Today's Verse: Joel 2:13

Saturday, February 13, 2016

[The Lord declares,] "Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity."
— Joel 2:13
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

One of the most amazing things about our God, the Lord God, is that he is so gracious and compassionate. This is true even when we've "blown it big time." He longs to forgive and cleanse when we sin, not condemn and punish us. His grace rushes to greet our genuine heartbreak and heart change with forgiveness, cleansing, and redemption. But God is not about playing religious games or practicing empty religious rituals that are not heartfelt. Our repentance must come from a heart genuinely committed to turn back to the Lord and live for him!

My Prayer...

Dear Father, when I sin, please help me see my sin as you see it. I want my heart to break over my sin when I've rebelled against you. I don't want to ever become callused or cold to your graciousness. I always want to appreciate the high cost you paid to redeem, forgive, and cleanse me with your grace in Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Merciful and Compassionate
Devo: Passion for Praise
"Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love."
Spurgeon AM Devo for Dec. 18th
Devo: Morning & Evening
"GARMENT-RENDING and other outward signs of religious emotion, are easily manifested and are frequently hypocritical; but to feel true repentance is..."
Rend your hearts.
Illustration of Joel 2:13
Inspirational illustration of Joel 2:13 -- Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
Return to Me!
Devo: Together in Christ
"That is why the Lord says, "Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don't tear your..."

Illustration

Illustration of Joel 2:13 — [The Lord declares,] "Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, February 13, 2016

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Wake Up Call' (Jn. 11:7-15)
"Finally, [Jesus] said to his disciples, "Let's go back to Judea" [where Lazarus was very sick]. But his disciples objected. "Rabbi," they said,..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Avoid People Who Cause Divisions' (Ro. 16:17-18)
"I urge you, my friends: watch out for those who cause divisions and upset people's faith and go against the teaching which you have received. Keep..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Opposition Can't Stop the Message or the Joy!'
"When the Gentiles heard [that the Good News of Jesus would come to them], they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were...."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: John 6:37
"No limit is set to the duration of this promise. It does not merely say, "I will not cast out a sinner at his first coming," but, "I will in no wise....."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse