We went to see the IMAX movie “Deep Space” and were blown away by the thought that our Milky Way Galaxy is possibly just one of a trillion!!

Reminding myself of who I am (created) and who He is (Creator), I have been freed up to be intent on prayer (and fasting).

By the phrase “rend your hearts and not your garments”, God is communicating His desire for us to be healed internally.

Yes, there is plenty of outward piety that helps bolster people’s view of themselves in front of others. But is it accurately God’s perspective of who they are?

I heard somebody say this morning, “I had to bring myself down a few notches”. It made me chuckle (and so decided to use it as the title of this post- since it hit home for me). If we bring ourselves down a few notches it may allow us to be more truthful with others.

Even though others may not be impressed or notice our impact on the world when we dial it down, if it comes across as a kinder, more appreciative presence towards others- then it was worthwhile.

Matthew Henry’s commentary** reviews the passage below (bold added): “The priests were to alarm the people with the near approach of the Divine judgments. It is the work of ministers to warn of the fatal consequences of sin, and to reveal the wrath from heaven against the ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. The striking description which follows, shows what would attend the devastations of locusts, but may also describe the effects from the ravaging of the land by the Chaldeans. If the alarm of temporal judgments is given to offending nations, how much more should sinners be warned to seek deliverance from the wrath to come! Our business therefore on earth must especially be, to secure an interest in our Lord Jesus Christ; and we should seek to be weaned from objects which will soon be torn from all who now make idols of them. There must be outward expressions of sorrow and shame, fasting, weeping, and mourning; tears for trouble must be turned into tears for the sin that caused it. But rending the garments would be vain, except their hearts were rent by abasement and self-abhorrence; by sorrow for their sins, and separation from them. There is no question but that if we truly repent of our sins, God will forgive them; but whether he will remove affliction is not promised, yet the probability of it should encourage us to repent.”

As I seek the Lord this advent season, may I do those things in secret that are necessary. It may even mean bringing myself down a few notches. What is done before God in secret is then able to be openly fruitful for His kingdom.- Teresa #toGodbetheglory

Joel 2:12-14 (ESV)***

Return to the Lord

¹² “Yet even now,” declares the Lord,
“return to me with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
¹³ and rend your hearts and not your garments.”
Return to the Lord your God,
for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love;
and he relents over disaster.
¹⁴ Who knows whether he will not turn and relent,
and leave a blessing behind him,
a grain offering and a drink offering
for the Lord your God?

*GodofWonders lyric; Songwriters: Marc Byrd / Steve Hindalong

God Of Wonders lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing, Integrity Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc

**https://apps.apple.com/us/app/biblescope/id284805499 Matthew Henry’s Comm. Joel 2:1-14

***TheOneyearBibleonline https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=joel+1%3A1-3%3A21%3Brevelation+1%3A1-20%3Bpsalm+128%3A1-6%3Bproverbs+29%3A18&version=ESV