Scripture Reflection by Sang Sur on Isaiah 58:9-12 posted March 23, 2019 - Prayer Tents
Link: 
Here is something that stuck out to me today: Isaiah 58:10 in the New International Version (NIV) says, “and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” 
Helping the hungry and the oppressed is what a true fast looks like. It is not about not-eating and disciplining our bodies.
I started thinking this is something practical that all churches AND small groups should be doing. How can we find the hungry and the oppressed in the US or in NYC? I am open to this question.
One of my peers suggested this as a way of fasting:
1. Offer (something)
2. Be among (them)
3. Pray for the hungry and oppressed. Then seek God and go (do not stay)
In this, I think our group is awesome. The (1) offering is an environment where businessmen with faith in God can come together and share lives together. Free food is also included. (2) we are amongst other businessmen and professionals. (3) is perhaps something we can develop together along the way.
9Then when you call, the Lord will answer. ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply. “Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! 10Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. 11The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. 12Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes.  
						
Isaiah 58:9-12 (NLT)

Scriptures Marked by Sang Sur
Link: 
							
							Friday, October 31, 2025
Can be interpreted as, some were already alcoholics in the past, and they might be afraid to jump back in. So those who are strong, who were never influenced by alcohol, must care for those who are "w... [see more]
							
						
					Can be interpreted as, some were already alcoholics in the past, and they might be afraid to jump back in. So those who are strong, who were never influenced by alcohol, must care for those who are "w... [see more]
							
							Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Paul went to speak with those who were interested. He didn't preach or hold discussions with people who didn't care. Over time, as people (in relationship), find interest, let's be ready to engage.
							
						
					Paul went to speak with those who were interested. He didn't preach or hold discussions with people who didn't care. Over time, as people (in relationship), find interest, let's be ready to engage.
							
							Saturday, September 27, 2025
"tremendous sense of holy" or "great fear" comes by the grace of God. We need this more today, and only God can provide this.
							
						
					"tremendous sense of holy" or "great fear" comes by the grace of God. We need this more today, and only God can provide this.
							
							Saturday, September 27, 2025
Slipping away from busy days. The more busy and hectic work becomes, the more we must practice slipping away and spending time with God. That's what Jesus practiced and modeled for us.
							
						
					Slipping away from busy days. The more busy and hectic work becomes, the more we must practice slipping away and spending time with God. That's what Jesus practiced and modeled for us.
							
							Monday, September 22, 2025
Jesus went out and stepped forward. Jesus takes the hit to protect us. Many kings and so-called "leaders" would let their subordinates take the hit for them before they are captured. Yet, Jesus step... [see more]
							
						
					Jesus went out and stepped forward. Jesus takes the hit to protect us. Many kings and so-called "leaders" would let their subordinates take the hit for them before they are captured. Yet, Jesus step... [see more]
							
							Monday, September 22, 2025
Preparation for the next steps. Jesus went ahead to the place where He would be captured. When we know we have a challenge ahead, here is an example showing us to go there early and pray. Though not... [see more]
							
						
					Preparation for the next steps. Jesus went ahead to the place where He would be captured. When we know we have a challenge ahead, here is an example showing us to go there early and pray. Though not... [see more]
							
							Monday, September 22, 2025
Jesus prayed this prayer in front of His disciples. Yet, we know his heart was heavy (next chapter). It shows Jesus was able to carry a heavy heart, and yet, pray for (bless) his disciples, even despi... [see more]
							
						
					Jesus prayed this prayer in front of His disciples. Yet, we know his heart was heavy (next chapter). It shows Jesus was able to carry a heavy heart, and yet, pray for (bless) his disciples, even despi... [see more]
							
							Monday, September 22, 2025
We should also recognize what we have is a gift from Him. Not anything we have earned or made by our might.
							
						
					We should also recognize what we have is a gift from Him. Not anything we have earned or made by our might.
							
							Monday, September 22, 2025
That's our job too, to manifest who God really is (make God known because we live in His character)
							
						
					That's our job too, to manifest who God really is (make God known because we live in His character)
							
							Saturday, September 20, 2025
The challenge of handling money. In our world where money is praised as king, it is dangerous to handle money. Judas is not the only one who would fall into such idolatry, pushing him toward theft a... [see more]
							
						
					The challenge of handling money. In our world where money is praised as king, it is dangerous to handle money. Judas is not the only one who would fall into such idolatry, pushing him toward theft a... [see more]
							
							Friday, September 19, 2025
Could it be that any of our ailments, including difficult circumstances, be to show the glory of God? (Miracles!) Recognizing that God is responsible for the results can give us peace through the wor... [see more]
							
						
					Could it be that any of our ailments, including difficult circumstances, be to show the glory of God? (Miracles!) Recognizing that God is responsible for the results can give us peace through the wor... [see more]
							
							Monday, September 8, 2025
Jesus appoints us the same, to be continually by His side, to preach and have authority to heal the sick and cast out demons.
							
						
					Jesus appoints us the same, to be continually by His side, to preach and have authority to heal the sick and cast out demons.
							
							Sunday, September 7, 2025
God had a special plan for Peter. All disciples vowed to not deny Jesus. It wasn't just Peter who was confronted with this question. But why was Peter singled out? Because he has a special mission, ... [see more]
							
						
					God had a special plan for Peter. All disciples vowed to not deny Jesus. It wasn't just Peter who was confronted with this question. But why was Peter singled out? Because he has a special mission, ... [see more]
							
							Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Children do not pay taxes (or are heavily burdened). These verses share two truths regarding our eternal lives. Children (of God), those who have faith in Jesus, will 1. Are exempt from laboring to ... [see more]
							
						
					Children do not pay taxes (or are heavily burdened). These verses share two truths regarding our eternal lives. Children (of God), those who have faith in Jesus, will 1. Are exempt from laboring to ... [see more]
							
							Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Enjoy our foolishness—that's power! How did Peter, James and John know it was Moses and Elijah? They never saw them from a thousand year ago. They felt it was them, and it was. They spoke foolishl... [see more]
							
						
					Enjoy our foolishness—that's power! How did Peter, James and John know it was Moses and Elijah? They never saw them from a thousand year ago. They felt it was them, and it was. They spoke foolishl... [see more]
							
							Sunday, August 24, 2025
God's provision. Mary and Joseph had no money to even find a place to give birth, but the angel tells them now to move to a foreign land. Where would they get the provision to do this? God sent the ... [see more]
							
						
					God's provision. Mary and Joseph had no money to even find a place to give birth, but the angel tells them now to move to a foreign land. Where would they get the provision to do this? God sent the ... [see more]
							
							Saturday, August 23, 2025
How can an eight year old kid know right from wrong, other than to follow the ways of his parents. Jehoiachin has a sad story with parents who believed they were God's followers, but were not. Now th... [see more]
							
						
					How can an eight year old kid know right from wrong, other than to follow the ways of his parents. Jehoiachin has a sad story with parents who believed they were God's followers, but were not. Now th... [see more]
							
							Friday, August 22, 2025
As kings (leaders in the places where God has established us), people are awaiting the right decision. They want to act, but due to our inattention, they might just twiddle their thumbs hoping for tru... [see more]
							
						
					As kings (leaders in the places where God has established us), people are awaiting the right decision. They want to act, but due to our inattention, they might just twiddle their thumbs hoping for tru... [see more]
							
							Friday, August 22, 2025
Let this be our cry, in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. Decide to trust God only, then act continually in accordance with that decision.
							
						
					Let this be our cry, in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. Decide to trust God only, then act continually in accordance with that decision.
							
							Friday, August 22, 2025
First steps as a king (or any position, venture). Take care of things broken that relate to our worship of God. Hezekiah, known as a good king in God's eyes, first repaired the temple his dad messed ... [see more]
							
						
					First steps as a king (or any position, venture). Take care of things broken that relate to our worship of God. Hezekiah, known as a good king in God's eyes, first repaired the temple his dad messed ... [see more]
							
							Friday, August 22, 2025
When we are bullied (injured by others, led to uncertainty), we are to go to God. The opposite is pride and self-reliance. And it never works.
							
						
					When we are bullied (injured by others, led to uncertainty), we are to go to God. The opposite is pride and self-reliance. And it never works.
							
							Friday, August 22, 2025
God's grace gives us the ability to turn and repent. When we think about the hardening of the hearts of people in the past (Pharaoh, Israelites, etc.), we can't imagine a winning army turning from th... [see more]
							
						
					God's grace gives us the ability to turn and repent. When we think about the hardening of the hearts of people in the past (Pharaoh, Israelites, etc.), we can't imagine a winning army turning from th... [see more]
							
							Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Not internalizing what we hear. Joash heard "sermons" all his life. Yet, he didn't internalize them and took them lightly. Perhaps he is a picture of a modern day church-goer who attends faithfully ... [see more]
							
						
					Not internalizing what we hear. Joash heard "sermons" all his life. Yet, he didn't internalize them and took them lightly. Perhaps he is a picture of a modern day church-goer who attends faithfully ... [see more]
							
							Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Joash never grew up. At seven, he had a great mentor Jehoiada who directed him in God's ways. Things went well when Joash followed. Yet, his growth should have led to making those wise decisions hi... [see more]
							
						
					Joash never grew up. At seven, he had a great mentor Jehoiada who directed him in God's ways. Things went well when Joash followed. Yet, his growth should have led to making those wise decisions hi... [see more]
							
							Monday, August 18, 2025
When God responds, the actions of a king, and actions of the priests. When God speaks (prophets): Kings kneel before Him submitting to God and causing everyone else to follow suit. Priests rise up ... [see more]
							
						
					When God responds, the actions of a king, and actions of the priests. When God speaks (prophets): Kings kneel before Him submitting to God and causing everyone else to follow suit. Priests rise up ... [see more]
							
							Monday, August 18, 2025
A way to defend, pray. When a battle comes our way, our immediate stance can be to take action, prepare for war, or do anything to minimize the blow or overcome the attack. Yet, there is a more impo... [see more]
							
						
					A way to defend, pray. When a battle comes our way, our immediate stance can be to take action, prepare for war, or do anything to minimize the blow or overcome the attack. Yet, there is a more impo... [see more]
							
							Sunday, August 17, 2025
How to gain respect. Let God grant that for you. Jehoshaphat didn't do much beyond setting up defenses, which is expected for a king. Yet, there was a strange glow of respect for him throughout the l... [see more]
							
						
					How to gain respect. Let God grant that for you. Jehoshaphat didn't do much beyond setting up defenses, which is expected for a king. Yet, there was a strange glow of respect for him throughout the l... [see more]
					
				
				

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