Matthew TwoSix:ThreeNine

In this country, I think we take freedom for granted. Most of us have never known anything but freedom. We can typically come and go as we please. We can pursue the dreams we envision. We live in a country that provides us significant freedom. For the seafarers we serve at Anchor House, freedom takes on a life of its own. Freedom to leave the ship depends upon visas, shorepasses, duration of stay in port, and the decisions of ships owners, management, and captains. There are many factors that can impact a seafarer's ability to get off of a ship and have the freedom to move about.  February 20, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. The term freedom drastically changed for the Russian and Ukrainian seafarers we serve. They found themselves restricted and could no longer enjoy shoreleave at our port. Meanwhile their colleagues from other countries were able to visit Anchor House or travel to town for shopping while their ships were in port. While their countries waged war and live...

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. Ephesians 6:5‭-‬8 NIV This selection of scripture makes me feel uncomfortable.  My imagination doesn't want to think that slavery existed in the time of Jesus.  It is such an archaic and terrible practice, I don't want to consider it as a reality.   Fact is slavery was a part of living in the Roman empire. I find it interesting that Paul, a Roman citizen, doesnt condone or condemn the practice of slavery.  Instead and like Jesus, He raises the bar of expectation.   He says, "If you find yourself enslaved, show off Jesus!". Ob...