Jonah 1-2
H - "So [the men] picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. Then the men feared Yahweh exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to Yahweh and made vows." - Jonah 1:15-16
E - The sailors saw Yahweh's dealings with Jonah, and it gave them a great respect for the God of Israel. It took a great storm and then its sudden stoppage to instill this fear.
A - Father, so many in New Zealand and the West have no fear of you. You are totally irrelevant to their daily lives. They worship false gods of money, sex, power, and personal peace and affluence. Will it take a great storm to shake up New Zealanders to the realisation that you exist and that you are very much involved in our world?
R - "Keep following me, preaching my word, defending Scripture as the ultimate authority, and proclaiming the gospel. There are rough seas ahead for New Zealand and the West. Some will turn in repentence to me, but most will not. Focus on those who are positive. Most of all, do not fear. Remember the chariots of fire surrounding Elisha. Be calm and courageous. Keep pouring into the next generation, especially those who are willing. Make disciples who make disciples."
P - Father, I pray for a shake up in New Zealand, both in the Church and out, that will cause deep repentance. So many neglect to think about the big questions of life. They live for themselves and not for you. Lord, reach out to those who are somewhat open to you. In your mercy and grace, let them know about your holiness and love. We want as many to be saved as possible, right here in our city, Dunedin. May the Church speak boldly and truthfully in our city.
- Jeff Coleman