Enthusiasm of the Lord

Then the LORD will be zealous for His land and will have pity on His people. Joel 2:18 

Enthusiasm means eagerness, warmth, fervor, zeal, ardor, passion, and devotion. Jesus had a real enthusiasm for life…and for His Heavenly Father. He always focused the attention on God the Father. To Him be the glory. Jesus acknowledges that all His power comes from His Father. All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Matthew 11:27 

Prior to this passage in Joel there is a call to the people of Israel, when they are under judgment, to return and repent, to fast and pray, and to seek unto God for mercy, and directions how to do this. Then the Lord God made a promise that, upon their repentance, He would remove the judgment and restore to them plenty of all good thing. He would have pity on them—with enthusiasm. That enthusiasm for the people of Israel is the same passion and devotion that Jesus shows for them through His love for His Father. He wants us to show that same love and respect to the Father by loving His people—all the people of the world—His world. We need to show a little enthusiasm for the Lord. Love one another. 

Training Tip – If you want your children to be enthusiastic about the Lord…then you need to show enthusiasm, too. Be enthusiastic everyday…not just on Sunday. Be enthusiastic everyday…not just at mealtime prayers. Put the Lord’s name–Jesus—on a kite and fly it with your children. Tell them that Jesus is always higher and worthy of our praise.   

Lord Jesus, have pity and enthusiasm for Your people. Shower us with Your love…and help us to show Your love to others around us.  

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

A cool refreshing salad is the best way to end a hot summer day.

Avocado Salad for Two

1 ripe avocado
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 – 6-ounce can smoked salmon or smoked sturgeon
½ cucumber, chopped fine
2 Tbsp. red onion, chopped fine
4 Tbsp vinaigrette salad dressing

Cut avocado in half and sprinkle with fresh lemon juice. Divide the canned fish between each of the avocado halves. Add half of the chopped onion and cucumber to each salad. Top each with about 2 Tbsp salad dressing. Serve with crackers or a crusty whole wheat roll. Enjoy!

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.