Jonah 3:5So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.ThoughtNineveh was violent, wicked, and far from God. Humanly speaking, they seemed like the last people who would repent. But when the Word of God came to them, they believed God. Their repentance did not erase their past, but it showed that they had hum...

Jonah 3:1And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying,ThoughtThe words “the second time” reveal the patience of God. Jonah had failed, but God was not finished with him. The Lord corrected him, rescued him, and recommissioned him. This does not excuse Jonah’s sin, but it magnifies God’s mercy. Salvation is of the LORD, and so is restoration for the servant who has failed.God st...

Jonah 2:9But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.ThoughtJonah was a prophet, but he was also a sinner in need of mercy. He ran from God’s command, resisted God’s heart, and tried to flee from God’s presence. Yet even in the deep, God pursued him. The great fish was not only correction. It was also mercy. God preserv...

Luke 18:27And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.ThoughtWhen the people asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus answered by pointing away from human ability and toward divine power. Salvation is not difficult for man. It is impossible for man. No amount of morality, religion, effort, wealth, or sincerity can rescue a soul from sin. But what is impossible with men...

James 5:8Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.Thought:The hope of Christ’s return gives strength to suffering believers. If you have lived in this life long enough you know that this world includes pain, disappointment, weariness, and waiting. But Scripture reminds us that the coming of the Lord draws nigh, or is very close. Our suffering is not final, ...