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Take A Knee Today

When Colin Kaepernick, then football quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, kneeled during the singing of the national anthem at a game, he stated that he did it to protest police brutality and racial inequality. While some criticized his action, others praised him and many players subsequently followed his example of kneeling during games.

Image by Keith Johnston from Pixabay

Since that time, the phrase “taking a knee” has become a symbol of protest against racial injustice and support for those who are being victimized in some way. This past week, we saw many people, including policemen, “take a knee” in solidarity with the thousands of protesters in the George Floyd marches.

In my last post, I stated that George Floyd’s death was not in vain. Peaceful protests can alert the authorities and those in a position to make changes that the time has come for action. “Taking a knee” can do the same. Getting on one’s knee can be an act of worship, reverence, humility, or an act of supplication. Throughout the Bible, there are many instances of people kneeling before God either in an act of worship or to implore Him to move on their behalf. Even Jesus often kneeled and prayed to His Father.

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. Psalm 95: 6

In this time of uncertainty and turmoil, I think it’s time for us to “take a knee.” You can do this literally, but if you are unable to get down on your knees, just stand or sit where you are and bow before your Maker. Implore His attention. Let Him know you want Him to move on your behalf and on behalf of those who are suffering and oppressed. Will you take a knee today?

Father God, we thank you that your ears are always open to our cry. Reach down and touch our lives today as only You can. Amen

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Peace In Troubled Times

Courtesy morgue file

It’s the beginning of another week, but for many of you your normal routine has changed. You don’t have to go to work, but instead of feeling happy, you are filled with anxiety and uncertainty. What does the future hold? Can you protect your family from this horrible coronavirus? How long will it last? When will your life return to normal? These and other questions trouble your mind as you try to grapple with this frightening situation.

In this uncertain time, it is easy to give in to feelings of anxiety and even fear. But if you can turn your focus away from what is going on around you– just for a few minutes– and place it on God, you can have peace. The only advice I have for you is what I give myself when things look grim, as they do now. I pray and meditate on scripture. Here are some verses that bring me comfort. I hope they do the same for you.

Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. Psalm 119: 165

I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Psalm 91: 2

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makes me dwell in safety. Psalm 4: 8

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Psalm 18: 2

For some of you who are not used to praying, you can use the scripture verses above. Say them out aloud as often as you can and watch changes begin to take place. God bless.