Get the Picture
Good Wednesday to you,
It may come as a surprise, but God is not primarily concerned with our happiness. God is concerned with our faithful obedience. If you question this, just re-read Jonah. What we do need to remember is God gives second chances. Jonah was reconciled with God, which led to his reluctant obedience. He went to Nineveh, and proclaimed the message God gave him – "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned" (Jonah 3:4). The people, very self-aware, repented, gave up their evil and violent ways, hoping that God would relent. God did. God gave Jonah a second chance; the people of Nineveh were given a second chance. God, always sovereign, has a heart that is toward those whose heart is toward God. God changed his mind, but not his character.
What we see happening in Nineveh is the work of the Holy Spirit, convicting people of what they already know to be true. Most people are self-aware, but the battle is between God's sovereignty and self-sovereignty. Like Jonah, we are called to live out our faith with gentleness and respect in front of the world. Giving people an opportunity to ask the reason for the hope we have. Speaking truth in love does not need to be confrontational. It needs to be done in gentleness and respect, trusting that the Holy Spirit will be at work in whomever we are talking to.
Next week, Pastor John will finish the book of Jonah. I would encourage you to take ten minutes and read it. (Really, that is all the time it will take you). The challenge for us is to allow the Holy Spirit to work, not pre-selecting who we think is interested in the Good News of Jesus Christ. Forgiveness is at hand, God is ready to hear regardless of where we find ourselves, and forgiveness and reconciliation are available to all who call upon the Name of the Lord.
It's time to mark your calendars for two important upcoming events: Daylight Savings is this week! On Sunday, November 7, at 2:00 a.m., we will gain one hour as we "fall back." While most clocks do this automatically nowadays, please be aware of this upcoming change in regards to worship this coming week.
Then, for those who worship with us via Livestream, on Sunday, November 14, we will officially begin Livestreaming the 10:30 a.m. service. We hope you will join us either in person or online at 10:30 a.m. This also means that the middle school and high school Sunday School hour will move back to 9:00 a.m.
As you read this, Jody and I are in Minnesota celebrating the live of her father. Your prayers are much appreciated.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
