Restoration is Ahead

O. T. #2181 "Restoration is Ahead"

April 29, 2022

Micah 2-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Today we can find the umph needed to pick us up and give us strength to carry on today. Even though the prophet Micah exposed the sins of Israel and Judah and announcing judgment coming, he gave hope, also.

In verses 12 and 13, we find God's promise of restoration of His beloved children. It was the remnant of the faithful believers that would be gathered together after the captivities into Assyria and Babylon back into their Promised Land. (verse 12)

Now the sheep of Bozrah will gaze in a rich pasture. When the LORD is our Shepherd, He will make us, His sheep, to lie down in green pastures.(Ps. 23) There will be great joy in the restored and redeemed people. 

It is during the Millennium reign of Christ as King when the people will experience restoration. Verse 13 calls Jesus the breaker, which refers to burst out; come (spread) abroad; disperse.

Jesus will break through the clouds and all will see Him when He returns to earth.

He will break down every obstacle between the people and their God. He will forgive their sins, restore them, and implant within them a new heart. Jesus will lead them and restore them and rule over them. No one will stop or hinder the Messiah's work. He is LORD Jehovah!

 

LET IT GROW

The NIV says it this way, The Messiah is One who breaks open the way.

Right now, the eastern gate is sealed with concrete, but that is no problem for Jesus to bring down or burst through.

In John 10:9 , Jesus says, I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.

If Christ is the door in our life, He will guide us into every experience of Him that He wants, and there will be nothing that people can do to stop Him. Through Christ we have the assurance that we have access to everything He wants to do in and through us.

LET IT GO

Prepare our hearts for what You want to do in and through us today, Jesus.

Reign as King on the throne of our hearts.

We turn to You for peace in our times of trouble.

Is Stoning the Speaker Loving Others?

O. T. #2180  "Is Stoning the Speaker Loving Others?"

April 28, 2022

Micah 2-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

According to 1 John 5:1-3, everyone who believes that Jesus is the Messiah/Christ has been born of God and are His child. Everyone who loves the Father also loves His children, too. His commands are not burdensome when we love God and obey His commands.

We are simply called to love and accept our brothers and sisters in Christ. It is God who determines the ones in His family. How well are we treating our fellow family members? Loving them results in no hurting them, forgiving them, and loving them as our self.

LET IT GROW

The two particular sins of Israel included covetousness and listening to false prophets. Therefore, Micah's messages were unpopular, but true. the Israelites wanted Micah to stop preaching. God defends His messenger, so he was not wrong, but the hearers were wrong. Just because they were special people, did not mean they did not sin or disobey.

When a kingdom man speaks God's truth, the unrighteous don't want to hear it, as in Stephen's case, they stoned him to death. The Jews insisted that none of Micah's words on God's judgment would happen. (verse 6) the preferred a preacher who would say that wine and beer were alright to drink, as well as overindulgence and pleasure. (verse 11) Sounds familiar?

We should be sure that we are listening to a man who gets his messages directly from the Word of God and led by the Spirit. If a message seems harsh, recall how God treated Israel. He wanted them to repent of their sins and get back on the right path, His path. God's Word keeps us going in the right direction. Discipline is not easy to accept. So don't stone the speaker. It is because God loves us that He wants us to do right.Take heed least we fall into sin.

LET IT GO

Help us love others as You love us.

May we hear with spiritual ears the Words of God and obey them.

Bless all who read this today, Father.

Loving Others

O. T. #2179  "Loving Others"

April 27, 2022

LET IT GLOW

Who do we love? Think about it, friend. do we only love those who are loveable or returns love to us? Or do we love the unloveable and those who won't return love to us?

We love Him, because He first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from Him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. (1 John 4:19-21)

Since God is our source of love, we should be spreading it like fire. When we love others, they are warmed by God's love through us. So our love should not be limited to believers, but to the lost. How else will they know and experience the love of God? We can't truly love God while neglecting to love those who are created in His image.

LET IT GROW

According to Wiersbe, Micah gives 3 messages of what was coming to Judah and Israel: Judgment (chapters 1-2), a Ruler/Deliverer(chapters 3-5), and the Kingdom (chapters 6-7).

In chapter 1, we read about God's judgment and wrath that was coming if His people did not repent of their sins and turn back to worshiping only God and obeying His commands. Also, the prophet mourned for his people and nation.

We know that in 722 BC the Assyrian army conquered Samaria, the capital of Israel, the northern kingdom. Not only was there idolatry and prostitution as sins ruining the people, but also was covetousness (verses 1-5) and false prophets (verses 6-11).

How did they carry out their problem of covetousness?

• They lay awake at night thinking up evil plans. (verse 1)
• At dawn they hurry to carry them out because they have the power (money) to do so. (verse 2)
• When they want a piece of land, they find a way to seize it.
• When they want someone's house, they take it by fraud and violence.
• They cheat a man of his property, stealing his family's inheritance.

That is why the Lord punished the evil doers. Money means power, and the ungodly are able to carry through that which is wrong by using it. By it, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Israel had been told how to treat each other. God planned to put around those necks the chains of bondage. Their enemies would make fun of them with songs of despair.

What can we learn from this? A person's thoughts and plans reflect their character. Injustice spreads in a nation and destroys the people from the inside out. Privilege brings responsibility, which brings accountability.

Are we robbing our children of our time with them, working long hours so they can have more money, things, and fun? Do we rob God of tithes and offerings so we can have the good life?

 

LET IT GO

    ... of those bad feelings and forgive others so we can be forgiven.

    ... of harsh words so we can be a blessing to others today.

    ... of fear and trust God with it all; whatever He deems best is best.

    ... of pride, jealousy, covetousness so we can be thankful.

Love as Christ loves us so He can love through us.

                   

Towns

O. T. #2178  "Towns"

April 26, 2022

Micah 1-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Just in a week's time, the springtime rains brought green fields, trees leafing out, redbuds and dogwoods shining among the woods. And I am thankful for eyes to see the beauty of God's creation. I hope you had a refreshing weekend as I.

1 John 4:18 says, There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth out fear; because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Are you afraid of the future, eternity, or God's judgment? Remind yourself of God's love . He loves perfectly (Rom. 8:38-39) God's love is perfect. The Greek word for love used here is agape, which means affection or benevolence; love; dear.

It is God's kind of immeasurable love for us. It is His kind of love that resolve our fears as believers in Jesus Christ, God's Son.

Everyone will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Christian, don't think of it as a trial to determine your salvation but as the Judge's opportunity to evaluate the Christian life you lived. (2 Cor.5:10) In spite of our sins and failures, if we actively sought to minister in love to members of God's family, we will be able to stand with confidence on that day because "love covers a multitude of offenses." (1 Peter 4:8)

So we have no reason to fear our future. Just ask God to love others through you. His love quiets your fears and gives you confidence. 

Are your sins covered with the blood of Jesus? Have you asked Him to forgive your sins and be your Savior?

When our works are put in the fire, will they come out as gold or will they be burnt up as hay, wood, stubble?

LET IT GROW

In the rest of chapter 1, Micah deeply mourned and personally grieved the coming destruction of Samaria (Israel) and Jerusalem (Judah). He was from Judah and loved his family of Jews. Oh that they would only repent of their spiritual idolatry and turn back to worshiping only God.

Devastation was coming upon Judah and it would overflow up to the gates of Jerusalem. The Assyrians did sweep through the northern kingdom  (722 BC) and threatened the very gates of Jerusalem. The destruction of Jerusalem (586 BC). They had been warned by the prophet Isaiah.

The Assyrians were a strong army under Sennacherib. Micah mentions specific towns conquered. Take a look at the meanings of each one:

• Gath-Weep-town, but they were not to weep at Weep-town;
• Aphrah-Dust-town, putting dust upon the head was a sign of the deepest grief;
• Saphir-Beauty-town, as the inhabitants passed away, nothing is known about them;
• Zaanan-March-town, which did not march after conquered;
• Maroth-Bitter town, which had a bitter report of the Assyrians coming instead of a good report;
• Lachish-Horse-town, which had great stables, but the horses were used in worship of the sun god Apollo;
• Moresheth-gath-Home town of Micah;
• Achzib-Lie-town, where its inhabitants were given over to lies.

[Resource: The Prophets Jonah and Micah by J. Vernon McGee]

Verse 16 refers to the sorrow shown by shaving of the heads when the children were taken away captive or killed. No wonder Micah was mourning as God revealed to him the future of the cities in Israel and Judah. Who wouldn't?

Folks, do we mourn over the spiritual condition of our nation, our state, our city, our neighbors? How it should sadden us! Are we praying for repentance, a turn around in behavior and  godly laws and leaders?

LET IT GO

Live until we die, helping and loving others to Jesus.

Stand up against sin, sinful laws, for the glory of God.

Let Love Flow

O. T. #2177  "Let Love Flow"

April 25, 2022

Micah 1

LET IT GLOW

Since we are studying about the prediction of destruction of Israel and Judah coming if they did not change from worshiping idols to worshiping God, I think we could use some more encouraging words from John. So look with me in 1 John 4:15-17:

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he is God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love: and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as He is, so are we in this world.

If we have trusted in Jesus as our Savior, then he has delivered us from the power of sin, Satan, and death. He want us to communicate that saving love to others. The one who remains in love remains in God. We are to hang out with Him, filled with His love, then seek out opportunities to express God's love. So let's live the day with God's love and pour it out to others.

[Resource: The Tony Evans Bible Commentary] 

LET IT GROW

Keep in mind that it is because God loves His people that He will not let them get away with sinning, chastising them so they come to repentance. The Word of the LORD came to Micah for Samaria and Jerusalem, capitals of Israel and Judah, as well as the kings. (verse 1)

The first message was warning them of destruction coming if God's people did not turn from worshiping idols back to worshiping God. What do we read concerning this?

• The people were called to hear and hearken to the Words of the LORD God. (verse 2)
• At the beginning of this prophecy, Jehovah was set in the role of Judge in heaven, in His holy Temple. (verse 2)
• He is leaving His throne to trample the heights of the earth. (verse 3)
• Volcanoes will explode, flowing down like wax in a fire into the valleys from the mountains, like water pouring down a hill. (verse 4)
• It will happen because of the rebellion of Israel and the sins of the whole nation-idolatry and prostitution in ritual worship of idols, and injustice toward others. (verses 5, 7b, chapter 2)
• Samaria will be a heap of ruins, plowed up streets, walls broken down, carved images smashed, and sacred treasures burned. (verses 6-7)

Back in Exodus 20:3-5, God told Israel to have no other gods before Him, to not make any graven images to bow down in worship and service. ... for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God...

God will not share His glory or worship with another. His Commandments were given as a covenant with God's people at Mt. Sinai. It broke God's heart when His children broke His rules and commands. They had committed spiritual adultery. (Jeremiah 13:27) Yet they would not turn, agree with God about their sins, and repent.

Centers of idolatry were financed primarily through payments of money, food, and clothing to cultic prostitutes, who were strictly forbidden in Israel. (MacArthur)

This prophecy was about 20 years before Assyria captured Samaria and Israel. (Judah followed them down the same road of sin and was captured some 120 years after Israel. A Holy God had to discipline His children. Other nations were watching, too.

LET IT GO

Remain a faithful worshipper and servant of God.

Live in His ways and will.

Do not be drawn into false god worship.

Jesus calls us to deny self, our selfish ambitions and pleasure, taking up our cross, and following Him. (Matthew 16:24)

Holy Spirit, fill us with love, flowing down from heaven and to others.

 

 

Anyone Anywhere

O. T. #2176 "Anyone Anywhere"

April 22, 2022

Introduction to Micah

According to verse 1, the Word of the LORD came to Micah so he would prophesy what God was about to do to Israel, the Northern Kingdom and Jerusalem.

The Author

Micah was a country boy, like Hosea, called by God to a specific purpose. He lived about 25 miles south of Jerusalem at Moresheth-gath, being from Judah, which was the Southern Kingdom. This was a productive agricultural area.

Micah's name means Who is like the LORD/Jehovah? He uses a play on words in his writings, indicating the question, Who is like unto God, in prophesying, proclaiming, pleading, pardoning?

Date of the Book

Micah prophesies during their reigns of 3 kings in Judah: Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, from 750 BC to 686 BC. There was social injustices and religious corruption during that time.

Micah's words of judgment were spoken shortly before Israel was captured by Assyria in 722 BC.

Background

What was happening in Israel and Judah during that time?

King Jotham, son of Uzziah, continued the same policies as his father, but failed to remove the centers of idolatry. Worship of the Canaanite fertility god Baal was integrated with the OT sacrificial systems under Ahaz.

Syria and Israel invaded Judah, taking the wicked King Ahaz captive. After Assyria had overthrown Syria and Israel, the good king Hezekiah withdrew his allegiance to Assyria, causing Sennacherib to besiege Jerusalem in 701 BC. The Lord then sent His angel to deliver Judah killing 185,000 soldiers. Hezzekiah was used by the Lord to lead Judah back to true worship.

Israel fell to Assyria in 722 BC. When Samaria, its capital, fell, thousands of refugees swarmed into Judah, bringing their religious syncretism with them.

Micah predicted Babylon, then under Assyrian rule, would conquer Judah.

Theme

The theme of Micah's book was the inevitable divine judgment for sin couple with God's immutable commitment to His covenant promises. God's judgment and redemption is Micah's theme, as God hates sin, but loves sinners.

Micah's 3 messages moved from doom to hope (they broke God's Law given at Sinai; hope sin God's unchanging covenant was with their forefathers; the sins of the people was coming, but there was hope for the faithful. A Messiah was coming to reign as king of the earth during his millennial rule. All will worship Him and Jerusalem would be restored. 

[Resource: The MacArthur Bible Commentary, the Prophets Jonah and Micah by J. Vernon McGee]

We see that God can use any kingdom person to proclaim His Word of Truth. He can use anyone anywhere to do His will and accomplish it through their life.

Is there something God wants to use you in order to accomplish His will? What blessings will come when we surrender to the will of our God!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Miracles

O. T. #2175  "Miracles"

April 21, 2022

Summary of Jonah

 

I came across 10 miracles in the book of Jonah which God did:

1. The LORD sent out a great wind on the sea. (1:4)
2. The lot fell on Jonah. (1:7)
3. The sea ceased from its raging. (1:15)
4. The LORD had prepared a great fish... (1:17)
5. ...To swallow Jonah alive. (1:17)
6. The LORD spake to the fish...it vomited Jonah onto dry land. (2:10)
7. God saw their works...they turned from their evil way. (3:10)
8. The LORD prepared a plant. (4:6)
9. God prepared a worm. (4:7)
10. God prepared a vehement east wind. (4:8)

[Resource: The MacArthur Bible Commentary]

The primary challenge is whether the book is to be interpreted as historical narrative, an allegory/parable, or it actually happened. Jesus did not teach this story as a parable, but as an actual account firmly rooted in history. It is found in Matthew 12:38-41, 16:4; Luke 11:29-32.

A greater than Jonah came-Jesus. In contrast:

• Jesus is greater in His person, for He is the very Son of God. Jonah was just a man.
• Jesus' message is one of grace and salvation. Jonah preached a message of judgment.
• Jesus willingly died for the sins of the world. (1 John 2:2) Jonah almost died for his own sins.
• Jesus' ministry is the Savior of the world, no just one city. (John 4:42) Jonah's ministry was to only one city.
• Jesus always did what pleased His Father, in obedience. (John 8:29) Jonah's obedience was not from the heart.
• Jesus had compassion for the sinners and proved His love by dying for them on the cross. (Rom. 5:6-8) Jonah didn't the people he came to share salvation.
• Jesus asked God to forgive those who killed Him. (Luke 23:34)Jonah waited outside the city to see if God would kill those he would not forgive.

The real issue is how we answer God's questions:

Do we agree with God that people without Christ are lost?

Like God, do we have compassion for those who are lost?

How do we show this compassion?

Are we concerned for those in great cities where there is so much sin and so little witness?

Do we pray the gospel will go to those people, in our community, in our neighborhood?

Are we willing to go and be a part in witnessing for Jesus?

Do we rejoice when sinners repent and trust in Jesus as their Savior?

[Resource: The Wiersbe Bible Commentary]

*Thank you friends for joining me in the study of Jonah. I hope you received the blessings as I did and searched your heart as I did.

 

 

 

Running, Repenting, Receiving

O. T. #2174  "Running, Repenting, Receiving"

April 20, 2021

Summary of Jonah

You know, there's one thing  as we Christians grow older need to realize: Jesus loves us with an everlasting love without limits or conditions, and His love always is and will always be. We can't work for it, nor do anything to diminish it. The unfailing love of Jesus never fails.

So when we are afraid, feel out of control, run ragged, we can take refuge in the shelter of His wings, where we are absolutely secure. When change is hard, loss is unbearable, just turn to Jesus. Friend, let's choose to trust our Loving and Lovely Savior in all circumstances. I am learning to step aside and let Jesus. Let Him do what is best, let Him take over, let Him receive the glory in my story.

What did we see in Jonah and in his life?

• He was in disobedience to His God. He tried to run away from the presence and will of the LORD, but that didn't happen. (chapter 1)
• He was in repentance in the belly of a whale as he came face to face with death. (chapter 2)
• Finally, we see his obedience, fellowship with God, success as a preacher, and his awe. (chapter 3)
• Then he become angry at God for having mercy on his enemies, discouraged, discomfort, and rebuke again by God.

Perhaps you are in one of those stages spiritually. Are you running from God's will for your life? Are you needing repentance, admitting to God that you have sinned, failed, and need Him? Or are you angry at God because of some situation in your life, living in the blame game?

Beloved, God already knows what's going on and what you need. He is waiting.  So many times I have been there. Receive His forgiveness and joy again. If this is not your situation, praise the Lord! Look around and see who is there. Offer love, a listening ear, and a God who forgives and has mercy overflowing available.

Give thanks unto the Lord, for His mercy endures forever.

Compassion and Mercy

O. T. #2173 "Compassion and Mercy"

April 19, 2022

Jonah 4-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

As a review, Jonah left Nineveh, built himself a shelter and sat down under it, waiting to see what happened to the city. god caused a plant to grow in order to shade him. This eased Jonah's discomfort, and he was very grateful for the plant. Then God sent worm to eat eh plant and it withered away. The sun grew hot, so God sent a scorching east wind to blow on Jonah.

He felt faint and wished to die, remarking that death would be better than living like that. God asked Jonah if it was right for him to be angry because the plant died. He agreed.

Verse 10, NLT says, Then the LORD said, You feel sorry about the plant, though you did noting to put it there. It came quickly and died quickly. but Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Should I feel sorry for such a great city?

God was merciful to the pagan people showing them mercy and not destroying their city. Also, He was merciful to the sailors and Jonah. He was more concerned with loosing a plant than watching thousands of people dying and going to hell. If we come to God, asking for mercy and salvation, He will give it.  If we are obedient, then He shows us mercy we don't deserve.

Have you received God's mercy? Do we have a heart for others?

LET IT GROW

In Matthew 12, the scribes and Pharisees were demanding  a sign from Jesus. (verses 38-39)

They were given a sign: For as Jonah was in the belly of a huge fish three days and three nights, so the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights. (verse 40)

If a rebel prophet cold turn Nineveh around, Jesus Christ can certainly turn around the circumstances in our lives. This, as Paul calls it, is the surpassing grace of God. (2 Cor. 9:14) Tony Evans

We don't know what Jonah did next. Did he repent and go down to Nineveh and rejoice with the heathens over the grace and mercy of God? Well, he did write the book that we just finished studying. I tend to think Jonah had a change of heart one more time.

LET IT GO

Such mercy You show us sinners, Jesus!

Use us in Your Kingdom work today.

 

Preparation

O. T. #2172 "Preparation"

April 18, 2022

Jonah 4-Part 4

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. (Paul wrote this recorded in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

LET IT GLOW

Let's take a minute and read what Billy Graham wrote, found in a devotional, Wisdom For Each Day."

The Cross of Christ is an offense because it condemns the world. It says, "You are sinner"-and we don't like someone pointing out our faults, failures, mistakes, and especially our sins. Christ's blood is the blood of redemption, forgiveness, peace, and reconciliation. By His blood we are released from the guilt of sin and accepted as righteous in God's sight. (Colossians 1:20)

The cross shows the seriousness of our sin, the immeasurable love of God, is the only way of salvation, and gives a new purpose to life. Once you have been to the cross, you will never be the same.

I know that my Redeemer lives. (Job 19:25)

He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. (Matthew 28:6)

I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! (Revelation 1:18)

Jesus lives today  and forever, and so will we! Amen.

Friend, do you know my Jesus?

LET IT GROW

Jonah preached in the city of Nineveh of about 600,000 people. of those, about 120,000 got saved, had a change of heart. One would think this would excite a prophet having preached and such a great revival occurred. but that was not the case with Jonah. It angered him and he left the city. He had such a hated for those evil people that Jonah was not concerned for their soul, that they receive the mercy of God.

Jonah mad himself a shelter and sat under it in the shade. He was looking to see what would become of the city after those 40 days passed. He knew God was not going to destroy it. But it was possible that the people returned back to their sinful ways. If that happened then God would destroy them and Jonah would be glad. Wow!(verse 5)

Shall we take a look at what things God had prepared in this book and in Jonah's life:

• a violent storm (1:4)
• a great fish, a whale (1:17)
• a plant (4:6)
• a worm (4:7)
• a strong wind (4:8).

Each thing had a purpose for Jonah. The storm broke up the secure ship that the runaway Jonah hid inside from God.  The sailors threw Jonah overboard and a whale swallowed him up to take Jonah where God wanted him to be. A plant grew over Jonah in order to deliver him from his misery. Now, Jonah was grateful for the plant. However, a worm came and damaged/ate the plant so it withered it. The strong wind and sun beat down on Jonah so he was faint.

Again, Jonah desired to die instead of live. He was self-centered, who should have recognized his total dependence on God. We will leave the prophet there, hot, sweaty, and mad.

You know, only God can change hearts. We are to share His love and gospel with others. God is in the business of saving sinner from the penalty of their sins. We are to show them His love and share how they can be free.

What has been prepared for you? Are you prepared to die today? Where will you spend eternity?

 

LET IT GO

Jesus, reign in our hearts today.

Thank You for dying on the cross so we could be free.

May every knee bow and every tongue proclaim that Jesus is Savior before death comes.

 

When Our Plans Change

O. T. #2171  "When Our Plans Change"

April 15, 2022

Jonah 4-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Do you get angry when your plans change? I am learning to adjust my plans whenever they change, considering that God has done it and I can better serve Him when I yield.

You are not alone if you get upset when plans change.The change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. When God saw what the Ninevites had done and how they stopped their evil ways, God decided to not carry out the destruction he had planned and threatened.

Jonah confronted his compassionate God and remarked that he knew that was going to happen before he left home. That was why Jonah fled. (verse 2) Don't you think God knew all of this already? Maybe Jonah had to get it off his chest.

Well, through it all, experiencing the storm, almost drowning, acids in the stomach of a whale for 3 days, walking 500 miles, preaching in a city of evil people did not change Jonah's heart from anger to compassion for the Ninevites when they repented.

The LORD replied, "Is it right for you to be angry about this?"(verse 4)

The thing is, friend, God loves to restore repentant sinners! We all need a God who will reverse His decision of judgment, but we are often so unlike God that we are unwilling to reverse our own judgmental decisions. Are there people in our life whose salvation would make us angry? If a certain person became a Christian would it disappoint us since we would have to treat them as a brother or sister? How would we fare before God, if He were as angry and unrelenting as us? (Tony Evans)

Help us let go of anger and hate for those who have hurt us so deeply. May we show mercy to them like You have shown to us, Jesus.

LET IT GROW

Jonah was so upset that he told God to take his life from him, for considered it better for him to die than to live. (verse 3) Maybe he was concerned with his reputation as a prophet of God.

You know what Jonah did after that? Ohm he didn't answer God's question, nor repented of his anger. Verse 5 tells us:

So Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made him a booth, and sat under it in the shadow, till he might see what would become of the city.

My goodness, Jonah, you should be rejoicing that God is so merciful to us sinners and does not destroy us. One puff of wind and we would be dust. Was Jonah hoping that God would pull a Sodom and Gomorrah on Nineveh? God had some work to do on this prophet's heart.

He (Jesus) was pierced for our transgression, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

"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)

Dear one, have you surrendered to God's plans for your life? His plans are always better. Is your soul washed in the blood of Jesus? Have you asked Him to forgive your sins and be your Lord and Savior yet? Please do so now, if not yet.

Then we will be walking on the road of faith together with Jesus. And one day we can meet in heaven and get acquainted. What a day that will be! 

LET IT GO

                    ... of our plans and follow Jesus' plans for us.

                    ... of the worldly things and love Jesus most.

                    ... of hate, jealousy, revenge and let God take over.

Thank You, Sweet Jesus, for dying on that cruel cross to save us from our sins! Oh, how I love Jesus! Because He first love me!

Have a happy and blessed Easter, everyone! Enjoy life as a believer. Let Jesus fill you with His joy today. Does Jesus walk and talk with you along your road of life? He has provided for us eternal life. It can't get any better than that!

A Solution For Anger

O. T. #2170  "A Solution For Anger"

April 14, 2021

Jonah 4-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

How are you doing today? Is there something that has caused you to be angry at God? Does life seem to be going downwards? Is there failure in your marriage, children, job, finances? You are not alone, for Jonah felt the same way.

Jonah was very angry because God did not destroy Nineveh. Apparently, he said the LORD would do this even before he left home. Jonah knew this God loved those people or else he would not have sent a prophet to warn the evil ones. What a revival! We are told there were 120,000 people got saved within the 40 days of Jonah's preaching. (verse 11) Jonah should have been happy and excited, yet he was angry.

What kind of character did God have that Jonah knew about?

• God is  gracious, which means to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor.
• God is merciful, which is full of compassion. 
• God is slow to anger, that is, not showing wrath.
• God is of great kindness, which is pity, favor.
• God shows pity upon the evil ones who repent of their sins.

What a God we love and serve! If it wasn't for His grace and mercy,  patience and pity, we Gentiles would not be saved.

Jonah should have realized that God hears His children's prayers, whether is from a broken heart or an angry heart. God comes to rescue and save us, even when we have given up. God is going to have His way instead of doing things our way.

Our purpose is to know, love, and serve God. (A. Rogers)

God knows what is best for us, our family, our church, and our coworkers, we don't. Will you trust Him?

 

LET IT GROW

In verse 3, we read how far down Jonah had gotten in his life. He asked God to take his life from him, for it is better for him to die than to live. Why would Jonah say such a thing?

Maybe Jonah felt like he would be viewed as a false prophet, since God did not destroy Nineveh within 40 days. Could he see his reputation as a failure back home.? Would he be considered a traitor of the Jews? Was pleasing others more important than pleasing his God?

Are you feeling helpless, hopeless, and miserable? Now, dear one, take a closer look at those characteristics of God again. Has God blessed you today? We don't deserve forgiveness, love, mercy, yet Jesus demonstrated those to us when He died on the cross.

I hope this is an encouragement to you. Perhaps you have others around you that needs to hear this.

 

LET IT GO

Everything will be alright, for the whole world is in a loving God's hand.

He can do miracles, healings, restoration. May we open our eyes to the working of God in our life.

Our God is faithful. Please show Your love to those in need.

Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. 

O. T. #2170

April 14, 2022

Jonah 4-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

What does Jonah know about the character of God?

• God is a gracious God. Gracious means to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior.
• God is merciful. Merciful means full of compassion.
• God is slow to anger. Anger refers to wrath.
• God is of great kindness. Kindness is pity, favor.
• God is one who relents from sending disaster.

LET IT GROW

Instead of being pleased and praising God for His grace to Nineveh and for the success of his ministry, Jonah was very angry. (120,000 saved) His anger may have stemmed from the fact that his message did not materialize. (God's judgment upon the pagan Ninevites was cancelled, so they were not destroyed.) Jews had a hatred for non-Jews, especially Assyrians.

Was Jonah exhausted from running away to Joppa, hiding on a cargo ship, experiencing a violent storm, giving up and being thrown overboard, terrorized by a whale swallowing him, remaining there for 3 days, then having to walk some 500 miles to Nineveh? And walking through a city (some 60 miles around) of evil people there, and preaching repentance. How frightening it all must have been for Jonah being in a deadly situation. There are no excuses for his anger.

Jonah didn't want to see God's grace fall on those wicked people. He knew God's character and if Nineveh genuinely repented, God would forgive them.

 

 

LET IT GO

A Gracious God Loves You!

O. T. #2169  "A Gracious God Loves You!"

April 13, 2022

Jonah 4

LET IT GLOW

Well, it took Jonah 3 chapters to get to Nineveh where God had told him to go preach. Through the running, sailing, sinking, and existing in a whale's stomach for 3 days, God was still watching over His prophet, and ready to use him for His purpose. What does it take for God to get our attention and surrender to Him?

Jonah told the people that in 40 days, God would destroy them. Talk about a revival! Everyone in Nineveh was turning to the Lord and turning from their sinful ways. God had conquered the hearts of thousands in one of the mightiest cities of the Assyrian Empire! In fact, 120,000 got saved while Jonah preached.

Wouldn't it be so wonderful if revival broke out in each of our cities this week? After all, people know Jesus died on a cross and rose from the grave 3 days later. But are we sharing this as the true meaning of our Easter celebration? Just as God was merciful and forgiving to those evil Ninevites, so He is waiting to be for others. Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God, lived a perfect life without sinning, and loves us so much that He died in our place so we don't have to pay for our sins? New life is awaiting for the sinner who asks God to forgive their sins.

 

LET IT GROW

When God saw what happened, and their evil ways were stopped, He did not carry out the destruction He had threatened. (3:10)

But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. (verse 1)

Why did Jonah get very angry when God changed His plans? The Jews did not want to share God's message with Gentile nations in Jonah's day and Paul's day. (1 Thess. 2:14-16) The original purpose of Israel was to be a blessing to the rest of the world by sharing God's message with other nations. (Gen. 22:18)

Jonah though God should not freely give His salvation to a wicked pagan nation. He forgot the free grace that Jonah received in the belly of a whale. This is exactly what God does for all who come to Him today in faith. God does not give us what we deserve-hell. Instead, heaven awaits the Christians at their death. What a gracious God we serve!

LET IT GO

Yours is amazing grace!

Yours is amazing love!

That You, Jesus would take my place!

Jesus, praise to You for all that You have done for us.

Our Awesome God Does Awesome Things!

O. T. #2168  "Our Awesome God Does Awesome Things!"

April 12, 2022

Jonah 3-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

God sent His prophet Jonah to the evil city of Nineveh to warn the people of His judgment coming in 40 days. It was because of their luxurious living and sexual immorality, godless music, drunkenness, idolatry, brutality to enemies. Can we understand why Jonah ran away in the opposite direction, caught a cargo ship to sail away from the presence of the LORD God. However, that is impossible. god is everywhere, sees all, and hears all, as well as knows all.

After spending 3 days and nights in the belly of a whale, Jonah probably looked like a bleach man of white hair and skin. (Jews are dark skinned and hair.) So that makes me think that his condition got the attention of the Ninevites. They could see first hand what happens to a man who rebels against God's will. Don't you think they believed Jonah whenever he said judgment of God was coming?

The people repented of their sins, the king told his citizens to fast and cry mightily unto God, and turn everyone from their evil and violence. (verse 8)

Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from His fierce anger, that we perish not? (verse 9)

In the Hebrew language, repent and repented have the same meaning: to sigh; to breathe strongly; to pity; console.

Since God is perfect in all His ways, He has no need to repent of sins. The Ninevites believed God, turned from their sins, and received the mercy of God. He did not destroy their city.

God changed His mind and let the people of Nineveh live. What love! Folks, this same God loves us, too. Have you confessed your sins and turned to God ?

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

 

LET IT GROW

If 75% of the 175,000 population got saved, then that would have been 131,250 lives changed. God told Jonah that He would not do what He had said about destroying Nineveh. (verse 10)

Jonah almost missed the privilege of participating in this great evangelistic event because he didn't like what God told him to do. If you run from God's will, you might miss out on one of the most significant moves of God in your life. We have to walk by faith to see what He's up to. God doesn't always explain Himself in advance. (Tony Evans)

Can I share something personal here? We waited a year and 7 months for God to show us His will, our next place of service unto Him. I admit that I got weary in the wait. My husband had resigned a church where he was pastor 22 years because God told him to do so. Later, God told me to move, go. However, He didn't say where, so we waited  on further instructions. In the meantime, we searched for another house. Perhaps God only wanted us to leave the farm. Nothing worked out, to my great disappointment. Oh, I found beautiful houses, in our price range, but my husband could not get peace about buying them. So we waited longer.

Then in August, my husband was asked to fill in preaching while our preacher friend had surgery, Complications set in and he passed away some 4 months later. Hubby agreed to stay at the church preaching while they continued to look for a new pastor. During that time, we did not feel the leading of the Lord to turn in his resume. After 3 times votes for  prospects were negative, we began to wonder if my husband was supposed to their new pastor. After much prayer, he turned in his resume. After a month passed, he was voted as pastor yesterday. We stand in awe of an Awesome God and His workings. God did it all, not us. They are such a loving church, such a blessing. We know God has great plans for them and us ahead.

Folks, you can also receive blessing from God when you wait upon His leading. Do not give up hope. God can still save your loved ones, give you the needed job, provide for all your needs.

LET IT GO

How mighty is our God!

How merciful You are, our Savior and Creator!

May You bless all who read this today.

We give you thanks for life today and praise for You goodness.

When Destruction is Coming

O. T. #2167 "When Destruction is Coming"

April 11, 2022

Jonah 3-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

So the whale vomited Jonah out of its belly onto dry ground. (2:10) Then the Word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time.(3:1)    God told Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach what He said.(v 2)  Jonah obeyed this time and went to Nineveh, a 3 days journey.(v 3) 

What was the message God gave through Jonah to the people of the idolatrous city of Nineveh? Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. (verse 4)

In other words, God was displeased with the people's wickedness and sins. They needed to repent, turn to Jehovah, and obey the true God, the Creator of heaven and earth. (Falwell)

Nineveh was populated with 175,000 evil people. Its walls were about 30-60 miles around the city. Jonah's message of doom to one of the most powerful cities in the world. It was not the most desirable assignments. No wonder Jonah was afraid to go there, a Jew among pagans. It certainly was not a likable message to tell, either. Isn't it hard to point out the sins of people? Yet we should not let social pressures or fear of people dictate our words. Because we love those, we want the best for them, and having Jesus as Savior is the best thing that can happen to anyone.

How wonderful it is when God gives us a second chance  to carry out His will.  His Word is for everyone, so we should  share it as we go along life's road of faith.  

LET IT GROW

Some think Jonah's face was bleached from the whale's stomach acid as evidence of his experience. Perhaps he shared his own personal experience of rebellion and the people saw the power and mercy of God.

What happened next?

• The people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, worn by mourners. (verse 5)
• The king, when he heard of this, took off his robe and covered himself with sackcloth and ashes, a sign of deep mourning. (verse 6)
• The king and his noble sent this decree throughout the city: No one, not even the animals from your herds and flocks, may eat or drink anything at all. People and animals alike must wear garments of mourning, and everyone must pray earnestly to God. They must turn from their evil ways and stop all their violence. Who can tell? Perhaps even yet God will change His mind and hold back His fierce anger from destroying us.  (verse 7-9, NTL)
• When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, He changed He mind and did not carry out the destruction He had threatened. (verse 10)

The people of Nineveh, nor the king, did not know the outcome of their faith or hope for relief, except that God had sent one to warn them instead of destroying them. Their faith was not disappointed.

Babylon did not slaughter and conquer Assyria at that time (785 BC) In 612 BC, Nineveh fell to the Babylonians and Medes. Jeremiah 18:7-8 said that any nation on which judgment was pronounced would be saved if its people would repent. It is the obedience of God's Word that pleases Him. Is there something you have not obeyed God by doing yet? It is not too late. Ask God's forgiveness, repent, and do it for His glory. Salvation is only in Jesus.

Judgment is coming for us all, one day. Are you covered with the blood of Jesus Christ? It is His righteousness that we need so God does not see our sin.

 

LET IT GO

Jesus loves us, this I know, for the Bible tells us so.

Holy Spirit, raise us from the mundane, monotonous, and hopelessness in our life. Transform us more like You, full of love and life, peace and joy.

Oh how we need You today, Jesus!

Our lawmakers need You, too.

 

Walking on The Right Path

O. T. #2166 " Walking on The Right Path"

April 8, 2022

Jonah 3-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

After having a near death experience, Jonah was ready to surrender to do God's will. A second commission was given to the prophet, the same message-go to Nineveh and preach what God told him.

Jonah had a repentant, renewed, reconciled, heart toward God. He returned to the duties that he had neglected. When God forgives, He forgets, and restores us. Free grace was given to Jonah and now he is to tell of  the free grace availability to the idolatrous people of Nineveh.

So Jonah went to Nineveh, some 500 miles from Joppa. Don't know if he took a caravan, a camel, or walked, but Jonah obeyed the Lord. (verse 3a)

Nineveh was in Assyrian territory, its capital. this metropolitan city was about 60 miles in circumference and would require 3 days to just get around it. Stopping to preach would take longer. The 175,000 people had pagan idols and beliefs. Yet, God's love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness was extended to them, not for the Jews alone.

So it is with you and me. If you have strayed away from God or ran from His will, like Jonah, He is still the God of second chances. Ask forgiveness and God will forgive you. Return to do what He last told you to do. It is never too late as long as you are breathing, beloved.

 

LET IT GROW

Jonah wasted time running away, sailing on a ship, and riding in the belly of a whale for 3 days and nights. Finally, the prophet go back on the right path of God's will. Have you strayed off that path for you?

What was Jonah's message once he arrived in Nineveh?

Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. (verse 4b)

The wicked people in Nineveh would be judged for their sins and they had a 40 day window to fix the problem. The God who created everything had every right to destroy them. However, He was graciously giving them a chance to repent and come clean.  

Jesus waits at the door for you to open your door of your heart to Him.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved.  (Romans 10:13)

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (verse 9)

Jesus said in John 11:25-26, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die.

Friend, have you called upon Jesus to save you from the penalty of your sins? Do you believe in your heart that Jesus is God's Son, lived a perfect life, hung upon the cross, rose from the grave, and lives forevermore? Today is not too late, but when you die, it is too late.

 

LET IT GO

Holy is the Lord God Almighty.

He is the One who loved us so much that He died for us, in the form of the man, Jesus Christ.

Praise and glory to Jesus, our hope beyond the grave!

The God of Second Chances

O. T. #2165

April 7, 2022 "The God of Second Chances"

Jonah 3

And the Word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying, Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid. (Jonah 3:1-2)

LET IT GLOW

I dare say that most of us have been like Jonah some time or another, turning away from doing God's will and seeking to  do our own. But there is good news for you and me, as there was for this prophet. God gives us second chances so we will accomplish His will His way.

When I was in junior high school, my friends invited me to Vacation Bible School. One day the teacher share about salvation. I felt the Holy Spirit calling me to repentance, but I was too prideful to surrender, for my friends were there. They were already Christians.

Then a few years later, a classmate and friend died in a head-on collision at age 16. We had gone to the show as a group and hung out together only a few weeks earlier. That night I realized that death can come at any age, even 16, and I wasn't ready to meet God. If I had died, I would go to hell. So I cried out to the God of second chances and full of mercy and love. Folks, I didn't know the proper words to say, but He saw into my sincere heart and saved me in my bedroom. What a glorious Savior and Friend Jesus has been over 50 years!How abut you?

So Jonah went through rebellion, repentance, redemption, and resurrection. That whale spit Jonah up onto dry land. and I imagine he hit the land running those 500 miles by foot.

Jonah didn't like his assignment God gave him. He had to leave his homeland and go to a hostile and evil center of idol worship, Nineveh. Jonah was told to preach what God told him to preach. His will changed and Jonah hit the road.

If we have not received a fresh Word from God, return to the last thing God told you and examine your obedience. Is the Lord still waiting for your obedience? (Blackaby)

LET IT GROW

You know, we can go straight to your own Nineveh to begin with, or you can let God get you there the hard way. But be warned: it can get messy if the Hound of Heaven has to pursue you because of rebellion. He will track you down. (Tony Evans)

Picture with me this stinky like a fish and sticky from gastric juices in the whale's stomach prophet Jonah walking up and down hills and crossing the Jordan River. Valuable time and energy had been wasted, but the experience was priceless. Keep in mind that God's call to do something is not going to change for us. so it's best if we do things His way from the start, right?

Do you think Jonah was singing the psalms of David along the way. He could have been singing his own song of deliverance, thanking and praising the God of second chances.

So, have you been delivered from your place of rebellion? His mercy never fails.

LET IT GO

All my life You have been faithful.

All my life You have been so, so good.

Every breath I am able to  will sing of the goodness of God.

I know You as a Father and a Friend.

Truly, our God is the God of second chances, dear one.

Will you surrender to His will, His way, today.

 

 

 

Survival

O. T. #2164 "Survival"

April 6, 2021

Jonah 2-Part 3

But I will sacrifice unto Thee with the voice of thanksgiving: I will pay that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD. (verse 9)

LET IT GLOW

Friend, do you need a survival kit today? Has live swallowed you up and you feel like you are sinking? There is a way prepared for you to not only survive, but have an abundant life while here. Read on.

Jonah admitted that salvation is of the LORD. It is  not  from us, not our works, nor who we are. Jesus Christ is our only salvation for our sin-sick soul.

Salvation means liberty, deliverance, safety.

In John 14:6, Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.

So dear one, Jesus is the only way to heaven, to live with God forever. He loves you so much that He left heaven in order to pay for your and my sins. It was so we did not have to pay for them eternally in hell, separated from the Holy Father. Sin must be paid for with a blood sacrifice that is perfect.  We could never meet that qualification since we sin.

It is by faith that we are save. Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, sent for this purpose?

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this? (John 11:25-26)

Romans 10:9 says, That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Friend, will you take a moment and think about this? It can mean the difference of living in heaven or hell forever.

 

LET IT GROW

Jonah was swallowed up by a whale as he sunk in the deep sea. It was because of his rebellion running away from God's will of preaching repentance to the horrible Ninevehites. Jonah realized that God allowed this to happen to him in order to bring Jonah to repentance of his sins. He experienced the grace and mercy that God wanted to extend to the pagan idol worshipers. God put the prophet in the place where he would finally seek God's face and submit himself to the LORD.

When all else failed, Jonah prayed to the Lord God. When his soul fainted, he remembered the LORD in prayer:

• In his terrible time of trouble Jonah cried out to the Lord and He answered. (verse 2)
• He acknowledged that God put him in the sea and in the whale's belly. (verse 3)
• The waters, floods, waves resulted in a hopeless situation for Jonah, and he looked toward God's holy temple in faith. (verses 3,4)
• The waters surrounded Jonah every time the whale opened its mouth to take in fish for food, I think.
• Weeds wrapped about Jonah's head. (verse 5) What a horrible place to be-in a stomach of a fish.
• Jonah sank low, but God lifted him up from his life of corruption. (verse 6) Corruption means a pit, grave, destruction.
• Jonah's prayer went into the holy temple of the Lord God in heaven where Jehovah is King. (verse 7)
• Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God's mercies. (verse 8)
• Then Jonah offered the sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Lord as he substituted his will and desires for those of God's. (verse 9)

Verse 10 says, And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.

That fish obeyed God its Creator. Probably, it was near the place that rebellious Jonah departed from the presence of the LORD, so he thought. He didn't need a ship to return, either.

LET IT GO

Beloved, don't make it take a whale to swallow you before you pray to God through Jesus.

I pray that you will find salvation in the loving Savior, Jesus, today.

I pray that if you have left the will of God, you will ask forgiveness of the Forgiving Heavenly Father.

Know that He loves you!

Hitting Rock Bottom in the Belly of a Whale

O. T. #2164  "Hitting Rock Bottom in the Belly of a Whale"

April 5, 2022

Jonah 2-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Can you imagine what a stinky, icky, and yucky place it was for Jonah, the belly of the whale? To me, fish are stinky, but to fishermen, they smell like money. It was icky because it was dark down there. It was yucky since it was wet and sticky, with seaweed wrapped around Jonah.

And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and He heard me: out of the belly of hell cried I, and Thou heardest my voice. (verse 2)

When did Jonah pray?

We don't know how long it took before Jonah prayed to God, we just know he was inside the whale for 3 days and 3 nights. It was when he was in trouble that Jonah prayed. He was finally humbled and his heart softened, between distress and danger of dying, between fear and hope.

Where did Jonah pray?

It was in his dark dungeon with no way out, except God rescuing him. Also, it was in the bottom of the sea that Jonah looked up. He had hit rock bottom, sinking deeper, and that is what it takes before some people call upon the Lord. Ultimately, it was God who put Jonah there, God who sent a whale to rescue him, and the mercy of God that threw him upon the shore, back where Jonah started from.

To whom did Jonah pray?

It was to the Lord God that Jonah had run from, to the One he was avoiding, the One who controlled the fish, the waves, and the sea.

What was Jonah's prayer?

Jonah was expressing hope in a hopeless situation, depending upon God being God. He recognized that Jehovah was in His holy Temple. That is where Jonah would find divine mercy and restoration. (verse 4, 7) Only God could deliver him. Jonah acknowledged that Salvation is of the LORD. (verse 9)

LET IT GROW

What does it take for us to pray to God? Does He have to cause us to hit rock bottom? When there is no other way out? Have you realized that only in the Lord Jesus is salvation and eternal life found? 

LET IT GO

There is going to be some brighter days.

Jesus, You are our hope, our love, our faith.

Keep us looking to You, looking up.

Deliverance From Death

O. T. #2163 "Deliverance From Death"

April 4, 2022

Jonah 2

LET IT GLOW

How do we know there is a God? After all, no one has seen Him. If no one has ever seen God, then how can we ever know Him?

We can't be acquainted with God by sight, but by His Spirit, His love, and by love from others. (Barn's Notes)

No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us. (1 John 4:12)

When we love others, then God dwelleth (to stay in a given place, state, relation or expectancy. Also, God's love is perfected (to complete, accomplish, make perfect) in us. John is speaking to the Christian believer. The greatest evidence of God's presence and work is love. God's love is made complete by our loving each other, brotherly love. This love in us is the proof that God is in us.

Previously, in his gospel, John said, No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him. (John 1:18)

Jesus is both God and the Father's unique Son. In Christ, God revealed His nature and essence in a way that could be seen and touched. In Christ, God became a man who lived on earth. Jesus is the complete expression of God in human form, and He has revealed God to us. ( Life Application Study Bible)

Faith is perfected by its works; love is perfected by its operations. (M. Henry)

Are we showing the world and others that God is alive, real, and working? Are we showing them by loving them? Is this kindness evident in our life?  Our life is an open book, so what is the lost world reading?

LET IT GROW

We left Jonah in the belly of a whale. It could have been a blue whale that can become up to 219 tons and 79 feet long. Now that would not be the Hilton stay, I dare say. His stay was 3 days and 3 nights, with no amenities. The only thing we can deduct is Jonah was not digested, not suffocated, kept his senses, and had the frame of mind to pray and praise. 

This stay was because of his own doing. Jonah refused to go preach in Nineveh, a heathen city with cruel pagans living in sin. Isn't it ironic that Jonah was probably afraid for his life, yet look what happened to him. He could have drown in the sea or been eaten alive by a shark, this rebellious man who deserved death. But God... 

It was the providence of God that had the fish near the ship, mouth open, swallowed up Jonah, and retained him in its belly. What a mighty God we serve! How merciful and gracious He is!

Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish's belly. (2:1)

All right, friend, are you drowning is a sea of trouble? Do you have a loved one who is sinking in sin? Pray. God finally put His prophet in the place where he would seek His face and submit himself to Him. There was no way out for Jonah, except submit to the will of God in prayer.

Jonah's heart was humbled and softened, so he sincerely prayed. It was possible that God would deliver His prophet out of his dark and deep dilemma. Only God could do it. And God did just that.

What an example Jonah is for our loved ones who are running away from God. Keep praying for them, dear one. God can deliver people that are deep in sin, after all, He did Jonah. Such hope!

Nothing is impossible with God. (Luke 1:37)

 

LET IT GO

Help us throw off those things that hinder us from serving You, God.

Deliver us from our rebellion against Your will.

Give strength and faith to parents who have wayward children.

Father, Your will, Your way, today, I pray.

A Whale of a Story

O. T. #2162 "A Whale of a Story"

April 1, 2022

Jonah 1-Part 8

LET IT GLOW

John has been talking a lot about love, hasn't he, in the book of          I John? We have been assured that God is love and He showed us His love by sending His only son, Jesus Christ, to die in our place on the cross for our sins. John carries this love of God that is in us a step further  in verse 11:

Beloved, if God so loves us, we ought also to love one another.

So, beloved, how are we showing this love of God that is within us? It is not to be kept to our self.

Are we serving others, teaching others, and living a sacrificial love toward them? How do we treat the unlovely and those with a sour disposition?

 Do we put the needs of others before our needs? Picking and choosing is not an option that I have found in the Word.

Are we living love, God's love, in the world? Will we look for ways to share His love? What a blessing it is to bless others.

1 Corinthians 13 instructs us that love never fails. It bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things. sometimes we just need reminding, huh?

LET IT GROW

We left Jonah thrown overboard the ship that was intended to be his escape from God's presence and will. The violent wind, waves, and storm must have been death-threatening. That is what the prophet chose instead of obeying his God. However, the storm calmed when Jonah was thrown over the ship. (verse 15)

Down, down, deeper into the sea Jonah sunk. He took his sin with him, too. It was the sin of rebellion against God's will. But God will do whatever it takes in order for His will to be accomplished.

What did God do and use to change Jonah's mind? Verse 17 tells us, Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

What an experience! Jonah was prepared to drown to death, after all, he deserved death. Rebelling against God, and a prophet to boot!Well, that was not in God's plan. Jonah was going to Nineveh, one way or another. The Lord had prepared a great fish to do it. Mercy!

Prepared means appoint, set, tell.

God had previously created this particular type of fish during the time of creation. He had this particular one fish born later and in reserve until the day of Jonah when it fulfilled its particular mission. This great fish was commissioned, already in existence, for the task of preserving the prophet Jonah.

What kind of great fish was this? I did some research and my conclusion is that it was a blue whale sent to rescue Jonah. Blue whales can grow to be 219 tons and 75-79 feet long.

Also, Jesus refers to this great fish as being a whale, in Matthew 12:39-41.

John Gill had this to say, " Providence of God had the fish near the ship and mouth open, swallowed Jonah and retained him in its belly not digested, not suffocated. Jonah lived and breathed there 3 days and 3 nights, kept his senses and frame of mind to pray and praise God. What is it that the power of God cannot do?"

Our God is in control of His creation and creatures. They willingly obey and serve His purposes. Except mankind is given the option to do so.

LET IT GO

What a Mighty God we serve!

Help us be willing to do Your will for Your glory!