“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
Joel 2:12 NIV
Deep within our spiritual genetic code, we are pulled to the heavenly, something greater than us. While our baser instinct is towards sin, there is a stirring inside calling us to God. The temptations of the world and our carnal desires constantly battle against that drawing. We see this struggle portrayed in popular culture by an angel perched on one shoulder and the devil on the other. While often meant to be comical, the battle within us indeed is not.
The good news, of course, is we do not have to remain in our state of desperation. Even now, whatever situation we are in, whatever we have done, God calls us to him. He wants to offer us freedom from where we are. His call to us is not for himself but us. He knows our propensity for sin and offers us salvation through Jesus Christ. He will fill us with the Holy Spirit so that we have the strength and courage to resist when tempted.
Loving God, thank you for your prevenient grace, the continuous calling of us to you. In all the “even now” situations of our life, you remain calling. When we have lost our way, you offer us to return to you. Therefore, we come before you today with humble and repentant hearts answering your invitation. Cleanse us, O God, forgive our sins and renew us through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.
Shalom,
Pastor Tim
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