Now the word of Yahweh 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. Jonah 1:1'3 WEB.The word of the Lord came to Jonah to go and preach to Nineveh. Yet, Jonah fled in the opposite direction. God had told him to go to Nineveh, but Jonah went to Joppa, then he took a ship down to Tarshish.
Nineveh (in modern-day Iraq) was about five hundred miles east of his home in Gath-heper (2 Kings 14:25). While Tarshish (in southern Spain) was twenty-five hundred miles west. So Jonah planned to be three-thousand miles away from where God wanted him to be, and as quickly as he could get there.
Jonah spent far more time, energy, and money doing the exact opposite of what God wanted him to do. As you might guess, trouble followed after him. The Lord told Jonah to do something, but he refused and did the opposite while fully knowing what God wanted. That's a serious decision.
I don't understand what causes a man to do that, but I have done similar things myself. We know to do right, just can't seem to do it. As Paul wrote, "For the good which I desire, I don't do; but the evil which I don't desire, that I practice" (Romans 7:19).
Jonah's life then fell apart and became a living hell. At his lowest point, after being eaten by a fish and sitting alone in the dark. While covered in slime and seaweed, Jonah finally surrendered his life to God and prayed. He reversed his course. Jonah stopped running.
Things changed quickly in Jonah's life, and when he made it to the beach, the exact same word of the Lord came to him a second time. God's plan hadn't changed because of Jonah's bad behavior. His instructions were still "Go preach to Nineveh."
There have been times when I thought that God was finished with me. Yet, when I finally turned to Him and prayed, I heard the same word come again. His plan for you is still there, even when you knew what to do and did the opposite. "For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." (Romans 11:29). The Lord still has a plan and purpose for your life when you stop running and turn back to Him.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for having mercy on my life. Forgive me of the times when I have lived contrary to Your will. Lead me, and I will follow. Teach me, and I will learn. Please work Your perfect will in my life and guide me into all that You have for me. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!Note: Don't forget to "Spring Forward" if your area does that :)! This morning, we will be hosting our RHM Live Online church service. This is a special time of worship, prayer, fellowship and an inspiring message. All are welcome! Here is the link to join:
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OH LORD GOD GIVE ME A CLEARER VISION AND UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT YOU WANT ME TO DO.. YOU TOLD ME TO SIT STILL..PLEASE HEAL MY,BODY, MIND. AND SPIRIT, FINANCIALLY TOO. SO I KNOW WITH OUT A DOUBT WHAT YOUR PLAN IS . GUIDE ME THE WAY YOU WANT ME TO GO. PRAISE YOU AND GIVE YOU GLORY. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE IN MY LIFE, EVEN THOUGH I DON'T UNDERSTAND SOME THINGS. I LOVE YOU LORD JESUS.
XO
SHARON
Amen
Amen and Amen, Sharon!! Oh Lord, please, heal my sister's body, mind and spirit, please give her assurance to let her know that You are with her every step of the way and please meet all of her needs according to Your goodness and mercy, all according to Your will, in the name of JESUS, we ask and pray, AMEN! (h5)
BLESS YOU, THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS...AMEN
Amen.
Amen
AMEN. Heavenly Father, allow me to follow your plans. For they are the right ones. Thank you. AMEN
Amen
Amen
Amen Good Morning Everyone Have A Bless Sunday
Amen!
Amen
Amen!!
Amen and Amen!!! Why do we have to fall so low, to our knees, to finally look up and see the Lord for who he is, to see His plan of redemption, and then, when we look back we wonder why it took so long? But, praise the Lord, I looked up and saw the Lord for who He is, my Savior, my redeemer! What a blessing again to be able to attend today's service again, PTL!!! (h5)
Amen! PTL for our RHM worship gather!
Amen
Yes, amen Lord
Please work Your perfect will in my life, Lord and guide me in Your service. Amen
Amen and amen Lord!
Amen
Thanks pastor Dion. I needed to be reminded of this again.
Thank you once again for this great devotion. I look forward to these every day. I so often feel like Paul when he says, " I dont do the things that I will to do but I do the things that I dont want to do" As human's we often times cant seem to get it right. I am so thankful that God forgives me each time this happens in my life. He always welcomes me back with open arms and he always forgives me because that is his nature. He loves us so so much that He does not want to lose any of His chilldren. We just have to get up, confess our sin and pray for forgiveness and get back on track again. Thank you Lord for always loving us and forgiving us, in the name of Jesus I pray!
Amen!