1 Peter 2:5 (TLB)
And now you have become living building-stones for God’s use in building his house.
We become God’s building-stones by faith, not by race, opinion or political party. God might tuck you into the wall of his house right next to that guy from the other side. Imagine, spending eternity next to him (or her) and becoming one in the Spirit.
Romans 12:18 (NIV)
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you,
live at peace with everyone.
“As far as it depends on you.” How far will you go?
Our nation seems increasingly divided by politics, race, age and values. It’s common for each side to write off the other sides as ignorant, wicked or heartless.
But we are, first of all, ambassadors for God. Insults and shouting matches rarely bring others to the foot of the cross. 
Those of us with public school for all sometimes forget that’s not the case everywhere. Kenya for example.
Church World Service’s Safe School Zones has partnered with ten Kenyan schools to develop “creative and sustainable solutions that have broken some of the challenges that children, especially girls, face when attempting to complete their education.”
Isolation, cultural expectations and early marriage keep many girls out of school.
Lord God, we pray that you will empower Church World Service and other ministries open the doors so girls in Kenya and elsewhere can attend school safely. May this education improve the futures of the students, their families and communities.
Lesson learned this week:
Heavy drinking leads to faulty judgment and fuzzy memories.
Ephesians 5:18 (ERV)
Don’t be drunk with wine, which will ruin your life,
but be filled with the Spirit.
I don’t remember.
I’m not sure I remember.
I think I remember.
I clearly remember.
God, of course, simply says:
Isaiah 49:15 (NIRV)
I will not forget you.
John 7:24 (NIV)
Stop judging by mere appearances,
but instead judge correctly.
Check the original Greek:
Appearances – opópa, with the eyes
Correctly – díkaios, approved by God
Not so much right in your eyes, but right in God’s eyes.
“When regard for truth has been broken down or even slightly weakened, all things will remain doubtful.”
Augustine ( 354-430)
Teasing out the truth can be a challenge.
Which way do you lean?
God’s standard is truth.
Proverbs 17:15 (NIV)
Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent–
the LORD detests them both.
God knows all, and we don’t. Pray for wisdom, don’t rush to judgment.
Justice isn’t a game.
But all too often we act like it is. Winning is the goal. People pursue personal benefit, political advantage or financial gain instead of justice. Someone goes free on a technicality. Favors are traded. Bribes are paid.
Amos 5:24 (NLT)
I want to see a mighty flood of justice.
We usually fear floods. Imagine a flood of justice. A just world would be a safer place.
Lord, we pray that righteousness will flow through our courts. Let the flood of justice sweep away all lies and distortion, let truth be told, let impartiality judge.
