Wednesday 19 Sep 2018

September 19: Isaiah 61:1-7

Key Verse: Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners

Devotion:
Do you think you find it difficult to pray for certain people? What makes it difficult for you to pray? How about telling others about Jesus? How about telling your family the gospel story? The prophet says here how the Spirit of the Lord is the one who enables him to do things; this is exactly what Jesus said would happen for each of us too – the Holy Spirit would enable us to do and say things.

I find it difficult to say things to other when they are saying things against me or despising what I am trying to say in one way or another. I have learned to turn things over to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to guide me in what I say and when I say it. No, I don’t always listen, because I am stubborn and allow my feeling to get in the way at times – but I know God knows me better than anyone else and know He is always trying new ways to guide me. If I do continue to get tongue tied, it is normally because I have not spent enough time listening…

God wants us to reach out to the people who do not have hope in their lives because they are often the ones who will listen; if we can show them hope, they are willing to stop and listen. This does not mean we stop preaching to the rich and famous, just don’t expect a nice easy ride when you do try to reach them – they are more likely to be side-lined by things going on in their lives which they have learned to look out for quickest.

God wants all people to be reached with the gospel. Those who turn their backs on Him because they are caught up in worldly pursuits are going to need to have their eyes opened – sometimes the best way is by them seeing the biggest change in others who have got to know Christ. Seeing someone turn their lives around from a life embedded in crime and deceit to an open and honest life can make a big impression on others; we need to reach them just as much as our friends and families. Allow people to have their lives released from being captives of this world!

Points to Ponder:
How often do you tell others about Jesus?

Have you tried living your life so others see the difference?