Provoked!
Treetop Trails
Provoked!
On September 16, Jo and I will go to the polls to cast our votes in the special election for Minnesota House District 34B, to help choose a successor to our late representative, Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, who was tragically assassinated along with her husband, Mark, on June 14, 2025. The loss was not only a statewide tragedy, but it was also deeply personal for many of us here in Minnesota, and especially in my city. I knew her and Mark.
We are living in a time when the number of lives lost to gun violence in our country is deeply troubling. It often takes only a small spark to provoke those who are mentally unstable, and the consequences are devastating.
What’s especially heartbreaking is the contradiction we’re witnessing: people being killed for acts of love, and others for words of hate. The line between compassion and conflict feels increasingly blurred.
Our country is reacting to these senseless murders like it is a new phenomenon. Unfortunately, it is not.
Ecclesiastes 1:9History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new.
Unwarranted killing began with Cain’s slaying of his brother Abel. Driven by jealousy, Cain committed the first murder, a tragic act that added to the ongoing struggle between good and evil. Every act of violence since then echoes that original choice.
Many are calling for stronger gun control measures. While such efforts may offer some help, the reality is that the sheer number of firearms in this country is unmatched by any other nation. The proliferation of guns, both legally and illegally owned, presents a challenge that legislation alone may not fully resolve.
Jo and I are responsible gun owners. I share that not to justify anything, but to make it clear: I’m not anti-gun. I respect the rights of lawful gun ownership.
That said, if we find ourselves in disagreement with someone resorting to violence. It is never an option. Civil discourse must always prevail, no matter how deep the divide.
Some of the rhetoric I’ve seen online the last few days is truly horrifying and deeply objectionable.
When people become so entangled in their so called spiritual or political ideologies, they can lose sight of their humanity and their God. In the heat of expression, empathy is often the first casualty.
But life is precious to God. Every person—regardless of belief or background—is made in His image and worthy of dignity and respect.
As you reflect on current events, here are a couple of foundational scriptures to live by:
Genesis 1:27 – So, God created mankind in his own image
This verse reminds us that every human life has value and dignity.
Exodus 20:13 – You shall not murder.”
Unlike revenge-driven films like Taken, Death Wish, or John Wick, which thrive on the emotional satisfaction of retaliation, scripture calls us to a different path when dealing with our enemies.
Rather than glorifying vengeance, the Bible urges forgiveness, restraint, and LOVE, even toward those who wrong us.
When faced with injustice, painful rhetoric, or wrongdoing, be PROVOKED not to retaliate, but to respond in obedience to the directives of God’s Word.
Romans 12:19Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.Matthew 5:44But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”Proverbs 20:22Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ WAIT for the Lord, and he will avenge you.1 Peter 3:9 – “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with Blessing…”
Don’t let your heart be troubled by provocateurs. Much of what we see in print media, on CNN, MSNBC, FOX News, and from internet content creators is performative, designed more to drive ratings and revenue than to inform or uplift.
Stay grounded. Discernment is key. Not every voice deserves your peace of mind.
2 Timothy 1:7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Song of the Week -
This psalm is a true showstopper—it halts you in your tracks, no matter what you're doing, and demands your attention. It turns your focus wholly to the presence and power of the Great "I Am." Omnipresent!!! Don't miss out on your blessing.
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