Heart of Jesus, Not Jonah 4-22-09

Good morning, Lord Jesus. As best as I can and all by Your grace, I give my life and this day to You. … "In fury You trod the earth, in anger You trampled the nations. You came forth to save Your people, to save Your anointed. You crushed the head of the wicked house, laying it bare from foundation to the roof. You pierced with their own arrows the head of his warriors, who came like a whirlwind to scatter us, gloating as if ready to devour the poor who were in hiding. You trampled the sea with Your horses, churning the mighty waters" (Habakkuk 3:12-15). There are many passages of Scripture about Your judgment and wrath, Your destruction and triumph over wickedness and evil. In reading Your Word and listening for Your Spirit to know Your heart in these warnings and prophecies, You often remind me of two key biblical, spiritual principles: First, You do not desire the destruction or death of anyone, but that all would turn to You in humility and repentance. "Say to them, 'As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from their ways and live…' " (Ezekiel 33:11). Second, though Your Word speaks of wrath against nations and people, our battle, our hearts, and our prayers are not to be against the people, but against the spiritual forces of evil deceiving, manipulating, and destroying those people and others through the wicked choices they make under the influence of evil. "For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12). There will be judgment of people and nations. There are consequences for rebellion, sin, wickedness, and evil. But our call is to "overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21). Our command is to pray for those who persecute us, bless those who curse us, love those who hate us, even as we speak the truth in love and confront evil and injustice wherever it may be found, in the way You lead, not always in the way we want. Your Word says You "will shortly crush Satan" and the spiritual forces of evil of this present darkness "under (our) feet," -- not the human beings he has deceived and manipulated, despite their wicked ways (Romans 16:20). You're "not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). So even the days of judgment and wrath are also, ultimately, days of Your mercy, as You use even that out of Your heart of love for all people, willing to do whatever it takes to save every soul possible. All will not repent and turn to You, but our calling is to pray that they do. If anyone is blinded to the truth and hardened to Your grace and love, it is the wicked work of Satan and the power of darkness. But the good news is: "The Son of God was revealed for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8). Give us wisdom to understand Your Word and the whole counsel of God, as we agree with Your heart, Your purpose, and Your Spirit even the days of judgment and wrath (Luke 9:51-55). Give us the heart of Jesus, not the spirit of Jonah (Jonah 4:1). May we pray for repentance and mercy, not wrath and destruction. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, if you're thinking of joining us this Friday Night for our Messiah Ministries Celebration Dinner with worship, inspiration, and stories of God's great power and love to change lives and empower His people for these days to come, please let us know right away. Over 250 people are already coming! We'll be sharing our heart and vision with encouragement to join our calling. You're invited so please come join us and bring some friends, but we need an RSVP for planning to Marilyn right away at DirOfMinistries@aol.com or 859-317-1591 If you can't come but would like to support us and help provide for our celebration, please send a contribution on-line or by mail. All help will be greatly appreciated! Order our Ministry Resources or Contribute to our vision and calling: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org Subscribe by email to me at Messiah Ministries --MessiahMin@aol.com- - "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502