Tag Archive for: Jesus

Running with Purpose

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I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)

What’s God doing in your life?

I love this time of the week.  This time where I get to look back and see all that God did.  It’s amazing what He can accomplish in a week!  I have watched God answer prayers, I have watched Him offer me strength in my weakness, I have watched Him restore my body, I watched Him mend relationships, I have seen growth in people around me and in my relationships with others.  I could go on and on about God’s goodness.  Of course, I’m still waiting on a few things but even in that I watch God give me the patience to wait.  So how has God been good to you this last week?  How did He come through for you?  Did He do something specific in your life?  Please feel free to drop me a line and let me know what God’s been doing in your life.  I can’t wait to hear all about it! Read more

Jonah Moments ~ Part 4

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…I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. (Jonah 4:2)

Jonah Moments ~ Part 1

Jonah Moments ~ Part 2

Jonah Moments ~ Part 3

Often we hear the story of Jonah and think it’s just about a guy getting swallowed by a big fish.  If that’s you, then you’ve missed out on all that God has to offer you through this book.  Take time to read all four chapters and find out who God is in this book.  He is a provider, a forgiving God, a God of miracles, a God of second chances, a God of answers, a God of direction, a God of peace, and so much more.  He can be all of this for you!  Let’s take a look through these chapters and see who God wants to be for you.

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Jonah Moments ~ Part 3

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Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.  Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh… (Jonah 3:1-3)

Jonah Moments ~ Part 1

Jonah Moments ~ Part 2

This passage of Scripture amazes me.  I just love how God gives Jonah a second chance to be obedient.  This is God’s grace in its finest form.  We never deserve a second chance.  We should respond to God the first time, with a great attitude, and immediately do what He asks.  But how often does that happen.  If you’re anything like me, there are times that you have to think through what God is asking and sometimes you simply run away from it.  Thankfully God doesn’t give up on us!

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Jonah Moments ~ Part 2

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Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.  But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you.  What I have vowed I will make good.  Salvation comes from the Lord. (Jonah 2:8-9)

Jonah Moments ~ Part 1

Jonah wasn’t in the water long, before God provided a big fish to swallow him.  For three days and three nights, Jonah spent his time in that fish.  At first, he didn’t even know where he was.  It took him all three days and three nights to repent.  How long does it take us at times to admit we are wrong, that we have been judgmental, unkind, unloving, etc? In Jonah 2, a beautiful prayer unfolds.  Jonah comes running back to God.  We can do this too!  It only takes a moment!  Have you taken a moment to pray today?  Have you had a conversation with the One who loves you and created you?  If not, stop and take time to exalt His name on high.

The last part of Jonah’s prayer really sticks out to me.  Jonah compares himself to the sailors on board the ship.  The sailors turned to their gods when the storm hit the ship, but their gods didn’t come through.  It was at that time that they turned to the One, True, Living God.  They only knew God for a moment, but they turned and made vows to Him.  Jonah knew God for a lot longer, but he ran from Him.  Jonah looked back on this whole situation and decided to make things right with God.  He told God he would make right what he vowed to Him.  He originally vowed to be a spokesman, to follow God wherever God led him even when it didn’t suit his interest.  Jonah surrendered!  Immediately after this confession of repentance, Jonah was vomited up on dry land.  God heard Jonah’s prayer and He responded!

Our obedience leads to God’s response!

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Jonah Moments ~ Part 1

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Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. (Jonah 2:8)

What’s God been doing in your life?

Ever notice how quickly Monday comes!  I pray these times of reflection on Monday will remind you to stop and respond to God’s faithfulness in your life.  Take a look around you and take time to see how God has been faithful to you!  God continues to work in marvelous ways in our lives, even when we don’t understand the work that He is doing.  May this moment be a moment to celebrate the work of God!  The work that only He can do!  Please find time to praise Him for His continuous work in your life!  Drop me a note and let me know how God has been faithful to you.  I always enjoy hearing from you!

I’m excited to share with you what God has done in my life this last week.  Honestly, God’s been giving me a good dose of reality.  The above verse has convicted me in a profound way.  It was refreshed in my memory this last Sunday when my pastor was preaching his 3rd sermon in the Jonah series.  I wanted to memorize it and study it for the week to come.  I would love to give you the background and history of all that was going on in Jonah’s life at this time, but that would be a huge devotional.  If you want all of this information, then I urge you to listen to the sermon series Jonah.  You will not regret it!

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