Joel Chapter 3. Are you approaching God or not approaching God?
God speaks judgment against the Nations who did evil against God's chosen people the Jews. They did horrible and evil things. But to Israel, God will be a safe place, a strong tower, and a place of refuge or Salvation.
In this chapter we see that God is either a Judge or Savior.
There are two options. Is God our judge or is God are Savior?
1. If we are approaching God for a love relationship through Jesus, then he becomes our place of refuge or Salvation. God's arms are open wide for all of us. He's just waiting for us to choose a love relationship with him through Jesus!
2. The other option is having a life without the Lord. We are not approaching the Lord because we're too busy approaching our busy life or selfish desires or worldly pleasures. To approach these things is to walk away from the Lord and thus welcome his judgment upon one's own life. He DESIRES a love relationship with us but if we reject him we bring judgment upon ourselves.
I'd rather not tell people I love Jesus because anyone can do that. The Question is, “What consumes my energy the most? Is it the things of this world: job, finances, fun toys, hobbies, etc.? Or am I consumed with the Lord, wanting him to be every bit apart of my life. I want him during my quiet time, I want him during my job, I want him during my entertainment that I choose, I want him in my hobbies. I want him in every aspect of my life.”
Is your heart approaching God or approaching something else? Whichever one you choose determines either his Judgment or his Salvation. It's our choice. Have a blessed day!