The Hot Head
Posted by Dion Todd October 4th, 2024 1,171 Views 29 Comments
Then Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made himself a booth, and sat under it in the shade, until he might see what would become of the city. Yahweh God prepared a vine, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to deliver him from his discomfort. So Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the vine. But God prepared a worm at dawn the next day, and it chewed on the vine, so that it withered. When the sun arose, God prepared a sultry east wind; and the sun beat on Jonah's head, so that he fainted, and requested for himself that he might die, and said, "It is better for me to die than to live." Jonah 4:5-8 WEB.
A mighty prophet of God a few days before, Jonah now sat in the blazing heat and wished that he was dead. He actually prayed to die. Jonah had been through a long journey to get to Nineveh and even spent a couple of nights in a custom-made fish hotel. Now, Jonah was so angry that God had spared the city he had prophesied the destruction of that he sulked in anger.
Jonah could have been glad that over 120,000 people had repented at his preaching, and they had turned to the Lord in prayer and fasting. His preaching had sparked one of the greatest revivals of all time, but Jonah was not happy about it.
Jonah was unconcerned about the death of 120,000 others. What concerned Jonah the most was the blazing sun on his head, and the plant which had been providing shade for him had died. Jonah was upset over a small plant's death but was angry at God for showing mercy and sparing an entire city.
Every parent knows that their children need to be disciplined at some point, for when left to themselves, they rarely turn out well. And when discipline becomes necessary, it is the parent's job to provide it. So God provided everything Jonah needed to have the right outlook on the situation.
While Jonah sat there and pouted, God provided blazing heat from the sun and a scorching east wind to blow on the prophet's head. Then a plant grew up to give him cool shade. But the next day, the Lord provided a worm to eat the plant so that it died. After all of this and Jonah's ensuing temper tantrum, the Lord spoke to Jonah once again. Would God bring an attitude adjustment like that? Apparently so, and without ever being seen.
Our Heavenly Father will also provide everything we require to maintain a proper attitude. Sometimes that involves withholding something we think that we need. Or something else comes along we don't think we need.
God loves you and wants you to grow and fulfill the plans He has for you. Therefore, He will not leave you to grow like a weed (Hebrews 12:6) but will provide whatever it takes along the way to fulfill your destiny. He loves us and only desires the best for our lives, but when you submit your life to Him, He can be relentless in bringing that to pass.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You today. Let me learn lessons quickly and not be stubborn and unchanging. May Your perfect will be done in my life. Please give me the grace to accept change and help me keep a positive attitude today. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
Note: βRejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.β (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network. If you are interested in joining the prayer team, here is how to get started Prayer Partners.
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Sherry Mccosh commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Hot Head
1 week ago
Heavenly Father, I thank You today. Let me learn lessons quickly and not be stubborn and unchanging. May Your perfect will be done in my life. Please give me the grace to accept change and help me keep a positive attitude today. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
Thank you for todays devotion! Great word today!!
Scott Riegelmann commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Hot Head
1 week ago
Amen I can say with all honesty that I too have prayed that I may die and be done with this sickness and pain but it's not what the Lord has planned for me thank you for this beautiful devotional God bless you all.
Liesel aka lisa Wardle
1 week ago
I completely understand you dear brother, but I believe that the Lord isn't done with you yet, HE has a plan for you and a mission!! Love you brother! ππππ€
Narciso Salas posted a photo on Dion Todd's profile:
1 week ago
Maybe this can be a blessing to someone.
Liesel aka lisa Wardle
1 week ago
"Love the Lord your God with all with all your heart and with all your soul . . . . Love your neighbor as yourself . . . " Mark 12:30-31!!! Love in action!!! π
Delfina Rodriguez commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Hot Head
1 week ago
Amen ππΌ. Today is going to be a challenge at work. Lord help me and lead me the way. I trust in you Lord. Please make the impossible possible. Every one please lift me in prayer for Godβs will and favor to be with me today and whatever the future holds. I trust in Jesus name- Amen ππΌ. I needed to hear this word this morning. Blessings to all
Nell Neathery
1 week ago
blessings and prayers! God provided me with a miracle in August, and it was unexpected. I received it by mail last week, I believe. It has taken patience and faith since August. However, I will be be able to start enjoying it next week, hopefully!
Rachael Burke
1 week ago
God is with you , donβt let fear take over you , just put your trust in God .
Liesel aka lisa Wardle commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Hot Head
1 week ago
Amen and Amen, this I pray!!! Oh Lord, dear Heavenly Father, please help me to control my temper when ever provoked, and not react in anger, but come to YOU first and pray and seek your counsel, in the name of Jesus, Amen!!!
Marisa Jackson commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Hot Head
1 week ago
Amen πβ€οΈπβ€οΈπβ€οΈπβ€οΈ!!
Wanda Pennington commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Hot Head
1 week ago
Heavenly Father, I thank You today. Let me learn lessons quickly and not be stubborn and unchanging. May Your perfect will be done in my life. Please give me the grace to accept change and help me keep a positive attitude today. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray Amen. πππ
Yvette York commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Hot Head
1 week ago
Amen Amen Good Morning Everyone π
Michele Copley
1 week ago
Yes, Amen, Amen! Good Morning to you, Yvette and Everyone!ποΈ The peace of God with us.
Raju Williams commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Hot Head
1 week ago
Praise the Lord. Amen.ππ
Sylvia Todd commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Hot Head
1 week ago
Good morning, fam, happy Friday π»! Continued prayers for all who are suffering from the effects of Hurricane Helene π!
Kevin J. Eck commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Hot Head
1 week ago
Heavenly Father, I want to be a good student and learn your lessons of Life. Give me a positive attitude when the lessons get difficult, let me know you are always by my side. In the name of Jesus, Amen!
Theresa Bright commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Hot Head
1 week ago
Amen ππ» Thank you Father.
Candy Laventure commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Hot Head
1 week ago
We learn a great lesson from the life of Jonah. Amen!
Bella Colliander commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Hot Head
1 week ago
Dion, I just love the way you present the daily devotional. Sometimes, it's wow, thank you Lord and always a blessing. Thank you and have a blessed day.ποΈ
Rachael Burke commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Hot Head
1 week ago
Amen, Lord unto you , I lift whatever is troubling my mind , pls God help me , and let favour find me , in Jesus name .
Mark Williams commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Hot Head
1 week ago
Heavenly Father, I thank You today. Let me learn lessons quickly and not be stubborn and unchanging. May Your perfect will be done in my life. Please give me the grace to accept change and help me keep a positive attitude today. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
Debi Burton commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Hot Head
1 week ago
Heavenly Father, I thank You today. Let me learn lessons quickly and not be stubborn and unchanging. May Your perfect will be done in my life. Please give me the grace to accept change and help me keep a positive attitude today. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen! β€οΈπ€π»