God Today
Devotions
August 22, 2003
If you do away
with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious
talk, and if you spend yourselves on 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.
Isaiah 58:9-11
We wonder sometimes, why we haven't seen God doing anything spectacular
in our lives, or move on our behalf in a particular situation; maybe if
we took a moment to reflect, on what we may or may not be doing, we
could find an answer. How do we respond to other people? Do we show love
and compassion to all in every situation or is our first reaction to
whip out our finger and begin to point? Do we cause their trouble to
worsen by discussing our opinions about them to others? Are we afraid
that if they get too close to us, their troubles will begin to infringe
on our lives? Do we find it easier to discuss it with others, rather
than reaching out to their need? Do we sit down to a feast, making no
attempt to provide for those who have none? Are we placing the weak and
downtrodden at the banquet table? God wants to do great things in our
lives, not simply for our own benefit. Our obedience may be the answer
to another's prayer. The scripture says in Matthew 25:40 "In as much
as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have
done it unto me." Our treatment of other people is a direct
reflection of our treatment of Jesus. Would any of us neglect Him, when
in His presence? Would we turn Him away, if He were hungry? If He was
troubled, would we take the time to listen? The light of Christ cannot
shine through our lives, when we have it covered with our own bad
attitudes and judgments.
Prayer
Give me the ability to love with Your love, to impart Your compassion
and understanding to others. Forgive me for the finger pointing I have
done, that finger certainly points back at me. It is my desire to obey
Your will and to allow Your love to be reflected in my life. Uncover my
lamp and shine through me today. Amen.
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