Read the Book: Summer Bible Planনমুনা

JONAH 1-4 - "OH, ME?" OR "OH, MY?" So often we read the story of Jonah, the reluctant prophet, and land on the side of disbelief. How can the “word of the Lord” come to a believer with absolute direction and they literally run the opposite way? We say, “Oh, my, that’s so unbelievable. That’s unacceptable, I would never!” The truth is the story of Jonah is an “Oh, me” reminder of my own rebellion. Daily, we are faced with opportunities for obedience. Unfortunately, there are many things we don’t want to do because it may require more effort, more time and more grace than we are willing to give. So, like Jonah, we run from God and His plan, thinking we can skirt around His current mission and wait for something easier or publicly appealing. Jonah’s rebellion story reminds us that rather than running from God, we must trust Him with our past, present, and future. Saying "no" to God can lead us to disaster, but saying yes to God brings new understanding of His character and His purposes for our lives and the world. He has brought our lives up from the pit, and our grateful devotion requires us to trust His perfect plan for our lives. God’s mission in 760 BC and 2020 are very much the same... GO and TELL! Gracious Father, thank you for your perfect plan for my life. Forgive me when my faith is weak. I believe your plans for me are always for my good and your Glory! Give me the faith and the courage to share the good news of the Gospel with the world. Amen. Family Connection: God instructed Jonah to go to the Ninevites and to tell them about their wickedness. Jonah didn’t want to tell them because he knew God would forgive them if they turned to Him. Talk as a family about times when you tend not to do what you are supposed to do and think of ways you all can practice doing the right thing.