Good day everyone. There are many reading this message that are in a low spot in their lives and are depressed about things that we have no control over. Today we get some help and encouragement from the book of Isaiah, but first we pray.
Today’s Prayer
Our gracious heavenly Father, if as Watchman Nee has written, “You have indeed chosen this world to be the arena for Your plan, the center of what You have set Yourself to do,” then help us trust You completely. Help us remember that moral excellence, like a good painting, begins by drawing a guide-line; and remind us that You have already drawn that line! You have set limits for mankind’s conduct, and for ours. Help us see that it is only when we try to live within Your parameters that we can enjoy our greatest fulfillment and worth. Help us as a nation, as a church, and as individuals to try to see things from Your point of view, for fear that by insisting on our own “guide-lines,” we bring on our downfall. Help us wake up before we are overwhelmed by our mistakes. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Let’s eat.
Good News for the Oppressed
Isaiah 61
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory. They will rebuild the ancient ruins, repairing cities destroyed long ago. They will revive them, though they have been deserted for many generations. Foreigners will be your servants. They will feed your flocks and plow your fields and tend your vineyards. You will be called priests of the Lord, ministers of our God. You will feed on the treasures of the nations and boast in their riches. Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours. “For I, the Lord, love justice. I hate robbery and wrongdoing. I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering and make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants will be recognized and honored among the nations. Everyone will realize that they are a people the Lord has blessed.” I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels. The Sovereign Lord will show his justice to the nations of the world. Everyone will praise him! His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring, with plants springing up everywhere.
Quote of the Day
In the entire world only one thing really mattered, to do the will of the One she followed and loved, no matter what it involved or cost.
Hannah Hurnard
WITH HOPE AND FAITH
REV. ELDER G E STERRETT
FOUNDER
GCKRS HELPING HAND FOUNDATION – THE RELATIONSHIP FACTORY
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