Calling all Jumpstart readers – Anybody out there? Hello?? There are a couple hundred of you a day (thank you!) – but I’m not seeing many comments. Can you comment today and let us know you’re out there? It would help us so much to know. Thank you for doing this!
In today’s reading in Joel 2, we are reminded about the “day of the LORD”. This is of course a prophecy about Jesus returning for us and to fight the great war against Satan. Most Christians don’t think much about this. Jesus could come at any minute – several passages describe His return like a “thief in the night” (when we don’t expect it). We should be living on the ready. If you knew Jesus was coming at 11pm tonight – what would today look like for you? Any apologies you’d need to make? Want to catch up on your prayer or Bible reading or giving? Someone you’d need to meet with and share the Gospel urgently? Jesus COULD come today – we must live everyday with that anticipation.
If it were true that Jesus was coming tonight – all of us would probably have some areas to deal with and some things to repent of. Repentance is a heart thing. Often, we take outside actions while the great problems are inside issues. That’s what God says to the people through the prophet Joel…
Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” (v.13)
What needs to change in your heart today? Joel goes on…
Return to the LORD your God… (v.13)
In what ways do you need to return to God today?
The good news is…
He is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. (v.13)
That’s the kind of God we serve! Stop and thank Him for it right now and repent of your sin. If you have never come into a relationship with God through Jesus – heed the words of verse 32…
Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved. (Sound familiar? We read this in Romans 10:13 too).
Take a moment right now and confess to God that you believe that Jesus is His Son and that He died and rose again for you. Ask Him to come into your life and change you.
By: Tim Parsons — Lead Pastor
JumpstartCPC.com 
THANKS TIM, GOOD WORD TODAY, APPRECIATE YOU AND YOUR STAFFS FAITHFULNESS TO JUMPSTART.
I’m here & enjoyed the theme of mercy after yesterday’s theme of repentance.
Thanks Tim! Great word today. It struck me that I would feel the need to think and act differently if I truly thought today was my last day before meeting Jesus. And then of course I’m convicted that it shouldn’t matter. I should be ready at any moment to meet the Lord. May I live everyday as if today is “The” day!
Good Morning CPC! Even after 2 years of moving away, I still come to Jumpstart to start my mornings. Thank s to all of you; I do miss my church family at CPC.
Praying for you and your family Amie. Great to find you here, though, what a wonderful surprise! Lord bless you guys!
I’m here too….every morning….just don’t usually have time to comment often since it is before work. Great reminder of continual repentance….sharing the Gospel…..he is a faithful God to redeem and to offer us salvation!! Thank you for continuing Jumpstart! I look forward them in 2018!!
Hello Tim! Not here everyday occasionally miss a day and have to catch up, but I always read every post. Jumpstart is my daily Bible reading enjoy it very much.
“Living On The Ready” – that’s SO useful in SO many areas of the Christian life.
Best verse for the kind of change we can all use more of…”rend your hearts and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love;”
Thank you for Jumpstart today!
Thanks for jumpstart , here most everyday but sometimes like today I have to catch up . It helps to start my day in a good way and I try to put on the armor of God everyday too .
I’m several days behind, but I’m catching up! My name is Mary and thanks to Mike and Tina Pepper, I’ve been reading your blog for several years from Indianapolis! Mike’s Mom, Mary babysat my brother and I from the time we were infants!
Thanks for your blog, I always look forward to reading it!
Hope everyone has a Happy New Year!!