What if we saw the “other” as “us”?

(Listen to my song “Mercy Reigns” by clicking HERE)

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Isaiah 58:6-7

“This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own.”

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Over 700 years before Jesus was born…the prophet Isaiah spoke powerfully of the Messiah to come.

Jesus came to know in his heart that Isaiah was speaking about him.

He would not be a messiah of military might but one of love, mercy, forgiveness, compassion and inclusion of those left out.

Isaiah told the people quite pointedly that God did not desire fasting and sacrifices if they were done to somehow gain God’s favor. That was not what impressed God.

Isaiah said that what God wanted was for us to sacrifice our ego-centered desires for the sake of helping those who are oppressed, hungry, homeless and in need.

This is still God’s radical call to all who call themselves “Christians” – and all who don’t as well.

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Listen to my song of the day “Mercy Reigns” by clicking HERE.

Sample and/or purchase my songs on iTunes by clicking HERE.

CD’s available for purchase at BillTonnisMusic.com by clicking HERE.

Remember…God loves you!