Sermon on Jonah

Jonah 1:1-4 ~ Now the word of he LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,

Arise, go to Ninevah, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.

But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.

But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.



This morning, our pastor gave his message on Jonah. This story resonates with me and should with most Christians, if they were honest. Notice the word I put in bold above in the text, "but". My pastor emphasized this word as well. We're often led by the Holy Spirit to do something, say something, go somewhere etc, BUT.... our own desires, wants or fears take over and we end up disobeying. We rationalize with God, as if we know better. Notice, in the text, however, that there is another "but". This time, it's the LORD's response to Jonah's disobience. You see, God loved the people of Ninevah, despite their wickedness. His desire then, as it is today, is that all come to repentence.

You know how the rest of the story goes...the mariners he boarded with on the ship headed towards Tarshish became very afraid and cast lots, which fell upon Jonah. Jonah admitted his disobedience to God and they ended up throwing him overboard. The LORD sent a "big fish" (we assume it was a whale, but we don't know for sure) to swallow Jonah up and he was in the belly of this fish for 3 days. He repented and the Bible says that the LORD spoke to the fish and the fish vomited him up on dry land. Jonah then proceeded to head towards Ninevah, preached there, and the city repented of its wickedness and the LORD spared Ninevah.

Imagine, as my pastor suggested, how many souls may have died and perished in Hell in the days that Jonah was contemplating and ended up disobeying the LORD. What, then, about us? This is a lesson we can take to heart even now. We must obey.

A Towel Cake

So my sweet niece recently got married and I wanted to do something creative for her gift. I made her a "towel cake". :o)

I thought it turned out pretty cool-looking. Love the color she picked out for the towels.

Praising the Lord for bringing me through another week and thanking Him for the weekend!

John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man comes unto the Father but by me.

Interfaith pluralism and ecumenism are such dangerous movements in today's church. The idea that many roads lead to God is not a new idea, but certainly, in these last days of apostacy, it's much more prevalent. Sadly, the "I'm okay, you're okay, God will save us all in the end regardless" mentality has mushroomed into a doctrine widely accepted by those who profess themselves to be Christians. But Jesus Himself said that He is the ONLY way to the Father. You either believe Him or you don't. The gift of salvation is free. Heed His call while you have the opportunity. No one is promised tomorrow. God bless.

It's been a while since I've posted. Time sure does fly by anymore. I am now a grandmother! Is 38 too young to be a granny? :) My new granddaughter is so precious. Her name is Kaylee and I'm just tickled pink. I also made a "diaper cake" for my daughter-in-law's baby shower. I thought it turned out real cute.

This past weekend, we took a mini vacation to Virginia Beach, VA. It was practically deserted, as one would expect for November. But the weather was positively beautiful! Of course, I had to visit the Cape Henry lighthouses (old and new). They're both on the Fort Story military base.

I'll share a few pics of my new grandbaby and our trip to Virginia Beach.

God bless.

This fast-paced world is wearing me thin. How 'bout you? Does anyone else get tired of the hustle and bustle, constant, non-stop, ever-moving society we live in? Sometimes I feel like I want to crawl into bed and hibernate for a few months. My calendar is booked. Every vacation I have, when I'm not going out of town, is full of appointments and errands. I haven't been feeling well for a week now. I'm contemplating going to the doctor in the morning, but I feel guilty missing work. Why? I'm sick. I think I have an infection and am in dire need of an antibiotic. I rarely miss work and always give 200% of myself when I'm there, so why do I feel guilty for taking a day off to get myself checked out? Alas, when morning comes and I feel even worse than I do today, I'll cave in. I must.

Praying that my Great Physician will heal me completely and soon.

Several years ago, I developed a strong passion for Bible prophecy. It came upon me almost supernaturally and I now have an insatiable appetite for studying eschatology. I can fill up several shelves of a bookcase with the many books and videos I have accumulated over the years relating to the end times as foretold in Scripture. I believe fervently that we are the generation that Jesus stated would witness His return one day.

What is unbearable for me is how oblivious self-proclaimed Christians are of the season we're living in. Jesus stated that no man knows the day or the hour but we would recognize the season. I can only surmise that many of these Christians are in love with this world and the things of this world. Admittedly, I used to be. I was keenly aware of the prophecied rapture of the church, but I had a life to live. I had a family. I wanted to see my children grow, graduate from HS, from college, get married, start families of their own. I had a job I loved. I had my own little hobbies, places I wanted to visit and experiences yet to be realized. I wanted to write a novel. I desired to live a long and fulfilling life. But then I realized that no earthly experience could remotely relate to what God has in store for those who love Him. He said that Himself....eye has not seen, ear has not heard, neither has entered into the heart of man what God has in store for those who love Him. Wow! We cannot even begin to fathom, in our finite minds, what God has prepared for us. He's given us this beautiful earth to enjoy, even in our sinful state; just try to image, if you will, the glory that awaits us.

I no longer feel an attachment to my life here on earth. I've not lost my love for my family or my desire to live a happy and abundant life, and if the Lord tarries, I pray that He sees fit to bless me with such a life. But more and more I'm beginning to feel like I don't belong here. My true citizenship is in Heaven, where my Lord and Savior, Jesus, is.

Jesus is coming soon to take his bride home. Are you ready?

Maranatha, Lord Jesus!

Prayer

Ah...prayer. What a privilege to have direct access to God the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 4:15,16 - For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Think about it. We are told to come boldly before the throne of grace! My prayer life hasn't always been what I would've liked it to be. Often, I get so caught up in the cares of this world, I either don't take the time to pray or I feel unworthy to call on Him. Sometimes I feel as if I'm so inadequate and insignificant. I know it's the enemy working on dragging me down. What good is a Christian, after all, if she feels unimportant to her Heavenly Father? Satan knows this. But our Father wants us to talk to Him. Consider this verse:

I Peter 5:7 - Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you.

I don't feel special. I don't feel especially important in the grand scheme of things. Sometimes I even feel helpless and hopeless. But then I have to remind myself that He really does care for me....He cares for ME. Thank you Father God.