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Monthly Archives: November 2023

But When?

30 Nov
But When?

11.30.23

A reflection from Sunday’s message based on Matthew 25:31-46

But When?

We stand at the crossroads of profound reality, contemplating a future where our every choice, action, and word will be laid bare before Christ. The crux of our self-reflection lies in the dichotomy of being either sheep or goats in the eyes of the Divine.

For the sheep, the commendation from Christ is a resounding “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Their lives resonate with acts of kindness, echoing the very essence of the kingdom—feeding the hungry, offering a drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, and visiting the imprisoned.

Conversely, the goats face a moment of questioning, realizing missed opportunities to extend love and compassion. It’s a crucial reckoning with the daily choices that shape our lives.

Christ’s response is crystal clear: our actions, or lack thereof, are not mere gestures but encounters with the Divine. The challenge is to let the rings of love, compassion, and service be a constant reminder, urging us to ask, “But when?” When will we extend love? When will we make today count, regardless of what happened yesterday?

As we step out of this moment of reflection, let us carry the awareness that our daily choices matter. May the rings on our metaphorical smartwatches remind us to live with purpose, making each day count. The words “You did it” should echo in our lives not in fear but in joy, knowing that each act of kindness, compassion, and service is a sacred encounter with Christ.

So, as a church, let our journey forward be one that resonates with love, compassion, and a resounding “Amen.” May our response to the challenges and opportunities ahead be a testament to the transformative power of living with purpose and embracing the echoes of our choices.

Grace and peace!

Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on November 30, 2023 in Church, Community, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Investing for the Kingdom: A Reflection on the Parable of the Talents

22 Nov
Investing for the Kingdom: A Reflection on the Parable of the Talents

Investing for the Kingdom: A Reflection on the Parable of the Talents

Exploring the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 (sermon from 11.19.23), Jesus, in preparing his disciples for the Kingdom of Heaven, narrates a story of a master entrusting different talents to three individuals before embarking on a long journey.

The master expects diligence and active engagement, not idle waiting. Upon his return, the two servants who received more talents had doubled their investments, but the one entrusted with a single talent returned it without any growth. This servant’s fear and tendency to compare himself to others led to inaction, resulting in disappointment from the master.

The key lesson drawn from this parable is a call to stewardship. As stewards of God’s gifts—be it talents, abilities, or resources—we are reminded not to waste what has been entrusted to us. The perspective of being stewards, not owners, encourages us to manage our lives, time, and resources wisely.

The sermon emphasized the importance of an open-handed approach to blessings. Rather than tightly holding onto resources, we are encouraged to give and invest in the kingdom. Fear and the trap of comparison were identified as hindrances to effective investment. The dangerous game of comparing ourselves to others can lead to playing it safe and missing out on opportunities to make a positive impact.

Faith involves taking risks and trusting in God. Stepping out in faith and risking it for Christ is the challenge presented to individuals and the church. The kingdom doesn’t grow if faith is kept private or if we expect the community to come to us. The parable challenges us to make something meaningful with our lives and take the necessary risks to be faithful stewards.

The conclusion posed a direct question: are we willing to risk our most valuable possessions for Christ and invest our treasured gifts for the kingdom? The call to let go and let God was extended, irrespective of the quantity of talents one possesses. The message resonated with a challenge to reflect on personal investments for the kingdom, emphasizing that the church will continue, but the question remains: how will our investments perform?

The final prayerful reflection urged a response like the first two servants in the parable, stating, “Here, God, I didn’t waste your investment. I used it wisely for your kingdom. I took the risk and placed my trust in you.”

What is your response to the call of faith, trust, and investment for the kingdom?

<><Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on November 22, 2023 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Life, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Be Ready. Be Present.

17 Nov
Be Ready. Be Present.

11.17.23

The timeless wisdom in the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids translates its message into relatable life lessons. Set against the backdrop of a wedding celebration, the parable urges us to embrace spiritual preparedness in the face of life’s uncertainties.

Representing spiritual readiness and unpreparedness, the wise and foolish bridesmaids highlight the need for vigilance and preparation for the return of Christ. Drawing parallels to everyday scenarios, like a surprise party or a road trip, emphasizes the importance of being ready for life’s uncertainties.

The parable reminds us to take ownership of our spiritual journey, cultivate preparedness, and prepare for life’s unpredictable moments. Whether wise or foolish, the key is to show up and be present in the moment, ensuring we don’t miss the opportunity to be spiritually grounded.

What areas of your life could use more intentional readiness?  

<><Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on November 17, 2023 in Church, Community, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Embracing the Beatitudes: Living Like Jesus

10 Nov
Embracing the Beatitudes: Living Like Jesus

11.10.23

Embracing the Beatitudes: Living Like Jesus

For All Saints Sunday, we explored the Beatitudes, the profound blessings Jesus shared in the Sermon on the Mount. These blessings challenge our conventional thinking, focusing on qualities like humility, meekness, and mercy rather than worldly success.

Think of the Beatitudes as a guide to living a life inspired by Jesus. They’re not just abstract ideals but reflect Jesus’ experiences and values. These blessings remind us to seek God’s presence when life gets tough. Finding contentment in who we are, valuing kindness and cooperation, and showing mercy to others are at the core of these teachings.

Moreover, the Beatitudes promise a profound sense of hope and renewal. By embodying these qualities and extending mercy to others, we not only reflect the spirit of the Beatitudes but also walk in the footsteps of Jesus.

May we embrace these blessings daily, becoming more like Jesus and sharing his transformative message with the world.

 
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Posted by on November 10, 2023 in Church, Community, Life, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality

 

Love God ~ Love Neighbor

03 Nov
Love God ~ Love Neighbor

11.3.23

In Sunday’s sermon, we delved into the significance of Reformation Sunday, commemorating Martin Luther’s pivotal protest against the Catholic Church 506 years ago. Luther’s stand, sparked by his opposition to the sale of indulgences, emphasized God’s grace and love over human deeds. This historical event led to the Protestant Movement and shaped our Methodist faith today.

Drawing parallels to the sermon, the scripture from Matthew 22:34-46 highlighted Jesus’ response to Pharisees questioning him about the greatest commandment. Jesus distilled the essence of faith, emphasizing the paramount importance of loving God wholeheartedly and extending that love to others. This teaching underscores the central role of love, compassion, and empathy in our faith, transcending mere religious rituals and legalistic obedience. It challenges us to embody these principles in our daily lives, reinforcing the foundational message of love for God and love for one’s neighbor found throughout the gospels.

Love and Grace,

Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on November 3, 2023 in Church, Community, Culture, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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