Focus

As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.

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Read

Joel 2:18-29 (NRSV)

Then the LORD became jealous for his land,
and had pity on his people.
The LORD answered and said to his people,
“Behold, I am sending to you
grain, wine, and oil,
and you will be satisfied;
and I will no more make you
a reproach among the nations.

“I will remove the northerner far from you,
and drive him into a parched and desolate land,
his front into the eastern sea,
and his rear into the western sea;
the stench and foul smell of him will rise,
for he has done great things.

“Fear not, O land;
be glad and rejoice,
for the LORD has done great things!
Fear not, you beasts of the field,
for the pastures of the wilderness are green;
the tree bears its fruit,
the fig tree and vine give their full yield.

“Be glad, O sons of Zion,
and rejoice in the LORD, your God;
for he has given the early rain for your vindication,
he has poured down for you abundant rain,
the early and the latter rain, as before.

“The threshing floors shall be full of grain,
the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.
I will restore to you the years
which the swarming locust has eaten,
the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter,
my great army, which I sent among you.

“You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied,
and praise the name of the LORD your God,
who has dealt wondrously with you.
And my people shall never again be put to shame.
You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel,
and that I, the LORD, am your God and there is none else.
And my people shall never again
be put to shame.

“And it shall come to pass afterward,
that I will pour out my spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your old men shall dream dreams,
and your young men shall see visions.
Even upon the menservants and maidservants
in those days, I will pour out my spirit.

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Reflect

Have you ever had a crazy idea that seemed really important? Maybe you felt like you were really supposed to pay attention, but you didn’t want to tell anyone because it seemed so far out?

Sometimes it’s hard for us to believe that God’s spirit lives in us and gives us visions, but scripture tells us it happens. If God is trying to speak to you, maybe it’s not such a crazy idea. Find a trusted pastor or friend in the faith and talk about it. I usually find it’s a good idea to trust and obey!

If we’re faithful to the Spirit’s urging, we can participate building God’s kingdom in small and big ways. We have only to look around us at the blooming gardens, the rising and setting sun, and the stars in the night sky to know with confidence that God’s Spirit is poured out upon all creation. What a joy to be part of God’s work in the world!

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Pray

God, thank you for sending your Spirit to lead us in your ways. Grant us faith that we may follow-through on the visions you grant to us. Be persistent with us that we may be successful in building your kingdom and encouraging others to listen and obey your call. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!