Isaiah 58:9b-10
“If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and the malicious talk, 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.”
It is amazing, that even in the time of Isaiah, there was a recognized need to help those less fortunate than oneself. Of course this teaching applies to us today. Most of the time this help amounts to volunteering, because someone who has less than you do needs your help and is unlikely to be able to pay. God has from the beginning asked us to help others and not expect to be payed. Today I am struck with how timeless this teaching is- today more than ever we need to be willing to help others.
Holy Lord, you have always been clear on this point: we are to help others and expect no pay in return. Help me to find ways to increase my volunteering and to do more good. Amen
Becky, transforming
VOLUNTEERING
Wednesday, April 10th, 22024
Isaiah 58:9-10
Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.
We should always do away with pointing fingers and malicious talk, and practices that are unjust treatment of others. This is totally contrary to God's desires. Instead if we spend our time on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the depressed then our ligh…
Isaiah 58:9b-10
Long before Jesus said, “Let your light shine.” Isaiah compared the good we do for others, particularly those in need, to light rising in the darkness. This can, at times, be a very dark world, but the proverbial random acts of kindness, done out of Christian love of neighbor provide a ray of light that darkness cannot overcome. As we have said many times, these acts are not confined to huge efforts that feed, clothe, house or otherwise give aid and comfort to dozens. Most kingdom work is done one heart at a time.
Prayer - Lord, help me to see the opportunities you put before me to shine the light of Christ on a person who feels…
Isaiah 58:9b-10
Having read some before and after of these verses, all I can hear is the song, Here I Am Lord. It is one of my favorites and expresses Isaiah’s words quite well. I will admit that when I sing the chorus, I really feel as if I am speaking to God. I try to remember that in all I do, I know He is with me and leading me.
Prayer: Gracious God, Here I am Lord, lead me. Amen