This Land Is NOT My Land

Today is my mother's birthday, and on Sunday I took her to see the movie Australia. This movie was not well received by many specifically for its focus on the oppression of the Aboriginal people, particularly the children known as the Stolen Generations. I, for one, was glad to see the film take this perspective, and not simply present us with a glorified historical epic. It was not a great film, but it was entertaining and thought provoking... and, yes, I cried.

The 9th day of each month is also a day I have dedicated to praying for a friend whose life is devoted to living among those who do not know Jesus Christ as Lord, and in sharing the love of Christ with them through relationship. In honor of him, and some other friends sharing God's love among oppressed people, I invite you to join me in prayer:

The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it... (Psalm 24:1)

For the Tibetan people, we pray to the Lord.

For the Saharawi people, we pray to the Lord.

For the Palestinian people, we pray to the Lord.

For the city of Mumbai, we pray to the Lord.

For the nation of Zimbabwe, we pray to the Lord.

For the people of Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, we pray to the Lord.

For the oppression in the United States against peoples who have been overpowered, enslaved, and exploited, particularly those of Native American, African, Carribean, and Hispanic descent, Lord forgive us.

For the oppression in our communities against those without homes, Lord forgive us.

Lord, hear our prayers. (please add your own petitions in the comments)


Romans 12

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.