MAY 31 - GOD RESTORES
Key Scripture:
"Then the LORD was jealous for his land and took pity on his people. The LORD replied to them: 'I am sending you grain, new wine and olive oil, enough to satisfy you fully; never again will I make you an object of scorn to the nations... I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten-the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm-my great army that I sent among you. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the LORD your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed.'" - Joel 2:18-19, 25-26
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" - Jeremiah 29:11
Devotional:
Restoration is the heartbeat of God. Throughout Scripture, we see Him bringing beauty from ashes, joy from mourning, and abundance from devastation. The same God who allows seasons of discipline also brings supernatural restoration.
In Joel's prophecy, we witness this divine pattern: after repentance comes restoration. God promises to restore not just the immediate needs-"grain, new wine and olive oil"-but even "the years the locusts have eaten." This extraordinary promise means God can redeem not just our present and future, but even our past.
The Hebrew word for "restore" (שָׁלַם, shalam) is related to the word "shalom"-conveying completeness, wholeness, and peace. God's restoration isn't partial; it's comprehensive. Consider how Jesus restored Peter after his denial (John 21:15-19), commissioning him for greater ministry than before his failure.
Ezekiel witnessed God's restoration power in the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37:1-14). What appeared hopelessly dead was transformed by the breath of God into a mighty army. This prophetic picture powerfully illustrates how the Holy Spirit brings life where death has reigned.
Jesus demonstrated God's restorative heart in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). The father didn't merely accept the returning son; he restored him to full sonship, placing a robe on his back, a ring on his finger, and sandals on his feet-all symbols of complete restoration.
Isaiah 61:1-4 powerfully describes the ministry of the Messiah: to proclaim freedom for captives, release for prisoners, and "to comfort all who mourn... to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes." This restoration ministry continues today through the Holy Spirit's work in us.
As we approach Pentecost, remember that the Holy Spirit is our great Restorer. He doesn't just repair what was broken-He creates something more beautiful than before. Areas of barrenness become fruitful. Places of shame become platforms for testimony. What the enemy meant for evil, God transforms for good.
Prayer Points for Holy Spirit's Outpouring:
"Then the LORD was jealous for his land and took pity on his people. The LORD replied to them: 'I am sending you grain, new wine and olive oil, enough to satisfy you fully; never again will I make you an object of scorn to the nations... I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten-the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm-my great army that I sent among you. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the LORD your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed.'" - Joel 2:18-19, 25-26
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" - Jeremiah 29:11
Devotional:
Restoration is the heartbeat of God. Throughout Scripture, we see Him bringing beauty from ashes, joy from mourning, and abundance from devastation. The same God who allows seasons of discipline also brings supernatural restoration.
In Joel's prophecy, we witness this divine pattern: after repentance comes restoration. God promises to restore not just the immediate needs-"grain, new wine and olive oil"-but even "the years the locusts have eaten." This extraordinary promise means God can redeem not just our present and future, but even our past.
The Hebrew word for "restore" (שָׁלַם, shalam) is related to the word "shalom"-conveying completeness, wholeness, and peace. God's restoration isn't partial; it's comprehensive. Consider how Jesus restored Peter after his denial (John 21:15-19), commissioning him for greater ministry than before his failure.
Ezekiel witnessed God's restoration power in the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37:1-14). What appeared hopelessly dead was transformed by the breath of God into a mighty army. This prophetic picture powerfully illustrates how the Holy Spirit brings life where death has reigned.
Jesus demonstrated God's restorative heart in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). The father didn't merely accept the returning son; he restored him to full sonship, placing a robe on his back, a ring on his finger, and sandals on his feet-all symbols of complete restoration.
Isaiah 61:1-4 powerfully describes the ministry of the Messiah: to proclaim freedom for captives, release for prisoners, and "to comfort all who mourn... to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes." This restoration ministry continues today through the Holy Spirit's work in us.
As we approach Pentecost, remember that the Holy Spirit is our great Restorer. He doesn't just repair what was broken-He creates something more beautiful than before. Areas of barrenness become fruitful. Places of shame become platforms for testimony. What the enemy meant for evil, God transforms for good.
Prayer Points for Holy Spirit's Outpouring:
- Ask the Holy Spirit to move as the wind of restoration through your life and church.
- Pray for the restoration of spiritual gifts that have been neglected or dormant.
- Ask for the Spirit to restore holy passion and first love for Jesus in the church.
- Pray for the restoration of God's power and presence in worship services.
- Ask for the Holy Spirit to restore broken relationships and unity in the Body of Christ.
- Prayer specifically for Youth Alive Undivided that there would be many salvations.
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