May 10 + Daily readings & notes

DAY 130

Today, we're starting and finishing the book of Joel. Don't let the day pass without watching The Bible Project video about Joel.

DAILY READINGS

Joel 1-3 & Psalm 125

DAILY NOTES

Joel 1

Verse 4 gives an indication of Joel's situation. Locusts!
Wake up and weep
The last half of the chapter calls for signs of repentance.

Joel 2

There's an army coming. An army of locusts?
A jealous God? Replace the "j" with a "z" and you have a better understanding of what that means.
God promises that the destruction the people have faced (from the swarming locust) will be reversed.

Joel 3

But it isn't just about locusts. God will repay those nations that stood against Israel. He will "enter into judgement with them."

Psalm 125

Mount Zion is the great picture of strength and power for the people of God. Those who trust in God stand like that great mountain.

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

You may recognize Joel 2 as a common reading for Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is a night all about returning to God, giving our heart to God. We recognize our need for God's grace and salvation. We rend our hearts before God, seeking wholeness, forgiveness and peace.

That's what the prophet wanted for his people to do as well. Return. We stray often. God's grace, however, waits for us. We return to God because he is waiting but because we also know he is accepting of us. Who wants to turn to a God that will reject you?

The good news is that's not our God!

Stay blessed...john

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March 24 + Daily notes & readings

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May 23 + Daily readings & notes

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March 13 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 72 Are you familiar with Gideon? Do you know why the people who leave Bibles in hotel rooms call themselves the Gideons? Well, let's read about Gideon first and found out about the Gideons later. DAILY READINGS Judges 6-8 & Psalm 72 DAILY NOTES Judges 6:1-10 The Israelites are oppressed by the Midianites. They are forced to flee to the mountains and caves. The Israelites were "impoverished" and the land was "wasted." The Israelites call out to God. A prophet arose to confirm their current situation is due to their turning away from God. Scripture doesn't tell us who the prophet was, but Jewish commentary offers a name. Judges 6:12 Gideon is approached by an angel of the Lord. He is called a "mighty warrior." Judges 6:22 After the sign Gideon asks for comes to pass, he believes he has seen the angel of God and believes what he has told him. Judges 6:25-27 ...

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