Change
The 7th Sunday after Pentecost
The Lord shouts out orders
to his army.
His army is very large!
Those who obey him are very strong!
The Lord’s day of judging
is an overwhelming and terrible day.
No one can stand up against it!
Change Your Hearts
The Lord says, “Even now, come back to me with all your heart.
Fast, cry, and be sad.” ~ Joel 2:11-12 (NCV)
The dark night of evil is nearly over. The day of Christ’s return is almost here. So let us get rid of the works of darkness that harm us. Let us do the works of light that protect us. ~ Romans 13:12 (NIRV)
Lord, I am looking forward to the day of judgment when you set everything right. Thank you for the promise of justice. But I am aware that if I am not more changed I could end up on trial. And it's not just because I am afraid of judgment that I am asking you to change me more. I really do want to live in such a way that reflects your presence in my life. I want to live justly and righteously. For that is your will for me life. Amen.
TRANSLATIONS
ABP = Authorized Boydston Paraphrase — my own freestyle biblical adaptation — somewhere between paraphrase, commentary, and sermon
CEB = Common English Bible (©2011, the Common English Bible)
CEV = Contemporary English Version (©1995, American Bible Society)
MSG = The Message (©1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson)
NIRV = New International Reader's Version (©1996, 1998, Biblica)
NIV = New International Version (©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011, Biblica)
NLT = New Living Translation (©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, Tyndale House Foundation)
