“Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’ “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high." Isaiah 58:3 (NIV)
Do we come before God to fast, to pray or to attend a Sunday morning service while leaving behind a trail of people we've exploited or beat down?
Consider the absurdity of such actions.
God's word is so clear that when we hurt one of His beloved, we hurt Him.
How can we exploit, abuse and degrade others and expect Him to hear our prayers, accept our offerings or enjoy our worship?
Heavenly Father, we come today and ask You to reveal the ways we have hurt Your precious children. Show us who we have taken advantage of, who we have bullied, and who we have abused. Sometimes we walk by a hurting soul and blame You for out inaction, stating "God told me not to help you." Oh God, have mercy on our souls. Break our hearts for what breaks Yours. Open our eyes to see the souls of those around us, open our ears to hear their cries and open our hearts to move to make peace with those we hurt. This is the worship that You find pleasing! We want to please You, Father!
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