GPS-Crystal Lake Beach

JUN 22 / Sunday – Read Jonah 1:1-4:11 (esp Jonah 2:10 NLT)

Overview: We can cause chaos if we don’t show compassion for others, i.e. refuse to listen to God. But this loving God of second chances doesn’t ever give up on us. Here’s a whale of a tale about it.

23 / Mon – Failures do not have to be final  |  Read Philippians 4:11-13

Many years ago at Crystal Lake beach in Burnsville MN, a little boy was failing his first swimming lesson…how to float on his back. Each time he would collapse and sink like he had rocks in his pockets. Even the instructor wasn’t sure if he’d ever get it, but his parents never gave up on him. Do you ever feel like this little kid? Your Father in heaven never gives up on you. You may not succeed the 1st or the 2nd or even the 50th time, but persevere. What is it God is teaching you right now? He will stick with you until you learn how to do it. Don’t ever give up. Never ever.

24 / Tue – Jonah’s second chance  |  Read Jonah 1-4 NLT (especially 2:10 and 3:1-3)

It’s worth reading the whole story of Jonah (about 8 minutes). He is an example of someone who feared others more than he feared God. On hearing his assignment, Jonah ran to the beach and boarded a ship heading the opposite direction. After a few days inside a huge fish, Jonah was spit out on the beach and then obeyed. God gives 2nd chances but what will it take for you to do what He says the first time?

25 / Wed – Undeserved mercy  |  Read Jonah 3:10 and 4:1-4 / Luke 15:25-32

It doesn’t seem fair when God has mercy on those who don’t deserve it. Jonah thought so. The Assyrians were enemies of God’s people and were known for their cruelty. Now God is not going to punish them?! Compare Jonah’s attitude with the older brother’s when his prodigal brother was welcomed home with open arms. What did they have in common? How can you avoid falling into the same trap when you see God’s mercy poured out on those who don’t deserve it?

26 / Thu – Calling, choices, consequences, 2nd chances  |  Read Judges 13:1-5, 24 and 16:20-31

Samson was born to deliver God’s people from their cruel enemies. His parents faithfully raised him according to God’s ways and when he was grown, the Spirit of God began to stir in Samson. His exploits are found in chapters 14-16. Sadly he allowed himself to compromise, confident in his own abilities, and he lost it all. In this helpless condition, he asked God for a 2nd chance and it was granted. Do you feel like you have gone too far for the Lord to use you in His kingdom? Take hope from Samson’s story. There are consequences for wrong choices but God’s plan will prevail.

27 / Fri – Even after years of separation?  |  Read Genesis 50:15-21

They didn’t deserve it after what they had done but God gave Joseph’s brothers another chance to repair their broken relationship. When they saw Joseph, twenty-two years after they had sold him into slavery, they were truly repentant. Joseph had suffered greatly because of their cruelty so what made him willing to forgive? Is there a relationship in your life that has been damaged because of hurtful words or actions? Are you willing to forgive and be open for second chances?

28 / Sat – All kinds qualify  |  Read Isaiah 43:18-19

In the gospels, Jesus gave 2nd chances to all kinds of people…to the sick, to criminals and to prostitutes, to religious hypocrites, to those who were rejected by society and even to his own disciples. What makes you think he won’t give you, or those you’ve given up on, a 2nd chance? No one is beyond God’s reach. With Him, all things are possible. Your prayers, compassion, kindness and encouraging words may be what God will use to soften disillusioned hearts. Ask Him to let you partner with Him in this work of reconciliation and see what happens.