Scripture Nah 1 Observations 1) The same city that Jonah preached to with great response has now, just 100 years later, turned back towards other gods and evil behavior. 2). God is grace. God is love. God is just. 3). Though The Lord is slow to anger, so so slow, He will by no means clear the guilty. 4). The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble. 5) When Judah is delivered, they are to celebrate and KEEP THEIR VOWS. Application 1). God extends his grace to anyone who will receive it, but we must maintain it by our pursuit of Him and our obedience to His Word. 2). God IS grace. God IS love and God IS just. I must realize that as one who serves God, I will experience all of who He is. So will those that we dont think should. God is Sovereign! We can not compare ourselves among ourselves. We have a personal measure to compare ourselves with: His Word and the Holy Spirit. 3). Sin has consequences. He may be very long-suffering but judgement does come because justice is part of the nature of God. 4). When Im in trouble I can run to The Lord and He will be a stronghold of goodness and protection for me. This doesnt mean that no consequences may come my way for any of my behavior but it may mean that less would come than otherwise. At any rate, I choose the protection of Almighty God who loves me like a father. 5). So often, when we are delivered, we walk in obedience for a bit but as time goes on we fail to keep our vows to God that we made at the point of deliverance. We find ourselves back in captivity and we wonder why. Could it be - we didnt keep our vows? Prayer. Lord, may I pursue you and walk in obedience knowing then that I position myself for a covering of grace and blessing. Lord today I measure myself against your Word and I fall short of your glory. Cover me with your robe of righteousness. Without your covering the justice for my sin will come my way - full force. Thank you that you are so long - suffering with me. Help me to be still when you are the same with others. You are Sovereign. You are All-wise. Help me, Holy Spirit to run to God immediately when Im in trouble. Help me to allow The Lord to be my only Stronghold. He is my hope and stay. I want to be faithful. I want to keep my vows. Holy Spirit, shine your bright light of conviction on my heart so that whenever I slip when it comes to vows keeping, I hear you and make a quick adjustment. I love you Lord. Amen.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 14:18:35 +0000