A Daily Devotion for Thursday, August 21
- ontrakk
- Aug 21, 2025
- 1 min read
Isaiah 58:6
Is this not the kind of fasting I have chosen; to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free?
Our spiritual disciplines do bring us closer to God, but they must be accompanied by Godly choices in our lives. And most importantly, our Godly choices need to happen all of the time, not just centered around specific acts of worship. Easier said than done. The more we surround ourselves with God’s word, and other believers, the more God’s word and direction become part of our very fabric.
Holy Lord, help me make good choices today. May I live out the life you have planned for me. Amen
Becky, transforming
Isaiah 58:6
Forgiveness can be liberating and I feel that God made it that way so that we can better in understand it . When we forgive, it’s like pulling large rocks out of a rucksack we are carrying. The rocks are useless, and our load is lightened with every rock we remove. Our journey is so much easier without the useless rocks. Jesus set the ultimate example of forgiveness for us. Although sometimes it may be difficult, we should strive to have a forgiving heart. Jesus gave us His everything so that we may be forgiven.
Dear God, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, so I could be forgiven and for setting the example for me. Please help…
Genesis 50:15-21
The reading from Genesis teaches us one of the first lessons on Forgiveness. Joseph's brothers had sold him into slavery so, of course, they were sure he would reject them when they met. But the opposite happened. Joseph understood that God's hand was part of his life and now he was in a position to "save" his family from famine. He saw the "big" picture. Forgiveness gives us so much freedom. No more holding onto a grudge and always replaying the hurt. Joseph understood.
Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for this example and reminder that we can set for others when we truly forgive. AMEN
tThursday , August 21st, 2025
Forgiveness and freedom
(Focus: for the strength to forgive
Isaiah 58:6
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?
I need to be thinking about my life closer, how much better can I be at caring for people with urgent, physical needs and spiritual needs? fasting is not simply an exercise done by one person for his or her own benefit; fasting involves God’s mission for all people, plus benefitting both giver and receiver. Going to church on a week by week basis and then step back and do nothing more,…
Isaiah 58:6 We often associate fasting with food, but Isaiah points out fasting can apply to ungodly behaviors and attitudes like selfishness and unforgiveness. We Transformers have reflected on forgiveness before and hopefully it has influenced how we approach forgiveness, giving us a before and after for which to give God thanks. Holding on to grudges enslaves both parties and only festers while forgiveness offers the possibility of reconciliation and renewal. It is worth the risk to one’s earthly pride to take the more excellent way.
Prayer - Lord God, please forgive my trespasses as I forgive those who trespass against me. Grant me the strength of character to be forgiving and an example to others. Amen
TAA