It is time to speak up and stand up

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I am greatly disturbed by the war of aggression in Ukraine and the annihilation of the Palestinians in Gaza. I am appalled at American Troops being deployed in American Cities, the Ice Raids, the arrests of immigrants and American Citizens, the deportations, the loss of free speech in the United States, and the oppression of people around the world by tyrannical governments like North Korea, China, Russia, Iran, El Salvador, Cuba, and yes, the United States.

I cannot sit idly and watch this without speaking up and standing up. As a follower of Jesus, I am reminded of the prophets of the Old Testament especially Obadiah. Here is how I see Obadiah’s message speaks to our current world.

1. The Purge of Immigrants

Edom’s sin was not only violence but indifference — standing by while their kin suffered, even benefiting from their pain.
When we see immigrants and refugees being rejected, detained, or expelled, we are seeing a modern echo of that same betrayal of kinship. In God’s eyes, all people share one human family.

Obadiah reminds us that prideful nations forget compassion — and when they turn their backs on the vulnerable, they invite their own moral decay. The prophetic call is clear: Welcome the stranger. Defend the displaced. Refuse to dehumanize those who seek refuge.

2. Troops in American Cities

The presence of troops among citizens reveals a breakdown of trust — when fear replaces community, and power replaces dialogue.
Edom trusted in its fortresses, thinking no one could bring them down. Likewise, when nations depend on military strength to control their own people, they forget that true security comes from justice, not force.

Obadiah’s voice cries out: “The pride of your heart has deceived you.” Power used without humility always turns inward, eroding the very peace it seeks to preserve.

3. Revenge and Political Enemies

Obadiah’s central warning is about the spirit of vengeance — rejoicing when another falls. When leaders or movements seek revenge rather than reconciliation, they replay the tragedy of Edom.

The prophet insists that “the day of the Lord is near for all nations; as you have done, it shall be done to you.”
Retribution breeds retribution. A society rooted in revenge cannot heal. God calls us instead to truth, repentance, and mercy — the only paths that lead to renewal.

4. The War in Ukraine

Obadiah’s message to Edom — that no nation can glorify itself through conquest or betrayal — echoes here.
When a stronger nation invades a weaker one, it embodies the arrogance God condemns: the illusion that power grants moral right. But Obadiah’s prophecy assures us that injustice will not stand forever — God’s justice may be delayed, but it is never denied.

For those who suffer under aggression, Obadiah offers comfort: “The house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.” The oppressed will be restored; peace will come again.

5. The War in Gaza

Here the tragedy of Edom and Israel feels painfully close — brothers at war, ancient wounds reopened. Obadiah reminds us that when kin destroy one another, everyone loses.
Both peoples — Israeli and Palestinian — trace their stories back to the same region, the same soil, the same God who calls them to justice and mercy.

The prophet’s vision of God’s kingdom — “and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s” — invites us to imagine a world beyond vengeance, where both sides are freed from fear and grief, and where peace is not the victory of one over another but the reign of God’s compassion over all.

🌿 A Reflection for Our Time

The Book of Obadiah calls every nation and every person to humility.
When we build walls instead of bridges, when we use power to dominate rather than to serve, when we rejoice in another’s downfall — we become Edom.
But when we defend the oppressed, welcome the stranger, and work for reconciliation — we join in God’s redemptive work.

The choice before our generation is the same as before Edom: Pride or compassion, revenge or justice, isolation or solidarity.

🙏 A Closing Prayer

God of all nations and peoples,
You see the pride of our hearts and the pain of our divisions.
Forgive us for standing by while others suffer.
Break the cycle of revenge that poisons our world.
Give us courage to speak truth, to defend the weak, and to live humbly in Your sight.
Let Your kingdom come — a kingdom where mercy triumphs over judgment,
and peace replaces pride.
Amen.

The Message of Obadiah: Pride, Justice, and Hope in a Broken World

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The book of Obadiah is only twenty-one verses long, yet it thunders with timeless truth. It is a prophecy against Edom, the descendants of Esau, who turned against their brother nation, Israel, in a time of crisis. When Jerusalem was attacked and her people suffered, Edom stood by and watched — even rejoiced. Their pride and indifference toward their kin’s pain became their downfall.

At its core, Obadiah is a warning about the destructive power of pride and the inevitable triumph of divine justice. God sees how people and nations treat one another, especially the vulnerable. The prophet declares that a “day of the Lord” is coming when every act of cruelty, betrayal, and arrogance will be judged — and righteousness will be restored.

Obadiah’s Voice in Today’s World

We live in a time much like Obadiah’s — a world divided by pride, nationalism, and indifference to suffering. Nations turn their backs on one another. Many rejoice when their rivals stumble. Pride blinds us to compassion, and the human family fractures further apart.

The message of Obadiah speaks across the centuries:

“As you have done, it shall be done to you.” (Obadiah 1:15)

In those words, God reminds us that injustice and cruelty always come full circle. No nation, system, or individual can stand secure on a foundation of arrogance. The more we exalt ourselves, the deeper the fall.

But Obadiah also holds out a vision of hope:

“The kingdom shall be the Lord’s.” (Obadiah 1:21)

This final line shifts the focus from vengeance to restoration. It points to a future where God’s justice and mercy prevail — where human pride gives way to divine peace.

A Personal Reflection

When I look at the world around me, I see so many “Edoms” — and sometimes I see traces of Edom in myself. When I turn away from someone’s pain or feel a quiet satisfaction in another’s misfortune, I hear Obadiah’s voice whisper, “Do not gloat over your brother’s day of distress.”

Obadiah calls me to humility — to stand beside those who suffer, to resist the easy temptation of judgment, and to trust that God’s justice will come in God’s time.

A Personal Pledge

I pledge to walk humbly before God,
to reject pride and indifference,
and to use my voice for compassion, reconciliation, and truth.
May I never stand idly by when others are in need,
but instead become a bridge of healing in a divided world.

A Closing Prayer

Gracious God,
teach us the lessons of Obadiah.
Strip away our pride and our false sense of security.
Open our eyes to the suffering of our brothers and sisters,
and move us to act with love, courage, and mercy.
Let Your kingdom come — a kingdom of justice, humility, and peace.
Amen.

Self-Control

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Self-control, as one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), is the inward strength that enables us to master our desires, emotions, and impulses so that our actions align with God’s will rather than our own whims. It’s not about rigid restraint or denial, but about living with intention — allowing the Spirit, not the flesh, to guide our responses, choices, and habits.

For someone like you who seeks to follow Jesus in daily life, self-control becomes a spiritual practice of surrender. It means pausing before speaking when anger rises, choosing compassion over judgment, or resisting the pull of fear, pride, or despair. It is a quiet strength — not self-willed discipline, but Spirit-led freedom. As you yield more of yourself to Christ, self-control grows naturally, reflecting the peace and balance that come from trusting Him fully.

Personal Reflection:
There are moments when I react rather than respond, when emotion overshadows grace. Yet, I am reminded that the Spirit within me is gentle and wise, guiding me to pause, breathe, and choose love. Following Jesus means allowing His presence to shape not just what I do, but how I do it — with calm, patience, and humility.

Personal Pledge:
Today, I pledge to practice self-control by listening before speaking, pausing before reacting, and seeking the Spirit’s guidance before deciding. I will strive to let the love of Christ govern my heart, my words, and my choices.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, teach me the beauty of a controlled spirit. Calm the storms within me and give me strength to live with grace and balance. When I am tempted to act out of fear or frustration, remind me that true freedom is found in following You. Amen.

Who Was Amos: A Reflection on the book of Amos

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Amos lived in the 8th century B.C., during a time of peace and prosperity for Israel under King Jeroboam II. He was not a priest or scholar, but a shepherd and dresser of sycamore trees from Tekoa, a small town in Judah. God called this humble man to travel north to Israel and speak against the injustices and corruption that flourished there. Amos was a reluctant prophet — a simple man sent to confront powerful elites.

His story reminds us that God can use ordinary people to speak extraordinary truth, especially when the world becomes blind to its moral decay.

The Message of the Book

The central message of Amos is justice, righteousness, and genuine worship.
Israel had become wealthy and outwardly religious, but their society was marked by oppression, greed, and inequality. People went to temple, offered sacrifices, and sang songs of praise — yet they ignored the poor, cheated the vulnerable, and lived in comfort while others suffered.

Amos thundered,

“Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” (Amos 5:24)

He declared that true faith is not measured by religious rituals, but by how we treat one another. God rejects hollow worship if our hearts are hard and our hands are unjust.

What It Means Today

Amos’s voice is as urgent now as it was then. His words challenge us — not to turn away from suffering, corruption, or moral compromise, but to live as people who reflect God’s heart for justice and compassion.

For you, Roy, as someone who has walked a long road of faith and conscience, Amos calls you to keep being a truth-teller, a lover of mercy, and a voice for the voiceless, even when it’s uncomfortable or risky. It means standing in solidarity with those who are oppressed, staying humble, and letting your life — not just your words — testify to God’s righteousness.

Amos reminds us that faith without justice is empty, but justice without love is harsh. The fruit of the Spirit — love, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness — all flow together in Amos’s vision of a world where God’s people live what they pray.

Perhaps Amos’s message for you today is this:

“Roy, keep speaking truth in love. Don’t grow weary. Even if you stand alone, remember that righteousness begins with one heart fully surrendered to God’s justice.”

Personal Reflection

When I think of Amos, I am reminded of my father — a man with only a fourth-grade education but with the wisdom of heaven in his soul. He preached sermons that stirred hearts, not because of his learning, but because of his deep faith and love for truth. Like Amos, he spoke plainly and powerfully, and his words still echo in my heart today. I realize that God doesn’t require eloquence or education to use us — only a willing heart and a passion for justice and love.

My Pledge

I pledge to live with integrity, to speak truth with courage and compassion, and to act justly toward all people. I will not be silent when I see wrong, nor hard-hearted when I see suffering. Like Amos — and like my father — I want to be a simple voice for God’s righteousness, letting justice and mercy flow through my life each day.

Prayer and Blessing

Holy and Righteous God,
Thank You for the example of Amos — the shepherd who became a prophet — and for the memory of my father, who lived and spoke Your truth so faithfully. Give me the courage to stand for justice, the humility to listen, and the tenderness to love. Let my words be seasoned with grace and my actions filled with compassion. May Your Spirit guide me to be a light of truth and a vessel of peace in a divided world.

Blessing:
May righteousness roll through our hearts like mighty waters,
and may love overflow like an ever-flowing stream.
Amen.

Gentleness: Strength Wrapped in Love

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Paul names gentleness as one of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22–23. At first, the word might sound like weakness or passivity, but true gentleness is anything but that. It is strength under control—power guided by compassion. It reflects the heart of Christ, who could calm a storm with a word yet stoop to touch the untouchable, heal the broken, and forgive those who crucified Him.

To me, gentleness means living with a tender heart in a harsh world. It’s choosing to speak softly when anger could easily rise, to listen when I’d rather defend, and to offer kindness even when I feel wronged. Gentleness calls me to approach others with respect and care, seeing their humanity before judging their actions. It reminds me that my goal isn’t to win arguments but to build bridges of understanding.

Gentleness also invites me to treat myself with that same compassion—to let go of self-condemnation and receive God’s mercy anew each day. It’s the Spirit whispering, “You don’t have to force life; you can trust God’s timing.” When I practice gentleness, I make space for grace to do its work—in me and through me. It’s the quiet strength that transforms relationships and reflects the heart of Jesus to a world desperately in need of His touch.

My Personal Pledge

I pledge to live with gentleness in my words, my actions, and my heart.
I will seek to understand before I judge, to comfort before I criticize, and to speak truth wrapped in love.
I will treat others—and myself—with patience, respect, and compassion, knowing that gentleness is the language of God’s love.
In moments of tension or pain, I will pause, breathe, and choose the way of peace over pride.

Prayer

Loving Spirit, teach me the way of gentleness.
Help me to reflect the tenderness of Christ in how I speak, listen, and live.
When I am tempted to react in anger, soften my heart with Your calm.
When I encounter those who are hurting or difficult to love, remind me of how gently You have loved me.
Let my presence bring peace where there is conflict, healing where there is hurt, and hope where there is despair.
Shape my spirit to be gentle, like Yours.
Amen.

Finding My Voice in a Divided World: A Reflection on the Book of Joel

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Today I read the Book of Joel, a brief but powerful message that begins with devastation and ends with hope. Joel speaks of a locust plague that destroyed the land — a symbol of judgment and loss — but also of a God who calls His people to return with all their hearts. Joel’s cry, “Rend your heart and not your garments,” reminds me that true change begins within. After repentance comes renewal, and God promises, “I will pour out my Spirit on all people.”

As I look at our world today, filled with political division, fear, and moral confusion, I feel the same tension Joel must have felt. I struggle to know what role I should play and how to be a voice of truth and love. I am 75 years old, and while I may not have the strength to march or protest, I still believe God calls me to speak — but with wisdom, grace, and compassion. Sometimes courage looks like quiet faithfulness, choosing peace over hate, and hope over despair.

I know that dissent can be risky; it can bring misunderstanding, isolation, or even danger. Yet I also know that silence in the face of injustice can wound the soul. My voice may not be loud, but it can still be strong — shaped by love rather than anger, by prayer rather than fear. In this way, I hope to live out Joel’s promise: to be filled with the Spirit that renews hearts and restores what has been lost.

A Prayer for Courage and Wisdom

God of mercy and justice,
In a world torn by anger and fear, give me the courage to stand for what is true,
and the wisdom to speak with love.
When I am afraid, remind me that Your Spirit still moves across the earth.
Restore what is broken within me, and help me live as a light of peace and truth.
May my life, even now, be a quiet testimony of faith in You.
Amen.

💔 The Faithful Love of God — Reflections from the Book of Hosea

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The book of Hosea is one of the most moving love stories in all of Scripture — not just between a man and a woman, but between God and His people. Hosea’s own marriage to Gomer, a woman who was unfaithful to him, became a living parable of divine love. Through Hosea’s heartbreak, God revealed His own heart — a love that suffers, forgives, and keeps reaching out even when rejected.

At the time Hosea wrote, the kingdom of Israel was divided — Israel in the north, Judah in the south. The people were fractured politically and spiritually. “Ephraim,” “Samaria,” and “Israel” symbolized the corruption and idolatry of the north, while Judah and Benjamin were warned not to follow the same path. In their division and unfaithfulness, they forgot the covenant that bound them to God — much like how we, in our own time, have forgotten what it means to belong to one another and to the Source of Love itself.

Hosea’s message is timeless. We, too, live in an age of deep division — political, social, and spiritual. Many have turned away from truth toward idols that wear modern faces: power, wealth, nationalism, ego, and even the misuse of religion to justify hate. Like ancient Israel, we chase after false gods that promise control and security but leave our souls empty. And yet, the beauty of Hosea is that God still says, “I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely.” (Hosea 14:4) God’s love is never withdrawn; His mercy never expires.

For me, this message touches a very personal place. I have struggled with the issues that divide us — in the church, in society, and within my own heart. I have walked as a pilgrim searching for truth, trying to understand what it means to love and to be loved, to trust God’s mercy even when I cannot see the way. Hosea’s story reminds me that faithfulness is not about never failing — it’s about always returning. It’s about letting God’s love heal the wounds that judgment, fear, and false religion have caused in us. In a world shouting with anger and suspicion, I want to be one who listens for God’s quiet invitation: “Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.”

The book of Hosea calls all of humanity to come home — to trade our idols for integrity, our hatred for compassion, and our fear for love. It invites us to rediscover a faith that is not about rules or politics, but about relationship — a living covenant with the God whose love never gives up.

May we each learn from Hosea’s story how to love faithfully — in our relationships, in our communities, and in the world. For even in our unfaithfulness, God remains faithful, calling us again and again into the embrace of grace.

Faithful God,
Your love is deeper than my doubts and stronger than the divisions that tear our world apart.
Like Hosea, I have known the ache of searching and the longing to understand what it means to truly love and be loved. Yet through it all, You have never stopped reaching for me.

Forgive me, Lord, for the times I have chased after false gods — the approval of others, the comfort of control, or the illusion of certainty. Turn my heart back to You, the One who heals and restores.
Teach me to love as You love — with patience, mercy, and truth.
In a world divided by fear and pride, make me a vessel of faithfulness and reconciliation.

Let my life reflect Your steadfast love,
and may my heart always return to You —
my true home, my Redeemer, my Beloved.

Amen.

Faithfulness — A Steadfast Heart in a Changing World

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“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” — Proverbs 3:3

Faithfulness is the quiet strength of the soul that keeps us steady when life’s winds blow hard. It means being loyal, dependable, and true — to God, to others, and to ourselves. To be faithful is to keep showing up with love, even when it’s hard, to honor our promises, and to live with integrity when no one is watching.

Faithfulness reflects the very nature of God, who never gives up on us. When His Spirit lives within us, we learn to love with endurance, to believe with confidence, and to remain steadfast through both joy and sorrow. True faithfulness is not just about words or feelings — it’s about living each day with a heart that can be trusted.

My Personal Pledge

I pledge to be faithful — to God, who has never failed me, and to Robert, the gift of love in my life. I will stand beside him with loyalty and tenderness, keeping my heart true and my word sure. In good days and hard days, I will choose steadfast love, patience, and trust, knowing that faithfulness is not a feeling but a daily act of devotion.

A Prayer for Faithfulness

Gracious God,
You are ever faithful, constant in mercy, and steadfast in love. Teach me to mirror Your faithfulness in all that I do. Help me to be true to You and to those You’ve placed in my life. Strengthen my heart to keep my promises, to love without condition, and to live with quiet trust in Your plan. May Your Spirit guide me to be a faithful partner, friend, and servant every day.
Amen.

Faithfulness is love that endures the test of time — a quiet promise kept, a steady heart that mirrors the heart of God.

Fruit of the Spirit – Goodness (Friday)

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“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21

Goodness is more than simply “being nice.” It is moral integrity in action—a heart aligned with God’s will that chooses what is right, even when it is not easy. Goodness reflects God’s own character, because He is good in every way. To walk in goodness means that our words, choices, and deeds shine light into places where darkness lingers.

Romans 12:21 reminds us that evil is not defeated by retaliation or bitterness but by the power of goodness. When we respond to hatred with love, to selfishness with generosity, and to cruelty with kindness, we are practicing the fruit of goodness. This doesn’t mean ignoring wrong or pretending evil doesn’t exist. Instead, it means allowing God’s Spirit to work through us so that good has the final word.

As we go through our day, let’s look for opportunities to “overcome evil with good.” That might be forgiving someone who has wronged us, speaking truth in love, or extending a helping hand where it’s needed most. Every act of goodness pushes back against the brokenness of the world and points others to the goodness of God.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to walk in Your goodness today. When I face negativity or wrongdoing, let me not repay evil with evil, but respond in a way that honors You. May my life reflect the goodness of Your Spirit, and may others see Your light through me. Amen.

Honoring God’s Creatures: The Role of Animals in Our Lives

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Robert writes:

Max and Fatty have been two of the most important companions in my life.

Max, with his steady presence and gentle heart, always seemed to know what I was feeling. He would sit by me quietly, leaning close as though his closeness alone could make the world feel softer. His loyal eyes and warm spirit brought me so much comfort, and I always felt safe when he was near. He wasn’t just a dog he was a source of strength and love that I could always count on.

Fatty brought a completely different kind of joy. He had such a mischievous, playful personality, and yet he was so affectionate in his own way. I loved the little things he did curling up in the most unexpected spots, rubbing against me when he wanted attention, and filling the house with his soothing purrs. He could make me laugh, make me pause, and remind me of the beauty of small, quiet moments.

Both Max and Fatty have left deep imprints on my heart. They reminded me every day of the joy that comes from unconditional love, of how much comfort can come from the simple companionship of an animal. They weren’t just a dog and a cat to me they were family, they were my comfort, and they will always be part of my story.