REUTERS reports that Russia pounded Ukrainian food export facilities again today – for a fourth day in a row – and has begun military training exercises in the seizing of ships in the Black Sea. The escalation is an apparent effort to wriggle out of western nations’ economic sanctions by creating or threatening a global food crisis.
Following Russia’s withdrawal this week from the United Nations-brokered safe sea corridor agreement for food transportation, Russia has established a naval blockade on exports via the Black Sea, which Ukraine says it will defy.
The REUTERS news report may be read HERE.
My brothers and sisters, I understand that there are political concerns around the globe, including in the United States (“US”), regarding the need to bring this matter to an end; however, it’s so very important that we avoid becoming weary, desensitized or overly self-focused (as a nation).
We should not forget the thousands upon thousands of lives impacted, maimed and/or killed at the hands of President Vladimir Putin. We should not forget that Russia attacked a free and sovereign nation, only to commit hundreds or thousands of alleged and documented war crimes (e.g., indiscriminate and intentional attacks upon civilian targets), and is now using food supplies needed by other nations as a weapon of war.
Let us also not forget that decades were spent and many US lives lost in the effort to end the former Soviet Union’s threats following WWII. The security of Europe depends on the actions taken by free and peace-loving countries. Our enemies are watching closely! We can’t afford to allow another “Afghanistan” to happen on our watch. The war in Ukraine is not a small matter geopolitically or spiritually.
If you are willing, let’s pray for God’s intervention to bring a swift and just end to the bloodshed, suffering, pain and trauma. Let’s not allow the politics of it all to affect our calling as Christians to love others as ourselves. Let’s pray for God’s peace, strength and favor upon people of Ukraine. Let’s pray for Russia’s leaders and its citizens to seek wisdom and begin to see this war for the evil that it really is – and to relent from its prosecution. And while we’re on our knees(!), let’s give thanks and praise to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for His mercy and goodness. The Answer is always Jesus!
Psalm 37:40 (NKJV)
“And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, [a]nd save them, [b]ecause they trust in Him.”
Psalm 111:10 (NKJV)
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; [a] good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.”
Matthew 5:3-10 (NKJV)
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, [f]or theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, [f]or they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, [f]or they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, [f]or they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, [f]or they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, [f]or they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, [f]or they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, [f]or theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Praise Jesus forevermore!
