Featured

It’s the Little Things

On By Leslie AnnIn Christian, community4 Comments

Do you sometimes wonder if you make a difference for God in your daily life? Do you question where or what is your ministry/service? I believe that sometimes we have the wrong idea about making a difference. We might see someone who is obviously sharing Christ in a way that many people notice. But often, the greatest ministry is simply one on one. When I retired from full-time work I struggled in my mind a bit about this. I knew that God had placed me in my workplace to make a difference. But, when I was mostly at home, and an empty nester, who could I influence for Christ? I have come to realize that God will provide opportunities in places we least expect. A friend once prayed that we should allow God to interrupt our lives and plans. Easy to say; not so easy to do.

When the Covid “thing” all started, everyone (or almost everyone) was wearing masks. We could not see each other’s faces or expressions. I found that most people I passed in parking lots, grocery stores, etc. would not even make eye contact. I decided to make a point to speak to those I passed, even if they didn’t look at me. A few would respond and some even looked startled or surprised that I spoke. Many, however, ignored me (or maybe they just didn’t hear me?). That only reinforced my determination to speak and smile to those I encountered. 

Hebrews 3:13 “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

Probably, like you, I often meet people and think something complimentary about them. Maybe they are doing their job with excellence. Maybe they exhibit a good attitude, even when interacting with a public that are not so kind. Maybe they have a beautiful smile. You get the point. Well, several months ago, I decided that rather than just thinking those things, I would share them with the person. Now, I am careful not to speak things to a person who may take it as flirting. But, as you have heard, “if you see something, say something”. I kind of use that as my thought. If I think something positive, I should say it.

Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

I also speak to people with words other than “Hi, how are you?” It seems like when we say that we all simply give an expected reply without really being truthful or expressing that we “see” or “recognize” the person. So, I began changing my verbiage. Instead of saying, “Hi, how are you?” I might say something like, “Are you having a good day?” or “Did you have a nice Christmas/weekend, etc.?” This has often brought about great conversations and expressions of surprise and thankfulness that someone had “seen” and “recognized” THEM, not just expected pleasantries. It has blessed me as I have simply really listened to people. I have prayed for some, and they are now on my prayer list. I have been able to help some with a need. It’s been incredible and I realized that everywhere I go, I take God with me and am on mission with Him. It has been life changing.

Colossians 4:5-6 “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

I hope my experiences will encourage you if you feel like you aren’t making much of a difference. Sometimes a smile makes a huge impact on people. Add a word of greeting to that and you’ll be amazed. You will get some who ignore but the ones who respond far outweigh those who don’t. May God bless you as you go forth representing Him.

Ignorance is Not Bliss

On By Leslie AnnIn Christian, God, Responsibility

I have heard the saying “ignorance is bliss” for as long as I can remember. But the truth is, ignorance is NOT bliss. It causes us to fall prey to evil and every attack by Satan and his followers. Quite frankly, in a lot of areas, I have kept my head in the sand and lived in my own little world.

God tells us in Matthew 24:4, Jesus answered, “Watch out that no one deceives you.”

For a few years now, several in fact, I have been praying this prayer consistently:

Father, I pray that you will reveal truth and expose lies. Give us wisdom and discernment to know the difference. Give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and minds and hearts to accept the truth, no matter how dark it may be.

Many things that I believed were true practically all my life, now turn out to be a lie. Many people I thought were “good” and had our best interests in mind, turns out were not. I guess when I started realizing that things just were not making sense (common sense) is when I started this prayer and process of seeking truth. Truth from scriptures, truth in our churches, truth in our nation and in the world.

God answered that prayer by leading me to find the truth for myself. Many of the truths I have found are quite ugly and disturbing. But we can deal with what we know to be true – with God’s help. He will also reveal the truth about our walk with Him. Have we been lazy in not seeking truth? Yes, I was. God, in His great mercy will bring us to repentance and restoration with grace, hope and joy. I am trusting God.

John 16:13; “But when he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into truth.”

I am confident that as I continue to seek God first (Matthew 6:33), He will guide me into all truth.

I am curious whether any of you have a similar experience. Are you noticing things just aren’t what they appear to be? Do you notice that evil is called good and good evil? Have you seen that God-fearing people are being censored and even worse? What are your thoughts? I would love to hear from you.

To God be the glory!

2022 Comes to a Close

On By Leslie AnnIn Christian4 Comments

I have not posted anything in over a year. Life has kept me busy with family priorities and quite frankly I just didn’t feel like an encourager, which I hope is what these posts reflect. These past few years have brought many challenges. It often felt as though we were on a roller coaster. As 2022 comes to a close this evening, I am reflecting on the many changes it brought to my life.

I am reminded of a quote I have had on my wall for many years. It says, “When God closes a door, He opens a window.” God closed a door in our family this month at the passing of my Mom. She is in the picture on the front page of this blog. While we experienced many struggles with her health issues, it did bring a blessing of more time spent with her. I will always treasure those times spent in caring for her needs and just being with her. She taught me by example what true strength is.

I pray that as the calendar year ends, you will reflect on the positives it brought. Growth pains are not easy but as we get through them, well worth it. God always brings good to our lives, even from what appears to be bad. The good news is that God is always waiting to walk our path with us. His Word says if we seek Him, we will find Him. Once we have a relationship with Him, He promises to NEVER leave us. What glorious news. We can trust Him. He is faithful. God Bless You All!

I would love to hear your comments on this past year and what God has shown you.

Devoted Daniel

On By Leslie AnnIn Christian1 Comment

Daniel is a great example of living in and through trials while remaining faithful to God. After Judah was conquered, Daniel (among thousands of his countrymen) were deported to a foreign land. That wasn’t how Daniel thought his life would go! He ended up there for about 60 years. We don’t want adversity for a day, week, month, or year. Just think, 60 years. But God had a plan. God still has a plan.

How do you think it was that Daniel could remain faithful to God in a foreign land where others worshipped differently? After all, we all need support groups, right? Like-minded people to encourage us to keep on keeping on? Daniel’s story is a reminder that God is all we need, and we need all of God! So, how do we get to the mature level of faith that Daniel possessed?

Let’s take a look at his habits, priorities, and daily life:

  • Daniel 1:8 says that Daniel “resolved” not to defile himself. He made a decision. Not on the fly, but a concerted decision. A line in the sand so to speak. Daniel was not alone in this though, three of his friends also resolved to follow God. God blessed them for their faithful obedience. He gave them knowledge and understanding.
  • Daniel 6:10 says that Daniel “prayed and gave thanks to God three times a day”. He made prayer a priority and a habit. God came first. He was in communication with God all during the day, every day.

There are so many stories in the book of Daniel I won’t even try to list them here. The dreams and visions are numerous (even including visions of the End Times). I encourage you to take time to read Daniel again. When reading, think about the world and times we live in right now and how we can apply Daniel’s examples to our lives. We see throughout the book of Daniel that no one could find fault with his conduct, even his enemies and those who were jealous of him.

Daniel’s life was God honoring. He was steadfast in his faith. His faith and those of his friends were tested for sure. Can anyone say fiery furnace and lion’s den?! God didn’t keep the trials from coming, but He didn’t leave them alone in their trials either. He was their Deliverer and He can be ours too, if we are devoted to Him. Bad things happen to good people. We are not promised an easy life, but we are promised a good life and life eternal if we follow Christ and have a relationship with God. I guess the questions we must ask ourselves are these: Are we devoted followers of Christ? Have we resolved to obey God, no matter what? Is prayer a priority?

Daniel was courageous. We can be courageous too. God is able. Nothing is impossible for Him.

Rainbows are beautiful

On By Leslie AnnIn Christian7 Comments

Rainbows are God’s sign to us of his beautiful promise.

Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him:“I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you—the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you—every living creature on earth. I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.” And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds,I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.” (Genesis 9:8-17)

Okay, I’m just going to say it…

I hate that the rainbow has been perverted and used as a symbol of sexual sin.

So much in our world has been perverted. That’s how Satan works. He twists God’s word around. He deceives in an effort to destroy.

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became foolsand exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones.In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy.Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:20-32)

I don’t hate sinners – I am one. I hate sin. We have somehow confused the two. Somewhere along the way we have decided that if we don’t go along with or promote the sin, we are not loving the sinner. That is simply not true! God loves all of us. God hates sin. Sin is revealed so that we can repent. God gives us the grace and power to free us from our sin (whatever it is). Life is full of choices. That is one thing we ourselves control – our choices. God has given us freedom to choose. However, true freedom comes only as we realize we are sinners, repent, turn to God and accept Jesus as Lord of our lives. Then we can truly live in a life of freedom – freedom from being a slave to sin.

So when you see a rainbow, it is not about sex or sin. It is the sign of remembrance of a beautiful covenant from God. Let’s be thankful and give Him all the glory and honor He is due. He is the creator. We are the created.

Sin should not be worshipped, celebrated, honored or glorified. Sin is sin.

Only God should be worshipped, celebrated, honored and glorified. Only He is worthy.

Standing

On By Leslie AnnIn Christian1 Comment

Every time I read Daniel 3; I wonder – Would I stand? Would I stand firm in my faith? Would I stand firm for my God? Would I stand firm in obedience to God even if it might cost me my position, family, friendships, maybe even death? Would I stand with God and for God? Or would I crumble to what appears to be the power at hand? Would I give in and give up? Would I take “the mark” to “live” here on earth? I hope and pray I would stand but I guess none of us really know what we will do until we get there, do we? That’s why we must be proactive instead of reactive. If we fail to prepare, we prepare to fail.

We are certainly being tested today. Our freedoms and our faith are under attack every day. Those “in charge” are trying (and succeeding in many ways) to control us, to make us fearful, to make us dependent up on “them”. They are promoting racism in the strangest ways that if we dig a little and look at the facts, we see their lies revealed. They are trying to divide us because they know that divided, we will fall. We fall to temptation, temptation to evil. Only united will we stand. Think about those persecuted in Germany when the “brown shirts” came. They were shocked but the plan had been unfolding for a long time, beginning with propaganda (overtaking the media). Sound familiar?

Our faith is being attacked and our freedoms are being attacked. I am reminded of the song by Lee Greenwood “I’m Proud to be an American”.  Here are a few of the lyrics.

And I gladly stand up
Next to you and defend her still today
Cause there ain’t no doubt, I love this land
God bless the USA

Do these words ring true to us? Will we stand up for America? Will we stand up for God?

In Ephesians 6:10-18 we are told to put on the FULL ARMOR OF GOD. He tells us what that is. He tells us why we need to be armed. It is so we can take our stand against the devil’s schemes. There we go…if we are armed, we can be confident that we will be able to stand. What is this armor God talks about? Truth, Righteousness, Readiness, Faith, Salvation, Word of God, Holy Spirit led Prayer. We are to always be alert and ready. God says that after we have done everything (put on all His armor), we are to STAND.

I plan to stand! How about you?

Alone and Exposed

On By Leslie AnnIn Christian, Freedom, God, Love, prayer1 Comment

We all tend to view ourselves and others as parts of groups. Even when asked about ourselves, we tend to put ourselves in a group or groups. For instance, we will say something like: I am (blank); I am a (blank). Maybe it’s what we do for a living, our relationship with another person or group, etc. We tend to think that way don’t we? That’s not a bad thing but somehow we can turn it into a bad thing. It’s easy to see that there is an all-out effort these days to pit one group against another. Usually one is “supposedly” good and one bad, depending upon which group you prefer.

God woke me up this morning with some reminders. I want to share them with you.

We may look at the things going on in our world and think all hope is lost. Remember the old saying, “It’s not over until the fat lady sings”? I heard something recently – “The fat lady hasn’t started warming up yet.” In other words, it’s not finished until God says it’s finished.

“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; All things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27

God reminds us that what we see with our eyes and hear with our ears is only outward appearances but God judges the heart.

“However, as it is written: ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.” 2 Corinthians 2:9-10

“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

He reminded me of Saul. He tried to destroy the Christians. He thought he was on the “good side”, doing a “good thing”.  When we look back at what he did and the group he associated with, we would certainly not consider him good, would we? However, God had a plan. It couldn’t be seen at the time by eyes or heard by ears but then, in God’s perfect timing, a miraculous thing happened. God got a hold of him and things changed dramatically. I won’t type his story here but check out Acts 9. We may not have been against God like Saul, but God tells us that if we aren’t for Him, we are against Him. Standing on the fence doesn’t give us “brownie points”. We must choose a side.

“He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.” Matthew 12:30

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.“ Hebrews 4:13

The thing is, none of us will be surrounded or sheltered by whatever group/groups we associate with when we stand before the Lord, whether each day on earth or on judgment day. We will all stand alone and exposed. We will give an account for our lives, our thoughts, our words, our actions. We can’t hide from what we might think we have kept hidden deep inside ourselves. God sees and knows all. We better come clean now and allow God to reveal any sin in our lives and repent (turn away from it), seeking His will, His way, His glory.

“Do not {translation – never, never} repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written “It is mine to avenge, I will repay, says the Lord. On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” “Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:17-21

As a dear friend told me once (thank you Connie), God doesn’t call us to judge others, but we should be “fruit inspectors”. Just as people will view us by the fruit we produce, we view others by the fruit they produce. We should not condone evil behavior or join with it. We should fight against evil. But, we should leave room for repentance by praying for them. ALL things are possible WITH GOD.

So, while evil is out in the open and becoming bolder every day, remember, God isn’t finished yet. The fat lady isn’t warming up. People get ready…

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Ephesians6:18

After all, God wants ALL to come to a saving knowledge of Him through Jesus Christ. Our job is to point people to Jesus, share the Good News of salvation, and walk out our faith in loving obedience. There is a spiritual war going on – a war between good and evil. Let’s join God’s army and follow His plan of attack!

Eyes Wide Open

On By Leslie AnnIn Christian3 Comments

It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted a message on my blog. Honestly, I just didn’t know what to say. I didn’t feel like God had given me a word. But, maybe it’s just that I had been overwhelmed like most of us. About a month ago, however, God woke me up extremely early in the morning and my thoughts came together with a message. I made some notes but unfortunately, I procrastinated. Again, early this morning, God woke me up and this message was on my mind.  I believe now is the time He wants me to share it. This may end up being a long message and if so, I pray you will hang in there with me until the end. Here goes…

I think those who know me would say I have been naïve most of my life. I grew up pretty sheltered from bad things in the world. I am the oldest of three girls and while our Dad was protective over all of us, I’m sure he was even more so with the first – me. I just never expected that people might be lying, cheating, or breaking the law. The thought never occurred to me. A couple of things come to mind. When I was a young adult I was in Burger Chef (some of you may be old enough to remember this fast food restaurant) with my Mom. We were in line waiting to order. I smelled something really strange and bad. I mentioned to my Mom, “What is that smell”?! She said, “Leslie, don’t you know what that is? It’s marijuana.” Obviously I didn’t know what it was and asked how she knew. She said she had heard on the news what is smelled like. Seriously? My Mom knew more about marijuana than I did? Another time, several years later, my husband and I were in New York City. We walked around the streets (it was not what I expected) site-seeing. It was very different from the small town where I grew up. Anyway, afterwards my husband and another man were talking about how they were selling drugs on the streets, out loud calling out their drugs and prices. I said, “where was that”? They both looked at me like I was crazy. It was happening all around me and I didn’t even notice.

Sad, isn’t it? How can I effectively fight the enemy if I don’t even realize he’s there? For many years after that I was still living in my own little world. Married, working, raising kids – never paid any attention to news or current events, not even that the school system had changed what our kids were being taught. When did they change our history books? When did they take God out of the schools? Was I asleep? I think I was simply sleep walking. I was oblivious to what was going on around me. I was so focused on what I had “to do” each day, just going through motions of my responsibilities (but neglecting maybe the most important responsibilities as a human and parent – to KNOW what is happening and stand up for right over wrong. Thankfully I have repented of that and God has forgiven me, but I had to turn from that behavior and make sure I was aware of what was happening around me.

For many months now (maybe a few years) I have been praying these things for our nation. That…

  • Truth would be revealed
  • Eyes would be opened to the truth
  • Pride would not keep us from turning from sin
  • Humble hearts would be turned from evil to God
  • Those plotting and committing evil would be exposed and held accountable
  • God would not give us over to our own evil desires but would grant us grace in our repentance

Many in our nation are deceived – their eyes need to be opened. What I didn’t realize is that God had to open my eyes! He opened them to what I talked about in the previous paragraph, how I had lived in “darkness” to the evil around me. Thank you God for opening my eyes.

I must admit that even as recent as a week ago, I was resisting listening to prophetic messages. I was so afraid that I would be listening to a false prophet that I missed listening to what God had to say. He (God) reminded me that He is still the same today as He was yesterday and will be tomorrow. He speaks through prophets. Even though He speaks to us directly, He still uses prophets to get His message to us. If we abide in Him, His spirit will confirm with ours whether the word we hear is true or not. I need not be afraid. So, I have listened to some and God is so good – they all had the same message. I felt at peace more than I have in the past few years. God is working on our behalf. He always gives warnings to His people in hopes that they will return to Him. He wants all to come to a saving knowledge of Him through Jesus Christ. Sometimes we want Him to act now – but His grace and mercy are great. We must remember that He wants all to turn to Him. However, there comes a time when enough is enough and God acts. I believe now is that time. It is my whole-hearted belief that God is not going to give our nation over to our evil desires, but He will restore our nation back to “We the People”.  The “world” will lie to us, but God never will. My eyes are wide open now and my hope is in the Lord. I am committed to keeping my eyes open and focused on Him, never again to keep my head buried in the sand but to stand up for righteousness. God gives His Children what we need to fight the spiritual battle of good versus evil. We have the full armor of God available to us. We just need to use it.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:10-17)

Don’t believe everything you see and hear. Don’t be afraid. Trust in God. He will lead and guide you to truth. But, we have to seek truth in order to find it. Keep your eyes wide open. God can and will do amazing things we can’t even imagine. To Him be all glory and honor and praise!

Saying Goodbye

On By Leslie AnnIn Christian5 Comments

Sometimes it’s hard to say goodbye. When my sisters who live out of state come to visit, it’s hard to say goodbye when they leave because we don’t know when we will see each other again. When we leave a job or home that we enjoyed, it’s hard to say goodbye. Some even find it hard to say goodbye to fall when winter sets in and they know cold is on its way. But I think the hardest goodbye we ever say is when a loved one dies. A week ago today we said goodbye to our precious grandson. That’s something you never expect to experience. heartbrokenYou always think that you will die before your children or grandchildren. It’s shocking and it’s heart-breaking.

While our grandson was baptized as a teenager, we hadn’t spent as much time with him these past years as we wished so we weren’t really sure about his relationship with God. In the middle of the night Thursday/Friday and Friday morning I prayed that God would bless me by giving me some indication that he was in fact in the arms of Jesus. I knew that even though my heart was broken that he wasn’t here with me in person any longer, that would bring comfort to my soul. We buried him this past Friday. I won’t go into specifics, but God not only gave me an indication, He gave me two. God is so good!

Ecclesiastes3_1-2Our hearts still ache talk to him and our arms still ache to hug him, But, we are comforted that he is with God. We are strengthened in our resolve to pray fervently for our loved ones, our neighbors and our nation. Some don’t know God. Some may know God but aren’t growing in their faith. Some are simply struggling and need encouragement. I am now much more prayerfully passionate about the salvation of others and more fervently praying for them.

We have beautiful memories of our dear grandson and I am so thankful for them. He was so very sweet. So, for now we have said goodbye here on earth but will meet again in heaven. Of that I am eternally grateful.

Isaiah 58

On By Leslie AnnIn Christian

As I read this chapter in Isaiah, I could not help but think of our nation, our people, and the church. Like all of scripture, we can apply this chapter to our lives today. It’s a good “self-check” and offers points of prayer as we seek God on behalf of our families, communities and nation. May God’s church kneel down in prayer and stand up for God.Isaiah 58

“Shout it aloud, do not hold back.
    Raise your voice like a trumpet.
Declare to my people their rebellion
    and to the descendants of Jacob their sins.
2 For day after day they seek me out;
    they seem eager to know my ways,
as if they were a nation that does what is right
    and has not forsaken the commands of its God.
They ask me for just decisions
    and seem eager for God to come near them.
3 ‘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.
4 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.
5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen,
    only a day for people to humble themselves?
Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed
    and for lying in sackcloth and ashes?
Is that what you call a fast,
    a day acceptable to the Lord?

6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
    and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
    and break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry
    and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
    and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
    and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness[a] will go before you,
    and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
    you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.

“If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
    with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
    and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
    and your night will become like the noonday.
11 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.
12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
    and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
    Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

13 “If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath
    and from doing as you please on my holy day,
if you call the Sabbath a delight
    and the Lord’s holy day honorable,
and if you honor it by not going your own way
    and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,
14 then you will find your joy in the Lord,
    and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land
    and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.”
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

This says it all. Amen.