Today's Verse: Jonah 2:1-2

Saturday, February 2, 2008

From inside the fish Jonah prayed ... "In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry."
— Jonah 2:1-2
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Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jonah was disobedient, rebellious, selfish, and racist. He had run from the Lord rather than seeing his hated enemies spared by God when they repented. He had shunned the Lord's command and commission to preach a saving message and call to repentance to the people of Nineveh whom he hated. He had endangered the lives of those on the ship where he had tried to hide and run away. Yet even in the middle of his rebellion, God heard his cry and delivered him. If you are in rebellion, in hiding because of some secret sin, or in shame for not answering the call of God in your life, please know this: The Lord wants to ransom, redeem, and reclaim you for your good, his glory, and others' salvation! Returning to the Lord means deliverance. He is longing to welcome you on your return. And as Jonah's life shows, your salvation is a blessing for you and all those God can reach through you!

My Prayer...

Holy and righteous Father, please forgive me for the times that I have been in rebellion to your will. Please help me recognize those times and give me the strength to avoid those temptations. In your grace, dear Father, please help me live as you want me to live and lead me to someone else who needs to know of your grace and redemption. Please use me to help them escape from their bondage to sin and shame. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Rescue!
Illustration of Jonah 2:1-2
Inspirational illustration of Jonah 2:1-2 -- From inside the fish Jonah prayed... "In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry."
Praise from the Pit
Article by Stacy Voss
I don't like Jonah, but I do like this! Stacy Voss reminds us of the story of Jonah and how Jonah praised God from the pit, from the belly of the beast, the fish.

Illustration

Illustration of Jonah 2:1-2 — From inside the fish Jonah prayed ... "In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, February 2, 2008

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Billy Sunday:
"The fellow that has no money is poor. The fellow that has nothing but money is poorer still."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'To Be a Ransom!' (Mt. 20:28)
"[Jesus continued,] "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.""
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Spirit-Compelled' (Ac. 20:22)
"[Paul said,] "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.""
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Destroys the Proud and Protects Widows'
"The path of life leads upward for the wise; they leave the grave behind. The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he protects the property of....."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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