February 18, 2018

Return to the Lord

Speaker: Matt Maka Series: The Minor Prophets Topic: Living for God Scripture: Joel 1:1– 3:21

Summary

On the day of the Lord, whether coming in judgment or blessing, God wants his people to know that he is their God. He calls his people to return to him so that the Day of the Lord will be a time of blessing, but promises judgment for those who reject him.

Application Questions

On Sunday I shared several ways to apply the message of Joel. But if you are looking for one simple application question here it is…
What would it look like for you to “return to the LORD with all your heart” (Joel 2:12)? This is what I have been praying and meditating on. 
If you would like some more things to consider here some other thoughts and questions that I hope help you experience God in your “midsts” (2:27) and fresh fillings of the Holy Spirit (2:28-29).
  1. Read the book of Joel. Read it or listen to it in the morning and/or read it before you go to bed. 
  2. Mediate, pray and apply 2:12-13. These are really wonderful verses!!!
  3. Fast from something this week. Might be simplest to fast from one thing that gets in the way or slows you down from “returning to the LORD with all your heart”. What o you love more than Jesus? 
  4. How recently have you lamented, mourned, wailed and cried out to God for mercy over your sin? 
  5. How recently have you lamented, mourned, wailed an cried out to God for the salvation of your neighbor, friend, co-worker, family member?  One day everyone will face God in the Valley of Decision (Chapter 3). And on that day it will be too late for them to decide to “call upon the Name of the LORD” (2:32). 
Joel 2:12–13
“Yet even now,” declares the LORD,
    'return to me with all your heart,
    with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
    and rend your hearts and not your garments.'
Return to the LORD your God,
    for he is gracious and merciful,
    slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love;
    and he relents over disaster."

other sermons in this series

Apr 8

2018

Grace for the Unclean

Speaker: Matt Maka Scripture: Haggai 2:10–23 Series: The Minor Prophets

Mar 25

2018

Overcoming Discouragement in the Mission

Speaker: Matt Maka Scripture: Haggai 2:1–9 Series: The Minor Prophets

Mar 18

2018

Consider Your Ways

Speaker: Matt Maka Scripture: Haggai 1:1–15 Series: The Minor Prophets