Joel 2:12 - "That is why the LORD says, 'Turn to me now, while there is time!
Give me your*hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning."
*
There are many things in this life that cause us pain and grief. Many problems in our lives can*break us down and humble us. God uses all kinds of situations to get our attention and he will*allow certain things like money problems, shame, or persecution to get us in a place where we*can hear him or change our direction. These are things that are a part of our growth as a Christian.*But there should come a time, after we have walked with Christ for a period, that we should mature*into a better Christian. Thus, we should not have to be broken down and made to endure pain as an*attention getter, but we should get to the point where we decide to deal with our own flesh and our*ungodly appetites.
*
God wants our hearts. Our mouths and even our reputations can glorify God without our hearts truly*belonging to him. This is why, in this scripture, that God asked for our hearts. But he didn't stop there.*He gave us a formula for it. Fasting, which will destroy the will of the flesh. Weeping, which will break*down the outer image. And mourning, which will bring passion for new growth. These things should*not have to be induced, but they should at some point be voluntary for your growth as a strong, mature,*believer. There should come a time when you decide that you are going to fast to deny the pleasures*of the flesh. You should weep before God in shame or agony over his displeasure in your sin. And you*must learn to mourn, or be sorrowful for where you are and allow it to make you passionate about*moving forward in your rightful place in him. Pray for these desires and pray that God will move you*forward. Don't stay where you are. The world needs you better.
*
Suggested Reading: Phil. 3:14, Heb. 6:1
Give me your*hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning."
*
There are many things in this life that cause us pain and grief. Many problems in our lives can*break us down and humble us. God uses all kinds of situations to get our attention and he will*allow certain things like money problems, shame, or persecution to get us in a place where we*can hear him or change our direction. These are things that are a part of our growth as a Christian.*But there should come a time, after we have walked with Christ for a period, that we should mature*into a better Christian. Thus, we should not have to be broken down and made to endure pain as an*attention getter, but we should get to the point where we decide to deal with our own flesh and our*ungodly appetites.
*
God wants our hearts. Our mouths and even our reputations can glorify God without our hearts truly*belonging to him. This is why, in this scripture, that God asked for our hearts. But he didn't stop there.*He gave us a formula for it. Fasting, which will destroy the will of the flesh. Weeping, which will break*down the outer image. And mourning, which will bring passion for new growth. These things should*not have to be induced, but they should at some point be voluntary for your growth as a strong, mature,*believer. There should come a time when you decide that you are going to fast to deny the pleasures*of the flesh. You should weep before God in shame or agony over his displeasure in your sin. And you*must learn to mourn, or be sorrowful for where you are and allow it to make you passionate about*moving forward in your rightful place in him. Pray for these desires and pray that God will move you*forward. Don't stay where you are. The world needs you better.
*
Suggested Reading: Phil. 3:14, Heb. 6:1
