What Is Your Nineveh?

A couple months ago the church that I attend, Eagle Brook Church, had a message series titled Surviving Your Storm. In this series they asked the question “What is your Nineveh?”. The series revolved around the story of Jonah and his reluctance to first go to Nineveh then see them be forgiven after they repented of their sins. For me this question makes me think about where is God directing me to go but I’m refusing to along with who am I to forgive or help lead to Christ but I would rather see them be punished by God’s wrath. The former isn’t an issue for me at the moment but the latter is an area I need to work on. I find myself some days hoping for punishment against people who have hurt my family members in one way or another. Also I find myself wanting to see God’s wrath against those in power who are trying to destroy our country and hurt our children. Here is God’s response to Jonah when he was more concerned about a plant that God had grown to give him shade then took away the next day then he was concerned about the forgiveness of the Ninevites.

"Adonai said, “You’re concerned over the castor-bean plant, which cost you no effort; you didn’t make it grow; it came up in a night and perished in a night. So shouldn’t I be concerned about the great city of Ninveh, in which there are more than 120,000 people who don’t know their right hand from their left — not to mention all the animals?”"

- Yonah (Jonah) 4:10‭-‬11 CJB

As you can see in these verses we should care about others and be guiding them to God so that like us they too may be forgiven. We should always show compassion even when the person may have hurt us or someone we love. This can be hard to do sometimes and you may need to ask God to help give you the strength to be able to show compassion and share His love with them. Over time it will get easier to show compassion but keeping in prayer will always help and God will always be there for you. Check out the Surviving Your Storm message series.

God Bless

Anger

Have you ever been angry? I know that the answer for all of us would be yes, is just human nature. But sometimes that anger can end up becoming sin and destroying our health and soul. Lots of times we can have anger when we should just forgive and let it go.

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." 

- Ephesians 4:31‭-‬32 NIV

This verse says that instead of having anger and bitterness we should be kind and forgiving. This is something that I myself need to keep working on and reminding myself. When there are people who wrong me or the ones I love I need to learn to get rid of my anger and bitterness and forgive them. By doing this we are releasing the harm that could be done to our soul and letting God handle the wrong. I challenge you and myself to forgive and release any anger you may have

God Bless

Enemies

Ever have someone hurt you, wrongfully accuse you, or bully you? We have all had someone do one, if not more, of these things to us.

Growing up I was definitely not one of the popular kids. I have a raspy voice, I walk a little hunched over, had a lazy eye, and my grades were average at best. I was the kid who was one of the first targets for bullies. I’ve been called Grandpa, hunchback, cross-eye, four eyes, among other things. I would be lying if I didn’t say that these things hurt me and probably helped form me into the person I am today. Looking back to those days I’ve chosen to forgive those who were mean. I can admit it wasn’t easy, but I think the easiest part is that I live a distance from where I grew up so I really don’t see these people anymore. Working in the retail world I can also deal with people who are mean and could be considered bullies. Again it can be hard to forgive and not let it affect me, but when I do struggle I just think of this verse.

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you”

Matthew 5:44 NKJV

Yeshua Messiah (Jesus Christ) says here in Matthew to bless those who curse you. He also has said to forgive them. Does that make what they did to you or me right? Most certainly not. It just no longer makes what they did continue to control our life. When Yeshua was betrayed, beaten, ridiculed, and hung on the Cross He didn’t curse those who were doing it, He asked God to forgive them. If Yeshua can do this while suffering through all that, we can follow suit and forgive those who hurt us. It can and will still be hard at times to do so, but with prayer God will help you to bless and forgive your enemies. God Bless.

Freedom

Today is July 4th, Independence Day in America. It’s a day that we celebrate our freedom. Freedom of choice, freedom of speech, freedom of religion. But this freedom did not come free. Many people have sacrificed their lives to get our freedom along with keeping and protecting it. Many people will just have barbeques, parades, and shoot off fireworks, but it’s a day we should be remembering and honoring those who have given us this freedom.

Just like in America the whole world can have freedom, freedom from their sins. Jesus has given us this freedom, though just like in America this freedom has come at a price. That price was His death on a cross. Though this may come as bad news, the good news is that His death was only temporary. Christ defeated death and rose again on the third day. With His victory comes victory for us because through Him our sins can be forgiven and washed away. Asking Jesus to come into your heart, starting a relationship with Him, and living your life for Him can give you this freedom. Freedom from sin and eternal life in heaven with Him. I pray that you will ask Him into your heart today if you haven’t already. God Bless.

I have added a song about freedom in America that I have enjoyed over the years. It’s called “God Bless The USA” by Lee Greenwood. Take the time to listen and may God bless America and may God bless you.