Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Celebration of restoration 
Bible Reading: Jonah Chapter 4 

Key Verse:  10,11 But the LORD said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. 11 And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals? 
DEVOTION

The Book of Jonah is God's sovereign plan to restore a city, which was destined to be destroyed, through the prophet Jonah. As we look around ,we feel that the world is on the brink of total destruction with all kinds of calamities . Are we able to see any sort of restoration in this situation? we often forget that our God is a God of restoration. 
 The people of Nineveh headed to the voice of Jonah and repented and God relented from destroying Nineveh. Today if we are alive, if the world is still existing, it's the kindness of God, because of the prayers of many people. The ultimate plan of God is to restore the lost ones to Him through Jesus Christ. 
God commissioned Jonah to go and preach against the evil and injustice in Nineveh to give the people of Nineveh a last chance to repent and get saved, but Jonah was so unhappy with his task and a complainer , he wasn’t willing to participate in the heavenly joy of salvation. Jona’s attitude and arguments with God points towards our isolated life and lack of insight into God’s calling in our lives. 
We are called to celebrate the joy of salvation in our everyday life regardless of circumstances and to share the gospel to this world there by completing the purpose and calling in our life. Unlike Jonah, let us utilize every opportunity God grants us to be partakers of His calling to celebrate with God, as it mentioned in Luke 15:10,10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” 

   PRAYER

Heavenly Father grant me your grace and mercy that I may come out of my comfort zone and align my life with plan and purpose God and use me for the glory of your Kingdom. 
Thought for the day
"Whenever God restores something, He restores it to a place greater than it was before." 

Sherly Varghese
Epiphany Mar Thoma Church
 New York

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