Proverbs 29:27 God hears our cries.

 Micah 6:8 

He has shown you, O man, what is good;

And what does the Lord require of you

But to do justly,

•To love mercy,

And to walk humbly with your God? (NKJV)

God, in His infinite mercy and grace,  provided the way to reconcile mankind to Himself in the sacrifice of Jesus. He ask so very little of us in return. Equality, dignity and respect for others are the  commands of Jesus to love our neighbors as we do ourselves. The ability to forgives others as He has forgiven us leads the way to remaining humble, knowing that is not about our righteousness…it is all about His. The gift of reconciliation is offered to all people, all nations because God loves the world that He created. (John 3:16) Carla

Proverbs 29:27

An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,

And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked. NKJV

God controls human affairs. Therefore it makes more sense to seek the Lord first before stooping to seek the favor of human rulers. The NKJV Study Bible

To fear a person is trusting in human power. In juxtaposition to Yahweh’s lasting security, people can only provide temporary security. Many are those who seek the favor of a ruler. Kings administer justice on earth, but ultimately, justice comes from God (16:11; 28:5). Faithlife Study Bible

Proverbs 29:10

The bloodthirsty hate the blameless,

But the upright seek his well-being.

1 John 3:13

Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you. 

Psalm 6:8

Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity;

For the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping.

Here’s what I believe: Every single one of us has the resources to feed and to nourish one another—even if we may not believe that to be true.
The resources to bring another back to life.
To make us all (and the world we live in) more, and not less human.

We see this ("heart closing") on a global scale in our world, as last year, overall humanitarian funding has dropped substantially. And cuts are continuing.
“The system has been eviscerated,” said Kate Phillips-Barrasso, who heads global advocacy at Mercy Corps, an American aid group that runs relief and development programs around the world. The organization led journalists from The New York Times on a reporting trip in Somalia.
“This is the era of indifference,” she said.

So. What is it that allows us to live from our heart, to contribute, to mend, even in a broken world?
Speaking words of courage in frightening times with her column “My Day,” Eleanor Roosevelt spilled light. And she admitted that her indefatigable service for us to be our better selves was an antidote to loneliness, anxiety and the periods of depression she called “Griselda moods.” (Smiling, knowing that I’ll be borrowing that expression.)
So yes. Wholeheartedness flows even from the broken places, from places where we may feel fragmented and vulnerable.
True, my mood often tells me otherwise. My mood tells me to guard my heart.
But what I’m learning is that the easiest way to take care of your heart, is to give it away. Taking off my scarf, to bind wounded paws. Go figure.

Today I am glad for any reminder that “It is in the shelter of each other that the people live.” (Irish Proverb).
Today, in a world where cruelty is unmistakable, I am glad for any reminder of the capacity to be fully human, tender, vulnerable and kindhearted.
Today, I am glad for any reminder that the human world of helping is larger than our fear or anxiety or our ego.

There is a difference between “guarding my heart”—choosing not to share or give, and “caring for my heart”, which is another way of saying, “being gentle with yourself.”
It is from that place, honoring self-care (and mindfulness, down-time, strengthening), that we let go of our own anxiety, and can readily see places where we can make space for those around us.
Space for healing and restoration.
Space for sanctuary.

Sabbath Moments

Easy optimism vs durable hope with Sharon McMahon

 https://youtu.be/p6RuIIm4irc?si=6NSjkxS8WzOTlaaj

52:11 - Commencement Speech Cancellation 1:12:14 - Durable Hope

Sharon McMahon is back to explain how political backlash and violent threats canceled her commencement speech at Utah Valley University, and why the message she planned to deliver is more relevant than ever.

Holy Post Media

Redicating America to God: What Could Possible Go Wrong?

 https://youtu.be/SC0DNVTajUE?si=sLbNYhatBjgMJ54j

Holy Post Media

Trump allies gathered on the National Mall to “Rededicate America to God” ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Skye, Phil, and Esau unpack the theology, politics, and guest list behind the event, wondering whether this was a serious act of national humility or another example of revival language being used for political theater.

Galatians 5:19-26 If we boast let it be in the fruit that Holy Spirit has sown into our lives.

 2 Corinthians 12:20–21

For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults; lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced.

We will know followers of Jesus by the love they show, not only for their  families, but for all the families of the world. The love of God, in the sacrifice of Jesus, reunites us with God. By the values of God evident in our lives others will be drawn to Him. We do not overcome good with evil, we overcome evil by good. It is the will of God that we do good works to show others the power of God to transform lives. Carla

Galatians 5:19-26

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like•; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

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. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. NKJV

The works of the flesh include, but go well beyond, the destructive contentions and jealousies portrayed in verse 15. Where there is such behavior, it is positive proof that the person is not living in the power of the Holy Spirit (verses 16, 18, 22, 23) but is being energized by Satan and his hosts (Matthew16:23; Acts 5:3).

There is a question here whether Paul means specifically the works done by a person’s regenerated human spirit, or works done by the Holy Spirit Himself in the believer’s life. The fruit analogy is reminiscent of Jesus’ teaching on the vine, branches, and fruitful harvest (John 15:1–5).

Christians are spiritually “crucified with Christ” (2:20). They no longer have to follow the values or desires of the world (6:14). However, it remains difficult for Christians to apply this spiritual reality to the passions (affections) and desires (lusts) of the flesh (verse 16). Those who have mastered these sinful desires are those who have kept their focus on God (Jeremiah 9:23, 24; Daniel 11:32; John 17:3; Hebrews 12:1–3).

In these verses, Paul exhorts the Galatians to walk in the Spirit because they are already living in the Spirit. Such an action should be natural, but unfortunately we are at war with the flesh. Walk in the Spirit means to obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit. A believer following the Spirit’s lead (verse 16) will not become conceited, provoke others, or envy others. The NKJV Study Bible

More than half of the works of the flesh listed here denote forms of possible conflict among people. While this list is not exhaustive, it adequately represents life apart from the Spirit.

Deeds of the flesh refers to the sinful actions of human beings who put their own selfish needs ahead of others. The Greek participle here, prassontes, is used in the present tense, referring to people who continually orient their lives toward deeds of the flesh.

Kingdom of God refers to the domain in which God is king. In the Bible, believers extend God’s reign through obedience, loyalty, and love. Those who orient their lives toward the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God because they have established a kingdom of their own.

This list of  the fruit of the Spirit (verses 22–23), which contrasts with the works of the flesh (verse 19–21), is not exhaustive but representative. These traits describe the desires and characteristics that God cultivates in believers through His living presence.

The phrase “fruit of the Spirit” in this context refers not to “spiritual fruit,” but to “fruit that the Spirit produces.” This latter translation best supports Paul’s argument that the production of godliness in the life of the believer does not require the law; it is empowered by God’s Spirit. When the life of the believer expresses these qualities, there is no need for the law. Those who “live by the Spirit” (verse 16) produce fruit reflecting the character of God that the law could not (3:21). However, this list shouldn’t be turned into a new kind of law (a replacement for faith in Christ and life lived by the Spirit).

Through faith, believers participate in Christ’s death and resurrection, leaving behind their orientation toward selfish desires (2:19–20). It is not enough to claim to have new life in Christ by the power of the Spirit believers must continually follow after the Spirit in the way they live while also resisting the flesh.

Provoking one another, envying one another, such actions represent a failure to live by the Spirit (verse  22). Faithlife Study Bible

Galatians 5:16–18

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish…

Philippians  2:3

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 

Colossians 3:12–17

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do…

Some days, when I read the news, I wish I was made of stronger stuff—emotionally and mentally…And I don’t want to admit it, as uncertainty (disquiet) feels like a defect to be concealed. Okay, it’s just that some days, I don’t have the words.

But here’s the good news; even wounded or broken or frightened, I can still “show up”.

I can still say yes to the invitation to be here now.

I can still let my light spill to the world around me. To create safe places—for those wounded or left out. And to remember that the “script” we carry—of expectations and assumptions—does not get to say how the story ends.

We live in a world where, more than ever, it is easy to lose our way.

To feel derailed, disenfranchised, exasperated. Or just plain lost.

Bottom line, we are not at home.

And we want someone to show us the way, or at least, the GPS coordinates.

Yes, love brings you home.

Or, in the words of Henri Nouwen, “It means a gradual process of coming home to where we belong and listening there to the voice, which desires our attention. Home is the place where that first love dwells and speaks gently to us.”

Love (value or meaning) is not something you produce or achieve or acquire. It is not something that you even have. Love is something that has you. So, we surrender. And maybe, that surrender begins with an unforeseen journey across a long bridge.

Love brings you home. Now, grounded in humility (with no appetite to be somebody we are not), love will soften our hearts, shrinking rage and saying no to contempt. 

And here’s the good news: “When we are in touch with our blessedness,” Nouwen reminds us, “we can then bless other people.” And in that blessing, “…awaken from the illusion of our separateness,” Thich Nhat Hanh wrote.

Yes. We are not on this journey alone. Sabbath Moments

Ephesians 2:4-10 We were created in Jesus for good works prepared by God for us to walk in them.

Titus 3:4–7

But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. NKJV

We live and breathe in the mercy of God. In His great love, shown to us in the gift of salvation, we are no longer separated from God. Jesus came to earth, in His sacrifice, we are brought together by faith as the Body of Christ. In Him, with Him and in the unity of Holy Spirit we  abide. Without Him we are left without protection against the evil that seeks to separate us from God. Rest in peace and do the good works that God ordained us to do as believers in His  grace. Carla

Ephesians 2:4-10

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace •you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace •you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. NKJV

Because of Adam’s sin, the entire human race is spiritually dead. Only God can grant new life and save us from this predicament. Out of His mercy, God gave His Son for us while we were yet His enemies. He loved us long before we loved Him (1 John 4:9, 10). In addition to making us spiritually alive, He determined that we would sit in heavenly places with our Savior, Jesus Christ. God desires to demonstrate His kindness throughout eternity through Christ Jesus His Son. This has nothing to do with our own merit. It is only because He is merciful and kind that He reaches out to save us.

Christians have been saved by grace. 

The grace of God is the source of salvation; faith is the channel, not the cause. God alone saves. Salvation never originates in the efforts of people; it always arises out of the lovingkindness of God. Truly, “salvation is of the Lord” The past tense of the verb saved in this passage indicates that the believer’s salvation has already occurred in the past, at the Cross. We cannot do anything to earn our salvation. Some suggest that the gift of God modifies the word faith in this verse. Thus Paul is saying that even our belief in God does not originate in ourselves. This too is a gift. The NKJV Study Bible

God’s abundant mercy, which characterizes Him throughout the Bible (Exodus 34:6–7), is epitomized by His willingness not to punish “children of wrath” but instead to save believers through His grace (Ephesians 2:5).

Through union with Christ, believers receive new life that reverses the effects of death  (Romans 6:4–11; John 3:16–17). Those who believe in Christ participate in His death and resurrection. Consequently, believers share in Christ’s resurrected life—life that is indestructible, in union with God, and led by the Spirit.

The basis of salvation is grace—God’s undeserved generosity toward people. God demonstrated His grace through Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection. You are saved in this context, the Greek word used here, sōzō, refers to God delivering people from death and giving them life.

Because believers are identified with Christ’s resurrection, they also share in life that is no longer subject to death. Believers share Christ’s position of authority at the right hand of God by virtue of their union with Christ.

In Christ Jesus emphasizes the centrality of Christ. By grace you are saved. The Greek word used here for faith, pistis, can refer to belief, trust, faith, or loyalty (faithfulness).

Faith is the gift of God. People cannot accomplish salvation through their own effort.

In this context, the Greek word used here for works, ergon, may refer to the Jewish law or to specific components of the law that are related to Jewish ethnic identity (circumcision, food laws, Sabbath observance). The idea of works also might include any actions motivated by a desire to earn favor or right standing with God.

Good works is different from the works of verse 9. Here Paul is talking about acts of faithfulness and service to God. Faithlife Study Bible

John 3:16-17

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that  the world through Him might be saved.

Ephesians 1:20

which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 

Colossians 2:12–13

buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 

Acts 15:11

But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”

This week, showing up matters. An invitation to be here now. And to let my light spill to the world around me. To create safe places—for those wounded or left out. And to remember that the “script” we carry—of expectations and assumptions—does not get to say how the story ends.

When we say “yes”, then hope wins, instead of panic.

Courage wins, instead of fear.

Compassion wins, instead of indifference or cruelty.

And speaking of saying how the story ends, I was grateful for this quote from Rev. Cameron Trimble. “Every culture ends up reflecting what it rewards.

If we reward spectacle, we will produce more spectacle.

If we reward cruelty, we will normalize cruelty.

If we reward wisdom, steadiness, and depth, we create space for those qualities to grow.

This is true for nations, but also for communities, families, groups, and even ourselves.

Leadership is never only ‘out there.’ We practice it every day in how we carry ourselves, how we respond to conflict, and whether we add to the chaos or help steady the room.” Sabbath Moments