Friday, July 15, 2016

Devotional 7-15-16

Read Psalm 82
In this psalm, the writer calls out to “defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”

As people of faith, we are called to action!  But- how can we respond?

Today’s culture touts material gain, personal achievement and upward mobility as the standard to be measured.  Society tends to block our vision when it comes to the weak and the poor!  There are programs out there to help “these” people.

As the psalmist suggests, even thousands of years ago, wicked people used and abused those who are disadvantaged.  He was reminding the people of Israel of their moral and spiritual obligation to protect the oppressed.

This scripture reminds us today that our faith comes with work to do.  God uses us to do his will here on Earth. So- when politicians cut funding for the poor/needy/hungry we must stand up and let our voice be heard! At work, in our neighborhoods and our social circles we need to be alert to actions that come at the cost of others. 

Jesus Christ ministry was based on this: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself.  As we await that house not built with hands but eternal to the heavens- may we strive to protect those in need.
  

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, forgive us for our materialism and continue to remind us that as your servant we need to protect and defend those who can not protect themselves.  Thank you for all that you have given us and may we respond with love to others as Jesus did.  In your name we pray.  Amen.

Marv Jones

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