Isa 60

Devotion 1 of 1: Isa 60

This is a glorious chapter full of God’s glorious promises to his people, Israel, which will be fulfilled during the Millennium. God will elevate Israel and make nations who despised her in the past bow down to her in the Millennium.
Look at what v.14-15 say: “Also the sons of those who afflicted you shall come bowing to you, and all those who despised you shall fall prostrate at the soles of your feet; and they shall call you The City of the Lord, Zion of the Holy One of Israel. Whereas you have been forsaken and hated, so that no one went through you, I will make you an eternal excellence, a joy of many generations.”
Let’s pray for Israel’s salvation and for God’s plan of blessing Israel during the Millennium be fulfilled!

2 THES 3: Free sharing!
Paul ordered the Thessalonica Church to withdraw from a brother who walked disorderly (v.6). What is walking disorderly? In v.11, Paul explained it as not working but being a busybody! This definition is similar to a homeless person.
So should we withdraw from homeless people? Generally speaking, no, I don’t think so. There are churches doing wonderful outreach to homeless people, resulting in some of them getting saved, then finding jobs and returning to society! So, by all means, that ministry should continue.
But I also think that ministering to homeless people requires a calling from God and a total commitment from the church. One such church that I know has special services, special rooms, special food preparation and even special camps for homeless people. They spend much time, effort and money to reach this group, and that’s why they have seen fruit.
Recently, a man has loitered outside of Okubo Chapel, sometimes asking church people for food. He used to attend services, but gradually became unruly and angry and even fought with the pastor in front of believers.
Many sisters were very afraid of him and didn’t want to go to church if he was attending. So finally the pastor had to ask him not to attend. But he has come and sometimes loiters outside. If anyone in SI sees him, I would advise to withdraw from him, and let the 2 pastors of the Japanese services take care of the problem.
Let’s pray that he will not get angry and hurt people but will encounter God, be transformed into a calm person, find a job and become part of society again.