January 16th, 2023
Day 15 - January 16, 2023
“Being a Light”
Isaiah 8: 6-8 - Is this not the fast that I have chosen…Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning…
Light has been on my mind a lot recently. Installing new light fixtures is part of my trade. Several of us men anointed the light poles at our New Home on Saturday. And you probably heard me emphasize ‘light’ in yesterday’s sermon (you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world - Philippians 2:15).
“Light” is a concept that also goes along with fasting. Isaiah tells us what type of fasts please God – ones where we are letting His light shine in us. When we help the hungry, the poor and the less fortunate, our LIGHT BREAKS FORTH like morning. And we should especially make time to be the light during our fasting. "Fasting must be accompanied with goodwill and good works toward others to be effective and pleasing to God.” (Day 14, page 42)
As we enter our final fasting week, I think Bobby’s blog fits nicely with being a light to others.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comfort In a Hand Knitted Throw
Proverbs 11:25 - The person who blesses others will prosper; he who satisfies others will be satisfied himself.
Ministering to hurting people takes a lot of personal energy. You have to put yourself out there to help and encourage those who God places directly in your path including family and friends who are right by your side. The terms used in the Scripture verse shows what happens when we help those who are weighed down with troubles.
Upon talking to a friend a few weeks ago, I wanted to bless someone I knew because they had a lot going on, but I didn’t know where to find something I was thinking about getting them. My friend decided to bless us both by making the person a handmade throw made with a loving heart and a simple desire to bring comfort to another.
God imparted some of His “blessings” the moment my friend picked up the yarn and a pair of knitting needles. She told me she worshipped Him freely and had loads of fun placing every knit stitch in this unique gift that was made for someone she had never met. The multiple colors made it look like a lovely field with flowers, like some of the beautiful ones you see when you are walking through the country. She blessed me by showing her heart for other people.
Do you have a heart that genuinely desires to honor Christ by providing comfort to others? Remember, when we offer others “Selfless Comfort and Love” without withholding anything, God promises to bless us time and again! He also promises to bless us in return and restore the energy we use on His behalf.
This is a prayer that my friend said she has in her heart and one I certainly think we all should share: “Adonai, God, my earnest prayer is that You bless others through me. Make me a blessing to use as You see fit to minister to those who are hurting and need to know Your Truths.”
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Let your light shine,
Pastor Brian Rabon
“Being a Light”
Isaiah 8: 6-8 - Is this not the fast that I have chosen…Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning…
Light has been on my mind a lot recently. Installing new light fixtures is part of my trade. Several of us men anointed the light poles at our New Home on Saturday. And you probably heard me emphasize ‘light’ in yesterday’s sermon (you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world - Philippians 2:15).
“Light” is a concept that also goes along with fasting. Isaiah tells us what type of fasts please God – ones where we are letting His light shine in us. When we help the hungry, the poor and the less fortunate, our LIGHT BREAKS FORTH like morning. And we should especially make time to be the light during our fasting. "Fasting must be accompanied with goodwill and good works toward others to be effective and pleasing to God.” (Day 14, page 42)
As we enter our final fasting week, I think Bobby’s blog fits nicely with being a light to others.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comfort In a Hand Knitted Throw
Proverbs 11:25 - The person who blesses others will prosper; he who satisfies others will be satisfied himself.
Ministering to hurting people takes a lot of personal energy. You have to put yourself out there to help and encourage those who God places directly in your path including family and friends who are right by your side. The terms used in the Scripture verse shows what happens when we help those who are weighed down with troubles.
Upon talking to a friend a few weeks ago, I wanted to bless someone I knew because they had a lot going on, but I didn’t know where to find something I was thinking about getting them. My friend decided to bless us both by making the person a handmade throw made with a loving heart and a simple desire to bring comfort to another.
God imparted some of His “blessings” the moment my friend picked up the yarn and a pair of knitting needles. She told me she worshipped Him freely and had loads of fun placing every knit stitch in this unique gift that was made for someone she had never met. The multiple colors made it look like a lovely field with flowers, like some of the beautiful ones you see when you are walking through the country. She blessed me by showing her heart for other people.
Do you have a heart that genuinely desires to honor Christ by providing comfort to others? Remember, when we offer others “Selfless Comfort and Love” without withholding anything, God promises to bless us time and again! He also promises to bless us in return and restore the energy we use on His behalf.
This is a prayer that my friend said she has in her heart and one I certainly think we all should share: “Adonai, God, my earnest prayer is that You bless others through me. Make me a blessing to use as You see fit to minister to those who are hurting and need to know Your Truths.”
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Let your light shine,
Pastor Brian Rabon
No Comments