Most accept that there’s at least some form of deity, or divine power, in charge of the Stage of Life. Others prefer to ignore such thoughts completely. But there’s also some who seem bent on running in the opposite direction, when it comes to anything to do with the existence of an Almighty Spirit Being…
READ JONAH 1 Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts.
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
The idea of trying to hide from someone who’s omnipresent (ever-present) may sound absurd and yet, I can head in the opposite direction often – in my actions, attitudes or thoughts – when it comes to obeying my Maker. It’s nice to think of some sort of benevolent Father God who watches over us even when we sleep.[a] But when it comes to obedience, however, my attitudes seems to change dramatically!
In today’s chapter, the ancient prophet Jonah is positively fleeing from the God he professed to serve. [v3] As far as we know, life before this moment was going well. Jonah even had a rebellious King respecting him as a “man of God” and obeying his words.[b] But asked to do something dangerous, disagreeable, or even embarrassing, and Jonah’s sprinting in the opposite direction! So, I think it’s stories like these (that Father God has miraculously preserved for me to read today), which tell me that I’m OK. I may get it wrong. I may, at times, attempt running in the opposite direction. But overall, there’s HOPE – even for the likes of Jonah and I – if only I keep putting one foot in front of another, keep saying sorry, keep my compass set to His Handbook, and keep moving forward.
Read More? CLICK to follow “24 August – Additional Notes”
But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.
Wanting to connect with the One in charge of everything? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help…[c]
THE LORD’S PRAYER:
1. Praise: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”
May I be among those who raise their voices and shout for joy. I want to cry out from the west concerning the majesty of the Lord! [Isaiah 24:14]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
The World: The people of Mali[d]
Your Country Leader’s role in world affairs
Yourself: Financial needs
Your concerns for today
Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; and give heed to the voice of my supplications! [Psalm 86:6]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”
You saved me, Father God, not on the basis of deeds which I’ve done in righteousness, but according to Your mercy, and by the washing of regeneration and renewing by Your Holy Spirit. [Titus 3:5]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but delivers us from evil.”
Heal me, O Lord, and I’ll be healed; save me and I’ll be saved, for You are my praise! [Jeremiah 17:14]
“For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory now and forever. Amen!”
When questioned, tested, tricked or in His hour of great need, Jesus spoke what was previously written in God’s Word.[e] So, the final section on this page is about memorizing the script through 10 topics. Following these will help you learn 52 portions from the bible in a year! THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Prayer
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9]
[a] Psalm 121:4
[b] 2 Kings 14:25
[c] Matthew 6:5-15
[d] http://www.operationworld.org/country/mali/owtext.html
[e] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31