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Monthly Archives: June 2024

Giants In Your Life? You’re Not Alone!

27 Jun
Giants In Your Life? You’re Not Alone!

6.27.24

Ever feel like you’re facing a giant? A mountain of a problem, a fear that looms large, a situation that seems impossible to overcome? This past week’s message focused on life scenarios, using the epic story of David and Goliath from 1 Samuel 17.

We all have moments when we are frozen by fear because of intimidating giants. It can feel overwhelming, leaving us wondering how we’ll ever conquer it. Indeed, we cannot be victorious on our own. 

David accepted the challenge because he knew who had his back. No weapons or army could overcome the giant, but David had firsthand experience. God had delivered him before from the paws of bears and lions, and David had faith that God would deliver him again. David’s courage was a result of his faith.

Here’s the good news for us today: when we put our faith in God, we’re not alone in the fight. We’re equipped with the courage and strength to face anything, no matter how big the giant seems. God is with us, always. 

And here’s another powerful thought: what if we stopped focusing on what we don’t have or have to lose and started thinking about what we have to gain? Imagine facing your giant with that mindset—excited about the possibilities, fueled by faith. Your faith is a game-changer, helping you overcome any obstacles.

Whatever giants you face today, don’t let fear hold you back. Step forward in faith!

In Christ!

Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on June 27, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality

 

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A Reflection on the Kingdom

20 Jun
A Reflection on the Kingdom

6.20.24

The parable of the growing seed from Mark 4:26-34 reminds us that positive change, like the Kingdom of God, starts small.

We reflected on Father’s Day and how seemingly insignificant gestures of love from fathers shape their children’s lives. These seeds, like the one in the parable, have immense potential.

Juneteenth, celebrating enslaved African Americans’ emancipation, offered a powerful parallel. News of freedom was declared in 1863, and it took over two years to reach everyone in Texas. This delay highlights the importance of sharing good news persistently.

As Christians, we share the Gospel, a message of hope and love for all. The tiny mustard seed, seemingly insignificant, grows into a strong plant. Our efforts, like planting seeds, may seem small but can blossom into something remarkable. The Kingdom of God may seem small at first, but it holds the potential to transform lives and communities.

May we embrace the power of starting small. And remember that we’re called to plant, sow, scatter, share, and leave the growth to God.

Peace and grace,

Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on June 20, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Divisions: A Reflection based on Mark 3:20-35

13 Jun
Divisions: A Reflection based on Mark 3:20-35

6.13.24

Jesus, caught in the whirlwind of family concerns, religious criticism, and a hungry crowd, offers powerful lessons on navigating division and finding true belonging.

First, Jesus confronts the limitations of blood ties. He reminds us that family extends beyond genetics. It’s about shared values and a commitment to a higher purpose. Staring at the crowd, eager to learn, he declares, “These are my real family – anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”

This is a profound message, dismantling barriers and widening the circle of who we call family. It’s not about who you’re related to but about aligning with Jesus’ teachings and striving for a God-centered life.
Next, Jesus addresses the accusations of demon possession launched by the religious elite. He dismantles their claims with logic. Imagine, he says, a house divided against itself – it crumbles. So, how could Satan empower Jesus to heal and teach if his goal was destruction? This simple analogy exposes the absurdity of their accusations.

But this episode also highlights the deep divisions Jesus faced. The accusation of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit – attributing his good works to evil – is a stark reminder of the hostility he encountered and those doing God’s work.

Yet, through it all, Jesus shines a light on navigating division. He emphasizes finding common ground, focusing on those open to his message and the unifying power of faith. This faith, our faith, has the power to tear down the walls we build and embrace a broader definition of family, connecting us to a higher purpose.

Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on June 13, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Finding Light in Our Brokenness: A Reflection

06 Jun
Finding Light in Our Brokenness: A Reflection

Finding Light in Our Brokenness: A Reflection

June 6, 2024

This week, we reflected on the life of Vincent van Gogh, an artist who poured his heart and struggles onto the canvas, creating beauty that continues to inspire us today. We, too, are called to share our light, not for personal gain, but to illuminate the world with the love of Christ.

Even when we feel broken and flawed, God’s grace can shine through us, touching the lives of those around us. Our limitations shouldn’t discourage us; instead, they can become an opportunity to experience the paradox of faith, where our weaknesses can be transformed into strengths. It is often in our brokenness that God’s light shines most brightly.

As Paul reminds us, we may face trials, but we are never truly defeated. By choosing to follow Christ and share in his sufferings, we become vessels of hope, beacons of God’s love in a world that desperately needs it.

Surrendering our self-centeredness allows God’s transformative power to work through us. For instance, letting go of arrogance and embracing humility can be as simple as listening to others without interrupting or being open to constructive criticism. In doing so, we find confidence in knowing that even in our weakness, God’s strength is made perfect.

Let us be like those cracked clay jars radiating the magnificent light of Christ. Let our light shine, not for our own glory, but to illuminate the path for others and draw them closer to the radiant love of God.

Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on June 6, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Philosophy, Postmodern, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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