I believe that the book of Jonah is real, that all the miraculous events recorded in it really happened, even it they can’t readily be explained. And that many Christians today can relate to Jonah because they see themselves in this man of God who lived nearly 3000 years ago. The book of Jonah isn’t about an ideal or perfect man that is setting up some impossible standard, instead it is about how God can use a man to do great things in spite of his imperfections, rebellion, and selfish desires. Note that each chapter in this short book represents a different scene with Jonah experiencing different situations which bring out different emotions, different aspects of his character and different spiritual conditions. This is the same thing that we as Christians experience in our own journey through life. Some situations bring out the best in us while others bring out the worst. We are works in progress, don’t think for a moment that we have reached perfection, but rather we are being perfected by God as He works in us and through us. Going through trials is one of the best schools of prayer. When faced with dire need many Christians call on the Lord with truly profound prayers. Helplessness not hopelessness leads to complete dependence upon God. So don’t despair, state the facts of your condition and steadfastly cling to your faith in God and trust in Him by obediently submitting to His call and let God bring about the miracle because He can do more than we ask or even imagine. As with many of us today, Jonah lacked peace, because although he obeyed God, he was not wholly reconciled to the will of God. True Peace comes only from full submission to and acceptance of the will of God in everything. Nothing saps spiritual activity more effectively than hidden rebellion against the divine will. We need to be men of integrity, accepting what the Lord gives us and completely surrendering to the will of God.
Tag: Prayer
Reflections on Praying Scripture
While I was incarcerated, I spent a lot of time in prayer. I studied prayers in the Bible and what scripture had to say about prayer. I read many books on prayer by both classic and contemporary authors. All for the purpose of understanding how to pray better. I was in a dark place and needed to learn how to prayer rightly. I needed to learn how to not just make my requests before God, but how to talk with Him. One of the most important concepts that I learned was the power of praying scripture. When we speak to God using his own words in the correct context there is power. The power of praise, especially in the midst of battle. The power of repentance in the face of sin. The power of Truth in a world of lies. The power of forgiveness instead of retribution. The power of God’s unmerited grace and mercy to redeem lives. The power of hope in the face of overwhelming odds. The power of certainty in a chaotic situation. Even though I had the support of my family, a prison church fellowship, and a few men I would dare call friends it was prayer that got me through my time. Despite the overcrowded conditions of the housing unit, most inmates experience a deep sense of isolation and loneliness. While the drone of everyday life there made it difficult to sleep and hard to concentrate at times, I was assured that God heard my prayers and that his abiding presence would never leave me nor forsake me. He was closer than a brother and always just a heartbeat away. I trusted Him with my life, I still trust Him, and I will always trust Him because He is faithful.
The Prayer For Joy
e as Christians are known as peculiar people. I believe this is in part because of our response to adversity. (Titus 2:11-14) James tells us "to consider it pure joy whenever we face trials," not because we are masochists who enjoy pain but because we know that "the testing of our faith develops perseverance." (James 1:2)
A Meditation on the Aspects of Prayer
Prayer is a personal experience no two people will have exactly the same encounter with God. Our own experiences change over time as our spiritual health and maturity are not static. Only God never changes. Periods of spiritual dryness and silence in response to our prayers is a well-documented fact for even the most devote believers. But Scripture is clear that this is only our perspective. God will never leave us or forsake us. We just need to trust and obey the admonition to pray without ceasing.
Summer 2018 News Letter
How often in life have we found ourselves in a place where we can't fix what we've broken? Why can't relationships be as easy to fix as a toaster? Is it because there is no manual? Actually there is: the Bible. The problem is we don't study it enough. We also fail to understand that is not about fixing others but our own part in relationships.