bible)

LET IT GROW

Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come. (verse 15)

I like how J. Vernon McGee summarized this:

1. There is man's day, the day in which we are living now;
2. the Day of the Lord Jesus Christ, when He will take the church out of this world;
3. the Day of the Lord beginning with the Great Tribulation period.

As we live in man's day, man is the one who makes the judgments in courts, and ultimately to the Supreme Court. But we do not appeal to God, for we have forgotten Him altogether. Some use His name to swear by and to blaspheme. We see humanism abounding.

The phrase Day of the Lord appears 75 times in the entire Bible, with 5 times in the book of Joel. The prophets Isaiah, Ezekiel, Joel, Amos, Obediah, Zephaniah, and Malachi foretell its coming as a period of wrath and judgment uniquely belonging to the Lord. It will unveil the character of Jesus-might, power, and holiness.

Another day of coming is when the Day of the Lord Jesus Christ happens when He returns to rapture out His church. (1 Cor. 1:7-8; Phil. 1:6; 2 Thess. 2:2)

Then the Day of the Lord begins with night, with darkness in the Great Tribulation period. The destruction of the hand of Omnipotent God is coming. In the rest of the chapter, we read the results-man, animals, and plant kingdoms will be effected.

In verse 19, the only course of action in the light of such devastation is prayer to God. He is the only recourse. Everything else is gone. Man, beast, and nature join together in seeking God's favor for relief. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

LET IT GO

Jesus, You are our only hope in this world and eternity.

Help us share His love, forgiveness, mercy, and grace with others.

How marvelous You are, Almighty God!

We trust in You and surrender to Your will.

 

Merciful Kindness

O. T. #2076  "Merciful Kindness"

Nov. 30, 2021

Joel 1-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

Psalm 117:1-2 says, O praise the LORD, all ye nations, praise Him, all ye people. For His merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.

This is the shortest of the psalms by an unknown writer. He is inviting people everywhere to turn to the Lord and join believers in praising Him.

Wiersbe gives us 4 privileges that belong to God's people:

1. Worshipping God-The first praise means hallelujah-praise the Lord; the second praise means to boast, to extol and laud. It refers to us tell God how great He is, and we brag on Him to others.
2. Sharing the Gospel-To the nations (Gentiles) and peoples (nationalities in the world). Israel failed at bringing blessings to all the earth and giving true knowledge of God, Scriptures, and Savior.
3. Depending on God's great love-We are saved by grace, not by our good works. (Eph. 2:8-9) While we deserved death and darkness, God showed His merciful lovingkindness through Jesus Christ.
4. Resting on Divine assurance-Truth or faithfulness refers to stability, certainty, trustworthiness, faithful, sure. The character of God cannot change and His promises will not change. Our assurance is in the Word of God and the God of the Word. 

*I am sorry this has taken so long to post. My electricity went off and I was not able to get back on this site. Thank the Lord it was not erased. 

 

LET IT GROW

Look at verses 13-15 of the first chapter of Joel. The Word of the Lord through the prophet Joel is addressing the priests in Israel. No one was able to bring proper sacrifices to the temple because there were no meal, wine, or animals available. The people and the Temple were in need. Nice there was such devastation, the only thing man could do was to repent and mourn.

The priests and ministers were to:

• exhort themselves with sackcloth as a sign of mourning, even those attending the altar at night;
• Lament means to bewail (weep, mourn);
• Sanctify means keep holy, purify to a fast;
• Gather the elders and inhabitants of the land into the Lord's house;
• Cry refers to assemble, call (together), cause to be proclaimed unto the Lord.

Those are the instructions during the devastation of the locust plague, before the armies of world's empires attacked.

The main things was for the people to repent of their sinful idolatry and turn back to God.

Will we sanctify, lament, and cry before the Lord our God? His mercy endureth forever.

 

LET IT GO

Jesus, the lives of Patty and R. E. are in your hands, as well as us.

Your mercy has no end. Great is Your faithfulness.

Please show mercy unto them as they deal with cancer that wants to destroy their life.

We realize we are but sinners in need of a Savior today. You alone are our hope, Jesus. We give thanks unto the Lord, for Your mercy endureth to all generations.

In Your hands we leave our sister and brother in Christ.

Show Yourself mighty in each situation, according to Your will.

To You be the glory for ever and ever. Amen

Rejoice, Return, Rapture

O. T. #2075 "Rejoice, Return, Rapture"

Nov. 29, 2021

Joel 1-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Folks, Psalm 116 has a lot of good things to say to us believers in Jesus.

Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. The LORD preserveth the simple; I was brought low, and He helped me. (verses 5-6)

I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. (verse 9)

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints. (verse 15)

I will offer to Thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all His people. (verses 17-18)

God is always available so His children can reach Him immediately with our prayers and cry out for help. He bends down and listens to our voice. He answers the prayers of His children so He can give us His best. We are so precious to Him that God even chooses carefully the time when He calls us into His presence through death. God sees and values each life. So much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die in our place in order for our sins to be forgiven. What a sacrifice! Have you accepted it yet?

Do we offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the LORD?

LET IT GROW

Let's remember that Joel probably prophesied during the reign of King Joash in Judah (835-796 BC). It would have been about 210 years before Babylon conquered Judah.

The people were careless and concerned only with their sinful pleasures instead of pleasing God and only worshiping Him. Sin's shackles had them bound.

What was going to happen in the land of Judah?

• The locusts (conquering armies) would devour the grapes so the drunkards could have no wine. (verse 5)
• A great lion/nation was coming as a lion to lay waste the fig trees.(verses 6-7)
• There would be no meat and drink offerings for the priests to give the LORD. (verse 9)
• Cornfields would be a wasteland, thus no oil available. (verse 10)
• No wheat or barley would be harvested. (verse 11)
• The pomegranate, apple, and palm trees will wither. (verse 12a)

The entire population is affected.

Joy is withered away from the sons of men. (verse 12b)

Is our joy withered? Are we so bogged down with troubles and despair that we just go through the motions of each day?

Our Creator will return to earth and set free those in sin's shackles, and then the wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad... and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom like the rose. (Isaiah 35:1)

 

LET IT GO

Rejoice, for the Day of the Lord is coming!

Look up, for our Redemption draweth nigh!

One day Jesus will return and rapture us into heaven.

While we wait, let us rejoice, give thanks, and stay faithful to our King Jesus.

 

 

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.

What is God Saying to Us?

O. T. #2072 "What is God Saying to Us?"

Nov. 22, 2021

Introduction to Joel

The Word of the LORD that came to Joel the son of Pethuel. (verse 1)

 

I want to take this time and thank you for your faithfulness in joining me as we study the 12 minor Prophets. It is difficult to find encouragement during such discouraging writings. Yet, we know God is in control and we have a hope in Jesus, our Savior. May the Lord bless you! And if you have joined us recently, may we grow together in the knowledge of our gracious and merciful God.

Background

Author:

Little is known about this Joel who wrote these words in 3 short chapters and 73 verses. There are at least a dozen other men mentioned with the same name in the OT. He is mentioned in the NT in Acts 2.

The name Joel, pronounced Yow'el (Yo-ale'), means Jehovah (is his) God, in the Hebrew language.

The only background we have on this Joel is that his father was named Pethuel, which is mentioned no where else in the Scriptures. Other sources say that Joel was from the tribe of Reuben and from the town of Bethom or Bethharam, located northeast of the Dead Sea on the border of Reuben and Gad. It is hinted that Joel was a Judean from the Jerusalem vicinity, since the tone of a stranger is absent.

There are various opinions as to when Joel wrote his prophesies. There are no hints as to the world powers. He may have written them post-exilic prophets or during the reign of Joash (835-796 BC), which seems most convincing. Anyway, his message is timeless and can be applied in any age.

[Resource: The MacArthur Bible Commentary]

Apparently Joel was not a priest. His ministry may have occurred shortly after the days of Elijah and Elisha. That would have made him an early prophet of Judah. He doesn't mention Nineveh or Babylon, but does mention the Phoenicians, Philistines, Edomites, and Egyptians.It is possible that Joel could have written after the Babylonian captivity because the walls of Jerusalem are mentioned, so that would have placed Joel after Ezra and Nehemiah.

[Resource: Liberty Bible Commentary]

Setting:

Throughout the years, Judah experienced droughts, attacks of enemies, and economic devastation, leaving them a weak southern kingdom.

Judah had become prosperous and complacent, taking God for granted. They turned to self-centeredness, idolatry, and sin. Joel warned them that this kind of lifestyle would inevitably bring God's judgment.

Theme or Purpose:

A day of judgment was coming because of Judah's sins, resulting in devastation of the land (locust plague and drought) and the destruction of Jerusalem (70 AD). The Day of the Lord will bring restoration, though. There is hope of the material, spiritual, and national restoration for Judah.

In verse 1, Joel begins his prophecy by authenticating his prophetic office. The words he wrote had their source in God. Joel did not seek this message. He was called by God. The King came to a servant and commanded the servant to comply. (Tony Evans)

What is God saying to us? Joel wanted the people to know what God was saying to them through those critical events.

Give us ears to hear Your Word to us in this time, Lord.

Open our eyes to see our sins, bring us to repentance, and change our heart so we honor You.

 

 

 

 

 

LET IT GO