DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2018 SALVATION IS OF THE LORD TEXT: JONAH 2:1-10

DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL

SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2018

SALVATION IS OF THE LORD

TEXT: JONAH 2:1-10

Key Verse: “But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD” (Jonah 2:9)_

99% of failure comes from people who have habits of making excuses. Some men have thousands of reasons why they cannot do what they ought to do when all they really need is one reason why they can. Jonah was a disobedient prophet whom God

sent to Nineveh to warn the people of their sinful ways and God’s imminent judgement. Jonah instead fled to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.

By the reason of his affliction, Jonah acknowledged the Lord, promised to praise Him with his voice and pay his vows. He confirmed that salvation is of the Lord.

Jesus Christ is the central focus of human history. Before his birth, all dates are BC and after His death, all dates are AD. He is both the Son of God (fully Deity) and the Son of man (fully Human). He is our Saviour and Substitute. Without Jesus, life is like a twilight with the dark night ahead. But with Christ, it is the dawn of morning with the light and warmth of full day.

The desire of God since the fall of man at Eden is repentance from sin. Jesus, our Saviour and Substitute, is the only medium of salvation. Have you received His forgiveness for your sins? If you have, extend it to your relatives, friends, neigbours and community. Soul-winning is every believer’s ministry which we should not shy away from. You are saved to serve. Delay no further: let others know that salvation is of the Lord. Learn the prime lesson that Jonah did not fully learn: reach out to sinful souls, irrespective of creed or colour.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The living Jesus is the proof of God’s love and forgiveness.
COVER to COVER: PSALMS 7;27;31;34;52.

PONDER: Those that can be saved

1. Jonah's experience of salvation (deliverance from hell, death and wrath of God) was neither theoretical nor mental but experiential. He confessed "salvation is of the Lord." v9.
2. Realise that the wrath of God is upon you already as a result of your sins v4.
3. Accept the fact that no one can save you except God Himself v3,5. Reject alternatives to repentance.
4. Have a strong desire and readiness to receive genuine salvation v7.
5. Cry unto the Lord for mercy like a drowning man v2,7.
6. Promise God to part totally with all sins and appearance of sins v9.
7. What follows, as you believe, is assurance of salvation given by the Holy Spirit v9.

HYMN: Heaven came down and glory filled my soul (GHS 32)

1. O what a wonderful, wonderful day - day I will never forget;
After I'd wandered inb darkness away, Jesus my Saviour I met.
O what a tender, compassionate friend - He met the need of my heart;
Shadows dispelling, With joy I am telling, He made all the darkness depart.

Chorus:
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul,
When at the cross the Saviour made me whole;
My sins were washed away -
And my night was turned to day -
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!

2. Born of the Spirit with life from above into God's fam'ly divine,
Justified fully thru Calvary's love, O what a standing is mine!
And the transaction so quickly was made when as a sinner I came,
Took of the offer of grace He did proffer - He saved me, O praise His dear name!

Chorus:
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul,
When at the cross the Saviour made me whole;
My sins were washed away -
And my night was turned to day -
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!

3. Now I've a hope that will surely endure after the passing of time;
I have a future in heaven for sure, there in those mansions sublime.
And it's because of that wonderful day when at the cross I believed;
Riches eternal and blessings supernal from His precious hand I received.

Chorus:
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul,
When at the cross the Saviour made me whole;
My sins were washed away -
And my night was turned to day -
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!

*PRAYER POINTS:*
1. Thank God for the provision of salvation through Christ. Man is not hopeless.
2. Talk to the Lord and Saviour Jesus with a sincere and determined heart that you want experiential salvation.
3. Ask for assurance of salvation through the witness of the Holy Spirit.
4. Pray for church goers that are not yet saved that God will assist them to obtain this glorious experience.