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Monthly Archives: July 2024

Scarcity Mindset: Finding Abundance in God’s Provision

25 Jul
Scarcity Mindset: Finding Abundance in God’s Provision

7.25.24

In Mark 6:30-56, we witness Jesus transforming a scarcity mindset into one of abundance. The disciples, overwhelmed by the needs of a crowd of five thousand with only five loaves and two fish, saw only their limitations. Yet, Jesus took their meager offering, blessed it, and miraculously provided enough for everyone, with leftovers to spare.

This passage speaks directly to our lives today. We often feel we lack the time, resources, or abilities to meet the demands around us. But Jesus shows us that when we bring our limited resources to Him in faith, He can multiply them beyond our imagination.

In our current reality, we see examples of this transformation: communities rallying together in times of crisis, individuals offering their talents and time to help others, and small acts of kindness growing into significant impacts. These are modern-day miracles of abundance born from faith and generosity.

As we move forward, let us break free from a scarcity mindset and embrace the abundance that comes from trusting in God. Let’s be generous with what we have, knowing that God can use even our smallest offerings to accomplish great things. In a world focused on lack, may we proclaim God’s abundant provision, living out His miraculous work in our lives and communities. Remember, with Jesus, there is always more than enough.

In Christ!

Sela Finau

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

 

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How is it with your heart? A Reflection from Mark 6:14-29

18 Jul
How is it with your heart? A Reflection from Mark 6:14-29

7.18.24

This past week, Rev. Sia Puloka, from Tonga, shared a powerful message based on Mark 6:14-29 titled “How is it with your heart?”

The passage recounts the tragic story of John the Baptist’s execution. John, a courageous prophet, preached repentance and the coming Messiah. He dared to challenge Herod Antipas, a ruler in Judea, for marrying his brother’s wife, Herodias. Consumed by resentment, Herodias had been plotting John’s downfall for quite some time.

Rev. Puloka’s message uses this story as a springboard for introspection. In a world obsessed with material gain and fleeting trends, the story compels us to examine the true desires of our hearts. Are we chasing after things that offer temporary satisfaction, or are we yearning for a deeper connection with God?

Rev. Puloka emphasized that our hearts hold immense power. Just as Herodias’s vengeful heart fueled her desire for John’s demise, our words and actions can significantly impact those around us.  We are entrusted with a great responsibility: to teach our children, friends, and community values to guide them toward a righteous path. Are we fostering a sense of purpose and encouraging them to pursue what truly matters, or are we getting caught up in the pursuit of fleeting things?

As Rev. Puloka reminds us, the good news is that God has chosen us. We have been selected to be messengers of this good news, the news of the Kingdom of God, a realm where love, justice, and peace reign supreme. This role requires a heart filled with compassion and integrity that reflects God’s light.

The story of John the Baptist serves as a stark reminder that one day, we will all stand accountable for our actions. With that knowledge in mind, it’s crucial to ask ourselves: “How is it with your heart?” Is your heart brimming with love and kindness, or is it burdened by negativity and selfishness? Take some time this week to reflect on Rev. Puloka’s message (if you watch it online, apologies for the sound). Let it be a catalyst for positive change, a chance to guide your heart on the path God has chosen for you – spreading the good news and living a life that reflects God’s love.

In Christ!

Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on July 18, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Jesus on Rejection – Shake it Off

11 Jul
Jesus on Rejection – Shake it Off

7.11.24

In Mark 6:1-13, Jesus teaches his disciples a powerful lesson about handling rejection. He tells them that if they encounter rejection, they should shake the dust off their feet as a testimony against those towns. This act symbolizes moving on from those who refuse to listen without letting rejection hinder their mission.

Shaking the dust off was about letting go of negativity and hurt and moving forward. Yes, you got rejected, but don’t dwell on it. There’s work that needs to be done. There’s a whole group of people who have not heard the Gospel. Our purpose isn’t defined by those who reject us. Jesus advises us not to get caught up in the rejection but rather to concentrate on the mission and the people who do want to listen.

If you’ve ever come to my home, you would typically be expected to take your shoes off. This is not only a cultural thing for me but also about cleanliness. Think about it: you walk all over town, stepping on everything imaginable. Unlike our clothes, which we wash regularly, when did you last wash your shoes? Exactly. Never. Then, you’re just going to walk into the house with all that dirt and filth? It’s pretty disgusting when you think about it.

This concept follows Jesus’s example. When you leave a town or a home where you stepped on something unpleasant, you don’t want to take that with you to the next place. You should shake it off.

There is no need to carry baggage to the next home or town. Leave your baggage behind and travel light. Jesus’ message is clear: don’t let the load you’ve been carrying weigh you down.

Otherwise, you’ll get held up. The baggage and filth you carry will prevent you from fully experiencing the goodness of the next home and town. Don’t become self-reliant, as that will surely weigh you down. When we have everything on our checklist checked off, we don’t allow for the Holy Spirit to move. We have no need for God when we rely solely on ourselves.

Some of us still carry baggage from 10-20 years ago. And it’s not getting any lighter. Some of us have not been able to shake off the dust, the hurt, the pain, the negativity, the gossip, the negative thinking, the trauma from childhood, the abuse, the mistreatment, the worrying, the illness, the bad vibes, the overeating, the overspending, the laziness, the disrespect, the anger, the suicidal thoughts, the loneliness, the darkness we’re in, or the rejection from various sources. We just can’t shake it off. Today, Jesus is calling you to shake it off and bring to him what you have not been able to shake off.

Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on July 11, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Freedom

03 Jul
Freedom

7.3.24

It’s the season of celebrating independence and freedom with fireworks and barbeque. And, I hope you have a fun and safe celebration. But the concept of freedom extends far beyond the fight for national liberation.

Mark 5:21-43 tells a story that speaks directly to the yearning for freedom in our own lives. Here, we encounter two remarkable individuals facing immense struggles. A woman had been battling a relentless illness for twelve years, her life completely restricted by it. Imagine the desperation, the feeling of being trapped in a situation beyond your control.

The other story features a father desperate to find healing for his young daughter. Both individuals represent the very real struggles we face today. Maybe you’re battling a chronic illness, fighting to overcome an addiction, or grappling with the loss of a loved one. These experiences can feel like a prison, robbing us of the freedom to live life to the fullest.

What’s even more striking is how both individuals, despite societal constraints, pushed through the crowd to reach Jesus. The woman, considered unclean by religious law, disregarded societal norms to reach out for healing. Jairus, a synagogue leader, likely faced criticism from his community for breaking religious taboos to seek Jesus’ help. Perhaps, like the woman, he too had a change of heart, questioning who truly deserves God’s grace.

Two people in search of their freedom received it from Jesus that day. This story emphasizes that true freedom isn’t about status, wealth, or position. It’s about having faith in Jesus’ healing power.

Jesus’ message: Do not give up. Do not be afraid. Only believe. 

Healing comes in many forms, not always as we expect. While some receive miraculous healing in this life, others find comfort in knowing that greater healing awaits us in heaven. So, don’t be afraid to bring your burdens to Jesus. He can set you free, offering hope and a path toward wholeness in this life and the next.

Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on July 3, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Philosophy, Postcolonial, Postmodern, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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