Justice and Worship

Child poverty is on the rise in Canada, putting over 1 million kids at risk

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. John 17: 15-18, NIV

He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young. - Isaiah 40:11

Shepherd me, Lord, through all my longings and wants. So much seems so broken, and without your shepherding, I am often left exhausted, drained of hope.  You know me, and you are nudging me to green pastures and still waters! - Syd Hielema 

O Lord, protect your people with your shepherd’s staff; lead your flock, your special possession.  - Micah 7:14

The Lord does not forget the cry of the oppressed. - Psalm 9:12

Ukraine/Russia war ongoing

The urgency of the news cycle inevitably subsides but war - the destruction of infrastructure, loss of life and plays for power - are very real in Ukraine. On day 679 of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, we pray:

Lord, thank you for 2023.  I put my 2024 in your hands.  

As we exit 2023 we intentionally pray with gratitude for good news from this year.    

Dedicated to helping those fleeing from war, couple sponsors 11 Ukrainians

When Russia invaded Ukraine, countless Americans watched the images of war in horror. But for one couple in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, the conflict hit close to home in a number of ways. 

“The light shines in the darkness but the darkness has not understood it.” - John 1: 6 

 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” - John 14: 27

Prince of Peace,

This Christmas we cannot pretend that all is well on planet earth. This Christmas we dare not. And yet this is the time and the place where you meet us all - in the dark with a flicker of flame that defies every force of death. 

Blessings to you as you reflect on hope during advent.  "But the needy will not be ignored forever; the hopes of the poor will not always be crushed." - Psalm 9:18 NLT 

Let us dare to test God's resources.  Let us ask him to kindle in us, and to keep aflame that passion for the impossible, that God might make us delight in it with him, because God doesn't find anything impossible. Nor should we.  And we delight in it with him until the day we shall see it by his grace transformed into fact.  - Lilias Trotter