“The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done” (Exodus 36:5).
“The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up
seven baskets full of broken pieces that were left over” (Mark 8:8).
Jesus always has more to give than we are able to receive. Our response
is to be an increased generosity in our giving to Him. We face the
multiplying of troubles - “The troubles of my heart have multiplied” -
and the increase of opposition - “See how my enemies have increased” (Psalm 25:17,19).
In this deeply distressing situation, the multiplying of God’s saving
grace and the increase of His keeping power - “May integrity and
uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in You. Deliver Israel, O God, from all their troubles!” (Psalm 25:21-22).
There is to be prayer from “every one who lives in the land” (Joel 1:14). It is to be personal prayer - “O Lord, I cry to You for help!” (Joel 1:19). These two belong together - prayer for the nation and personal prayer. This is expressed so well in the words: “O Holy Ghost, revival comes from Thee. Send a revival. Start the work in me.” We hear the words, “Return to the Lord, your God” (Joel 2:13). They are followed by some wonderful words about the character of God - “He is merciful and compassionate, patient and always ready to forgive and to change His plans about disaster” (Joel 2:13). How do we know that God is like this? We look at what He has done for us - “Be glad and rejoice. The Lord has done great things!” (Joel 2:21). Looking at all that the Lord has done for us, we trust His promise: “Whoever calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved” (Joel 2:32). This salvation is more than forgiveness for past sins. It’s more than the future glory of being in God’s ev...
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