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
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.
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
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
1 Peter 4:14–16
If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters…
As followers of Jesus, our lives should reflect the truth of the New Testament that honors God. By loving God above the clamor of the world and loving others we rise by helping them. Every person born has the right to dignity and respect to do otherwise dishonors their Creator. God so loved the world that He created that He gave His only begotten Son to save all of us. True believers honor God in truth and the fruit of Holy Spirit will be evident in their lives. Carla
1 Peter 3:13-17
13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when •they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. NKJV
Since not everything in the world functions as it should, even those who do God’s will may undergo suffering. Believers should make certain that when they suffer it is only because they have served God faithfully and not because they have done anything wrong (4:14, 15). God specially honors those who suffer for doing what is right (Matthew 5:10–12).
Believers should acknowledge the eternal holiness of Christ by revering Him as the Lord of the universe who is in control of all things. Peter assumes that the Christian faith will be falsely accused. He therefore encourages Christians to have rational answers to respond to those false accusations.
Meekness is the same term translated gentle in verse 4. Meekness is not weakness. Scripture indicates that both Moses and Christ were meek men; however, they were certainly not weak men. Fear implies a high degree of reverence or respect.
Peter is not encouraging believers to seek out situations in which they will experience suffering. Instead, he is saying that believers should make certain that when they suffer it is the result of having been faithful to God rather than because they have done evil (2:19, 20). Suffering may be part of God’s perfect and wise plan for a believer. The NKJV Study Bible
Peter reiterates a point made in 1 Peter 2:20–21, stressing that those who persevere through unjust suffering are blessed by God. Jesus died a real, physical death and was raised to a new life. Faithlife Study Bible
Isaiah 8:12–13
“Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,
‘Concerning all that this people call a conspiracy,
Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.
The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow;
Let Him be your fear,
And let Him be your dread.
1 Peter 2:19–3:1
For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God
1 Peter 2:15–16
For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.
Matthew 5:10–12
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake…
We all know the feeling of “not belonging”. On the outside looking in.
Here’s my take: When we are beholden to a narrative that defeats us, (whatever disparages or belittles or shames), we are afraid. And when we live afraid, the script shackles us. We live defensive and angry. So, we don’t recognize that we have power inside to say how the story moves forward. (Not what. Because circumstances do happen. But we can say how. And sometimes we need the reminder. Okay, my confession, sometimes I need the reminder.) Here’s the deal: The story we carry inside will determine our resolve.
Too many people are disheartened by the political rancor of our time. Too many feel alone or afraid or anxious. Too many communities are split. And this is the story I want to carry.
First lesson: It takes courage to create safe places.
Where there is disquiet and uncertainty, we need safe squares. Places to be real. Place to disagree without vitriol. Places to step up and lead with our whole heart.
I can promise you that I will not sit still. I will choose to create sanctuaries where we can care for one another. Care for the marginalized and the vulnerable, those who are powerless and have been abused, those at the mercy of pain, and those on the outside looking in. This we all have in common: at some point in our life, we speak from pain or sorrow or disappointment or regret or nakedness.
As I write this, thousands of people streamed onto the National Mall for a daylong prayer rally Sunday billed as a “rededication of our country as One Nation under God.” And yes, it did send chills, not in a good way.
And I’m grateful for this comment from Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner (director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism), who noted the religious diversity of early America, including Jews, Muslims and Indigenous people. “I want to shine a light on America's history as a nation that welcomes, celebrates, and protects people of all faiths and those of no faith.”
Yes. Places where all are welcome.
Once we put up walls and barriers, we are fueled by fear.
Of “the other”.
And I remember this comment from Pope Francis, “May America’s stature continue to be measured above all by its concern for the poor, the outcast and those in need who, like Lazarus, stand before our door... Because fear makes us cruel.”
And the second lesson: The script we carry does not get to say how the story ends. It is time for a new script. This is not just optimism or pretending. But drawing on internal reserve and fortitude.
I want to live in the land of the merciful and the kind. And I need to be reminded that I can still give each one of those things to the people around me.
So. I will write Sabbath Moment every day. For my own sanity.
I will fight for sanctuary for the broken and the lonely.
I choose to be a voice for compassion and mercy and second chances and healing and hope and grace and sanctuary and inclusiveness and restoration and kindness and bigheartedness.
I will remind us that…
Grace wins. Hope wins. Compassion wins.
Sabbath Moments
