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

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Rescues Those Who Obey His commands'
"Don’t say that you are only a boy. You will go wherever I send you. You will say whatever I command you to say. Don’t be afraid of people. I am with...."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Rejected!' (Jn. 1:10-11)
"[Jesus, the Word] came into the very world he created, but the world didn't recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Rivers of Living Water!' (Jn. 7:37-39)
"On the last and greatest day of the festival [the Feast of Tabernacles], Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink....."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'God's Righteous Judgment' (Ro. 1:32)
"Dear Father, righteous judge, Who could argue against your righteous judgment? Who would claim that those who refuse to see truth should not be left...."

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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