Jonah 3 [The Message]

God sent one evangelist (Jonah) to one city (Ninevah.) It was a wildly successful campaign where the entire city repented and got right with God. One key was how the leaders mandated humility and repentance. [Pray for leaders to change]

First, this campaign was God’s idea all along. We need to hear from God on where to aim our guns. The city was ripe … God knew His timing. Second, all God needed was the obedience of ONE Man. All God ever needed was ONE.

Let that one be you..

For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one (Christ Jesus) shall many be made righteous. [Rom. 5:19]

Jonah 2 [The Message]

Was it a whale, a giant bass, or Charlie the Tuna? Regardless, it was created by God to perform this singular task … afflict Jonah and bring him to repentance. God had a monumental preaching gig for Jonah – the great city of Nineveh. His was one of THE GREATEST REVIVALS in the Bible.

What’s your fish circumstance? Is it dark and smelly? Is it slimy? Do you feel hopeless and at your end? Imagine what Jonah went through. I bet your trial is less strenuous. The point for us to see is this – God had a great big ministry engagement for Jonah to fulfill. It took a “great big fish” to prepare him for it.

You are in your preparation phase.

Jonah 2 [The Message]

Thanks to God that He hears prayers of desperation. In fact, He may have created the dire circumstances that elicited such a prayer. He did for Jonah. It’s obvious that God’s goal all along was for Jonah to finally become obedient to God’s request. Something similar happened to Saul of Tarsus … God dogged him down until he relented and turned to Christ. Hannah cred out to God in desperation and He gave her Samuel, one of the most influential prophets in the Bible.

Do you have bitter circumstances that cause you to cry out to God in desperation? Take heart and begin praying in earnest. You are RIGHT where He wants you.

Jonah 1- [The Message]

Have you heard God’s Voice giving you instructions – warnings etc? Were you obedient? Did you fail God? Probably you did at one time or another ie. everyday. You are in good company. Jonah failed God and got a book written about him. It’s not the end of the world. God is more willing to help you obey than you realize.

Why does the Word say, “His mercies never end.”? He knows your limitations and gives grace (the will and power to do His Will) so that you can ultimately obey and see God move in your life.

The blind man said, “Lord, I believe (I will obey), help Thou my unbelief (my rebellious, disobedient nature).

Obadiah 1 [The Message]

The Edomites, descendants of Esau, were rebuked for gloating and withholding help when Joseph’s clan was being afflicted by Egypt. They could have helped.

We are to look out for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Yes, we ARE our brother’s keeper. Often, members of the Body of Christ are closer to us than blood relatives.

Do not refuse to help those people who need help. If you are able to help them, do it! [Pr. 3:27 EASY vers.]

Amos 8, 9 [The Message]

In the end, God will have restored to His People – Jews and the Gentile Bride alike – His Kingdom. He promises that they will never again be uprooted and destroyed.

Kinda like a vintage automobile that is going to be restored. You cut out the rust and damaged parts and begin cleaning, refining, and restoring (new paint, parts etc.) When it is complete, it is worth FAR MORE than it was originally. Crowds of people will pay to see these vintage cars in their restored state. There are special events to showcase them.

“And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.  And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them,” saith the Lord thy God. [Amos 9:14, 15]

Amos 5-7 [The Message]

It’s so easy to think God doesn’t care about how we conduct our personal lives when we see rampant hedonism all around. (the doctrine that pleasure or happiness is the sole or chief good in life.)

It really does matter to Him how we conduct ourselves, especially if we have any leadership role in His Kingdom.

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? [Micah 6:8]

Amos 4, 5 [The Message]

If politicians knew how God feels about corruption and what He will do about it, our government would run so much smoother.

Chapter five sounds so much like the stuff we hear about on the news every day. God’s mercy prevents the death angel from clearing out our legislative assemblies. Pray that they receive Christ and are forgiven for their misdeeds.

Vote for uprightness.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. [Ps. 33:12]

Amos 1-3 [The Message]

In His pronouncement of judgement and call to repentance in this book, God clarifies that HE raises up ministers to do His will. This is an honor that no man takes unto himself. You can’t call yourself to speak for God. Most preachers will acknowledge that they have always known God wanted to use them, whether they submit or not.

Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple. [Ps. 65:4]

Joel [The Message]

A whole lotta lotta sermons and songs originate from this little book.

It addresses God’s ability to bring a country to it’s knees, call the people to repentance, and then restore them through His love and forgiveness. It also gives the promise of the outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit, present and future.

God’s love and forgiveness triumph over His judgement. God IS love.