John 8:12 Jesus is the light in the darkness and we can choose to live in His light.

 “Humanity is not lost; it is buried beneath fear, greed, and noise. But every time you choose compassion over indifference, empathy over apathy, you bring us one step closer to remembering who we are. The world does not need more wealth or weapons—it needs people willing to be brave enough to care.” Cleo Wade

We live and breathe in the righteousness of Jesus the Christ. God knows that none of us are righteous but through the sacrifice of Jesus we can be saved. That is how much God loves the world. His sinless life was given up for all of us that we could stand unveiled before our holy God. In Jesus, spotless Lamb of God, who took away the sins of the world we can stand  in the unity and guidance of Holy Spirit. He did not leave us alone. Carla

John 8:12

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (NKJV)

I am the light of the world: As the sun is the physical light of the world, so Jesus is the spiritual light of the world. As the light of the world, Jesus exposes sin (verses 1–11) and gives sight (9:1–7). The NKJV Study Bible

I am the light of the world. This is the second metaphorical “I am” statement used by Jesus. The antagonism between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders is cast as a battle between light and darkness (1:5; 3:19–21). Faithlife Study Bible 

John 1:4

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 

Matthew 5:14

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 

John 9:5

As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

Isaiah 42:6

“I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness,

And will hold Your hand;

I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people,

As a light to the Gentiles,

Malachi 4:2

But to you who fear My name

The Sun of Righteousness shall arise

With healing in His wings;

And you shall go out

And grow fat like stall-fed calves.

I do not know where you see Grace in your life. I do know we don't cut ourselves enough slack, and I do know that when Grace appears, it's best if we don't analyze it, but just... pause, and let it seep into the core of our being. The reality of true Grace is that it does not waiver or diminish. It does not depend upon our response, performance, attitude, faith or checkered past. It just is.
Why? Because Grace heals not by taking shame away, but by removing the one thing our shame makes us fear the most: rejection.
What does it mean to live from wholehearted vulnerability, embraced by Grace?
Let us choose to eliminate the question, “What did you accomplish today?” It makes my head spin, as I'm never sure if I get the answer right. Instead, I hope that somewhere we hear the voice, “Look at my eyes. You are seen. Free from your label, you are valued. You are loved.”

 I've learned the hard way, that as long as there are overly-religious people (you know, people whose blind unquestioning devotion to rigid and dogmatic rules eclipse kindness and compassion every time; you know, people who clear their throats a lot, just to let you know you're on the wrong side of the issue); there will be disgruntlement, even in the presence of mercy and grace. These are people who prefer to use labels. It's easier to know where others fit. And easier to keep those who are different, in their place.

I don't think Jesus was itching for a fight, but he gave them his two cents. Saying, “Dudes... you are definitely missing the boat here. I don't really care how religious you are. This isn't a contest. And the sad thing is, you suffer a form of blindness, because you are hypocrites.” Hypocrite—from the Greek hupokrites—relates to the practice when ancient theatrical performers hid behind the masks of a particular character. Sometimes the mask keeps us from seeing. And sometimes it keeps us from trusting.

In a recent conversation with someone I’ve known for some time, about a family we have known well for some time. “They’re just illegals.”

I stopped. And my heart skipped a beat.

No. They are human beings. Parents. Neighbors. Friends.

And they are suffused with dignity, and the Imago Dei.

What does it mean for us to practice Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s legacy of Ubuntu? A person is a person, through other persons. My humanity is bound up in yours. Ubuntu does not ask whether we are connected. It tells us that we already are. And allows us the invitation and freedom to give, or receive, or apologize, or forgive, or love, or set right, or grant mercy, or receive mercy.

And to know that my choice is empowered by the gentle sovereignty in that voice, “I see you. You matter.”  Sabbath Moments

Love your neighbor!

 LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR No matter their mental health challenge, disability, immigration status, sexual orientation, religion,

economic status, gender identity, culture, or race.

Love. Your. Neighbor. No exceptions

Galatians 5:22-26 The Fruit of the Spirit is love…

 Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 

Believers who have allowed Holy Spirit to guide them are changed, precept by precept, into the character of Jesus. God is love and without love we are just making noise. Our faith, our hope and our love are gifts of the Father. The greatest of these is love. For God so loved the world that He gave us His only begotten Son not to condemn the world but that through Him the world could be saved. Carla

Galatians 5:22-26

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)

This list (verses 22–23), which contrasts with the works of the flesh (verses 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). We must also follow the Spirit. 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. Faithlife Study Bible

Spirit: 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 (John 17:3; Hebrews 12:1–3). In verses 25 and 26 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 will not become conceited, provoke others, or envy others. The NKJV Study Bible

Galatians 5:16–21

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…

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…

Romans 6:6

knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 

Ephesians 5:9

(for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),

“Take the step.”
We all know the feeling. Whether we call it stuck, or hopeless.
We know we feel disconnected, whether triggered by the weight of disheartenment with life, or circumstances unfriendly, or grief all-encompassing.
It is real.
And it is easy to focus only there, on the hopeless part. Forgetting that because we are on this journey—this climb—together, we can lend a “helping hand”, and we can encourage one another to take the next step.
But what if it looks unnerving or overwhelming?
What’s our theme this week? “Take my hand, and we will find our way together.”
“I’ve got you.”

“Surely someone will reach out a hand
And show you a safe place to land
Be the hand of a hopeful stranger
Little scared but you're strong enough
Be the light in the dark of this danger
'Til the sun comes up”
Sara Bareilles, “Safe Place to Land”

A fire rages in a two-story house. A young boy's head is visible leaning out a second-floor window. His voice is piercing and plaintive, “Daddy, help me! Daddy, where are you?”
Smoke (from first-floor-flames) billows from shattered ground floor windows, now obscuring visibility. From the window, the boy cannot see the ground below, and he is literally shaking with fright. The boy hears a familiar voice, as if coming from inside the great cloud of smoke. His father, shouts, implores, “Son, I am right here. I can hear you. I am right here on the ground beneath your window. I need  you to listen to me. Listen to my voice. I need you to jump. Now. Jump and I will catch you.”
“But Daddy, I can't jump because I can't see you.”
“That's okay son. I will catch you, because I can still see you.”

Here's the deal: the power of Grace allows us to give in to the moment.
Whatever it holds. To choose to receive, or walk, or “take a step”, or jump.
To choose to apologize, or forgive, or love, or set right, or grant mercy, or receive mercy.

"You are the God who sees me."  Hagar's response to God, after her cry of desperation. (The Book of Genesis)   SabbathMoments 

Psalm 18:1-3 PS I love YOU!

 Psalm 18:30–31

As for God, His way is perfect;

The word of the LORD is proven;

He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

For who is God, except the LORD?

And who is a rock, except our God?

You are my God, my Lord and My Savior. I trust You alone to fight the powers of evil that threaten all of us. I know that the battle is not with flesh and blood but with the darkness that wants to destroy Your creation. In You alone, Jesus,  is the salvation of the world.  My hope rest in You God. I love You. Carla

Psalm 18:1-3

1 I will love You, O Lord, my strength. 

2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;

My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;

My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

3 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised;

So shall I be saved from my enemies. NKJV

Twice in the Psalms the poet declares a love for God (116:1). Here an unusual word for love is used, referring to compassion as deep as a mother’s love.

The Hebrew word for my rock is balanced by its parallel Hebrew word my strength, meaning also “my rock.” References to God as a mountain fortress that protects the believer are found many times in the Psalms (91:1–3; 144:1). This is a particularly apt image for David, who many times had to hide in the mountains for security (1 Samuel 26:1, 20). The words strength and stronghold reinforce the image of God as Protector. The horn symbolized strength. The NKJV Study Bible

In the opening hymn of praise, the psalmist proclaims his love for Yahweh, who gives him strength. He lists several terms that emphasize the stability and security found in Yahweh. “Rock” (sela' and tsur), “fortress” (metsudah), and “stronghold” (misgav) describe secure locations and emphasize the safety and protection of Yahweh. “Deliverer” (from palat) and “horn of my salvation” (qeren-yish'i) attest to Yahweh’s acts of salvation

Happiness and joy are the result of taking refuge in God.

My stronghold. The Hebrew word used here, misgav (“stronghold”), describes high walls or a rocky fortress; it emphasizes the stable protection God provides for those in need.

Yahweh is praiseworthy because of His protection and salvation. The psalmist confidently calls on Him, knowing He can act to save him from his enemies. Faithlife Study Bible

Psalm 28:7–8

The LORD is my strength and my shield;

My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped;

Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,

And with my song I will praise Him.

The LORD is their strength,

And He is the saving refuge of His anointed.

Psalm 31:2–3

Bow down Your ear to me,

Deliver me speedily;

Be my rock of refuge,

A fortress of defense to save me.

For You are my rock and my fortress;

Therefore, for Your name’s sake,

Lead me and guide me.

Psalm 144:1–2

Blessed be the LORD my Rock, 

Who trains my hands for war,

And my fingers for battle—My lovingkindness and my fortress,

My high tower and my deliverer,

My shield and the One in whom I take refuge,

Who subdues my people under me.

Genesis 15:1

After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”

“Take my hand” is a way of saying, “I see you. You are Real. And you matter.”
Presence does not distinguish. Or judge. Presence just is.
Meaning that presence makes space. For healing, and restoration, and grounding, recovery, and yes, celebration.
Because in the touch, we can be present.
In the touch, we create heart space.
In the touch, we are in the life-giving business.
In the touch, we are in the Grace business.

I hope each of us can hear that affirmation of Grace today.

“The baby was staring intently at other people, and as soon as he recognized a human face, no matter whose it was, he would respond with absolute delight. I realized that this is how God looks at us, staring into our face in order to be delighted, I suspect that only God, and well-loved infants, can see this way. Even when we try to run away from our troubles, as Jacob did, God will find us, and bless us, even when we feel most alone, unsure if we'll survive the night. God will find a way to let us know that [God] is with us in this place, wherever we are, however far we think we've run.” Thank you, Kathleen Norris. Sabbath Moments

Christians it is time to walk in the name of Jesus. We cannot call evil good.

Pierre Dames Bel and Haitian TPS....it is time to turn over some tables.

https://youtube.com/shorts/tG1PM-FRy9k?si=SeeUq0TsNPQEZ2jk

Women of Welcome

Matthew 6:34 Seek God and His will on earth. He sees what we cannot.

 1 Peter 5:7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

These days the stress of the world seems to rest on our shoulders. Who knows but maybe we were made for days such as these. The truth that we do not have any control over it weighs heavily on our mind and our heart. We need to be reminded daily that the power of our prayers  and supplications are brought before our holy God and He listens to them. Holy Spirit will direct us to be doers where we can help and the rest is in the very hands of our Creator.  Without the peace that only Christ can give us we have no hope. Carla

Matthew 6:34

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (NKJV)

Seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness means to desire God’s righteous rule on this earth and leave the rest to Him. The NKJV Study Bible

Jesus is not telling people to postpone their worrying for a day; He is instructing them to stop worrying altogether and to rely on God’s gracious provision.  Faithlife Study Bible

Philippians 4:6

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 

Matthew 6:27

Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?“

Today, Wendell Berry died at his home in Port Royal, Kentucky at the age of 92. Wendell was one of my favorite writers.
He was a writer, yes; and a farmer, environmentalist, scholar and poet. I connected with him, and his profound love of gardening, and his commitment to care for the planet we call home.
It is the gift of awareness and connection to “this place”—this sacred place, the sacred ground on which we stand, and the invitation to care, encourage, nurture, and “rest in its grace”.
The poems of Wendell Berry invite us to stop, to think, to see the world around us, and to savor what is good.
Rest in Peace, Wendell.

And one of my favorite poems—which I’ve quoted in a Sabbath Moment in the past—is “The Peace of Wild Things”.
“When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.”
Wendell Berry – The Peace of Wild Things.

Connection to “this place” links us back to our theme this week, because of the reminder that we are on this journey together.

And so I’m grateful for those in my life who have said, “Take my hand, we’ll find our way together.”

“Take my hand” is a way of saying, “I see you. You are Real. And you matter.”

Presence does not distinguish. Or judge. Presence just is.

Meaning that presence makes space. For healing, and restoration, and grounding, and recovery.

Because in the touch, we can be present.

In the touch, we create heart space.

In the touch, we’re in the mending business. 

Sabbath Moments