Posts written by Jennifer Gillikin

“…The people living in darkness have seen a great light…”
—Matthew 4:16

Our world is rapidly plunging into the moral abyss and spiritual darkness of deception, demonic activity, and the destruction of all that is true, good, pure, righteous, just, and holy. As a result, it is becoming a very dangerous place.  For everyone.  There is a deplorable lack of transparency.  Integrity.  Honor.  No one can be trusted.  Covenants are broken by a whim.  Commitments are kept if convenient.  Spinning the truth has become almost an art-form.  Immorality has become amorality.  God’s institution of marriage is mocked, and the family is redefined while being destroyed. In the midst of the darkness, our world desperately needs hope.  We need Jesus.

Read Joel 2:1-17

I.  GOD IS MOVING

God’s movements are not always pleasant.

•  Why did God say to blow the trumpet and sound the alarm?
• Give phrases from the following verses that describe The Day of the Lord:  Joel 2:2, 10-11; Isaiah 13:6, 9, 10; Ezekiel 30:3; Amos 5:18-20; Zephaniah 1:18; Zechariah 14:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3; 2 Peter 2:9, 3:10.
• Based on the above verses, what do you think The Day of the Lord is?
• When does Joel indicate it will take place?  Give the phrases from Joel 2:1; Zephaniah 1:14.
• Give phrases that confirm that The Day of the Lord is God’s Day—He is fully in charge.  Joel 2:11; Zephaniah 1:14-18; 2 Chronicles 7:13
•  When God moves, why do you and I have no cause to fear?  Psalm 27:1-3; 46:1-11; 91:1-8; Nahum 1:7; Romans 5:1-5; 8:31-39
•  As we see evidence that The Day of the Lord is on the horizon, what should we do?  Joel 1:14; Zephaniah 2:3; 1 Peter 4:7-8; 2 Peter 3:11-12, 14;  1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 11
•  How do you see God moving in our world today?  In your life?

II. GOD IS LOVING

• Who invites us to return to God?  Joel 2:12
• What phrase in v.12 indicates that this invitation is extended when judgment is imminent?
• Give a definition for each of the words Joel uses to describe the Lord in 2:13.
• How are we to return to God?  Joel 2:12-13
• Hosea 14:1-2; 2 Chronicles 7:14-15
• What does fasting mean and what does it include? Matthew 6:5-18
• What one word in Matthew 5:16 indicates that fasting is not an option?
• When have you fasted?  Have you ever fasted…turned away from everything and anything in order to turn to God and get alone with Him in prayer?
• What is the difference between rending your heart and rending your garments?  Joel 2:13
• Following his betrayal of Jesus, did Judas rend his heart or his garments?  Matthew 26:14-16, 47-49, 27:3-5
• Following his denial of Jesus, did Peter rend his heart or his garments? Mark 14:66-72; Acts 1:15-22; 1 Peter 1:3-5
• If you say you have repented, what difference has it made in your attitude?  Your actions?
• From the following verses, describe God’s movement in judgment while His love is expressed in salvation:  John 3:16; Romans 6:23.
• What is our ultimate hope in troubled times?  John 14:1-3

As God moves in judgment, would you return to the Cross, rend your heart and trust in His love “to leave behind a blessing”?  Then share Hope with someone else.

This Bible study was prepared especially for the Spring 2015 Newsletter.

Download the PDF of this Bible study here to print or email.

Read Hebrews 10:35-39

• For what are we promised a reward?
• In order to receive it, what must we do?
• What is our motivation?
• How can we be so confident of Jesus’ return that we persevere until He does?  Hebrews 10:23
• When life gets hard, are you one who shrinks from it?  Or triumphs over it?

This Bible study was prepared especially for the Winter 2015 Newsletter.

 Download the PDF of this Bible study here to print or email.

“We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character; hope.”
–Romans 5:3-4

The sign in my mother’s kitchen

As I reflect on 2014, blessings come to mind.  And so do burdens.  Prayers that were answered, and other prayers that remain unanswered.  Friends who stood by me, and others who avoided me.  Days when I had health and energy, and other days when I was so tired I felt I couldn’t hold my head up one more moment.  Times to relax, and times of enormous stress.  Hope that filled my heart, and disappointments that crushed my spirit.  The prospects of living through another roller-coaster year are almost daunting.  I know it will be another year of faith-stretching, faith-building, faith-strengthening experiences.  Another year of waiting…of looking up…for His return.