Discovery Journal

Jean B. - June 25, 2010

Scripture:

I have two. Joel 2:12, "Even now," declares the Lord, "return" to me God with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.
Joel 2:23, Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before.

Observation:

In Joel 2:12 the Lord is asking for true repentance and a heart that is full devoted to Him.
In Joel 2:23, He want us to be joyful for what He has done for us in the past and present.

Application:

I must search my heart and ask myself ,who am I serving? Am I truly serving God? When I go to God in prayer and ask Him to search my heart, I find that I'm not living for Him at all. Think of all the time I wasted! In Psalms 139:23-24 it says: "Search me , oh God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way of everlasting." I must have a heart of repentance before God.
Joel 2:23, This is a big one for me. How can I lead people to Christ, when I have a negative and an unjoyful attitude??? I can't! Yes, I may have some real not-so-great things going on in my life, but you know what?? It's not all about me, and until I figure that out, I'm going to be pretty unhappy. I have to remember why God has put me here. It is to serve Him, not myself. He has done awesome things for me, mostly my SALVATION. If nothing else, that's more than enough to be joyful about. Remember what He has done, and be thankful for that. The rest will fall into place, if you live truly for Him.

Prayer:

Lord God, my Father. Thank You for Your abundant love, grace, mercy, and patience You me give on an hourly basis. You are the one who gives me joy when joy is hard to find. Help me to show Your love, grace, mercy and patience to others today, so that they will see You. I love You. Amen