Today's Verse: Isaiah 1:17

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We find it easy to be incensed when wrong is done to a friend. We are ready to fight injustice when someone we love has been wronged. However, God reminds us that our worship means little if we do not also protect those who are weak, marginalized, oppressed, and forgotten. It's not just our friends who need our help; it's also those who have no friends who need us. "To do right" doesn't just mean being a good person and avoiding evil in our sanctified little enclaves; it also means caring, comforting, and encouraging those no one else wants to notice.

My Prayer...

Forgive me, dear Father, for being selfish with your love and grace. I confess that I often find it easy to stay near those who are like me - who look like me, think like me, and dress like me. I know that many in the world around me do not have a friend, much less a defender. Open my eyes, dear Lord, to see those in my world that you would have me protect, encourage, and bless. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of Isaiah 1:17 — Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, February 20, 2007

A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
"Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds. His name is the Lord — rejoice in his presence! Father to..."
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
"Obedience is the fruit of faith; patience, the bloom on the fruit."
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
"When Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard about Jesus, he said to his advisers, "This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead! That is why..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.