Today is Tuesday, April 18th, 2017; Karen's Korner #3537

Most people who know me have heard me say, "I am a Bible reader; not a Bible scholar." I don't know if I have ever read the Bible clear through from cover to cover or not. Since it is 66 books put together under one cover, I tend to pick a book. Read it. Then move on to another book. Some books (i.e. Psalms) I have read more often than others (i.e. Numbers).

For a personal reason, today I decided to start reading the small book of Joel from the Old Testament. It made me think that it sounded like today's (or any day's) news!

Here are a couple of paragraphs which introduced the writings:

"A single bomb devastates a city and the world is ushered into the nuclear age. A split atom reveals power and force such as we have never seen. At a launch site, rockets roar and a payload is thrust into space. Discoveries dreamed of for centuries are ours as we begin to explore the universe.

"Volcanoes, earthquakes, tidal waves, hurricanes, and tornadoes unleash uncontrollable and unstoppable force. And we can only avoid them and then pick up the pieces.

"Power, strength might---and we stand in awe of the natural and man-made display. But these forces cannot touch the power of omnipotent God. Creator of galaxies, atoms, and natural laws, the sovereign Lord rules all there is and ever will be. How silly to live without Him, how foolish to run and hide from Him; how ridiculous to disobey Him. But we do. Since Eden, we have sought independence from His control, as though we were gods and could control our destiny. And He has allowed out rebellion. But soon 'the Day of the Lord' will come."

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According to the 'PURPOSE for the book of JOEL': 

 "To warn Judah (and us!) of God's impending judgment because of their (our) sins and to urge them (us) to turn back to God."

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While it is important to pay attention to the news, buy insurances, and know how to protect ourselves from natural disasters, how much wiser to know and understand God and His awesome plans for each of us as His Children. Why is it important? Again taken from the introduction to Joel:

"God is the one with whom we all must reckon--not nature, the economy, or a foreign invader. We can't ignore or offend God forever. We must pay attention to His message now, or we will face His anger later."

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Thank You, Father, that You have everything under Your control. That You love us and desire to take care of each of us forever. You have awesome plans for those of us who choose to accept Your love and those plans. Lead us. Guide us. Direct us. You can do a better job than we can do on our own. Thank You for Jesus. Amen.



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