The call to repentance precedes God’s promise to restore. In the book of Joel(1&2), we find the minor prophet’s main message was that salvation (promise) will only pour out upon Judah and Jerusalem when the people turn their hearts back to Yahweh. God spoke intrinsically clear through His prophet in His call for repentance.

In Joel 2:12-13 God said, “12Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. 13Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Wow, I love the New Living Translation version of these passages! You see, back in the day it was ancient tradition among the Jews to tear their clothing in association with mourning, grief, and loss.

Did you notice the amplification in verse 13? In other words, God is saying be real, genuine and authentic with your repentance. Come here Samuel and testify. I Samuel 16:7 confirms, “But the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

I don’t know about you, but I am ready for the promise of restoration and for the promise of God’s spirit to manifest in my life and in the lives of everyone around!

Friends, it’s time for God’s blessings to fall upon us, but first we must make it right with God. Romans 3:23 says, “All have sin and fallen short of God’s glory” and with that said, it’s time for us start tearing our hearts before a forgiving, loving and promise keeping God! And then, the blessings of God will fall upon our lives!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#Encourage

#Empower

#Inspire