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August 27 “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, return to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, weeping, and mourning; and rend your heart and not your garments.” Now return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness, and relenting of evil. Joel 2:12,13. God is crying out to the people of Israel, yet I can sincerely believe that He is calling to us as well. When we stray it starts within our heart. And the key to our return is a change of heart. We find ourselves in repentance before Him, and there may be fasting, weeping and mourning over our sin. We have forgotten the practice of tearing our garments, and that is just as well, for He would have us rend our heart. Our Lord is so gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and we would have no hope if that were not true. I am sure I give Him just cause to take vengeance upon me every day, but that is not His nature. The character of God is amazing. He is just, yet He extends mercy. He detests sin, yet He promises not to hold our sin against us when we repent. He desires behavior that models His own life, yet He gives us all free choice. When we return to Him from our self-serving ways, we can only love Him all the more. Thank You, Father, for the life-giving manner of Your ways. We are lost forever without You. Remind me, moment by moment, of the love that You have for me. Let me carry that love to others around me. And all praise is given to You and Your Son, Jesus. Amen. |
