JONAH’S ENCOUNTER WITH GOD.

Chapter four gives us the supreme message of the book.

It can be expressed in a few words; it is one of,          

Affecting tenderness.

So passionate was Jonah’s religious patriotism that his self interests were sunk in his deep concern for lsrael.

Jonah loved Israel more than his own life.

Why is he trying to manipulate God?

I think he could not see God’s ultimate plan for Israel in the future. He made up his mind to deliver them himself, right then and there!

Do you and I try to make things happen, even good things, without any instruction from God?    

We believe that we are in partnership with Him, and we think He needs our assistance.

Hey!! He works ‘through us!’ Not ‘for’ us.” We cannot dictate how He should work, nor can we manipulate Him.

We cannot do a wrong to make a right! 

We must do right till the stars fall. Do right to the last call, and do right when no one stands by you; the Lord is ever with you.

JUST DO RIGHT! 👍

The Lord tenderly reproved him with a question.

“JONAH! ARE YOU DOING RIGHT TO BE ANGRY?”      

We need to know that God does nothing wrong. He is just and totally without error! We cannot do wrong to make a right! Don’t even tell a lie to protect yourself.

Jonah left Nineveh and sat under a booth (a temporary wood structure) to see what would become of the city. Verse 5.

Jonah was so upset that Nineveh would be spared. He just wanted to die.

Yes, he obeyed the Lord, but reluctantly.

Do you do this?              

GOD THEN PREPARED THREE THINGS.

He prepared a “Gourd” which was a trailing, climbing, large leaf plant that brought lots of shade over Jonah.

God is so beautiful, He shows compassion for repenting sinners and also His own, who still struggle with sin.

“HIS COMPASSIONS THEY FAIL NOT.”

Some scholars say the Gourd was a Caster oil plant. The miracle was not the type of plant, but the acceleration of it’s growth. See verse ten.

“It grew up in a night and made Jonah exceedingly glad of the Gourd.” Due to excessive heat of the weather.

I keep thinking about the Grace of God. He is so patient and willing that not anyone should perish but that all men should come to repentance. He is holding back the return of Christ because so many people still have the time to repent, believe and receive the Gospel.

He has already given us the instructions on how to share the Gospel for it is indeed …

“THE POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION.”

ARE YOU SHARING THE GOSPEL?

Do you need to be saved?

You can pray this prayer of Salvation, and the Lord Jesus will save you, and the Holy Spirit will live inside you. God will accept you into Heaven when you die, and you will thrive on this earth as you will in Heaven.

THE PRAYER.

“God, Creator of all Heaven and 🌎 earth. Thank you for the plan of Salvation. (God in Christ reconciling the world to Himself) I believe He died and rose again and is at your right hand in Glory. Please forgive me for all my sins, come into my life now, fill me Holy Spirit with your presence and power to follow Jesus in this world and the next.”

Amen.

As quickly the Gourd grew it withered and died. God sent a worm to devour it.

Jonah was not a happy camper! Left in the boiling sun, he wanted to die. He had not let go of his desire to see the enemy of Israel destroyed. He waited in the midday heat of the sun to see if God would change his mind.

God, our loving merciful God reminded Jonah that it would not only mean the death of the wicked but also little children, infants and all their livestock, pets and animals.

Those who don’t know the right hand from the left would be babies and little children.

The account finished abruptly, and no more was recorded.

Sadly, after God’s Grace was revealed to Nineveh on this occasion, years later, they disregarded God’s Grace and returned to their wicked ways.                                        Their enemies annihilated  them. How heartbreaking for God and them.

Amen.

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Blessings!

Thank you for those of you who faithfully read, pray and give financially toward this ministry. May the Lord prosper you in every way.

For more  information on how  to support this ministry financially, call or message me at:

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That He Gave His only Son.

Whosoever believes in Him,

Shall not perish, but have,

ETERNAL LIFE!

JONAH INSIDE THE TOMB OF THE WALE.

 

YET THERE IS NO CRY  FOR DELIVERANCE!

The prayer that came from the watery tomb inside this humongous fish, from the lips of Jonah, surprisingly, was a prayer of PRAISE!

Yes, a prayer of Thanksgiving and praise.

A Doxology during a time of dreadful Desolations.

There is no word of petition (praying for himself). Do you pray in the middle of a severe trial, “Lord Jesus, “Help me? “

Read Chapter 4:2-9. But he offered his heartfelt thanksgiving, repentance and rededication. ‘Inside the fish’,

Jonah realised, in a new way, the Love of God and His excellent Care.

During your trials, you can always know that…

“UNDERNEATH AND AROUND YOU ARE THE EVERLASTING ARMS”

Deut 33:27.

Jonah also came to understand that he must obey God at any cost, without explanation, excuse or argument.

God desires truth in the inward parts.   The truth lived out in your life before Him.

The truth that reveals who you really are as a person without pretence, with honesty and integrity before God and men.

JOHN 8:33. “YOU SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH, AND THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE.”

We must allow Him to be included in every facet of our lives.

Sometimes, He will allow extraordinary circumstances and very different experiences to bring us to the end of ourselves.

We should, with a clear conscience be able to say with the Apostle Paul …

“I AM CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST: NEVERTHELESS I LIVE; YET NOT I, BUT CHRIST LIVES IN ME :

AND THE LIFE WHICH I NOW LIVE IN THE FLESH, I LIVE BY THE FAITH OF THE SON OF GOD, WHO LOVED ME AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME.”

Life for the Christian is a life of faith and obedience. It was there in that fish that Jonah re-covenanted his life to God saying,

“l will pay the vow which l vowed”

Once the Wale arrived at it’s God given destination it developed a real “distaste” for Jonah and vomited him up and out, on to the shores of Nineveh just where he should been less than a week ago.

HEY, LET’S BE TEACHABLE!

Can you also say with Paul,

“I HAVE A CONSCIENCE EMPTY OF OFFENCE BEFORE GOD AND MAN.“

“Don’t hide your sin under lock and key, for God will write it upon your life for all to see.”

“What is done in secret, will be shouted upon the roof tops.”

“He who covers his sin shall not prosper, and he that confesses and forsakes his sin will find Mercy.”(God’s favour)

Amen.

YOU CAN’T HIDE FROM GOD!

Bless all of you who pray and support this God given outreach ministry.

Keep praying and giving as God is in this ministry and He is the chief C. E. O. The AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH. 

Amen and Amen .

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WHY DID JONAH FLEE?

First let’s look at a summary of his story in each chapter.

Chapter one, Jonah and the storm!

Chapter two, Jonah and the fish!

Chapter three, Jonah and the city!

Chapter four, Jonah and the Lord!

In these four chapters we have Jonah’s,

1.Disobedience.

2. Preservation.

3.Proclamation.

4.Correction.

Now why did he flee from God’s instructions? We need to understand his character.

This is one view”

He was a solidly good person and open to conviction. But habitually angry and hot-tempered and morose (sullen) and apt to view things in negative and most gloomy aspects.”

Isn’t it easy to sum people up to our idea of them, then spread our opinions to others.

This is “not” a true picture of Jonah. Because he did not display any fear on the boat. He was fearless of death urging the Sailors to throw him overboard.

Nor was it anti-Gentile prejudice. He actually shows compassion toward the idol worshipping Gentile sailors, willing to even die for their safety.

He was not only willing to sacrifice his reputation but his life for the distressed mariners.

What then was the real reason as to why he fled instead of delivering his message to Nineveh? The answer is found in his own words. He says to God.

“Therefore l fled to Nineveh, because I knew that You are a,

“GRACIOUS GOD, SLOW TO GET ANGRY AND SO VERY KIND THAT YOU CHANGED YOUR MIND CONCERNING NINEVAH”

Nothing could be more franker, Jonah did not want God to spare Ninevah at all! Why? He knew that Assyria would as a rising power that would destroy Israel.

The Assyrians were a brutal enemy and hideously cruel to those they destroyed. There was no pity and they used severe punishments and cruel torture to cause horror and death. These awful ways of killing people l will not describe as it is too dreadful a picture to leave in your mind.

Jonah was aware of the Assyrians and how brutal they were. Read, if you will, Nahum chapter three verses 1:4-19 to give you some idea of how Jonah felt about the Babylonians.

When he did try to escape God’s presence, he really should have thought, “l really cannot go where God is not!” He is Omnipresent. ( Everywhere at the same time.) Nahum felt as Jonah did about them.

Other Prophets such as Isaiah, Hosea and Amos tell of the Judgement of God upon Israel and the surrounding Nations.

Jonah knew if Nineveh cried out to God at the eleventh hour, they would be spared and he did not want this to happen.

He risked everything so that Nineveh would be destroyed. (and Israel saved.)

This being true we put Jonah up where he belongs.

He belongs with Moses who prayed,

“If You will forgive their sins, if not blot me out of your book.”

With Paul who said,

“l wish that l were accursed from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh.”

Then our lovely Lord Jesus, who cried from the cross,

“FATHER FORGIVE THEM, FOR THEY DON’T KNOW WHAT THE ARE DOING.”

With all this, it does not justify his disobedience! How could he have thought that one man’s actions could change the purposes of God for nations!

Remember the old song we used to sing…

“TRUST AND OBEY THERE IS “NO OTHER WAY!”

You must focus upon the Lord Jesus, fix your heart ❤️ upon Him.

DIVINE, COMPASSIONATE HEART OF GOD.

Remember our study on Psalm 139. God is all knowing and you can’t hide from HIm!

No-one can escape His presence.

This is a valuable reminder when praying for a lost loved one. We need to remember that we are true messengers of the Grace of the Gospel of Jesus.

We are all called to be ambassadors to the sinning, struggling, sorrowing men and women, who need need His Grace for Deliverence, Salvation and Healing.

Dear Christian, it is our ‘call and responsibilitiy’ to share the Gospel of Christ to those whom God sends across your path.

You can’t take anything to Heaven with you when you die only Souls, Souls … and more Souls.

They are your greatest treasure and they are eternal and will not corrupt as your richest treasure on Earth.

Jesus Christ, before He ascended to Heaven, commanded the disciples and us who follow Him to:

“GO ALL OF YOU INTO THE 🌍  World AND PREACH THE GOSPEL, LOOK ‘I AM’ WITH YOU ALWAYS EVEN TO THE END OF THIS AGE!”

HEY FRIENDS NO GO! NO LO!

AMEN.

There is so much we can learn from these great men of God. Like us, they had their doubts and fears, weaknesses and strengths. 

With all their struggles, they obeyed God’s Commands. So should we!

Amen.

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Phone 6104 17 545 814.

Thank you and may  blessings from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you always.

Amen.

“BECAUSE THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD… How can I, “LACK ANY GOOD THING.”

Psalm  23:1.

Both in style and subject, the book of Joel is very arresting. The picturesque writings of a plague-stricken land, the locust army, and the final gathering of all nations into the valley of judgement are masterpieces of graphic literature. You can easily imagine the writings.

Joel, whose name means.

“JEHOVAH IS GOD.”

He certainly exercised a Prophetic ministry near  Jerusalem.                          He promises that both Judah and Israel will dwell forever. He pictures a plague-stricken land, the invading locust army, and the final gathering of all nations in the valley of judgment are very graphically portrayed.

He is warning the inhabitants of Jerusalem, yet he sees beyond this devastation to a time when Jerusalem and Judah will live forever — chapter 3:1. The whole book is about THE COMING OF JEHOVAH ( JESUS). So we hear An ALARM! – the invasion by plague. Chapter 1: 2-11.

Then an APPEAL! An eleventh-hour hope. Chapter 2: 12- 27.

An ANNEX! In the after days, chapter 2:28- 3:21. There is a focus on the end time and the ultimate glory of Zion.

THE LOCUSTS. The young locusts are the size of the common grasshopper and proceed in the same direction, first crawling, then at a later period, leaping as they go, devouring every green thing in their path. They advance more slowly than a devouring 🔥 fire. They consume fields of wheat and barley, yards, mulberry orchards, and groves of olive, fig, and other trees and, in a few hours, are stripped of everything green, blade and 🍃 leafy. Once a bountiful, beautiful leafy green stands in a ghost-like manner, deprived of life.

ANALYSIS AND CONTENT. First, let’s read the first chapter. Here, we read about the land’s desolation, followed by the ravages of the locusts. THE PROMISE. God Himself faithfully says:

The wonderful promise of God.

“I WILL RESTORE UNTO YOU THE YEARS THE LOCUST HAS EATEN, THE CANKEEWORM AND THE CATERPILLAR AND THE PALMERWORM (My great army) which I sent among you.”  

You, dear reader, may have been stripped of your reputation, dignity, marriage, and finances. Your dreams, goals, and calling to preach or hold a position in your church because you do not measure up to set standards or expectations of your leadership. Though hurt and rejected, Jesus will use you even though you feel cast aside. He said,

“GREATER THINGS SHALL YOU DO BECAUSE I GO UNTO THE FATHER.  WHATEVER YOU ASK IN MY NAME, HE WILL  DO IT!”

So don’t allow the locusts of men’s opinions to stop you from fulfilling the dreams and visions that:

‘GOD  HAS PLACED  IN YOUR HEART.’ SURELY HE WILL GIVE YOU YOUR 💕 HEART’S DESIRES.

Read PSL 37 1-6

NEVER EVER GIVE UP! THERE IS AN EXPECTED END.

Amen.

I am so sorry dear reader for sending you multiple copies of the previous blogs. The reason being, I am trying to learn how to do groups so as to save time in sending them one at a time. I trust that I have it right this time. If not forgive me and delete the unwanted ones. Thanks for your patience, xx

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Thankyou, please prayerfully pray that I will have consistent supporters.

Blessings Heather

The passage appears to be a dialogue involving a person named Hosea, who is considering marrying a prostitute as per God’s instructions.

It also discusses the potential conflict with the concept of an unequal yoke as it pertains to marrying a non-Christian.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul is emphatic about “not” marrying someone with different standards, citing potential consequences, including conflict, misunderstandings, arguments, and selfishness, that could lead to the breakdown of the marriage.

The passage questions the idea of whether it matters who one marries, given that both Christian and non-Christian marriages can end in divorce. It also raises the dilemma of perceived double standards between the Old and New Testaments.

First, God is incapable of mistakes, and He is ‘never wrong.’          He does not judge according to statistics. But according to His Divine will for the individual couple.

God’s decision is based on His Divine wisdom and righteousness, and it is for our own good.

GOMER THE HARLOT, who represents the nation of Israel, is already committing Adultery and is away from the Lord.                      HOSEA describes the Spirit of the Lord, who woos, loves unconditionally, and forgives—one willing to win Israel back as His own.

The children born to this couple prove the importance of not being unequally joined in marriage.

The first son born to this couple at the command of God was named Jezreel. (God sows it.)  meaning…

“He will visit the house of Jehu and will put to an end to the home of Israel.

2nd Kings 10:11.

HOSEA’S name  means (Salvation)

Numbers 13:10.

GOMER  his wife, proved to be unfaithful,

Hosea knew she would be adulterous. We are reminded that the marriage was arranged to use the prophet as a symbol of Israel, who is unfaithful to the Lord.

You must ask God for wisdom to make the right choice for yourself.

James Chapter 1:5-7. 

IF ANY MAN LACKS WISDOM, LET HIM ASK GOD FOR MORE. HE DOES NOT BECOME ANGRY AND TELL YOU OFF. HE GIVES IT FREELY.

THEN YOU WILL KNOW WHICH PATH TO TAKE.

So my friend, you won’t be disappointed, downhearted, discouraged, and depressed. You will enjoy His choice of a spouse.

The world’s way today is:

“TRY BEFORE YOU BUY!” 

Living together and using the phrase 

“MY PARTNER” is not God’s will.                                         In my experience of counselling,  adulterous couples rarely stay together. Unless they repent and give their lives to Jesus in complete surrender and live by the Word of God.

Godly marriages are rare, but beautiful, holy, and eventually become “one” in Christ as He and the Father are One.

Every Blessing.

Amen.

Hi, my faithful followers. Thanks for reading these blogs.

I hope and pray that you are comforted, challenged, and changed as His Word settles into your heart ❤️  

Please take the time to share your blog with both the saved and the unsaved.

If they respond, please send me their phone number and I will text them weekly blog updates.

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Ask God to baptise you in His perfect love.

LOVE IS ETERNAL.

Knowing that God has called us out of the realms of darkness.( ruled by Satan)  into the Marvellous Light of the Kingdom of God, all it’s brilliant and beautiful blessings.

We must show forth His Praises of Him who has called us out of darkness, having brought us into his marvellous light.

Praises are “VIRTUES” or His, “EXCELLENCES”

In the Old Testament interpretation, we must show the “Beauties of Holiness” in our Character and Conduct. We are to do this despite our personalities or dispositions, and if we do, people will notice that by our behaviour, we are different! They will conclude that:

WE HAVE BEEN WITH JESUS”‘ Showing forth’ is challenging. What we preach must be shown forth by our life, respond and react to those who have not yet in His Light. Or the world will quickly point their finger and say, “They don’t practice what they preach!” Yet there is some comfort in the word ‘SHOW’ Not all of us can be pastors, leaders, Preachers, etc. Yet we can ‘show’ forth His virtues privately, which also counts with God.

It is not our ‘Position’ that is acceptable to God.                               It is our”Disposition” that is important in His Sight.

When someone is hungry for Christian truth, and they come across someone who lives a virtuous life, they will want that same truth that can also set them free. So allow your life to show forth His Praises.

You may ask, How? By pleasantness, your smile, the tone in your voice. How genuine you are as a person.The way you look and dress. You do not always have to preach Bible verses to people to bring conviction that leads to Salvation. It is the goodness of God that brings men to repentance.

God instructs us to encourage one another. To love our enemies, to forgive one another. Jesus said, 

“BY THIS SHALL ALL MEN KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES. IF YOU HAVE LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER.

Of course, we must testify how we met Jesus and how He is changing our lives. Then, share our answers to prayer and how He moves for our good. That gives such the opportunity to share the Gospel. This is of course where you would use scripture to make  the Gospel known.

Many people in this world are Looking for genuine people whom they can trust so that they can open their hearts to them.

People in all stations of life, rich or poor, sick or well.Business owners or the unemployed.

People need the Lord, and we must always be ready to answer the hope we have within us.

That is why we need to be an example of a faithful Christian.

Amen.

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DANIEL’S THREE CAPTIVE FRIENDS.

THE MEANING OF THEIR NAMES.

First, we will examine the Hebrew meaning, followed by the Babylonian names used during captivity.                 This shows how important it is to name your child with a meaningful name.

First. DANIEL (Hebrew): “GOD HAS JUDGED.”

Second. HANANIAH (Hebrew) “THE LORD HAS BEEN GRACIOUS.”

Third. MISHAEL (Hebrew) “WHO GOD IS.”

Changing their names displayed Babylonian Lordship over them and adherence to the Babylonian gods they worshipped.

DANIEL. He was renamed BELTESHAZZER. Babylonian for,

“OH LADY PROTECT THE KING.” Being the idol wife of MARDUK. The god of Babylon.

Chapter 4:8. SHADRACH. Meaning. “l AM VERY FEARFUL.”

MESHACH. Meaning. “I AM OF NO ACCOUNT.”

ABEDNEGO. Meaning. “SERVANT OF THE SHINING ONE.” (KING)

Imagine what effect these names would have on your self-concept!

These were awful names!  Names from hell. These courageous, godly men  chose to live by the meaning of their proper names.

Their real names were a reality of who God was in their lives. They refused to give worship to any other god than the:

“TRUE AND LIVING GOD WHO RULES OVER HEAVEN AND EARTH!”

The three young men faced the threat of death in the finery Furnace. (but Jesus was with them)

And Daniel was cast into the lions’ den (God delivered him also).

If you are faithful and loyal to God, He protects you from danger and calamity.

There were other men and women in the Bible whose names were changed by God for particular reasons of Prophesy and to fulfil God’s purposes on this earth.

Abraham and Sarah’s names had been changed from Abram and Sarai!

Jacob’s changed to Israel!

Saul changed to Paul!

In the new Kingdom of Heaven, God will change your name into a New Name known only to Him. 

I CAN’T WAIT!!

You mean ‘so much’ to Him; His Mighty Hand was upon these faithful men. His Good Hand is upon you as it was upon Ezra and Nehemiah through many testing circumstances.

The Lord said to tell you that He is the God of all comfort. REACH YOUR HANDS TOWARD HIM AND RECEIVE HIS COMFORT. Now wait until He manifests his peace and anointing upon you.

Amen.

HOLY SPIRIT IS CALLED “THE COMFORTER!”

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God is upon all of you who choose to read this blog. God’s precious Word changes us dramatically if we take heed according to His Word.

Please feel free to share His Word to strangers, friends and families.  There is not much time left before Jesus returns.

So take heed according to His Word.

“Trust and obey, for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.

To help me financially in this ministry, consider in prayer God’s perfect will for your finances.

His Will, His way, never lacks His support. You will know!
His blessing is upon your needs in Christ Jesus. He will give you the desires of your heart. ❤️ And you shall not lack anything. He has marriage, finances and physical healing,  followed by happiness, 😊 Joy, and fulfilment all in His hands ready to bless you abundantly. 

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Amen and Amen

(Yes, yes) If you want to know Christ  as your Lord and Saviour, please pray this prayer,

“Lord God. I am a sinner.l repent of each one. and acknowledge that you died to save me and take me to Heaven when l die.

Come into my life, forgive and change me into your image.

I now ask you to be my Lord and Saviour, lead me and guide me to do your perfect will by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Thank you.

  Amen.

Praise God; now go and share your newfound faith with someone.