Return to the Lord by Jon Neufeld

I read through the (very short) book of Joel yesterday and loved it.  The portion that stuck out to me the most was Chapter 2: 12-13

That is why the lord says,“Turn to me now, while there is time.  Give me your hearts.  Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.  Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.  He is eager to relent and not punish.

Then after a promise to restore all that was lost he continues with a prophetic word about the pouring of the Holy Spirit on ALL people in Verse 28

“Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.  Your sons and daughters will prophesy.  Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions.  In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike."

God is a God of forgiveness, redemption, and restoration.  This particular prophecy is well known for it's pinpointing of specific characteristics of God.  He is "Merciful", "Compassionate", "Slow to get angry".  These are well known and well loved traits of God.  The temptation is to forget the father heart of God that longs for our repentance and our open hearts.  He longs to extend us his mercy and compassion, but often we are surrounded by walls of bitterness and pride. 

I'm not sure you ever quite "master" the art of repentance and dependence on God in this life.  BUT, I'm gonna spend my whole life trying.  Trying to get that place where God can fulfill the promises, or rather the "Reward" for letting Go, and allowing his mercy and compassion to flood our lives.  

Let us continue to strive and run the race ahead of us with humble and repentant hearts, and believe that the Spirit of God will dwell richly in our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus when we do so.  Let's believe for bigger things.  For more of God's presence, his words of prophecy, dreams and visions...I don't wanna write those things off as if it were just some "weird old testament" thing.  The power and manifestation of the Spirit is for today!  Let's believe and receive his Spirit, and long for his presence.

Jon
jneufeld@b4church.org