Today Donald Trump launched an illegal war against Iran

Last night, Donald Trump launched an illegal war against Iran, circumventing both the will of the American people and the United States Congress.

You all know how bad this is, and how immoral. 

When I woke to the news, I could only think of one thing: Blessed are the peacemakers. 

I urge you to embrace Jesus’ calling to make peace. And because I am at a loss for words, I share with you two thoughtful reflections, one from a prophet and the other from a poet, that are framing my prayers today.

A prayer ends this post

Blessed are those who make peace

DIANA BUTLER BASS O God, who dwells beyond all our names for you,

we pray for the will to be at peace with one another.

We remember this day those who find themselves thrust into war;
We pray for light in the darkness, and hope amid despair.
We pray for peace in ourselves;
help us to breathe in peace, help us to breathe out love;
help us know and accept ourselves as your beloved.
We pray for peace in our families;
help us to speak the truth to one another in love;
help us to respect and value one another.

Let there be peace in our communities;
help us to create a peace born of justice and equity;
help us to honor and serve the common good.

Let there be peace in our nation;
sustain our hope; grant us wisdom;
empower us with courage.

Let there be peace in our world.
Help us to love the earth as our mother;
help us to see other nations as our neighbors;
help us to wage peace.

— from a Litany for Peace by the Reverend Kay Sylvester
Rector, St. Paul’s, Tustin – Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles

Ephesians 5:1-7 What is the whole of the teachings of Christ? Love God and others!

 John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

In a world that wants us to hate anyone who is different from us how refreshing it is to just love them. God does not show partiality. He so loved the world that He gave us Jesus, not only as our Savior, but also as our model for how to live. We are Gods’ dear children, let that sink in, by abiding in Him we are free to love Him and others as we do ourselves. Carla

Ephesians 5:1-7 

7 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them. NKJV

Ephesians 5:1-7

1 So be imitators of God, as beloved children, 

2 and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma. 

3 Immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is fitting among holy ones, 

4 no obscenity or silly or suggestive talk, which is out of place, but instead, thanksgiving. 

5 Be sure of this, that no immoral or impure or greedy person, that is, an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 

6 Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient. 

7 So do not be associated with them. The American (Catholic) Bible

Believers are to follow the example of God’s actions. He loved us when we were still His enemies. As imitators, believers should demonstrate that type of self-sacrificial love.Ephesus, with its pagan temple dedicated to the Roman goddess Diana (Acts 19:23–31), was similar to our society in that sexual immorality and greed ran rampant. Paul warned the believers in Ephesus to avoid these pitfalls. The NKJV Study Bible

Paul is commanding—not suggesting—that believers imitate God in how they treat one another. Christ provides the model for how Christians are to live in love; His sacrificial death is the definition of love.

This description of Christ’s death in offering and sacrifice draws on language from the sacrificial system in the Old Testament.

The Greek word used here for sexual immorality, porneia, refers to any kind of sexual immorality. The Greek word used here for greediness, pleonexia, refers to the consuming desire to possess more than others, regardless of actual need. Paul calls greedy people idolaters (Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5). Paul instructs believers to avoid crude humor (Colossians 3:8). Believers should be known for expressions of gratitude to God (2 Corinthians 4:15; 9:11; Ephesians 5:20; Colossians 4:2).

Paul ties idolatry to greed.

The kingdom of Christ and God refers to the domain in which Christ reigns as King. In acknowledgment of Christ’s rule, believers are called to exhibit obedience, loyalty, and love. 

Those who continue to participate in illicit behavior essentially are resisting Christ’s reign and acting as though they reject an inheritance in His kingdom. In the Gospels, the kingdom of God (or kingdom of heaven) is a central theme of Jesus’ teaching.

With empty words likely refers to attempts to trivialize or justify illicit behavior. Wrath  refers to God’s righteous judgment upon those who do evil. Faithlife Study Bible

Colossians 3:5–8

Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience…

Matthew 5:48

Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Luke 6:36

Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.

Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 

More than ever, I’m drawn to stories of everyday heroes, ambassadors for our collective soul. These stories are indispensable for wellbeing and an antidote to despair.
The bombs that go off around us take different forms… violence, natural disasters, loss of faith, cruelty, misinformation and deception, personal and emotional breakdown, fragile health. When it happens, it seems out of the blue. But it all adds up to wreckage. In our spirit. In our hearts. In our relationships. And when heaviness shifts the narrative, we feel at the mercy of, as if our power of choice is gone.
The good news? Jesus invites all who are weary and heavy laden. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
A pause, and a place, where our soul can catch up to our body.
More than ever, I want us to live more consciously and compassionately.
Let me rephrase; more than ever, I want to live more consciously and compassionately.
Let us start here: Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
I take heart when people stand up and say, “We get to say how the story ends.”
Which means that even in the darkness, we can be a place of light.  Let us never forget that no one of us can make it alone. Sabbath Moments

“Here's to the bridge-builders, the hand-holders, the light-bringers, those extraordinary souls wrapped in ordinary lives who quietly weave threads of humanity into an inhumane world. They are the unsung heroes in a world at war with itself. They are the whisperers of hope that peace is possible. Look for them in this present darkness. Light your candle with their flame. And then go. Build bridges. Hold hands. Bring light to a dark and desperate world. Be the hero you are looking for. Peace is possible. It begins with us.” L.R. Knost

Philippians 4:4 (ESV) "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice." 

Paul reminded believers to rejoice in the Lord.

Perhaps you have heard about "the peace of God, which surpasses understanding" (Philippians 4:7). It means as Christians, we can experience an indescribable peace within us, even though circumstances on the outside are anything but peaceful. Yet did you know the Bible also talks about "joy that is inexpressible" (1 Peter 1:8)? Today's key verse has a lot to teach us about this joy in Christ and what exactly it entails.

First, biblical joy does not mean simply being happy or telling ourselves to cheer up. We know this in part because Philippians 4:4 says to "rejoice in the Lord always" ... and no one in this world is always happy. Jesus lived a perfect life on earth, so we know His rejoicing is also perfect, and even "Jesus wept" (John 11:35).

1 Peter 1:6 also helps us understand how this is possible: "In this you rejoice, though now ... you have been grieved by various trials" (emphasis added). What is "this" that brings us joy even in grief? It's the "living hope" of "an inheritance that is imperishable" (1 Peter 1:3-4). Because we have the hope of eternity with Jesus, we can choose to rejoice in every temporary situation in our lives ...even in the face of death. The world will not understand this. We ourselves might find it hard to explain. But as Christ followers, we can look hardship in the eyes and say, "Because Jesus holds my eternity, I will rejoice in God, even in this moment."

We aren't pretending we are always happy. This isn't blind optimism or denial of pain. It is a declaration over our lives that God is good, and because of that, we are going to be OK ... if not today, then in eternity (Romans 5:3-5; Matthew 5:11-12). This is what it really means to rejoice. First5

Psalm 37:7-8 Trust God!

Psalm 37:11 

But the meek shall inherit the earth,

And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

God requires us to walk humbly with Him and to trust in Him alone. Jesus came to this world with shouts of “peace, peace to the people of earth”. His peace He gives us. not the peace that the world offers, His peace we can draw on in the good times and in the bad times. Carla

Psalm 37:7-8 

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;

Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,

Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.

8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;

Do not fret—it only causes harm.

Let us be satisfied that God will make all to work for good to us. Let us not discompose ourselves at what we see in this world. For, in all respects, the little which is allotted to the righteous, is more comfortable and more profitable than the ill-gotten and abused riches of ungodly men. It comes from a hand of special love. 

God provides plentifully and well, not only for his working servants, but for his waiting servants. They have that which is better than wealth, peace of mind, peace with God, and then peace in God; that peace which the world cannot give, and which the world cannot have. God knows the believer’s days. Their time on earth is reckoned by days, which will soon be numbered; but heavenly happiness shall be for ever. 

This will be a real support to believers in evil times. Those that rest on the Rock of ages, have no reason to envy the wicked the support of their broken reeds. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

These commands reemphasize the major point of the psalm, “do not fret” (verse 1). This is not a call to be inactive, but to depend actively on the living Lord. The psalm gives us a commandment to cease from worry. The NKJV Study Bible

Psalm 37:1

Do not fret because of evildoers,

Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.

Jeremiah 12:1

Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead with You;

Yet let me talk with You about Your judgments.

Why does the way of the wicked prosper?

Why are those happy who deal so treacherously?

Psalm40:1

I waited patiently for the LORD; 

And He inclined to me,

And heard my cry.

Lamentations 3:26

It is good that one should hope and wait quietly

For the salvation of the LORD.

Ephesians 4:31

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.

So. What do we do when our world feels upside down?
When our world feels unrecognizable and unsettled?
When we feel overwhelmed and alone?
I was schooled to know what to say. The “right” words, mostly for appearance. As if what I had to say, was more important than that I’m here. And I forget the power of simply being present.

When life is “quanked”—on tilt or overpowered by fatigue—where do our marching orders come from?
Let us start here: Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
I take heart when people stand up and say, “We get to say how the story ends.”
Which means that even in the darkness, we can be a place of light. Sabbath Moments

Paul wrote that believers live by faith in the Son of God, who loves us. For centuries, the Law of Moses had guided Israel in their covenant with God. But with the coming of Christ, a new covenant was established, one based on grace and Jesus' fulfillment of the law. Today's key verse comes from a letter Paul wrote to Galatia, where "Judaizers" were insisting that gentile Christian men had to follow the Law of Moses and be circumcised to be truly saved (Galatians 2:12; Galatians 5:2-3). But Paul corrected these false teachers, rejecting the idea that salvation can be earned. He emphasized that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

In Galatians 2:20, Paul declared that identification with Jesus is the foundation of who believers are and how we live: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." 

Let's look at this verse phrase by phrase:

1. We are crucified with Christ.

For believers, Christ's death on the cross paid our sin debt in full (Colossians 2:14), so by faith, we can say our old self "ha[s] been crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2:20). Like Paul, we continue living on earth, but a spiritual death has occurred; our sins are buried, and the Holy Spirit empowers us to keep putting to death our sinful nature to live for the glory of God.

We also identify with Jesus in His resurrection! We are now "a new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17). We can rejoice in what Christ has done for us and stop our feeble attempts to earn His free gift of life.

2. Christ lives in us.

Alongside scriptures like Romans 8:9, Galatians 2:20 reminds us that the Spirit of Christ takes up residence within believers. Not only are we made new, but by the power of the Holy Spirit, we live our new lives surrendered to God's purposes. As we yield to Christ's work within us, we also become more outwardly Christlike in our words and actions. God's transforming power in us accomplishes far more than we can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

3. We live by faith.

Similar to believers in the early Church, we can be tempted to believe we must add something to our salvation. We struggle to understand that Jesus has done all the work required.

When we feel the need to prove ourselves based on law-following, may we instead rest in the truth that we are known and loved by the Creator of the world, who "gave himself for [us]" (Galatians 2:20). First5

Isaiah 21:2 And the plunderer plunders

Psalm 60:3

You have shown 

Your people hard things;

You have made us drink the wine of confusion.

Open our eyes Lord. Open our eyes that we be Your hands and feet. Open our eyes that we are not the ostrich who hides their heads in the sand. Open our eyes Lord. Carla

Isaiah 21:2 

A distressing vision is declared to me;

The treacherous dealer deals treacherously,

And the plunderer plunders.

Go up, O Elam!

Besiege, O Media!

All its sighing I have made to cease. NKJV)

Babylon was a flat country, abundantly watered. The destruction of Babylon, so often prophesied of by Isaiah, was typical of the destruction of the great foe of the New Testament church, foretold in the Revelation. To the poor oppressed captives it would be welcome news; to the proud oppressors it would be grievous. Let this check vain mirth and sensual pleasures, that we know not in what heaviness the mirth may end. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Elam, a major part of Persia, and Media were allied in 700 b.c. Perhaps as part of the Assyrian army (5:26) they helped bring about the fall of Babylon in 689 b.c., since they certainly did so in 539 b.c. (11:11; 13:17). Its sighing may refer to the sighing Babylon inflicted on others, or to its own sighing under Assyrian oppression. Perhaps Isaiah was distressed by the report of Babylon’s fall because it meant that Babylon could not save Judah from the Assyrians. The NKJV Study Bible

This oracle comes as a prophetic vision. The Hebrew term here denotes the vision is hard or grievous. The treacherous deals treacherously may simply point to the complicated political situation of entangled alliances and switched allegiances.  It is unknown who Elam and Media are besieging. Elam and Media were part of the Persian Empire that conquered Babylon in 539 bc. However, it is unclear why the prophet would be upset over their besieging Babylon. Lay siege foreshadows Yahweh’s purpose for the Medes to conquer Babylon. Faithlife Study Bible

Isaiah 33:1

Woe to you who plunder, though you have not been plundered;

And you who deal treacherously, though they have not dealt treacherously with you!

When you cease plundering,

You will be plundered;

When you make an end of dealing treacherously,

They will deal treacherously with you.

Isaiah 24:16

From the ends of the earth we have heard songs:

“Glory to the righteous!

“But I said, “I am ruined, ruined!

Woe to me!

The treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously,

Indeed, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously.”

In my readings, this reflection from Maria Shriver did my heart good.

...Lent isn’t about deprivation. It’s about attention. It’s about noticing what quietly masters you. It’s about reclaiming your focus in a world that insists everything is urgent and everything is equal.

The words in Lizzie’s letter keep echoing in my mind: Nothing matters. And yet everything matters.
The avalanche matters. The Olympics matter. Abuse of power matters. Human suffering matters. Accountability matters. Truth matters. Compassion matters. But so does your inner life. So does how you pray and how you pause. So does how you respond to someone you disagree with, how you treat those you call your enemies, and how you speak about people when they are not in the room.

These forty days are a reminder that while everything clamors for our attention, we still get to decide what takes hold of us. We cannot fix every story. We cannot carry every outrage. We cannot absorb every headline. But we can choose who we are becoming in the midst of it all.

Regardless of whether you observe Lent, and regardless of whether you are Catholic, Jewish, Protestant, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, spiritual-but-not-sure-what-that-means, or simply someone trying to be a decent human being in complicated times… perhaps you, too, could take forty days to recenter yourself. Forty days to reflect on what truly matters to you. Forty days to fast from something that dulls you. Forty days to replenish your mind. To soften your heart. To steady your spirit.
Perhaps this is your invitation not to turn away from the world, but to turn inward long enough to remember who you are within it. Sabbath Moments

When my accomplishments seem small or my failures seem large, God's Word reminds me that He does not look at anyone's resume of "good works" as the determining factor in salvation. What an amazing God who would rescue us from sin and death "according to his own mercy" rather than "works done by us in righteousness" (Titus 3:5).

We could never earn God's merciful gift of salvation because apart from Jesus, we are all lost and broken sinners. Paul knew this well: He wrote today's key verse in a letter to his fellow church leader Titus, but before he met Jesus, Paul hated and persecuted Christians (Galatians 1:13). Even if we came to know Jesus at an early age, we, too, were born into the same sinful condition as Paul, which he described in Titus 3:3: "foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another."

Seeing ourselves in the light of this truth is humbling. Yet it also allows us to fully appreciate God's incredible mercy in bringing us to Himself. The Greek word translated as "mercy" in Titus 3:5 is eleos, which is parallel to the word hesed in the Old Testament, evoking the long history of God's steadfast, covenantal love for His people. When God revealed His character to Moses in Exodus 34:7, He described Himself as "keeping steadfast love [hesed] for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty."

God knew that without His divine intervention, our sin would forever keep us from His presence; therefore, He made a way. Our God sent His own Son to bear our sins on the cross and die in our place.

Why would He consider it worthwhile to make that kind of sacrifice? The answer is found in Titus 3:4: It is because of the "goodness and loving kindness of God." God's merciful character is at the heart of His desire to redeem us.

And salvation is not just a one-time event when "he saved us"; it is also an ongoing "washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5). We are saved by trusting in Jesus. By faith, we experience regeneration (meaning "new birth") and cleansing from the filth of our sins. We are also being saved by the indwelling Spirit who continues renewing us daily, transforming us into the image of Jesus (2 Corinthians 4:16). First5