July 27
Joel 2:12-13
“That is why the Lord says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.”
We fall short in this journey. We fall prey to sin at one point or the other. Now whether that sin is self inflicted or not we will be the judge of that. The reality is most of us when we fall, debate whether or not we want to go before the Lord. In many instances once that decision has been made we then have this internal debate of what part of our sin is too big for the Lord and what parts He will forgive. By so doing we subconsciously offer different things to the Lord in exchange for His forgiveness.
Obedience however is better than sacrifice. The Lord does not want anything material from us when we come before Him. What He requires a repentant heart. What He wants is for us to give unto Him is our hearts. He requires for us to tear our hearts not out garments when we sin. What he seeks a is broken and a contrite heart for that He will not reject. Do not allow yourself the pain of wallowing in your pity and in the pit of sin. Give yourself the chance to cry your heart out. A chance through fasting, weeping and morning to give your hearts into the father. If you fall you must get up with a torn heart for that is what the father desires. Do not let sin rule over you. And do not let your own filthy ways and pleasures defeat you. The Lord awaits you, so rise up even in your dark moments and with a repentant heart seek for His mercy, and He will relent.
