FEBRUARY 23 – Joel 2:12-14
By: Char Klima

It’s all about the heart. God who knows you so well and wants the very best you have to offer. Praise and outward expressions of your allegiance are good. They glorify God and reflect His glory to others. But it is what’s in your heart that is the most important to your Creator. He desires a deep and personal relationship with you. Repent and return to me NOW, He insists. What’s in it for you? You’ll find open arms eager to embrace you. God is gracious and merciful and forgiving. His steadfast and enduring love awaits you! Don’t dally. Seek the Lord – and put your whole heart into the quest.

Prayer
Dear Lord, Forgive my hesitation. Make me so desire your presence that I prize You above all else and ask your spirit to find its home in my heart today. Amen

Family Moment
The season of Lent is a time to remember Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross. We remember that Jesus gave up his life for us so that we could live in freedom forever. To sacrifice means to give away something you like for someone else. As a family, discuss some sacrifices you have made or could make (not buying new clothes to save money for vacation, not working on a Saturday to have family time instead, etc). How does sacrifice make you feel? Is it fun to sacrifice? Why do we sacrifice? Why did Jesus sacrifice?

Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice on the cross. Thank you for loving us so much! AMEN.