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

2 Timothy 2:20-26 The love of God empowers us to be gentle, kind and humble!

1 Timothy 2:3-6 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,

1 Timothy 3:7

Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

We must be very careful that we do not call evil good nor good evil. All of God’s creation deserves dignity and respect. Those who teach otherwise are going against the teaching of Christ to the detriment of His Body. We are to rejoice with those who rejoice and sit in solidarity with those who mourn. Blessed are those who seek justice and peace in this world. God loves the world that He created in Christ Jesus. Jesus came that the world through Him could be saved. God wants all people to be saved. Carla

2 Timothy 2:20-26

20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. (NKJV)

The imagery of the house is used to describe two categories of believers. Gold and silver represent believers who are faithful and useful in serving Christ. Wood and clay represent believers who fail to honor the Lord (1 Corinthians 3:12–15). Master is a strong term for God’s authority over the lives of believers regardless of their level of spiritual maturity. We choose to serve the Lord in the power of the Holy Spirit in order to be useful to our Master.

Flee … pursue … avoid: In these verses Paul describes in practical terms how Timothy can be a useful vessel for God’s work.

Quarrel translates a military term for hand-to-hand combat. The Lord’s servant must not battle with words, but instead must be gentle and kind to all.

Correcting means “training” or “bringing to maturity.” Those who are in opposition are those who place themselves in conflict with the preaching of God’s truth, such as Hymenaeus and Philetus (verse 17). The aim of correction is repentance, or a “change of thinking.” Paul exhorts Timothy to persevere in correcting his opponents because it is imperative that they should know the truth, even though they might oppose the truth at present with their false teachings about the resurrection. It was Paul’s hope that they would finally come to their senses, or become sober again. 

False teaching has an intoxicating effect that dulls the mind to God’s truth. Timothy’s persistence in correcting them might enable them to escape the snare of the devil. The devil takes captive believers who teach false doctrine, leading others astray. One of Satan’s tactics is to cause divisions in the church. The NKJV Study Bible

Righteousness, faith, love, and peace. This list of virtues defines true godliness.

Talking about foolish controversies leads to more conflict, not resolution. Timothy must be able to communicate truth and, in doing so, protect the community of believers from false doctrine. The Greek word used here for tolerant, anexikakos, describes tolerating difficulties without resentment. Such a leader must extend patience and kindness to those who oppose him or her.

When faced with opposition, the servant of the Lord must display the character of the Lord. 

The Greek word used here for repentance, metanoia, refers to a change in attitude toward sin that results in a change in lifestyle.

The trap of the devil refers to Satan, the enemy of God and His people. The idea of being captured by the devil to do his will most likely refers to accepting and living according to the doctrine of the false teachers. Faithlife Study Bible

1 Timothy 6:11

But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 

Romans 9:21

Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?

1 Timothy 1:4–5

nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, 

Here’s the deal my friends. In being seen, we invite self-compassion. In that soil, mercy, hope, redemption, and healing blossom. When the world feels broken, I take heart in Gandhi’s wisdom, “As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world as in being able to remake ourselves.” And, we are able to let the light, and grace, spill.

Thank you for voting. 

And I’m grateful for this from Rev. Benjamin Cremer this morning. It does my heart good.

“We must continue to stand against the misuse and abuse of power and wealth in our country and take a stand for the most vulnerable people and our planet, no matter the political affiliation of those in power.

As I wrote in a recent prayer, our greatest loyalty is not to a party, a president, a nation, an ideology, or a political movement. Our greatest loyalty is love.

Love that tells the truth. Love that protects the vulnerable. Love that cares for creation and creatures large and small. Love that refuses to dehumanize an enemy. Love that confronts injustice without becoming unjust. Love that will not make peace with cruelty. Love that seeks the flourishing of every human being, not merely the victory of our own side.

Hate has been loudly rebuked by so many in our country. Let us now make love our reputation.

May those who follow Jesus be on the front lines of building that reputation of love.

‘By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’ John 13:35” Sabbath Moments

Dignitas infinita: The Dignity of Every Person

 https://youtu.be/6Ct8o1UVnrg?si=r_LplKVMceDF5ORm

Every person has an inalienable dignity. "Dignitas infinita" explains why that dignity endures in every circumstance and examines how poverty, war, and human trafficking violate our human dignity. Vatican News

Matthew 7:15-20 Beware of false prophets.

 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 (NKJV)

To love God above all and to love our neighbors family as much as we do our  own are His commandments. We are made in His image. Faith matters. Character matters. Morals matter. But above all put on LOVE. Love can change chaos into stability. Love can change the heart of stone and replace it with a soft, pliable heart that God can use for good. Good overcomes evil. Praise be to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Carla

Matthew 7:15-20

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. (NKJV)

Jesus teaches that people—godly and ungodly—are distinguishable by their deeds (Ephesians 2:8–10).

Beware meaning “be alert” or “be watchful.”

By their fruits refers to people’s deeds—the natural outcomes of their choices and inclinations.

False prophets refers to those whose teaching contradicts Jesus’ teaching. Beginning in Matthew 5:17, Jesus has reinterpreted the established religious and social norms of His day. Here, He portrays those who contradict His instruction as false prophets—people who falsely claim to speak on God’s behalf (2 Peter 2:1). Sheep’s clothing refers to disguises that portray innocence.Ravenous wolves describes those seeking to undermine Jesus’ teaching for personal gain.

Every good tree produces good fruit In other words, teachers of righteousness act righteously. 

A  bad tree produces bad fruit. False prophets act wickedly in accordance with the nature of their testimony. Faithlife Study Bible

Beware of false prophets: Deuteronomy 13:1–11; 18:20–22 provide information on discerning and responding to false prophets. The way to tell false teachers from teachers of truth is by their fruits. Fruits here refers to more than their deeds; it includes their doctrine (16:12; 1 John 4:1–3). A person speaking in the name of God is to be tested by the doctrines of Scripture. The same principle still holds true today. Speakers and teachers should be tested against the truths in God’s Word  (Jude 3; Revelations 22:18, 19). The NKJV Study Bible

Matthew 12:33–35

“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks…

Luke 6:43–44

“For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 

Matthew 3:10

And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 

James 3:12

Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.

Matthew 24:1–51

Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”…

No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today. Take heaven! No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present little instant.

Take peace! The gloom of the world is but a shadow. Behind it, yet within our reach, is joy.

(Fra Giovanni Giocondo—1435–1515—was a Franciscan friar, a Renaissance pioneer, architect, engineer, antiquary, archaeologist, and classical scholar.)

Yes. More than ever, we need emotional and spiritual nourishment. Places of sanity and restoration… including reminders to invite and welcome the healing power of goosebumps. Letting us savor moments of palette cleansing awe. Yes, “Welcome it, grasp it, and you touch the angel’s hand that brings it to you.”

Or as we learned this week, Lagniappe—dollops of Grace. Sabbath Moments

O Great Spirit, our Father from above,

your name is sacred and holy.

Bring your good road to us, where the beauty of your ways

in the spirit-world above is reflected in the earth below.

Provide for us day by day — the elk, the buffalo, and the salmon.

The corn, the squash, and the wild rice.

All the things we need for each day.

Release us from the things we have done wrong,

in the same way we release others

for the things done wrong to us.

Guide us away from the things that tempt us

to stray from your good road.

First Nations Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament