v. 7-9 "But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the vine so that it withered. When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah's head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, 'It would be better for me to die than to live.' But God said to Jonah, 'Do you have a right to be angry about the vine?' 'I do,' he said. 'I am angry enough to die.'"
We are so happy when we get what we want. God provides for our needs, yet He can take something away from us at any moment. I think that when we push God away He has no obligation to keep blessing us. It is not that He doesn't want to help us, He doesn't want to encourage bad or sinful behavior. Jonah went through a painful realignment, which could have been avoided if he made better choices.
The worm that God sent might have started at the base of the plant. When we let the enemy in he often will not mess with the outer layers of our soul, he will go to the roots, down deep because he knows that if he can get us away from God, going to the source of our belief is his best chance. Did Jonah know the reason the plant withered at first? I don't know, but he must have been so frustrated that again he was in a miserable situation. All the while he was focusing on outward issues when he should have been working on his heart and mind. Our perception of reality is sometimes an illusion brought on by a reflection in a warped mirror to make everything appear in our favor, even if we are sorely mistaken.
Priscilla Shirer talks about how God used a specific plant that would be large enough that it would provide shade, God kept animals from harming Jonah and the wind came from the east which meant that he could not have been protected from the city walls. She also said that God was strategic with the details that He used to carry out His divine purpose.
The worm, the sun and the wind all came one after the other. Many times in life when one bad thing happens there is a landslide of other things that come charging at us and we feel like we won't make it through this moment. This is where we are tested. Yes, God does test us, but He will not tempt us. So between God's testing, attacks from the enemy, the choices we make and the actions of others we often feel that we will not make it through to the other side.
God again showed grace to Jonah and again Jonah was unable to give grace to Nineveh. He had plenty of opportunities, yet he could not let go of his anger. We will be held back when we keep things from God and do not turn them over to Him. He is more than capable to take care of the anger, sadness and pain in our lives. God's grace is given to you, will you extend that grace to others? Not one of us deserves grace, not one of us can even come close. God freely gives us a wonderful gift and in return we are to give that gift away to other people.
When I wrote a post about Jonah 2:10, where God made the fish spit Jonah out onto land. I received an interesting comment that said that I made God sound like an abuser and that this person would cut out someone from their life if they were treated this way. I can see how some view God in this light. Many preachers have preached the fire and brimstone theory, where you will never be good enough and you are probably going to hell. The only thing right about this is that we are not good enough, that is where God's grace comes in and covers us. If this person has been hurt by some one who says they are a Christian then that just reinforces the view that God is mean. Do I get mad when I receive a comment like that? No, I think that we should see past the actions of others and see their hearts. This person doesn't sound like they believe, yet they were brought to my blog for a reason. My goal is to share God's word and share my Bible study notes, not misrepresent Him. If no one else needed this then I definitely do because I am in need daily of His word. I thought it was very interesting that this person saw a mean God and not a disobedient person who received an action for defiance. The enemy likes to try to disguise discipline from God as if it were punishment so that God looks like He is mean instead of a caring Father.
Everyone looks at the Bible a little differently due to our life experiences, views from our family growing up and where we are at in our walk with God. Yes, God can be angry and discipline us when we are not in His will. The ENTIRE Bible shows that He is waiting for us to turn to Him. His love has no limit and He is happy to bless us, if only we will turn towards Him. I wonder if this person who sees God in such an unfavorable light can see throughout the Bible how many times the people turned from Him. If there were not such disobedience then the Bible might be a whole lot shorter, but then we wouldn't see ourselves in the colorful characters that are spread out among the pages of this book.
Again Jonah wanted to die, when he doesn't get his way he either runs away or wants to die. This makes for a very unhappy spiritual life. He is our example of what not to do, we should not let our feelings rule us. Again God asked if Jonah had a right to be angry about his circumstances. We may never be in Jonah's exact situation, but how many times a day do we get mad because people are being slow, traffic is backed up, someone unleashed an emotional mess in our direction or our kids are having a meltdown when we are trying to leave the house. Friends, this is a heart check.
Are you mad right now at someone or something that happened to you that you can not give to God? I pray that we all will turn everything over to God and that nothing will get in the way of our relationship with Him.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Quote - Ignorance
"Ignorance is not innocence."
I saw this on a piece of paper that my mom typed a long time ago. There is so much said in just a few words. I have heard people say they don't want to know about the bad things going on in the world. I don't think that you need to be inundated with our 24 hour news cycle, then it all seems too big and that we can't help at all. Christians are not called to sit on the sidelines with our backs to the world. We have a mission to help others. Now you don't have to help every cause that comes your way, but should we do nothing and be content in our own little world. No, I believe we all can help. Just pick a cause that is close to your heart and do what you can.
Not everyone can go on a mission trip to the other side of the world or can give thousands of dollars every year. If everyone who could help did so then many would get food, medicine, shelter, education, etc. I believe every type of charity would be covered if we all followed God like we are suppose to. There may be someone waiting for you to help, I know that God has been waiting a long time for you to take a step out of you comfort zone. My heart goes to charities that help adults with special needs like my brother Bryan who died last year and since I'm an Army veteran I like to support charities that help my brothers and sisters who have been wounded in combat. If you can't think of anything then give it time, something will be brought to you attention. There are so many to choose from, but God has one specifically for you.
Just remember even one small action can have a ripple effect that you will never know about. Which can cause a chain reaction from helping that one person to helping a village, city, country or nation. All because you stepped out in faith.
I saw this on a piece of paper that my mom typed a long time ago. There is so much said in just a few words. I have heard people say they don't want to know about the bad things going on in the world. I don't think that you need to be inundated with our 24 hour news cycle, then it all seems too big and that we can't help at all. Christians are not called to sit on the sidelines with our backs to the world. We have a mission to help others. Now you don't have to help every cause that comes your way, but should we do nothing and be content in our own little world. No, I believe we all can help. Just pick a cause that is close to your heart and do what you can.
Not everyone can go on a mission trip to the other side of the world or can give thousands of dollars every year. If everyone who could help did so then many would get food, medicine, shelter, education, etc. I believe every type of charity would be covered if we all followed God like we are suppose to. There may be someone waiting for you to help, I know that God has been waiting a long time for you to take a step out of you comfort zone. My heart goes to charities that help adults with special needs like my brother Bryan who died last year and since I'm an Army veteran I like to support charities that help my brothers and sisters who have been wounded in combat. If you can't think of anything then give it time, something will be brought to you attention. There are so many to choose from, but God has one specifically for you.
Just remember even one small action can have a ripple effect that you will never know about. Which can cause a chain reaction from helping that one person to helping a village, city, country or nation. All because you stepped out in faith.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Jonah 4:6
v. 6 "Then the Lord God provided a vine and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the vine."
Many of us rely on the comfort of our surroundings, if there is a massive change then our emotions will be on a roller coaster until we adjust to our new situation. Where ever you go you will hear people complain that it's too hot or too cold, too wet or too dry, too desolate or too crowded, too boring or too busy. I know that these are general topics that people talk about, but when we become affected by them and it rules us then it goes beyond polite conversation. I am guilty of being an emotional roller coaster rider. Feelings have too much of an influence on how I behave. This is one of the many things I need to work on. In one moment we can be so happy and it only takes a phone call to devastate our hearts. Let's all try to stay on level ground even when all round us there are steep mountains and treacherous craters.
"The Hebrew noun translated "calamity" in 4:2 is the same word translated "discomfort" in 4:6." Priscilla Shirer God might have allowed Jonah to experience some of the distress that He withheld from Nineveh. Jonah is one of the most interesting characters in the Bible. At first he ran away then when he did obey, he was just going through the motions. Think of the miracle of being swallowed by a fish for a few days then being spit up on land. This man was a man of God and he was a rule follower so when God asked him something that was outside his rule book he resisted even though he knew he should follow what God had commanded him to do.
We should be comfortable in God, not what is going on all around us.
Many of us rely on the comfort of our surroundings, if there is a massive change then our emotions will be on a roller coaster until we adjust to our new situation. Where ever you go you will hear people complain that it's too hot or too cold, too wet or too dry, too desolate or too crowded, too boring or too busy. I know that these are general topics that people talk about, but when we become affected by them and it rules us then it goes beyond polite conversation. I am guilty of being an emotional roller coaster rider. Feelings have too much of an influence on how I behave. This is one of the many things I need to work on. In one moment we can be so happy and it only takes a phone call to devastate our hearts. Let's all try to stay on level ground even when all round us there are steep mountains and treacherous craters.
"The Hebrew noun translated "calamity" in 4:2 is the same word translated "discomfort" in 4:6." Priscilla Shirer God might have allowed Jonah to experience some of the distress that He withheld from Nineveh. Jonah is one of the most interesting characters in the Bible. At first he ran away then when he did obey, he was just going through the motions. Think of the miracle of being swallowed by a fish for a few days then being spit up on land. This man was a man of God and he was a rule follower so when God asked him something that was outside his rule book he resisted even though he knew he should follow what God had commanded him to do.
We should be comfortable in God, not what is going on all around us.
Friday, May 2, 2014
Jonah 4:5
v. 5 "Jonah went out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city."
I can picture this man, stomping out of the city and muttering to himself how he had been wronged by this mission from God. Thinking that God didn't understand why he was so angry. Jonah went to the east of the city. In many situations in the Bible it wasn't such a good idea to go to the east. Cain went to live east of Eden after killing his brother and the people moved east to build the Tower of Babel. When the Bible was written it would have been in Hebrew, which reads right to left (east to west). The sun rises from the east and sets in the west so maybe that is how they saw time. So going to the east could represent going to the past or away from your present situation. For us this could mean that when we continue to dwell in the past, in our sinful nature, we give up everything God wants to give us. When we are facing the past what is in the rear view mirror will never show the future, but when we face ahead everything in the rear view mirror will start to get smaller and smaller until we can't see our old nature any more.
Instead of going home since his mission was over, Jonah decided to stake out a spot in the distance and wait. Jonah was still in defiance of God here. Do you think he was waiting to tell God, I told you so? Maybe, he seemed determined to see these people destroyed while he watched with eagerness. I know what it is to be Jonah. I have been stubborn against things that God has asked me to do or I wanted to do them in my timing, not His. When we don't get our way, we often will sit right down and have ourselves a temper tantrum. Just like a child who will sit down in the middle of a store and cry, we dig our heels in the dirt and refuse to move.
I think Jonah made a shelter while he waited so he could see Nineveh be destroyed. We often will have no problem pulling up a seat and being comfortable in someone else's discomfort or destruction. This book shows us that God is gracious to those we think are unworthy and to check our heart's for any unwillingness to fully turn everything over to Him. It does not matter if we agree with what God is asking us to do, He wants our obedience and to give ourselves over completely to Him.
I can picture this man, stomping out of the city and muttering to himself how he had been wronged by this mission from God. Thinking that God didn't understand why he was so angry. Jonah went to the east of the city. In many situations in the Bible it wasn't such a good idea to go to the east. Cain went to live east of Eden after killing his brother and the people moved east to build the Tower of Babel. When the Bible was written it would have been in Hebrew, which reads right to left (east to west). The sun rises from the east and sets in the west so maybe that is how they saw time. So going to the east could represent going to the past or away from your present situation. For us this could mean that when we continue to dwell in the past, in our sinful nature, we give up everything God wants to give us. When we are facing the past what is in the rear view mirror will never show the future, but when we face ahead everything in the rear view mirror will start to get smaller and smaller until we can't see our old nature any more.
Instead of going home since his mission was over, Jonah decided to stake out a spot in the distance and wait. Jonah was still in defiance of God here. Do you think he was waiting to tell God, I told you so? Maybe, he seemed determined to see these people destroyed while he watched with eagerness. I know what it is to be Jonah. I have been stubborn against things that God has asked me to do or I wanted to do them in my timing, not His. When we don't get our way, we often will sit right down and have ourselves a temper tantrum. Just like a child who will sit down in the middle of a store and cry, we dig our heels in the dirt and refuse to move.
I think Jonah made a shelter while he waited so he could see Nineveh be destroyed. We often will have no problem pulling up a seat and being comfortable in someone else's discomfort or destruction. This book shows us that God is gracious to those we think are unworthy and to check our heart's for any unwillingness to fully turn everything over to Him. It does not matter if we agree with what God is asking us to do, He wants our obedience and to give ourselves over completely to Him.
When we become Christians we say, God I want your will for my life. We don't have a clue what we are asking Him to do at first. Do we really mean it? What happens when our plans get derailed? What happens when we don't like; what God is asking us to do, what He is asking us to say, where He is asking us to go, what or who He is asking us to give up. This is where due to the pressure, we will show our faith and put it into practice or we will fall away and say I can't do this. These moments will define our life now and in the future and direct our path until out last day on earth.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Quote - Kindness
"Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always."
~ author unknown
I saw this quote online and I'm not sure who wrote this, but this is similar to a quote by Plato. During a typical day we can run into numerous people who are going through things we could never imagine. Sometimes they will be caught off guard and maybe we are their sounding board for the hurt they are feeling in their life. Let's be calm and kind the next time someone is rude or angry at the store, school, church, office, etc. Who knows, we may be the only caring people they meet that day that will not respond with anger. It is easy to judge others without knowing all the facts.
Pride sneaks up to justify our judgement so we feel better, when another person may be crying out for help.
~ author unknown
I saw this quote online and I'm not sure who wrote this, but this is similar to a quote by Plato. During a typical day we can run into numerous people who are going through things we could never imagine. Sometimes they will be caught off guard and maybe we are their sounding board for the hurt they are feeling in their life. Let's be calm and kind the next time someone is rude or angry at the store, school, church, office, etc. Who knows, we may be the only caring people they meet that day that will not respond with anger. It is easy to judge others without knowing all the facts.
Pride sneaks up to justify our judgement so we feel better, when another person may be crying out for help.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Jonah 4:4
v. 4 "But the Lord replied, 'Have you any right to be angry?"
The word right means: in accordance with what is good or just, in conformity with fact or truth, correct in principle, judgement or action; most convenient, desirable or favorable. Just because the world would agree with our anger does not make it right in God's kingdom. Many times we go with our feelings instead of His truth.
God showed compassion to Jonah when asking if he had a right to be angry. God could have showed great anger towards Jonah, but didn't. I think the Bible shows us that it is OK to show our emotions to God, even if we are angry with Him, but we need to be careful that we don't stay that way. It is good to vent, then move on, many get stuck with anger against God and will never move forward. He asked Jonah like we would ask a child if they had a right to be mad if they didn't get their way.
"Knowing that the holy, completely powerful God could be angry and yet is slow to yield to it should cause us to reconsider the anger we feel when betrayed, belittled, or just ignored. It should also cause us to question any anger we feel toward God. Knowing He could and should be angry at us and yet chooses not to be should cause us to rethink our position." Priscilla Shirer
Have you any right to be angry? This is one of the most profound questions in the entire Bible. I know this will strike a nerve with some who read this. There are things that you may have never turned over to God or refuse to repent for your feelings due to the actions of others. I can only express that His love covers ALL of our sin, anger and pain. There are many things that happen in life that are terrible, but that doesn't mean that we should have anger towards God. Remember that there is a prince in this world who has a goal of separating you from God in pure destruction. Jesus said in John 12:31 "Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out." A prince has limited power, but the King has no limits to His power.
So instead of having a Godly anger towards the devil we take that anger and direct it towards the only One who loves us most in this world. This is another deception from the enemy, to direct our hate to God instead of himself. Those who take a step in the direction of Grace will be healed from all the pain in their hearts. They will be able to see what the enemy has been trying to do to them for decades and will finally be free from that wicked grip of darkness. It feels unnatural to let go, but once you do you will see God's love wash over you and that is beyond compare.
Why does God ask a question when He already knows the answer? He is waiting for us to be accountable, to take responsibility for our actions. God wants us to bring things to the surface that we are trying to forget or hide. Problems will never be fixed by burying them, only when we can bring them to the light can we deal with them and be set free of their power.
"God does not compromise His nature to help with our sin. He doesn't excuse us." Priscilla Shirer
The word right means: in accordance with what is good or just, in conformity with fact or truth, correct in principle, judgement or action; most convenient, desirable or favorable. Just because the world would agree with our anger does not make it right in God's kingdom. Many times we go with our feelings instead of His truth.
God showed compassion to Jonah when asking if he had a right to be angry. God could have showed great anger towards Jonah, but didn't. I think the Bible shows us that it is OK to show our emotions to God, even if we are angry with Him, but we need to be careful that we don't stay that way. It is good to vent, then move on, many get stuck with anger against God and will never move forward. He asked Jonah like we would ask a child if they had a right to be mad if they didn't get their way.
"Knowing that the holy, completely powerful God could be angry and yet is slow to yield to it should cause us to reconsider the anger we feel when betrayed, belittled, or just ignored. It should also cause us to question any anger we feel toward God. Knowing He could and should be angry at us and yet chooses not to be should cause us to rethink our position." Priscilla Shirer
Have you any right to be angry? This is one of the most profound questions in the entire Bible. I know this will strike a nerve with some who read this. There are things that you may have never turned over to God or refuse to repent for your feelings due to the actions of others. I can only express that His love covers ALL of our sin, anger and pain. There are many things that happen in life that are terrible, but that doesn't mean that we should have anger towards God. Remember that there is a prince in this world who has a goal of separating you from God in pure destruction. Jesus said in John 12:31 "Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out." A prince has limited power, but the King has no limits to His power.
So instead of having a Godly anger towards the devil we take that anger and direct it towards the only One who loves us most in this world. This is another deception from the enemy, to direct our hate to God instead of himself. Those who take a step in the direction of Grace will be healed from all the pain in their hearts. They will be able to see what the enemy has been trying to do to them for decades and will finally be free from that wicked grip of darkness. It feels unnatural to let go, but once you do you will see God's love wash over you and that is beyond compare.
Why does God ask a question when He already knows the answer? He is waiting for us to be accountable, to take responsibility for our actions. God wants us to bring things to the surface that we are trying to forget or hide. Problems will never be fixed by burying them, only when we can bring them to the light can we deal with them and be set free of their power.
"God does not compromise His nature to help with our sin. He doesn't excuse us." Priscilla Shirer
Monday, April 14, 2014
Quote - Will Rogers
"Too many people spend money they haven't earned to buy things they don't want to impress people they don't like."
~ Will Rogers
I think this could be America's motto. Trying to impress others with what you can't afford does you no good and can put you in major debt. Since we are the Jones', if people kept up with us then they would not care what other people think. They would live within their means and get out of debt. Trying to impress others is a foolish task.
If people do not like you for who you are, then why would you want to impress them?
~ Will Rogers
I think this could be America's motto. Trying to impress others with what you can't afford does you no good and can put you in major debt. Since we are the Jones', if people kept up with us then they would not care what other people think. They would live within their means and get out of debt. Trying to impress others is a foolish task.
If people do not like you for who you are, then why would you want to impress them?
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Quote - Dr. Seuss
"Today I will behave as if this is the only day I will be remembered for."
~ Dr. Seuss
Such a wonderful quote, but I often fall short of this kind of day. I strive to do better, but often find my days do not even come close to what I would want to be remembered for. Maybe the key is to think how you would want people to remember you, then start doing things in your life that follow that line of thinking. Looking back on life in regret is a sad way to live. Maybe we should just start to think differently, we have the ability to change even when those around us think it's not possible. With God anything is possible.
It is amazing how many things we have learned from reading Dr. Seuss books as children. Although when we grow up those lessons are often forgotten. When we are adults reading these books to kids we should remember the valuable lessons that are hiding in plain sight and start to live life as if we never forgot them in the first place. I think we would all be happier adults if we keep childlike faith.
~ Dr. Seuss
Such a wonderful quote, but I often fall short of this kind of day. I strive to do better, but often find my days do not even come close to what I would want to be remembered for. Maybe the key is to think how you would want people to remember you, then start doing things in your life that follow that line of thinking. Looking back on life in regret is a sad way to live. Maybe we should just start to think differently, we have the ability to change even when those around us think it's not possible. With God anything is possible.
It is amazing how many things we have learned from reading Dr. Seuss books as children. Although when we grow up those lessons are often forgotten. When we are adults reading these books to kids we should remember the valuable lessons that are hiding in plain sight and start to live life as if we never forgot them in the first place. I think we would all be happier adults if we keep childlike faith.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Jonah 4:1-3
v. 1-3 "But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. He prayed to the Lord, 'O Lord, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, O Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.'"
God does not need our approval to do His will, He is perfectly capable of handling a situation without our opinion on the matter.
Jonah was acting like a child who didn't get what he wanted, but this example is not for our amusement. The Bible is showing that we often follow the desires of our heart, instead of following God's will for our lives. We may think that we would never do what Jonah did, but I think may of us have been in his shoes. When someone betrays us and later receives God's mercy are we happy for them? Do we wish they would get what they deserve? Or think they are not as Christian as us? We don't deserve His grace either, yet he gives it freely to us. This is why this book is so powerful and often overlooked. We should never wish ill will towards others because then we are just like Jonah. God is not a genie or a puppet on strings. We can not put Him in a box or conform Him to what we want Him to be, He is I AM.
Are you having a tantrum now because:
Jonah did not want to go to Nineveh because he did not think these people deserved God's compassion and he was determined that he would have no part in the people having any favor with God. Jonah knowing that God would show compassion on those that turn to Him must have inflicted Jonah with such anguish that the people would receive the same mercy that the people of Israel receive when they return to God. When we hate others there is often a sense of pride involved, but wanting others to suffer and not receive the grace of God when they repent is selfish, prideful, cruel and arrogant. I know this is a strong statement, but it's true.
Jonah was so despondent that he was ready to die. God choose Jonah for a reason, he was able to follow God's command, eventually, but his heart was never in it. This is such a profound moment in the Bible. Jonah had finished the mission, yet he never fully gave all of himself over to God. Jonah was thankful that God saved him from the fish, yet he could not be thankful that God could save Nineveh. I think many of us walk through life with half-hearted faith. Not only do we not have our hearts fully in it, but this means we won't experience the full blessings of God. For many years this is what I did, but as I learn more I hope that I am growing more like Jesus every year. Genesis 22:18 says "and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me." The Jewish nation was to be a light for the rest of the world, yet they continued to turn away from God. They did not want Gentiles to know God and many Christians are like this today unfortunately.
We may go to church, but neglect spending time with God at home on a daily basis. We pick and choose the things we want out of the bible and ignore the things that are too hard or the things we don't agree with. Following God is a difficult journey. He asks things of us that will be hard to do: forgiveness to those who hurt us, don't give in to anger, don't gossip, tithe money back to God (many will never do this), to believe in something you can't see, to pray for things that may never happen while here on earth and to know that you will be attacked for the rest of your life by an enemy that wants nothing more than to destroy you. Does this sound fun? Yet when you experience God's love, you will gladly walk through this world battling every day because you know there is nothing better than to have God by your side.
When we wish other's to receive God's wrath we are only pushing ourselves closer to the flames.
God does not need our approval to do His will, He is perfectly capable of handling a situation without our opinion on the matter.
Jonah was acting like a child who didn't get what he wanted, but this example is not for our amusement. The Bible is showing that we often follow the desires of our heart, instead of following God's will for our lives. We may think that we would never do what Jonah did, but I think may of us have been in his shoes. When someone betrays us and later receives God's mercy are we happy for them? Do we wish they would get what they deserve? Or think they are not as Christian as us? We don't deserve His grace either, yet he gives it freely to us. This is why this book is so powerful and often overlooked. We should never wish ill will towards others because then we are just like Jonah. God is not a genie or a puppet on strings. We can not put Him in a box or conform Him to what we want Him to be, He is I AM.
Are you having a tantrum now because:
- you didn't get what you think you deserve
- or someone else got what you think they didn't deserve
Both of these show our heart attitude. Pride rules tantrums and only with humility will pride diminish.
Jonah did not want to go to Nineveh because he did not think these people deserved God's compassion and he was determined that he would have no part in the people having any favor with God. Jonah knowing that God would show compassion on those that turn to Him must have inflicted Jonah with such anguish that the people would receive the same mercy that the people of Israel receive when they return to God. When we hate others there is often a sense of pride involved, but wanting others to suffer and not receive the grace of God when they repent is selfish, prideful, cruel and arrogant. I know this is a strong statement, but it's true.
Jonah was so despondent that he was ready to die. God choose Jonah for a reason, he was able to follow God's command, eventually, but his heart was never in it. This is such a profound moment in the Bible. Jonah had finished the mission, yet he never fully gave all of himself over to God. Jonah was thankful that God saved him from the fish, yet he could not be thankful that God could save Nineveh. I think many of us walk through life with half-hearted faith. Not only do we not have our hearts fully in it, but this means we won't experience the full blessings of God. For many years this is what I did, but as I learn more I hope that I am growing more like Jesus every year. Genesis 22:18 says "and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me." The Jewish nation was to be a light for the rest of the world, yet they continued to turn away from God. They did not want Gentiles to know God and many Christians are like this today unfortunately.
We may go to church, but neglect spending time with God at home on a daily basis. We pick and choose the things we want out of the bible and ignore the things that are too hard or the things we don't agree with. Following God is a difficult journey. He asks things of us that will be hard to do: forgiveness to those who hurt us, don't give in to anger, don't gossip, tithe money back to God (many will never do this), to believe in something you can't see, to pray for things that may never happen while here on earth and to know that you will be attacked for the rest of your life by an enemy that wants nothing more than to destroy you. Does this sound fun? Yet when you experience God's love, you will gladly walk through this world battling every day because you know there is nothing better than to have God by your side.
When we wish other's to receive God's wrath we are only pushing ourselves closer to the flames.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Quote - Steve Martin
"Be so good that they can't ignore you."
~ Steve Martin
This quote works in any area of life. This is an example of what we should aspire to be, but not in a prideful way. Sometimes you meet someone and they just seem to be different from other people, there is something about them that glows. We are suppose to be the light on a hill in the darkness. When we are following God and living His word then people notice, it will draw people to us because they want to know what we are doing. We can be mighty ambassadors for God or we can blend in with this world. This choice is up to you.
~ Steve Martin
This quote works in any area of life. This is an example of what we should aspire to be, but not in a prideful way. Sometimes you meet someone and they just seem to be different from other people, there is something about them that glows. We are suppose to be the light on a hill in the darkness. When we are following God and living His word then people notice, it will draw people to us because they want to know what we are doing. We can be mighty ambassadors for God or we can blend in with this world. This choice is up to you.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Jonah 3:9-10
v. 9-10 "'Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.' When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened."
I LOVE THIS! People who the world considers "especially wicked" turning to God with hope and faith and because of this they were saved from being destroyed. I can imagine during this time period that many thought there was no hope for the people of Assyria, yet they came to know God.
The king's hope (I love looking up the meaning of words to gain knowledge of what I'm studying):
Who - of what character, origin, position, importance
knows - to perceive fact or truth, to establish or fix in memory, be acquainted with by sight or experience
yet - at the present time or particular time, in the time remaining
relent - soften in feeling, compassionate, forgiving
compassion - deep sympathy, feeling to alleviate suffering
turn - move on an axis, reverse position, to bring lower layers to the surface (as in plowing)
In 1956 five missionaries were killed by some men in a jungle tribe in Ecuador. Later these same men who had killed the missionaries became Christians. When they heard about what happened in Columbine, CO in the United States, where two teens killed many people at their school their response was "We use to be savages like that too before we came to know Jesus." We think people can't change, but God does not hold to our logic nor is He bound by our rules.
"You've not outrun the grasp of His grace or overstepped the boundaries of His mercy." Priscilla Shirer
The king said that maybe God would have compassion on them, such amazing insight for someone who didn't even know God, yet could still hope for a loving God to show compassion on his people. When you give control over to God, He can do mighty things in your life. Jonah's message was scary, but there was also an element of hope mixed in. God was giving the people forty days to repent, plenty of time for the word to spread to the entire city and the outlying villages. For many of us God has gone past the forty day mark, waiting for us to make a move back to Him.
"The people of Israel had heard many messages from the prophets, but they had refused to repent. The people of Nineveh only needed to hear God's message once. Jesus said that at the judgement, the men of Nineveh will stand up to condemn the Israelites for their failure to repent (Matthew 12:39-41). It is not our hearing God's word that pleases him, but our responding obediently to it." NIV notes
Some believe that God changed His mind as if He were wrong. Jeremiah 18:7-8 says "If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned." He has already written the end so how could He not know what happens up to that time? He knows when we will turn from Him, when we will come back and those who will never come to Him at all. Some think that God was repenting, but He does not sin so this would not apply to what He did. A word used for God in this case is nacham which means 'to be moved to pity'. So to say that God was mistaken does not make sense to me. God knows the outcome of every event that unfolds before us. God is never caught off guard for even one moment. The Bible is our instruction manual for our lives so I think this shows His vast compassion for those the world thinks of as lost forever.
God didn't change, it was the people in Nineveh who changed. In Hebrew a word frequently used for repentance is shub which means 'to turn' from sin to God. It is God's nature to extend love and compassion to us, although we often don't accept it. The book of Jonah is read by Jewish Rabbi's every year during Yom Kippur to show no one is beyond God's reach and to show His unending mercy for us so that even after we mess up He is willing to forgive us.
Christians should read this book at least once a year to check our hearts for any Jonah qualities that need to be uprooted and restored back to being obedient to God.
I LOVE THIS! People who the world considers "especially wicked" turning to God with hope and faith and because of this they were saved from being destroyed. I can imagine during this time period that many thought there was no hope for the people of Assyria, yet they came to know God.
The king's hope (I love looking up the meaning of words to gain knowledge of what I'm studying):
Who - of what character, origin, position, importance
knows - to perceive fact or truth, to establish or fix in memory, be acquainted with by sight or experience
yet - at the present time or particular time, in the time remaining
relent - soften in feeling, compassionate, forgiving
compassion - deep sympathy, feeling to alleviate suffering
turn - move on an axis, reverse position, to bring lower layers to the surface (as in plowing)
In 1956 five missionaries were killed by some men in a jungle tribe in Ecuador. Later these same men who had killed the missionaries became Christians. When they heard about what happened in Columbine, CO in the United States, where two teens killed many people at their school their response was "We use to be savages like that too before we came to know Jesus." We think people can't change, but God does not hold to our logic nor is He bound by our rules.
"You've not outrun the grasp of His grace or overstepped the boundaries of His mercy." Priscilla Shirer
The king said that maybe God would have compassion on them, such amazing insight for someone who didn't even know God, yet could still hope for a loving God to show compassion on his people. When you give control over to God, He can do mighty things in your life. Jonah's message was scary, but there was also an element of hope mixed in. God was giving the people forty days to repent, plenty of time for the word to spread to the entire city and the outlying villages. For many of us God has gone past the forty day mark, waiting for us to make a move back to Him.
"The people of Israel had heard many messages from the prophets, but they had refused to repent. The people of Nineveh only needed to hear God's message once. Jesus said that at the judgement, the men of Nineveh will stand up to condemn the Israelites for their failure to repent (Matthew 12:39-41). It is not our hearing God's word that pleases him, but our responding obediently to it." NIV notes
Some believe that God changed His mind as if He were wrong. Jeremiah 18:7-8 says "If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned." He has already written the end so how could He not know what happens up to that time? He knows when we will turn from Him, when we will come back and those who will never come to Him at all. Some think that God was repenting, but He does not sin so this would not apply to what He did. A word used for God in this case is nacham which means 'to be moved to pity'. So to say that God was mistaken does not make sense to me. God knows the outcome of every event that unfolds before us. God is never caught off guard for even one moment. The Bible is our instruction manual for our lives so I think this shows His vast compassion for those the world thinks of as lost forever.
God didn't change, it was the people in Nineveh who changed. In Hebrew a word frequently used for repentance is shub which means 'to turn' from sin to God. It is God's nature to extend love and compassion to us, although we often don't accept it. The book of Jonah is read by Jewish Rabbi's every year during Yom Kippur to show no one is beyond God's reach and to show His unending mercy for us so that even after we mess up He is willing to forgive us.
Christians should read this book at least once a year to check our hearts for any Jonah qualities that need to be uprooted and restored back to being obedient to God.
Friday, March 21, 2014
Jonah 3:5-8
v. 5-8 "The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh:
'By the decree of the king and his nobles:
Do not let any man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence.'"
Jonah was going about the city proclaiming the coming destruction if they did not turn from their ways and immediately the people believed in a God they did not know. This must have been some sight for Jonah, while he was walking by their must have been such commotion from the people who heard these words, the people stopped what they were doing and changed into sackcloth. The king and all of the people put on sackcloth and did not eat or drink anything. Sackcloth was probably very uncomfortable to wear, sin should not be a comfortable fit. One of the reasons to wear sackcloth was to show repentance for sin, either personally or nationally. Even the animals did not eat or drink, this was showing that every being was submitting to God. Jonah was walking around this city, he would have had the attention of everyone due to the words he spoke and the possible harsh state of his body.
This message was for all the people, not just a select few. All of the people were now equal in their repentance, the king did not say that only the greatest should put on sackcloth. This king could have kicked Jonah out of the city, but he enforced Jonah's words. This man also saw the truth and was trying to ensure that his people would all be saved. A leader should care about the welfare of their people and do the right thing, unfortunately we have many in power around the world now that are not God loving God fearing leaders. I think that many countries would benefit by having female leaders, there may be less wars and I think that the welfare of the needy would be on the heart of any woman who ran a country. I pray daily for God to take those out of power who do not know Him and are cruel to their people. A true leader should serve in the best interest of their country, not to see how they can inflict their power on the weak.
"Forgiveness of past sin qualifies us for present service." Priscilla Shirer
Many commentators believe this was the greatest revival in history. Looking back to see what happened during this time period will help us understand why these people didn't hesitate. There were two plagues in 765 and 759 B.C. even though they were protected by the city walls this would have been devastating probably killing thousands of people and on June 15, 763 B.C. there was a total eclipse of the sun. The plagues showed that there were things that they could not control, their well defended city was brought to it's knees. The eclipse must have been scary to the people who probably didn't know what it was at the time. This takes nothing away from God when Jonah preached to the people. I believe God uses situations to soften the hearts of the people so that when He sends someone on a mission, the people receiving the words are willing to accept Him. He has done this from the beginning and He still does it today.
When we are up against a task that appears too grand for us to undertake, we must remember:
Many times God may give us a task that seems small, insignificant or something we don't want to do. What we don't see is the ripple effect from our obedience, it may spread through one person to their family, friends and possibly their children and grandchildren. It's an interesting sight to see when we help other people in that process God can help and heal us.
We can't truly repent if we intend to keep our sin. Repentance is accepting that we need God and asking for Him to forgive us. His offer is hard to comprehend, He gives us love and mercy if we turn from sin. This deal is unlike any other and if you take it you will reap rewards that will astonish you for decades to come.
'By the decree of the king and his nobles:
Do not let any man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence.'"
Jonah was going about the city proclaiming the coming destruction if they did not turn from their ways and immediately the people believed in a God they did not know. This must have been some sight for Jonah, while he was walking by their must have been such commotion from the people who heard these words, the people stopped what they were doing and changed into sackcloth. The king and all of the people put on sackcloth and did not eat or drink anything. Sackcloth was probably very uncomfortable to wear, sin should not be a comfortable fit. One of the reasons to wear sackcloth was to show repentance for sin, either personally or nationally. Even the animals did not eat or drink, this was showing that every being was submitting to God. Jonah was walking around this city, he would have had the attention of everyone due to the words he spoke and the possible harsh state of his body.
This message was for all the people, not just a select few. All of the people were now equal in their repentance, the king did not say that only the greatest should put on sackcloth. This king could have kicked Jonah out of the city, but he enforced Jonah's words. This man also saw the truth and was trying to ensure that his people would all be saved. A leader should care about the welfare of their people and do the right thing, unfortunately we have many in power around the world now that are not God loving God fearing leaders. I think that many countries would benefit by having female leaders, there may be less wars and I think that the welfare of the needy would be on the heart of any woman who ran a country. I pray daily for God to take those out of power who do not know Him and are cruel to their people. A true leader should serve in the best interest of their country, not to see how they can inflict their power on the weak.
"Forgiveness of past sin qualifies us for present service." Priscilla Shirer
Many commentators believe this was the greatest revival in history. Looking back to see what happened during this time period will help us understand why these people didn't hesitate. There were two plagues in 765 and 759 B.C. even though they were protected by the city walls this would have been devastating probably killing thousands of people and on June 15, 763 B.C. there was a total eclipse of the sun. The plagues showed that there were things that they could not control, their well defended city was brought to it's knees. The eclipse must have been scary to the people who probably didn't know what it was at the time. This takes nothing away from God when Jonah preached to the people. I believe God uses situations to soften the hearts of the people so that when He sends someone on a mission, the people receiving the words are willing to accept Him. He has done this from the beginning and He still does it today.
When we are up against a task that appears too grand for us to undertake, we must remember:
- We are right. It most likely is too big for us to handle.
- If God is calling us to it, He will equip us for it.
- God has been at work in the situation long before we are scheduled to arrive, and He is preparing the way for our obedience to make a difference. Pricilla Shirer
God's word is for everyone, anytime, no matter what we have done or how long our sin has gone on.
I don't think that we need to put on sackcloth and ashes on our forehead, but we can do this in spirit. We can mourn those lost by death, those who choose to turn from God, cruel leaders that continue to still be in power wielding their weapons of hate. Many things people did in the Bible we can do in spirit today to show God obedience.
Many times God may give us a task that seems small, insignificant or something we don't want to do. What we don't see is the ripple effect from our obedience, it may spread through one person to their family, friends and possibly their children and grandchildren. It's an interesting sight to see when we help other people in that process God can help and heal us.
We can't truly repent if we intend to keep our sin. Repentance is accepting that we need God and asking for Him to forgive us. His offer is hard to comprehend, He gives us love and mercy if we turn from sin. This deal is unlike any other and if you take it you will reap rewards that will astonish you for decades to come.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Quote - Today
"This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever. In it's place is something that you have left behind. Let it be something good."
I saw this sign online. I think this is one of the best daily reminders we could have to think about how precious each and every day is. Living our lives and not paying attention over time will result in looking back with regret that we did not live our lives according to what God wants for us.
I saw this sign online. I think this is one of the best daily reminders we could have to think about how precious each and every day is. Living our lives and not paying attention over time will result in looking back with regret that we did not live our lives according to what God wants for us.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Jonah 3:4
v. 4 "On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: 'Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned.'"
I had never thought of Jonah's condition after his release from his watery cell. Priscilla Shirer spoke about a man in 1926 who had been swallowed whole by a shark. This man was recovered after two days and of course he was dead, but the description was vivid. All his hair was gone, he had patches of yellow and brown all over his body, there was a terrible stench from the body starting to break down. Just imagine Jonah walking into the city, he would have stood out among the inhabitants. He preached a warning to the people and I think his physically appearance must have had a great impact on the them. Now when you think of Jonah try to think of this man who is physically scarred, someone who is forever changed on the outside. Disobedience comes with a price. His physical appearance may have been changed for the rest of his life, a continual reminder of his defiance. If we see someone and assume they are filthy and hopeless just remember Jonah. This man of God went through a massive change so those we may look down upon may have been in Jonah's shoes and have a story to tell.
"God's plans for us are so overwhelmingly beyond anything that we could ever imagine that our feelings or ability to reason His directives cannot be the determining factor for choosing obedience. Making sense of what God has asked or feeling compelled to cooperate cannot be the prerequisite for choosing obedience. His Word must be enough." Priscilla Shirer
Jonah is finally there in the city of Nineveh, ready to preach. Priscilla Shirer said that God gave Jonah only five words (in Hebrew) and nothing else to say to the people. We get glued to the words when we hear a perfectly crafted speech. Jonah did not have an elaborate lengthy speech to move the hearts of the people, these words had power in them because they came from God. He had five words that changed their lives. Sometimes simple is better.
The inner wall of Nineveh was about 8 miles to walk, a large city for that time period. Jonah walked along the streets of the city proclaiming the coming destruction if they did not repent. God did not outright destroy these people, He gave them a time frame to change their ways. He could have decimated them, but then there would have been no reason for God to send Jonah. God is a caring Father, yet even children must be disciplined if they do not obey.
I had never thought of Jonah's condition after his release from his watery cell. Priscilla Shirer spoke about a man in 1926 who had been swallowed whole by a shark. This man was recovered after two days and of course he was dead, but the description was vivid. All his hair was gone, he had patches of yellow and brown all over his body, there was a terrible stench from the body starting to break down. Just imagine Jonah walking into the city, he would have stood out among the inhabitants. He preached a warning to the people and I think his physically appearance must have had a great impact on the them. Now when you think of Jonah try to think of this man who is physically scarred, someone who is forever changed on the outside. Disobedience comes with a price. His physical appearance may have been changed for the rest of his life, a continual reminder of his defiance. If we see someone and assume they are filthy and hopeless just remember Jonah. This man of God went through a massive change so those we may look down upon may have been in Jonah's shoes and have a story to tell.
"God's plans for us are so overwhelmingly beyond anything that we could ever imagine that our feelings or ability to reason His directives cannot be the determining factor for choosing obedience. Making sense of what God has asked or feeling compelled to cooperate cannot be the prerequisite for choosing obedience. His Word must be enough." Priscilla Shirer
Jonah is finally there in the city of Nineveh, ready to preach. Priscilla Shirer said that God gave Jonah only five words (in Hebrew) and nothing else to say to the people. We get glued to the words when we hear a perfectly crafted speech. Jonah did not have an elaborate lengthy speech to move the hearts of the people, these words had power in them because they came from God. He had five words that changed their lives. Sometimes simple is better.
The inner wall of Nineveh was about 8 miles to walk, a large city for that time period. Jonah walked along the streets of the city proclaiming the coming destruction if they did not repent. God did not outright destroy these people, He gave them a time frame to change their ways. He could have decimated them, but then there would have been no reason for God to send Jonah. God is a caring Father, yet even children must be disciplined if they do not obey.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Jonah 3:3
v. 3 "Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city-a visit required three days."
When Jonah was in the fish he said, "What I have vowed I will make good." The word vow implies a gift of sacrifice. He wanted to go back to Jerusalem to make a thanksgiving offering, but God told him to go to Nineveh. This shows that our obedience is more important than the sacrifices that we make. This probably didn't make sense to Jonah, they were so steeped in the ritual of making sacrifices to God that obedience didn't seem to be the focus in their lives.
Many in Jonah's position at this moment would still choose to ignore God. After all Jonah had gone through he still did not want to go, but he obeyed God's call. Sometimes a wake up call does not rouse us to movement or we freeze in place and can't make the first step in obedience. The enemy is extremely happy for us to stand still in a spiritual coma. If you are in a moment of rebellion against God, I pray that you will study this important book of the Bible. Learn from Jonah, so you don't have to be swallowed up by the world into darkness.
Are you amazed that God would choose to use Jonah even after he ran away and his heart still was not in this task he was given, I know I am. There is no limit on the number of times we are given another chance, although I believe God would like that number to be as small as possible.
"Oftentimes the greatest hindrance of a new move of God in your life is the last move of God." Priscilla Shirer
God has His own timing which does not go by our calendar. Sometimes we are called to an area then when He asks us to move on we don't want to go. He is constantly stretching out our borders so we can have a greater affect on those around us. Jonah was a reluctant missionary, he was called to go to a foreign land to speak with those that did not know God. Sharing God with others should be an underlining mission as a part of our life, not just something we do to get it off of our to do list.
The four steps to reconciliation:
"When God speaks or allows you to see his hand, giving you the opportunity to participate in His purposes, you don't have an array of options to choose from on how you will respond. It's clear-cut, plain and simple...black and white. You can either choose to obey or disobey. No neutral ground." Priscilla Shirer
This time after being humbled, Jonah obeyed God's command. This would be funny if he wasn't outright defiant to God. Just thinking of my kids when I ask them to do something, they resist at first, then after a consequence they have found that they can do what I ask of them, stomping and whining the entire time. They still have to do what is right, even though they don't want to. They will learn that if they do it from the start then there will be no consequence. Life is so much easier this way. When God puts us in a "time out" we should think about what we did wrong, how it affected those around us and what we could have done differently. So Jonah appears to be like a child. Going off of what he wants to do instead of what the Father has asked him to do. He pulled off a massive fit and his lesson was a massive fish. I think this is a good example for parents to make the punishment fit the crime. We are so hard headed that we often pick and choose what we want to do, instead of following the task that has been appointed to us.
Nineveh was 500 miles northeast of Joppa. If Jonah sold his possessions to pay for his passage to Tarshish then maybe he was without any money for his journey to Nineveh. I don't know if this is the case, but I'm thinking that Jonah didn't take anything with him when he was thrown overboard. He may have had to rely on God and the kindness of strangers to make it to Nineveh. It must have been a difficult trip, looking on the map it shows mountains and desert. He might have stuck to the coast with it's mountains or went across a massive desert, either way it was not an easy journey. God will ask things of us that will be difficult, but He will give us the grace to complete the task.
Nineveh was a city of around 600,000 people, an extremely large city for this time period. Outside the city were towns that were influenced by Nineveh. It was powerful, wealthy and a very important city. This city was full of brutality and violence and outsiders avoided it. Jonah was walking straight into this even though he felt like going the opposite direction.
"A way to determine where our allegiance lies is to consider how we respond to a divine intervention." Priscilla Shirer
When Jonah was in the fish he said, "What I have vowed I will make good." The word vow implies a gift of sacrifice. He wanted to go back to Jerusalem to make a thanksgiving offering, but God told him to go to Nineveh. This shows that our obedience is more important than the sacrifices that we make. This probably didn't make sense to Jonah, they were so steeped in the ritual of making sacrifices to God that obedience didn't seem to be the focus in their lives.
Many in Jonah's position at this moment would still choose to ignore God. After all Jonah had gone through he still did not want to go, but he obeyed God's call. Sometimes a wake up call does not rouse us to movement or we freeze in place and can't make the first step in obedience. The enemy is extremely happy for us to stand still in a spiritual coma. If you are in a moment of rebellion against God, I pray that you will study this important book of the Bible. Learn from Jonah, so you don't have to be swallowed up by the world into darkness.
Are you amazed that God would choose to use Jonah even after he ran away and his heart still was not in this task he was given, I know I am. There is no limit on the number of times we are given another chance, although I believe God would like that number to be as small as possible.
"Oftentimes the greatest hindrance of a new move of God in your life is the last move of God." Priscilla Shirer
God has His own timing which does not go by our calendar. Sometimes we are called to an area then when He asks us to move on we don't want to go. He is constantly stretching out our borders so we can have a greater affect on those around us. Jonah was a reluctant missionary, he was called to go to a foreign land to speak with those that did not know God. Sharing God with others should be an underlining mission as a part of our life, not just something we do to get it off of our to do list.
The four steps to reconciliation:
- admit our sins (that means ALL of them)
- accept responsibility for your actions, no matter what others do to you
- ask for forgiveness
- accept the tasks you are given by God, be obedient no matter what you feel like
In doing this you will be ready for what the world has to throw at you because you are not alone, you have a Father who loves you dearly, you have brothers and sisters around the world who are often in your same situation. We are a collection of mismatched pieces, when we let God move us, then we can all fit together to make a beautiful picture.
"When God speaks or allows you to see his hand, giving you the opportunity to participate in His purposes, you don't have an array of options to choose from on how you will respond. It's clear-cut, plain and simple...black and white. You can either choose to obey or disobey. No neutral ground." Priscilla Shirer
Nineveh was 500 miles northeast of Joppa. If Jonah sold his possessions to pay for his passage to Tarshish then maybe he was without any money for his journey to Nineveh. I don't know if this is the case, but I'm thinking that Jonah didn't take anything with him when he was thrown overboard. He may have had to rely on God and the kindness of strangers to make it to Nineveh. It must have been a difficult trip, looking on the map it shows mountains and desert. He might have stuck to the coast with it's mountains or went across a massive desert, either way it was not an easy journey. God will ask things of us that will be difficult, but He will give us the grace to complete the task.
Nineveh was a city of around 600,000 people, an extremely large city for this time period. Outside the city were towns that were influenced by Nineveh. It was powerful, wealthy and a very important city. This city was full of brutality and violence and outsiders avoided it. Jonah was walking straight into this even though he felt like going the opposite direction.
"A way to determine where our allegiance lies is to consider how we respond to a divine intervention." Priscilla Shirer
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
What are you shopping for?
This is for all the exhausted, stressed, angry, frustrated sweet women out there who don't think they are good enough and compare themselves to other moms. Or am I the only one who has cried at the end of the day covered in Cheerios and baby food?
God has placed you in this exact moment in time with these specific children to raise them to know Him and when you look back you will be amazed at what God has been able to do with you, although it might not seem so in this present moment.
My mom gave me a copy of this and I thought I would share this with you. It was from a handout she had received a while back from Old Paths Tract Society, Inc. When we are too busy during our day to spend some time with God we really start to unravel. Moms are so busy with car pool lines, another trip to the store, homework, etc. We need to remember that the items in this grocery store are vital to make us the moms that God has created us to be. If we fill our carts with the things below we will be a mighty force in God's Kingdom. Do not let the insignificant things of this world take your time and attention. I know that I need this daily or I'll loose my temper and anger will abound. I can guarantee that if our kids went with us to this store that they would surely behave! Don't worry, men you can also go to this grocery store.
Shop in Heaven's Grocery Store
I was walking down life's highway a long time ago.
One day I saw a sign that read Heaven's Grocery Store.
As I got a little closer, the door came open wide,
And when I came to myself, I was standing inside.
I saw a host of angels; they were standing everywhere.
And one angel said, "My child, shop with care."
Everything a Christian needed was in that grocery store.
And all you couldn't carry you could come back the next day for more.
First, I got some patience, love was in the same row.
Further down was understanding, you need that everywhere you go.
I got a box or two of wisdom, a bag or two of faith.
I just couldn't miss the Holy Ghost for He was all over the place.
I stopped to get some strength and courage to help me run the race.
By then my basket was getting full, but I remembered I needed some grace.
I didn't forget salvation, for salvation that was free.
So, I tried to get enough of that to save you and me.
Then I started to the counter to pay my grocery bill.
For I thought I had everything to do my Master's will.
As I went up the aisle, I saw prayer and just had to put that in.
For I knew when I stepped outside, I would run right into sin.
Peace and joy were plentiful, they were on the last shelf.
Song and praises were hanging near so I just helped myself.
Then, I said, "Now how much do I owe?"
He just smiled and said, "Just take them everywhere you go."
"How much do I really owe?"
He smiled and said, "My child, Jesus paid your bill a long time ago."
God has placed you in this exact moment in time with these specific children to raise them to know Him and when you look back you will be amazed at what God has been able to do with you, although it might not seem so in this present moment.
My mom gave me a copy of this and I thought I would share this with you. It was from a handout she had received a while back from Old Paths Tract Society, Inc. When we are too busy during our day to spend some time with God we really start to unravel. Moms are so busy with car pool lines, another trip to the store, homework, etc. We need to remember that the items in this grocery store are vital to make us the moms that God has created us to be. If we fill our carts with the things below we will be a mighty force in God's Kingdom. Do not let the insignificant things of this world take your time and attention. I know that I need this daily or I'll loose my temper and anger will abound. I can guarantee that if our kids went with us to this store that they would surely behave! Don't worry, men you can also go to this grocery store.
Shop in Heaven's Grocery Store
I was walking down life's highway a long time ago.
One day I saw a sign that read Heaven's Grocery Store.
As I got a little closer, the door came open wide,
And when I came to myself, I was standing inside.
I saw a host of angels; they were standing everywhere.
And one angel said, "My child, shop with care."
Everything a Christian needed was in that grocery store.
And all you couldn't carry you could come back the next day for more.
First, I got some patience, love was in the same row.
Further down was understanding, you need that everywhere you go.
I got a box or two of wisdom, a bag or two of faith.
I just couldn't miss the Holy Ghost for He was all over the place.
I stopped to get some strength and courage to help me run the race.
By then my basket was getting full, but I remembered I needed some grace.
I didn't forget salvation, for salvation that was free.
So, I tried to get enough of that to save you and me.
Then I started to the counter to pay my grocery bill.
For I thought I had everything to do my Master's will.
As I went up the aisle, I saw prayer and just had to put that in.
For I knew when I stepped outside, I would run right into sin.
Peace and joy were plentiful, they were on the last shelf.
Song and praises were hanging near so I just helped myself.
Then, I said, "Now how much do I owe?"
He just smiled and said, "Just take them everywhere you go."
"How much do I really owe?"
He smiled and said, "My child, Jesus paid your bill a long time ago."
Monday, March 3, 2014
Quote - The Trail We Follow
Priscilla Shirer talks about an Indian man that said, "I have come to know the carvings of Jesus, I have come to know His marking, I follow his trail."
Such a beautiful way of expressing our desire to follow Him when everything else around us is against this. Last summer horseback riding in the Rocky Mountain National Park we passed an open field. Our guide said that this use to be a road for stagecoaches and you could still see in the tall grass two lines going across the field. Those two lines were lighter than the rest of the grass, but the grass was all the same height. There seems to be a permanent mark of the path to follow. It was amazing to see that long after people stopped using this trail there was still such a defining imprint upon the earth that may never go away.
This trail is like following Jesus. Once we humbly go to God and ask forgiveness, He gives us the Holy Spirit, to guide us through the rough terrain in this world. His mark will forever be on the path, all we have to do is follow it.
Such a beautiful way of expressing our desire to follow Him when everything else around us is against this. Last summer horseback riding in the Rocky Mountain National Park we passed an open field. Our guide said that this use to be a road for stagecoaches and you could still see in the tall grass two lines going across the field. Those two lines were lighter than the rest of the grass, but the grass was all the same height. There seems to be a permanent mark of the path to follow. It was amazing to see that long after people stopped using this trail there was still such a defining imprint upon the earth that may never go away.
This trail is like following Jesus. Once we humbly go to God and ask forgiveness, He gives us the Holy Spirit, to guide us through the rough terrain in this world. His mark will forever be on the path, all we have to do is follow it.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Olympic 2014 - My Favorite Moments
During the 2014 Olympics there have been some amazing stories. Here are some of my favorites:
Evgeny Plushenko, Russian men's figure skater, won gold in the team event. He backed out of the individual event due to injury, he has had two spinal surgeries over the last two years. There is no point to go on if you might be permanently injured as a result of competing. With the Olympics in his home country and such an intense focus put on winning medals in the figure skating events, he was brave to walk away, despite what others thought of him.
Heidi Kloser, American mogul skier, who was hurt in a practice run before the Olympics started and went to the opening ceremony on crutches. Yes, Heidi you are an Olympian.
Alex Bilodeau, Canadian Mogul Skier, won his second gold medal. What is even more special is that he got to share it with his brother, Frederic, who has Cerebral Palsy. This one hits close to home and reminds me of my brother Bryan. One of the most memorable moments for me.
Gus Kenworthy, American slopestyle skier, shined a spotlight on the stray dog problem in Sochi. He is bringing a mom and her pups home to the US, along with a few other US athletes trying to adopt dogs. I love when someone can use their celebrity status to raise awareness for a good cause. I know in the US there are millions of cats and dogs in shelters. This might seem strange to bring dogs from other countries to the US, but this may lead to more people adopting pets here and all over the world. Many countries in the world do not fix their pets so the population continues to grow until there are strays everywhere. Hopefully people will start to get their pets sprayed or neutered.
Anton Gafarov, Russian cross-country skier, who continued to ski on one ski after two falls and the Canadian coach, Justin Wadsworth, who came to Anton's rescue and helped him with a new ski. See the post Victory Beyond the Podium, for more details.
Adelina Sotnikova, Russian figure skater, who was over shadowed by fellow Russian skater, Yulia Lipnitskaya, when she helped Russia win the gold medal for the team event. Adelina went on to win the gold medal for figure skating in the individual event. Having the spotlight off of you and being the underdog can really motivate you.
The Jamaican bobsled team, so great to see them again at the Olympics. They had to wait on their gear and luggage since it arrived late. Even though they came in last, they did not give up. Such an inspiring story to see that despite the odds, they pursued their dream.
Donations came in from around the world to help out some of the athletes. The Jamaican bobsled team got donations and American speedskater, Emily Scott, who was on food stamps due to her monthly paycheck from US Speedskating that was cut by more than half got help as well. Emily and her dad were able to be at the Olympics due to complete strangers. It takes courage to reach out and ask for help to make your dream come true.
Viktor Ahn, Russian speedskater, moved to Russia to skate due to problems back home in South Korea. Viktor won four medals for Russia. I think South Korea regretted letting him go.
Dario Cologna, Swiss cross-country skier, won a gold metal. In true sportsmanship fashion, he waited around to congratulate last place finisher, Roberto Carcelen of Peru. Roberto was competing with a broken rib and came in eleven minutes after everyone else.
Vanessa Vanakorn (Mae), Slalom skier from Thailand, she was happy to have finished the course, despite being in last place. For some competing and finishing the race is more than enough.
Evgeny Plushenko, Russian men's figure skater, won gold in the team event. He backed out of the individual event due to injury, he has had two spinal surgeries over the last two years. There is no point to go on if you might be permanently injured as a result of competing. With the Olympics in his home country and such an intense focus put on winning medals in the figure skating events, he was brave to walk away, despite what others thought of him.
Heidi Kloser, American mogul skier, who was hurt in a practice run before the Olympics started and went to the opening ceremony on crutches. Yes, Heidi you are an Olympian.
Alex Bilodeau, Canadian Mogul Skier, won his second gold medal. What is even more special is that he got to share it with his brother, Frederic, who has Cerebral Palsy. This one hits close to home and reminds me of my brother Bryan. One of the most memorable moments for me.
Gus Kenworthy, American slopestyle skier, shined a spotlight on the stray dog problem in Sochi. He is bringing a mom and her pups home to the US, along with a few other US athletes trying to adopt dogs. I love when someone can use their celebrity status to raise awareness for a good cause. I know in the US there are millions of cats and dogs in shelters. This might seem strange to bring dogs from other countries to the US, but this may lead to more people adopting pets here and all over the world. Many countries in the world do not fix their pets so the population continues to grow until there are strays everywhere. Hopefully people will start to get their pets sprayed or neutered.
Anton Gafarov, Russian cross-country skier, who continued to ski on one ski after two falls and the Canadian coach, Justin Wadsworth, who came to Anton's rescue and helped him with a new ski. See the post Victory Beyond the Podium, for more details.
Adelina Sotnikova, Russian figure skater, who was over shadowed by fellow Russian skater, Yulia Lipnitskaya, when she helped Russia win the gold medal for the team event. Adelina went on to win the gold medal for figure skating in the individual event. Having the spotlight off of you and being the underdog can really motivate you.
The Jamaican bobsled team, so great to see them again at the Olympics. They had to wait on their gear and luggage since it arrived late. Even though they came in last, they did not give up. Such an inspiring story to see that despite the odds, they pursued their dream.
Donations came in from around the world to help out some of the athletes. The Jamaican bobsled team got donations and American speedskater, Emily Scott, who was on food stamps due to her monthly paycheck from US Speedskating that was cut by more than half got help as well. Emily and her dad were able to be at the Olympics due to complete strangers. It takes courage to reach out and ask for help to make your dream come true.
Viktor Ahn, Russian speedskater, moved to Russia to skate due to problems back home in South Korea. Viktor won four medals for Russia. I think South Korea regretted letting him go.
Dario Cologna, Swiss cross-country skier, won a gold metal. In true sportsmanship fashion, he waited around to congratulate last place finisher, Roberto Carcelen of Peru. Roberto was competing with a broken rib and came in eleven minutes after everyone else.
Vanessa Vanakorn (Mae), Slalom skier from Thailand, she was happy to have finished the course, despite being in last place. For some competing and finishing the race is more than enough.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Quote - Dieter F. Uchtdorf
“We have a choice. We can seek for the bad in others. Or we can make peace and work to extend to others the understanding, fairness, and forgiveness we so desperately desire for ourselves. It is our choice; for whatever we seek, that we will certainly find.”
~ Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Monday, February 17, 2014
Victory Beyond the Podium
As I was fast forwarding through the cross-country skiing at the Olympics I had to rewind and I saw what is probably normally an uneventful cross-country skiing race turn into something more. Many racers fell that day near the same spot so when I saw someone fall I kept racing through the show. Then I saw another fall a little later in a different spot and decided to go back and see what happened. A Russian cross-country skier, Anton Gafarov had crashed again due to a broken ski. No matter what athlete falls or gets hurt, I hate to see that. What country they are from does not matter to me, I don't like to see anyone get hurt or have their dreams crushed. After his second fall he got up and started skiing on one ski. Then a coach ran over and gave Anton a new ski so that he could finish his race, which he made it to the finish line with applause from everyone. This man was not a Russian coach, he was actually a rival Canadian coach, Justin Wadsworth. Justin said of this Russian skier, "I wanted him to have dignity as he crossed the finish line."
Anton was not going to get to the podium, but he did not give up and I believe he would have continued with one ski if he was not given a new one. We all look at the medal counts and those that do not make the podium are soon forgotten. This man did not quit, he was determined to finish this race no matter the physical pain.
Maybe the Canadian coach was just looking to pay forward a good deed that was given to his country back in the 2006 Olympics in Italy. One of the Canadian women skier's had broken a pole and a Norwegian coach, Bjornar Hakensmoen, ran out to give a new pole to her. This gesture ensured that Canada would win a medal while Norway did not medal in this event. The teammate of this woman was Beckie Scott, Justin Wadsworth's wife.
There are many memorable moments so far in this Olympics, but this I will remember. When the top athletes in the world fight for a medal, this athlete fought just to cross the finish line. This is beyond a simple race, it is a grand display of God's handiwork. How kindness and thinking of another can move the hearts of many around the world.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Quote - Winston Churchill
The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
~Winston Churchill
Olympics 2014 - At The Start
The Olympics are going strong in Sochi, Russia. Everyone wants their own country to win, of course they root for athletes from home. There is such a sense of pride to follow them along this journey. We do not know the pressure the athletes go through, but know it must be mind boggling to be on this international stage. The decades of practice from a young age, the countless hours of training for a competition for mere seconds to strive for gold. Many have had to leave their families to go train in a strange new city. We do not see the intense training, we see the finished product, when they step foot onto frozen ground they are ready to compete.
One of the American women skier's, Heidi Kloser, crashed in a training run before the opening ceremony and had to be taken off the course in a sled. She asked her parents if she was still going to be considered an Olympian. Once you have made it on the team for your country, you will always be known as an Olympian. Even if you don't get to complete due to injury before the competition starts, that can never be taken away from you. It must be devastating to them to not get a medal, to us at home the fact that they worked hard and made the team is a feat we will never reach so we can't help but root for them. They are hero's on the frozen ground and should hold their heads high.
One of the American women skier's, Heidi Kloser, crashed in a training run before the opening ceremony and had to be taken off the course in a sled. She asked her parents if she was still going to be considered an Olympian. Once you have made it on the team for your country, you will always be known as an Olympian. Even if you don't get to complete due to injury before the competition starts, that can never be taken away from you. It must be devastating to them to not get a medal, to us at home the fact that they worked hard and made the team is a feat we will never reach so we can't help but root for them. They are hero's on the frozen ground and should hold their heads high.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Happy Valentine's Day
Today is Valentine's day and I hope that you all feel loved. You may think to yourself, I don't have anyone special, but you do. You have a wonderful Father who loves you more than you will be able to comprehend. There are millions of people in this world who feel completely alone. With all of our technology many feel even more cut off from people than ever before. We are to fellowship and thrive while here in this world.
Today is a romantic field day for flower, candy and card companies, yet many will not receive a single thing. The best Valentine card is to open the Bible and look for Scriptures that talk about love. This entire book is a love letter from a caring God who wants you to know you are loved. If today is a difficult day, please remember that throughout your entire day and the rest of your life there is someone waiting for YOU, wanting to show you love, grace, acceptance and mercy.
One of the most famous lines for this day is "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." ~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Here is a part of the love story between Elizabeth and Robert Browning. Such a beautiful story of love and how the love of another person can bring about a happy life. So think how much more God loves us as He waits for us to turn to Him so we can have a blessed life.
THE BROWNINGS
On January 10, 1845, Robert Browning wrote to Elizabeth Barrett for the first time, after reading her volume of poetry. He was a little-known thirty-two-year-old poet and playwright, she was an internationally renowned poet, an invalid, and a thirty-nine-year-old spinster. “I love your verses with all my heart, dear Miss Barrett — I do, as I say, love these verses with all my heart,” the letter said. Over the course of the next twenty months, they would write each other close to six hundred letters — one of the greatest literary correspondences of all time.
The pair’s last letter was exchanged on September 18, 1846, the night before the two left for a trip to Italy, and two weeks after their secret marriage. Their romance, which she would eventually credit with saving her life, lasted for fifteen years and spawned some of the world’s most beautiful poetry. Elizabeth Barrett Browning was the daughter of Mary Moulton Barrett and Edward Barrett Moulton Barrett, an extremely wealthy landowner who owned sugar plantations in Jamaica. Her mother died when Elizabeth was just twenty-one, after having given birth to twelve children. Although Elizabeth, the eldest, was probably her father’s favorite child, she struggled along with her siblings under his tyrannical parenting. Incredibly controlling, Mr. Barrett insisted that none of his children marry, baffling even the family’s closest friends.
To add to her difficulties, from the time she was a teenager, Elizabeth suffered from a mysterious illness that caused her uncontrollable spasms of pain, breathing difficulties, and a general malaise that made her unable to leave her house. In fact, she rarely left her room, and believed that she was destined to forever remain a sickly shut-in and spinster. When Robert Browning first began to court Barrett — through their correspondence — she seemed to enjoy the relationship, but dismissed any romantic aspect of his attention, unwilling to believe that he could really be interested in her. Browning, the son of Robert and Sarah Anna Browning, a bank clerk and pianist, was a direct and ardent suitor. But despite his obvious affection and the mutual admiration that is prominently displayed in their letters, Elizabeth refused to see him until the spring — months after their first contact — as the cold weather of the winter made her health poor. The couple’s first meeting occurred in May 1845, after five months of regular correspondence. It is believed that Browning wrote to Barrett immediately afterward to declare his affection — flouting Victorian convention — but this letter has not survived. Elizabeth, sickly and so long in isolation, found it difficult to trust his intentions and was already skeptical of the institution of marriage and its treatment of women. Despite the obstacles, Browning’s visits continued, though always when Elizabeth’s father was not at home.
In the summer of 1845, Barrett’s physician recommended that she travel to Pisa, in Italy, for the winter because he felt sure she would not survive another harsh season in London. Her father, for seemingly unknown reasons, refused to allow the trip. After writing to Browning about her predicament, he wrote back, saying, “I would marry you now.” Instead of dismissing him as she had done before, she embraced his sentiments. They continued to see each other regularly, and, thanks in part to an unseasonably warm winter, Barrett’s health began to improve. In January 1846, Elizabeth, inspired by Browning, took a major step toward recovery by leaving the room where she had spent the last six years of her life.
By May 1846, Barrett began to walk outside and, in her letters, credited Browning for having a large part in her recovery. Also, she had begun to decrease her use of the morphine and opium prescribed for her condition. By summer, she was living a much more active life. On September 12, Barrett and Browning were married, before another London winter could again weaken her health. Sadly, the wedding was held in secret, with only her maid and Browning’s cousin attending as witnesses. Although she was then forty years old, Barrett lived in fear of her controlling father’s wrath if he found out that she was disobeying his direct order not to marry. When her deception was revealed, she was disinherited by her father, as were the two other Barrett children who dared to defy him.
Just a week after their marriage, Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning left London for Italy, where they would spend the next fifteen years of their lives. Barrett Browning’s Sonnets From the Portuguese (1850), of which the line “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways” has since become one of poetry’s best-known, was written during their courtship and early marriage and is about her dramatic romance with Browning, and how he helped her save herself from a life of sickness and isolation. In Italy, both poets would enjoy many productive years of writing, as well as the birth of their son, Robert Wiedeman Barrett Browning, in 1849. She completed a second edition of Poems, as well as Casa Guidi Windows (1851), Poems before Congress (1860), and her well known verse-novel, Aurora Leigh (1857). She also became active in the fight for Italian nationalism, the abolition of American slavery, and the advancement of the condition of women. He published Men and Women, which was dedicated to his wife and is considered to contain his best poetry. They remained in Italy for fifteen years, until Elizabeth died in her husband’s arms on June 29, 1861. Casa Guidi, the Brownings’ home in Florence, Italy, has been preserved and is open to visitors. ~ from The History Channel
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Jonah 3:1-2
v. 1-2 "Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 'Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.'"
Some scholars believe God commanded the fish to spit out Jonah at Joppa, the piece of land that Jonah had left to run away from God. Looking at the map of the area the fish could have spit Jonah out up near Turkey so his journey wouldn't have to be as long, but why would God give us a boost if we are in defiance? Back to square one, this seems to be a good position for us to reevaluate our decisions so that our path will start to seem clear. Obedience has to trump our feelings.
"You were created with specific intention and recreated at the moment of your salvation with specific attention to detail so that you would be equipped to walk in the plans God mapped out for you long ago. You can not reach complete satisfaction in life apart from your decision to engage in His predetermined plans. For Jonah and for us, this means giving Him the position of prominence in our lives and restructuring our plans so that we can partner with Him." Priscilla Shirer
God repeated His commission to Jonah, although He said it in two different ways.
First - "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me"
preach against (to make known, to deliver, give earnest advice, in opposition, hostile to, resistance, defense)
Second - "Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you."
proclaim (to announce, to declare, to praise publicly)
Both times God said that Nineveh was great. I think that Jonah hearing that a second time might have stung his pride a bit more than the first time. Nineveh was a large city that was very powerful and influential in the area. Then the wording changed. First, Jonah was told to preach against them because they were brought before God. Second, God told Jonah to proclaim the message He would give him. The second one seems to me to be a message to someone who has been humbled and is ready to follow God's plan. God's power shows up clearly in this passage.
"We run mentally when we detach our thought life from our tasks and go through the motions. We run emotionally by building up a callousness displayed by the attitude we show to others. We can even run spiritually, going through the motions while having no fellowship with Him. We can be on the run from God's directives even while we are engrossed in them." Priscilla Shirer
When things are repeated in the Bible that should be a wake up call to all of us. We should study the reasons why things need repeating in the first place, then we can hopefully let the message sink in so that God does not need to repeat Himself to us. Even after running away, God still used Jonah. Sometimes we get hung up on the notion that we are too far gone to be of any use to God. His love covers all insecurity, if only we would let Him. If you give God all your mistakes and ask for forgiveness, He completely wipes it ALL away, never to be see again. That is unless you continue to dig it up because in some strange sense it is like a security blanket that we feel we can never part with. "Serving God is not an earned position-no one qualifies for God's service. But God still asks us to carry out his work." NIV notes
Looking back, Jonah could have gone to another city or just stayed where he was to avoid going to Nineveh. At God's calling many of us stay put, we do not want to make any changes, especially when we are comfortable where we are. It will cost us far more than we would ever want to pay to keep in our comfort zone and not follow God.
"When we flee from God's presence, we do a most unusual thing. We put ourselves in the very spot of punishment. We find the people who are most subject to bad consequences, and we join them in their negative results." Priscilla Shirer
Is God calling you to something that you keep ignoring, thinking it will go away? Don't waste another moment, heed the call from a loving Father who wants to use you to do great things in this world.
"Jonah was involved in ministry as a prophet to Israel and yet, when divinely interrupted, chose to run from God's manifest presence. He claimed loyalty to God and yet desired no intimate relationship with Him." Priscilla Shirer
Some scholars believe God commanded the fish to spit out Jonah at Joppa, the piece of land that Jonah had left to run away from God. Looking at the map of the area the fish could have spit Jonah out up near Turkey so his journey wouldn't have to be as long, but why would God give us a boost if we are in defiance? Back to square one, this seems to be a good position for us to reevaluate our decisions so that our path will start to seem clear. Obedience has to trump our feelings.
"You were created with specific intention and recreated at the moment of your salvation with specific attention to detail so that you would be equipped to walk in the plans God mapped out for you long ago. You can not reach complete satisfaction in life apart from your decision to engage in His predetermined plans. For Jonah and for us, this means giving Him the position of prominence in our lives and restructuring our plans so that we can partner with Him." Priscilla Shirer
God repeated His commission to Jonah, although He said it in two different ways.
First - "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me"
preach against (to make known, to deliver, give earnest advice, in opposition, hostile to, resistance, defense)
Second - "Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you."
proclaim (to announce, to declare, to praise publicly)
Both times God said that Nineveh was great. I think that Jonah hearing that a second time might have stung his pride a bit more than the first time. Nineveh was a large city that was very powerful and influential in the area. Then the wording changed. First, Jonah was told to preach against them because they were brought before God. Second, God told Jonah to proclaim the message He would give him. The second one seems to me to be a message to someone who has been humbled and is ready to follow God's plan. God's power shows up clearly in this passage.
"We run mentally when we detach our thought life from our tasks and go through the motions. We run emotionally by building up a callousness displayed by the attitude we show to others. We can even run spiritually, going through the motions while having no fellowship with Him. We can be on the run from God's directives even while we are engrossed in them." Priscilla Shirer
When things are repeated in the Bible that should be a wake up call to all of us. We should study the reasons why things need repeating in the first place, then we can hopefully let the message sink in so that God does not need to repeat Himself to us. Even after running away, God still used Jonah. Sometimes we get hung up on the notion that we are too far gone to be of any use to God. His love covers all insecurity, if only we would let Him. If you give God all your mistakes and ask for forgiveness, He completely wipes it ALL away, never to be see again. That is unless you continue to dig it up because in some strange sense it is like a security blanket that we feel we can never part with. "Serving God is not an earned position-no one qualifies for God's service. But God still asks us to carry out his work." NIV notes
Looking back, Jonah could have gone to another city or just stayed where he was to avoid going to Nineveh. At God's calling many of us stay put, we do not want to make any changes, especially when we are comfortable where we are. It will cost us far more than we would ever want to pay to keep in our comfort zone and not follow God.
"When we flee from God's presence, we do a most unusual thing. We put ourselves in the very spot of punishment. We find the people who are most subject to bad consequences, and we join them in their negative results." Priscilla Shirer
Is God calling you to something that you keep ignoring, thinking it will go away? Don't waste another moment, heed the call from a loving Father who wants to use you to do great things in this world.
"Jonah was involved in ministry as a prophet to Israel and yet, when divinely interrupted, chose to run from God's manifest presence. He claimed loyalty to God and yet desired no intimate relationship with Him." Priscilla Shirer
Monday, February 3, 2014
Why God shut down my TV when I wouldn't listen to Him
A couple of years ago God put it on my heart to stop watching Grey's Anatomy. I really liked this show and had no intention of taking it off my list of shows to watch. So what do you think I did? I said, OK God I will stop watching at the end of the season. At the time this happened it was not close to the end of the season. I was trying to reason with God, trying to get my way just a little bit longer. Our minds justify things we do and we think them to be OK since we are going to listen to God, eventually. Well guess what happened. The next week on Thursday morning my DIRECTV went out, the show was going to be on that night. I still had everything on the DVR, but I could not watch any new shows. This was a loud hint that I should have not tried to make a compromise with God, if I would have obeyed and said yes, I am confident that my TV viewing would not have been relegated to just what was on the DVR. This was when my husband was out of town working in another state, so I just hung out and watched things that were already recorded (this show was not on the DVR). Several weeks later we ended up switching companies to a new satellite carrier. The installer mentioned that the old satellite dish cable had been loose. You may think things like that just happen, but when we refuse to listen to God, He is more than capable of using anything that He sees fit to teach us a valuable lesson in His perfect timing. I'm not a fan of thinking that things just happen in a chaotic randomness.
At first it didn't seem like such a big deal what I did in response to God, but it started to sink in that I was outright disobedient to something God called me to do. Several times He has asked me to do something and I have listened, but not in this instance. Sometimes in the small things we do not see the larger danger of disobedience. This show did not have biblical values and I believe God wanted to weed out some of my entertainment choices. You may think there is nothing wrong with this show, but for me it was time to quit watching. We can't look around at other Christians and wonder why they get to do things that God has asked us not to do. There are many Christians who watch shows and movies that are not considered Bible approved. I still have work to do in this area and God is working on me. I know He may not call you to cut out certain TV shows, movies or music, but I believe He is calling to many of us to make changes in what we see and hear. God tends to work on us slowly over time starting with the big things and then moving on to the little things that we think to be insignificant that can come between us from getting to know Him better. I cut out horror movies a long time ago, ideas of evil can influence your mind and if you tend to be paranoid like me it's not a good thing. I am not a person who only watches and listens to Christian movies and music. I like many things that are not considered "Christian", but are not bad influences either. God can use most things in the entertainment industry to hint at His kingdom, but not all will see the message. Many would never watch a "Christian" movie, but would gladly see an entertaining movie starring their favorite actor or actress.
Now when I see a commercial for this show I used to like so much, I don't feel even the tiniest bit interested to tune in. I know that if I satisfied my flesh, my soul would suffer. I am not trying to guilt anyone about their entertainment choices, I hope you all, along with myself, will make smarter choices. Hollywood listens to money, so if we all would put our hard earned cash into good entertainment then they would start making more of it. Unfortunately they get a lot of money from horror and R rated movies so they continue down that road until persuaded to a bigger cash cow. There is a trend for romantic comedies to be R rated now, I guess that is to make the men want to go see them with their girlfriend or wife. All it does is ruin a really good movie for a lot of us girls. When we get desensitized, the movies continue to decline. When will it be enough? How low is the industry going to sink?
Our voice my be small against the world, but it is still a voice.
At first it didn't seem like such a big deal what I did in response to God, but it started to sink in that I was outright disobedient to something God called me to do. Several times He has asked me to do something and I have listened, but not in this instance. Sometimes in the small things we do not see the larger danger of disobedience. This show did not have biblical values and I believe God wanted to weed out some of my entertainment choices. You may think there is nothing wrong with this show, but for me it was time to quit watching. We can't look around at other Christians and wonder why they get to do things that God has asked us not to do. There are many Christians who watch shows and movies that are not considered Bible approved. I still have work to do in this area and God is working on me. I know He may not call you to cut out certain TV shows, movies or music, but I believe He is calling to many of us to make changes in what we see and hear. God tends to work on us slowly over time starting with the big things and then moving on to the little things that we think to be insignificant that can come between us from getting to know Him better. I cut out horror movies a long time ago, ideas of evil can influence your mind and if you tend to be paranoid like me it's not a good thing. I am not a person who only watches and listens to Christian movies and music. I like many things that are not considered "Christian", but are not bad influences either. God can use most things in the entertainment industry to hint at His kingdom, but not all will see the message. Many would never watch a "Christian" movie, but would gladly see an entertaining movie starring their favorite actor or actress.
Now when I see a commercial for this show I used to like so much, I don't feel even the tiniest bit interested to tune in. I know that if I satisfied my flesh, my soul would suffer. I am not trying to guilt anyone about their entertainment choices, I hope you all, along with myself, will make smarter choices. Hollywood listens to money, so if we all would put our hard earned cash into good entertainment then they would start making more of it. Unfortunately they get a lot of money from horror and R rated movies so they continue down that road until persuaded to a bigger cash cow. There is a trend for romantic comedies to be R rated now, I guess that is to make the men want to go see them with their girlfriend or wife. All it does is ruin a really good movie for a lot of us girls. When we get desensitized, the movies continue to decline. When will it be enough? How low is the industry going to sink?
Our voice my be small against the world, but it is still a voice.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Jonah 2:10
v. 10 "And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land."
God is in command over all the land, including all the creatures of the earth. God gave an order to a fish and it obeyed. God ordered the sea to become violent, then be calm again, He ordered a fish to swallow Jonah, then dump him onto dry land. The details of this story are so interesting, for such a short book it is packed with valuable lessons that beg us to pay attention. Jonah was in the depths and God heard him. You are never so deep down in darkness that God couldn't pull you out. Light can crush through any amount of darkness.
Someone wrote to me and asked if I thought Jonah was dead or alive when he came out of the fish. I had never heard this was a controversy before. The bible does not say that Jonah died and was brought back to life so I believe that Jonah was alive and the fish spit Jonah onto land at God's command. Maybe why some think this is because Jesus referred to Jonah in Matthew 12:39-40 "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." There are many layers of meaning in the Bible, Jesus spoke in parables to the people. It was never just a story, for instance, Jesus would speak about a farmer because the people would understand that topic, but those who could truly hear understood that the farmer was representing God. There are literal, figurative, spiritual and practical lessons all throughout the Bible.
I hate fish and seafood and do not eat any of it, so the thought of being inside a fish for three days and the indescribable smells, rotten food and possible burning sensation of my flesh rotting away doesn't appeal to me at all. I can see how that could be used to really open your eyes so you can see Truth and the mistakes you've made. After looking at some of the posts on different websites about Jonah it is clear there are as many different views of this story as there are people to speak them. It is dangerous to pencil in or cross off verses in the Bible. People start huge arguments based on their belief which can greatly differ from what the Bible has to say. We should ALWAYS refer back to the Bible and study to see what the Bible has to say. I believe the Bible should be talked about so that we can gain wisdom and share our point of view with others, but I would not want to be the one who is before God answering for trying to rewrite His book.
Some reasons Jonah may have turned away from God on this mission:
Justification of our beliefs and ideas does not give us the right to run away from God. Jeremiah 17:9 says "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" Our hearts will slide into darkness without God in our lives. Anything done out of the heart (works of the flesh) will always fall short of God's plan for us.
This book is a reminder to us all to follow God even if what we are asked to do does not make sense, does not appeal to us, is embarrassing or is the last thing in the world we would ever want to do.
God is in command over all the land, including all the creatures of the earth. God gave an order to a fish and it obeyed. God ordered the sea to become violent, then be calm again, He ordered a fish to swallow Jonah, then dump him onto dry land. The details of this story are so interesting, for such a short book it is packed with valuable lessons that beg us to pay attention. Jonah was in the depths and God heard him. You are never so deep down in darkness that God couldn't pull you out. Light can crush through any amount of darkness.
Someone wrote to me and asked if I thought Jonah was dead or alive when he came out of the fish. I had never heard this was a controversy before. The bible does not say that Jonah died and was brought back to life so I believe that Jonah was alive and the fish spit Jonah onto land at God's command. Maybe why some think this is because Jesus referred to Jonah in Matthew 12:39-40 "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." There are many layers of meaning in the Bible, Jesus spoke in parables to the people. It was never just a story, for instance, Jesus would speak about a farmer because the people would understand that topic, but those who could truly hear understood that the farmer was representing God. There are literal, figurative, spiritual and practical lessons all throughout the Bible.
I hate fish and seafood and do not eat any of it, so the thought of being inside a fish for three days and the indescribable smells, rotten food and possible burning sensation of my flesh rotting away doesn't appeal to me at all. I can see how that could be used to really open your eyes so you can see Truth and the mistakes you've made. After looking at some of the posts on different websites about Jonah it is clear there are as many different views of this story as there are people to speak them. It is dangerous to pencil in or cross off verses in the Bible. People start huge arguments based on their belief which can greatly differ from what the Bible has to say. We should ALWAYS refer back to the Bible and study to see what the Bible has to say. I believe the Bible should be talked about so that we can gain wisdom and share our point of view with others, but I would not want to be the one who is before God answering for trying to rewrite His book.
Some reasons Jonah may have turned away from God on this mission:
- This mission made no sense to Jonah
- Jonah foretold the prosperity of Israel, not the destruction of an enemy country
- If Nineveh received God's mercy they may block the future prosperity of Israel
- A trip to Nineveh would not be easy to make by foot
- Jonah might have had to sell most of his possessions to make this trip
- Jonah had to leave behind the comforts of home
- Jonah would have had to leave his position of power to become weak in a strange land
- In Jonah's mind only Israel was to receive God's mercy, not the people of Nineveh
- Nineveh was a great enemy of Israel so hatred ran deep
- Pride, from beginning to the end of this book pride held Jonah in a twisted grip that wouldn't let go
Justification of our beliefs and ideas does not give us the right to run away from God. Jeremiah 17:9 says "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" Our hearts will slide into darkness without God in our lives. Anything done out of the heart (works of the flesh) will always fall short of God's plan for us.
This book is a reminder to us all to follow God even if what we are asked to do does not make sense, does not appeal to us, is embarrassing or is the last thing in the world we would ever want to do.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Concussion Update
It has been two months since getting my concussion. I have what the doctors call Post Concussion Syndrome. The neurologist said that it usually takes up to three months to get back to normal and could be several more months past that time frame. My head and neck still hurt daily, sometimes a sharp pain, but most of the time it is an all over mild pain which is very annoying. I don't like taking pills and do so sparingly. So if it appears I repeat myself often in my blog posts then I have forgotten what I have said in older posts!
Even in pain I give glory and praise to God. I know that He is keeping my safe and there was a reason for my injury. Even if it is to empathize with others who have had concussions it would be for the glory of God. There is a comfort in having someone else who has gone through the same situation as you have so that you know you are not alone and someone on this great big planet understands how you feel.
I would be most thankful for you to keep me in your prayers for healing so I can get back to normal and in help with my patience during this time. I am not the best person to be around while I'm hurting. I complain a lot and any patience I have goes out the window. Thank you
Even in pain I give glory and praise to God. I know that He is keeping my safe and there was a reason for my injury. Even if it is to empathize with others who have had concussions it would be for the glory of God. There is a comfort in having someone else who has gone through the same situation as you have so that you know you are not alone and someone on this great big planet understands how you feel.
I would be most thankful for you to keep me in your prayers for healing so I can get back to normal and in help with my patience during this time. I am not the best person to be around while I'm hurting. I complain a lot and any patience I have goes out the window. Thank you
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Quote - Priscilla Shirer
"At some point or another God is going to ask for something that I wasn't anticipating. He is going to expect something out of me, want me to yield and surrender completely to something that I wasn't fully aware of when I signed up to be a Christian."
~ Priscilla Shirer
Friday, January 17, 2014
Jonah 2:1-9
v. 1-9 "From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. He said:"
"In my distress I called to the Lord,
and he answered me.
From the depths of the grave I called for help,
and you listened to my cry.
You hurled me into the deep,
into the very heart of the seas,
and the currents swirled about me;
all your waves and breakers
swept over me.
I said, 'I have been banished
from your sight;
yet I will look again
toward your holy temple.'
The engulfing waters threatened me,
the deep surrounded me;
seaweed was wrapped around my head.
To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you brought my life up from the pit,
O Lord my God.
When my life was ebbing away,
I remembered you, Lord,
and my prayer rose to you,
to your holy temple.
Those who cling to worthless idols
forfeit the grace that could be theirs.
But I, with a song of thanksgiving,
will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good.
Salvation comes from the Lord."
When we are in the darkest places we tend to bow down to God. It is never too late to turn towards God, but a life lived only turning to God in our misery means we will be missing out on so many things in this life. Jonah said that he called to God and God answered him. Yet Jonah did not answer correctly when God called Him to a task that he hated to the very core of his being. Even in what looks like the end for Jonah he says that God is compassionate, He does not turn from us when we call. The problem is that we turn away from Him when the call comes to us and we do not like what we hear. Jonah is in deep, he speaks so passionately that he was to the roots of the mountains. This my friend is what many of us feel like and we do not have to venture down to the depths of the sea to know how Jonah feels. We could be surrounded by sunshine, but what we see is no light in sight. It's as if our vision is so clouded over with sorrow that all we can see is darkness.
Jonah was giving a prayer of thanksgiving. Our words are powerful for good or evil. I hear many things that people say as if the words spoken did not matter and it makes me think to watch what I say. Think of speeches throughout history that have inspired us to do better or those propelled by hatred to start a war. They wield the same weapon, just used to get different results. Jonah thanked God for who He was and what He has done. Many times in the bible people in deep despair will speak of God's goodness and how low they sank. It is important to take responsibility for our actions and acknowledge them before God. When we realized how far we have come, only then can we put into perspective the depths we sank to and the heights that God cares for us in. It is interesting that Jonah spoke about people who cling to worthless idols, at first this seems to be odd that he was saying this in the belly of a great fish. It was as if he were speaking to a large crowd, instead of himself in the darkness. I think he was speaking about how pride is an idol if we let it take the place of God and think that we are better than other people. Jonah had an issue with pride that had to be dealt with in a severe way.
Jonah could have avoided this situation if only he would have listened to God in the first place. Would we rather be used by God to help shine His light in this world or be passed over because we ran like Jonah? God does not have to use any of us, He wants to use cracked pots so that His light can shine through the cracks so the world can see that it is not us, but Him.
"In my distress I called to the Lord,
and he answered me.
From the depths of the grave I called for help,
and you listened to my cry.
You hurled me into the deep,
into the very heart of the seas,
and the currents swirled about me;
all your waves and breakers
swept over me.
I said, 'I have been banished
from your sight;
yet I will look again
toward your holy temple.'
The engulfing waters threatened me,
the deep surrounded me;
seaweed was wrapped around my head.
To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you brought my life up from the pit,
O Lord my God.
When my life was ebbing away,
I remembered you, Lord,
and my prayer rose to you,
to your holy temple.
Those who cling to worthless idols
forfeit the grace that could be theirs.
But I, with a song of thanksgiving,
will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good.
Salvation comes from the Lord."
When we are in the darkest places we tend to bow down to God. It is never too late to turn towards God, but a life lived only turning to God in our misery means we will be missing out on so many things in this life. Jonah said that he called to God and God answered him. Yet Jonah did not answer correctly when God called Him to a task that he hated to the very core of his being. Even in what looks like the end for Jonah he says that God is compassionate, He does not turn from us when we call. The problem is that we turn away from Him when the call comes to us and we do not like what we hear. Jonah is in deep, he speaks so passionately that he was to the roots of the mountains. This my friend is what many of us feel like and we do not have to venture down to the depths of the sea to know how Jonah feels. We could be surrounded by sunshine, but what we see is no light in sight. It's as if our vision is so clouded over with sorrow that all we can see is darkness.
Jonah was giving a prayer of thanksgiving. Our words are powerful for good or evil. I hear many things that people say as if the words spoken did not matter and it makes me think to watch what I say. Think of speeches throughout history that have inspired us to do better or those propelled by hatred to start a war. They wield the same weapon, just used to get different results. Jonah thanked God for who He was and what He has done. Many times in the bible people in deep despair will speak of God's goodness and how low they sank. It is important to take responsibility for our actions and acknowledge them before God. When we realized how far we have come, only then can we put into perspective the depths we sank to and the heights that God cares for us in. It is interesting that Jonah spoke about people who cling to worthless idols, at first this seems to be odd that he was saying this in the belly of a great fish. It was as if he were speaking to a large crowd, instead of himself in the darkness. I think he was speaking about how pride is an idol if we let it take the place of God and think that we are better than other people. Jonah had an issue with pride that had to be dealt with in a severe way.
Jonah could have avoided this situation if only he would have listened to God in the first place. Would we rather be used by God to help shine His light in this world or be passed over because we ran like Jonah? God does not have to use any of us, He wants to use cracked pots so that His light can shine through the cracks so the world can see that it is not us, but Him.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Quote - Be Yourself
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
~ Unknown
I saw this on a sign online. We care so much what others think about us that often we will bury the key parts of our being. Afraid to share in case we are rejected, so instead we try desperately to blend in to the world. There is a sadness when we are not showing our true self, the self that God created us to be.
Do not fear to be you. Those around you whether they are family or friends may put you down or just don't understand the things that you do, say or think. You were designed by a Master to be unique, beautiful and one of a kind.
Have you ever thought that those around you may be the ones who are hiding their true self and as a result are unable to comprehend a fearless child of God?
~ Unknown
I saw this on a sign online. We care so much what others think about us that often we will bury the key parts of our being. Afraid to share in case we are rejected, so instead we try desperately to blend in to the world. There is a sadness when we are not showing our true self, the self that God created us to be.
Do not fear to be you. Those around you whether they are family or friends may put you down or just don't understand the things that you do, say or think. You were designed by a Master to be unique, beautiful and one of a kind.
Have you ever thought that those around you may be the ones who are hiding their true self and as a result are unable to comprehend a fearless child of God?
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Jonah 1:17
v. 17 "But the Lord provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights."
The bible says that a great fish swallowed Jonah, many people assume that it was a whale. I'm not sure what type of fish it was, I just know that it must have been massive for a man to fit inside. If we were in this situation we might think that this is a punishment for disobeying, in a way it was. It also was a caring Father correcting a child and literally changing the direction for this child to keep on course. Jonah was ready to give up, to be swallowed by the sea. God did not change the plans He had for Jonah. God is not surprised by what you do, He will not change His plans for us just because we decide to give up or to do something crazy and foolish. Although if we don't do what He asks and continue to avoid Him, He can easily find another person to do His will and we will be the sorry ones because we will have missed out on the blessings that come with obeying.
We often get ourselves into trouble, then when God gives us a way out we complain about what He has given us and we don't even thank Him for helping us in the first place. This story has been taught to many people around the world, but I think the huge meaning gets lost in the sea and everyone focuses on the big fish. God can do so many great things, we need to pay attention to what He has done for us or we will stop being humble and start to be proud. The way out of a self inflicted situation may seem worse than the situation it self, but if we let God lead us out He can show us that there is light coming out of the darkness.
I think this story is one of the most difficult to believe in the bible, for some highly educated people. When we come to God with the faith of a child, we are to believe and not question, we are to have faith and not doubt and we are to hope in the God who can do anything.
The bible says that a great fish swallowed Jonah, many people assume that it was a whale. I'm not sure what type of fish it was, I just know that it must have been massive for a man to fit inside. If we were in this situation we might think that this is a punishment for disobeying, in a way it was. It also was a caring Father correcting a child and literally changing the direction for this child to keep on course. Jonah was ready to give up, to be swallowed by the sea. God did not change the plans He had for Jonah. God is not surprised by what you do, He will not change His plans for us just because we decide to give up or to do something crazy and foolish. Although if we don't do what He asks and continue to avoid Him, He can easily find another person to do His will and we will be the sorry ones because we will have missed out on the blessings that come with obeying.
We often get ourselves into trouble, then when God gives us a way out we complain about what He has given us and we don't even thank Him for helping us in the first place. This story has been taught to many people around the world, but I think the huge meaning gets lost in the sea and everyone focuses on the big fish. God can do so many great things, we need to pay attention to what He has done for us or we will stop being humble and start to be proud. The way out of a self inflicted situation may seem worse than the situation it self, but if we let God lead us out He can show us that there is light coming out of the darkness.
I think this story is one of the most difficult to believe in the bible, for some highly educated people. When we come to God with the faith of a child, we are to believe and not question, we are to have faith and not doubt and we are to hope in the God who can do anything.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Quote - New Year & Making Goals NOT Resolutions
"What the New Year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the New Year."
~ Vern McLellan
In January people focus on what they didn't do right the year before and make a list of resolutions that may lead to more disappointment in the coming year. By the time February roles around many resolutions are long gone. Then we add more guilt onto ourselves for not changing, which never does any good. Without God there is little chance of doing anything right. The first step should be to pray for help, God may show you ways to achieve your goals that you may never think of. Second, we should focus on a list of goals and break them down to manageable pieces. Aiming too high builds us up for a great fall. Place the list where it will be a reminder and know that you don't have to get it all accomplished in one day or a few months, you have an entire year and more to work on it. Know that you are not alone there are millions of us who are wanting to make changes.
What are the most important goals for you? Whatever they are you will put all your time and energy into changing them if you are motivated. Figure out the different areas in which you wish to improve; spiritual, physical, mental, financial, career, etc. Even if you list one thing in each category that would be a great start, then break down each one into small steps that are within your grasp and can be accomplished. Don't think that this is just for you, I am in need of a good pep talk too! We are creatures of habit so I hope you will join me and try to break some bad habits and make changes so that new habits will eventually take over the bad ones. I pray that we will grow closer to God this year and grow in wisdom so that we will be prepared for the chaos of this world.
May God say "Well done my child" when we meet Him in the end.
~ Vern McLellan
In January people focus on what they didn't do right the year before and make a list of resolutions that may lead to more disappointment in the coming year. By the time February roles around many resolutions are long gone. Then we add more guilt onto ourselves for not changing, which never does any good. Without God there is little chance of doing anything right. The first step should be to pray for help, God may show you ways to achieve your goals that you may never think of. Second, we should focus on a list of goals and break them down to manageable pieces. Aiming too high builds us up for a great fall. Place the list where it will be a reminder and know that you don't have to get it all accomplished in one day or a few months, you have an entire year and more to work on it. Know that you are not alone there are millions of us who are wanting to make changes.
What are the most important goals for you? Whatever they are you will put all your time and energy into changing them if you are motivated. Figure out the different areas in which you wish to improve; spiritual, physical, mental, financial, career, etc. Even if you list one thing in each category that would be a great start, then break down each one into small steps that are within your grasp and can be accomplished. Don't think that this is just for you, I am in need of a good pep talk too! We are creatures of habit so I hope you will join me and try to break some bad habits and make changes so that new habits will eventually take over the bad ones. I pray that we will grow closer to God this year and grow in wisdom so that we will be prepared for the chaos of this world.
May God say "Well done my child" when we meet Him in the end.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
One Year Anniversary
I started this blog on 12/4/2012. I am very blessed to be able to share God's word and what has been on my heart this past year. This blog is not inundated with hits due to the volume of traffic that other sites have, but I believe that even if only a few people visit then I claim it as a victory. It is not the quantity, but the quality. From the ladies I know from my church that read this blog to those of you on the other side of the world that I will never know, you all are special to God and me.
I am very blessed that you all visit my blog. The other day I looked at the different countries and just started crying, yes I cry often. I have lost track of all the countries that have been here, I think it's close to 60 and counting, but I am amazed how many people visit from countries that are not considered Christian. There are over 190 countries in the world, my goal is to have as many visit as possible. I am thrilled that people are able to visit since I am not able to go out into the world personally, to be able to reach people on almost every continent is astounding.
I don't know where you are in the counties that I see listed. I think about how God knows which town you are in, the street you live on, whether you are male or female, young or old, your race, your beliefs; He knows YOU. Whether or not you know Him, He loves you. He waits patiently for each and every one of us. For those who do not have a relationship with Him I pray that you will invite Him in and open your heart to His love. He saved me from my selfish and destructive life and gave me love that is nowhere else on earth.
Ever since starting this blog I have been under attack from the enemy. My brother Bryan passed away in September, I have had several medical problems, most notably is my concussion in November. Any time we are growing and spreading the Good News, we WILL come under attack from the enemy. Satan does not want us to gain wisdom, nor does he want us to share God with others so they will also gain wisdom and have weapons to fight the enemy. He wants us to feel that we are all alone, that we have no hope and that we are worthless, being in that place in my past I have no desire to go back to living that way. If I am to continue to spread God's word then I would not trade that for having the enemy leave me alone. The end game is far too valuable to let it slip away to an enemy who only wants destruction.
When I see all the countries that visit I pray you will know the following:
I am very blessed that you all visit my blog. The other day I looked at the different countries and just started crying, yes I cry often. I have lost track of all the countries that have been here, I think it's close to 60 and counting, but I am amazed how many people visit from countries that are not considered Christian. There are over 190 countries in the world, my goal is to have as many visit as possible. I am thrilled that people are able to visit since I am not able to go out into the world personally, to be able to reach people on almost every continent is astounding.
I don't know where you are in the counties that I see listed. I think about how God knows which town you are in, the street you live on, whether you are male or female, young or old, your race, your beliefs; He knows YOU. Whether or not you know Him, He loves you. He waits patiently for each and every one of us. For those who do not have a relationship with Him I pray that you will invite Him in and open your heart to His love. He saved me from my selfish and destructive life and gave me love that is nowhere else on earth.
Ever since starting this blog I have been under attack from the enemy. My brother Bryan passed away in September, I have had several medical problems, most notably is my concussion in November. Any time we are growing and spreading the Good News, we WILL come under attack from the enemy. Satan does not want us to gain wisdom, nor does he want us to share God with others so they will also gain wisdom and have weapons to fight the enemy. He wants us to feel that we are all alone, that we have no hope and that we are worthless, being in that place in my past I have no desire to go back to living that way. If I am to continue to spread God's word then I would not trade that for having the enemy leave me alone. The end game is far too valuable to let it slip away to an enemy who only wants destruction.
When I see all the countries that visit I pray you will know the following:
- God and His amazing love
- when you open the bible and start reading, it is your map for life
- those who judge you are having any issue with pride, pray for them
- God's peace
- we ALL are imperfect
- you are NEVER alone
- you are accepted just the way you are (ignore judgmental Christians)
- you are welcome into a wonderful large family
- you are valued more than anything else on the planet
- He wants a good life for you
- He is waiting patiently for YOU
- your history can give God praise because it's HIS story to give to others
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Christmas
Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem since there was a census they had to go to their town to register. Luke 2:6-7 "While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her first born, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
I have heard it said that there was no way Jesus could have been born in a manager. I believe in the entire bible and thinking that the bible had it wrong is beyond dangerous. When everyone was gathering for the census it must have been so crowded in town that there wasn't any room left. That isn't even the point, this amazing miracle of Jesus' birth in the simplest of places is often overshadowed by the uncertainty of the location. When you read the story, picture it as written and you will see the significance in the words written so long ago. Jesus was not brought into this world in a palace as most people probably thought he would have been. He was brought in to be a servant of God and how appropriate that He came in to the world in an unlikely place.
Luke 2:8-14 "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.'"
Shepherds were near the bottom of the choice jobs. Angels came to shepherds in a field, not the religious leaders of the day. They brought them news for ALL people, not just the Jewish people. They also brought the news to the least likely in that time period. How appropriate that God uses the least likely for His work so that we should not boast in our own talents, that we give God the glory for the work He is doing through us.
Matthew 2:1-2 "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."
Magi are considered to be wise men, a very fitting description since they saw a star and followed it out of the east. How did these men know to follow a star? They saw and followed. If we choose it can be that easy for us, we see and follow Him. These men were wealthy and had to have a position of power due to the gifts they brought. They brought gold, frankincense and myrrh, all highly valuable during that time.
I hope:
I have heard it said that there was no way Jesus could have been born in a manager. I believe in the entire bible and thinking that the bible had it wrong is beyond dangerous. When everyone was gathering for the census it must have been so crowded in town that there wasn't any room left. That isn't even the point, this amazing miracle of Jesus' birth in the simplest of places is often overshadowed by the uncertainty of the location. When you read the story, picture it as written and you will see the significance in the words written so long ago. Jesus was not brought into this world in a palace as most people probably thought he would have been. He was brought in to be a servant of God and how appropriate that He came in to the world in an unlikely place.
Luke 2:8-14 "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.'"
Shepherds were near the bottom of the choice jobs. Angels came to shepherds in a field, not the religious leaders of the day. They brought them news for ALL people, not just the Jewish people. They also brought the news to the least likely in that time period. How appropriate that God uses the least likely for His work so that we should not boast in our own talents, that we give God the glory for the work He is doing through us.
Matthew 2:1-2 "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."
Magi are considered to be wise men, a very fitting description since they saw a star and followed it out of the east. How did these men know to follow a star? They saw and followed. If we choose it can be that easy for us, we see and follow Him. These men were wealthy and had to have a position of power due to the gifts they brought. They brought gold, frankincense and myrrh, all highly valuable during that time.
I hope:
- we will be like Mary, caring for the helpless in abounding love
- we will be like Joseph, looking beyond the circumstances
- we will be like the shepherds in the field, lowly yet mighty in the Kingdom
- we will be like the wise men who came from afar to bring a precious gift to someone they did not know, for they knew to follow a star that let them to the King
Monday, December 16, 2013
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Jonah 1:13-16
v. 13-16 "Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. Then they cried to the Lord, 'O Lord, please do not let us die for taking this man's life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, O Lord, have done as you pleased.' Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him."
God is in control and if there was any doubt we can plainly see it here in Jonah. God controlled the sea and the fish, not to be harsh, but to guide Jonah to the task he had been given. The men tried to row back to land and the storm increased. When we are fighting God the obstacles get bigger and bigger until we finally see that it's not worth it to go up against the God who created everything. The men thought that if Jonah was thrown overboard that he would surely die in such a violent storm, they could not conceive the thoughts of God or imagine the great thing that was about to happen. These men who believed in pagan gods where showing more compassion than Jonah could muster. They were turning towards a God who has power in all things. Sometimes people who don't believe show more concern and compassion than those who believe. That is a sad situation, but a warning to us that our hearts are not in the right place. These men were concerned for Jonah's life.
I notice something missing from the ship's crew. Instead of ganging up and getting mad at Jonah they cried out to God. I think in most situations like this people start to take sides and their defenses go up. I think God might have been showing Jonah compassion through these men. They believed in the same God that Jonah was working for, yet excelled at something that Jonah found so difficult to do.
"God is able to use even our mistakes to help others come to know him." NIV notes
"Your life is God's story being told and His character being displayed." Priscilla Shirer
Admitting our sins can be so powerful to those that do not believe. Some see this Christian package with our dog eared bibles, nice clothes, sweet words and these might be some of the most hurting people around you. Most people do not advertise their heartache, unless they feel safe and hear the stories of others. We walk around and when asked how we are doing we say fine or OK. Do not resist God's will for your life, Jonah defended his right to protest God, but I think he must have suffered greatly for this. We should reach out to others and share the path we have gone down without God and how God has transformed our lives since then.
Jonah was thrown overboard and the sea grew calm. This must have been a sight to behold. The darkness cleared away and the sea went back to normal. When you see a miracle do not hesitate to be in awe of it or you will miss the message hidden within.
If you do not like what you see in Jonah then that is a good thing because that means there is a chance for change. We can see ourselves as Jonah, even though his situation was completely different from ours, it shows our hearts and really tests our ability to follow God without reservation.
"God bluntly confronted Jonah with the reality of his disobedience, the pettiness of his demand for comfort, and the sinfulness of his blatant disregard for others. The wonderful character of God that Jonah wanted to withhold from the Ninevites, he himself had been taking for granted. Fortunately, God will be just as blunt with us. He will shatter our comfort if that will place us in the best place to meet Him." NIV notes
God is in control and if there was any doubt we can plainly see it here in Jonah. God controlled the sea and the fish, not to be harsh, but to guide Jonah to the task he had been given. The men tried to row back to land and the storm increased. When we are fighting God the obstacles get bigger and bigger until we finally see that it's not worth it to go up against the God who created everything. The men thought that if Jonah was thrown overboard that he would surely die in such a violent storm, they could not conceive the thoughts of God or imagine the great thing that was about to happen. These men who believed in pagan gods where showing more compassion than Jonah could muster. They were turning towards a God who has power in all things. Sometimes people who don't believe show more concern and compassion than those who believe. That is a sad situation, but a warning to us that our hearts are not in the right place. These men were concerned for Jonah's life.
I notice something missing from the ship's crew. Instead of ganging up and getting mad at Jonah they cried out to God. I think in most situations like this people start to take sides and their defenses go up. I think God might have been showing Jonah compassion through these men. They believed in the same God that Jonah was working for, yet excelled at something that Jonah found so difficult to do.
"God is able to use even our mistakes to help others come to know him." NIV notes
"Your life is God's story being told and His character being displayed." Priscilla Shirer
Admitting our sins can be so powerful to those that do not believe. Some see this Christian package with our dog eared bibles, nice clothes, sweet words and these might be some of the most hurting people around you. Most people do not advertise their heartache, unless they feel safe and hear the stories of others. We walk around and when asked how we are doing we say fine or OK. Do not resist God's will for your life, Jonah defended his right to protest God, but I think he must have suffered greatly for this. We should reach out to others and share the path we have gone down without God and how God has transformed our lives since then.
Jonah was thrown overboard and the sea grew calm. This must have been a sight to behold. The darkness cleared away and the sea went back to normal. When you see a miracle do not hesitate to be in awe of it or you will miss the message hidden within.
If you do not like what you see in Jonah then that is a good thing because that means there is a chance for change. We can see ourselves as Jonah, even though his situation was completely different from ours, it shows our hearts and really tests our ability to follow God without reservation.
"God bluntly confronted Jonah with the reality of his disobedience, the pettiness of his demand for comfort, and the sinfulness of his blatant disregard for others. The wonderful character of God that Jonah wanted to withhold from the Ninevites, he himself had been taking for granted. Fortunately, God will be just as blunt with us. He will shatter our comfort if that will place us in the best place to meet Him." NIV notes
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Concussion
I have been away due to a concussion. I just went to the doctor to get a CT scan and I'm praying everything is OK. My head hurts all the time and sleep is difficult due to my head hurting. I should be back to posting before the end of the week. Please pray for a speedy recovery.
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