Day 209

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A Depiction of a Beacon of Light to a Dark World!

Scripture

July 27—Isaiah 49-51: The Servant of the Lord

Observation

Today's section introduces you to the Prince of Peace, the One who would come to pardon Israel's sins, redeem the people from their wickedness, and institute peace in their midst. As the Servant of his people and a Beacon of Light to the surrounding nations, he would humbly offer himself as a sacrifice for many—calling those with "ears to hear" to hearken to God's voice.

Application

Question: What do the following statements have in common:
  1. "Is that the best you can do? I had hoped for more..."
  2. "Beans...again?"
  3. "When you washed the windows, you missed a spot..."
Answer: They are all examples of how to be a discourager! If you want to leave people disheartened, discouraged, and depressed, here's how to do it: major on the minors. Overlook the 90 percent they did right, and concentrate on the 10 percent they did wrong.

On the other hand, if you are serious about being an encourager—and after all, that's part of your job description as a disciple of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)—then take a lesson from the prophet Isaiah. Offer hope, consolation, and comfort, not merely criticism. A good place to begin would be to rewrite the above three statements as an encourager would say them! Then look for an opportunity to use them today! If your goal is to encourage others, you'll find you're never out of work.

Prayer

In this broken world we live in, Father, it is difficult to rejoice always. But what we are learning from the Evangelical Prophet Isaiah detailing the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ, it gives us hope, joy and a reason to praise your name in prayers and songs always. We are thankful and beyond overjoyed that He bears our sins past, present and future and remembers them no more; and we know that to live according to Your will, our life will be a joyful experience pleasing in Your sight while we wait to be raised up to meet You and while our deceased love ones come down from a heaven to receive their new body as well. Oh, what a loving God! In Jesus name! Amen!

Praise Him with All your Heart!


© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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