Stop Squirming!
Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord
Photo by Curioso Photography on Unsplash
Another "Word" that was given, the same night Sirach 27 was read. From Joel Chapter 2 and 3---KNOW THIS TO BE TRUTH!!
The Day Approaches
1* Blow the horn in Zion,
sound the alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming! Yes, it approaches,2a day of darkness and gloom, a day of thick clouds!
Like dawn* spreading over the mountains, a vast and mighty army!
Nothing like it has ever happened in ages past, nor will the future hold anything like it, even to the most distant generations.b
3Before it,* fire devours, behind it flame scorches. The land before it is like the garden of Eden, and behind it, a desolate wilderness; from it nothing escapes.c
4Their appearance is that of horses; like war horses they run. 5Like the rumble of chariots they hurtle across mountaintops; Like the crackling of fiery flames devouring stubble; Like a massive army in battle formation.d
6Before them peoples tremble, every face turns pale.e7Like warriors they run, like soldiers they scale walls, Each advancing in line, without swerving from the course.
8No one crowds the other; each advances in its own track; They plunge through the weapons; they are not checked.
9They charge the city, they run upon the wall, they climb into the houses; Through the windows they enter like thieves.
10Before them the earth trembles; the heavens shake; Sun and moon are darkened, and the stars withhold their brightness.f
11The LORD raises his voice at the head of his army; How immense is his host! How numerous those who carry out his command!
How great is the day of the LORD! Utterly terrifying! Who can survive it?g
Return to the Lord
12Yet even now—oracle of the LORD— return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
13Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God, For he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and relenting in punishment.h
14Perhaps he will again relent and leave behind a blessing,* Grain offering and libation for the LORD, your God.i
15Blow the horn in Zion!
Proclaim a fast, call an assembly!j
16Gather the people,
sanctify the congregation;
Assemble the elderly; gather the children, even infants nursing at the breast; Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride* her bridal tent.
17Between the porch and the altar* let the priests weep, let the ministers of the LORD weep and say:
“Spare your people, LORD! do not let your heritage become a disgrace, a byword among the nations!
Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?'"
PEOPLE OF GOD---COME BACK TO GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEARTS--FOR THE DAY OF THE LORD IS CLOSER EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
*Oh, the even greater NEWS--read Chapter 3 of Joel--
1* It shall come to pass I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions. V5 Then everyone who calls upon the name of the LORD will escape harm.
PRAISE THE LORD--NOW AND FOREVER, AMEN!!
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About the Author
Born the youngest of nine children, raised VERY Catholic across the street from Immaculate Heart of Mary church and school—Mom and Dad led by example and word their FAITH in God and saw to it that I was given 12 years of Catholic Education. (Mount St. Mary’s Academy/1965)
But, most importantly, because of my parents’ spiritual renewal after attending Cursillo Weekends, I too went on a retreat at our beloved Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas and there, at age 20, gave my life totally, surrendering all to my Lord and best Friend. This was my “Pentecostal” event that left me, like all the early Christians, on fire with God’s love and forever changed.
My husband Robert and I have been married for 52 this year in a marriage arranged by God. We have 8 children, two in heaven, 24 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. The story of our life together can be found in a book titled “My Journey, My Cross-As the Journals End,” published by Westbow Press . Our life together has been one awesome up and down roller coaster ride which enriched my heart with so many of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I have found that the only way, Wisdom, Understanding, Words of Knowledge, Discernment, and Healing can be received is first by experiencing in your life the hurts of others. (and you yourself a sword will pierce)* so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2 v 35.
God has blessed me also many other talents and skills--but sometimes, blessings/gifts can and have caused problems or conflict in my life, as I am human and all too quickly that part of me shows up. Thank You God that You also show up!
Because of the many ways that He has rescued me, and taught me through my trials and tribulations and continuous cries for “Help”--- a weekly podcast radio show called “It’s Me, God” can still be found on www.radiotitans.com
