Lords Helpers

Posts Tagged ‘linda sedrick pearson’

by Linda Sedrick Pearson

Isaiah 58:5-8  Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? 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.

God did not choose for us to fast by afflicting our own souls. That was not what God intended us to do.

The type of fast God chose was for us to help others that are in need. We are to be there to help when people are down. We are to preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ (“to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and … break every yoke”). When people hear about and accept Jesus Christ, it does loose the bands of wickedness, undoes heavy burdens, lets the oppressed go free and breaks every yoke. Jesus Christ is freedom and comfort.

Another part of the fast God chose for us was for us to feed the hungry and provide shelter to those who have none. We are to clothe those who do not have clothing. Don’t withdraw from your own family (“hide not thyself from thine own flesh”). We are to help people in need. We are not to burden them more by asking them why they are in that condition. We are supposed to help them.

Reach out to others. Don’t worry if they are dirty. Maybe they don’t have anywhere to take a bath. Provide them a place to take a bath and clean clothes. Give them toothbrushes and toothpaste. Provide them with shelter and safety.

We are to save back some of our income so that we are able to help others. Even if it is only $1.00 a week. Put it back and save it so that you have something to give when you see someone in need. Take them and buy them a new set of clothes or a good meal.

Did you know that when you do these things you will be healthier? God says so in these verses. And, the glory of the LORD will be your rereward. That means he will be your protection. Rereward means a rear guard. He will guard you and keep you safe. Don’t be afraid to take care of others needs. God will take care of yours.

by Linda Sedrick Pearson

 There was an article in the Daily American Republic (DAR) newspaper on Sunday, October 18, that was written by Associated Press (AP) Writer Katharine Houreld. It was titled Denounced by the church as Nigerian child witches. 

After reading the article is makes me wonder – are we headed backwards toward the old witch burning Salem days? Many of the children in Nigeria are being labeled as witches by some church pastors and members. The children are then tortured and many burned by family members, as church people stand around and cheer on the parents or other members inflicting this torture. The torture ranges from forcing acid down their throats to burnings.

 That is not Christianity, folks. The children have done nothing (according to this article) that would cause anyone to think they were witches. In other words, they have not been casting spells or speaking incantations as you would expect from a witch. They did not speak curses on any person. So what caused them to be labeled as witches?

 The only thing found wrong with these children was poverty! They had the misfortune to be born into a family that was poor and had too many children already. For these families to lose on poor child is a blessing because it means one less mouth to feed. It means more food in the bellies of the other family members.

 What we have to do is to guard ourselves and make sure we do not make the same mistakes here in America. Most of us are quick to judge others and then jump on the mass hysteria bandwagon to join the accuser’s side of the question. Before you judge anyone, take a good look at ALL the facts. And remember, the Bible says that you will be judged by the same rules you used to judge others.

A special thanks to Katharine Houreld for writing the article and keeping us informed.

Psalm 46:10 

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Sometimes all God wants us to do is be still. I don’t know about you, but I sometimes get busy with things concerning everyday living and forget to just sit down and be still so I can listen to God.

When things aren’t working out for you or you feel that you cannot hear the voice of God, sit down and be still. Know that he is God! He will take care of things, but maybe it is time for you to be still and listen to him.

Until next time,
Linda Sedrick Pearson