Today's Scripture:

Joel 2:1-2 Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming. It is close at hand— a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like dawn spreading across the mountains a large and mighty army comes, such as never was in ancient times nor ever will be in ages to come.

Read: Reflect on a story in your life that pertains to this scripture.
Joel is calling God's people to repent and turn to the Lord in worship and praise. He warns of the coming judgement, sent by God, in response to their actions. Joel is telling God's people to pay attention.

Reflect: What is this scripture telling you during this season?
I used to have this keychain that read, "I have no idea where I am going, but I am making good time." It's a funny thought and a funny saying, but I can tend towards this sentiment, if I am not careful, in my life of faith. I don't always take the time to reflect on where my decisions are taking me. I don't always take the time to reflect on whether I have the relationship with the Lord that I want. I do want to have the kind of relationship with the Lord where I am in step with Him and am fully submitted to Him. This familiar text sets the tone for the season of Lent, where we are invited to pay attention -- to pay attention to our heart posture, to the sins that separate us from God and God's people, and to create margin to reflect and turn to worship the Lord. We know how the story ends, with the Lord having victory over everything. But we have the invitation to pay attention. To make good time in the right direction, toward the Lord.

Respond: How is this scripture calling you to respond?
At Grace, we worship together to glorify God and form disciples. The invitation from this Scripture is to repent and then turn to God in worship. When we repent, we submit our whole lives to God, not just the good, positive, and easy things. We submit our whole lives, every bit, knowing that God is faithful. We take this invitation to pay attention, even amid the busyness. I have often asked our Grace family to set an alarm, to create a little margin. Would you set an alarm each day, and ask the Lord to help you pay attention to His leading? In that daily moment, would you ask the Lord if you are going the right way? God is faithful and I am excited to turn with you, towards Him, in worship.

About Julia Leeth:
I have the great privilege of serving as the senior pastor here at Grace.
Just over three years.