Matthew 6:14-15 To love is human to forgive is divine.

 Matthew 7:2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.

Their exist faith, hope and love and the greatest of these is LOVE! It is impossible in our flesh to forgive those who have done evil to us, especially as children, but with Holy  Spirit it is possible. Our forgiveness, not forgetting the sin, but no longer letting it determine the remainder of our  lives, frees us from the pain and allows us to place them in God’s hands. He is just. We can forgive others because God first forgave us. Carla

Matthew 6:14-15

14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.(NKJV)

Forgiveness results in forgiveness. Since God has forgiven members of His kingdom, they must forgive others. Faithlife Study Bible

Mark 11:25–26

“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

Colossians 3:13

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. 

Matthew 18:21–35

Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven…

Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

It is story time.

The anthropologist invited the children from the African tribe to play one game. He placed a basket of fruit near the tree and announced, addressing the children: “The one of you who reaches the tree first will be rewarded with all sweet fruits.”

When he signaled to the children to start the race, they looked at one another, and then they all locked their hands tightly, and ran together. And then, reaching the tree, they all sat together, enjoying the delicious fruit together.

The astonished anthropologist asked the children why they all ran together, because each of them, if they wanted, could have enjoyed the fruit only for himself.

To which the children replied: “Obonato”.

“Obonato” in their language means: “I exist because we exist.”

Is it possible for one to be happy if everyone else is sad?

My friends, let us begin this week, with the invitation to embrace, the fundamental reality that we—every one of us as children of God—are on this journey together.

Here’s to Obonato...

A world where we care for and let ourselves be cared for.

Because no one is on this journey alone. More than ever, we need the reminder. Sabbath Moments

Bible prophesy with Brother Paul

 https://youtu.be/_-01p-5OOio?si=1Hd7qA2yJHbvHB3V

Let's talk about an interview that Trump gave on 60 Minutes last night, in which he said that he would never forgive his enemies - even after he dies and is standing before God on Judgment Day. Trump is actually valuing the hatred in his heart MORE than eternal life in God's Kingdom. Trump also made one other comment that was rather startling, especially to those of us who are Christian, where he said that Israel would not exist except for Donald Trump. Now, I feel there's a great deal of symbolism here in that the man who lines up with the biblical Antichrist is taking credit for the very existence of Israel. However, many of Trump's supporters who proclaim to be Christians will either just brush aside what he said or even agree with him that Israel would not exist except for Donald J. Trump. Trump's statement about not forgiving his enemies, even after death, tell us that he is embracing his hatred to such a degree that nothing else matters. And it should speak to us about how if we let hatred grow in our hearts, it can begin to consume us. It can destroy us from the inside out. And that's exactly what hatred does. It destroys us from the inside out. But getting back to what Trump said, he's telling us that he will never ever forgive in this lifetime, let alone what happens after death. That means for the rest of his years on planet Earth, he will be filled with hatred against all his enemies, and he will do whatever he can to seek vengeance. It's also a warning to us to not allow hatred to fester in our hearts, lest we follow this man down the road to perdition. I'm going to finish with a couple of minutes of Bible verses set to music. And I think this is new music that I haven't played before, but I could be wrong about that. I have nearly a thousand videos and the memory isn't what it used to be. But the Bible verses are a few of my favorites and hopefully they are also yours. Thanks again for watching and I'll talk to you guys soon, God willing.

For you, O God, are not impressed by earthly thrones. Lord have mercy.

 To the God who sits above the thrones of earthly kings and is not intimidated by the power of presidents, hear us now.

Our nation stands at a crossroads, and the ground beneath our feet feels increasingly unsteady. 

We are weary of the threats, of the cruelty, weary of the reckless words spoken as though human lives were bargaining chips and the fate of nations were some kind of game to be won.

We watch as the very foundations of our democracy are tested. We hear threats that the will of the people may not be honored if the outcome does not satisfy those who hold power. 

And on top of all this, we hear the unthinkable spoken aloud: the threat of nuclear destruction against Iran, as though the lives of millions are expendable in the pursuit of political dominance and the arrogant self interest of leaders. All while claiming to be your chosen ones.

Lord, have mercy. Have mercy on this nation. Have mercy on Iran. Have mercy on every innocent life caught in the crossfire of the ambitions, grievances, and vanities of powerful and cruel men. Have mercy on the children who will inherit the world we are making. Have mercy on those who wake each morning wondering whether their future, their safety, or their very existence is in jeopardy.

God, we confess that we are angry. We are exhausted and sometimes we are tempted to despair. But we will not surrender our hope to fear. We will not confuse the noise of the powerful with the voice of God. We will not mistake political authority for divine authority. We will not bow to the idols of nationalism, domination, or unchecked power. 

For you, O God, are not impressed by earthly thrones. You do not measure greatness by military might, nor righteousness by the size of an army, nor truth by the number of people willing to repeat a lie. 

You are the God who brings down the mighty from their thrones and lifts up the lowly. You are the God who hears the blood crying out from the ground. You are the God who stands with the widow, the orphan, the immigrant, the prisoner, the poor, and the forgotten. And so we ask, give us the courage to stand where you stand.Rev. Benjamin R. Cremer

Hebrews 4:14-16 In Christ we can come boldly to the Throne of Grace.

 Hebrews 7:19 for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

We all fall short of the glory of God. BUT if Christ is in us we will be changed, precept by precept, into the character of our Redeemer King. We will be able to acknowledge our sin and confess. We will know other believers by the fruit of Holy Spirit that is evident in their lives. God will not be mocked whatever men sow they will reap. Carla

Hebrews 4:14-16

14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  (NKJV)

Then refers back to the subject of the High Priesthood of Christ (2:17–3:6). We have indicates possession. In the OT the high priest of Israel passed through the courts and veils into the Most Holy Place. Our High Priest has passed through the heavens to the very presence of God, where He sits at God’s right hand (1:3).

Sympathize means “to suffer with” and expresses the feeling of one who has entered into suffering. In all points tempted means Jesus experienced every degree of temptation (2:18). Come is the same Greek word translated draw near in 10:22. This command strongly contrasts with God’s command at Mt. Sinai: “Do not go up to the mountain or touch its base (Exodus 19:12). Because of Christ’s priestly work, believers can approach God’s presence. The writer of Hebrews is expressing the openness of God’s call in Christ, “Come” (Revelations 22:17). Boldly is the same word that is rendered confidence in 3:6 and means “plainness of speech,” “fearlessness,” or “courage.” Believers should courageously approach God in prayer because His is a throne of grace, and our High Priest sits at His right hand interceding for us. The NKJV Study Bible

Sounding a theme that continues throughout the rest of Hebrews, this passage portrays Jesus as the great high priest who identifies with sinful humanity yet remains without sin (verse 15)

Gone through the heavens refers to Jesus’ exaltation (Philippians 2:9–11). Because Jesus already has ascended into heaven and entered into God’s rest, believers can be confident that they, too, will have a share in God’s rest. Because Jesus established His role as high priest by becoming like us (2:17–18), He can understand human struggles. 

Our weaknesses likely refer to sickness, imprisonment, and ostracism. Jesus faced the same temptations as people (Matthew 4:3, 6). Suffering believers can look to Jesus, who not only pioneered their faith but endured the cross—the cost of obedience to God.

Jesus remained faithful to the one who appointed Him (Hebrews 3:2). Unlike other priests, Jesus didn’t need to offer sacrifices for His own sins; instead, He offered Himself unblemished to God (7:27; 9:14). Believers should pray persistently because Jesus empathizes with human weakness (verse 15). He continues to make intercession for those who draw near to God (7:25). In the Jerusalem temple, only the high priest could enter the most holy place—and only once per year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16; Hebrews 9:7). By offering Himself once for all, Jesus made a way for believers to draw near to God.

The throne of grace is the  place of God’s presence, from which grace emanates to His people. God’s throne sits in the heavenly temple—the counterpart of the earthly temple (Hebrews 8:1; Isaiah 6:1; 66:1; Exodus 25:17–22). Christ is the merciful high priest who mediates on our behalf (2:17). Because of His work, God grants mercy to believers when they sin (Hebrews 8:12). God strengthens His people when they undergo temptation or endure any type of hardship (2:18). Faithlife Study Bible

Hebrews 2:17–3:1

Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted…

2 Corinthians 5:21

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Hebrews 7:25–26

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; 

Hebrews 6:20

where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

We are brother and sister.

An affirmation of Mother Teresa’s reminder, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

Yes. My humanity is bound up in yours—Ubuntu.  Ubuntu does not ask whether we are connected. It tells us that we already are.

It’s not a surprise that I am an unabashed Mr. Rogers fan. Because Mr. Rogers is like church for me. His opening hymn, “Won’t you be my neighbor?” brings smiles and evokes memories from years long ago. His vestments, a sweater and tennis shoes.
“Sometimes we have to ask for help, and that’s OK,” Rogers says. “I think the best thing we can do is to let people know that each one of them is precious.”

Yes. And here’s the power. Even in a world where I too easily shut down, someone still sees me.
And talks to my heart.
And affirms the reality that the space between two people is holy ground.
And lets me know that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength. 

This one thing is undeniable: We are, all of us, thirsty for kindness. Gentleness. Empathy. And compassion. Sabbath Moments

Psalm 119:73-78 The breath of God created all of us!

 Job 31:15 Did not He who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same One fashion us in the womb?

Everyone born into this world has the breath of the Creator in them. He fashioned all of us from the womb. Because  of  the sin of the world we were hidden from Him but in the birth, death and resurrection of His only begotten Son the veil that separated us was removed. Jesus willingly gave up His perfect life without sin in exchange for ours so that we could have eternal life with God and in Him all of the Law was fulfilled. In Jesus we are given mercy and grace, in Him as our Redeemer King, we live. We live in the New Covenant which fulfilled all of the Old Covenant and God sees Jesus  and His righteousness in us and not our sins. He sits at the right hand of the Father interceding for us. God wants us to have an abundant, eternal  life. Here on earth in the unity of Holy Spirit we can, precept by precept, learn the ways of God to His glory. He cares for us. Christ has won the battle with evil. We only need to believe in His ability to accomplish what we cannot. Joy in the Lord strengthens and sustains us. Carla

Psalm 119:73-78

Your hands have made me and fashioned me;

Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.

74 Those who fear You will be glad when they see me,

Because I have hoped in Your word.

75 I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are right,

And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.

76 Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort,

According to Your word to Your servant.

77 Let Your tender mercies come to me, that I may live;

For Your law is my delight.

78 Let the proud be ashamed,

For they treated me wrongfully with falsehood;

But I will meditate on Your precepts. (NKJV)

Psalm 119 is an extended alphabet acrostic that combines elements of a wisdom psalm and an individual lament psalm. Each stanza of the psalm contains lines that in the Hebrew text all start with the same Hebrew letter. This continues until all 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet are used. It focuses on the two-ways motif—the concept of following Yahweh’s ways or the way of wickedness—and the transformative role of submission to Yahweh’s instruction, and the desperate need for Yahweh’s help. Faithlife Study Bible

The psalmist begins by asserting that he needs Yahweh, who created him, to help him understand His commandments (verse 73). He anticipates that the hope he develops will encourage others (verse 74), even though he is suffering affliction (verse 75). He interprets Yahweh’s affliction as something constructive (verse 75), and asks Yahweh to comfort him (verse 76) so that he can hope in Yahweh’s compassion and rescue (verse 77)

That in faithfulness you afflicted me. The word emunah (“faithfulness”) refers to “trustworthiness” or “honesty.” Faithlife Study Bible

Psalm 34:2

My soul shall make its boast in the LORD;

The humble shall hear of it and be glad.

Psalm 119:41

Let Your mercies come also to me, O LORD—Your salvation according to Your word.

Hebrews 12:5–11

And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:

“My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,

Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;

For whom the LORD loves He chastens,

And scourges every son whom He receives.”…

This week we take to heart Mother Teresa’s reminder, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

Well, if we do belong to one other, then “they”—the “least of these” and those without voices—are indeed, our children.

Ours to care for.

Ours to listen to.

Ours to see.

Yes. And it begins here... the permission to see.

“You’re a minister? Well, what do you believe?” Some church people like to ask me. They can’t help themselves.

Okay, here you go.

God has a heart for those who are left out, forgotten, and excluded.

God's grace is bigger than anything which distances and separates and wounds us.

You are God's beloved child, and God's love for you is unconditional.

When I see acts of exclusion or cruelty, or acts that disparage inclusion, I feel it, viscerally, and my beliefs matter.

You see, I was raised in a church scared silly about grace. The God I was taught to worship and obey and fear, was no different than an alcoholic father. You walked on pins and needles to avoid fury. And expected punishment (which was always called a form of love).

In your heart, you prayed for a smile.

And when your alcoholic parent smiles, you still cower, because in your heart you know it will not last. And you know when the smile thaws, it will be your fault. You see, shame leaves a stain on your spirit.

And with that kind of God, it is no surprise that we need people on the outside, so we can point and label and condemn, and make ourselves feel better.

We do indeed belong to each other…Here’s the deal: When our narrative begins with grace and sufficiency, it births compassion, inclusion and connectedness.

I can hear Mr. Rogers’ voice, “It's not so much what we have in this life that matters. It's what we do with what we have. The alphabet is fine, but it's what we do with it that matters most. Making words like ‘friend’ and ‘love’. That's what really matters.” (We could use more of Mr. Rogers in this world. Just sayin’.)

So, I wonder, how do we find the courage to choose what really matters?

Let us never forget: God’s grace is always bigger than (and never confined by) any dogma we use to comprehend it. Sabbath Moments

Lord have mercy

• Merciful God, we pray for families and individuals who have left or fled their homes, seeking safer and better lives. We lift up to you their hopes, fears, and needs, that they may be protected on their journeys, their dignity and rights may be honored and upheld, and they may be welcomed with open arms into generous and compassionate communities. Amen. -Catholic Charities USA

Philippians 4:8-9 Now we rest in the peace that only God can give!

 Romans 15:33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Joy in the Lord is our strength. His peace He gives to us. Not the peace that comes from the world and its possessions but the peace that is beyond human understanding that only He can give.  In our good times and in our bad He walks beside us. We are never left alone and without hope. United in Holy Spirit we will be changed into the character of Jesus, the only begotten Son of God. Carla

Philippians 4:8-9

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. (NKJV)

This term for noble describes that which is of honorable character. 

This word for pure is closely associated with the Greek word for holy and thus means “sacred” or “immaculate.” 

Paul commands the Philippians “to deliberate,” “to evaluate,” “to compute over and over” what is good and pure. In this way, Christians can renew their minds so that they will not conform to the evil habits of this world (Romans 12:2).

This verb for learned conveys not only the concept of “increasing in intellectual knowledge” but also the idea of “learning by habitual practice.” In some areas of their Christian development the Philippians had been excellent disciples of Paul, practicing what he had taught. The NKJV Study Bible

Paul envisions God’s peace as a soldier who protects the hearts and minds of believers from anxiety, fear, and doubt. Paul’s life offers an example of putting his instruction (verse 8) into practice. Faithlife Study Bible

Philippians 3:17

Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 

1 Thessalonians 4:1

Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; 

Romans 14:18

For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.

1 Corinthians 4:16

Therefore I urge you, imitate me.

My friends. We get so caught up with whatever.... that we miss moments—the gifts in the thin places—of awe.

We live in a world where efficiency is prioritized above wonder.

Where action is prioritized above awe.

Where effectiveness is prioritized above amazement.

So. Let us pause. We are called, to say, “Wow”. Making time for the beauty and thin places. To embrace moments of Wow. Sabbath Moments