The Mirror of the Word by C.E. White can be purchased here: https://www.amazon.com/Mirror-Word-Devotions-Reveal-Refine/dp/B0DFZS83C7  To learn more about this author and other works, visit https://cewhitebooks.com/

“Is this not the fast that I choose: to release the bonds of wickedness, to undo the ropes of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke? Is it not to break your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into the house; when you see the naked, to cover him; and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light will break out like the dawn, and your recovery will spring up quickly; and your righteousness will go before you; the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’”

—Isaiah 58:6–9

The people of Israel had been making a show of ritualistic fasting, then complaining that God didn’t honor it. He replies that acting selfishly, exploiting others, and quarreling with one another is not the way “to make your voice heard on high” (Isaiah 58:3–4).

God doesn’t want a religious show. Going to church or reading the Bible doesn’t mean anything if we live the rest of our lives treating people with disdain, taking advantage of others, living in anger and unforgiveness, or ignoring the needs of those around us.

Our prayers fall flat when we—like these people and the Pharisees—follow God’s rules without walking in his love and think that is a transaction for which we are owed.

But when his law is written on our hearts and we love him with all our heart, soul, and mind, and love our neighbors as ourselves, the Lord goes before and behind us. He hears and answers.

We find him and his promises as we abide in him.

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