Praying for the oppressed in our world and community is important in the desire for having a new and changed world. David cries out for God to help those who are oppressed, the victims, the orphans, the helpless, and to destroy the wicked who terrorize these people. If we want to see a change in our world- prayer is the way to go. It is too big a task for one person, but not for God. Pray that He'll place justice in our society and in our communities. Pray He'll help the oppressed. A change starts something that can seem so small, like prayer, but it's work and intentions are mighty.
Reading: Matthew 13:18-35
We can see from these parables just how much of an impact the little things can make. There are a lot of comparisons to seeds in this reading, but we can see just how beautiful and large a simple, little seed can get. The Kingdom of heaven is like the seed. When we plant the seed in someone's heart, they can either let it grow or it can die out when they stifle it. It doesn't take much to spread the Word of God. But it's as powerful as putting yeast in bread or a seed in good soil. It is our job as Christians to plant those seeds. Seeing what becomes of those seeds can either be devastating or spectacular depending on what happens with them. All that matters is that God can take the smallest of things and make them great- and that is much like His kingdom.
Reading: Genesis 36:1-37:36
Joseph's story begins here with some hardship. When Jacob makes a huge parenting mistake in favoring Joseph over the rest of his children, there arises some sibling rivalry. Joseph ends up being sold and the rest of the boys leave Jacob thinking that Joseph was killed by a wild animal. Though the reading we experienced today just seems grim and depressing, as we see these horrible hints play out for poor Joseph, later we will read of the wonderful ways God uses Joseph for all kinds of good and leadership. Though the elements of this story don't seem like small events in Joseph's life, they will seem that way once we get to the greatness of his ruling and forgiveness. The story of Joseph is just beginning, but the lessons we can take are numerous already. We can be in our lowest of lows, but God will turn those times into times of true and sincere growth and revealing a of Him.
Remember the little things God uses to make a mighty story in your life. Thank Him for the times in your life where you saw Him work through the darkness and shown a bright light in and through your story. These times are some of the hardest, but also can be the most fruitful in your growth. Allow God to use those moments.
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