One of the biggest lies the enemy tells us is that we can’t undo something….that we can’t turn back, or stop, or change.  He convinces us that we are trapped and without escape.

 

I know that I get in ruts.  And those ruts often start in good intentions…..but away from the Lord, they are sin.  And scripture is clear that even God’s elect can be deceived by the enemy.

 

I have often wondered how that can be…..but when I examine my own life it is clear–we are corrupted and we can be easily deceived…..this is not to say that we are “living in sin” but it is to say that we compartmentalize and while we are living right in one area—we might not be so great in another.

 

I think when we take a look from 12,000 feet we can see that we are right on in one area and totally off in another.

 

Our finances can be right but our prayer life could be off.  

We might be merciful to one sin but hateful toward another.

Me might give but not be able to forgive.

 

When I examine my heart….it is a mixture of good, evil, selfish, and all the other things that life has poured into me……..

 

What I am getting at is this:  we need God to come and do a miracle in our hearts every day.  And we need Him to do it even in our salvation.

 

As is always the case, God has the answer because God is the Answer.  He has fresh manna and a fresh word in every area….and sometimes in our very weaknesses He might be able to do His best work.

 

And this gospel, this answer, this fresh manna…..it is available in a quantity that can never run out….all we have to do is ask.

 

I think that is why He spoke this word through the prophet Joel….a good word for that moment….but perhaps a great word for August 12, 2017 as well.

Joel 2  12 “Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”  13 Rend your heart and not your garments.  Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.

 

You see….you can look the whole world over and not find a better deal, a better word, a better love….than the one that the Father is offering up this very day.

 

So cry out to the Lord.

 

If you need to shed a tear….then cry.

 

If you need to deny your flesh….then fast.

 

If you have been sinful or not living out His call in an area…repent.

 

Or simply raise your hands in worship of the King of the universe.

 

He is slow to anger and abounding in love.

He changes His mind on our foolishness.

His heart is drawn to ours in ways beyond our comprehension.

 

And His lovingkindness is new every morning.

 

Thank You Lord….You, and You alone, hold the keys to eternal life.

 

In The Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

 

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Coach J