THEE WORD FOR THE WEEK

Judgment is Sure ~ Joel 1:1-20 January 28-February 1, 2013 Monday- Read Joel 1:1 Who is the most important person youve heard speak in person? Why was/is this person important? What was the message? How did you or the people in the audience respond? Its very easy for us to take lightly the phrase the Word of the Lord. Who is more important to listen to? Have you grown casual in your listening to the Lords words? Ask the Lord to give you the attitude to pay careful attention to His words to you and to have the appropriate response. Tuesday- Read Joel 1:2-4 Instructing the family has always been a primary method of passing on the things of the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). These teachings of the Lord were to be passed to the children and were mostly positive experiences of Gods promises. But Joel is now warning that there is a sober reality about future events of Gods judgment. What emotions would the leaders of Gods people and the parents of Gods family be experiencing? How do you think these emotions would affect their teaching? Knowing that there will be a future, serious, and complete accounting to God for all man, how should that affect our message to those around us? Wednesday- Read Joel 1:5-13 Normally drunkards laugh, with no concern for what goes on around them, but now they should wail. How is the attack of the locust compared to the attack of the locusts? The production of wine represented one of the prominent symbols of Gods blessing on His people. What are the prominent symbols of God in our society and what should be our concern for these symbols? Thursday- Read Joel 1:14, Luke 5:35, Matthew 17:19-21 Fasting represents an appropriate response to a situation that is beyond our control and may have the potential to be devastating. Fasting should always be a time to not only consecrate oneself from the things of this world but should also involve the pursuit of God Himself through prayer. Have you considered a time of fasting for a situation that needs Gods mercy and grace? Talk to a trusted friend about the situation and discuss the possibility of seeking the Lord through a time of fasting and prayer. Friday- Read Joel 1:15-20 The Day of the Lord will be a great time of turmoil, destruction, and pain. Specifically it is a day in which the Lord intervenes to judge His enemies. What was the nature of Joels prayer in v. 19? At the very least his prayer is honest and emotional. What does that say about how we should pray? How should known or potential consequences of Gods judgment in your life, family, community, or country affect your prayers? Bring this perspective into your prayer life.