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September 13, 2024 | ||
Dear Church Family, This morning I finished reading through the book of Jonah. The last chapter really gets to the center of Jonah’s heart problem and why he ran from the presence of the Lord in the first place. In chapter three Jonah finally goes to Nineveh and proclaims the message God gave him for the city. But then something remarkable happens! “And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them” (Jonah 3:5). Upon seeing their repentance, God relents and does not destroy the city. This is news that you would think would make Jonah rejoice. But Jonah was not pleased. He was angry.
Jonah was angry because he didn’t want the people to repent. He wanted them destroyed. His heart was very different than God’s heart. The Lord ends the book with a question for Jonah, “And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?” (Jonah 4:11). Jonah’s anger got me think about my own anger. Sometimes I get angry for good reasons and sometimes for bad ones. Sometimes when I’m angry my heart is the same as God’s heart. Other times, though, I’m angry because my heart is very different than God’s heart. When I’m angry, I need to stop and ask why I’m angry. Is this something that God is also angry about, or is my heart in the wrong place? Just like God asked Jonah in verse four I need to ask, “Do you do well to be angry?” It’s always good to do a heart check and make sure our hearts match His.
What’s Happening at Gospel Life:Parking on Sunday: The school buses in the parking lot are supposed to be moved on Saturday, so we should be able to use our regular parking and entrance this Sunday. Thank you for your patience and understanding the last few weeks. Communion: We will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper as part of our Sunday morning service this Sunday, September 15th. Through the ordinance of communion, we remember the sacrifice Jesus made to save us from our sins. Youth Group: Join us this Sunday, September 15th, from 5-7 pm at the Bronleewes’ house. We’ll have dinner, games, worship, and begin a new study, “Treasure Hunt.” Church Potluck: We’re having our next church potluck on Sunday, September 29th, right after the morning worship service. Come celebrate with us and bring one of your favorite dishes to share with the group. Request Prayer: It’s important for us to be praying for each other as a church! If you ever need prayer, we would love to come alongside you. You can always turn in a prayer request on Sundays using the Connection Card, but you can also submit a prayer request online at any time: Upcoming Dates: Prayer & Praise Night (October 6th), Elder Training (October 8th), Men’s Hike (October 19th) This Coming Sunday: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW5IMNeRoI99I-QNoGMnuWDy6Y5svTt_c | ||
Is your heart in the wrong place?
