Christian Commentary Encouraging Devotions

I refresh the humble and give new courage to those with repentant hearts.

I have seen what they do, but I will heal them anyway!

I will lead them and comfort those who mourn.

Then words of praise will be on their lips.

May they have peace, both near and far, for I will heal them all, says the Lord.

Free those who are wrongly imprisoned and  stop oppressing those who work for you.

Treat them fairly and give them what they earn.

I want you to share your food with the hungry and to welcome poor wanderers into your homes.

Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.

If you do these things, your salvation will come like the dawn.

Yes, your healing will come quickly.

Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.

Then when you call, the Lord will answer. "Yes, I am here," he will quickly reply.

Stop oppressing the helpless and stop making false accusations and spreading vicious rumors!

Feed the hungry and help those in trouble.

Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as day.

The Lord will guide you continually, watering your life when you are dry and keeping you healthy, too.

You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.

We look for justice, but it is nowhere to be found.

We look to be rescued, but it is far away from us.

For our sins are piled up before God and testify against us.

Yes, we know what sinners we are.

We know that we have rebelled against the Lord.

We have turned our backs on God.

We know how unfair and oppressive we have been, carefully planning our deceitful lies.

The Lord looked and was displeased to find that there was no justice.

He was amazed to see that no one intervened to help the oppressed.

So he himself stepped in to save them with his mighty power and justice.

I pray that your love for each other will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in your knowledge and understanding.

For I want you to understand what really matters,

so that you may live pure and blameless lives until Christ returns.

That my life will always honor Christ.

Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.

Isaiah 57,58,59; Philippians 1, Psalm 71