“The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time. “Get up! go to the great city of Nineveh and preach the message that I tell you.” Jonah got up and went to Nineveh according to the Lord’s command…Jonah set out on the first day of his walk in the city and proclaimed, “In forty days Nineveh will be demolished!” (Jonah 3: 1-4) Both the man of God and God’s chosen people had forgotten the reason God had chosen them to be His treasured people. (Isaiah 42:6-7) “I am the Lord. I have called you for a …
Jonah’s Nature in Us
Be careful – there is a lot of Jonah’s nature in us. We see what Jonah values – self. He expresses joy when God shows him compassion in providing comfort, but expresses anger when God shows compassion for citizens of Nineveh. Jonah is all about self-comforts and worldly values. God Values Life. “So the Lord said, ” You cared about the plant, which you did not labor over and did not grow. It appeared in a night and perished in a night. But may I not care about the great city of Nineveh, which has more than 120,000 people …
The Joy of Giving
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:7 “Each person should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” One of the things which has helped me become less self-centered and more charitable is to fashion embroidered items and give them away. I love to see how the creations emerge from a blank piece of cloth, giving shape and color to the design. I have sewn aprons, pillowcases, and items to frame. I love to see the delight in the faces of the people who receive the gift. During my …
Deeper into Fathers Love
Come deeper into the Fathers victorious love that overcomes all things. His love will help you to overcome that trial that you are in. He wants to wrap you in his loving arms. Let him comfort you and equip you. Not many people will understand the Father’s love. Some may not understand this righteous path but follow the Lord’s way and choose His way anyway. We don’t love for people, we live for God. His love will help you become a burning bright light within your soul. Allow His love to help you endure all things. Draw from His strength …
Staying Humble
Colossians 3:12 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Ephesians 4:2 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Micah 6:8 “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” When Jesus came to Capernaum, a centurion, an unlikely man, asked for his help to heal his servant (Matthew 8:5-13). The centurion commander of a Roman army during …
Such a Simple Act
I found myself mesmerized as I watched my grandkids playing in the sandbox. Their giggles reminded me of something we often forget. Sometimes we don’t realize that we are given a gift each day. It’s called life. If you can’t find anything to smile about, try this. Reach out to someone in need. Make a phone call. Write a letter, or place a potted flower at your neighbor’s doorstep. A simple act of kindness is simple to do. You just have to take the first step. Someone recently helped me, without expecting anything in return. Wow! It made an impression …
Are You A Teacher?
When I was a girl I enjoyed teaching school. Generally school was held in the garage of our home. At one of the places we lived I even had a big chalk board! I assumed I’d grow up and be a teacher. And I did. But not the kind of teacher I thought. God has given me opportunities to teach about Him – and my major is on His love and His care. I needed to know that most of all, so as I learned about Him I have become more proficient at this subject. Proficiency is achieved through wisdom …
At the Cross-My Purpose is to Serve
My husband, sister-in-law, and I were out of town for their father’s funeral. The night before, we settled into a nearby hotel and did what all modern, technically limited adults do; we checked our Facebook. Almost immediately, I noticed a post about an accident near our home. Our daughter lives next door, so I checked in with her. She was in shock. Three teenage girls were involved in a one-vehicle accident about a half-mile away. In the confusion, neighborhood parents were calling to make sure their kids were safe. Meanwhile, medical helicopters were sitting down, and the parents of the …
At the Cross-Bathed in Mercy
I’d just made the bed and was bent over, picking up dirty clothes when I heard the bed springs squeak. I looked up to see my two-year-old grandson, Bostyn, jumping as high as he could, trying to touch the ceiling fan. Catching him midair, I put him on the floor, smoothed the bedspread, and regathered the clothes. Two steps outside the bedroom, I discovered the toddler sitting on top of the kitchen bar, playing with an ink pen. He’d used the computer unit as a step stool to climb onto the desk and then onto the countertop. I scolded him …