Spare The People, O Lord

"Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

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.

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?

Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:

Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.

Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?

Then will the Lord be jealous for his land, and pity his people.

Yea, the Lord will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen" 

                                                                                  (Joel 1:12-19 KJV)

"Spare the people, O Lord."  I have and a lot of people that I know have been praying for help for the people around them and for the whole country especially during this past year.  It seems very true that hardship will soften the hearts of many. When we sink so low in the muck and mire there is only one place to go to for help and that is the Lord God, creator of heaven and earth.

Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. It is the beginning of Lent. This season is when we follow Jesus to the cross; recognizing the life he lived for us; the hardships he endured for us; the death he suffered for us. It is a rough journey to the cross as we recognize our sinful selves. Yet, we have hope because we know, evidenced by his resurrection, that because he lives we shall live also. 

Lent is a time to examine ourselves; to recognize our sinful selves and to repent of our own parts in the hardships that humankind suffers. How will you observe Lent? Will you take just a little more time to understand what Jesus actually did for you? That he loves all of humankind enough to die for us?

Lent is also a time when Christians have traditionally given up something for the season. Some fast from certain foods or habits. Others might give up a bit more of their time to study God's word or to worship.  Others might give up a bit more of their time to volunteer in some worthwhile project that will help others. Jesus' sacrifice was a blessing for us? Will you be a blessing to others this season?

There are many ways to fast. What will you be fasting this season? The little that we give up can in no way compare to what Jesus gave for us. So put a smile on your face and serve the Lord and his children with joy and gladness.

May God grant that we should all turn to the Lord with our whole hearts, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Open our hearts that we might turn to you Heavenly Father for you are both merciful and kind.  

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Death

 

 

On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare
a feast of rich food for all peoples,
a banquet of aged wine—
the best of meats and the finest of wines.
On this mountain he will destroy
the shroud that enfolds all peoples,
the sheet that covers all nations;
he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears
from all faces;
he will remove his people’s disgrace
from all the earth.
The Lord has spoken.

In that day they will say,

“Surely this is our God;
we trusted in him, and he saved us.
This is the Lord, we trusted in him;

let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”

                                                                   (Isa 25:6-9 NIV)

 

This morning I received a message (we don't have cell service or phone in Aura) that my mother-in-law, Lillian, died last night. Death is inevitable. It comes to us all. Isaiah paints a picture in words. It is a picture of the great banquet feast that the Lord has prepared for his people. It reminds us that through Jesus Christ, the power of death has been overcome. Death has been swallowed up forever! Although, we die; all who believe; yet, we shall live. There will be no more sorrow or pain. There will be no more reason for tears. (See Rev 7:17, 21:4) And all God's people will say: "“Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.” Yes, it's worth repeating! Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation! 

 

Thanks be to God! God's Peace - Pr. J.