A Biased GodSample

A Lifestyle that Pleases God 

If is very often followed by then. Maybe as a child you were told, "If you eat all your vegetables then you can have dessert!"  In Isaiah 58, we have the most glorious if and then:

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...

This passage is a passionate call to act justly, to love mercy and walk humbly before the Lord. God says if we live this way...

Then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always;  he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land  and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Then the Lord will be your delight.

There is a direct link between how we choose to live and the extent to which we enjoy God's blessings. Each one of us are accepted by grace alone, but as His children, the more we act in accordance with His ways, the more we experience the abundance of His blessings.

Reflection

The Lord longs to see justice established on the earth. He calls us His people, to act on His behalf so there is freedom, comfort and healing for those who are captive and oppressed. There is nothing that delights Him more than when we act to bring salvation to those who need it most.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I pray that you would not find in me someone who is eager for your blessing yet slow to bless others. Create in me a pure heart and stir me to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with you, all my days. Amen.

Action

Compassion brings heaven to earth. How incredible that we get to partner with God to advance His kingdom! During Jesus’ ministry, his disciples miraculously helped feed thousands of people who were desperate to hear the good news of the Gospels. You also can be part of a miracle. Find out how. 

We hope you’ve found this bible study inspiring and provoking. 

We want to see an end to extreme poverty and we know we need to cry out to God for that to happen. Tearfund works in more than 50 countries across the world and we’re gathering people from those nations and beyond to pray as One Voice.