Fri.’s Devo - Prepare the Way

Read: Isaiah 57:14-59:21; Philippians 1:1-26; Psalm 71:1-24; Proverbs 24:9-10
“Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.” That is what God told his people through Isaiah. That is what God is saying to us today. It is not the time to tear down and criticize. It is time to unite and bind together. We are to prepare the road by getting the obstacles out of the way of our maturing in the Lord and anything that could be criticized by the world. Some of these obstacles are the same as they were then. They did as they pleased and exploited their workers. They quarreled and debated their doctrine and yet they expected their prayers to be heard. They did all this while fasting to get close to the Lord. Their lives were hypocritical and a stumbling block to those who were looking to them for answers.
Fasting and times of prayer should not be to appear spiritual but to accomplish something in the spiritual realm. It should loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of bondage. Our goal should be to set the oppressed free and to bread every yoke of bondage. We should be caring for the poor and meeting the needs of those we see, starting with our own families. When we do this we will be the light of the world and our own healing will come. We will be safe in God’s protection and He will hear our prayers and answer them. We will have discernment and revelation. When the world is unfruitful, we will be healthy and fruitful. We will then be able to build up the walls of salvation and restore the path of righteousness. If we stop doing what our flesh wants to do and start doing what the Lord created us to do, we will soar with the Spirit and be filled with joy. Every promise in the Bible will be ours.
The people of Israel had a hard time maintaining devotion to the Lord so they lived in the consequences of choosing death instead of life. To them, God promised a Redeemer who came in the person of Jesus Christ.
Paul sends a letter to the Philippians commending them for their love. He has much joy when he thinks of them and knows that God is doing a great work in them which will just get bigger and better. They are preaching the gospel and Paul encourages them to continue.
Lord, may we remove all the obstacles that keep us from running our race without any hinderances. May our lives light the way for sinners to come to You.