THEE WORD FOR THE WEEK

Judgment Seeks Restoration ~ Joel 3:1-21 February 18-22, 2013 Monday- Read Joel 3:1-3, Gen 12:3; 27:29 God's judgment on unbelievers would accompany the spiritual renewal and deliverance of His own people in the future day of the Lord. The people of Israel (Judah and Jerusalem) are a very small group of people and are the enemy of so many nations. Yet God has promised two responses in relation to how nations treat Israel. What are the two (one positive, one negative) promises? Pray for our country to have wisdom and courage in our relationship to Israel. Tuesday- Read Joel 3:4-8; Gal 6:7 These nations had no special relationship to Yahweh, as Israel did, and they had not been just in dealing with the Israelites. What are the specifics of Gods promise to them for their actions? Would these actions be representative of all of Israels enemies? How does the principle of what you sow, you will reap play into Gods actions? Three principles of sowing are, 1) You reap later than you sow 2) You reap more than you sow, and 3) You reap what you sow. How should these principles affect your actions today? Wednesday- Read Joel 3:9-13, Psalm 9:20 Why do some countries parade their military might for the world to see? Who is most affected the people of that country or the people/leaders of other countries? Intimidation can be a powerful deterrent. How should the knowledge of the future judgment against Gods enemies motivate our actions and words to others? Thursday- Read Joel 3:14-17; 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2 The prophet viewed many multitudes in the valley, which he now referred to as the valley of decision because God will make a decision concerning their fate. The nations will hear the decision of God, deciding their fate. At the time of judgment, a time for the nations/people to make a decision is too late. How did this affect the apostle Paul? How should that affect our motivation for evangelism today? How does this affect your attitude toward telling others about Christ? Friday- Read Joel 3:18-21, Jeremiah 31:31, Luke 22:20 God would restore His people and bless them. His promises are based on a covenant relationship with His people. He had given His promise to Abraham as a covenant (unconditional commitment) and He has given His promise to all believers (Luke 22:20). How should His promises to us, as His people, affect our hope and trust in Gods plan for our future? Thank Him for His promises toward you.