Wednesday, February 22, 2012

A True Fast...Gleanings from Isaiah 58:6-12

I think one of the biggest enemies to a Christian is hypocrisy. And the truth is, none of us are exempt from being "sucked into it "at one time or another in our lives.
Hypocrisy comes from the Greek word: hypokrisis. In Greek, it is a word that was used to mean playacting or playing a part...not the real person.
 The definition of hypocrisy is: having a pretense of virtuous character, having moral standards, and a Godly belief. In reality, this person does not possess any of the qualities.
                                    Gleanings from Isaiah 58:6-12

 " Fasting is just not refraining from food or giving up something personal...even if you say you do it to honor Me. True fasting involves commitment...to justice and to the poor. Here is what a true fast will produce in your life:
1. Breaking the chain of injustice and wickedness, freeing those who are wrongly imprisoned.
2. To lighten the burden of those bent beneath their load, breaking heavy yokes and exploitation in the workplace.
3. Free those who might be abused: verbally, emotionally, as well as physically, as well as those who are oppressed in various manners.

 Along with this, share your food with those less fortunate, help find a home for those with nowhere to go...even if it is your own home, share with someone in need of clothing, and don't hide from your relatives when they come around.
 For it is then your salvation will burst forth like the dawn, and you will see wounds in your life quickly healed. The Godly choices you have made will keep and guide you, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind...He has "got your back".
 Then, when you call on Me...I will already be there! 

 Remember, be fair and honest with everyone.Quit blaming others, and don't gossip about other people...including their sins.
 When you learn how to be generous, feed the hungry, giving yourself to those in need or are having trouble...you will see your light shine bright in the midst of the darkness.
 The Lord will be your guide...continually! You will be satisfied even when a drought face you. Your strength will return to you and you will look like a luscious garden well watered with rich soil.
 You will rebuild the foundations of lives left in ruin for many years, and you will be called, one who can be relied on...the restorer of people's lives."


I was surfing the web and came across "19 ways to help a person you know". I thought it was pretty real and practical...Here they are:
1. Power of a smile...it shows friendliness and can really impact another person or friend.
2. Volunteer to help a charity.
3. Donate something you don't use...not junk either.
4. Make a donation...instead of buying something you can really wait to get, give the money to someone or charity.
5. Redirect gifts...instead of receiving a gift, ask them to donate the money to someone or something.
6. Stop and help...flat tire, someone short on change
7. Teach...someone to use computer, ride a bike, take someone fishing.
8. Comfort...perhaps someone just down or going through a tough time
9. Buy food for someone struggling financially
10. Just listen to somebody.
11. Help someone totally stressed out...maybe a dinner, let them "vent"
12. Help someone get active...like a walk, invite them to the gym
13. Do a chore...clean up a yard, clean the toilet (guys..this is a tough one).
14. Send an e-mail of appreciation.
15. Show appreciation for someone...in front of others.
16. Donate food...clean out the cupboards, buy a couple of bags of groceries
17. Create a care package..for someone sick, like soup, a card, or chocolate.
18. Lend your voice..maybe someone got charged wrong on a bill
19. Love...a kind word, a hug, a random act of kindness.

                           "Lent can be a journey accompanied by Christ Jesus...to the Cross"

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