How I loved Paige’s closing last week, explaining that God sent the storm not to punish Jonah but to rescue him from his rebellious self. She read from the classic children’s book, Runaway Bunny:
To hear it read aloud, click here:
https://www.google.com/search?q=runaway+bunny+read+aloud&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS805US806&oq=runaway+bunny+read+aloud&aqs=chrome.0.69i59j0i22i30j0i390i650l3.10743j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:9b272470,vid:M3g46CoEAt4,st:0
Her closing was so “Kelleresque!” You may know that Christianity Today published a special article on Keller:
Pastors from around the world testified to how he has impacted them and their churches. One way their preaching was impacted was through Keller’s belief and model that unless Christ was exalted so that a sermon melted one’s heart with His love, the listener might never apply the teaching. Paige certainly has “caught” that and does it so well.
It melts my heart to know that even in my rebellion, He will never stop running after me. Amazing love — how can it be?
Watch Paige here:
Outline for Chapter 1:
I. The Rebellious Intention of the Prophet
A. Jonah’s Direct Defiance
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Jonah Rejects God so Strongly
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Jonah Suspects God so Rightly
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Jonah defects from God so Easil
II. The Revealing Intrusion of the Storm
A. Reason for the Storm
B. Relationships in the Storm
C. Responses in the Storm
1. To the Danger – Struggle
2. To each Other – Shock and Shame
3. To the Lord – Submission and Stoicism
III. Reversals in the Storm
Wednesday:
Listen to Paige’s introduction through her reading of the Scripture. About 15 minutes. On YouTube the recording begins at 9 minutes — so go to 23:24 when she stops reading the passage. Then share:
1. Opening questions:
A. Reflection from last week: In my in-person group one woman whom I highly respect raised the question: “I don’t think I agree that you are only obeying when you disagree. If I ask my children to do something and they do it, they are obeying even though they may not disagree.” What do you think?
B. What strikes you here about her introduction and why?
2. In reading the text she read from Jonah today (Jonah 1:4-16), what strikes you and why?
3. What questions do you have about this text and what is your best guess at the answer?
Thursday:
Listen on YouTube from 23:24 to 44:22 to “But Jonah is fast asleep”
4. What strikes you about the section and why?
5. What questions do you have about this part of her presentation and what’s your best guess at the answer?
Friday:
Listen on YouTube from 44:22 to 1:05 to when she says “The Third Set of Responses”
Listen for 20 minutes and answer:
6. What strikes you about the section and why?
7. What questions do you have about this part of her presentation and what’s your best guess at the answer?
Weekend:
8. How has God been present in your life this week?
Monday:
Listen to the end and share:
9. What strikes you about the section and why?
10. What questions do you have about this part of her presentation and what’s your best guess at the answer?
Tuesday:
11. What has this week’s text and message challenged you to do to change your attitude and actions?
50 comments
1. Opening questions:
A. Reflection from last week: In my in-person group one woman whom I highly respect raised the question: “I don’t think I agree that you are only obeying when you disagree. If I ask my children to do something and they do it, they are obeying even though they may not disagree.” What do you think?
Dee, I’m confused about this statement. “…if I ask my children…they are obeying even though they may not disagree.” Did you mean “…they may not agree?”
The point she was making that she questioned Paige’s statement that we are only obeying when we disagree. To put another way, if I ask my child to take out the trash, and he does it — he is obeying even though he doesn’t have a problem with taking out the trash. Of course he might be delighted if I said there was no need, but out of love and respect for his mother he is taking it out. He doesn’t disagree but he is obeying. Does this help?
I thought it was insightful for I often do things because of love and respect for the Lord even though they are hard. So I don’t disagree, because I know it is best, even though it is hard — and I think that constitutes obedience. I think my friend had a good point as we become more in love with the Lord and realize the wisdom too of obedience, it doesn’t cause a conflict — but that is obedience.
Wednesday:
Listen to Paige’s introduction through her reading of the Scripture. About 15 minutes. Then share:
1. Opening questions:
A. Reflection from last week: In my in-person group one woman whom I highly respect raised the question: “I don’t think I agree that you are only obeying when you disagree. If I ask my children to do something and they do it, they are obeying even though they may not disagree.” What do you think?
I think the disagreeing has to do with giving up of “self”. Children (and adults, too) may operate on what is in it for me responses. So, when I obey to love my enemy (which often my heart disagrees with), then I am truly obeying. What the woman in your study is saying is she sees them obeying because they did what she asked of them, but it is may just mere obedience because of habit, perhaps? When my mom used to ask me to clean my room, I obeyed because I love her but my natural inside response was to disagree in my heart because I am just selfish but I obey because I love my Mom. I am not sure if I am making sense here.
B. What strikes you here about her introduction and why?
She did a recap of last week’s study-what stood out to me is the fact that Jonah is a study on his experience in his relationship with God. And how the storm is God pursuing Jonah. Oh that I would feel His pursuit of me daily!
The reason for the storm is to claim Jonah. It was God’s intervention to communicate 2 things to him and to use: to see our true condition and our true value.
2. In reading the text she read from Jonah today, what strikes you and why?
I mentioned this last week: Our storm has consequences not only for us but also for others. Whoever is in our “boat” will share our experience.
1. What questions do you have about this text and what is your best guess at the answer?
Are all storms of life always a relentless pursuit of us by God? Are they also brought about by the enemy?
My best answer would be it depends. If it is from God, then He must be pursuing us for a reason. If it is from the enemy, it is to destroy us. (He comes to kill, steal, and destroy.
You are making sense. And I’m sure that is true of most children — perhaps habit, perhaps fear — but as we grow in love and wisdom we do it more out of love and wisdom. So I do agree with my friend that we may agree to go against our selfish nature and that is obedience.
Just listened to a Keller sermon and he said he wanted both ice cream and to be healthy — it depended on which thing he wanted most. As we mature we want what is best for us and most pleasing to the Lord.
Thank you, Dee. And I am learning, too, that what is pleasing to the Lord is always the best for me. Even when at the time, I may not feel it is best for me. An example is waiting on Him is so hard. But I do.
Thursday:
Listen for 20 minutes through the struggle of the pagan sailors.
Listen on YouTube from 23:24 to 44:22 to “But Jonah is fast asleep”
1. What strikes you about the section and why?
I have often responded to the storms of life like the sailors did. I panicked and grasped for anything to either understand the why of the storm or the how to get out of it in my own strength or to man for answers, my own intellect, bargaining with God.
As I sit here and reflect on this section, I cannot help but say thank you to God for His sanctifying work in my life. That He is continuing to do the good work that He has started in me. (Philippians 1:6). I will never “arrive” while on this earth, but I have the Spirit moving me into God’s ways and thoughts. And He has greatly used the studies here to speak to me.
“The prayer of terror is not a sign of a transformed heart or a true relationship with God. It is a bargaining when we are in trouble. It is not trust. It is not surrender. “ Tim Keller
2. What questions do you have about this part of her presentation and what’s your best guess at the answer?
I do not have any questions as of this time of writing. Not yet.
Wednesday: Introduction
Listen to Paige’s introduction through her reading of the Scripture. Then share:
1. Opening questions:
A. Reflection from last week: In my in-person group one woman whom I highly respect raised the question: “I don’t think I agree that you are only obeying when you disagree. If I ask my children to do something and they do it, they are obeying even though they may not disagree.” What do you think?
—In my notes I have these statements but I’m not sure if they are from Keller or from Paige.
“Obedience and agreement are not the same thing.”
“It is not really obedience until we disagree and we do it any way. “
Paige went on to give examples of biblical characters who did not necessarily like their callings (were in agreement) but they loved the Lord and obeyed following his plans for them.
Her examples were:
Noah-animals
Moses-camping
Ruth-farming
Nehemiah-construction
Paul- prison
John the Baptist- confrontation
No they didn’t like their callings but they loved the Lord and obeyed the call from God.
Another comment from Paige.
“Obedience pure and simple is the indicator both of our understanding of God as God and our relationship to Him as God.”
—I think perhaps there are different levels of response in obedience where agreement is concerned. And that comes out of maturing and experience with God. I find as I have grown in my relationship to God as my Father I am more and more in agreement with his given will no matter what it is. Some times it is hard and sometimes it is not. But I have found practicing obedience is best because I trust Him.
2. In reading the text she read from Jonah today (Jonah 1:4-16), what strikes you and why?
Well, it sure has Jesus all over it doesn’t it? The storm in the water and Jonah sleeps like a baby (Jesus and the disciples on the Sea of Galilee, Him sleeping, them afraid). And, the sailors casting lots to see who offended the “gods” (casting lots for Jesus’ clothes). Is Jonah Jesus?
Paige addresses that — in some ways he is the opposite of Jesus and the storm. Jesus cares for others, Jonah does not. The disciples did not have faith but these pagan sailors come to fear and actually trust God. But your are right — it is a picture — just an opposite one!
Patti’s husband has been put on hospice — he needs round-the-clock care and is at home. This is such a hard road for Patti — please pray for her. The good news is he seems glad to be on hospice and likes the two nurses. Thanks so much.
Praying right now for peace for Patti and her family ♥️.
Prayers and thoughts for our sweet Patti and her husband…may they be “covered with His feathers, take refuge under His wings and His faithful promises be their armor and protection .” Psalm 91:4
❤️🥰
Prayers for Patti and husband and family. For peace and strength and comfort and mercy.
I join in praying for Patti. I shared these verses this morning with a close friend who is going through a very hard time today and I pray them for Patti asking God to give her rest in Himself
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 ESV
Thank you dear friends for all of your prayers. He is getting weaker each day, but also sweeter and ever closer to the Lord. I know some get angry, but he is not. He is feeling like such a burden, so I tell him he is my “Ken” doll, (like Barbie’s boyfriend) when I get him dressed. How I pray that the Lord will take him gently home in His time. He is struggling and in pain.
Oh Patti! “My Ken doll!” So sweet of you.
Dear Patti, I just popped on here tonight as I haven’t been able to participate in this study, and I saw that your husband is with hospice care at home. I will be praying for both of you; I’m so sorry he is struggling and in pain. Praying for God the Ever Greater to be right there with your husband.
Father, how I agree with Patti’s prayer. Hear our prayer, O Lord.
Patti, sending you much love during this difficult time. The Lord is with you. Isaiah 43:2
4. What strikes you about the section and why?
You don’t get to choose who is in your boat! People are everywhere, watching your moves. Be careful to be intentional to convey God’s message, not your Earthly one. Of course it must be from our hearts. I have a ways to go with this one!
4. What strikes you about the section and why? In opening section, what stood out to me was the storm was God’s loving intervention to wake Jonah up to his condition and his value. Just think that was a tender description of God’s action in this familiar story. In today’s It’s never inconsequential who is in our boat and that we need to own our impact. I need to be more aware of the young moms around me at church and how and where can I encourage and pray for them.
5. What questions do you have about this part of her presentation and what’s your best guess at the answer? Do we pray about things that makes cry, but not things that make us laugh? I get her point, but not sure I can follow through with every detail of my life
Laura and Judy — in the past I haven’t felt the questions had much to do with her presentation, but this time I like them better so may start using them. One question was: Who is in your boat?
The people at pickleball! Yesterday a woman asked me, “Do you ever swear?” That’s a little thing, but I want to talk to her more about why I couldn’t.
Every clerk, my postmistress whom I see daily (we pick up mail at our post office), the people in my airbnb, repairmen…all in my boat!
Who is in your boat?
Who is in my boat? What a good question. Makes me stop and think about the people on our street. A quiet street that is not a through street. It comes off a busy road and is fairly short then turns and goes up to a country road on the edge of town. We have lived here 33 years and there are 11 homes. Most all are now retired. I only know of three who are believers and they are all widows. The rest are “good” people and most are associated with a church but would seem to need Jesus. In a small town setting we have a pretty clear sense of what their lives are about and what their gods are. And they observe us closely too. Oh my. God has given them the right to look at our lives and observe how we live. I feel challenged. But for God.
Dee, I was struck by her imagery of the magnet. We are like magnets; we either attract or repel. May Jesus in us be the attraction. What a sobering thought, though that our lives may repel others to Jesus as well.
Who is in my boat? Oh, wow!
B. What strikes you here about her introduction and why?
—in her review and introduction she asked “Why did the Lord send the storm?” Her answer was “for the exact same reason God was sending Jonah to Nineveh.
For a warning unto grace.” I would have never seen that parallel on my own. Jonah was as needy of God’s grace as the Ninevites.
And so am I. Prone to wander Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love.
2. In reading the text she read from Jonah today, what strikes you and why?
—I am fascinated by the pagan sailors and how they “got it” where God was concerned. God used the storm and the boat to show Himself to them and then brought great calm to their souls and lives.
Way before Jonah ever gets to Nineveh this group of sailors come to believe in and worship the one true God. I often fail to remember that God is at work in our world in great ways bringing the lost to Himself more than I experience or I even expect him to. For me it is too easy to get cynical about the great sins of our own country and look at “them” like Jonah did with Nineveh. But God is still running after the lost to claim them for Himself.
3. What questions do you have about this text and what is your best guess at the answer?
Because this is such a familiar story I reread the text but don’t have any questions from it. Paige’s teaching is opening it up beautifully.
6. What strikes you about the section and why?
I guess I don’t agree with Paige on some of this part. When I sin I don’t feel good about it. In fact, sometimes I can’t really sleep because of it. I’m not sure how Jonah could sleep well knowing how he was being disrespectful to God.
That’s a good thing, Laura!
6. What strikes you about the section and why? Her point on where we mask our ID as a Christian and silence our witness and also the reminder that our lives are always shouting something That I must speak up and bring His words to of love to people.
7. What questions do you have about this part of her presentation and what’s your best guess at the answer Didn’t hear anything.
Friday:
Listen for 20 minutes and answer: Listen on YouTube from 44:22 to 1:05 to when she says “The Third Set of Responses”
1. What strikes you about the section and why?
“Walk the talk” is what I gathered from this section. I had goosebumps when she asked, “Who in your life would be surprised if they find out that we are committed Christians?” Do how I live reflect my love and trust in God’s person, position, and power?
Jonah was shamed. He was claiming the person, position, and power of God, yet it was obvious to the sailors that his word and his behavior showed irreconcilable discrepancies. “The greater tragedy is not that we are silenced but that our lives are never silenced. Jonah’s life was screaming in denial of his profession.
Oh, God, that I would not run away from you when I hear you call out to me. Help me not to say, “I am tired, they don’t deserve it, Can you send somebody else?”
2. What questions do you have about this part of her presentation and what’s your best guess at the answer?
Paige is so eloquent in expounding this chapter and it is just clarity to clarity for me. The Holy Spirit’s work in my life and am thankful for the ministry of His Word through Paige and to your questions here, Dee.
It is so good, Bing, to think about who is in our boat!
Patti’s husband Ron died last night. Please pray for her and her children and grandchildren. If you would like her mailing address, e-mail me at dee@deebrestin.com
My prayer for Patti and her family: Trusting Jesus (by author Edgar Page)
1st verse: Simply trusting every day, Trusting through a stormy way, Even when my faith is small Trusting Jesus that is all.
Trusting as the moments fly Trusting as the days go by Trusting Him whate’er befall Trusting Jesus that is all.
4th verse: Trusting Him while life shall last Trusting Him till earth be past Till within the jasper wall Trusting Jesus that is all.
Thankful for the life of Ronny and his faith. Thankful for the friendship of Patti here on the blog and her example of trusting Jesus.
Weekend:
1. How has God been present in your life this week?
Notes on week 3 day 2 of the study “Grateful”
I am working on a study titled “Grateful” by Lifeway. This was one of the instructions for the day: Write down a few memories of how the Lord’s work in the lives of people around you (who is in the boat with you?) has impacted (impact is greater than intent) your faith. The passage for the day was from Philippians 1:3-11.
I immediately thought of this blog and the women I have come to know and love through the years. Indeed, Paul’s words ring true to me “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Vs. 4-6
I thank God for each one of you here.
I have felt pulled in many directions this week yet had peace as I sensed God’s movement and presence. I am beginning to understand the importance of Paul’s admonition to the Christian, “Pray without ceasing”. Again, God is showing me grace as I look back and realize this directive was not a constant in my life.
Bing, thank you for the sweet compliment to us here. You too, have been a strong sister, who helps us understand and grow. I love you back sistah!
Oh, Laura. Thank you! I long for a day here on earth when we all can get together somehow! Won’t that be swell? I bet we wouldn’t want to leave each other! (Smile)
8. How has God been present in your life this week? Some friends and I try to pray together once a week. We’ve been praying for one of the ladies brother who has emotional struggles and has considered suicide. This week the friend called in tears. Her brother wants to be baptized. He’s gone back and apologized at a place he’d lashed out in anger. We have a miracle working God.
Oh, Judy! What an amazing gift for you and your brother! We have an amazing God! Thankful, very thankful! This is what I wrote yesterday and now I have your answer to prayer to add to my list: Write down a few memories of how the Lord’s work in the lives of people around you (who is in the boat with you?) has impacted (impact is greater than intent) your faith. what He has doing in your life has impacted my faith.
What a wonderful praise report, Judy!
Another question I liked from Paige’s hand-out was:
Follow the path of fear in the hearts of the sailors (v. 5, 10, 16) What is their fear strongest after they have been mercifully spared? Read Psalm 130 and not the placement and purpose of fear. And then look at Proverbs 9:10. Thoughts?
9. What strikes you about the section and why? There is no hiding from the Lord only hiding in the Lord. He sees the disappointments today brought and now I can relax, talk to Him about them instead of ignoring them or talking to others and thus find my rest and comfort in hiding in Him.
10. What questions do you have about this part of her presentation and what’s your best guess at the answer? Can’t think of any.
Love your answer to 9, Judy. So true.
From low participation, I think I should change the format somewhat. Give me input please on what helps you. I think I will add the questions they send out, for I really like them, whereas in the past they didn’t seem as related to her teaching.
Good idea Dee! I like more pointed questions myself, although I think there is a balance. Sometimes it seems like there are too many questions so I am just rushing through instead of savoring the meat. What if you picked her most “to the point” questions for us?
Thanks, Laura! I think what I will do is send out the passage only to dig into for Wednesday and Thursday — and then Friday send out more pointed questions for the rest of the week. That will also give me a little breathing room. But I’m still praying about it! Would love more input.
9. What strikes you about the section and why?
I have always thought Jonah sacrificed himself for the sailors, like Jesus did for us. I believe what Paige is saying is really the right way to interpret this story. He would rather DIE than be part of God’s plan! Wow. How selfish! The sailors were searching for his God, and all he could do was run away. Ugh! Have I done that?
Your change of mind shows your teachable heart!
11. What has this week’s text and message challenged you to do to change your attitude and actions? I need to give pay more attention and prayer to my yes and my no to various decisions to be made about my day and requests for assistance.
Weekend:
8. How has God been present in your life this week?
I just want to touch base here. We took off for 4 days last Saturday and headed up to the Black Hills and met friends. We spent two days off roading out in the beauty of the mountains there. I had hoped to listen to the rest of Paige’s teaching while gone but wasn’t able to do it until we got home last night just before it was taken away. Unfortunately technology wouldn’t allow me to listen to it while traveling in the vehicle. Anyway so I haven’t been able to stay current with questions and comments this week. But I am always amazed by her teaching and so appreciate how she brings it all right back to the Cross of Jesus Christ and His impact on our lives. Her closing brings incredible perspective from Jonah and his desperate need of a Savior and over time right down to today and my desperate need of that same Savior. What Jesus did to chase after and claim each of us is frankly overwhelming in its scope. The book of Jonah has taken on whole new meaning for me now as I have a much better understanding of it. And we aren’t even done with the teaching yet.
Bing, Your comments from your Lifeway Bible Study “Grateful” and your sweet remarks about the friendships here on the blog were a real blessing. I too have appreciated the fellowship of prayer here with my sisters in Christ.
As I saw that Patti’s husband passed away I trust she knows the love and support she has here from her friends far away too.
Thank you Dee for how well you attempt to moderate this fluctuating group and consider the needs. I trust God to lead you as you lead us.
Tuesday:
11. What has this week’s text and message challenged you to do to change your attitude and actions?
I am challenged to let go of my insecurities/partiality/superiority complex when I hear God’s call to me clearly. I should not think of my “sailors” who are in the boat with me whether they are deserving or undeserving of my “services”. As a teacher, I can teach with love for each student and not to give preferential treatment to those who are like me (ahem), As a pastor’s wife, I can minister to everybody the same though I need the Spirit to let me do that. I am challenged to daily remember the mercy and grace of God made possible by Jesus Christ.
I have been led here by the Holy Spirit. My my email is paigerkins@yahoo.com