Daily Dose 12-9-11

Joel 1:12-13 (MSG) But there's also this, it's not too late—God's personal Message!—"Come back to me and really mean it! Come fasting and weeping, sorry for your sins!" Change your life, not just your clothes. Come back to God, your God.
 And here's why: God is kind and merciful. He takes a deep breath, puts up with a lot. This most patient God, extravagant in love, is always ready to cancel catastrophe.

There are some who think their lives are too far-gone to change. They are the way are they, plain and simple, so why try? God’s Word says it’s never too late! As the prophet Joel shares in this beautiful scripture, God is patient, kind and compassionate. He is eagerly waiting for you to give your heart back to Him…no matter how far you have strayed, no matter how forcefully you turned your back! He is waiting with open arms to welcome you home to the shelter of His embrace! There are also those who may not have great sin to repent of, they are just living lukewarm, pew-sitting lives. That’s a dangerous place to be! God puts up with a lot, but this may be one of the toughest to tolerate – those who look good, religious and holy on the outside, but have never truly been in relationship with Him. This must be a reminder of those Pharisees who rejected His Son, subjected Him to ridicule and eventually His cruel death. No matter what your state, today is a new day! Run to Him!

Father, I’ve loved You my whole life, but my life has not always shown it. I come to You in true repentance ready to let go of old junk and start this day fresh! Empower Your Spirit to keep me on track! I love You! Amen