Twin Peaks

The scripture for today is Joel 2:1

Joel 2:1 Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD comes, for it is near at hand.

It is the responsibility of those who watch from the wall to blow the trumpet and sound the alarm when danger is approaching. Usually the danger is represented by the coming of an enemy. Our scripture today presents the coming of the day of the LORD. The enemy of the Lord is sin. Sin is the deceptive work of Satan and is the expression of allegiance to him instead of to God. The Lord is coming and He will judge sin severely. Sin is a reproach not only to God but to the people of God; it is the catalyst for separation and death. Sin has caused the world to fall into the pit of darkness while thinking that they are the standard for intelligent self-expression. Satan, through sin, has deceived the minds of mankind into rejecting the law of God and has set the world on a course of destruction. That day of destruction is just ahead; it is near at hand. All those who choose to cling to their own ways and follow the path of self-expression will find that the end of that path is destruction. Those who choose to die to self and embrace the life of Christ will find life eternal, the life of God. The stakes are too high to be uncertain; life and death hangs in the balance. God, in His love and mercy, provides a way out of destruction; no one need perish because of sin. "Therefore also now, says the LORD, turn you even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And tear your hearts, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and relents from sending calamity." Joel 2:12-13  God is not interested in destroying people; He is interested in purging the world of sin. Those who repent and turn from their sin can expect to receive mercy and forgiveness from God. But the proud heart must be humbled; all must come before God empty of self and longing for His life. Those who hear the call of God must respond to that call. No more business as usual; the trumpet is sounding, "for the day of the LORD comes, for it is near at hand."

God bless you as you continue in His service.

Tim