Psalms 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Psalms 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Joel 2:12-14 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?
Jonah 3:4-10 And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
Thank you for your comments David0921. I re-read the Book of Jonah & agree to some things you shared (the wickedness of the Ninevites & God's Judgement against them). But you wrote, "God had worked in their hearts to save them". I think that you meant that salvation from their sins would be their blessed end.
Looking at this Book, I learn: Jonah 1:2 (the wickedness of Nineveh had come before God & He planned for their destruction).
Jonah 3:2 (a command came a second time to Jonah to preach God's Word to them). Jonah 3:4 (Jonah's message of destruction, unless they repent & turn from evil). Jonah 3:5 (the people (& king vv 6-9) believed the message of coming destruction, repented & left off their evil ways). Jonah 3:10 (God recognized their repentance & renunciation of evil). And what did God do as a result? Were they granted salvation for their hearts of sin, or were they granted salvation from an impending destruction by God?
Moving forward to our Lord's time with the Jewish religious leaders; & to Matthew 12:38-42. Jesus spoke of the sign of Jonah (Christ in the grave), & "the men of Nineveh rising in judgement & condemnation against this generation". How could these Ninevites accomplish this? Because they heard, repented & obeyed God's Word of destruction against them whilst the Jews refused. And so also would the Queen of Sheba speak against this generation. These folk of Nineveh & Sheba would condemn the Jews for their rejection of Christ & His Message of repentance. The Ninevites repented & were not destroyed (unlike those of Sodom who faced utter destruction), but did their repentance grant them salvation & eternal life? If you read it as that it did, then I would say that I don't agree. Onto Page 2.
Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?
Jonah 3:4-10
Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. For the word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
Ezekiel 36:24-31
For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes
It seems hard to fathom why the Lord would call and commission Job when; knowing all things He would have expected him to take such an aversive action of going in the other direction; then when he finally obeyed the commission after dying or nearly dying in the body of the fish he still was upset that the large city repented of Nineveh.
What is equally interesting and often flies off the radar is God's concern for the huge population of heathen who; according to historians oppressed Israel and eventually God destroyed as seen in Nahum. Other than individual rulers such as the case of Nebuchadnezzar under Daniel or perhaps healing of Naaman the Syrian we don't see such an evangelistic campaign anywhere else before the New Testament. Jonah 4:10 shows God's concern contrasted with the vine which was Jonah's sole comfort being taken away.
What we do see here also is how those called and chosen by God are hunted down; I like to refer to it as the hounds of heaven.
We do see with Jonah's message it was for repentance; there was the obvious fear of God of the Hebrews as evidenced by the men who cast him into the sea; and no reluctance as was seen with Pharoah in the case of Moses. The ruler himself put on sackcloth and declared no man or beast was to eat or drink. ( Jonah 3:5). It is hard to conceive that they would have all ceased from food or water for 40 days including animals without a huge casualty rate; surely if they survived that it would be a miracle.
It seems plausable that God relented well before the 40 days were up under those circumstances; or the ruler implied a shorter fast; but if Jonah declared that it was not mentioned. He was sitting around to "see what would happen"; after he declared the city's destruction in 40 days.
Think about it; there were 120000 saved; certainly genuine repentance among some or God wouldn't have relented. How Job could have been disappointed is hard to fathom.
Thank you for this scripture! Thanks for reminding me about it. These scriptures were a helpful reminder & helped me through The Holy Spirit answer a question about fasting. It reminded me how sometimes Kings have fasted, even unrighteous ones, changed their royal 'beautiful' etc, for rough, humble unappealing sackcloth, to seek salvation & help from GOD. Jonah 3:6, Jonah 3,
I think you, yourself have to determine how & if you fast. By your faith.
Isaiah 58, Galatians 2:6, Hebrews 11:6, James 1:5-7,
The problem, you've stated you have is considered 'high blood sugar' usually less sugar intake is better for your body. Less food would be less sugar, but that means don't take the same insulin amounts. You should talk about it with the people you're trusting that diagnosed you & prescribed medicine to you, if you're taking insulin.
I guess the first act of faith in fasting for you could be, eating healthy. Cut out unnecessary sugars.
Several fellowships do a 15 day no desserts. Some turn off TV, radio etc to take time to listen to GOD. Usually all fasts reading the Bible & praying more. Turning from sin, like things that displease GOD. Like abusing someone's own body: 1Corinthians 6:9-10,11, Romans 14:22,23, Philippians 3:9,
Hebrews 11,
Interestingly the Bible mentions taking off Kingly garments & putting on sackcloth with fasting: 1Kings 21:27, Daniel 9:3, Isaiah 37:1, Jonah 3:5-10,
(this is the chapter Daniel 9, that the fellowship, takes the 'no dessert' fast from.)
Matthew 6, praying & asking Luke 11:1-13,
Then extreme fasts, for extreme situations: Books of Esther, Matthew 17:14-21,
Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,
Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.
So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey.
And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.
So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.
And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:
But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.
Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?
And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
Matthew 12:41
The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
I thought I would start out with when we don't fast. That would be for someone that has blood sugar issues (for lengthier fasts); or when we need physical strength for work or mental acumen to perform tasks.
I have stated the verse where Jesus casts out the demon where prayer and fasting were needed for that type of demon; thus the disciples couldn't cast it out ( Mark 9:29). It appears that Jesus expected the disciples to seek the Father through prayer as to the challenges to come; so that it could be revealed to them when fasting was needed. Christ of course had the power to do all things irregardless; but in His dependence on the Spirit so that He could "suffer all things as we did but without sin" ( Heb. 4:15) meant that He trusted in the Spirit for all of His miracles and actions.
Obviously; prayer is something we all should do constantly ( 1 Thess. 5:17). We are also to meditate day and night ( Joshua 1:8). We see how Christ was up all night in prayer before He picked His first group of Disciples; and how at the end the Disciples were to fight sleep due to sorrow ad exhaustion and pray to avoid temptation.
There is no set command for fasting; it appears to have been something the fear of God instigated for instance by the pagan king in Nineveh ( Jonah 3:7). Esther had a 3 day fast before appealing to the King to save her people and reveal her origin in chapter 4; verse 16. The King of Babylon fasted for a night when he was disturbed about Daniel being placed in the lion's den in Daniel 6. Churches these days probably do this much less often than should be done; certainly a short fast would be proper more often than long ones. There are health benefits as well; obviously one without water should be limited. It would seem that God intervened before 40 days without water in the case of Nineveh or it was a miracle they survived that long.
We are to be filled with the Spirit as we are emptied of ourselves.
I recommend going straight to the Bible. Today's verse on this website is perfect 2Chronicles 7:14,
Isaiah 58, Ezra 8:21, Daniel 9, Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:17-29, Joel 2:12,14,15, Acts 10:30-31, 1Corinthians 7:2-5, Matthew 6:16,17,18,
Esther 4, context begins in previous chapters including Esther 1, explaning her heritage & by wisdom they had kept it silent.
Daniel 6:18, Jonah 3:4-10, notice these two noted here were not known as Godly people yet even their fast was recognized & rewarded by GOD, repentance & humbling themselves, before GOD.
Hi Texsis. He is partly correct in what he said, but more accurately, it should be written, 'The Bible is, in part, about the history of Israel, the people chosen by God, through whom God's blessings would come; that all the world should know the One & True Living God, Who would one day send His Son to be the Redeemer for Israel & the World.' The Torah had an immediate benefit only to Israel, for it was given to them to learn from & obey. Had they been true to God, they would have been used by God as a mighty witness to the World. But they failed Him, disobeying Him & taking on the sins & corruptions of the Gentiles, thus falling into the same condemnation.
God may not have "dealt with any other nations" as He did with His people Israel, but the nations stood condemned for their sins & idolatry just as Israel suffered under God's Hand when they despised Him. The nations may not have known anything about Israel's God, but the Bible in its fullness must have a very real bearing to the Gentiles as their history is also intertwined within Israel's history.
From Adam & Eve right up to Abraham & Isaac, Israel was not a people or nation. Gentiles too have an heritage to Adam even though not much is given after the Flood when the descendants of Ham & Japheth spread out into the world. But we have the mention of Melchizedek ( Genesis 14:18-20), Hagar ( Genesis 16:1-3), Rahab ( Joshua 6:22-25), Ruth (Ruth chapter 2), the repentance of the City of Nineveh ( Jonah 3:5-10). All these in the OT show that Gentiles were still in God's Mind & to be used of Him.
And Hosea 2:23, "...I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God", to this verse the Apostle Peter refers in 1 Peter 2:10. The Church, composed of Jew & Gentile believers were planned for in the Old Testament & realized in the NT Church & the coming of the Holy Spirit to make her God's special possession.
Some preach fasting as a command because Jesus said "when, thou fastest" Matthew 6:16-21,
Sometimes people & Church congregations fast for closeness with GOD, to feel HIS presence, & clarity on direction from GOD: Matthew 9:15, Mark 2:19,20, Luke 5:34,35, Ezra 8:21,23, Nehemiah 1:4, Nehemiah 1, (in context.), Daniel 9:2-3, 2Corinthians 6:4,5
Fasting & prayer to help deliver people from sin, addiction, mental illness, demonic oppression, Matthew 17:21, (context) Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:17-29,
1Samuel 7:3
1Corinthians 7:3-5,
Fasting for deliverance: 2Chronicles 20:1-30, Esther 4:3,16, in context: Esther 3:8-15, - Esther 4, Daniel 6:12-23, Joel 1:14, Joel 2:12,
Fasting in repentance, sometimes even after GOD's judgement : 1Samuel 7:2-17, 2Samuel 12:7-23, (do you think it was easier to except it because he was fasting? While others were perplexed?) 1Kings 21, note 1Kings 21:27-29, Jonah 3:5-10, Joel 2:15,
Also Isaiah 58,
Jesus fasted an extreme fast: Matthew 4:2,
When it says in: Matthew 10:8, Luke 10:9, Mark 16:17-18, can we do these things without fasting?
I believe there are too many scriptures about power in fasting, direction, deliverance & repentance to think lightly of.
Fasting is submission, Romans 13:7, Luke 20:25, Matthew 17:25-26,
(3) Gentiles were not required, but had the privilege of, joining the Hebrew family via the proselytization process (cf. Acts 2:10; 13:16). Additionally, there were many instructions in Moses' law designed to benefit the "strangers" (Gentiles) who came among Israelite people ( Leviticus 19:33ff).
(4) The Lord sent Jonah to the Gentiles of Nineveh ( Jonah 3:1). Archer said that the theme of the book of Jonah "is that God's mercy and compassion extend even to the heathen nations on condition of their repentance" (1964, 295). Jonah is sometimes called "the first apostle to the Gentiles."
(5) Four Gentile women were woven into the genealogical fabric of the Messiah-Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba-in both legal and biological senses ( Matthew 1:5-6; Luke 3:31-32).
(6) In addition, the prophets clearly revealed Jehovah's redemptive concern for the Gentiles, who were to be grafted into the New Testament church on an equal basis with the Jews ( Genesis 17:4; 22:18; Psalms 2:8; Isaiah 42:1, 6; 49:6; cf. Romans 11:1ff; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:11ff).
Conclusion
There always has been a way for honest people to be right with their Creator-if they seek after him and choose to please him ( Acts 17:27ff). God so loved the entire world and gave his Son as a potential redeeming sacrifice for all who avail themselves of his gift ( John 3:16). He is the loving benefactor to everyone who submits to his will in faithful obedience ( 1 Timothy 2:4; Hebrews 5:8-9; cf. 2 Peter 3:9).
Article by Wayne Jackson.
I share this information for one to go over. I haven't had the time to do no more than glance over the beginning being I'm out town on business again.
Hopefully some others can share on this great question you asked.
Fasting has to be a personal decision. Isaiah 58, Matthew 6:16-23, some fast from television, social media, movies
Some would recommend only a Daniel type fast where he refrained from sweet breads, like cakes, pies, cookies, meats but had rich protiens, Pulse like black eyed peas, lintils, humus, vegetables. Daniel 1:12, Daniel 10:2-3,
2 Chronicles 20:5-30, 2 Chronicles 20:13, Jonah 3:5, Joel 2:15-18,
SERVING JESUS UNTIL THE LAST MOMENT - In Reply - 3 years ago
I'm not refusing anything. Jesus doesn't know the time of the end. Only the Father knows.
I'm a street preacher. I just get people ready to go__period.
I watch for the signs, that happen on this earth; in these political systems; plagues and pandemics on all continents; changes in money systems.
Advancements or increased "labor pains". We all have our part to doas the BODY OF CHRIST.
I think Matthew 16:1-4; 12:39-42; Jonah 3:1-4
We are all parts of the Body of Christ, but each body part is not identical. The Holy Spirit gives as He wills.
Not everyone that comes in here can understand the book of Revelation. It corresponds to other events on earth, and in the heavens.
Like right now the Arab kingdoms are uniting; and with China and Russia.
MATTHEW 24:42-51 sign of Noah
MATTHEW 25: 1-13 the 10 Virgins
I do not believe that Jesus will suffer His Bride to be killed. I believe we will see the beginning of the Trib. and warn people. A great harvest. I think Noah labored on the Ark 6 days a week and preached in the city. When the Ark was ready, GOD SHUT THE DOOR. The door was massive and had to be secured outside.
Can any of us conquer the fear of man, and get this message we know so well, and preach so well here, and take it to people who are perishing, "out there".
People watch the news every day (YouTube or tv) so there is an awareness of the signs. We just need to open up WHERE this is all leading to. All this global warming hype from the Government, IS 2 PETER 3:10-12. The earth is warming, and we are being warned. Isaiah 51:6
You do your task, and I am doing mine. I'm looking up every day and night for Jesus's appearing in the clouds. I'm going with Him no matter what: pre, mid, whenever it happens. I want to be doing what He asks: harvesting, doing good. Matthew 25: 31-46
Discernment and prayer should be used before automatically assuming every verse in the Bible applies to us. There were many specific instructions to people in certain circumstances in certain times, in certain places. For example: if I read Jonah 3:2 it says go to Ninevah- does that me I myself must go to Ninevah right now? Or do you think this is historical for our benefit to see how God instructed Jonah to go there?
How about Genesis 6:14. If I read that, does that automatically I need to build an ark? Did God say that to me and only to me?
Now, let's go back to your Tobit verse- does that truly mean what you say it means? Did you pray and ask God about it and see any confirmation from Him?
What about other followers of God in the Bible who had mixed race spouses? I personally do not believe your interpretation applies as I do not see evidence for it. A current political movement is aimed at dividing people and making people feel entitled. It is deceptive and evil and I believe it's from satan and not God, based on the fruit and lies of this movement. I believe God over man. I will follow God over man and He said this: Galatians 3:28. God bless...
Hello, this is a common question, but I think includes a false assumption.
It sounds like the question is if God is all knowing He should already know all outcomes and what's the point of everything, like life and our 'choices'?
I think what is wrong with this question is we assume God is a certain way and if it doesn't comform to our narrow understanding then we think something must be wrong.
Here's another way to look at the question: If God is all powerful, doesn't He have the power to let us have choices? If God is all powerful, can't He choose to let things unfold on our timeline and to not need to see into the future for all outcomes?
The Bible gives examples of God changing His mind. It's in the Bible, so either we believe the Bible or not, right?
Exodus 32:14
Jonah 3:10
Genesis 6:6
I've also heard people say things like: if God is all powerful, can't He choose to limit Himself? And if He can, then He's not all powerful, and if he can't, then He's not all powerful. I seriously heard an atheist say this claiming it 'disproves' God, but it's just another human logical fallacy. God is God and He is not confined or limited by our silly little logical shortcomings. We are the ones limited in understanding. 1 Corinthians 1:25
I did not say repentance is a false doctrine, I said repenting of your sins to be saved is a false doctrine. Big difference. The reason we are KJV Only is because of the doctrine it teaches. In the whole Bible, God Himself repented even more than anyone else ( Gen 6:6, Gen 6:7, Ex 32:12-14, Deut 32:36, Judg 2:18, 1 Sam 15:11, 1 Sam 15:35, 2 Sam 24:16; 1 Chron 21:15; Psa 90:13, Psa 106:45, Psa 135:14, Jer 18:8, Jer 26:3, 13, 19, Jer 42:10, Joel 2:13-14; Amos 7:3, 6; Jonah 3:9-10; 4:2) Does that mean that God is a sinner for Him to repent? No! But these modern translations have used the word "God relented..." everywhere that God repented, to justify the idea that you only repent of your sins.
Infact there is no verse that says "Repent your sins"!! A verse that atleast comes close to that is "Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee." in Acts 8:22 and it was about Simon who WAS ALREADY SAVED(in verse 13) and he wanted to offer money to get power to lay hands on others and was rebuked by Peter. Simon was to "turn from what he was doing wrong, to do what is right".
As Christians are we supposed to repent after getting saved? YES! Because we keep sinning even after getting saved. We need to turn back to God and seek His ways rather than our ways. But for Salvation, you only need to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
The only repentance in regard to salvation that is Biblical is when you turn from a false religion, to Christ, because you cant be in Christ and also in another religion. You must repent(turn from the false religion) and then accept Christ, just like the Thessalonians ----> 1 Thessalonians 1:9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
REPENTANCE NOT NEEDED FOR SALVATION - ONLY BELIEVING
Dear readers, I have heard lots of sermons that teach that one must repent to be saved. I believe this is a false doctrine because NOWHERE in the whole Bible does anyone teach it. All the Scriptures teach is just believing:-
But what does the Bible actually teach about salvation and about repentance? Here are a few verses:-
John 1:7
The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
John 6:29
Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Acts 15:11
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
Acts 16:31
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Romans 3:22
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Romans 10:9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
REPENTANCE IS: TO turn from what you were doing wrong to doing it right. Its actually more of a turning. And repentance does not necessarily mean "repent from your sins". In fact in the Scriptures, God repented more than anyone else. Does that mean He is a sinner? NO!! He turned from doing what He wanted to do at first! e.g
Jonah 3:9-10
Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
Dear Vince, I just noticed the insult: "So to be wise, one has to know good and evil. This will take time for you to get."
Matthew 12:36-37
"Are you saying here that God created the world and out of no where evil entered the creation? That would mean God don't know all things. God put evil and death here, therefore, this world was not intended to be everlasting paradise."
God is so powerful that He can choose to be in the moment and can change His mind too. Jonah 3:10, Genesis 18:26, Exodus 32:14, Genesis 6:6. So, one could take the other side of the argument and ask, do you not think God is powerful enough to change his mind or live temporarily in the moment and react as things unfold?
I don't think anyone can say with 100% certainty as to God's intent, his thoughts or feelings ( 1 Corinthians 2:11), but Genesis 6:6 does say God grieved and had some regret for making man in the garden. He also had regret for how evil mankind had become prior to the flood. He loved us enough to give us freedom of choice, but when so many people choose evil I'm sure God doesn't take kindly to that. It should be equally upsetting to those committing the evil, but if not now, they absolutely will regret it later.
On Jonah three, when God tell you to do something , you better do it. Jonah was upset about going to Nineveh, because he knew that God would not destroy those people, once they repented. That why he tried to run. Do as God commands you to do and avoid the consequences. Don't play with God. Remember man can kill your body, but God can kill your body and soul.
Adam, I think that the verses you have cited reflect that while God acts freely, His purpose, His promises and His Plan do not change. He destroyed the world, but kept Noah. God is in control of everything, and as Romans 9 says, Who can say to Him, why did you make me this way?
While Jonah 3:10 and 1 Samuel 15:29 might seem contradictory, they are not. For a better understanding of these verses, we have to take them in context. The things said in the Bible are presented in human terms, so we can understand them better.
But I agree, on the surface, they may seem problematic.
Hi Carlos, I agree. God allows himself to change his mind, like Genesis 18:32, Jonah 3:10, Amos 7:3. It's a little confusing to reconcile this with 1 Samuel 15:29.
Mishael on Jonah 35-10 411 on Psalms 8 - 4 years ago
Jonah 3:10
The entire nation of Nineveh repented: from the king down to the animals. Sack cloth, ashes and total fast, for all.
And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
The one instance of God repenting.
Galatians 5:22 The Fruit of the Holy Spirit:
Love
Joy
Peace
Long suffering
Gentleness
Goodness
Meekness
Temperance
Comforter
Teacher
Against such there is no law. // let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
I see nothing profitable in hitting the sheep with a pole. The shepherds crook is pull them back from danger.
Note THE POWER OF GOD TO FORGIVE in the above, plus the BLESSING from GOD of life /daily living extended to a entire city. A old, old, hymn says... I so glad to be in the number one more time....
Jonah was told to go to Nineveh and preach the word of God. Nineveh was 3 days journey, Jonah got there in one day. He must have ran. He was not about to disobey God again.
Individually or collectively, our evil-ways anger Jehovah / GOD to the degree that it could be the last chance we will get. Thank GOD for HIS GRACE in 2018, thereby we may get 2nd, 3rd, ..., but we must not take GOD's GRACE / Goodness as weakness, because HE can / will read our heart un-be-knowing to us, then unsuspectingly past a judgement on us and we will not like his decision. WOW! WOW! WOW!
National repentance was made because the King and all the people of Nineveh repented. God saw their actions and changed his mind and did not destroy the city.
Psalms 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Joel 2:12-14 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?
Jonah 3:4-10 And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
Thank you for your comments David0921. I re-read the Book of Jonah & agree to some things you shared (the wickedness of the Ninevites & God's Judgement against them). But you wrote, "God had worked in their hearts to save them". I think that you meant that salvation from their sins would be their blessed end.
Looking at this Book, I learn: Jonah 1:2 (the wickedness of Nineveh had come before God & He planned for their destruction).
Jonah 3:2 (a command came a second time to Jonah to preach God's Word to them). Jonah 3:4 (Jonah's message of destruction, unless they repent & turn from evil). Jonah 3:5 (the people (& king vv 6-9) believed the message of coming destruction, repented & left off their evil ways). Jonah 3:10 (God recognized their repentance & renunciation of evil). And what did God do as a result? Were they granted salvation for their hearts of sin, or were they granted salvation from an impending destruction by God?
Moving forward to our Lord's time with the Jewish religious leaders; & to Matthew 12:38-42. Jesus spoke of the sign of Jonah (Christ in the grave), & "the men of Nineveh rising in judgement & condemnation against this generation". How could these Ninevites accomplish this? Because they heard, repented & obeyed God's Word of destruction against them whilst the Jews refused. And so also would the Queen of Sheba speak against this generation. These folk of Nineveh & Sheba would condemn the Jews for their rejection of Christ & His Message of repentance. The Ninevites repented & were not destroyed (unlike those of Sodom who faced utter destruction), but did their repentance grant them salvation & eternal life? If you read it as that it did, then I would say that I don't agree. Onto Page 2.
Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?
Jonah 3:4-10
Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. For the word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
Ezekiel 36:24-31
For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes
It seems hard to fathom why the Lord would call and commission Job when; knowing all things He would have expected him to take such an aversive action of going in the other direction; then when he finally obeyed the commission after dying or nearly dying in the body of the fish he still was upset that the large city repented of Nineveh.
What is equally interesting and often flies off the radar is God's concern for the huge population of heathen who; according to historians oppressed Israel and eventually God destroyed as seen in Nahum. Other than individual rulers such as the case of Nebuchadnezzar under Daniel or perhaps healing of Naaman the Syrian we don't see such an evangelistic campaign anywhere else before the New Testament. Jonah 4:10 shows God's concern contrasted with the vine which was Jonah's sole comfort being taken away.
What we do see here also is how those called and chosen by God are hunted down; I like to refer to it as the hounds of heaven.
We do see with Jonah's message it was for repentance; there was the obvious fear of God of the Hebrews as evidenced by the men who cast him into the sea; and no reluctance as was seen with Pharoah in the case of Moses. The ruler himself put on sackcloth and declared no man or beast was to eat or drink. ( Jonah 3:5). It is hard to conceive that they would have all ceased from food or water for 40 days including animals without a huge casualty rate; surely if they survived that it would be a miracle.
It seems plausable that God relented well before the 40 days were up under those circumstances; or the ruler implied a shorter fast; but if Jonah declared that it was not mentioned. He was sitting around to "see what would happen"; after he declared the city's destruction in 40 days.
Think about it; there were 120000 saved; certainly genuine repentance among some or God wouldn't have relented. How Job could have been disappointed is hard to fathom.
I think you, yourself have to determine how & if you fast. By your faith.
Isaiah 58, Galatians 2:6, Hebrews 11:6, James 1:5-7,
The problem, you've stated you have is considered 'high blood sugar' usually less sugar intake is better for your body. Less food would be less sugar, but that means don't take the same insulin amounts. You should talk about it with the people you're trusting that diagnosed you & prescribed medicine to you, if you're taking insulin.
I guess the first act of faith in fasting for you could be, eating healthy. Cut out unnecessary sugars.
Several fellowships do a 15 day no desserts. Some turn off TV, radio etc to take time to listen to GOD. Usually all fasts reading the Bible & praying more. Turning from sin, like things that displease GOD. Like abusing someone's own body: 1Corinthians 6:9-10,11, Romans 14:22,23, Philippians 3:9,
Hebrews 11,
Interestingly the Bible mentions taking off Kingly garments & putting on sackcloth with fasting: 1Kings 21:27, Daniel 9:3, Isaiah 37:1, Jonah 3:5-10,
(this is the chapter Daniel 9, that the fellowship, takes the 'no dessert' fast from.)
Matthew 6, praying & asking Luke 11:1-13,
Then extreme fasts, for extreme situations: Books of Esther, Matthew 17:14-21,
Hopefully these are helpful
Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,
Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.
So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey.
And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.
So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.
And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:
But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.
Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?
And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
Matthew 12:41
The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
I have stated the verse where Jesus casts out the demon where prayer and fasting were needed for that type of demon; thus the disciples couldn't cast it out ( Mark 9:29). It appears that Jesus expected the disciples to seek the Father through prayer as to the challenges to come; so that it could be revealed to them when fasting was needed. Christ of course had the power to do all things irregardless; but in His dependence on the Spirit so that He could "suffer all things as we did but without sin" ( Heb. 4:15) meant that He trusted in the Spirit for all of His miracles and actions.
Obviously; prayer is something we all should do constantly ( 1 Thess. 5:17). We are also to meditate day and night ( Joshua 1:8). We see how Christ was up all night in prayer before He picked His first group of Disciples; and how at the end the Disciples were to fight sleep due to sorrow ad exhaustion and pray to avoid temptation.
There is no set command for fasting; it appears to have been something the fear of God instigated for instance by the pagan king in Nineveh ( Jonah 3:7). Esther had a 3 day fast before appealing to the King to save her people and reveal her origin in chapter 4; verse 16. The King of Babylon fasted for a night when he was disturbed about Daniel being placed in the lion's den in Daniel 6. Churches these days probably do this much less often than should be done; certainly a short fast would be proper more often than long ones. There are health benefits as well; obviously one without water should be limited. It would seem that God intervened before 40 days without water in the case of Nineveh or it was a miracle they survived that long.
We are to be filled with the Spirit as we are emptied of ourselves.
Isaiah 58, Ezra 8:21, Daniel 9, Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:17-29, Joel 2:12,14,15, Acts 10:30-31, 1Corinthians 7:2-5, Matthew 6:16,17,18,
Esther 4, context begins in previous chapters including Esther 1, explaning her heritage & by wisdom they had kept it silent.
Daniel 6:18, Jonah 3:4-10, notice these two noted here were not known as Godly people yet even their fast was recognized & rewarded by GOD, repentance & humbling themselves, before GOD.
Hopefully these are helpful in your study
God may not have "dealt with any other nations" as He did with His people Israel, but the nations stood condemned for their sins & idolatry just as Israel suffered under God's Hand when they despised Him. The nations may not have known anything about Israel's God, but the Bible in its fullness must have a very real bearing to the Gentiles as their history is also intertwined within Israel's history.
From Adam & Eve right up to Abraham & Isaac, Israel was not a people or nation. Gentiles too have an heritage to Adam even though not much is given after the Flood when the descendants of Ham & Japheth spread out into the world. But we have the mention of Melchizedek ( Genesis 14:18-20), Hagar ( Genesis 16:1-3), Rahab ( Joshua 6:22-25), Ruth (Ruth chapter 2), the repentance of the City of Nineveh ( Jonah 3:5-10). All these in the OT show that Gentiles were still in God's Mind & to be used of Him.
And Hosea 2:23, "...I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God", to this verse the Apostle Peter refers in 1 Peter 2:10. The Church, composed of Jew & Gentile believers were planned for in the Old Testament & realized in the NT Church & the coming of the Holy Spirit to make her God's special possession.
Sometimes people & Church congregations fast for closeness with GOD, to feel HIS presence, & clarity on direction from GOD: Matthew 9:15, Mark 2:19,20, Luke 5:34,35, Ezra 8:21,23, Nehemiah 1:4, Nehemiah 1, (in context.), Daniel 9:2-3, 2Corinthians 6:4,5
Fasting & prayer to help deliver people from sin, addiction, mental illness, demonic oppression, Matthew 17:21, (context) Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:17-29,
1Samuel 7:3
1Corinthians 7:3-5,
Fasting for deliverance: 2Chronicles 20:1-30, Esther 4:3,16, in context: Esther 3:8-15, - Esther 4, Daniel 6:12-23, Joel 1:14, Joel 2:12,
Fasting in repentance, sometimes even after GOD's judgement : 1Samuel 7:2-17, 2Samuel 12:7-23, (do you think it was easier to except it because he was fasting? While others were perplexed?) 1Kings 21, note 1Kings 21:27-29, Jonah 3:5-10, Joel 2:15,
Also Isaiah 58,
Jesus fasted an extreme fast: Matthew 4:2,
When it says in: Matthew 10:8, Luke 10:9, Mark 16:17-18, can we do these things without fasting?
I believe there are too many scriptures about power in fasting, direction, deliverance & repentance to think lightly of.
Fasting is submission, Romans 13:7, Luke 20:25, Matthew 17:25-26,
Hopefully these are helpful
When in fear of war: 2Chronicles 20:2-23, brought deliverance
Ezra 8:21, direction & protection, Esther 4,
Isaiah 58, * GOD pointing out hypocrisy & cruelty, & a better way,
To avoid Judgement through repentance & fasting: Jeremiah 36:7-9, Jonah 3:4-10, Nehemiah 9,
Fasting for Understanding: Daniel 9:2-23 (amazing description here to encourage GOD hears!)
Please note in these, there is confessing wrong doing, declaration of GOD's goodness,
Direction from Jesus: Matthew 6:16-18, privately
Deliverance from spiritual difficulties some only accomplished through fasting & prayer. Mark 9:15-29,
Additional direction in fasting for married couple : 1Corinthians 7:2-5,
Sometimes it's good after you've done all of that, to just be still before GOD
Hopefully these are helpful
Part 7 of 7.
(3) Gentiles were not required, but had the privilege of, joining the Hebrew family via the proselytization process (cf. Acts 2:10; 13:16). Additionally, there were many instructions in Moses' law designed to benefit the "strangers" (Gentiles) who came among Israelite people ( Leviticus 19:33ff).
(4) The Lord sent Jonah to the Gentiles of Nineveh ( Jonah 3:1). Archer said that the theme of the book of Jonah "is that God's mercy and compassion extend even to the heathen nations on condition of their repentance" (1964, 295). Jonah is sometimes called "the first apostle to the Gentiles."
(5) Four Gentile women were woven into the genealogical fabric of the Messiah-Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba-in both legal and biological senses ( Matthew 1:5-6; Luke 3:31-32).
(6) In addition, the prophets clearly revealed Jehovah's redemptive concern for the Gentiles, who were to be grafted into the New Testament church on an equal basis with the Jews ( Genesis 17:4; 22:18; Psalms 2:8; Isaiah 42:1, 6; 49:6; cf. Romans 11:1ff; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:11ff).
Conclusion
There always has been a way for honest people to be right with their Creator-if they seek after him and choose to please him ( Acts 17:27ff). God so loved the entire world and gave his Son as a potential redeeming sacrifice for all who avail themselves of his gift ( John 3:16). He is the loving benefactor to everyone who submits to his will in faithful obedience ( 1 Timothy 2:4; Hebrews 5:8-9; cf. 2 Peter 3:9).
Article by Wayne Jackson.
I share this information for one to go over. I haven't had the time to do no more than glance over the beginning being I'm out town on business again.
Hopefully some others can share on this great question you asked.
God bless.
Some would recommend only a Daniel type fast where he refrained from sweet breads, like cakes, pies, cookies, meats but had rich protiens, Pulse like black eyed peas, lintils, humus, vegetables. Daniel 1:12, Daniel 10:2-3,
2 Chronicles 20:5-30, 2 Chronicles 20:13, Jonah 3:5, Joel 2:15-18,
Hopefully these are helpful
2 Chronicles 20:1-4, Ezra 8:21-22, Esther 3: , Esther 4:1,3,7,8,11,14,16, Isaiah 58:6-14, Jeremiah 36:7-10, Joel 1:12-15, Joel 2:15,
Jonah 3:3-6,
Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Mark 2:18-20, Luke 5:33-35,
I'm a street preacher. I just get people ready to go__period.
I watch for the signs, that happen on this earth; in these political systems; plagues and pandemics on all continents; changes in money systems.
Advancements or increased "labor pains". We all have our part to doas the BODY OF CHRIST.
I think Matthew 16:1-4; 12:39-42; Jonah 3:1-4
We are all parts of the Body of Christ, but each body part is not identical. The Holy Spirit gives as He wills.
Not everyone that comes in here can understand the book of Revelation. It corresponds to other events on earth, and in the heavens.
Like right now the Arab kingdoms are uniting; and with China and Russia.
MATTHEW 24:42-51 sign of Noah
MATTHEW 25: 1-13 the 10 Virgins
I do not believe that Jesus will suffer His Bride to be killed. I believe we will see the beginning of the Trib. and warn people. A great harvest. I think Noah labored on the Ark 6 days a week and preached in the city. When the Ark was ready, GOD SHUT THE DOOR. The door was massive and had to be secured outside.
Can any of us conquer the fear of man, and get this message we know so well, and preach so well here, and take it to people who are perishing, "out there".
People watch the news every day (YouTube or tv) so there is an awareness of the signs. We just need to open up WHERE this is all leading to. All this global warming hype from the Government, IS 2 PETER 3:10-12. The earth is warming, and we are being warned. Isaiah 51:6
You do your task, and I am doing mine. I'm looking up every day and night for Jesus's appearing in the clouds. I'm going with Him no matter what: pre, mid, whenever it happens. I want to be doing what He asks: harvesting, doing good. Matthew 25: 31-46
In the spirit of love, Mishael
How about Genesis 6:14. If I read that, does that automatically I need to build an ark? Did God say that to me and only to me?
Now, let's go back to your Tobit verse- does that truly mean what you say it means? Did you pray and ask God about it and see any confirmation from Him?
What about other followers of God in the Bible who had mixed race spouses? I personally do not believe your interpretation applies as I do not see evidence for it. A current political movement is aimed at dividing people and making people feel entitled. It is deceptive and evil and I believe it's from satan and not God, based on the fruit and lies of this movement. I believe God over man. I will follow God over man and He said this: Galatians 3:28. God bless...
It sounds like the question is if God is all knowing He should already know all outcomes and what's the point of everything, like life and our 'choices'?
I think what is wrong with this question is we assume God is a certain way and if it doesn't comform to our narrow understanding then we think something must be wrong.
Here's another way to look at the question: If God is all powerful, doesn't He have the power to let us have choices? If God is all powerful, can't He choose to let things unfold on our timeline and to not need to see into the future for all outcomes?
The Bible gives examples of God changing His mind. It's in the Bible, so either we believe the Bible or not, right?
Exodus 32:14
Jonah 3:10
Genesis 6:6
I've also heard people say things like: if God is all powerful, can't He choose to limit Himself? And if He can, then He's not all powerful, and if he can't, then He's not all powerful. I seriously heard an atheist say this claiming it 'disproves' God, but it's just another human logical fallacy. God is God and He is not confined or limited by our silly little logical shortcomings. We are the ones limited in understanding. 1 Corinthians 1:25
I did not say repentance is a false doctrine, I said repenting of your sins to be saved is a false doctrine. Big difference. The reason we are KJV Only is because of the doctrine it teaches. In the whole Bible, God Himself repented even more than anyone else ( Gen 6:6, Gen 6:7, Ex 32:12-14, Deut 32:36, Judg 2:18, 1 Sam 15:11, 1 Sam 15:35, 2 Sam 24:16; 1 Chron 21:15; Psa 90:13, Psa 106:45, Psa 135:14, Jer 18:8, Jer 26:3, 13, 19, Jer 42:10, Joel 2:13-14; Amos 7:3, 6; Jonah 3:9-10; 4:2) Does that mean that God is a sinner for Him to repent? No! But these modern translations have used the word "God relented..." everywhere that God repented, to justify the idea that you only repent of your sins.
Infact there is no verse that says "Repent your sins"!! A verse that atleast comes close to that is "Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee." in Acts 8:22 and it was about Simon who WAS ALREADY SAVED(in verse 13) and he wanted to offer money to get power to lay hands on others and was rebuked by Peter. Simon was to "turn from what he was doing wrong, to do what is right".
As Christians are we supposed to repent after getting saved? YES! Because we keep sinning even after getting saved. We need to turn back to God and seek His ways rather than our ways. But for Salvation, you only need to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
The only repentance in regard to salvation that is Biblical is when you turn from a false religion, to Christ, because you cant be in Christ and also in another religion. You must repent(turn from the false religion) and then accept Christ, just like the Thessalonians ----> 1 Thessalonians 1:9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
Dear readers, I have heard lots of sermons that teach that one must repent to be saved. I believe this is a false doctrine because NOWHERE in the whole Bible does anyone teach it. All the Scriptures teach is just believing:-
But what does the Bible actually teach about salvation and about repentance? Here are a few verses:-
John 1:7
The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
John 6:29
Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Acts 15:11
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
Acts 16:31
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Romans 3:22
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Romans 10:9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
REPENTANCE IS: TO turn from what you were doing wrong to doing it right. Its actually more of a turning. And repentance does not necessarily mean "repent from your sins". In fact in the Scriptures, God repented more than anyone else. Does that mean He is a sinner? NO!! He turned from doing what He wanted to do at first! e.g
Jonah 3:9-10
Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
Matthew 12:36-37
"Are you saying here that God created the world and out of no where evil entered the creation? That would mean God don't know all things. God put evil and death here, therefore, this world was not intended to be everlasting paradise."
God is so powerful that He can choose to be in the moment and can change His mind too. Jonah 3:10, Genesis 18:26, Exodus 32:14, Genesis 6:6. So, one could take the other side of the argument and ask, do you not think God is powerful enough to change his mind or live temporarily in the moment and react as things unfold?
I don't think anyone can say with 100% certainty as to God's intent, his thoughts or feelings ( 1 Corinthians 2:11), but Genesis 6:6 does say God grieved and had some regret for making man in the garden. He also had regret for how evil mankind had become prior to the flood. He loved us enough to give us freedom of choice, but when so many people choose evil I'm sure God doesn't take kindly to that. It should be equally upsetting to those committing the evil, but if not now, they absolutely will regret it later.
While Jonah 3:10 and 1 Samuel 15:29 might seem contradictory, they are not. For a better understanding of these verses, we have to take them in context. The things said in the Bible are presented in human terms, so we can understand them better.
But I agree, on the surface, they may seem problematic.
The entire nation of Nineveh repented: from the king down to the animals. Sack cloth, ashes and total fast, for all.
And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
The one instance of God repenting.
Galatians 5:22 The Fruit of the Holy Spirit:
Love
Joy
Peace
Long suffering
Gentleness
Goodness
Meekness
Temperance
Comforter
Teacher
Against such there is no law. // let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
I see nothing profitable in hitting the sheep with a pole. The shepherds crook is pull them back from danger.
What would the Holy Spirit do?
Jesus said to Peter: feed my sheep; 3 times.
Intercessory prayer is for His flock.
Standing in the gap, is for carrying lambs.