2 Corinthians 7:5 - For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within.

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. [Psalm 51:10, NIV] As we begin the new week, pray that God will renew your spirit and give you fresh eyes so you can see things through the lens of His heart and that your reactions are in alignment with His desires. That is what it means to be blessed.

This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live. [Deuteronomy 30:19 [NIV] The choices you make impact your health, mentally and physically, and the world around you - through generations. Make choices wisely. Seek God's guidance.

People move through their daily lives as though nothing is happening around them. Here in Florida two members of my church were taken by ice. One was a women with four young children, the other was a man with three teenage sons. A few others are in fear and will not leave their homes because the DMV has reported to ICE the names and license plates of immigrants. In the news this week, a homeowner, after waiting for immigrant workers to finish changing the roof tiles, called ICE so he could avoid paying them for their labor. People are being targeted, exploited, and mistreated—and it seems to be worsening with each passing day. The Bible consistently commands treating immigrants, often called "strangers" or "Sojourners", with love, compassion and equality emphasizing that they should be treated as native-born citizens. I request prayer for the immigrants who are suffering persecution.