First Impressions and the Perceptions They Create

Impressions and Perceptions often go hand in hand.  This is especially true if you are the intuitive, perceptive type.  I am.  Yet I am learning… slowly.  It seems that my first impressions and the resulting perception are often wrong.  Yep, you read it rightly, I said wrong. Perhaps I should also say that I have often had to “eat” what I thought, because I opened my mouth to express my impression and my subsequent perception which was an opinion, but I said it as a fact.

In all fairness, sometimes I have been right.  This has most often occurred when what I recognize or see in others is identifiable because I too have lived it.

But I am realizing that our perceptions often reinforce our impressions when we are only given one way of looking at something.  Our current political campaign is ripe with illustration.  How many of us think we know what will happen if Obama is elected or McCain?  Based on what we know (heard or read from others or the individuals themselves) we have formed opinions.  Many take what we fear and hammer those points home so that we will vote for the other because we do not want what we fear to happen.  (Kinda of a tongue twister isn’t it?).

In my seminary journey I am realizing that many of our practices have become “biblical” not because they really are but because the impression has been reinforced again and again strengthening our perception. Somehow in the process our identity becomes wrapped up in these perceptions. These are becoming clearer to me.  In particular I have had to acknowledge that my understanding of the Atonement — the At-one-ment action of Christ was first impressed upon me through the perception of penal substitution.  I am a sinner, Christ came and died as a penalty for my sin.  He took my place on the Cross.  I’ll write more about this in the coming days (I know its complicated and involved so my blog posts will be “reflections” more than a theology “treatise”).  Through scriptural study and reflection I now think my expanded impression and perception provides a healthier understanding, meaning penal substitution is a part but definitely not the whole or even the dominating character in the picture (this will make more sense in the coming days).

Other impressions and perceptions involve women in ministry or more correctly women in leadership in ministry.  I find it very interesting (and concerning) that women believe themselves to be inferior to men.  My concern is that we have in practice held ourselves back to prove we are inferior to men, because we do not want to hinder men.  Does that honor God?  Does that fit with spiritual worship by bringing all of ourselves to God?  This year through my “Special Study” seminary requirement I will be exploring this area.  I suspect I’ll be posting regularly on this area for both personal and professional reasons.

It is therefore no stretch to realize the connections in our relationships with one another are greatly (and adversely) affected if we do not understand our identity from God’s perspective.  How do we understand that we are created in the image (eikon) of God?  How do we bring reflective practice into redemptive action apart from a renewed understanding of what God entrusted to us at creation?  Did our job description change because Adam and Eve’s disobedience?

Have we lost some of the Creator’s wisdom because our impressions and perceptions became our only way of seeing?

Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy… Give us eyes to see, and a teachable spirit to receive your impressions and perceptions upon our soul.

Some thoughts while running, er run/walking … o.k. just jogging

Several miles from our home is the Powerline Trail, as its known around Gig Harbor.  It’s in reference to the fact that a trail has been paved along a public utility right of way.  It’s frequently used by runners, bike riders, walkers and dogs with walkers.  Yesterday as I was heading back to my starting place I thought about how so often we refer to our fitness routines (whatever they are) as something we have to do.

Yes we know the benefits we gain from this — the cardio, the strength and (hopefully) flexibility from exercise.  In fact exercise and fitness done “right” is not a single disciplinary activity.  The full benefit is gained as we engage in our fitness fully.  Not rocket science, is it? (Which begs the question do we approach our life with God as a single dimension?).

So as I was struggling along — I am not anywhere where I’d like to be in my cardio … not yet.  So as I was moving along…. I realized how at this particular point on the trail I usually begin to think about being done.  I only have this much farther to go… I begin paying attention to markers that tell me I’ve gone this far, so therefore I can figure out about how many minutes until I finish.  When I do that I begin to focus on the end and tada…

When I do that I miss what is present in the moment.  When I am focused on finishing I quickly begin thinking about the rest of my day.  I’m missing out on the fun of what I am doing.  Yes I said “fun.” Maybe I’m the only one that does that.  But yesterday I realized that when my focus is on the end then what I’m doing quickly becomes a “task”.  And it’s one I don’t really want to do when I …

compare myself with others… or compare myself with where I wish I was (emphasis on “wish” and stay stuck there)

when I am looking forward to not having the strain of doing something that requires diligent, consistent effort (this becomes much more evident as one ages — trust me on this!)

when I focus on what I don’t have (great cardio at this point)

I could go on….

I decided that I need to enjoy what I’m doing — yes I get out of breath, yes I can’t run as far as I’d like or go as fast as I’d like (I’d love to get to the place to again run an eight minute mile and keep that pace for give miles at least — but really I’d settle for a nine minute mile), and yes my ego (aka pride) gets a bit bruised.

So I enjoyed what I was doing and how I was doing.  I felt a nudge … a reminder that this is how it’s supposed to be in our walk with God.  There have been too many times (thankfully not as many as before) when I focus on finishing my “QT” (quiet time) — a good evangelical term — so that I can get on with studies, etc.  I don’t enjoy or give myself fully to just being with God.  Of course I am not trying to segment my life, nor do I encourage you do to the same… God is with us and I consciously try to practice His presence in my life.

But so often we are busy doing things for God especially programs for God that we incredibly miss God in the process.  Yesterday I sensed the Spirit’s nudge — to enjoy, not dread getting in shape and to be present to what I am doing.

I did.  As I was running I looked and observed what was taking place around me.  I listened to the caw of the crows overhead and looked up (rather than ignored) to see what they were so excited about.  Ahead of them off to my right was an eagle in flight.

Lord give me eyes to see and ears to hear and hands folded to receive so that I might give to others from your abundance.

Shall We Dance?

Having found this link on another blogsite I’m thinking I need to dance more.  Here’s the link (http://www.vimeo.com/1211060).  Enjoy it, go dance.  I bet you were smiling when you watched it.  Now think about God smiling and rejoicing over us.  How simple, how profound.

I think I need to dance more… with others.  How about you?

(P.S. if the link doesn’t work — just copy and past into your internet browser)

September

For more than sixteen years my family calendar revolved around the events and schedules of school.  When I worked for our local school district, everything focused on the start of school in September.  Have you noticed how churches start and gear up their church programs to begin in the fall ?  And now as a seminary student I begin my second year in (yes) September.  Fall is associated with activity and involvement.

But rather than beginnings or “start up”, there is a better word for my life in this September — continuation.  Things are not beginning for me, they are resuming.  This is true for my studies as well as a reflection of my life with God.  The classes that I am taking are building upon what we studied last year.  It will be challenging, no doubt.  But I am looking forward to it.

Between September 2 and December 12 I’m taking (along with my 18 colleagues in our Ministry Leadership 07 cohort): Course overviews are taken from our course sites.

Christian History & Theology I:

• This course covers the development of Christianity and Christian theology from the end of the apostolic period to the 16th century. Examines the expansion of the church, the evolvement of Christian institutions and practice, the conflicts that confronted the church from within and without, and the theological development of doctrines such as the Trinity, Christology, the Holy Spirit, grace and free will, soteriology (salvation), and the Church.

Missional Leadership:this course will be a huge asset with the development of the pathway project

• This course aims to provide an exploration into new models and paradigms of organic leadership for the emerging missional church. It will focus on developing a distinctly pioneering style of leadership for new missional contexts.

Spirituality, Shame & Grace: I am grateful for the Spirit work done already and for what lies ahead.

• It is challenging to understand the differences between guilt, shame and grace. It is also difficult to know then how to apply this to our spiritual lives, and yet harder to know how to apply this to someone else’s life. This course is designed to inform pastoral counselors about family shame, guilt and grace. Definitions, characteristics, and change strategies for shame in individuals and families will be discussed. Models of grace and healing for shame will be identified. There will be significant emphasis on the student’s own experiences of shame and grace.

Special Study: This is a year long class to tailor our studies to our ministry context.  Our task this week is to identify three possible focus areas to research and develop.  I’ve proposed study in the following areas:

a.  non-profit ministry development — the nuts and bolts to establish the organization

b. Study of “missional communities” and new “monastic” communities — this would relate to the possible ministry focus for the pathway project.  Learning about how they function, lessons learned, what groups are doing, etc.

c. Women in leadership.  I’ve done some study on this particular area but based upon my experiences this past year this might be an area to pursue — not really certain what that might be.  I sort of threw it out there and actually the more I think about it the more I like it.

I’ll post our books for these classes on the “book page”.

Two Semesters down, Six to go

This past week has been one of getting things wrapped up in my classes.

This spring our cohort group (all 19 of us) studied:

Old Testament –Writings & Latter Prophets –it was a fascinating study. I’ll post some reflections in the coming months.

Personal Transformation: If you’ve been reading my blog then you participated in my project for this class.

Prayer: We all grew in our prayers lives — individually and in community.

Internship: This is a class geared to further develop our ministry leadership skills.  You will read more about my project for this class in the weeks ahead.  You may or may not be surprised.

These classes were the next step and fit so well with our fall semester classes in OT –Torah & Former Prophets; Missional Ecclesiology; Knowing Self, Knowing God and Internship (this is a 3 semester class for us).

I’ve decided to create a new page on my blog to fill you in on the books we are studying, in addition to my personal study.  Should have that done next week.

But right now the sun is shining, the yard is calling, and there are no studies or discussion posts that must be done.  May 5 we are back at it for a lighter summer load, but one that is sure to challenge in new ways — we’ll be studying Essentials of Theology and continue with our Internship class. I am looking forward to what Dr. Shelton has in store for us.

A Journey Continues

Let’s continue on from yesterday. We’ll also be looking at several places in God’s word. First of all let’s look at Mark 10:46-52. I won’t quote the entire section, but I hope you will read it. Jesus and his disciples are on their way out of Jericho. There is a large crowd following, so loud and big that it would have been easy to miss a blind guy sitting by the road (not unusual in their day). But Bartimaeus wants to get the attention of Jesus, so he starts yelling, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (vs. 47). We could probably do a study just on this one verse alone. Bartimaeus was obviously quite an observer and a very good listener. Bartimaeus is yelling and people are telling him to be quiet, but the Word says that Bartimaeus just yelled all the louder. Vs. 49 records that “Jesus stood still.” He called Bartimaeus to him. What does Bartimaeus do? He did not sit still, he did not wait, he didn’t have excuses. He wanted Jesus, the Son of David to have mercy on him. So what did he do? “So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.” (vs. 50-52). I am fascinated that Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, throws off his beggar’s cloak to come to Jesus. The cloak was an essential part of Bartimaeus’ identity. It kept him warm, he probably sat upon it at times, he gathered money on it. People probably recognized Bartimaeus because of that cloak, a beggar’s cloak. Bartimaeus throws off his cloak to come to Jesus. Jesus gave him sight, he received a new identity.

(As a side note, have you ever noticed in the Gospels the various ways Jesus interacted and touched people’s lives? Did He use the same “formula” or method? I think you’ll find He used a variety of ways because He spoke to and got to the heart of the matter. It was a personal approach tailored to the individual. Which makes me wonder sometimes why we want to reach all people in the same way or think that people must come to God in a certain prescribed way? Is that even the Jesus way? Just wondering….)

Bartimaeus’ whole life changed that day. He could no longer resume his former profession as a beggar because what forced him to be a beggar — his blindness was no longer the issue (talk about job training!). Jesus touched, spoke to or healed people and it always seems to re-order their lives. It certainly did for Bartimaeus.

Jesus called Peter when he was a fisherman. That was his vocation and something he obviously enjoyed doing. When Jesus called Peter and invited him to come and follow him (be his disciple). Jesus used terminology that Peter could readily connect to and connects with — fishermen “terms” if you will. “As he (Jesus) walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea — for they were fishermen. and he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him.” (Matthew 4:18-20; Luke 5:1-10 gives even more information on that day). Again we could stop right there and meditate and ask the Holy Spirit for His counsel regarding these few verses. Reading them over, putting ourselves on the shore — what do we hear, see, smell? The Word comes alive doesn’t it?

Several years later and everything has turned upside down. The disciples are trying to reconcile their understanding and what they know from the Word and the Prophets concerning the Messiah (just read through Zechariah and you’ll get a quick understanding why the Cross and resurrection was just a little hard for the disciples to grasp). And now Jesus has appeared to them. He was dead and now He is alive. They have seen Him, but He is not constantly with them and they do not know when they will see Him again. Talk about confusing! (smile).

Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, John and James, and two other disciples decide to go fishing. I’ve heard sermons preached that “rip” Peter for going fishing. But what would we do? They are in between. Sometimes we miss the fact that they are together. We should pay attention to that. John 21describes what happens and the conversations. But there is something else we should notice or at least God has made me notice in recent years. Again we have to swing around and get past previous messages or impressions to see something in the text that has been there all along. In verses 15-19 the focus is often on Jesus asking Peter if he loves Him. It is very important to understand the meaning of this Q and A. Yet what follows in these conversations is often passed over. God has not let me pass this over. I have always been drawn to what Jesus says to Peter.

Remember that Jesus referred to himself as the shepherd of the sheep (John 10), in Luke 15 God is the one who goes after the one that is lost (Luke 15:1-7). The Psalms, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Zechariah all have references to shepherds (just to highlight a few). Shepherding is very important to God. Jesus after each question to Peter of, “Do you love me?” followed it with: “Feed my lambs.” “Tend my sheep.” “Feed my sheep.” (vs. 15, 16, 17). Jesus even gave Peter insight into where this would end for him (Peter’s death — vs. 18). Then Jesus says to Peter again, “Follow me.” (vs. 19). Peter did.

Jesus gave Peter a new vocation. When Jesus called Peter to follow him this time the terminology was not anything like fishing. This time the terminology was in reference to shepherding — feeding lambs, tending sheep, feeding sheep. Not just any sheep — “Jesus’ sheep”. From walking with Jesus for the previous three years Peter did not need an explanation to understand who the sheep were. Later through the Holy Spirit, Peter’s scope of understanding was dramatically expanded wasn’t it? (Acts 10).

There have been many times throughout my many years of following Christ when certain verses in Scripture seem to jump off the page and into my soul — they have almost always focused on shepherding, teaching, and caring. There have been times when people have prayed over me and through the Holy Spirit given a word of knowledge, and there have been ups and downs, where my life has been refined. In 1990 I started coaching basketball and suddenly I realized I really did not know anyone who did not consider themselves a “Christian.” Eighteen years after being around mostly people that do not consider themselves Christians, I find myself relating to and desiring to walk with them along the path of life so that they might know Him — these are the people Jesus misses most (to quote Jim Henderson) and to shepherd those that do.

Several years ago Steve and I (my husband) had the opportunity to represent our church as delegates for our denomination’s regional “annual meeting.” For the first time in my life I witnessed a man and a woman — both ordained ministers in the Covenant, stand side by side and together preside over Communion. Deep within I had a yearning surface. I got a glimpse of the Body of Christ as it should be. Tears came to my eyes. I wanted to be and I think I knew I was supposed to be a woman offering the bread and the wine to others.

Here I am three years later. Should a call be tested? I am willing and open. How is a call tested when the door is closed? That is what threw me into a tailspin. And this is the connection to yesterday. I know that I too must follow Christ.

Transformation

If you’ve read my blog before you might notice that the photo header has changed. For the past week or so there had been a photo taken south of Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, OR (absolutely our favorite place to go). I changed it — what you see now is a photo taken from the Chehalis area after the flood in December just over four months ago. Things were an absolute mess. Sometimes the mess happens to us. (I do not diminish the difficulty of those times or places).

Sometimes the mess is us. When I am cleaning or going through things it always gets worse before it gets better. Transformation is, like it or not, messy. Things get stirred up and re-ordered, cleaned out and put back. Sometimes — often — what is put back is something different than what was there. But it is always worth it!

Sometimes we are uncertain what to do with what is unearthed in this process of transformation. This I think is true for me. But let me add something important before we go on. Transformation is a journey, not a destination, a process. I am and so are you in the process of becoming.

This sums it up for me:

“Spiritual Formation is the process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others.” (M. Robert Mulholland, Invitation to a Journey [Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993], p. 12)

Transformation and formation are linked.

In May of 2007 I applied (almost at the very last minute) to George Fox Evangelical Seminary. It was a huge step of faith and also a step of obedience. It continues to be a step of faith and is one of the most fulfilling things ever in my life. I have received huge doses of life strengthening air pumped into me.

But since then the road has also been very difficult and challenging. But one thing I am coming to grips with is “owning” and saying what I believe God is calling me to do. For some that is not a difficult thing to do. I have had to face my own bias and the bias of others. I realize that because I do not want to rock the boat and be seen as a “disturber of the peace” (if I can borrow a phrase from Bilbo speaking of Gandalf from Lord of the Rings). I realize that I have held back because I am a woman. In my church context right now we do not know how to deal with that, nor is it something we seem to be willing to discuss. I will perhaps write more regarding this at a later time. But suffice to say right now, that our failure and reluctance to understand the Biblical role of men and women and understand the whole counsel of Scripture weakens His body — the Church. It is time to stop taking sides and stand together and see what God’s word says and have conversation — ask each other questions, seek to understand. It is time to stop making excuses why we cannot or will not. The issue of women in leadership is something to discuss but we must realize why the conversation must be engaged — the Body of Christ– His glory and His presence — His love for us and for others.

I have held back because I am a woman. In God’s timing the intensity of my call to pastoral leadership has been unfolding over the past three years. But deep inside I know it has been there all along. The biggest wall or barrier might even be me. So things are messy right now. And yet things are getting cleaned up. What I had hoped for, has not taken place, but maybe that is so that I can embrace something else that God has for me. Rather than find a supportive environment among those I thought would be supportive, God has provided encouragement from my husband, several brothers and sisters (yes some in church leadership), among my seminary colleagues and staff, other women in ministry (in other denominations), and my seminary “ministry coach” -Jim Henderson. But still I have realized that I must be willing to bear the burden God gives to me, to be willing to endure pain — because wounding is part of the process and I have to be willing to follow Him.

This might seem quite obvious — to follow Christ. But I realized last week with my cautious nature that wants to do things properly and in order that I was waiting for something that wasn’t going to come. I had been waiting to be “released” into ministry and God wants me to “step into ministry”. I have no desire to be a bull in a china shop (remember the old Merrill Lynch commercials?) but I realize now that I was waiting for something that probably in my context wasn’t going to come. What I am writing is a condensed version of God’s leading in my life, so please do not jump to sudden conclusions or think that I am just being a rabble rouser. Really that is not my intent.

What I am realizing is that I must follow Christ and that means not holding back because I am a woman. This is part of my story.

The journey continues.

(For those that are ready to engage in the “conversation” I suggest a book by Dr. Sarah Sumner, PhD Men and Women in the Church from InterVarsity Press, 2003.  The sub-title is insightful:  “Building Consensus on Christian Leadership”.  This book is scholarly, well written, thoughtful, and thought provoking. )

I just want

“I just want to serve Christ.”

I have heard this statement before; I have said this same statement. Many of us have. It’s like bread and butter. Serving Christ is part of being a Christian. That’s what we’re taught. That is what is implied. It is even in God’s word.

Can serving Christ stand alone? The question is not intended to be a trick question. I am wondering if it is possible for us to become so focused on serving Christ that we miss something else all together. I am asking because our shift in focus can take place quite unannounced, the shift is most subtle in nature and anchored with good purposes.

In Jesus last words to his disciples (remember John 13-17). Jesus says something very profound and something worth our attention. “I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing, but I have called you friends.” (John 15:15). Reading this section (don’t worry I’m not jumping ahead) it is important to realize who initiates the friendship. Christ did, didn’t he? It’s important for us to realize this, because it is often a very subtle thing to think we are the ones initiating the friendship by “drawing near to God.” He calls us friends “because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father.” (John 15:15). I encourage you to take a few moments to reflect upon these words. An affirmation of “Wow” seems appropriate.

“You did not choose me but I chose you.” (John 15:16). I do not think this is a qualifier — some in, some out. It is recognizing who God chooses. He chose the disciples — who they were — fishermen, a tax collector, a national zealot, hot-tempered, a thief, and uneducated (“according to the law”). This reminds us as well, of who He ministered to and who responded to Him — the poor, the outcast from society, those who mourned, those considered diseased because of their sin, those who could not help themselves, those with a wrong profession, those living in power, those without power, people that were “untouchable”. This is only the short list, I hope people from the gospels are filling your mind. He chose them, but never ever to the exclusion of others. There’s an important difference for us to remember. Christ’s words here are not a reflection from our childhood games. It isn’t about the order in which we are chosen. That’s something we do, not Christ.

We are remembering that Christ chose us and why He chose us. To be His friends. I confess it is quite easy to slip in a qualifier to being Christ’s friends. John 15:14 says, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” I have often focused on “doing what I command you” and underline that to mean “obey.” For someone very aware growing up of my shortcomings and failure to “obey” — translated be perfect — these were words that I wanted to hide from. Have any of you felt the same way? I would focus on “outcome” or my performance to determine my obedience. Strangely God is always focused on our “heart” — which is why the presence of the Kingdom of God was so revolutionary in His time (and still is today). I was always measuring the end result and seeing if that was obedience rather than realizing the path to obedience lies in our undulation — sometimes getting it and sometimes not getting it right. What keeps us going is the relationship.

Friendship is relationship. His commandment is that we love one another (John 13:34-35). I can say I love the whole world and that sounds really nice. But really I can only love someone that I give attention to, someone I am in relationship with, someone I choose to be in relationship with, someone that I am united with in common purpose. Love. Love reaches out and draws in. It tears down partiality and exposes it. Love never fails. Love identifies where our passions reside. Love grows. It is pretty hard to love someone and not be in relationship with them. Have you ever noticed that when you get to know someone your pre-conceived opinions of them are often changed?

Serving Christ is good, right, and something we are called to do (Just read through Philippians). John reminds us that Christ calls us to be His friends. He established the whole idea. Have you ever held back from extending yourself in friendship because you feared rejection? I have. There have been times I hesitated because in my past such desires have been laughed at or rejected or not reciprocated. But Jesus confronts those — Jesus wants to be our friend.  He gave His life so that we could be “friends” with Him.

When I remember that, my serving takes on a different dimension. My desire to serve comes from relationship, it is not an end in itself, but an expression of holding hands with God. I don’t want to get caught up in serving, because of an outcome intended or desired. Or because it’s something I’m supposed to do. I want to serve because I’m in relationship with Christ. He is my friend and this is something I do in expression of my friendship with Him. There’s a difference.

Lord Jesus — Thank you for choosing us as your friends — for offering us friendship with You. We confess — I confess that it is quite easy to have serving You become the reason why I do things and not because of friendship. I realize that when I do that I can easily become divorced from You and do things in your name without relationship. I also realize that sometimes we would say I just want to be in friendship with You and forget about others. That’s why I think the two go together — to Love the Lord with all of our heart, our soul, our strength and our mind and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Lord you have offered friendship — You have called us your friends. We think it’s pretty cool and we are glad to say — yes, we want to be friends with you too. What do you want to do today?

Touching Base

It’s Wednesday morning.  We had a very full day yesterday in Seattle, attending several events that culminated in an evening with “Rob Bell and Friends” in Shoreline put together by Off the Map.  We are heading toward the “end” of my Personal Transformation project (for Seminary), which has been a daily reflection for four weeks.  I confess I feel a bit “fried”.  I love writing, trying to put language to concepts, hopefully by “putting myself out there” just a bit you feel room to grow and respond to Jesus.  But it is intense.  I often feel the “weight” of what I write.

I find myself continuing to respond to Jesus.  It is a journey (note the name of the blog) and not just a destination — an end in itself.

Until tomorrow…..

Today

This week for our class on Prayer our “prayer experience” is around “blessing” prayers.  I can remember several times in my life where I have chosen to pray a blessing for those with whom I really did not want to see blessed.  In the process my own attitude was radically changed.  Throughout this day and the days to come this week I am going to make a conscious  — intentional effort to pray a blessing silently, inwardly for those I am in contact with, as well as for those that come to mind.

I’m inviting the Holy Spirit to awaken me and sensitize me in the process.  Care to join me?

I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45)

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.”  (Romans 12:14)

“May the Lord bless you and keep you,

the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;

The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-25)

Amen.