Devotion
Wasting no time
David Jacobs
In university, I had 4 roommates. I got along very well with 2 of them, but none of us got along very well with the fourth. He was dirty, loud, obnoxious, and generally didn't consider the feelings of others. However, his family was very powerful and well-known, so we felt that we were not really able to say anything. It made all of us feel helpless, because if we had not known who his family was, we would have certainly dealt with him differently. Alas, we did know his family, so we acted meek, scared, and oppressed, letting him bully and dirty the apartment.
It is not easy for the oppressed to stand up for themselves. If you have ever seen a wild dog roaming the streets, you may have seen some of them that have been kicked one too many times. They are unable to think about humans the same way as before. They associate humans with the negative actions that have occurred to them so many times.
Think about the downtrodden and unfortunate in history: the slaves in Egypt and the Americas, the Holocaust, or the plight of women in some parts of the world. It is difficult to hear their voices because they have no power. Nobody is listening. It is our duty, according to Isaiah, to listen. Do not contribute to the problem, be a part of the solution.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, fill me and each and every one of your followers with the desire to help give the voiceless a voice, to alleviate the suffering of mankind wherever they may be. Without your help and ours, they will continue to suffer, as your son, Jesus Christ, was forced to suffer for our sins. In his name I pray, Amen.
Night Prayer
Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Inspiration
Lillies in a field seem unimportant compared to the turmoil and strife erupting in the world today, which makes Christ's statement ever more precious. God provides nourishment to the lilies and adorns them with beauty. They are as carefree in an open field as we are, resting in the arms of our Heavenly Father. He promises to love and protect us, shield us from evil, and bless us unconditionally. His promise brings us hope and encouragement as we walk along the road toward salvation.
Prayer
Dear Father, we know we are safe in Your arms as You nourish our souls and adorn us with unconditional love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
