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Monthly Archives: February 2024

Isn’t About Earthly Success

29 Feb
Isn’t About Earthly Success

2.29.24

This past Sunday’s message explored the message of Mark 8:31-38, reminding us that following Jesus isn’t about earthly success or comfort. The message emphasizes:

  • Living authentically: Upholding our values, even when faced with pressure or difficulty.
  • Love and service: Prioritizing the needs of others and demonstrating compassion, inspired by Jesus’ teachings.
  • Sacrifice and commitment: Embracing the core values of the gospel, even if it means sacrificing personal gain.

Following Jesus requires living our faith with courage and integrity. This includes standing up for what we believe in, acting with kindness, and embodying the message of love and hope through our actions. Just as the first disciples faced challenges, we, too, will encounter moments where unexpected circumstances test our faith.

We are reminded that faith is a journey with challenges, but through perseverance and commitment, we can make the world a brighter place, one act of compassion at a time.

Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on February 29, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Philosophy, Postmodern, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Thursday of the Third Week in Lent

29 Feb
Thursday of the Third Week in Lent

Day 14 –Compassionate God, thank you for the gift of a new day and for your unwavering presence in our lives. As we navigate the challenges of this day, grant us the grace to embrace the cross of discipleship with humility and determination. Help us to let go of our own desires and ambitions, fully committing ourselves to following Jesus. Strengthen us in moments of doubt and trial. Amen.

 
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Posted by on February 29, 2024 in Church, Community, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Wednesday of the Third Week in Lent

28 Feb
Wednesday of the Third Week in Lent

Day 13: Compassionate God, as we reflect on the words of Jesus, teach us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. Grant us the wisdom to discern your will and the courage to obey it, even in the face of adversity. May our lives bear witness to the transformative power of your love. Amen.

 
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Posted by on February 28, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Tuesday of the Third Week in Lent

27 Feb
Tuesday of the Third Week in Lent

Day 12: Merciful Lord, strengthen us in our Lenten journey as we take up our cross and follow Jesus. Guide us through the challenges and trials, knowing that through your grace, we find strength and perseverance. Help us to trust in your promises and walk faithfully in the path set before us. Amen.

 
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Posted by on February 27, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Monday of the Third Week in Lent

26 Feb
Monday of the Third Week in Lent

Day 11 – Gracious God, as we step into this new week, we are reminded by Mark’s call to take up our cross and follow Jesus. Grant us the strength to embrace the challenges of discipleship with courage and humility. May our actions reflect the sacrificial love of Christ as we journey through this Lenten season. Amen.

 
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Posted by on February 26, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Second Sunday in Lent

25 Feb
Second Sunday in Lent

2.25.24

Gracious God, on this Second Sunday in Lent, we gather in your presence seeking guidance and strength. As we contemplate the journey of discipleship, may we heed the call to take up our cross and follow Jesus. Grant us the courage to embrace sacrifice and the faith to walk boldly in his footsteps. Help us surrender our will to yours to discover the true joy of following Christ. Amen.

 
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Posted by on February 25, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Saturday of the Second Week in Lent

24 Feb
Saturday of the Second Week in Lent

Day 10: Lord of Renewal, may our wilderness experience teach us your way and your will. Grant us strength and prepare us for the challenges and blessings. May we find resilience and solace amidst uncertainties, equipping us with renewed vigor to walk faithfully in your light for the coming week. Amen.

 
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Posted by on February 24, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Friday of the Second Week in Lent

23 Feb
Friday of the Second Week in Lent

Day 9: Compassionate God, as we approach the end of this week, instill in us a spirit of compassion for others. May we see the needs of those around us and respond with kindness and generosity. As we lean into life’s uncertainties, may this Lenten journey reflect your call to resilience and transformation found in the wilderness. Amen.

 
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Posted by on February 23, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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God’s Nearness in Life’s Wilderness

22 Feb
God’s Nearness in Life’s Wilderness

2.22.24

Our recent sermon explored the profound message of leaning into God’s nearness amidst life’s uncertainties. Inspired by Mark’s Gospel, we discovered the invitation to embrace the Spirit, especially when facing the challenges of our personal wilderness.

Mark encourages us to “lean into the uncertainty,” mirroring our struggles. Similar to Jesus in the wilderness, we’re urged to embrace the Spirit even in uncharted territory. Rather than abandoning us, the wilderness holds hidden resources that can sustain us in times of trial.

At the core of the message is the choice to lean into the Spirit, opening ourselves to resilience in the face of uncertainty. This challenge is not theoretical; it’s a present choice that each of us must make.

Mark’s timeless call invites us to a transformative journey through life’s wilderness. Reflecting on baptism and wilderness trials, we see Jesus as a model of transformation, highlighting God’s nearness in our vulnerability.

As we enter the Lenten season, let’s not just observe but deeply engage with the journey. God’s love is not limited to mountaintop experiences; it extends into the valleys of our struggles. This season prompts us to transform, acknowledging that the One who walked through the wilderness with purpose is with us on our journey.

May this Lenten season be more than observation, evolving into a sacred space for growth. Embracing the challenges of the wilderness, we can encounter the profound nearness of God amid life’s trials.

Grace and peace, Sela

 
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Posted by on February 22, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Thursday of the Second Week in Lent

22 Feb
Thursday of the Second Week in Lent

Day 8: Gracious God, guide us in self-examination. Help us recognize areas of our lives that need cleansing and transformation. Grant us the humility to surrender our shortcomings to you and the strength to strive for holiness. Amen.

 
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Posted by on February 22, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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