JOEL, AMOS, OBADIAH, JONAH

The minor prophets, twelve in all are a message to the nations that judgment has come upon.  Today, as I read these four, they spoke to me as never before!  They spoke of judgment, repentance, and God's mercy available.  They challenged me to walk humbly before God and showed me the amazing response of God to humility.  I think I could write all day just on what I've read in these short chapters.  I cannot do it justice, but let me point out just a few things: **I'm so sorry... I just spent thirty minutes writing this and touched one wrong key and all was wiped out!!  I do this about once a week and I don't have a clue what causes it or how to get anything back that I've written.  Maybe today's reading was just for me.  I'm out of time, but let me share just one of the ten things I had for today:   HUMILITY GETS GOD'S ATTENTION: Joel 1:8, 1:13; 2:13 says "Lament, and howl"  and Joel 1:14, and 2:15 says: "sanctify ye a fast".  God responds to humility.  In Jonah, we see the wicked city of Nineveh judged, but when they repent, God extend mercy to them.  God will extend mercy to the wicked IF they only repent and humble themselves in His presence.... how much more so we, who are His children.  How humble are you?  When is the last time you wept over your sins and failures as a child of God?  I know and you know we are saved by grace.... but If we want God's attention, we had better learn humility and brokenness over our sins.  "A broken and contrite heart O God, thou wilt not despise."  This is the great lesson in today's reading.  I had so much more, but I only have so much time to write things out and I had it almost finished when my finger touched the wrong key and I don't even know how it happens.  If you know, please let me know and especially if you know a way to "undo" the previous key stroke.  Have a blessed day.   I think God is working on me to teach me humility and brokenness even through my typing today.  May God bless...  Hey, drop me a short note from time to time if you are reading this.  Have a blessed day!!   Pastor Mike Mutchler