January 23, 2007
READ: Jonah 1:1-10
Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. —Jonah 1:3
Why do people run away from God? Is it because of anger, disappointment, despair, disobedience, or a web of rebellion woven from our own desires?
The book of Jonah looks at a prophet who rejected God’s call to deliver His word to the people of Nineveh. In the first chapter (vv.3,10), we read that Jonah deliberately headed for Tarshish to run away from the Lord. He knew exactly where he was going and why. After being given a second chance (3:1-2), Jonah delivered God’s message but reacted angrily when the Lord spared the repentant city (3:10–4:2).
The book ends with the Lord speaking to Jonah about His compassion: “Should I not pity Nineveh?” (4:11). But there’s no indication that the disgruntled prophet changed his attitude. The people of Nineveh repented; Jonah did not.
The story of Jonah should cause each of us to be honest about our feelings toward the Lord. Do we harbor resentment for His leniency toward people we feel deserve judgment? Have we forgotten that God has forgiven us? Are we ready to obey His call and leave the outcome to Him?
The story of Jonah illuminates our reactions to God and measures our willingness to trust Him when we can’t understand His ways.
I BELIEVE !
It is indeed worthy of a thread..I slept off and on twelve hours last night and am all stuffed up and feeling like I need sleep!((( Hugs)))
Wonderful Dolly.
I believe you are right ;) I missed it over the weekend.
I really enjoyed reading this. It's presented so beautifully. :)
I believe, for every drop of rain that falls,
A flower grows . . .
I believe that somewhere in the darkest night,
A candle glows . . .
I believe for everyone who goes astray,
Someone will come, to show the way,
I believe, I believe . . .
I believe, above the storm the smallest prayer,
Will still be heard . . .
I believe, that someone in the great somewhere,
Hears every word . . .
Everytime I hear a newborn baby cry,
Or touch a leaf, or see the sky,
Then I know why, I believe!
I believe, above the storm the smallest prayer,
Will still be heard . . .
I believe, that someone in the great somewhere,
Hears every word . . .
Everytime I hear a newborn baby cry,
Or touch a leaf, or see the sky,
Then I know why, I believe!
Words and Music by Ervin Drake, Irvin Graham,
Jimmy Shirl and Al Stillman
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
the Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:
Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day He arose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty,
whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting.
Amen.
Dolly, this is beautiful.
Here is my pithy truism:
I believe.
(Thank Goodness for global warming or you'd be cold ! )
Dolly, your opening is beautiful - sentiments and your beautiful collage at the top, down to the gorgeous red rose at the bottom.
Am way ready for this winter storm to let up!
Also hate to hear you are under the weather, and hope you can have a chance to get some rest and get to feeling better very soon. Stay WARM!