Now Yahweh's word came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 'Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach against it, for their wickedness has come up before me.' But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of Yahweh. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid its fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of Yahweh. Jonah 1:3 WEB.It was late one Saturday afternoon when a friend stopped by and invited me to church with him the following morning. I politely declined because the thought of getting dressed up in a suit and pretending to be someone else one day a week did not appeal to me. Besides, I knew some of the people there, and during the week, they often behaved worse than me. Even the friend that invited me had probably smoked a joint on the way to my house.
Like Jonah, I ran from God and evaded Him for years, or so I thought. In time, He caught up with me. One night while playing music at a party, I met the Lord, and suddenly, my whole life changed. My friends no longer knew me. Suddenly I wanted to know everything there was about God. My old interests and friends soon faded away, for they scattered like roaches when a light is turned on, and that light was Jesus.
Over time I learned that you don't have to wear fancy clothes or pretend to be someone else to please God, for that is only man-made traditions. We should always be ourselves, seven days a week, and not have to put on "The Church Face" to come into His presence. Work clothes are just fine.
It is not just a Sunday thing, but more of a Monday through Friday thing. God so loved us that He gave His only Son to save us, just as we are. When you fall, get up and take another step. God is not mad at you, and when you turn to Him, He will immediately accept you. Sure, you should live a life that demonstrates faith in God, but you don't start out perfect. You won't even end that way, but you will get better over time.
Begin to involve Him in everything you do. When you need help at work, stop, and pray about it. Most of my testimonies are what God has done for me during work hours. Know that God seeks a personal relationship with you during the week, as much as while you are at church.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for accepting me just as I am. I want to serve You, Lord, with all my heart. Please draw my heart to You. Consume me with Your love and deliver me from the things that hinder me. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!Note: Ladies, today is Thankful Thursday at the "Ladies in Distress" group (our RHM women's group)! You are welcome to join in our weekly sharing of thankfulness for the Lord's presence and any blessings you may have experienced, big or small! "Ladies in Distress" is a private group, so if you have any problems joining, just post anywhere and we will help you :). Here is the link:
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Amen, Father I Thank You for saving me
Thank you dear God for giving me hope. Praise God Praise Jesus Amen
Amen. Thank You God for Your sacrifice for us. You are first in my life. Without You, I am nothing. Please save us from all evil. Amen
Amen
Amen
Thank you Jesus for loving us. Amen
I am so grateful for You in my life Jesus, Amen.
Amen!!
Thank You for accepting me just as I am. I want to serve You, Lord, with all my heart. Amen!
Amen thank you Jesus for catching up to me and for changing me from the inside out, I love you!!
Heavenly Father I thank You for putting up with me a sinner, I want to be used by You because without You I'm nothing. Thank You for Your blessings and for hearing my prayers, in Jesus Christ name I pray, Amen. Love You Lord.
Thank you Pastor for these truthful words, God bless you and Sylvia, Amen.
Amen!
Yes Lord Jesus, amen
Amen!
In Jesus name I ask, Amen.
Amen