Each of us is called to serve in the unique way that only each of us can.

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

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Isaiah 58:6-7

Is this not, rather, the fasting I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking off every yoke? Is it not sharing your bread with the hungry, bringing the afflicted and the homeless into your house; Clothing the naked when you see them.

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The heading for this passage in Isaiah is “True Fasting.”

The prophet states quite clearly that God is not interested in personal sacrifices unless you are sacrificing your own personal desires so that you can serve others.

Sacrifices are not meant to somehow earn points with God.

You’ve already hit the jackpot on points before doing anything.

God already loves you infinitely.

The point of giving up some self-satisfying-pleasure is not to impress God but to free you up to take care of those in need.

Jesus makes this crystal clear in Matthew 25:31-46.

And he also underlines the importance of taking action on behalf of others in his statement: “Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice’” (Matthew 9:13).

So it’s not a matter of what you are giving up for Lent. It’s a matter of what you are doing to help others now that you’ve set aside your own self-centered pursuits.

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

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

Remember…God loves you!