God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way. God relented of the disaster which he said he would do to them, and he didn't do it. But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. Jonah 3:10 WEBThere is nothing quite like cracking open a septic tank first thing in the morning, especially during a hot summer in the South. When you get a whiff of the fresh sewage, it will not be a pleasant aroma, but I can tell you that it will be a lasting one. For a period of my life, that is what I did to earn a living. I was a septic tank technician that pumped out septic tanks and grease traps with a vacuum truck. We would often do five or six a day, and many times when we arrived, they were running over. It was a dirty job.
One thing that I soon noticed was this: They all smelled alike. Whether it was a church, a country club, a mansion on a hill, or a trailer park, when you opened up that septic tank, they all had the exact same smell coming out of them, and they all reeked.
Jonah did not want to go to Nineveh and preach, but God persuaded him to go anyway. After Jonah delivered his message of destruction, the entire city repented of their wicked ways and turned to God. He showed them mercy and spared them from the coming destruction. This made Jonah angry because Nineveh did not get what they deserved.
When God looked down, they all smelled alike. Sin is bad and everyone has it. There is no need to point at someone else's sin while God is nearly heaving from the smell of yours, unless you are covered by the blood of Jesus.
It took me a long time to figure out that God did not dislike the same people that I did, and that the people that have wronged us will get the same forgiveness that we do if they just ask for it. All of their past deeds will be wiped out if they repent, just like ours will.
It is not that people are good, it is because God is good. Before, during, and after a divorce, God loves both parties involved, and it is His wish that none would ever be lost. God loves you, those that dislike you, and those that vote differently from you. None that repent will get what they deserve. Mankind has a lot in common, we all need forgiveness. Thank God it is there for the asking and completely free.
Prayer: Heavenly Father please forgive me for judging others and help me clean up my own life first. Thank You for having mercy on us and please give me the grace to show that mercy to others, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.Note: Happy Friday! For those who do not know, the "Spiritually Single" group hosts an event each week called "Fast and Pray Friday". During that time, we lift up those with spouses and other loved ones who are not yet believers. All are welcome to join! If you would like to participate, here is the link:
Fast and Pray Friday > You can subscribe to our daily devotional here <
Amen :) this is why your devotion is my favorite:) you tell the truth right out loud! Perfect! I know that I will be judged as I judge others and it scares me silly. Thank you Pastor for this truth .
Yes Pastor thank you!
Yes Lord....Amen
Amen
Amen
Amen, good meesage
Amen Lord
Thank you Paster Todd and God bless you for your daily devotional.I would rather have Jesus than anything. Amen
Prayer: Heavenly Father please forgive me for judging others and help me clean up my own life first. Thank You for having mercy on us and please give me the grace to show that mercy to others, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen! Father please forgive me when I judge others for not behaving the way I feel they should... I realize I can only change me... help me be at peace with life regardless of other's actions to or against me. Help me pray for them to be touched by your love and grace. Help me to love unconditionally and forgive easily. Protect my fragile heart from being hurt by the actions of others and let me rest always in your embrace. Amen Thank you Pastor... I clearly needed this reminder today... we all stink sometimes, stop judging <3
Amen!
What a great and graphic message - i fell in an over flowing septic tank as a small child - i he it - great message - we all smell at some point - WHAT CAN TAKE AWAY MY SMELL (sin) NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD IF JESUS - thanks Dion!!
Wow, Ted, I'm sure that is a memory that would stick with you!
Ah, someone with experience. I can only imagine. Thank God you survived. Open septic tanks are a real hazard to little ones.
Heavenly Father, I am a sinner. Forgive all my traspassings and help be a better follower of You, Amen.
"Persuaded".... lol
He can be very pursuasive... lol :)
Truth Amen
Amen!
Amen!
Thank you jesus
Lord you are so good
Thank you for Grace and mercy
Help me to never judge anyone
great message thankyou .
Amen!
Amen. Praise God! Thanks Pastor Todd! Heavenly Father please forgive me for judging others and help me clean up my own life first. Thank You for having mercy on us and please give me the grace to show that mercy to others, in the Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
Prayer: Heavenly Father please forgive me for judging others and help me clean up my own life first. Thank You for having mercy on us and please give me the grace to show that mercy to others, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen <3
Thank you Pastor for your devotion. :-)