Friday, July 25, 2014

Encouragement and Strengthening

News

As I read the news about the Gaza Siege, the deaths and trauma of the civil society grieves my heart.  I share the frustration when ceasefires are broken.  I am concerned when my government’s policies do not reflect our commitment to law and justice.

All of Abraham’s children are to work for righteousness and justice. (Genesis 18:19)  May the following thoughts encourage us and strengthen us to work for justice for all God’s children.



Emailed to me 2 25 2014

Verse of the Day
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to observe your righteous ordinances. I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word. Accept my offerings of praise, O Lord, and teach me your ordinances.
- Psalm 119:105-108

Voice of the Day
"I wish I could say that racism and prejudice were only distant memories. We must dissent from the indifference. We must dissent from the apathy. We must dissent from the fear, the hatred, and the mistrust ... We must dissent because America can do better, because America has no choice but to do better."
-Thurgood Marshall

Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, you have blessed us with the joy and care of children. Give us calm strength and patient wisdom to reach out to those who are most in need, for those who are homeless and in poverty, for those who for whatever reason cannot enjoy the joyful life that children ought to experience.

- Adapted from the Book of Common Prayer


Thursday, July 24, 2014

A Day of Action-

Day of Action-Justice and Hope!

This is a call for action today for those suffering from violence.  Because of the power of the United States, our government’s actions influence the world and the life and death of its people. 

I have contacted my elected officials and plan to call them all today.  I will be encouraging them to consider God’s justice in their decisions.

Scripture:  Matthew 12:17-21

Today’s reading from the United Methodist Women’s Prayer Calendar applies!

“This was fulfilled what was spoken (of Jesus) through the prophet Isaiah:
            ‘Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight;
            I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
            He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets.
            A bruised reed he will not break and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
            till he leads justice to victory.
            In his name, the nations will put their hope.´”

Will Be Blessed If- -Genesis 18:19

A reflection from Alex Awad, a United Methodist Missionary in Bethlehem, brought the truth of this verse to me.  God chose Abraham “so that” he would direct his children and household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, “so that” the Lord could bring what he had promised. 

Genesis 18:19

“For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised.”

LET’S PRAY AND ACT FOR GOD’S PEACE IN THE WORLD

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Prayers Needed - Action Required




A Quote Dr. Cornel West

Let us not be deceived – the Israeli massacre of innocent Palestinians, especially the precious children, is a crime against humanity! The rockets of Hamas indeed are morally wrong and politically ineffective – but these crimes pale in the face of the U.S. supported Israeli slaughters of innocent civilians. There is much blood on the hands of Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Obama and Hamas. We all are complacent with this bloodshed if we do not raise our voices to condemn all crimes and all forms of terrorism. We must never forget a precious Palestinian baby has the same value as a precious Jewish baby.

A Leak

Obama Sending 2,000 Troops to Gaza Strip (Headline From National Report 7 21 14)

Documents leaked on the Internet on Monday revealed that President Barack Obama has asked the Pentagon to ready approximately 2,000 combat-ready soldiers for a possible deployment to the Gaza Strip, to aid Israel in their fight against Hamas and the Palestinians. - See more at: http://nationalreport.net/obama-sending-2000-troops-gaza-strip/#sthash.p6LWJOmt.dpuf