Wednesday, February 24, 2010

The Fast That He Has Chosen


Better late than never! First I was out buying groceries in anticipation of yet another snowstorm and then our internet service decided to act up. But here I am this Wednesday with a Word dear to my heart. More wonderful posts for Word Filled Wednesday can be found at Susan's Forever His.



Is this not the fast that I have chosen. . . Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. Isaiah 58:7-8


I am a great fan of World Vision. I got this picture of Haitian children from their Facebook page and was compelled to post it here and this verse, so beloved by me for so many years, came to mind. Like many of you, I have fasted on occasion for various reasons, but this verse is a poignant reminder of the fast that God has chosen. Do you see these smiles? These are the smiles of very poor children, and the poor are so dear to God as His Word bears out. I think of those living in poverty often, but not often enough. I try to send help from time to time, but it's so little compared to what I spend on myself. I pray for a larger heart towards them, because that would make me more like God.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh to be like God and give as you mentioned... to smile amidst all things.

Ginger

Susan said...

Amen, Amen.

Susan said...

Hey Maxine,

So blessed you were able to join us today after all.

Oh, I love those precious smiling faces.

I had the honor of going to Haiti 2x (before the earthquake).

This scripture is soooooooo true.


There is such a great reward when we do this unto the Lord. The greatest blessings is always ours.

Blessings my sweet friend♥

Mary said...

Look at those smiles! What beautiful children.

FamilyVenue said...

Precious photo and powerful verses! Thank you for sharing! I, too, pray for a larger heart. -Angela

Pia said...

so beautiful! God is really there with us in all times... even in times of hardship.

Laurie said...

Maxine, I am humbled by your prayer, to have a larger heart for those in need, as I all too often get caught up in my own life and complain about things that don't really matter. Yet these beautiful children smile even in their hunger and in the devastation. I am so grateful for the Christian agencies that we are blessed to join hands with to bring aid to so many in this world, yet I know I have much compared to so many in the world, and I join you in this prayer.

Cathy said...

A beautiful picture and verse, Maxine ~ I'm glad you made it later than never. I was looking for you. Blessings ~

Joan Hall said...

Oh Maxine - I can tell from your post that you have a big heart of compassion. Thank you for sharing with us today.

I enjoyed reading your blog today.

Blessings,
Joan

Joyfulsister said...

Hi Maxine
(( Hugz))) The smiles on their faces just touches my heart!!! I think world vision does so many wonderful things for those in need. You have a beautiful heart of compassion, and a sweet spirit as well.

Hugz Lorie

Brenda said...

That's interesting that your post was on fasting today, as I have been listening to a series of sermons on fasting and right now he is breaking down this particular passage.

Laurencita said...

What a beautiful pictures of the Haitian. Yes, I am praying for them.

LisaShaw said...

Praise the LORD Maxine! Loved that photo, the WORD and your sharing.

I pray the blessings of the LORD over you, your family and all that you lay your hands to unto GOD's glory. You are precious to the LORD!

Blessings and love!

Amelia said...

Oh I really like that scripture, it is so powerful...It says and then we will see our healing and His Light will be as the noon day, I needed to read this today. : ) God is so good, His promises are there for us. : )

Those children are just beautiful, just look at those smiles...so beautiful. Children are beautiful especially when they are unspoiled and so innocent.

Thank you so much for coming and visiting me on my sites. That comment on my entry about homeschooling losing it's vision for the Lord made me cry, it touched my heart because it touched your heart. What a surprise to find your comment today. It's such a blessing to meet other sisters in the Lord. : )

Have a most blessed day in Jesus! Thanks for being such a great encouragment to me, you are a blessing! ~Amelia

ozjane said...

So true...I have a Compassion child in the Philippines ad she is a Joy and I have a Compassion link in my blog.
It would be a wonderful day when all homes have a special adopted child from another country.

Debra said...

But little is so very much when God is in it, Maxine. I too feel so burdened for these children it's overwhelming at times. Such beautiful children and beautiful smiles. Lord bless.