2009-2010
Blow the trumpet in
A day of darkness and of gloominess,
a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains:
a great people and a strong;
there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.
A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them.
The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run.
Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.
Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness.
They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks:
Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded.
They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief.
The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:
And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?
Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
And rend your heart, 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 repenteth him of the evil.
Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?
Joel 2
Your country is desolate (over-run by foreigners and strange religions);
your cities burned with fire, (of violence, rebellion and hatred);
strangers devour it in your presence, (brazenly, in front of your very eyes!);
and it is desolate, as overthrown (conquered) by strangers.” Isaiah 1 v 7
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If you are a believer, hooked up to this world and its toys, then you had better shake yourself loose from these things that displease God and which make you an adversary to His will and purpose.
The love of the world is not of the Father. If you love the world, then you must also embrace its final destiny.
You cannot love God and mammon.
You cannot serve two masters.
You cannot enjoy the things that rouse God's wrath, and then expect to delight in the blessings of heaven. It will not happen.
“Yet even now,” says the LORD your God, “return to me with ALL your heart,
and with fasting and weeping and mourning, and break your heart …….”
Joel 2 v 12
“And if My people, who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and TURN from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive your sin,
and will heal and RESTORE your nation”
2 Chronicles 7 v 14
I STAND!
The storm may rage, and rise, and fall;
The tempest never seem to cease.
My life be shaken like a reed,
My future hang like heavy clouds;
But anchored to this mighty Rock,
My life, though feeble, can’t be lost!
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Though thousand demons seek my hurt,
Though many watch to see me fall;
Though bitter hearts deride my birth,
And mockers chant their evil spell,
The Rock to which my life is weld
Stands higher than the Prince of Hell!
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Oh Rock of Ages, Thou my friend,
My strength, my comfort, my sure defence,
On Thee alone my life depends,
My present, future, and eternal end.
Anchored to Thee, the raging sea,
The foulest enemy that hell can send,
Shall never assail this
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John Masters (2008)
