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 opening the lid of 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 pay the bills. I was a septic tank technician that pumped out septic tanks and grease traps with a vacuum truck. We would often service five or six a day, and many times when we arrived, they were backed up and overflowing. 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. 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 the coming destruction, the entire city repented of their wicked ways and turned to God. He showed them mercy and spared them from the wrath that was coming. Jonah became very angry because Nineveh did not get what they deserved.
Yet when God looked down, they all smelled alike. Sin is bad and everyone has it, including Jonah. There is no need to point out someone else's sin while God is nearly heaving from the smell of yours. Only the blood of Jesus removes this from us.
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 ask for it. All of their past deeds will be wiped out if they repent, just like ours will. For example, before, during, and after a divorce, God loves both parties involved.
It is not that people are good, it is because God is good and it is His wish that no one would 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, one is that 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: For those following our Creation Photographers group, here is the theme of the week: Esther 9:28 "These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And these days of Purim should never fail to be celebrated by the Jews--nor should the memory of these days die out among their descendants." - 'Days Gone By' or 'Memory Makers' will be our theme choices for next week and are open for interpretation as usual. You are also encouraged to post anything else that inspires you as well. My photos this week (in the group) reflect precious memories of days gone by! May your memories all be precious and may you always walk in God's love and light! Here is the link:
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Amen!!
Amen
Amen Lord
Amen
Amen!
Amen!
Forgive my sins dear God and have favor on me. Holy Spirit dwell in me. Give me wisdom dear God. Amen.
Amen!. Forgive me Lord and help me to forgive others.
Amen
Amen! Please help me to be strong in jesus name
Amen,praise God.
Amen
I really love this message Pastor, thank you so much.
Dear Father I know I'm a sinner and I need Your forgiveness, teach me to forgive those whom have wronged me as You do it for me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. Thank you Pastor for this reminder, we are all sinners and need repentance. God bless you.
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. Thank you for that reminder Pastor Dion :)
Amen and Amen!!! My GOD is just, and no respector of persons i.e. titles! He is so good, His mercy lasts forever and ever! Please Lord, by the power of Thy Holy Spirit please help me to no longer be judgemental, and please help me to be what You want me to be, praying in the name of JESUS, Amen! Thank you Lord for everything!
Amen!
Amen! Thank You Lord!
Good one Pastor!
Thank you and God Bless!
Amen!
Thank you for this reminder. I am trying to catch up on all the devotions that I have missed in my busy Life.Your devotions are always spot on and true! There has never been one that I did not believe or that failed to touch my heart. God is speaking through you Pastor Dion with this devotions. I thank you for all the effort and time that you put into doing this. God will continue to bless you for this..