“It was the best of times. It was the worst of times…”

Ephesians 5:15-17 – 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Right Things, Right Time

“Cross to Cross Roads” Country in Crisis

Varied Views View Through the Lens of Politics? View Through the Lens of Faith? Ephesians 5:15 – 2 Corinthians 5:7 “Sides?” –Exodus 32:26 - Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp and said, “Who is on the L ORD 's side? Come to me.” And all the sons of Levi gathered around him.

Crises “How could that happen? “If I were... never happen!”

Crises & Scripture Galatians 6:7-8 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

“The American Way” Hebrews 12:11 –For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 13:5 –Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Sowing... Reaping... Blaming Matthew 7:1-2 –“Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”

Jesus Response to Crises Matthew 7:3-5 – 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

Recovery Begins With “WE” “We the People.” “ME.”