I ASKED THE LORD THAT I MIGHT GROW
GOD SENT A STORM
AND THEN GOD SENT A GREAT FISH
WHEN JONAH WAS IN THAT FISH
HE CAME TO HIS SENSES
REPENTING OF HIS IDOLS
ASKING THE LORD THAT HE MIGHT GROW
MOST OF US HAVE DONE THE SAME
PRAYING, AS WE HAVE BEEN TAUGHT,
THAT WE MIGHT GROW
OR PRAYING, AS WE KNOW WE SHOULD,
THAT OUR CHILDREN MIGHT GROW
This is our last week on Jonah before we begin a new series next week. We wrap up with a major point of Jonah. Though God cares about our happiness, He is more interested in our holiness. One day, in eternity, we will understand.The Gospel is what helps us both see our sin and trust Him to repent and turn to Him. It helps us “hold on” in trial, to, as Susan has said and pictured in her testimony this week, “reach out our hand.”
John Newton was A slave trader who, though a believer, could not see his sin for decades. He even prayed that God would help him catch Africans for his slave trade. He wrote to his wife Polly from one of his inhumane slave ships: “I feel like Noah, shut up with so many unclean creatures, but in a much smaller space.”
John Newton also knew, as a believer, that he should pray that he would grow. As an older, transformed man, the man who gave us the hymn Amazing Grace, he wrote another hymn I’d like you to listen to carefully. Here is one beautiful rendition:
In this contemporary version, one line is changed. Where you heard:
Instead of this he made me feel, the hidden evils of my heart
And let the angry powers of hell assault my soul in every part
The original was:
Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.
Here is the whole song (courtesy of the link Elizabeth gave us to an article by Carson and Keller)
I asked the Lord that I might grow In faith, and love, and every grace; Might more of His salvation know, And seek, more earnestly, His face.
I hoped that in some favored hour, At once He’d answer my request; and by His love’s constraining pow’r, Subdue my sins, and give me rest.
Instead of this, He made me feel The hidden evils of my heart; And let the angry pow’rs of hell Assault my soul in every part.
Yea more, with His own hand
He seemed intent to aggravate my woe; Crossed all the fair designs I schemed, Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.
“Lord why is this,” I trembling cried, “Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death?” “’Tis in this way,” the Lord replied,
“I answer prayer for grace and faith.”
“These inward trials I employ,
From self and pride to set thee free And break thy schemes of earthly joy, That thou may’st find thy all in Me.”
These lines refer to the surprising end of Jonah. Jonah has preached to Ninevah (albeit a lousy sermon) and then gone outside the city to see what happens. He is angry — fearing God will forgive the Ninevites. His idols are back. As Calvin said, our hearts are idol making factories. So God designed a trial just for him. It was hot — blistering heat — something like the summer many of you have experienced this year.
JONAH WAS SO GLAD FOR THE VINE THAT
SPROUTED UP QUICKLY OVERNIGHT GIVING HIM
RELIEF FROM THE BLAZING HEAT
AND THEN GOD SENT A WORM…
The Lord is serious about refining His children.
In this life, the Potter puts us continually over the fire.
Martin French: The Potter
Did Jonah ever mature to a godly man with some stability in his maturity?
Yes.
Do you know how we know?
Find out with this week’s final sermon from Keller on Jonah. You will also hear a testimony from our dear Susan on how to respond in the midst of trial. She’s living it out, day by day.
Sunday/Monday Contemplation and Ice-breaker
(Dee will be talking on Women and Friendship on Monday and Tuesday on James Dobson’s Family Talk — you can listen online: drjamesdobson.org)
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
2. Think about some of the greatest blessings God has given you. Then think about how you have been tempted to trust in those blessings, and how the Lord has had to teach you not to trust in that blessing but in Him. Share here.
Monday-Wednesday: Dee’s Bible Study and Susan’s Testimony
3. Review Jonah’s prayer in the belly of the fish (Jonah 2) What honest repentance do you see?
4. Yet, describe Jonah’s half-hearted sermon when he “obeys.” (Jonah 3:4)
5. When we watched Rachael’s video, she said, “It is such a daily battle.” Many of you really have grown in regard to your idols — and yet, write here how you must battle daily with a besetting sin.
6. How did the Ninevites respond and how did Jonah respond to this?
7. Describe the dialogue between Jonah and God in Jonah 4:1-4
8. Describe the blessing God gave and then how he took it away. What was His point?
I have, indeed, been pondering how I have trusted in nearly every blessing God has given — instead of in Him: my health, my marriage, my children, my ministry, my savings…and God has had to show me, with each one, that it is “sinking sand.”
9. Listen to the song “I asked the Lord that I might grow” again, and write your reflections.
Susan’s Testimony
Susan came on the blog during The God of All Comfort, when her nephew died. Susan is particularly conscientious, doing her lesson carefully. She has a challenging life, for her husband is an unbeliever who often is hostile, and her teenage sons often model him. She faces this each day, but most of the time (and she is vulnerably honest) she reflects the grace and love of Christ in the midst of this pain.
During a time of fear and depression, a friend sent me this verse, torn from a book, tucked securely in her
purse, until one day it fell out and she knew it was for me.
Fear returned when my nephew died of a drug overdose. “Lord, I am afraid” – of my parents’ declining health, my sons leaving home, of not having intimacy in my marriage, of being alone. My fear shows my idolatry – depending on some thing or someone other than God. Like Jonah, I must exclaim, “Salvation is from the Lord.” How do I move to a new level of faith? By holding out my hand.
from: http://www.stellajane.co.uk/
10. Comment on Susan’s testimony.
11. How might you apply Susan’s wisdom to your current trials?
Thursday-Friday Listen to this sermon by Keller:
Link: Click Here
(This was in the series many of you purchased at the beginning of this Jonah study. If you didn’t get it then, you will need to purchase it individually.)
12. What are your notes from the sermon?
13. How do we know Jonah matured?
Saturday
14. List three major take-a-ways from Jonah — referencing the specific passage, and putting each in a single sentence. Then write down a personal prayer for yourself, incorporating at least one of the take-a-ways.
Rebecca is singing this morning for you early birds who see this and will pray for her!
Rebecca–praying for a smooth morning getting all to church and for your sweet offering to the Lord! So wish we could all be sitting in the front row–but we are in our hearts! ;)
Read this post earlier and wanted to comment..In a nutshell it is a sweet post, love the French pictures and can’t wait to do it this week..Susan, LOVED LOVED this!
Thanks so much for praying..Prayed from 4-5 this morning..God is good..Still nervous. I am used to preparing for weeks with musicians, however most often I prepare at home, then only go over it a few times with a guitarist Wed. night before we do it Sunday morning..So I am not as prepared as I prefer to be, but God is growing me!!
Sunday/Monday Contemplation and Ice-breaker
(Dee will be talking on Women and Friendship on Monday and Tuesday on James Dobson’s Family Talk — you can listen online: drjamesdobson.org)
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? – I think for me what hit me was God is all for our happiness, but he is watching what we do with our holiness. How we live our life is more important to God then the stuff we have in our life. He wants us to be happy of course with the blessings he has given us, but what we do with those blessings and where they are in order in our hearts is key. Is the Lord number one on the list in our hearts and minds or is it our blessings that he has given us. Did we make those blessings our idols? That’s where I will have search my heart to see what blessings are now my idols and turn that back around.
Thanks Susan for being open with your life and struggles and how you cling to the Lord for your help so we can learn to do the same.
2. Think about some of the greatest blessings God has given you. Then think about how you have been tempted to trust in those blessings, and how the Lord has had to teach you not to trust in that blessing but in Him. Share here. – The most major one is when I was in-between jobs and I took a real estate class and passed. I started selling real-estate while I was still married to my first husband, and was doing ok, but then I was “speaking into existence” I’m going to be rich, I’m going to be rich. Well I had a real good year that year but then everything started to go bad. My marriage was breaking up, my clients were spending their down payment money or falsifying their income tax return, and the sales stopped, my marriage ended and I was stressing out how I was going to pay my mortgage since I got the house in the divorce. I tried everything I knew to do, pawned my jewelry, looked to the government to help financially which they did but was short lived. I then had to sell the house pack up my two young boys and moved to an unknown area where none of us knew anyone. At the time I did not know why I moved there but the Lord did. I quit selling real estate to find a “real” job then started crying out to the Lord to help. Opened up my wallet and held it up to him saying you see whats in here, nothing so I need your help to live, to take care of my boys. After a month and a half with no money coming in I finally got a job and things slowly started to turn around. It was then an uphill climb coming out of the hole I was in, but thru that time, I just started to trust in the Lord and cry out to Him for my needs. He met them, maybe not in the way I would have liked but in the way He knew was right for me at the time. It was not an easy battle doing it myself but once I turned to the Lord in my time of need it was a much lighter load for me to carry.
Julie, I am sorry for all that you have been through. I see that He has proven Himself faithful and grown you through it all. You wanted to be rich and He did give you riches, just not the kind you thought of. He gave you Himself. I think your testimony illustrates exactly what we are learning here. Thanks
Julie,
Your testimony is so powerful, especially how you held up your empty wallet and said to God, “You see whats in here, nothing so I need your help to live…” Wow. Truly in every way, we are “bankrupt” without Him. It is encouraging to see how He met your very real needs.
Love how you cried out to Him and He answered, Julie.
Thank you for sharing this Julie, it is good to know more of your testimony.
Julie, thank you for sharing. You are in my prayers, sweet sister.
This post looks so good. Susan is such a dear soul. I can so identify with the continuous times on the “fire”. I’m anxious to get to this lessons. However, I will be out of internet range for a couple of days while we travel home.
Hope your singing went well, Rebecca.
I have hardly been able to wait to share our sermon subject this morning. When I sat down with the bulletin I almost got on here with my phone. Wrestling With God!! I don’t know why but I am amazed. I never cease to be amazed with God.
Sorry to post so much at once–we plan to leave town tomorrow so I’m not sure how much I’ll be online this week. I’m trying to get what I can in now, but want to first tell Susan-I am so thankful to have “met” you here. You are a gift—such a steady example of standing firm amidst daily storms. Emotional turbulence all around and never knowing when you will be attacked, I just hurt for you. But your humility, your vulnerable heart has allowed Him to use you mightily. I pray that you will feel Him strengthen you each day for what lies ahead and that you will feel the grasp of His hand on yours, sustaining you, loving you. Thank you for sharing your heart with us, you are so loved Susan.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
This line from the song “Instead of this, He made me feel The hidden evils of my heart; And let the angry pow’rs of hell Assault my soul in every part.” And this from Dee “The Lord is serious about refining His children. In this life, the Potter puts us continually over the fire.”
Recently one night I was struggling with pain and I tried to ponder the Cross. But in my selfish state I wondered why—why do we still have to suffer here when He did pay it all. Why couldn’t we have heaven now. And here I am reminded of the answer—my sinful heart needs refining. He is refining me that I may one day reflect His glory.
2. Think about some of the greatest blessings God has given you. Then think about how you have been tempted to trust in those blessings, and how the Lord has had to teach you not to trust in that blessing but in Him. Share here.
Lately I have felt a bit like a child learning to jump in and swim without floaties or a life vest—just expected to jump in the arms of my Father, and trust. Some of my security has been ripped off and I want them back! And like the Israelites, I think some things I used to cling too look rosier now that they are gone. There are other blessings I still am tempted to lean too heavily upon. I have a tendency to be dependent on certain relationships, especially my husband. But God lets me see ways even the “good” things let me down, they don’t satisfy or meet every expectation. I have had glimpses where in the midst of the deepest loneliness He comes in because only He can—and I sense Him as the Only One Who can truly hold me up. I want those moments to become what defines me.
3. Review Jonah’s prayer in the belly of the fish (Jonah 2) What honest repentance do you see?
In verse 4-Jonah consciously decides to look to God and trust in Him. He will look to His Holy Temple. He praises God for saving him, and he recommits himself in verse 9, to turn from idols and turn only to the Lord.
4. Yet, describe Jonah’s half-hearted sermon when he “obeys.” (Jonah 3:4)
He tells them they have 40 days to repent and choose to live for God or they will be destroyed.
5. When we watched Rachael’s video, she said, “It is such a daily battle.” Many of you really have grown in regard to your idols — and yet, write here how you must battle daily with a besetting sin.
One thing I am still prone to is having reactive love. Often the way I interact with a loved one is based on how they’ve treated me—did my husband call and check on my appointment, are the kids fighting all day, did a friend remember something important…whatever the scenario on their part tends to affect the way I respond to them in mood, words, demeanor. Maybe a tiny bit sulky, or maybe it’s my exasperation with the kids fighting. In some sense my love is conditional.
Today in church we sang “All I Owe”. These lines especially struck me: “All I owe you paid for me, From all I owe I’ve been set free, And all I owe proves your great mercy to me. When I stand before your throne, Dressed in beauty not my own, When I see you as you are, Love you with unsinning heart, Then, Lord, shall I fully know, Not till then, how much I owe.” And the end of the bridge “Teach me, Lord, on earth to show, By my love, how much I owe.”
What most hit me were 2 things—one, that in His mercy, I think we are shielded here from the depths of our sinfulness. The more I draw near to Him, the more He shows me—and yet I think there are so many forgotten things that only once I stand before Him and fully know His grace, can I even know the depths of my wretchedness. It’s just too much to bear.
The 2nd thought was the last line “Teach me Lord on earth to show, by my love, how much I owe”—my reason for showing love to others is based on how much I owe—it’s based on my need of grace, not based on their actions, or whether they deserve it. It is a constant daily act of obedience on my part to recall to mind just how much I have been forgiven—and that reality alone gives me no excuse but to offer love and grace, regardless of the circumstance.
Elizabeth,
Your post here is powerful. Thank you for your kind words, too. I will miss you this week, are you going on a vacation? I pray for rest for you and a wonderful time.
I liked your thoughts on “reactive love”. Oh, how I struggle with that, too. You have no idea. I find it, at times, nearly impossible to show or feel love for my husband, for example, because I am reacting to something he has said or how he has treated me. I think of what would Jesus have done if He had reacted and responded in like manner to many who treated Him poorly – He never would’ve accomplished the work He was sent to do! I haven’t figured out yet how to live “above it” – I know all the verses and have heard the sermons about loving unconditionally, but seem stuck. I suspect, for me, underneath it is pride.
Susan, You are so dear to me! Your stuggles in life are so very hard and I know they are there for a reason…to polish and shine you for glory! Don’t blame yourself for being human and reacting to things said or done to you. God is with you at all times, encouraging and supportive rather than condeming you. Peace be with you.
Elizabeth, Loved this post and especially your heart in how you desire to grow in the middle of such a hard storm with your health. I especially can identify with this: “Lately I have felt a bit like a child learning to jump in and swim without floaties or a life vest—just expected to jump in the arms of my Father, and trust. Some of my security has been ripped off and I want them back! And like the Israelites, I think some things I used to cling too look rosier now that they are gone.” I will keep lifting you up and asking for His mercy to heal you.
Praying for a safe trip and great time, Elizabeth. (and pain free)
LOVE THIS, Elizabeth! “All I owe you paid for me, From all I owe I’ve been set free, And all I owe proves your great mercy to me. When I stand before your throne, Dressed in beauty not my own, When I see you as you are, Love you with unsinning heart, Then, Lord, shall I fully know, Not till then, how much I owe.” And the end of the bridge “Teach me, Lord, on earth to show, By my love, how much I owe.”
I would like to ask for prayer for my family. Tomorrow, July 31st, is the third-year anniversary of the death of my nephew, Thomas. Then, his 25th birthday is August 10. It’s a hard time of year for us. Thank you for praying.
oh Susan–I will definitely be lifting you all up, so sorry
I will pray too Susan. I’m so sorry for the pain and the loss.
May you and all of your family find comfort in memories of Thomas. Lord, please bring thoughts and memories that will bless.
Will be praying for comfort, peace and strength during these next few weeks.
Susan, I am so sorry.. I am sure this will be rough! Will lift you all up.
I will be praying for you, Susan. Yesterday was the 3rd anniversary of my nephew’s death from a drug overdose so I know exactly what you’re going through.
Praying for you and for your sister Susan, and for you Dawn.
Thank you Susan for opening your life to us, and honestly sharing your struggles here, we are honored to be your friends!
I will be praying also Susan…I’m so sorry, I know this is so hard.
Praying for you and your family, Susan.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I am blessed by the song and oh the words – so beautiful touching me in my soul.
I like how Calvin puts it, our hearts are idol making factories. This puts it in perspective for me for I tend to want God to show me the problem and then I want it to go away. Not so with idols they are a daily ongoing work.
I didn’t know who Rachael was so I went back and found it. I also viewed the new videos and LOVE the new one of Rebecca – so much better and easier to listen to and understand. I also skimmed the week I missed with the beautiful woman in the cleft. Her nakedness reminds me that He knows everything about me, nothing is hidden from Him so I might as well not try to hide.
Kim, when you said this, “I like how Calvin puts it, our hearts are idol making factories. This puts it in perspective for me for I tend to want God to show me the problem and then I want it to go away.”
This is me, I can soooo relate! Also loved your perspective on the cleft picture. That is how it made me feel as well-vulnerable and naked but I can trust Him-He knows the depths of my soul and the dirt in the churning waters better than I do yet still wants to take me higher-can I trust Him in the refining? When I remember the Gospel I can say-oh yes! :)
Thanks for all your prayers these past weeks :) I turned in the paper tonight (before 11:59!) and I AM FINISHED! YAY! Now I can focus on the things most important in our earthly life…learning the Bible and enjoying each other.
Sarah is still home. Thanks be to God.
Congratulations Laura!!! Have a blessed time with your mother. Still praying for Sarah.
Laura-dancer, “like” :-) Excited for you-praise God!
Happy news, Laura!
We feel your relief Laura, enjoy your time with your mother!
Praise God!
LOVE the song!!!! Excited for our study this week. I love the singers voice and the words are so meaningful.
In response to the blessing God has give me……God blessed me with precious babies. My little children were “normal” and I miss those days so much now that they are 15 and up in age. I have no where else to turn but to Him. They are their own people and time moves on.
I am heading to Georgia tomorrow to see my sweet mother.
Safe travels, Laura, and I hope you enjoy your visit with your mom!
Glad all the “stress” is over and have a great time with your mom. Travel safe!
Have a blessed time with your mother, Laura!
Good Morning! I would like to come back to 1 and 2 later. My time is limited this morning and I wanted to go ahead and start the study.
3.Jonah recognizes God’s deliverance and thanks Him. He realizes that he has been clinging to idols and rejected God’s faithful love. His repentance consists of thanksgiving for salvation. He determines that he will fulfill his vows to the Lord. I think that as a prophet he had made formal vows of devotion and service that he did not keep when he boarded the ship to run from God.
4. I think Jonah’s sermon was half hearted because he showed no love or concern for the Ninevites. He just walked through the city proclaiming that it would be overthrown in 40 days. His heart was not really changed and did not reflect God’s love for these people.
It strikes me as great that God uses, like Jonah, our half-hearted efforts anyway.
I agree Kim. We do put so much emphasis on presentation and on what we do. Really it’s about what He does.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I love this song, “I asked the Lord”-have it on my play list. I didn’t realize it went so well with Jonah-wonderful!
“Did Jonah ever mature to a godly man with some stability in his maturity? Yes.” -When I read this, I lept and I can’t wait to hear the sermon.
2. Think about some of the greatest blessings God has given you. Then think about how you have been tempted to trust in those blessings, and how the Lord has had to teach you not to trust in that blessing but in Him. Share here.
My children. They were becoming my identity but I didn’t know it.
Don’t laugh but I had dreams that my oldest would be a pastor because he was articulate, memorized Ephesians 6:1 and had a soap box at a little under two, but little did I know that was a symptom of Aspergers. Then my second born was diagnosed with Autism. This side swiped me. I had little pastors, missionaries, artists and future athletes in my home-in my mind at least. Yet when my second child was 2 years old I ended up immersed in Autism-fighting against time to give my son a chance. The floor dropped out and God showed me He is sovereign. I knew He wanted me to trust Him instead of trusting in the blessings of children, but it was such a struggle. Every idol was being challenged over the years but I didn’t know I had idols until I came here.
Looking back I now see that when our world was shaken, this was the first pound of the chisel on the stone of my heart. With my boys diagnosis He awoken me to my identity crisis and began to pry my fingers off my pride-and in dying to myself. It is a process, but HE IS GOOD, and HE IS FAITHFUL. :)
I see God is refining me in this way, “The way up is down, the way to live is to die to yourself, the way to find yourself is to stop finding yourself but to find Him, the way to rule is to submit, the way to freedom is to give yourself to him completely. Jesus gave himself utterly to the father in obedience and was exalted to the top. Jonah threw himself completely into the justice of God and found down there God’s gracious provision.”- Tim Keller
These are such good thoughts, Rebecca, and no, I didn’t laugh when I read #2…I can identify!
Hey – how did your singing go at worship yesterday? You may have told us and I might have missed it!
Susan, It went great overall. There was a glitch, but it ended up not being a big deal. Thanks so much for praying! :)
I remember when my oldest graduated and got a great job at a leading firm. God cautioned me to be thankful and not prideful.
Oh Kim, I can so understand that! I would be tempted as well.
Rebecca, I LOVE THIS!!!!I see God is refining me in this way, “The way up is down, the way to live is to die to yourself, the way to find yourself is to stop finding yourself but to find Him, the way to rule is to submit, the way to freedom is to give yourself to him completely. Jesus gave himself utterly to the father in obedience and was exalted to the top. Jonah threw himself completely into the justice of God and found down there God’s gracious provision.”- Tim Keller
Joyce, I know! I have that on my fridge. ;)
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
“I asked the Lord that I might grow – God sent a storm”
“The Lord is serious about refining His children”
These phrases, and the words of John Newton’s hymn, stand out to me. As I listened to the hymn and read the words, I wondered about the fires and trials of his life, his experiences, that he put down on paper in this hymn. I don’t think he wrote it thinking this will be a “catchy” tune, it had to come from his own personal experience. Newton wanted to grow in his faith, in love, and grace; he had no idea how God would answer this request, it was not in the way he had imagined.
So why do I imagine it will be any different for me? I so often lament about my spiritual immaturity, lack of growth, not being able to respond differently to my ongoing circumstances, not being able to rise above them and experience joy, peace, and contentment in their midst. I end up having days like yesterday, where I feel very low and depressed, almost numb.
It reminds me of what Joni Earackson Tada once said. She described trying to kill herself by shaking her head violently, hoping to break her neck higher-up. She did this soon after becoming a quadriplegic; she didn’t want to live. One day, she prayed, saying God, if I can’t die, then You have to teach me how to live like this.
The question, “Did Jonah ever mature to a godly man with some stability in his maturity?”,
is a soul-searching question for me. I could put my name in there, “Will Susan ever mature…” Right now I don’t display a lot of stability or maturity. Over and over in our study on idols and Jonah, I am seeing that growth comes the hard way, through trials. I think of Chris, and how she has come by her maturity and wisdom in the hardest of ways, the way no one would ask for. Living with autism and Asperger’s has matured Rebecca. Living with daily pain has matured Elizabeth. With Julie it was a divorce and having to support her children. Every woman on here has grown through trials, every woman has her own story.
So true, Susan, and your have your own trials too, and you’ve grown in faith because of them.
3.Review Jonah’s prayer in the belly of the fish (Jonah 2) What honest repentance do you see?
Jonah sees that there is no way out but to search for God. He says, “I said, ‘I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’” He knows he has disobeyed, he knows he is more worried about himself than others. He knows he is wrong.
4. Yet, describe Jonah’s half-hearted sermon when he “obeys.” (Jonah 3:4)
So, he doesn’t have to be good at being an evangelist; just evangelize! Now, this brings up a point from the (hard) lecture that Keller gave last week…..and this might be why I had such a difficult time with it overall. According to Keller (whom I abolutely love), people won’t hear the true Gospel unless they believe it is credible, intelligent,plausible, and intimate. But if they don’t naturally gravitate to the Gospel, and someone has to bring it to them, then that “evangelist” would need to show all those points for the person to believe, right? The person would need to exude credibility, intelligence, plausibility, and intimacy with the scripture. That way they are believable to the person.
However, Jonah is a horrible evangelist and “gets her done” anyway. I suppose that negates my idea that I have to be all those things to be able to help others know the Gospel. Still pondering the lecture; I must be slow.
He (Keller) said that people are more intelligent than they were long ago? That now they question, where before they just believed to believe? Today, they want a “credible source” and it is questionable to some that God is credible? They have to believe that it is a way for them to succeed (plausible), and they have to know it is just for them (intimate)? I’m just pondering and it seems that the sermon from last week fits right in here.
5. When we watched Rachael’s video, she said, “It is such a daily battle.” Many of you really have grown in regard to your idols — and yet, write here how you must battle daily with a besetting sin.
Well, sin is apparent in my life. Daily I think it would be eating too much, and focusing on myself instead of others; putting my needs above those around me. I guess doubting God too.
I hate to admit it, but sometimes when things are soooo wrong in life, I can’t understand why “God” puts us through it. Sometimes it seems like everyday there is another problem that I can’t personally “fix” so I get down on God. Is it that way in everyones lives, or just mine? is this my contol idol being beaten?
For example, everyday last week something else broke in my house; my freezer, my septic pipes, my car. At the same time a call comes in from some lawyer for Sarah (uh-oh, not sure what that is about), we don’t have money to pay one bill (never happened to us in 23 years); and my mother in law is not doing well after surgery…..the list of troubles grows everyday. I found myself drowning, like Jonah. I had to write my paper (6-8 hours a day), I had to help at VBS because I made the commitment, and my dog wouldn’t stop barking!!! You know what I did? I cried, For a long time. I couldn’t believe God would do these things to me. He didn’t. He is my only way out, so I prayed. I prayed for peace inside, I prayed for Him to circumvent the situation with Sarah and the pipes (George snaked and we think all is well). We have another freezer that just needed to be cleaned and hooked up, my mother in law has turned a corner and is doing better,and the car issue was no big deal (just more money). So I have whittled the list to 2 things now….Sarah (a knawing thorn in my side) and the bill. God is good; He will help us figure it out.
Laura,I have days and weeks like that too, where nothing goes right, but everything wrong! I wonder if God isn’t trying to get my attention, and focus on him and pray and read his word. Life gets so busy, I forget to put him first and he reminds me somehow!!
Sorry, the 31st is Tuesday – I had my days mixed up. Tomorrow is the anniversary of my nephew’s death. I asked everybody to pray for today! Well, I know God has it straight!
ok
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? Oh this is all so good. I love the song! I can relate to the prayer. That is when refining started intensely when I prayed a prayer like it, Lord do whatever it takes to make me more like you. :)
2. Think about some of the greatest blessings God has given you. Then think about how you have been tempted to trust in those blessings, and how the Lord has had to teach you not to trust in that blessing but in Him. Share here. A huge one is in the area of prayer. God has put me in touch with His will often in prayer so when I pray the things often come to pass. I then am tempted to take credit for it. I am trusting Him now though, long story short, it has been a process of refining through much pain but He has shown me this is for His purposes and I am happy to partner with Him. Such a blessing indeed. I almost missed the sacred!!! All is grace. I love Him so!
Just listened to Dee on Family Talk. Great job Dee!
I agree Julie, it was good.
Yes, it was wonderful!
2. Think about some of the greatest blessings God has given you. Then think about how you have been tempted to trust in those blessings, and how the Lord has had to teach you not to trust in that blessing but in Him. Share here.
I have been having a horribly down week. I have been blessed with a loving and supportive husband, but if I share too much with him he worries to the point of distraction. I have been blessed with a friend, but the gossip around my workplace has changed the dynamics completely (she is able to adapt easily, I have not). I have been blessed with parents who love me, but they are depressed and cannot bear the burden. I have been blessed with a great therapist, but I can only see her every 2 weeks. I have been turning more and more to crying out to the Lord. My pain only gets stronger and deeper and I am afraid that I am seeking relief, not Him.
heading out of town–but dawn–just saw this and want you to know i am praying for you
Dawn, I think crying out to Him is exactly what you should do. Even if what you are seeking is not exactly right you are going to the right place. He will sort it out. Praying for you too.
Dawn, I’m so sorry…I will be praying for you.
Dawn,
I’m so sorry you’ve been so down. Yet I see a lot of wisdom in your post…you are seeing your blessings of a supportive husband, a good friend, parents who love you, a great therapist – all good things, gifts from God, yet after each one you see and name the limitation that they have and then how you are turning more and more to the Lord. You are not putting all your trust in “man” and relying on people to fill your every need. It took me a long time to wake-up to the fact that people in my life couldn’t give me all the love, security, support, etc…that I need.
I’m praying for you and I saw your post above that you also had the anniversary of your nephew’s death, so it is a hard time for you and your family.
Dawn, I didn’t realize you lost a nephew also 3 years ago now.
What stood out are a few things:
That God values our being holy above our happiness .
Anyone could be happy. Non Christians can be happy, and yes I believe God wants us to have happiness. But I believe He desires fellowship with us. And in order for us to have fellowship with a Holy God, we must allow Him to make us holy.
1Peter1:16 “be ye holy..”
Not a religious or moralistic holiness, but actual transformation of the heart.
The quote from Calvin: “our hearts are idol making factories”
Because we are human, we still have that chance of creating idols within us. Like Jonah who gave thanks to the Lord for all He had done, thinking he was going to die in the fish. He returned back to his idol of hate even after Nineveh repented.
Its scary to think we too can return to idols even after repenting. Which why we need a daily walk with God. We need His fellowship.
He wants our fellowship, but He cannot be where there is sin! Which is why repentance is vital.
Nobody likes to be told they are sinful, but that is the nature of man in a fallen world.
Much to ponder this morning.
LOVE THIS Laura!!! “Its scary to think we too can return to idols even after repenting. Which why we need a daily walk with God. We need His fellowship.
He wants our fellowship, but He cannot be where there is sin! Which is why repentance is vital.
Nobody likes to be told they are sinful, but that is the nature of man in a fallen world.”
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I am looking forward to this weeks study, it looks like it will be so good.
The lyrics to the song stood out to me. I prayed such big prayers, I used to pray that God would lead me in paths of righteousness for his namesake, I see now that while I was sincere, I was also very prideful. I am humbled now, a bit afraid of His power, I suppose I needed to be more in awe of Him.
It is hard to grasp that such a hard trial came to us because of His great love, not in spite of it.
“Break thy schemes of earthly joy” stood out to me, while this has happened, I sort of feel lost, like I haven’t yet really learned how to live on the hope of heaven, I have flashes of it, but I do somehow miss the hope I had in earthly things that now seem so hollow.
This is very profound, Chris. “I do somehow miss the hope I had in earthly things that now seem so hollow.” I appreciate your honesty in this. I can identify. Sometimes I ponder about the sadness of walking through “this veil of tears”. While it is important to get to the point that we realize that the earthly things we counted on to bring us happiness are hollow, replacing those idols with happiness in Christ during our deep grief is hard. One of the things that has made a difference for me is for the “penny to drop” in understanding that God really does have my best interests in mind, even when I cannot see it at the moment.
One day last week, we were out canoeing. The sky was cloudless and so clear blue it was breathtaking, but later rain clouds moved in and that beautiful blue turned to ashen white and gloomy. When the clouds cover the sky, it is hard to remember that there is sun and stars still shining beautifully above the clouds, just as it is hard to remember God’s deep unchanging love for us when we are in pain. Not much wonder our hearts are idol making factories. We so want to escape our pain that we believe the lies that earthly things will make us happy.
Diane,
I am pondering your thoughts on Chris’ thoughts. Your illustration of the beautiful clear blue sky becoming ashen white and gloomy. Suddenly we forget the sun is still shining above those clouds. We forget God loves us when we are in pain. I am one who doesn’t like the pain and I want to get out of it quickly. “We so want to escape our pain that we believe the lies that earthly things will make us happy.” This is such a key reason for the problem I have with idolatry.
1. What really stands out to me is the question: does God want us to be happy? Laura Marie said that she thinks yes. I think I agree with her and yet know that holiness is just as important. I don’t think a person can be happy apart from God and one can’t have His presence without holiness. I think that is why holiness seems to be more important. It is essential but could it be that happiness is God’s purpose? Surely it is in eternity. But here on earth there are circumstances that we can’t put in any category, such as Chris’.
I don’t know but Ann Voskamp said something recently that has had me thinking since. I don’t remember it exactly but I think she said that she mostly prays for her children to be happy because she knows that the only way they will be is to be growing in the Lord. I like it because it leaves much room for God to work according to His plan and ways. I have found so much freedom in leaving things in the Lord’s hands. With that said I have to tell you that for the past week I have had a greater battle with fear than I can ever recall. I used to be very fearful and I would do something to take my mind off of it (engage in idolatry I’m thinking) but this week I have been leaning in and it has been tough. I’ve had little sleep and a lot of psychosomatic issues. Last night I prayed for sleep and had a wonderful night’s sleep, waking early and refreshed. My stomach is better too but I know that the war is not over. Not yet.
Will be praying Ann for you and Joey!
Joey goes to the neurologist tomorrow.
praying Ann
I didn’t forget, Anne…I’m praying for a good report for Joey!
Thanks so much for you r prayers. God is working in Joeys heart. Things are surfacing. I so want to be Jesus in his life but I am so not! How I need You LORD!
Praying for Joey’s visit to neurologist, Anne – let us know how things go!
Praying for Joey’s visit to the neurologist and for his heart moving Godward.
3. Review Jonah’s prayer in the belly of the fish (Jonah 2) What honest repentance do you see?
In verse 8, he admits he clung to an idol and that he turned away from God’s love for him-he has learned. It is easy to see through this whole prayer there is a repentant heart.
In verse 4 he says he was banished from God’s sight,yet now he can look again to His Holy temple-so there is restoration and restoration can only happen with real repentance.
4. Yet, describe Jonah’s half-hearted sermon when he “obeys.” (Jonah 3:4)
He went into the city to declare in 40 days they will be over thrown. I think it is a process..He really did repent and in the fish his fellowship was restored, his idol was replaced and He turned toward God’s love, but they can regenerate when confronted with the trigger again. His trigger was the Ninevites because of their hatred for him and his people. It was difficult for him while in their presence to not run to his idol again.
I almost sense his sermon was out of duty to God, not out of love for God.
5. When we watched Rachael’s video, she said, “It is such a daily battle.” Many of you really have grown in regard to your idols — and yet, write here how you must battle daily with a besetting sin.
I am so like Kim in that once I see it and I repent and turn to Jesus, I want that to be over and done, but they do regenerate. So that is my battle I think. Comfort is there but definitely not the huge mountain it was. I can identify easier now and turn, but it seems control and approval in relation to singing and ministry have popped up a lot lately. It is a daily battle! I recall before I sang last Sunday basically telling God-I don’t understand this, why am I bending toward fear again..Help me to turn..
6. How did the Ninevites respond and how did Jonah respond to this?
The Ninevites turned but Jonah became angry.
7. Describe the dialogue between Jonah and God in Jonah 4:1-4
OH MY, I can relate to Jonah…I do love this dialogue, I really do. Jonah was in the belly-now that is an extremely intimate and powerful extension of mercy and Grace God poured over Jonah. How scary that must have been for jonah to be willing to be thrown into the sea-to die..
Yet, here he is after going through all of that, facing his idol and falling into the temptation with anger. These ninevites were like Al Queada is to us pretty much. They were horrible, so I understand Jonah’s temptation.
He doesn’t back away from God though-this is what I love. I think he knew his anger was wrong yet he poured out his heart to God and didn’t run again. He even said it is better for him to die-he couldn’t have what he wanted and what he thought was just so he would rather die. I love the way God responds: “Is it right for you to be angry?” I think this was the beginning of the process of God helping him to work it out in his heart and eventually turn.
8. Describe the blessing God gave and then how he took it away. What was His point?
This is all about refining. Jonah’s control idol made him struggle with anger and pride because when something happened out of his control he became angry..So God gave him shade and when that was taken away his control idol surfaced and anger arose-then God said, “Are you angry about the plant?”
God was allowing these things to happen to reveal in Jonah’s heart who he was trusting in-anger stems from trusting in other things with an idol at the root..God was focusing on Jonah’s anger-helping him to open his eyes to it.
I love how you equate the Ninevites to Al Queada. I can relate to this!!!
Kim, They are similar to the Ninevites in how they kill and oppress people, yet to see God’s Grace and Mercy toward the Ninevites in Jonah-giving them a chance to turn-wow. I have to admit after 9/11 and in hearing how they oppress women in Afghanistan, and all the horrid kidnappings and be-headings I had no mercy. Yet I have heard stories how some have turned to God. There is one story of the son of the founder of Hamas who came to know Christ. His story is compelling, wonderful. :-)
6. How did the Ninevites respond and how did Jonah respond to this?
The ninevites listened to jonah because they did believe in God. They were afraid. Their king even listened and went into “prayer mode.” Jonah got mad. He thought the ninevites didn’t deserve to be saved by God.
7. Describe the dialogue between Jonah and God in Jonah 4:1-4.
Jonah was angry. He thought he shouldn’t live anymore because God saved the ninevites. I think he must have felt like “why bother?” I guess it was because Jonah thought he was always so “good” and they were so “bad” that he deserved to be saved “more” than they did. God questions Jonah on this asking him if it’s right for him to be acting this way.
2. Think about some of the greatest blessings God has given you. Then think about how you have been tempted to trust in those blessings, and how the Lord has had to teach you not to trust in that blessing but in Him. Share here.
A very great blessing is good health. I can easily take it for granted every day, feeling sort of invincible and independent of God. Having had a major surgery 4 years ago, I saw how quickly the body can ‘go south’, and there’s nothing you can do to control or stop what is happening in your body. Being on the operating table is a very humbling experience.
I had endometriosis so bad that the surgeon told me I had been in danger of losing a kidney and I had a huge cyst pressing on the artery to my right leg, which he said could have suddenly cut-off the circulation and would’ve been an emergency. My body is not to be trusted as the one that sustains me, but rather it is God who gives me each breath.
My children are three wonderful blessings. After I got over the initial shock (and selfishness) of a new baby and no longer being able to do what I wanted when I wanted, my children quickly became my life. I learned through our study that I had made idols out of my children and my identity has been all wrapped-up in them. They have been my source of love, companionship, comfort, security, approval, affirmation. They have been the objects of my idol of power/control. Kim’s reminder in her post to not be prideful, but thankful, when our children have a great accomplishment is a great reminder.
I think it is going to be a painful lesson, on-going, for the Lord to teach me that He must be first and not my children. Ryan will be leaving for school in less than a month, out of state, four hours away. My oldest will finish his last year of college and then I don’t know where he will end-up going.
My heart is an idol making factory, too, and I see myself as the one who is even pushing the power button!
Susan — I sent you an e-mail — please check your e-mail!
the thees and thous just mess me up so i re-wrote the song in my own words. hope i didnt loose to much of the meaning. That God is more worried about my holyness then happyness is what stood out to me the most. the books sacred parenting and sacred marriage speak to this a lot and have had a huge impact on my life.
I asked Jesus to help me grow in faith and love and grace,
I asked Him to help me seek him with all my energy.
I begged Hime to take all my sinful thoughts and desires and actions so that I could stop fighting them so hard because the more i try to fight them in my own strenth the more it seems they take over.
All my best layed plans fall apart and Im left flat on my face again begging you to change my heart.
Whe God Why will you not just make me perfect!
“perfecion is not what i seek…..I will give you grace and faith enough for today, what I want for you is to be set free from your pride and self relience and to come to trust in ME ALONE!”
That’s great to have a Cyndi paraphrase.
2. my greatest blessing are my kids. My fear of losing on of them is sometimes overwhelming….and not just losing them to death but of losing them to the world. sometimes this fear makes me act in ways that encourage them to look elsewhere for approval. In the last few years I have been able to give this fear to God more and more but i still find myself in a panic, heart racing because i have imagined a car accident or a rebellion. This is a daily struggle for me.
The lord has been teaching me that my value does not come from them but from HIM. I think He will be teaching this to me all my life:-) My head knows this but my heart is a little slow in catching up! I pray that I can continue to put my eyes on HIM for my value and not on my kids!
2. Think about some of the greatest blessings God has given you. Then think about how you have been tempted to trust in those blessings, and how the Lord has had to teach you not to trust in that blessing but in Him. Share here.
I think I am bent toward trusting in my blessing in a myriad of ways, but in an effort to be specific I will focus on one.
God has pulled hard on me over the years to desire spiritual understanding, I am drawn towards and spend time on pondering spiritual things, as all of us here are I think, or we probably would not stick around.
I have at times felt pride about my “depth”, wondering why others don’t seem to pursue, desire, or grasp understanding at all. Ouch, it is ugly to write it down and look at it.
I acknowledge that I am His because He called me, I have intellect and understanding only in accordance with how He has blessed me with it, any ability I have has been given to me to glorify Him and to serve the Body of Christ, not to engender pride in myself.
1 Corinthians 4:7
“7 For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?”
I need to lean on Him moment by moment, and not on my own understanding.
My response towards others who seem apathetic ought to be brokenhearted prayer on their behalf, not superiority.
Oh, Chris. You are brave! This is so insightful, “I have at times felt pride about my “depth”, wondering why others don’t seem to pursue, desire, or grasp understanding at all. Ouch, it is ugly to write it down and look at it.”
I can identify with this. Thanks for saying it out loud.
The appt went well. Joey has a test Friday and maybe more according to the results. I did not get the impression that he suspected anything serious. He mentioned a condition that he said is not that serious but that may be reason to rethink his career path. That would be the kind of thing that is good to know now.
Thank you all for your prayers.
This is good news, Anne….please keep us posted!
So glad to hear this good news, Anne
2. Think about some of the greatest blessings God has given you. Then think about how you have been tempted to trust in those blessings, and how the Lord has had to teach you not to trust in that blessing but in Him. Share here.
Besides my husband and children one blessing I have is resourcefulness. I can usually figure out any situation, devise a plan, scheme, or come up with an alternative. What I have to be careful of is thinking I can do things and get puffed up in pride or even think I can help God with problems. Many times the Holy Spirit has reminded me to be still and wait or that He does not need my help. This gift can become quick sand if I’m not careful to rely on Him and ask Him for guidance first before stepping out on my own. I have learned not to trust my heart for I know from experience it is deceitfully wicked and has got me in more pinches than I want to admit.
3. Review Jonah’s prayer in the belly of the fish (Jonah 2) What honest repentance do you see? I can relate to Jonah here: ‘I have been banished from your sight, yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’ It seems like no matter how much I fail the Lord or fall away I can always look to the temple and I can always be welcomed back to His loving arms. Really I am not banished but it feels like I am.
4. Yet, describe Jonah’s half-hearted sermon when he “obeys.” (Jonah 3:4)
5. When we watched Rachael’s video, she said, “It is such a daily battle.” Many of you really have grown in regard to your idols — and yet, write here how you must battle daily with a besetting sin.
Oops, I will answer 4 and 5 later.
2. I am so ashamed of my answer to this question. I struggle with whether I should even share it. I am not attached to people. There is some disconnect in my soul that has prevented me from such connection. I don’t understand it but place my hope in healing from the Lord.
The blessing that I have trusted in is security. I am not wealthy but have always had adequate income so that I have never experienced hardship. This is a blessing that I recognize and I am thankful for but I can also see that it is a source of fear. In looking at it I can see a huge comfort idol. It’s much bigger than the approval idol. It causes me fear to even talk about it because I know that it leaves me open to attack from the enemy. I do talk about it because I want to grow and because I trust You Lord.
The neat thing about sharing something that is difficult is that now we can agree in prayer for the healing you desire. Bless you, Anne.
Love your honesty, Anne. I feel you have connected to us and we to you! You are a treasure here.
But it is good to be aware of a disconnect in your soul face to face, for you can and are asking the Lord about it.
Yes I agree there is strong connection for me here. But it is safe behind the computer screen. The face to face is another matter. It’s like I am afraid of breaking if I open up too much. Breaking might actually be the cure.
I can identify with you here, Anne. Interesting comment this, “Breaking might actually be the cure.” Praying for you.
Diane thank you for praying. I do think this is why the Lord has brought me to this point.
Anne, opening up your heart and soul and let it come out. I have to do that myself alot!
5. The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of besetting sin is fear. As we have done battle with idolatry I have gained much victory but lately the fear has returned. The way I battle it is to look for the source which is always an idol. At first I learned to identify the idol of approval. I would then speak truth to my soul about how much God loves me. Sometimes I would even look at the reason I felt disapproved of and find that it was actually something the Lord approves of. Now I think the Lord is taking me to a deeper layer and that is why I am battling so much fear again. This time it seems to be comfort and security as I mentioned above. Also, I think much of it is a subconscious fear of punishment for my sins and mistakes that I know I deserve. But what I have to speak to my soul is the gospel-Jesus took my punishment and I am free. THAT is more precious than gold.
6. I am a little confused about how we know that Jonah’s message was half hearted. God told him to go and preach the message that He would give to Jonah and that is what he did. The Ninevite’s response is surprising to me. They seemed like a hardened, cruel people yet they responded to Jonah’s fire and brimstone message as he walked through their streets. Jonah was furious at their response which must be the answer to my question. He delivered the message as commanded but he had no desire for the Ninevites to be delivered.
7. Jonah accuses God of His mercy and compassion! Wow! I see that we can speak our hearts to God. Then God asks Jonah if it is right for him to be angry then it appears that Jonah goes away to sulk. He sat watching to see what would happen to the city. I’m pretty sure he was hoping they would get what they deserved.
8. God gave a plant to shade Jonah and give him comfort then he took it away and sent a scorching wind that made Jonah so uncomfortable that he wanted to die. Jonah became angry because his comfort was taken away. I think His point was that Jonah only really cared about the things that benefited him. He had no real mercy and that is why he was angry that the Ninevites were spared. God tells Jonah that He cared about the Ninevites because He created them. That is the difference between Jonah and God.
I felt it was half-hearted because He didn’t offer them any hope — I feel the Gospel was cloaked — he told them how bad they were, but not how loved they were. I know it was before the cross, yet even he knew, from his prayer in Jonah 2, of God’s love. But love to discuss this with you, dear deep sister!
I see what you mean Dee. The gospel was cloaked. That is a good way of putting it. All judgment and no love.
4. Yet, describe Jonah’s half-hearted sermon when he “obeys.” (Jonah 3:4) Am I to understand that this sermon was just a sentence or two? I agree with Anne. We don’t really know much about the sermon until the next chapter when we see Jonah’s reaction to God’s mercy.
I wonder if I’m not a lot like Jonah in that I really don’t concern myself overly much about the salvation of others.
5. When we watched Rachael’s video, she said, “It is such a daily battle.” Many of you really have grown in regard to your idols — and yet, write here how you must battle daily with a besetting sin.
It is a daily battle because it is a daily death. Every day we choose whether to be consumed with self or consumed with God b/c all idol worship is rooted in selfishness. The stronger will win and the day I think I’m alright and don’t set my eyes on Him is the day I fall right back to idol worship.
This is so true Kim, daily, hourly, moment by moment even
Kim,
This is so true, “all idol worship is rooted in selfishness”.
Dee, I listened to part 2 on Dobson’s show last evening while the boys were at Karate-you were WONDERFUL as usual-so gifted. Also your message really resonated with me.
9. Listen to the song “I asked the Lord that I might grow” again, and write your reflections.
I love the contrast in this song from the first half to the second..We want growth, we want to seek his face and grow in faith, in love and every grace, but we think He would help us by causing us to stop sinning and give us rest so that there is no wrestling.. Yet what He does is expose our sin, our pride and ordain ways in which we are pressed and it comes to the surface and sometimes it is so hideous and deep rooted-he has to root it out and it takes time..but had he just taken it away without any process of suffering and going to Him-how could the refining process happen? Like Keller said we must Limp-he must break our pride and us continuing to run to idols-earthly joys-and what we think a follower of Christ should look like. I think we are wrong with what it ‘looks like’-we think it is someone who is perfect, does everything right. So not true. Through these trials that seem to go deep and some that last forever, this is the way He produces real faith and Grace in our life.
Good thoughts, Rebecca. I especially like your observation about what we think a follower of Christ should look like. “we think it is someone who is perfect, does everything right. So not true. Through these trials that seem to go deep and some that last forever, this is the way He produces real faith and Grace in our life.”
I thought I had to be perfect (or lacking that to appear perfect)for so many years and hid my struggles as much as I possibly could. Now I begin to see that trying to appear perfect when I am not has actually caused problems in relationships. I still struggle with being “REAL” with people, because I am afraid they will not approve and will reflect poorly on Christ (or so I have told myself for many years). Being “authentic” about my struggles is still an idea that I am learning. There is a balance, however, between just dumping on people or telling too much and being so private that it hinders honest relationships. I find it hard sometimes to find the balance. I am seeing how telling people a bit more of my struggles does open them to telling me about theirs, though, and opens the door to telling them about Jesus, my hope.
8. Describe the blessing God gave and then how he took it away. What was His point?
God gave Jonah a plant that would shade him in the heat. I’m not really sure why He gave the plant and then took it away. To make Jonah appreciate the small bit of shade he had? God says Jonah enjoyed the plant but did not bother with it; he didn’t care for it. It came and went quickly. Somehow this relates to the ninevites. God says He should take care of the ninevites because He could. They repented. They listened. They were mighty (120,000) and (I’m sure) some believed in God. They believed enough to listen to the weak “sermon” Jonah gave. Maybe God felt like He had “tended” these people that they deserved to live. He wanted to give them a chance to ask forgiveness. I’m just not sure of the relationship between the plant and the ninevites.
Please pray for my mother. She is weak from the 3 years or so of having to go through chemotherapy for stage 4 breast cancer. I suppose we are lucky she has lived so long. It has taken a toll on her body and I don’t believe she will be here much longer. I am sad. She is sweet and smart and I would love to have her here for a few more years to chat with and cook with and such. Our bodies eventually give way though. That’s the hard part here; she is cognizant, but her body is not cooperating. I only have a few weeks and then school starts. The grind begins again. I am supposed to go home for a 2 day meeting with my colleagues to get ready for the year. I think I should stay here instead; as long as I can. She needs help. I need to pray.
Dear Lord, thank you for the time I have right now to spend with my mother. Thank you for the years I have had with her. What a blessing it has been! Please help me to know how to help her right now. I don’t know anything about being a nurse. Help me to be strong because my children are watching me. Help me to help her, she is not able to do much with herself and it is sad for me to watch. Give me strength. Guide me as to what to do about the meeting. I feel like I should stay here and not go back. Amen.
Oh Laura, I am so sorry about your mom. This is so hard, for both of you. Cancer and chemo are terrible things to endure. It is sad to watch the toll it takes on your mom. I will pray for both of you.
Father, I do lift up Laura’s mother and ask that You might comfort her, sustain her, heal her. Be with Laura in her time with her. O Lord, be so present please.
Dear Laura, this is so hard. I will be praying for you for strength and wisdom as well as for your mother. I agree with your heart that wants to stay with your mother as much as possible.
My mother passed away 5 years ago from leukemia and I spent several months with her at the end and cherish the memories so much.
May God hold you and your mother close as you pass through these deep waters.
Oh Laura I am so sorry! I did not realize your mother has breast cancer. I will pray for you both. Treasure your time with her and if I were you I would make plans for as much FML as you can afford. I would let them know right now so they can get a sub. Sorry, I am getting bossy. I did that when my mother was dying and I have been so glad that I did. Surprisingly it was my husband and mother in law who were resistant. It did put a lot on them for they had to take care of Al but Joey went with me for he was a toddler. I did not care. Those steps were ordained by the Lord and it was while I was there that she came to the Lord. I’m sorry but it is time for the world to stop and wait for you. I will pray for you. Especially for you to have good nursing instincts, advice and help. Hospice is a really good thing and I would get them involved as soon as they you can. They will help you so that she can stay at home as much as possible. Such a bittersweet time.
Laura I’m so sorry to hear about your mom, will be praying for her and your family.
I prayed this along with you, Laura. I am so sorry your mom is so ill. I pray the Lord has given you some answers as to what to do. I will continue to pray for your sweet mother.
I hope you can spend as much time as possible with her, it’s so hard to lose a parent.
I’ve read through your comments — been light in my comments — my last week with a house bursting with family.
Thanks for your comments on the Family Talk interview. That was an old interview — I was so young — said some foolish things — was scared — yet I do see how God was with me. Some behind the scenes things — Steve was there and proud of me — kept jumping up to take pix — I think Dobson mildly irritated. Steve made him tell how many copies of Proverbs and parables had been sold! And then — I forgot the Serena story at the end, was lamenting at the hotel, and Steve called the producer and got me back in the studio and they just overlaid Dobson’s “What a touching story…” :-) Funny to listen to so many decades later. Oh — and what I said about Naomi being dependent on her husband! Terrible. Had not walked the road of grief.
But you were wonderful! Such a good interview.
Wow, didn’t know Steve was there-what a wonderful memory. I can see him snapping pictures and then calling the studio for you-what a loving man. ;-)
Oh this is sweet Dee, that Steve would make Dr. Dobson tell how many copies had been sold – so proud he was of his Dee! I’m sure Dr. Dobson saw that too. Thanks for sharing another insight into Steve. Love it.
Such touching memories of Steve, Dee. Appreciate your honesty about your “foolish things”, especially about Naomi. Hugs!
heard that interview before:-) always did question the naomi comment:-) makes me laugh out loud that your sweet steve could annoy Dr. Dobson! that takes talent…..and great love for his wife!
You are all so sweet.
That’s funny Dee, I thought you sounded a little different, but your voice is always so comforting and peaceful, I could listen to you all day!
I thought it was wonderful too, Dee, but doesn’t grief put you in a whole different world. Everything changes, our hearts, our minds and our souls.
Hi. I’m jumping in here w/o listening to Keller’s messages yet, but wanted to add something.
I know that God wants my holiness not my happiness. But I have had to learn it again in a difficult way.
Dee, I am up here in Door for the summer, and had asked the Lord to use me while here, and have been keeping my eyes open for opportunities. Secondly, my plan has been to invest this time in former Bible memory passages — getting them back into that permanent memory place in the brain — much harder than when I was younger. I know that as Scripture is there, God brings it to my mind for my sanctification process, but also as I help to mentor ladies back home, starting again in the fall.
That said, those two goals are noble enough (!) — pride? — but I have been having a seriously difficult relationship challenge, spending much time distraught, instead of enjoying every moment God is giving me to delight in the beauty of His creation. Opening up the lesson this morning and the song following the comment on Newton has once again led me to confess my part in this relationship challenge, and feel refreshed with that truth that He wants me holy, not happy!! I so wish I could just get that.
Thank you, Dee, for helping us right where you are so keenly aware we need help from God’s Truths!
Bless you all,
Jean
Hi Jean, thank you for sharing with us this morning.
Oh Jean — I know how relationship troubles can simply sap your energy and cloud the beauty. I do pray for that — for you to have peace. How long will you stay into the fall?
I’m here through Labor Day. Then, here sporadically during fall and winter. Thank you for your prayers. His mercies are new every morning!! (The end of the day MS symptoms are still a battle.)
Love those mornings.
Jean, “Welcome” and so glad you jumped in and shared your story with us. Are you close to where Dee is? I should use my google map and see! I pray for your seeking to be Holy instead of happy…so hard. Praying also for you MS symptoms. May the Lord bless you.
Yes, I am a few minutes from Dee, in the next town north, Ellison Bay. Thank you for your prayers.
Jean I don’t think I’ve seen you on before, so welcome!
5. every day is a struggle to give God control and not to snatch it away. so often I want to tell him how he should run things. and more then that i want to get my life in order and THEN let HIM have HIS time. I forget to get charged up with HIM before I start my day.
I have been struggling with health most of the summer. lots of little issues that build up and take over my thinking. my hormones are really messed up and I have struggled with anger and depression more then i have in many years….I can not seem to focus. Im trying something different and am feeling a little more like myself. I trust in my self WAY to much!!!!
So sorry Cyndi…do you need to talk to a Dr about it? Praying for answers for you.
Cyndi,
When you mentioned “hormones”, I don’t know your age, but is it menopause-related? I found a helpful book, “The Cleveland Clinic Guide to Menopause”, written by Holly Thacker, who is their director for women’s health. She specializes in menopause.
May the Lord give you wisdom to get your hormones in balance!
I just came in from being locked out of the house. Joey was at youth group. It is a nice evening so I went outside but when I shut the door the knob was locked and I didn’t have my key as I did not plan to lock myself out. I tried all the windows before I thought to pray. As soon as I did I thought to check the front door because the lock does not work well and we keep one of those stick things on the inside (those are not as secure as they seem). It was unlocked but I am too thick to get through the space I could get in spite of the stick so I waited for Joey and he went right in. He is at Lowes right now getting himself a key…
Thank You Lord. Next time I will ask You first.
Funny, so glad it all worked out okay!
9. I really can relate to Newton’s heart here. I want to be set free from my sin and yet I see my wretchedness more and more. It is very much like the scorching wind the Lord sent to Jonah. It can make one wish to die because it is so painful. It can seem that He is set against me, as if He would destroy me. Now I see what you are showing us Dee. God’s point with Jonah in Chapter 4 is that he was trusting in God’s blessing rather than in God Himself. That is why it seems He is against us. He is shaking us free.
“These inward trials I employ,
From self and pride to set thee free And break thy schemes of earthly joy, That thou may’st find thy all in Me.”
10. Susan has suffered so much pain. She like Chris is a very talented writer so I have often understood her heart and how she has suffered. She has grown more and more beautiful by doing just as the woman in this drawing is doing. She knows that only in the Lord is salvation and rather than turning away she reaches out to the Lord.
11. In my current trials I can speak Isaiah 41:13 to my soul so that I may not fear but reach out to the Lord and wait for Him. As she said: Salvation is of the Lord!
I plan to memorize this verse.
So good “That is why it seems He is against us. He is shaking us free.”
Monday-Wednesday: Dee’s Bible Study and Susan’s Testimony
3. Review Jonah’s prayer in the belly of the fish (Jonah 2) What honest repentance do you see? Jonah finally realized that The Lord is the only one who can change the situation he was in. That when he cried out to the Lord the Lord answered him and took care of what Jonah cried for and believed that God was the only way thru the trial.
4. Yet, describe Jonah’s half-hearted sermon when he “obeys.” (Jonah 3:4) – he didn’t take the time to make sure that the people of Nineveh understood what he was telling them. It was almost like a burden to him in my eyes and he just wanted to be able to “check the box” as my oldest son says showing a task was completed.
5. When we watched Rachael’s video, she said, “It is such a daily battle.” Many of you really have grown in regard to your idols — and yet, write here how you must battle daily with a besetting sin. – Each day I see and hear more and more of things going against the truth of the bible and what Hod has created this world to be. I’m getting less tolerant of these things and of people. I fight with my mind I guess you can say to not let the little ignorant remarks of people who just don’t know the Truth bother me. Today being 8/1 was what a lot of people were calling Eat at Chick Fil A day to show support for them. I was able to swing by after work and join lots of people supporting this company, all happy to be doing this. People including myself were posting pictures onto Facebook showing the great multitude of people there and then I was attacked, not literally, but verbally on Facebook about being there. I’m am just so tired of Christians and God’s truth being attacked for what we believe. I don’t have a problem with people that don’t believe as I do, but I just wish they would stop and think of what they say and do. I really struggle the older I get with tolerating people.
Your not alone, Anne…I do too. If we would of had a
Chic Fil A here, I would of supported their views also.
6. How did the Ninevites respond and how did Jonah respond to this? – they believed what Jonah had said and were scared of what was going to happen.They turned from every wrong thing they were doing to hopefully find favor from God so they would not perish. God saw what they did and He did find favor with them and did not destroy them.
7. Describe the dialogue between Jonah and God in Jonah 4:1-4 – Jonah was upset and became angry with God, but I think I’m missing something cause I don’t know why he was angry. He’s telling God to take his life from him, is it because he doesn’t believe that he’s worthy enough to live, or is he angry because God found favor with the Ninevites?
Julie, I think you got it-He was angry because God showed mercy to the Ninevites. :-)
Thanks Rebecca. I kept reading different versions to see if they would open it up for me.
Julie — Rebecca is right. I think this is relevant to this whole big debate with Chic Fillet. I am facing it too. Will have dinner Friday with my sister Bonnie and husband who are promoting gay marriage in their denomination. I know God’s heart is for me to love them, as he wanted Jonah to love the Ninevites. And I do. But the dilemma is how to discuss this with them — if at all — for they are so convinced that this is the “Christian” thing to do. Pray for me and I pray for you. I think you were right to go to the restaurant — and it is also right to love those who oppose the truth. How do it well is often the question.
Thanks Dee. I will be praying for your dinner and your sister and brother-in-law and their church to teach the truth of God.
Julie-so good you went to different versions!
Dee- I agree, it is relevant.
I went to Chick Fil-A and bought our family food to support them. We don’t eat out at all hardly anymore because it is costly-but I wanted to support a brother. At one restaurant I heard there were some protesters there but the patrons at Chick Fil-A brought them water and were kind to them-now that is what I wanted to hear! That is Christ! :)
I don’t want to offend but I admit I hesitated to go at first. I struggled with how they may see us/Him perhaps as worshiping morality over Christ-that God is about obeying rules and not about Grace.. I agree, as Dee said, it can be tricky to stand for the truth yet love and do it well.
God is humbling me still with how amazing His love is. Will be sure to pray for your time this Friday night.
I guess I feel like doing/saying nothing is as good as agreeing that something is ok. I believe christians must stand up for the Bible, firmly but in a loving way, as the workers did at chick fil a. I went too and got everyone I knew to go as well.
This is tough stuff, I have a reception I will be in charge of at work in October for a same sex couple.
I thought of the verse in Galatians as I read this that says the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. So many who try to take a stand against these things are so glaringly self righteous and without love it does more damage than good, but even if love is at the fore, confronting sin with truth makes people angry.
I think the homosexual issue is one of the defeaters Keller talks about — I almost don’t want to get into it for that reason — for I feel it deflects –
and yet someitmes you are forced into it
Amazon says I’m a lesbian hater because of my stand in Friendships of Women.
I surely don’t want to be that!
How challenging to do that reception — but I know you will handle it with grace.
I appreciate Chris sharing about her confusion regarding working with a same sex couple. It is interesting that you (Dee) see this as one of the “defeaters Keller talks about”. I have been doing some thinking about defeaters and wonder if Keller elaborates more on defeaters in any of his other sermons or books. I would like to think and learn more about this issue.
Chris,
Such great points. I think God just brought to mind a good example of a good balance. Before I knew Jesus, Angie, who is my sister in law and a believer, planned to go to a bacherlorette party with me but when she found out there was a stripper she kindly smiled and said, “I didn’t know there would be a stripper and I don’t think God wants me to go now, I am so sorry!” I could tell she really wanted to be with me but was disappointed about the stripper-so I felt loved, not judged. She was just being honest but while loving me. He did expose my sin but I was so lost and only thought about it for a while and moved on. I was not offended by Angie at all. I just thought she would miss out on all the fun but I understood. Deep down I actually respected her respect of God. Before that encounter and even afterward Angie still hung out with me and loved me even though I cussed like a sailor. Oh my….
Good example of speaking the truth in love, Rebecca. Thanks for sharing this.
I have to kinda pick and choose some answers as I can’t sit that long, or stand that long. But I wanted to go back and answer this question. 2. Think about some of the greatest blessings God has given you. Then think about how you have been tempted to trust in those blessings, and how the Lord has had to teach you not to trust in that blessing but in Him.
When we had been married just a couple years (20 years ago) and the blended family thing was so difficult and Maurice and I were haveing lots of problems, I would confide in my 15 year old, oldest daughter and I would cry to her and tell her all my problems, like she was my best friend. I had no one else at the time to talk to.
After some time of this, she just couldn’t take it anymore and was having boyfriend problems of her own. She was so stressed out and depressed. She tried to overdose with some pills and ended up in the hospital and then a mental hospital. She spent some time there to help her. After she was out she had a councelor she was seeing weekly and after a while I was asked to join her in some of the counceling times. I learnt why it’s not good for a parent to try to be your child’s best friend. Alot of tears were shed, but I learnt I needed to be her mother, not her friend. She had lots of friends, but only one mother. She wanted me to be her mother and to treat her like I was a mother. She needed me to listen to her and her problems…not mine. And she needed me to even discipline her more, instead of not wanting to hurt her feelings. I learn alot that year…it helped me so much to learn how a mother should be with her children, and not to unload all my problems on them. They are only kids, we are the adults, and should act like an adult.
So, what I’m saying is, that my three children are my greatest blessing’s God has given me and I was trusting in one of those blessing’s…my daughter, Kyla. The Lord had to teach me how not to trust in my special blessing, but to only trust in him. It was a very hard lesson for me and I still feel badly that I put my daughter through that, at a very tender and vulnerable age, that she was. We look back and we both learnt alot from that experience. We are very close and talk alot on the phone, but I still don’t tell her problems Maurice and I may be having…I listen to her and give her motherly advise:) That is what she needs. She is 34 now and married. I haven’t seen her for 2 years this month, and she called me last night to say that she is flying home to visit for 10 days the first part of October:) Her husband can’t get the time off, but hopefully she will get transfered to CO (from CA) in a year or so, so we can see them much more! Sorry this is so long, but I had to share my joy with you about her coming home for a short time. I will need prayer’s when she leaves, like you did, Chris…it’s so hard:( Thanks for listening!
Joyce,
Thank you so much for sharing from your life, and so honestly; that was a painful time in your life and also your daughter’s. I have done the same thing at times, turning to a child for comfort, making the relationship more like being a friend than being the parent. This is very wise advice you give, how the counselor helped you to see that. We can all learn from this. I’m so glad for you that Kyla is coming for a visit, two years is a long, long time to not see her!
You mentioned not being able to sit, or stand, for very long. How are you progressing since your back surgery?
It seems I was better at first, and now getting like it was before. I will probly need fused almost all the way up, before I am better. But before I do more, I need a new knee this winter:(
I love this Joyce & I am glad you chose to answer this question!
I did the same thing with our son Joe. I feel now that sharing my troubles with him drove a wedge between him and his father. This is one of my biggest parenting regrets. Still God can make all things new, Bill is a changed human, I know Joe sees that.
I am sorry to know that your surgery didn’t accomplish what was hoped for.
I am so glad to see that you can look forward to having this time to spend with Kyla, and the bond the two of you share. When they leave I am sad but Itry to focus on the blessing I have in them, and my gratitude that they were able to be home.
Chris, I try to do that also, when she leaves, but it takes me a good 2-3 days to get back to normal! They want to settle in CO, which is only 5-6 hrs away. That would be awsome!
Thanks for sharing this, Joyce. I appreciate your wisdom on this, learned the hard way. God is gracious. It is so great that Kyla is coming for a visit.
Great sharing, Joyce. So glad you are going to be together again. Still praying for you regarding your surgery.
This picture was taken of us two years ago, when they surprised me on my birthday, by coming home…they lived in WY then. That was the last time I seen her
Dee and I both have birthday’s in August!
.
Oh Joyce what a great picture and to be able to look back and see what God has done in both your lives. I’m so happy that she is coming home for a bit and will pray. I know how hard the “leaving” can be. I still don’t like when Kyle comes home and has to live either.
Joyce, love this picture of you-so beautiful you are both inside and out! :)
Happy birthday, Joyce and Dee, whenever it is in August. I too have a birthday in August.
Me, too!
Happy birthday, Susan.
Happy Birthday Susan and Diane! Dee’s is the 22nd and mine is the 14th. Hope you don’t mind me saying so, Dee! When is your birthday’s? We should all form the August birthday club!!
My birthday is the 8th.
Mine is the 24th.
10. Comment on Susan’s testimony.
I love the way God met Susan through a girlfriend. Reminds me of Dee’s talk with Dr. Dobson on the radio yesterday-perfect example in Susan’s story!
Susan was afraid and depressed, and understandably so! She could have shrunk into it and allowed fear and depression to destroy her. Instead she turned from her idol and went to God and said she was afraid. She didn’t try to find comfort in her idols and therefore ‘fix’ herself, or ‘snap out of it’. She went to HIM, who is the Word, and held out her hand. She let Him have her and began walking in faith trusting Who He is.
11. How might you apply Susan’s wisdom to your current trials?
To listen to God when he comforts me or talks to me through a friend. When I fear, to go to him and not to my idols and remember His goodness, His character and the Gospel.
I can share a little more here, Rebecca, about that incident. It was shortly after my daughter was born, and I had severe depression and anxiety. I was almost having panic attacks, and I am usually so laid-back, I couldn’t handle it. I had had some scary health issues during my pregnancy with my heart rate going into the 180′s, it’s called SVT, and fear had taken over so much, even after she was born. I was afraid to be alone or go certain places b/c I was still having these weird palpitations.
A friend invited me and some other ladies to her home for a luncheon, and she lives way out in the country, far from hospitals and ambulance service, I had concluded. I went but I was scared to go!
Before we ate, she read from a devotional, and it was about – guess what – FEAR! I felt like she was speaking just to me!
A couple weeks later, I was sitting on my porch, very depressed, and the mail came and I had a letter from her (her name is also Susan). She told me that she used to suffer from panic attacks, and carried this page from a devotional with the Isaiah verse securely in her purse, and she would take it out and read it when needed. She said that one day soon after I was at her home, and I had shared a little about my problem, that piece of paper fell out on the floor, she didn’t know how it got out. She felt it was God’s way of telling her to pass it on to me. I cried as I read her letter and the verse – I truly felt like God Himself had just sent me a personal letter!
I memorized that verse and the truth from it helped me to overcome my fear. God showed me in many ways how He really was with me and I didn’t have to be afraid.
Wonderful story, Susan.
Thanks so much for telling us the details of this story. It is so touching how God met your needs and overcame your fears through this friend. Beautiful!
OH Susan, I agree with Dee and Diane! Such a wonderful story and it helps to know the details-wow..even more incredibly obvious how God came to you through your friend.
Wonderful Susan, such an example of God caring for you!
There is a lesson there for all of us in Susan’s friend too, reaching out to someone, hearing Gods voice and doing the thing he is prompting us to do.
Susan do you still have SVT episodes? I have had to go to the emergency room too. Magnesium supplements have made a world of difference for me, an 80-90% reduction in my heart rhythm issues.
Thankfully, the SVT stopped. My doctor figured out that I was slightly anemic during pregnancy and he thought that might have triggered it, along with the stress of the pregnancy. I had 2 trips to the ER at that time. It was really scary! The nurses looked at me like I was crazy, kept telling me to just calm down. I’d be lying there afraid to move and my heart rate would speed up! They were even talking about doing an ablation at some point but I didn’t end up needing it.
I’m glad yours is under control now.
I am glad your stopped too!
They wanted to schedule me for ablation as well. A friend who is a doctor suggested I read a book called ‘Is Your Cardiologist Killing You?”, thats where I learned about the magnesium supplements, I am so glad I did.
It’s true. Low magnesium can cause heart arrhythmia. So can low or high potassium and I think low calcium can too. You might have been nutritionally depleted after your pregnancy.
Susan I loved this story! God was speaking to you both! Was this the verse Dee mentioned above in Isaiah? Love it too!
“For I am the Lord, your God,
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you”.
Isaiah 41:13
I also love, Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”
That is the verse I say over and over in my head whenever I am scared…especially before surgery…I say it alot!
Yes, it was the verse I quoted above that was on that piece of paper. I had never read it before at that time, and I really clung to it!
Beautiful, Susan.
8. Describe the blessing God gave and then how he took it away. What was His point? – God gave him him a plant to protect him from the elements but did nothing with this blessing God gave him. Even though we need to trust and rely on God, we have to do our part with the blessings he provides. This shows that no matter how much we mess up or think we are not worthy God will show his love and mercy to us but He needs to see we care and love Him too.
3. Review Jonah’s prayer in the belly of the fish (Jonah 2) What honest repentance do you see?
I find it interesting that he doesn’t beg to be let out of the fish. He describes his near-drowning experience, then describes God’s deliverance. He “looks” toward the temple. Keller said he could not physically see the temple, of course, but he is realizing the awfulness of sin and the cost, that sin requires the shedding of blood. I think therein lies his repentance – he knows and admits he sinned when he tried to run away, even though he doesn’t actually use those words. He tells God that he will do what he was called to do.
3. Review Jonah’s prayer in the belly of the fish (Jonah 2) What honest repentance do you see?
I see him repenting of having tried to run from God, from trying to find his own way, I see him realizing he needs Gods mercy
4. Yet, describe Jonah’s half-hearted sermon when he “obeys.” (Jonah 3:4)
He went, God had told him “to call out against it the message that I tell you”
I wonder what Jonah left unsaid of the message God told him
5. When we watched Rachael’s video, she said, “It is such a daily battle.” Many of you really have grown in regard to your idols — and yet, write here how you must battle daily with a besetting sin.
I think knowing my bent to hide my face from God helps me feel when I am doing it sooner, yet I am reluctant to claim any real change. It seems the more I walk the path, the more see of my penchant to trust the wrong things, the more I am amazed at grace, that God keeps after me, in spite of me.
I woke up today worrying about what I will wear when we go out to dinner this evening with people who are all thin, sort of wishing I had not agreed to go. I had to see the approval idol in my hands again I realize I have a treasure they need to know about, Bill and I can be salt and light among them. My worth comes from Christ, not my appearance
Love your honesty. I can feel the same way. So hard to get past that. Chris — I have seen your pictures — and you are truly beautiful on the outside — I know you are on the inside too.
Thank you Dee, we had a discussion about funeral planinng, I see that they are all so afraid of dying.
We were able to share with one couple how God has answered prayer for jobs for us in the past. My coworker told me yesterday that her husband really enjoyed our company. So I am glad we went!
6. How did the Ninevites respond and how did Jonah respond to this?
The Ninevites repented, turning from their sin, fasting, daring to hope that God might show them mercy.
Jonah was angry and still thought God should destroy them
7. Describe the dialogue between Jonah and God in Jonah 4:1-4
Jonah prays and is miserable because of the repentance of his enemies and God’s mercy towards them. The fears that Jonah had which made him flee Gods call in the first place had come to pass.
I love Gods gentle question to Jonah, asking him to think about his anger. I does seem like something a wise father would say to an upset child, inviting them to grow.
Chris, congratulations on that response to the approval idol! Remembering your treasure and their need. Great 1-2 punch! You are beautiful and I am sure that will be very evident.
I also noticed God’s Response to Jonah. It was so like how God once responded to me. I was upset, crying and having a wonderful pity party. He just asked me why I was crying. It was like cold water to the face. It woke me up and caused me to question what was really going on in my heart. It was a turning point for me and began a momentum out of infancy.
Thanks Anne : )
Yes. Reminds me of his question to Cain.
8. Describe the blessing God gave and then how he took it away. What was His point?
God gave him a plant, shade from the heat, for which Jonah was EXCEEDINGLY glad. I am doubting that Jonah gave thanks to God for the plant, I wondered as I read this if the plant covered him completely, covering and hiding him from sight. He seems to have loved the plant, pitying it when it died.
God provides for us, every good and perfect gift is from Him, I think God needed Jonah to look up, to look at Him and trust Him, to see His great love and mercy and honor that above his own understanding or comfort.
8. Describe the blessing God gave and then how he took it away. What was His point?
I think that God grew the shade for Jonah to show again how merciful He can be even to someone in the midst of sin, which Jonah was at that time by being angry at God for showing mercy to the Ninevites in the midst of their sin. Then He took it away to make the point that HE is the one who gives and takes away. He will show mercy on those that He chooses to, it is our job to obey what God calls us to do. Not to decide whether we want to go along with it based on our feelings and simple minds.
He had been showing His mercy to Jonah repeatedly, but Jonah didn’t get it, that it wasn’t because of Jonah’s obedience that he and the Ninevites were spared rather it was in spite of Jonah’s disobedience they were saved from death.
From The Dictionary of Bible Themes “The anger of God is directed against all human sin, disobedience, rebellion and wickedness, which threaten to thwart his purposes for his creation and people.” (ALL, not just from the unsaved).
So good, Dawn.
7. Describe the dialogue between Jonah and God in Jonah 4:1-4 Jonah regrets it that the Ninevites were shown mercy and reminds God that was the reason he didn’t want to go there. Jonah asks to die and God asks him if he has a right to be angry.
8. Describe the blessing God gave and then how he took it away. What was His point. The blessing of shade on a hot day. I am not sure why God did this but I know God is merciful and sees that we are but dust. He is showing compassion for Jonah despite his sulking.
Showing compassion despite his sulking
So thankful for His grace — that illuminates it, Kim.
12. What are your notes from the sermon?
I have tons of notes, but need to chew on this for a while before I post. Will post tomorrow.
13. How do we know Jonah matured?
I am not sure I have this right, but I think Jonah did mature because of this battle after being in the fish. Jonah forgot his gospel identity and needed to be reminded he is a sinner saved by Grace. He had it in the fish but he forgot. God reminded him of this by asking him the question about being angry. God is so patient and gentle with Jonah-he asked the question to get Jonah to wake up-despite of how sinful he is and a racist he is God is still totally committed to Jonah-He hasn’t given up on Jonah.
The key is in the answer to this: Who wrote the book of Jonah?
Dee, Jonah?!? Wow…If so, I can see now how we know he matured!
2. Think about some of the greatest blessings God has given you. Then think about how you have been tempted to trust in those blessings, and how the Lord has had to teach you not to trust in that blessing but in Him. Share here.
About 20 years ago, God brought into my life a good friend; someone with whom I could confide and she in me. We met through participating on planning a Christian Camp Women’s Retreat. We knew our friendship was a gift from God and we had a strong spiritual aspect to our friendship. We ended up co-directing the retreat for several years and became very close. I even ended up working as Administrative Assistant for her husband for a few years. Then both our husband took new jobs, requiring major moves. Now, for 12 years we have lived 1000 kilometers apart.
I was initially so devastated about the move that I became depressed and very angry with God, much like Jonah’s reaction to losing his shade. I had to learn that I was angry with God, admit I was angry and repent, realizing that trusting Him and focusing on Him was more important than even my precious friendship. I had to learn that God really did have my best interests at heart, even when it looked like He didn’t. His ways are mysterious, but always best. It is a long story but through much hard work, much pain and the graciousness of God, the friendship is thriving long distance. We visit each other once or twice a year and talk frequently by phone.
Great, great story.
Diane, your story is hitting me hard, because God placed my best girlfriend together 30 years ago, at one of Dee’s speech’s, when I was just meeting Dee. This friend of mine, Nita, and I have been through our first divorce’s and her 2nd husband’s death and many, many up’s and down’s. Well, she is getting married and will move 100 miles away in Nov. It seems like a 1,000 to me:( We have been so blessed to be right here in the same town and got to everything together. I have to just praise God for all those years and go on. Things never stay the same and we must enbrace change. But it’s still very hard, even tho we are already making plans and how we will get together, then:)
Oh, Joyce. This will be hard. One of the saving graces for Bonnie and I is telephone plans that include unlimited minutes within the country for a set cost per month. it really isn’t that expensive. Do you have that possibility where you are?
We both have verizon cell phones, so if one verizon caller calls another verizon caller..it’s free minute’s…so yes we have that figured out!
Is this a picture of you and Nita? I too had the same experience with my best friend several years ago. i was devastated, but she was not so much (or so I thought). She moved to the Marshall Islands and it was even difficult to talk on the phone. It took me a very long time to realize how dependent on my friend I had become. She moved back to the states and still lives far away, but we both value our friendship more than ever now.
10. Comment on Susan’s testimony.
Susan is such a light in the midst of much darkness. She is constantly being pummelled by negativity toward her from her family, especially her husband’s attitude toward Christianity. Yet she keeps reaching out her hand toward Jesus, despite being fearful and feeling weak. Her faith is stronger than she realizes. Many would have given up the fight toward godliness. She is still fighting. She reminds me of the woman “Much Afraid” from the story “Hinds Feet in High Places.”
I was reading comments from last week and came across comments by you, Susan, about thoughts of “you should just chuck-it all (“religion”) so you can fit in”. Then you go on to talk about how your son criticized you and your daughter as Christians who are “just mindless robots”. I admire you so much for hanging on with Christ in the face of so much opposition. Has it occurred to you that perhaps they would not criticize you so much, if they did not feel threatened (convicted) that what you say and do rings with God’s truth, but they are not ready to forsake their idols?
Dear Susan, you are in my prayers.
John 6:67-69 (ESV)
67 So Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”
Thank you, Diane. You know, sometimes I wonder if my son is trying to sort out what he really believes and work through his doubts. He used to love going to church, reading his Bible, and helping me teach Sunday school. I wonder if he is watching me, in a way, to see if I would just give it all up and turn away if he expresses to me what is going on in his heart – the doubts, even anger at the hypocrisy of many so-called Christians. He’s verbalizing it all to me, and I know in my heart that he loves me but maybe he’s just trying to vent it and he trusts me enough to say it to me. I’m not going to stop loving him no matter what. If he would see me just give up, then he would conclude there wasn’t anything to it (faith) to begin with.
Wow weeee what a sermon! I am on my third round. Do not miss this one, sisters. This sermon is SO relevant for us today.
Yes, Kim. An amazing, challenging sermon on what forgiveness really means and how to deal with violence in a godly way.
Joey and I just returned from his nerve tests and they are normal! Thanks to all of you for praying and thank You LORD!
That’s great news, Anne. Praise the Lord.
Thank you, God.
Glad to hear this, Anne.
Praise God, Anne!!!
I add my praise to the chorus, rejoicing with you Anne!
12. What are your notes from the sermon?
God refuses to accept the violence of Ninevah or the anger of Jonah.
I liked how Keller went into why they were violent using Augustine’s qyote-If there is one God who is the supreme power and lawgiver over everything in the world, then the world is inherently or originally an orderly peaceful place and God’s project is to bring it back. It is has been marred by sin and evil but it is to bring it back into peace and justice and our job is to bring it back to be part of his program. But they were pagans. Their world view was polytheistic. Polytheism says there were many powers-many gods and that the world was essentially chaotic and violent. If that is true, then you can’t have a just society-the world by nature is violent and therefore justice and peace are unnatural. You have no hope for justice and no basis for justice and since you have no one truth or law giver who is to say what justice is.
In our culture today Professors believe the world is by nature violent-evolution..If there is no God and there is no truth then reality by nature is violent and there is no way to hope for justice and there is no basis for talking about it. If there is no truth who is to say what is true and right.
(LOVED THIS, and this is what I see in our culture of Christianity today-not everyone but overall): YET there is another kind of violence in Jonah: What Jonah does in 4:1-in Hebrew it says, he became evil with the evil he saw. When he saw God refusing to be violent with the violent he became violently angry. What does jonah want? Why is he mad? Jonah is sitting outside the city because he wants to see firebolts to come down and start smashing their buildings. He wants violence. He is mad because there wasn’t any violence. This is saying pluralistic relativism leads to violence, but that religion is also a source of violence.
The danger of morality if it isn’t put into a context of Grace and the Gospel-moral people have a tendency to say the reason that God loves me is because I am moral and I obey the truth, believe the truth and that is what makes me better than other people. When you are not moral but moralistic and take morality and turn it into moralism you have the seeds again for oppression, for abuse of power and for violence.
When Jonah says in 4:2,3. I knew it-I knew you were compassionate! Lord, they never called you Yahweh, they never converted and they are violent people and you relent and give them another chance. Kill me because I don’t want to live in a universe run by a loving God like you. The Bible unmasks the kind of wickedness that can be nurtured in the heart of a moral religious life.
cont….
12. continued..
The Bible is nuanced in saying Pluralistic relativism and moralistic absolutism are the seeds for violence. Every kind of person in every kind of society in every kind of group has the potential for oppression and for cruelty and violence. -This was so good, so true and I loved how he explained both sides.
My comments: I see this in our Christian and conservative culture today as we are trying to fix sin and evil with moralism. YET, I see God refusing to accept the evil and sin, but on the other side he isn’t happy with our anger toward the ones who are sinning. I think our sin and theirs grieves God, but it doesn’t grieve us like it should, rather it makes us angry and we want to convince them to be moral-to be good and follow the moral rules-to change on the outside without letting Him change them on the inside. So we don’t love-we condemn and judge and call them fools and idiots. I see Jonah in me when I was heavily into politics.
Conservative commentators are simplistic compared to the Bible. They say the problem with America is that we have lost our values, we have to get back to our moral values overlooking the fact that religiosity and moralism is one of the great reasons why there is violence. The atheist and secularists were violent as well. The Amish have Jesus as their fundamental so we aren’t concerned about violence from them. If jesus is your fundamental it sucks hatred and violence out of you.
12. Continued…
How God deals with violence:
When someone wrongs you and does evil to you and abuses you, the one thing God does not allow is vengeance. Another thing he doesn’t allow is resignation. Vengeance is I pummel the wrong doer and my goal is not to do what is right for the world, my goal is to hurt him with how he hurt me. I am trying to deal with my hurt by hurting you more.
On the other hand is resignation-don’t bring it up, get past it, no matter what you do the hurt won’t go away now. Resignation doesn’t confront the wrong doer, resignation looks on the surface like you are being more Christian. You aren’t thinking of truth and injustice-the world doesn’t need this person to keep doing to others what he is doing to you. What you are thinking about is your own hurt.
The commonality between vengeance and resignation is that they are both dealing with it in their selfish way by excluding the wrong doer-I put you outside my circle of community forever. In both cases you aren’t thinking of justice, the world or the wrong doer and how that will effect others.
What does God say we are supposed to do? God calls for forgiveness. Forgiveness isn’t resignation or vengeance. God is hair trigger compassionate to Ninevah but he doesn’t let it go.
Forgiveness is getting rid of your hate and anger before you deal with the wrong doer.
Now here is the solution to being angry and how to be able to forgive:
Do you have a right to be angry? God asks Jonah this. If you are sustained in your bitterness toward someone it is because you think you are better than they are. A person who is a moralist is incapable of forgiving because you have to be better than other people.
You can forgive if you feel so humbled by God’s grace that you don’t ever have the right to be angry, yet so affirmed by God’s grace you don’t have the need to be angry.
How do you do it:
You Look at Jesus look at what he has done for me and it melts the anger down. I see what he has done for me and I have wronged him. Jesus overcame violence by paying it himself. When you see Jesus paying the cost for what you have done rather than making you pay for it, now you know the secret as to what it means to forgive someone else.
Forgiveness is not only a refusal to hate someone, it is choosing to love the offender-it is painful but wood nails and pain is the currency of forgiveness. When you forgive, you absorb the cost. How do you absorb the cost? By refraining to think about it all the time, ignoring them, knocking them to other folks, being mean to them when you see them, ignoring them, etc.
I loved what Keller said about how patient God was with Jonah and encouraged us if we are in that spot-God will work on us in His time..God is patient-we are His nothing can change that-look at how patient he was with Jonah. He can shape us to use us in the City.
Wonderful notes!
Thank you for lightening my load this week, Rebecca. I listened while working but wasn’t able to take notes so this helps me much. We have a family member living with us, building our garage and front porch. I am the run-get-it girl and meal maker for however many men are here working every day. Hubby and I decided to save money and hire sub-contractors to build our home so it’s been a very hectic summer.
Rebecca, thank you for your wonderful notes! I would be listening to the sermon and it kept stopping on the middle of it; so frustrating, so I really appreciate your notes.
I’m eager to hear all your take-a-ways from Jonah — for we say good-bye to that book today!
So many August birthdays — Happy Birthday Susan! (And Diane is Wed — Joyce – the 14th!) It’s hard to keep up — so please announce when you are a birthday girl!
You too, August birthday girl!
Happy Birthday! Wow, four including Dee in August! :-)
14. List three major take-a-ways from Jonah — referencing the specific passage, and putting each in a single sentence. Then write down a personal prayer for yourself, incorporating at least one of the take-a-ways.
1. Jonah 1:3a “But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish.”
I can daily run away from God especially when He tells me to love someone I may not love.
Lord thank you that you loved me so much that you took nails in your hands and that you died the most horrific death ever-for me. How can I not love, yet I run Lord. Help me today to remember the Gospel when this person you have laid on my heart comes to mind.
2. Jonah 2:6b,9d “But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit..I will say,‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’”
Oh how I have stones of remembrance of how God has rescued me over and over-and am finally learning why..To drive deeper into my heart who He is, to show me even deeper my Gospel identity and to draw me closer in to Him.
Lord thank you for not intervening on some of my self inflicted storms and for allowing me to see so that you can show me once again who you are and who I am in you. My foolish heart! Oh God I am so unworthy of your patience toward me yet so delighted that you are! I am so loved by you-thank you God for not giving up on me, but for placing your hands around me to mold me.
3. Jonah 4:4 “But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”
And when I stumble, I firmly believe HE WILL COME. He will challenge me via His word and the Holy Spirit-He is faithful in finishing the refining he has started in me. He won’t let go.
Lord thank you for giving your life for me so that I can love others like you love them-like you love me. Thank you that you are making me free from the threat of a bitter heart by pounding the Gospel deeper in still. Thank you that because of You I can have a heart molded to be like Jesus-to Love like Him. I ask that you would give me a more tender heart to listen to you when I am like Jonah and feel an injustice done to me or feel slighted. I do feel that way by a sister at church who struggles with a critical spirit toward others-yet I confess mine is toward her. I am frustrated with the masks and the phoniness and the pride with some in regard to spiritual truths. Yet I have been this way before-prideful in regard to spiritual truths but you showed me compassion, long suffering and Grace. Who am I without you? Yet at the same time look at who I am in You because of you! Help me to rest in my Gospel identity for this is the start. Help me to love like you.
9. Listen to the song “I asked the Lord that I might grow” again, and write your reflections.
It is a somber although beautiful song. A song that makes you think on every line. As the song gets to the end it makes you feel the pain of the writer. I kept asking myself, “when will He give mercy?” it doesn’t happen. It makes me sad, but the Lord tells the writer that he is being refined. It reminds me of life…..things just keep pressing down on us; I have had a very hard week, you think,” please end this pain,” but it continues, just like in the song.
I didn’t realize that I was going to have to be a nurse to my mom this past week. I’m very BAD at these things. My mother has apparently just begun to have balancing issues, confusion, losing weight and incontinence. It seemed to happen right when I got here. I have picked her up off the floor, gotten up in the middle of the night to take her to the bathroom, taken her to many doctors appointments, and cleaned bedding and garments over and over again. I am exhausted, but my children have been a blessing too. Even Sarah (I got her to come with me). I am being stretched. I’m not real sure how we we handle it when I leave; that is another hard decision for our family. We are also not sure if this is temporary due to medicine changes, the fall a week ago, or a nasty urinary track infection. Please continue to pray.
Laura,
Do you have any other family there where your mom lives? From what you describe here, it is not safe for your mom to live alone. Have you spoken with her oncologist (cancer doctor)? It sounds like she needs round the clock care. I would encourage you, as Anne posted above, to contact hospice to get something set-up for in-home care if your mom wishes to stay in her own home. Praying for you.
Also Laura, maybe one of those lifeline’s would be good for her, if she falls
Praying for her and you and all.
Praying Laura,
I agree with Anne, I cared for both my parents as they died, see about FMLA, that’s what it is there for. I know too about feeling inadequate in the role of caretaker, hospice can be a great help. You will never regret spending her last days with her.
Love to you!
10. Comment on Susan’s testimony.
I love this, “My fear shows my idolatry – depending on some thing or someone other than God. Like Jonah, I must exclaim, “Salvation is from the Lord.” How do I move to a new level of faith? By holding out my hand.”
11. How might you apply Susan’s wisdom to your current trials?
Definitely holding my hand to God for help because He is there for me. Don’t look to anything or anyone else.
A friend wrote this on her facebook wall and others are chiming in that the Bible is outdated etc. I want to respond appropriately. Any suggestions? Perhaps an article that explains God in correct context.
“I have read the Bible, and I do not understand the violence, the ridiculous rules that men created (she further refrences Paul saying women should not teach and she is a professor) Ugh. I believe in God, and that God is Love. I believe in Jesus Christ. But I’m not sure I believe in the Bible. It seems like a mean book and depicts God as cruel too often, in my opinion. The more I study it, the more I have a problem with it.”
Kim, your friend reminded me of this that I read this morning.
“Blessed Blows”
Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.
Proverbs 20:30
The first time I read this verse, I cringed. It brought up contorted images of the Spanish Inquisition and the Salem witch trials – or at best, stern, tight-lipped schoolmarms walking the classroom aisles with a rod in hand. Proverbs may be a book filled with wisdom and godly instruction, but this verse seemed better suited for the 16th century.
But my heart has warmed to Proverbs 20:30. That’s because I’m writing this vignette from my bed where I have been spending long days dealing with severe back pain. The encroachment of my disability has humbled me of late: my pride has taken a severe beating as I’ve missed deadlines; I feel humiliated doing “business” from my bed; and I’ve had to bite my tongue from grumbling. God is forcing me to learn the deeper meaning of Psalm 119:67, 71, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word…It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.”
God may land a knock-out blow to your puffed-up pride. He may wound your heart through a deep disappointment. He will go to great lengths to beat hateful habits out of your character and purge selfishness from your soul. Your ego may feel trampled. But that’s not bad. I, for one, know I will come out the other end all the richer and happier for the wounding. It’s what Proverbs 20:30 is all about.
Your God is not a stern, tight-lipped celestial ogre. He’s not on a witch hunt. He is the kind Father who has compassion on his children (Psalm 103:13). He’s also the wise and wonderful God described in Hebrews 12:10 who “…disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.” Join me today in saying “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him…” (Job 13:15).
Lord God, remind me when I feel beaten or wounded that you are disciplining me for my good. I hope and trust in you!
Joyce, your words are a sweet psalm of praise to the Lord in the midst of your suffering. I am in awe of your wisdom and praise for the Lord. God bless you!
Thank you Joyce, this is rich.
Oh my Goodness, you didn’t think I wrote that did you?!!! I wish! It was Joni’s devotional for today!! I guess I didn’t get her name copied…so sorry for the mistake!
I didn’t think so, though you are capable!
You said that you had read it in your post.
Thanks dear Joyce!
Wow Joyce, this is so good. Thank you for sharing. I did write her tonight and the Lord seemed to lead me.
Joyce, Thanks so much for sharing..Love Joni and so loved this, so glad Kim wrote her!
10. Comment on Susan’s testimony.
11. How might you apply Susan’s wisdom to your current trials?
Susan beautifully speaks the truth to her soul that salvation from her circumstances is from the Lord. And she adds that she must reach out her hand. Susan is doing what Dee has taught us. She looks at her situation, speaks truth and reaches to the one out in faith to the who has proved faithful. I must do this daily to keep connected to the vine, to keep from idol worship. I am blessed to know Susan here.
12. What are your notes from the sermon?
I did not write notes out but was struck by God’s great love despite Jonah’s hate/moralistic behavior. I have been Jonah, I was raised moralistic. Keller says religion when moralistic is violent – man, I get this! I don’t ever want to be moralistic again and will fight it the rest of my life. Keller also gives, so beautifully, the answer to ridding one’s self from hate or unforgiveness: Jesus! Jesus’ great unconditional love and seeing the gospel, seeing His sacrifice seeing our unworthiness, sinfulness.
13. How do we know Jonah matured? I wasn’t sure until Dee gave Rebecca a clue as to the author of the book of Jonah – Jonah. Therefore Jonah matured and wrote it to help us.
4. Yet, describe Jonah’s half-hearted sermon when he “obeys”. (Jonah 3:4)
Interesting we are only told one sentence of what Jonah said! All he said was that Ninevah would be overturned in forty days. I liken this to what if Paul, in Romans, had left us only with chapter 1 through half of chapter 3? (only the bad news)
I’m thinking Jonah must have said more but we’re not told. Did people stop him and ask him questions, like what should we do, then?
5. When we watched Rachel’s video, she said, “It is such a daily battle.” Many of you really have grown in regard to your idols – and yet, write here how you must battle daily with a besetting sin.
It is a daily, moment by moment battle for sure. Through this study, I’ve been awakened to the battle with idolatry, and learned to look beneath the sin to uncover the idol operating there. Yet even when it is identified, I can never say, great, I’ve got that one licked. It always returns, sometimes even the next hour! My daily besetting sin can be a tendency to be lazy, not wanting to do necessary cleaning and things that need to be done and procrastinating; being selfish and self-centered, treating myself to things that I feel I deserve (comfort idol). Or, I go on the hunt as to who is going to make me feel worthwhile today, as Keller said, needing a word from the outside to tell you that you are okay, only I look to other people instead of God (approval).
6. How did the Ninevites respond and how did Jonah respond to this?
A revival swept through Ninevah, starting with the people and then when the news reached the king, he also took off his royal robes and put on sackcloth. He calls for some serious national prayer and fasting, and they all call on God for Him to relent from his anger. They repented of their evil ways.
Jonah is angry and admits that this is the very reason he ran away and didn’t want to go to Ninevah. He did not want God to have mercy on these people, enemies of Israel..
7. Describe the dialogue between Jonah and God in Jonah 4:1-4.
Jonah admits to God that he fled to Tarshish because he knew that God is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. How ironic – is this not the reason Jonah’s life and the lives of the sailors were spared?
But he wants to keep God’s mercy and love to himself and perhaps believes it is for the Israelites and no one else. When Jonah sees God being merciful to Ninevah, it makes him want to die, and he asks the Lord to take his life.
God asks, “Have you any right to be angry?”
8. Describe the blessing God gave and then how he took it away. What was His point?
Jonah was watching at a place to see what would happen to Ninevah. It was very hot, and God made a vine grow to provide shade and comfort for Jonah. But the next day, God sent a worm to destroy the vine, and a scorching wind and heat. Jonah was faint from the heat and again wanted to die.
This is my opinion, that perhaps this was God picturing for Jonah His mercy and then what it is like to have wrath instead of mercy. Despite our sinfulness, we are covered by the shade of His mercy, shaded because of the Cross. Take that away, and we are left without cover under the burning heat of His wrath and judgement. Jonah didn’t like it when his shade was taken away, he was angry about the vine dying. Yet God points out that Jonah didn’t make the vine grow. I don’t know why but I feel the vine somehow represents God’s mercy and forgiveness, an object lesson that showed how Jonah enjoyed basking in its shade and how awful he felt when it was taken away. The Ninevites would have also despaired of life had God taken away His mercy from them. They would have been left with His scorching wrath. It seems like God is trying really hard to get Jonah to stop being so self-focused and to stop hoarding God’s mercy and to change his heart to caring about people who even are his enemies; to picture for him what it is like for others to be perishing without God.
I love this Susan, the analogy of the vine representing the mercy of God.
9. Listen to the song “I asked the Lord that I might grow” again, and write your reflections.
As I listened, my mind went to Job. The words reflect much of what happened to him, yet we know God loved Job. I also know, for myself, that it is only through trials and inward suffering that I am freed from self and pride. Having the world “by the tail” does not incline me to be selfless and humble, nor to seek hard after God.
14. List three major take-a-ways from Jonah — referencing the specific passage, and putting each in a single sentence. Then write down a personal prayer for yourself, incorporating at least one of the take-a-ways.
Jonah 4:4: But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”
Lord, I am Jonah in so many ways and you are Lovingkindness despite my sulkiness, anger, moralistic bend and religiosity. I invite you to continue this work in me to defeat idol worship. Thanking you for asking me questions instead of condemning me as I deserve.
All I can say about the sermon is “No….I didn’t want to hear this right now!” because I need to hear this right now. Avoidance has been my sole way of dealing with people who have hurt me and I didn’t want to know that it is just as bad and hateful as vengeance.
Just finished listening to the sermon, it was hard for me.
I feel I am an avoider, but without a choice because I do not know unto whom my desire for justice should be directed. I think & hope if I ever know, that I will desire their repentance more than retribution. I have misguided anger at the detectives, even at the hospital staff, I do avoid going here and thinking about all of this. I do not know how productive dwelling on it all it is.
I thought it was a great sermon, Gods abundant desire to be merciful to those who don’t know their right hand from their left was an encouragement to me. I think Jonah and me fit in there too.
He remembers our frame, that we are made of dust.
I am glad to say that I am once again receiving email notifications, thank you David & Dee, you must be behind that!
I also want to thank you Diane for reading my comments and those of others so carefully and so often providing rich encouragement, Thank you!
Missing you Elizabeth & Renee
Goodnight to you sisters, I have had a brutal last couple of days, I have the next two off and I am mighty grateful!
10. Commenting on my testimony – it was really hard to articulate in a few words my thoughts, etc… and tying in the sermon by Keller. Keller talked about being in a boat headed for rocks (like our trials in life) and that we can pray to have God raise the level of the water instead of just getting us out of the boat. That idea stuck with me, that pain and trials in life and any hard situation is where we need to be raised to a new spiritual level, a new level of maturity. That kind of salvation comes from the Lord.
When I found the picture of the woman climbing up the rocks, reaching for God’s hand, in my mind it tied in beautifully with Rebecca’s picture of the woman coming out of the cleft. God calls us to go higher – but we are on the rocky trail and sometimes the climb is hard, but He is there to help us – we have to reach for His hand through prayer and through reading His Word. Also, His hand is reaching down to us.
That my fear about many things in my life shows my idolatry; yes, because the fear of losing the things I depend on shows that they are idols in my life. Mostly the fear is related to losing family, either through death or by them moving away. For some reason, all of my life I’ve needed people around me to feel safe, loved, and secure. I don’t mean that I can’t tolerate being physically alone, say, at home during the day when the kids are at school. But I know they will be home eventually. I believe that if I could really grasp and be secure that God loves me; if that final penny would drop, it would change my life.
11. Applying this to my current trials, sometimes I feel very spiritually alone and I’m sending off a second son to college. My life is changing, my role is changing. I will be focused at home now on raising my daughter and the dynamics of our home will be different. Of course, my son will return for visits and holidays and next summer, but I already feel the loneliness of missing him. My mom’s declining health scares me, and I am so fearful because she doesn’t know the Lord. Keller used the example from the Lord of the Rings movie, where the hobbit is scared to death on the battlefield until he looks over and sees another fighting with him. It gives him courage. I need to speak that truth to my soul, that I have One who is with me, who died for me, and will not leave me alone and who loves the people that I love, too.
14. List three major take-aways from Jonah – referencing the specific passage, and putting each in a single sentence. Then write down a personal prayer for yourself, incorporating at least one of the take-aways.
“But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish” (Jonah 1:3)
This is where it all began – “the running man” – we find our true identity only with God, but when we run the other way, trying to build our identity without God, this is the very essence of sin.
“I said, I have been banished from Your sight; yet I will look again toward Your holy temple” (Jonah 2:4)
I can run so far and sin so badly, that my feeling tell me I can’t come back to God – yet I must look to the Cross, the love that God has for me that He would die for me and makes it possible for me to be reconciled and forgiven.
“Salvation comes from the Lord” (Jonah 2:9)
This is living out the gospel – salvation is the moment of new birth but it doesn’t stop there – each and every besetting sin or trial or area where I need to grow needs to be given over to the Lord and He is my salvation in the midst of it.
Lord, I pray that you will sink these truths deep into my heart and not let me forget them. Help me to see when I am running from You and running to my idols to get my identity. Bind me with Your cords of love; they may stretch and let me go my own way but only so far – then open my eyes that I may come to my senses and return to You. I thank You that I am never banished from Your sight. Help me to live in the light and the truth that You are my Salvation for everything.
14. Take-a-way.
1. Evangelism is really God’s work, my job is care for the lost and obedience. In Jonah 3:5 the Ninevites amazingly repented after such a heartless sermon from Jonah.
2. God will separate us from idols, for He cares for our holiness, but it is so much easier if we willingly search our own hearts. Jonah 1:15-17.
3. If I find myself angry at God it is time to look with my own heart for something is wrong. Jonah 4:1-4
Lord, thank You for showing me how worthless and destructive idolatry is. It has been painful to see my own wretched heart but I can also see how I have come closer to You through it. I have experienced Your wonderful grace! I pray for myself and for each woman on this blog that we may continue to grow in our freedom. Help us to see idols as they creep into our hearts and run to You. Thank You for what I have learned in this week’s sermon about how to forgive. Help me to apply it to my own heart. I fear to ask this except that I know my own need and I know You are compassionate toward me. I love You LORD and ask all of these things in Jesus’ name. Amen