God's blueprint for the rebuilding of Nations: Isaiah 58:12

1 Corinthians 3:11 "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ."

Isaiah 58:12
“Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.”

The remarkable promises in this verse are the culminating results that materialise if we humbly and implicitly obey the conditions that the Lord has laid down for the True Fast. It is important to remember that it is far more than just our actions, but is bestowed upon those with God’s unselfish heart, and who carry out His plan to remove the yoke of oppression over the poor.

Not good? What did God say was not good?

Not good
Genesis 1:31 reads, ‘God saw all that he had made and it was very good.’ God made a good world but in Genesis 2:18, the Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’

What did God say was not good?
Did he say, ‘It is not good for the man to do all the work, I will make him a servant’? NO!
Did he say, ‘It is not good for the man to be unfulfilled sexually, I will make him a sex partner’? NO!
He said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a companion to help him’. YES! That is the helpful translation of Genesis 2:18 in the New Living Translation.

Companions: If a person is alone what they need is a friend and a companion. God expects husbands and wives to be friends. Of course, men and women can be good friends apart from marriage and single people can live a full life in the blessing of God. However, this verse is especially written about marriage and we learn that from the beginning God planned for husbands and wives to be best friends. God expects us to spend time together and do things together. Many husbands and wives put their own concerns before each other’s interests. They make excuses: “The children need me,” “I’m too busy,” “I don’t like your friends,” “I just have to work.” Then they wonder why communication breaks down. Say ‘Yes’ to your partner more than you say ‘No.’ Be sensitive to each other’s moods. Take time to discuss problems as they arise and don’t allow things to grow and to get worse. A good companion is happy to provide support and love. If we want to enjoy a wonderful marriage, we need to guard our friendship.