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.

 

 

 

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!

Gracious Love Available For Those Drowning in the Sea of Despair

O. T. #2161 "Gracious Love Available For Those Drowning in the Sea of Despair"

March 31, 2022

Jonah 1-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

Love is always fleeting, isn't it? People use the word in a casual way these days. Makes you wonder if they actually know love. So what is real love, then? John describes love for us in his first letter, 4:10,

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

In the Greek, the word propitiation means atonement; exchange; reconciliation; restoration to (the divine) favor.

Folks, before God created anything, He loved us. He knew that you and I could not save our soul, could not live a perfect life, nor meat His requirement for the forgiveness of sins.

How much did God the Creator love us? He loves us so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ to take our place on the cross. He became the sacrifice that takes away our sins. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice that we could not be in order for this to happen.When He becomes our Savior, Jesus restores us to the Father's favor.

Previously, John wrote in 1:9 NLT, If we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

How does our relationship with a Holy God get restored? We confess our sins. Have you confessed your sins today? No one loves you more.

 

LET IT GROW

We have read where Jonah rebelled against God's will, not going to Nineveh to share the gospel and God's love to the heathen Assyrians. No, he went way down into his sin-down to Joppa, caught a ship to sail down to Tarshish, Jonah slept down in the bottom of the ship. Sin takes us down, further down than we want to go.

Then a storm came up and the sailors became afraid. After casting lots, they woke up Jonah so he would pray to his God for the storm to stop. He would have had to confess his sins, and determine to do God's will. Instead, Jonah told them to throw him overboard.

Hebrews 12:6 says, For whom the Lord loves, He chastens and scourges every son whom He receives.

The storm was intended to bring Jonah to repentance, but it did not. (Not all storms in life are due to sin.) Jonah preferred to die selfishly than to repent and obey God's will. Instead of taking his life into his own hands, Jonah should have surrendered his life and let God give the orders.

Jonah should have been a witness to the sailors, had he been willing, but he was a mess spiritually. When the sailors saw the situation as hopeless, they prayed to Jonah's God for forgiveness throwing him into the stormy sea. They even gave a sacrifice unto God. Sometimes unsaved people put believers to shame by their honesty, sympathy, and sacrifice.

... for Thou, O LORD, hast done as it pleased Thee. (verse 14)

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. (verse 17)

Folks, God is always in control. He always has a plan. He knows what it will take for us to turn back to Him when we stray away.

When you're runny from a particular aspect of your calling, God will send circumstances, and they will find you. The wind obeyed, the sea obeyed, and the fish obeyed. But there was still a problem with the preacher. (Tony Evans)

What does it take for us to want to obey God? Are we willingly going wherever He leads? Or are we running away? Do we have to get to the place where we are drowning in a sea of despair in our rebelling before we repent and obey?

Are we or someone we know drifting along like driftwood, effortlessly and heedlessly downstream with the current of sin? That way leads to destruction.

LET IT GO

Thank You Father for a day to live, a day to enjoy walking with You.

Forgive our failings. How glorious in Your grace and mercy!

Bless all who read this with Your love, salvation, and direction.

May we be a blessing to others today.

Please protect us from the draw of the world and sin.

Glory to god in the Highest!

How Do We Know God Loves Us?

O. T. #2160  "How Do We Know God Loves Us?"

March 30, 2022

Jonah 1-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

How do we know that God loves us?

... for God is love. (I John 4:8)

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. (verse 9)

I wonder if during this time of year, Easter, more people think about Jesus and what He did, dying on the cross and rising again. No other sacrifice could take away our sins. The blood sacrifice of animals in the Old Testament only covered up their sin.It is Jesus' blood (He was a perfect sacrifice) that washes away our sins and makes our soul clean before a Holy God. Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins yet? Do you believe in Him and trust Jesus to be your Savior?

Jesus came so we might have eternal life through Him. Now that is the icing on the cake. Knowing Jesus brings peace in our soul, feeling important and loved. Don't miss out on the blessing of having Jesus walk with you throughout the day and night. And don't miss out on heaven, dear one.

What is John telling us about love?

1. Love is visible. God revealed His love in Jesus.
2. Love is an act of the will: God sent His Son. To love someone requires a decision to act on his behalf.
3. Love is sacrificial. It cost God His one and only Son. He didn't throw us His leftovers; He provided His best. He saw our deepest need and gave Himself. (The Tony Evans Bible Commentary)

No other source can satisfy the soul but Jesus. He is alive and well today.

LET IT GROW

We left Jonah in the bottom of a ship and in the midst of a violent storm. The sailors had tried everything they knew to keep them safe. They prayed to their pagan gods to no avail. They threw the cargo overboard, but it didn't help. If the ship fell apart, all would die at sea.

Jonah had told the sailors that he was a Hebrew and feared the LORD, the God of heaven, which made the sea and the dry land. (verse 9)

Those men were exceedingly afraid and asked Jonah why he fled from the presence of the LORD. They asked Jonah what to do with him so the sea would calm again. (verses 10-11)

Jonah told them to throw him into the sea and it would become calm again. He even admitted that terrible storm was his fault. (verse 12)

The pagan sailors rowed harder so they didn't have to do that, but finally they had no choice-throw Jonah off the ship. When they did, the sea calmed. How obvious it was that God is in control and He was their only hope of survival.

Is your life falling apart? What is your hope placed in-Jesus or things, money, job, people? Sometimes Jesus has to pin us up, when we hit rock bottom, before we look up to the Rock that is higher than we are.

Sweet friend, Jesus is our only hope to get to heaven, for He is the only Way. (John 14:6-7)

LET IT GO

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

Yes, Jesus loves you, too.

Will you trust Him as your Savior today?

Will you trust Him to be all you ever need?

Running Away?

O. T. #2159  " Running Away?"

March 29, 2022

Jonah 1-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

Are you looking for love? Where do we run to when we need to feel loved? Things, people, and drugs won't fill that void, friend. Love is found in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is like a fountain that overflows to us, His child.

John is telling us in his letter, 1 John:4:7-8, Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Love is a gift from God to us. He loves us so much that God gave His only begotten Son so we could be with Him in eternity.

All true love originates from God. Real love shows that we belong to our God. When we have God's love in our heart, it makes us more like Him. (Barnes)

God's love will point us to those who need love, His love. When we love God, then we will loving others will come naturally.

Are we looking for those who are in need of love?

 

LET IT GROW

Jonah was a prophet who rebelled against God's will for his life-go to Nineveh and preach repentance to the pagan idol worshipers. Instead of going to the evil people who needed forgiveness of sin, he went his own way in the opposite direction. Jonah to a cargo ship toward Tarshish and fell asleep down in the bottom. He hit bottom all right.

In Jonah 1:4, 23 read where a violent storm came up and threatened to break the ship apart. Then sailors were desperate for their lives, so they called upon their gods for help, and then threw overboard the cargo in order to lighten the ship. That did not help the situation. so the captain went down to Jonah.

New Living Translation of the Bible gives us the questions the captain asked Jonah:

• How can you sleep at a time like this? Get up and pray to your god! A pagan sailor was telling a preacher to pray. something wrong with this picture, right? Maybe he will pay attention to us and spare our lives. When the crew cast lots to see which of them had offended the gods and caused the terrible storm, it identified Jonah. Maybe Jonah's God could do something their gods could not do. (Jonah was the culprit.)
• Why is this awful storm come down on us?
• Who are you?
• What is your line of work?
• What country are you from?
• What is your nationality?

Jonah answered, "I am a Hebrew, and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land." Jonah had to admit it all.

Verse 10 tells us, The sailors were terrified when they heard this, for he had already told them he was running away from the LORD.

It was obvious that this man was the one who made his God unhappy by fleeing.

Questions continued:

• Oh, why did you do it?
• What should we do to you to stop this storm?

Jonah told the sailors to throw him into the sea and it would be calm again. He knew that terrible storm was his fault. (verse 12)

They would not dare do that to their gods. Jonah should have been witnessing to the sailors, but didn't. Jonah would rather die than go to Nineveh.

Sweet friend, are you running away from doing God's will? Are you doing things your way instead of God's way? Does God have to send a storm of some sorts into your life to get your attention and to surrender to Him?

Or is your will and way of life surrendered to His?

Lest we are too quick to condemn Jonah, haven't we all done similar things? I have. I was supposed to teach at a Christian school, but did not. Instead, I went to a public school because it offered a higher pay. It did not turn out to be a good situation. Eventually, after 4 years, I repented and went to that school where God's will was for me. I paid for my rebellion, for those in charge did not treat me nice and I struggled the whole year. (Although, several children were saved when I finally did God's will His way.) If only I had not rebelled!

 

LET IT GO

Overcomer

O. T. #2158 "Overcomer"

March 28, 2022

Jonah 1-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

Isn't it easy to become overwhelmed by the problems we face and the evil in the world? Even though evil is stronger than we are, we have assurance of help.

In 1 John 4, we find it in verse 4:    Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.

We are not to fear the devil and his false prophets and teachers. As believers of Jesus, we have the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit living in us. Jesus has overcome the evil and so can we through Him.

Overcome means already, now, extent of time.

Right now, Jesus is waiting for us to come to Him for help so He can give us strength to be an overcomer. I have a plaque that says, I am an overcomer, I am a child of God.

Greater is He (Jesus) that is in me, than he (devil) that is in the world

means exceedingly, mighty, strong, high.

So Jesus in me is mightier and stronger than any problem or temptation that may arise in my life, and yours, too. He exceeds all things! Our God, who is in our heart, is able to give us victory by His grace. Trust Him today.

LET IT GROW

Jonah went down to Joppa to catch a ship on its way to Tarshish, in order to get away from the presence of God. This prophet was running away from his assignment-go preach in Nineveh. Then he went down into the bottom of the ship to sleep and hide as they sailed away in the opposite direction (500 miles).

What happened next?

• But God knew where Jonah was, and sent a great wind on the mighty sea, causing a violent storm that threatened the ship to break apart. (verse 4)
• Fearing for their lives, the sailors on the cargo ship began calling on their gods (pagan gods) for help.
• They lightened the ship by throwing overboard the cargo.
• When those false gods did not calm the storm, they captain went down after Jonah, asking how he could sleep at a time like that. (verse 6)
• Jonah was told to get up and pray to his God. Maybe He would pay attention and spare their lives.

This prophet had fallen asleep at an inconvenient time. Men needed his help. He should have been a witness to those unbelievers, hopped up and prayed, and the storm would have calmed.

Jonah's disobedience had endangered  the lives of the ship's crew. Do we realize that our sin and disobedience can hurt others around us? Will we repent of our disobedience?

Are we on the right path that God has purposed for us? Are we a missionary wherever we go?

LET IT GO

Greater is He that is in me, greater is He that is in me, greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world.

Keep us in Your will, so we won't be in Your way, Father.

Fill us with Your love so it overflows to others today.

Preventing a Boatload of Trouble

O. T. #2157 "Preventing a Boatload of Trouble"

March 25, 2022

Jonah 1-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

 

How do we know if a teacher or preacher is the one we should be listening to? John tells us:

Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God. (1 John 4:2)

They will teach or preach the Truth and sound doctrine by Jesus.

Mathew Henry said, "Test them-do they believe Jesus came in the flesh, is God's Son, is the Way to eternal life, was the Word with the Father from the beginning, and Jesus suffered and died for sin."

May I add, that Jesus rose from the grave and sits at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us right now.

LET IT GROW

We learned previously, that the Word of the Lord came to Prophet Jonah, telling him to go preach in Nineveh, Assyria. However, he had the wrong attitudes toward God's will, God's Word, the Gentiles, and his circumstances. Jonah refused to go, so he fled from the presence of the LORD, so he thought.

Presence means the face (as the part that turns); fear of; was purposed; sight.

Jonah ran away from God's purpose for his life. He fled suddenly in fear of the Lord. He bolted away from the sight of God, but God is everywhere, so not really. Yes, his God saw what Jonah did. He knew Jonah did not love the people of Nineveh and did not want to give them the message of hope and salvation if they repented.

The Jews were to be a blessing to the other nations of the world (Gen. 12:1-3). However, when the Jews were not doing God's will, nor living in it, they became a curse or trouble. We will see this is true about Jonah brought a boatload of trouble upon experienced sailors.

What did Jonah loose because he was not a blessing to unbelievers?

• He lost the voice of God speaking His Word. (verse 4) Instead, God spoke to him through the sea, wind, rain, thunder, a great fish.
• He lost his spiritual energy. (verse 5) Jonah went to sleep in the midst of a storm, unconcerned about others.
• He lost his power in prayer. (verse 6) A pagan sailor was telling a prophet to pray, Refusing to do so, a pagan was used by the Lord to rebuke Jonah. In order to pray, Jonah would have to first confess his sins, then submit to the Lord's will.
• He lost his testimony. (verses 7-10) Jonah was not living up to his calling as a Jew nor as a prophet.

If only Jonah had repented of his rebellion, the storm would have stopped and the whale would have swam on by the ship. Indeed, he would have prevented a boatload of trouble for those pagan sailors and himself.

Dear believer, have you gotten to the point where your witness and prayers are no good? Sin separates us from our loving God. Turn back to Jesus, who forgives sin. Let Him love you back into the fold. Then you will be a blessing because  your rebellion is a witness of the grace and mercy of our God.

So many of us have been through it. One time I did not go teach at the Christian school I knew God wanted me to. Instead, I rebelled and chose to teach at a secular school that paid almost twice as much. Things went from bad to worse and I left, went to the right school. It was a very difficult year, but I knew I was where God wanted me. Several of my students came to Jesus in salvation because I repented and got into God's will. What a blessing!

You, too, can become a blessing out of your disobedience.

Are you in God's will today, doing what He wants you to do? Stay there, even amidst difficulty, and you will be a blessing.

LET IT GO

Jesus, give us wisdom to discern the right teachers from whom we are to learn Your Word.

May we learn from Jonah that rebellion against Your will is not what pleases You.

Help us to obey Your Word and Your will.

Bless all who come to read this with salvation and encouragement.

We need Your strength, Jesus, to continue in Your will. May it be done today.