Phoenix, Arizona. Tuesday morning, July 16, 2023.9:47 a.m.
Body-worn camera footage captures an ordinary gas station stop that would later become one of the most costly civil-rights violations involving immigration enforcement in Arizona history.
In broad daylight, outside a Shell station on McDowell Road, Lieutenant Marcus Hayes, a twenty-three-year veteran of the Phoenix Police Department, is approached by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents while pumping gas on his way home from an overnight shift. He is not suspected of a crime. He is not fleeing. He is not resisting. He is not under investigation.
Yet within moments, an ICE agent demands proof of citizenship.
The footage begins with casual, procedural language—standard enforcement phrasing delivered without urgency. Hayes is dressed in basketball shorts and a Phoenix Suns t-shirt, sunglasses pushed up against the glare of the desert sun. His hands remain visible. His posture is calm. His truck is parked behind him at the pump, fuel hose still attached.
Three ICE agents are present. One initiates contact. Two others flank wide, positioning themselves deliberately. Their body cameras are recording.
The justification for the stop is not evidence.
It is not conduct.
It is not a reported crime.
It is an unspecified “operation” in the area—and a man whose appearance draws attention.
Hayes immediately identifies himself as a police officer. He provides his full name, rank, department, and badge number. He explains that his badge and department ID are secured inside his vehicle just feet away. He repeatedly asks that his precinct be contacted for verification.
None of it is accepted.
The agent insists that a state-issued driver’s license does not establish citizenship. He demands documents no American civilian is legally required to carry in public: a passport, a birth certificate, or naturalization papers.
The bodycam footage records Hayes standing still, speaking clearly, invoking his constitutional rights. It records him stating—loudly and deliberately for the cameras—that he is not resisting, not fleeing, and not consenting to detention. It records three federal agents tightening their formation around him anyway.
When Hayes asks what reasonable suspicion exists beyond his skin color, the question is not answered.
Instead, he is handcuffed.
The footage captures the moment a senior police lieutenant—born in Tucson, Arizona, and sworn to uphold the Constitution—is detained, searched, and transported to a federal holding facility for “verification.” His vehicle is left unsecured at the gas pump. His identity is not confirmed until hours later.
Hayes is held for more than three hours.
Only after federal databases are finally checked does ICE confirm what he stated from the beginning:
He is a natural-born U.S. citizen.
He is a Phoenix Police Department lieutenant.
There was no lawful basis for his detention.
Friday, January 23, 2026
Romans 8:12-17 Believers are led by Holy Spirit…listen to Him!
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Others will know us as the followers of Jesus by the fruit that is evident in our lives. God is love! Galatians 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Listen closely to that still, small voice of Holy Spirit for direction and guidance in times such as these. Carla
Romans 8:12-17 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
Formerly, people did not have a choice; they were under the control of sin (Romans 6:16; 7:17). Because of the indwelling Spirit, Paul declares that believers are no longer subject to the control of the flesh. They have been transferred from the realm of the flesh to the realm of the Spirit. Led by the Spirit of God describes living under the control and empowerment of the Spirit.
The Greek text associates Old Testament ideas of divine sonship with the Church. Believers become part of God’s family by adoption (Romans 8:15), both on earth and upon glorification in the coming age.
A spirit of slavery alludes to enslavement to sin. The Greek phrase used here indicates that the Holy Spirit makes believers children of God.
Abba! Father The Aramaic word abba means “father.” Both here and in Galatians 4:6 Paul presents the phrase as an expression enabled by the Spirit to affirm the believer’s place in the family of God. The Holy Spirit makes believers aware of their new status as children of God. The children of God will inherit what God has promised them: eternal life (Romans 8:10–11).
Fellow heirs with Christ indicates that believers share in the same privileges as Christ. If indeed we suffer together probably refers to persecution, but may include general hardship. Faithlife Study Bible
Death here does not refer to physical death, because those who live according to the Spirit also die physically. It refers to the experience of those who live their lives apart from God. By walking according to the Spirit, by being spiritually minded, the believer can put to death sinful deeds and live for God.
Being led by the Spirit is virtually synonymous with walking according to the Spirit. “Walking” highlights the active participation and effort of the believer. “Being led” underscores the passive side, the submissive dependence of the believer on the Spirit.
Those led by the Spirit are God’s children, and the sovereign Lord, in turn, is their Father. Believers are sons of God because they received the Spirit of adoption. In ancient Rome, an adopted son would possess all the rights of a son born into the family. Christians have been adopted into God’s family, receiving an eternal inheritance.
Abba: Jesus Himself prayed to God using this Aramaic word for Father (Mark 14:36).
A further indication of believers’ sonship is that the Holy Spirit bears witness with their spirits. When believers cry out to the Father in prayer, the Holy Spirit intercedes for them (verse 26).
All of God’s children have an inheritance based on their relationship to God, which is incorruptible, undefiled, and reserved in heaven (1 Peter 1:4). Their inheritance includes an expectation of eternal life. As joint heirs with Christ, they share His suffering now and will share His glory later (Philippians 3:11–14). The NKJV Study Bible
Galatians 4:5–7 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”…
John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
You are the God who sees Us!
A fire rages in a two-story house. A young boy's head is visible leaning out a second-floor window. His voice is piercing and plaintive, "Daddy, help me! Daddy, where are you?"
Smoke (from first-floor-flames) billows from shattered ground floor windows, now obscuring visibility. From the window, the boy cannot see the ground below, and he is literally shaking with fright. The boy hears a familiar voice, as if coming from inside the great cloud of smoke. His father, shouts, implores, "Son, I am right here. I can hear you. I am right here on the ground beneath your window. I need to you to listen to me. Listen to my voice. I need you to jump. Now. Jump and I will catch you."
"But Daddy, I can't jump because I can't see you."
"That's okay son. I will catch you because I can still see you."
It may not be a fire. But each of us knows what it is like to be afraid. To "look outside a window" in our life, and know that something is out of kilter. Or, (maybe typically) because we can't see, we make stuff up (and it's never very good is it?).
It's as if we allow the uncertainty—and the fear—to be the judge and jury for reality. To determine the "narrative". I get it. We don't believe we have any control. So, like the little boy, we feel powerless. And invisible. To those around us. Even to God. And we don't see a way out.
There have been times when I have looked out of the window of my life, and have seen only smoke. And I want to trust that there is someone or something to catch me.
The truth is: Most often, I really am afraid to jump. (I once read where Fr. Andrew Greeley said that how we live depends upon whether we see the universe as capricious or benign. If we jump, will someone catch us?)
Here's the deal: the power of Grace allows us to give in to the moment. Whatever it holds. To choose to receive, or walk, or jump. To choose to apologize, or forgive, or love, or set right, or grant mercy, or receive mercy.
In other words, smoke is not the only “narrative” here.
And with the gift of Grace, I know that my choice is empowered by the gentle sovereignty in that voice, "Trust me Terry. You may not be able to see me, but I can still see you. Jump."
"You are the God who sees me." Hagar's response to God, after her cry of desperation. (The Book of Genesis) “Sabbath Moments”
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Watch the full, closed-door Jack Smith testimony about Trump I MS NOW
Former Special Counsel Jack Smith's 8 hour closed-door deposition with the
House Judiciary committee on investigating and indicting. Smith will testify
publicly on Thursday, January 22nd.
‘Beginning Of A Harsh Reality’: Canada PM Mark Carney Speech On Trump, G...
Watch Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney's full speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos where he spoke on rules-based international order, Greenland tensions and other issues.
Trump makes a FOOL of himself on world stage; pretends to solve crisis of his own making…this is frightening!
Jen Psaki reviews the lowlights Donald Trump's cringey, humiliating ramble of an address to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland which not only put Trump's ignorance and vanity on full display but he repeatedly said the wrong name of the country at the center of his effort to destroy the western alliance.
Philemon 1:6 The Good in Us!
Genesis 18:18 since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
The love of God for His creation has and continues to cover a multitude of the sins of mankind. We know not what we do.
Genesis 1:31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Philemon 1:6 that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
Every good and perfect gift comes from God through His Son, Jesus. We are created in the image of God and He is good! Carla
Paul prays that Philemon’s faith will be effective—a term that speaks of being in good working order. Working faith is a sharing faith; it is the acknowledgment of what Christ has done in the believer’s life (Ephesians 3:17–19). That kind of faith will also result in the sharing of possessions with other believers. The NKJV Study Bible
The aim of my thanksgiving and prayers for thee is, in order that the, &c. the communication of thy faith—the imparting of it and its fruits (namely, acts of love and beneficence: as Hebrews 13:16, “to communicate,” that is, to impart a share) to others; or, the liberality to others flowing from thy faith (so the Greek is translated, “liberal distribution,” 2 Corinthians 9:13).
effectual by—Greek, “in”; the element in which his liberality had place, that is, may be proved by acts in,
acknowledging—Greek, “the thorough knowledge,” that is, the experimental or practical recognition.
of every good thing which is in you—The oldest manuscripts read, “which is in us,” that is, the practical recognition of every grace which is in us Christians, in so far as we realize the Christian character. In short, that thy faith may by acts be proved to be “a faith which worketh by love.”
Paul never ceases to mention him in his prayers, in order that his faith may still further show its power in his relation to others, by exhibiting every grace which is in Christians to the glory of Christ. Thus he paves the way for the request in behalf of Onesimus. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Philippians 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,
Colossians 1:9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
Colossians 3:10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,
Colossians 3:10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,
"Whatever is honored will be cultivated." Plato reminded us.
Say, “If love still breathes in human hearts, then peace is not so far to know.”
But that’s not always easy in a world that feels upside down. And yet. Very ordinary people have taken on "the impossible" time and time again.
The good news? This isn’t a ploy. It comes from who we are. It spills from the inside out. Because here's the deal: This capacity—for love, compassion, kindness, truth, forgiveness, justice, restoration—is within. Every one of us. These are the weapons of the Spirit.
Nelson Mandela reminded us that “No one is born hating another person... People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” Let’s digest that: We are hardwired to not hurt each other. Which means that if we hate, we have to dehumanize one another.
What I do know, is that an act of gentle courage has my name on it.
Maybe even today. Sabbath Moments
Reading God's Word is the way to truly and deeply know Him on this side of heaven! So let's consider three ways the Bible proves itself to us through some of its own internal evidence:
1. Unity.
The Scriptures were written:
Over approximately 2,000 years.
By at least 40 different authors from various backgrounds, from shepherds to scholars.
In three languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek).
In, across, and from various continents (Asia, Africa, and Europe).
Yet the Old and New Testaments together convey a single, unified message: God created the world good, but humanity fell into sin and death. Yet we have hope because God, in His love, sent Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for sin on the cross and then defeat the grave.Through faith in Christ, we can receive eternal life. The Bible's coherence and harmony about this message is nothing short of miraculous.
2. Prophecy.
The Bible also contains hundreds of prophecies that have been fulfilled with remarkable accuracy, giving us confidence that any as yet unfulfilled will surely be completed in the future. Take Isaiah 53, written around 700 B. C. , which vividly describes the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the first century. The prophecy aligns with the gospel with striking precision, down to the tiniest detail like Jesus' burial in a rich man's tomb (Isaiah 53:9; Matthew 27:57-60). This is just one example of how fulfilled prophecies reinforce the divine origin and authenticity of God's Word.
3. Eyewitnesses.
In a court of law today, eyewitness testimony remains one of the most crucial forms of evidence. The New Testament is informed by many eyewitness testimonies all repeating the same overall account of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Apostle John affirmed this in 1 John 1:1-3, emphasizing that he and others reported "[that] which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands." The Bible offers more eyewitness testimony for Jesus' resurrection than what is often required to convict criminals in our world's best court systems.
And all this only scratches the surface of the persuasive evidence for biblical authentication! Still, the primary persuasive work is that of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. When we read with faith, we experience how "the word of God is living and active ... discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). First5
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Proverbs 18:10-12 Pride comes before a fall!
Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes shame;
But with the humble is wisdom.
We were created in God’s love. May we always reflect it in our thoughts, in our words and our actions. Whoever loves loves God.
What does He require of us? Micah 6:8 He requires us to be fair, to be quick to forgive, and always, always be humble in our walk with Him. Carla
Proverbs 18:10-12
The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
The righteous run to it and are safe.
11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
And like a high wall in his own esteem.
12 Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty,
And before honor is humility.
The phrase name of the Lord is a way of speaking of God’s person. The righteous turn to God for security. Rich people, by contrast, tend to trust in their wealth. God’s protection is a prominent theme in Scripture .
The path to honor, which the proud so covet, is humility. The NKJV Study Bible
Both a watchtower (2 Kings 9:17) and a place of refuge (Judges 9:51). The Psalms often compare God to a tower of refuge (Psalms 18:2; 61:3).
The righteous trust in the name of Yahweh for protection, but here the rich trust in wealth. However, this security is a delusion or folly that cannot provide the protection of the name of Yahweh (11:28). Faithlife Study Bible.
Psalm 61:3
For You have been a shelter for me,
A strong tower from the enemy.
Proverbs 15:33
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom,
And before honor is humility.
Proverbs 10:15
The rich man’s wealth is his strong city;
The destruction of the poor is their poverty.
Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
When life needs to be “in a box” (of expectations or belief), it is easy to miss the joy of anything outside the box. And the gifts of surprise, wonder, gladness, joy, delight, grace and the sacrament of the present moment. Sabbath Moments
“Today is going to be our peaceful day. This is the beginning—a fresh start, a new opportunity to live with awareness and care.
May we be mindful of our breath as it flows in and out, anchoring us to this present moment. May we be mindful of our daily actions, bringing intention and gentleness to everything we do—the words we speak, the way we listen, the kindness we offer, even in the smallest gestures.
May peace shine brightly in our hearts, and from that inner light, may compassion flow naturally to those who are struggling. May loving-kindness soften our responses and warm our connections. May unity remind us that we are all walking this path together, bound by our shared longing for a more peaceful world.
Let us walk together in spirit today—wherever you are, whatever you’re doing. With each mindful breath you take, with each compassionate choice you make, you are helping peace bloom more beautifully in this world.
We are not separate. We are not alone. We are walking together, each of us contributing to the garden of peace that grows when we tend to our own hearts and extend that care outward to everyone around us.
Today is our peaceful day. Let us live it with awareness, with love, with the understanding that every moment we choose peace, we help create more peace in the world.
May you and all beings be well, happy, and at peace.”
Walk for Peace is a long-distance pilgrimage in the United States initiated by Buddhist monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas, to promote peace, compassion, and nonviolence.
We show the love of God for ALL of His creation. We are here for such a time as this.
According to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, which aggregates immigration detention information, more than 73% of people held by ICE nationwide have no criminal record. At the Northwest ICE Processing Center, that number is closer to 60%. Even many of the convictions are for minor offenses like traffic violations or for decades-old cases.
Videos showing ICE agents pinning a Target employee to the ground with a knee on the neck, hunting down a DoorDash driver as she hides terrified inside the home of the person who has hailed her, and threatening people who film them reveal a different reality from the administration’s heroic narrative.
The administration hasn’t left narrative control to official channels alone. It cultivates right-wing influencers by taking them on ICE ride-alongs and holding special briefings where they receive access to Cabinet members. The influencers then amplify DHS messaging and create content portraying ICE operations as righteous crusades.
When protests erupted in Minneapolis, DHS posted videos of DHS Secretary Noem filmed during ICE operations, content that conservative influencers amplified to their millions of followers. Pro-Trump influencers posted clips urging the president to invoke the Insurrection Act. Trump threatened to do exactly that unless Minnesota’s “corrupt politicians” stopped “the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E.” The Preamble
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