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Nov 16, 2004
Embers
By Roberta Rogers
Isaiah 42:3-4 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope.
For a couple of years I volunteered three days a week at our tiny church office, where they have given me the title Director of Communications. This meant that I wrote and edited the monthly newsletter and updated the weekly bulletin. It also meant that I heard many of the joys and sorrows of the church family.
One week, many of our families seemed to be struggling. Financial loss, severe illness, a breaking marriage, a miscarriage, a death in the familythe list went on and on. I knew that behind each of the prayer requests lay people who were hurting, struggling to let their faith grow in adversity and uncertainty.
I was absentmindedly typing the prayer list for Sundays bulletin as I concentrated on praying for the various people and their needs. When I looked up at the computer screen to check my work, I found I had typed the phrase "each member" as "each ember."
The image of an "ember," something burning low, brought to my mind the "smoldering wicks" of Isaiah 42. As I corrected my mistake, I smiled and thanked God that His promise was sure: Not one of these "embers" would be snuffed out. He would sustain them and bring forth a good result in His own perfect way and time.
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2 Timothy 1:6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God...
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Thank You Lord for Your promise - not to 'snuff out a smoldering wick'. Lord, please bless and sustain those whose faith candle burns low today. Help each of us fan into flame the gift of faith we've been given. In the name of Jesus Christ.
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Nov 16, 2004
Embers
By Roberta Rogers
Isaiah 42:3-4 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope.
For a couple of years I volunteered three days a week at our tiny church office, where they have given me the title Director of Communications. This meant that I wrote and edited the monthly newsletter and updated the weekly bulletin. It also meant that I heard many of the joys and sorrows of the church family.
One week, many of our families seemed to be struggling. Financial loss, severe illness, a breaking marriage, a miscarriage, a death in the familythe list went on and on. I knew that behind each of the prayer requests lay people who were hurting, struggling to let their faith grow in adversity and uncertainty.
I was absentmindedly typing the prayer list for Sundays bulletin as I concentrated on praying for the various people and their needs. When I looked up at the computer screen to check my work, I found I had typed the phrase "each member" as "each ember."
The image of an "ember," something burning low, brought to my mind the "smoldering wicks" of Isaiah 42. As I corrected my mistake, I smiled and thanked God that His promise was sure: Not one of these "embers" would be snuffed out. He would sustain them and bring forth a good result in His own perfect way and time.
___________
2 Timothy 1:6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God...
___________
Thank You Lord for Your promise - not to 'snuff out a smoldering wick'. Lord, please bless and sustain those whose faith candle burns low today. Help each of us fan into flame the gift of faith we've been given. In the name of Jesus Christ.
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