Ride on, 3 Kings, Ride On

I hardly know what to write.

One horrifying video after another surfaces revealing a shocking act of shooting by ICE officers.

As I watch the videos, I realize that I’m seeing the forces of evil overpower, however briefly, the power of God.

I realize though that there is hope coming from the east in the story of the Three Magi.

The hope for me is their following the star, God's direction for them in their searching.

As the story goes, The Magi have ridden from the East, they arrive, give gifts and, under the direction of God return to their hometowns by a different route.

In other words, I seem as protectors of Jesus.

And here is my hope, no matter how disastrous the situation, no matter how much evil may seem to be overpowering God, there is a holy protection. 

As I pray each morning, as I read the scripture God reminds me of the protection and hope given through Jesus Christ.

The Way of Righteousness

Charlotte Rhodes Butterfly Park
Southwest Harbor, ME

For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous:

but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Psalm 1:6

As one year ends and another begins, I feel a strong need to strengthen my righteous grounding. 

 I define the way of the righteous as happiness coming from having a right relationship with God and have chosen Psalm 1 as my biblical bases.

The Righteous according to Psalm 1 have three things to avoid.

Walking in the counsel of the ungodly (following their advice/worldview).

Standing in the path of sinners (adopting their lifestyle).

Sitting in the seat of mockers (identifying fully with those who ridicule truth).

Characteristics of the Righteous

Rootedness: Like a tree planted by streams of water, the righteous remain steady and fruitful even in difficult seasons.

Integrity: Their conduct reflects honesty, kindness, and adherence to moral principles.

Divine Oversight: Scripture promises that the Lord "watches over" or "knows" the way of the righteous, offering protection and intimate care.

Spiritual Practices

Scriptural Meditation: Engaging deeply with the Bible to inform daily decisions.

Intentional Fellowship: Choosing associations that encourage ethical living and spiritual health.

Justice and Compassion: Actively seeking to uphold the rights of the vulnerable and acting with fairness in all dealings.