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Monthly Archives: October 2024

A Call To Discernment: Standing On Truth Amid Misinformation

25 Oct
A Call To Discernment: Standing On Truth Amid Misinformation

10.25.24

As election day approaches, it is critical that we, as Christians, remember our responsibility to seek truth and uphold integrity, not just in how we vote, but in how we process information. In a time when misinformation is rampant—both in society and, sadly, sometimes even within the church—we must be vigilant in discerning what is true and what is false.

Paul’s words in Philippians 2:12 remind us, “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” This is a call to personal responsibility. While we are in community with one another, each of us must take responsibility for our actions and our beliefs. It can be tempting to follow the crowd or to accept information from sources we trust without verification. Yet, as people of faith, we are called to a higher standard.

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, offered wise counsel regarding elections: “I met those of our society who had votes in the ensuing election and advised them: (1) To vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worthy; (2) To speak no evil of the person they voted against; and (3) To take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side.” Wesley’s advice goes beyond just political elections—it is a model for all areas of life where we must make decisions based on character and truth, rather than gossip, slander, or misinformation.

It can be hard to stand firm when those we have long trusted present ideas or narratives contrary to what we know to be right. But our call as believers is to diligently seek the truth, not just accept what is easy or convenient. As Proverbs 14:15 reminds us, “The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” We must not be simple in our understanding, but prudent and discerning, willing to do the hard work of separating fact from fiction, even when it challenges those closest to us.

This election season, may we commit ourselves to truth—not just the truth we hear from others, but the truth we seek with diligence and prayer. May we remember that our ultimate allegiance is to God, and that standing for what is right may sometimes put us at odds with the majority. Still, we must stand.

May we pray for wisdom, discernment, and courage as we exercise our rights and responsibilities in this pivotal time.

In Christ! Shalom, Salaam, Paz, Pax, Peace, Melino!

Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on October 25, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Media, Philosophy, Podcasts, Postcolonial, Postmodern, Religion, Spirituality, Student life, Theology

 

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When God is Silent (A reflection based on Job 23:1-17)

17 Oct
When God is Silent (A reflection based on Job 23:1-17)

10.17.24
Have you ever found yourself searching for God, only to be met with silence? I know I have. There are times when we call out to God, desperate for answers, but all we seem to hear is our own voice echoing back. This was Job’s experience, and it’s an experience many of us share, especially when we’re facing difficult times.

Job cried out to God in his suffering, but God was silent for what felt like a lifetime. In those moments, Job struggled, just as we do. But as I reflected on Job’s story, I wondered: What if God’s silence is actually a way of communicating? A God who shows up at the snap of our fingers would lose His mystery and power. But in the silence, we are given the space to express our sorrow, to wrestle with our questions, and to realize that we’re not in control.

In our world today, we’ve seen so much suffering—through hurricanes like Helene and Milton, through war in the Middle East, through personal losses and health struggles. When God seems silent, it’s easy to feel abandoned. But just like Job, we are not alone. Even in the silence, God is present through the people around us, through the community of faith that upholds us, and through the whispers of hope that remind us God is still here.

We may not always get clear answers, but we can take heart in knowing that even when we shout into the silence, God hears us. And sometimes, it’s in that silence that we find the strength to keep going, to keep believing, and to trust that God is still at work, even when we can’t see it.

In Christ! Shalom, Salaam, Paz, Pax, Peace, Melino!

Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on October 17, 2024 in Church, Community, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Holding It Together When Everything’s Falling Apart

10 Oct
Holding It Together When Everything’s Falling Apart

10.10.24

Holding It Together When Everything’s Falling Apart

This past Sunday’s sermon, based on Job 1:1, 2:1-10, is a timely reflection on how we navigate life when everything around us seems to crumble. Job, a man who was blameless before God, loses everything—his wealth, his family, and his health—yet somehow holds on to his faith. How did Job manage to keep his integrity when everything in his life was falling apart? It’s the same question many of us ask when tragedy strikes.

Like Job, we’ve all experienced moments where life feels unfair, where suffering seems too great to bear. Whether it’s the sudden loss of a loved one, a devastating illness, or natural disasters like Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we find ourselves lifting our eyes to heaven and asking, “Why, God? It’s easy to feel abandoned or even angry in times like these. The book of Job reminds us that it’s okay to feel that way. But it also challenges us to hold on to our faith, even in the hardest of times.

This past week, as communities in the Carolinas, Tennessee, Virginia, and Florida begin the long process of recovery from Hurricane Helene, and with Hurricane Milton, we are reminded of the fragility of life. Many have lost homes, businesses, and even loved ones. But in the midst of this devastation, we also see signs of hope. Volunteers, emergency responders, and neighbors have come together to help clean up and rebuild. God is at work behind the scenes, bringing comfort, healing, and hope even in the darkest moments.

As we reflect on Job’s story, we are reminded that while suffering is a part of life, it does not last forever. Evil may have its moment, but God’s reign is eternal. In the face of loss, we are invited to hold onto the good, even when life presents us with the bad. God is still on the throne, still working, still present.

Let us continue to pray for those affected by these hurricanes and for all those suffering across the world. And may we, as a church, be a source of hope, light, and love in our community, showing that even when everything seems to be falling apart, we can hold it together through our faith in God. Because no matter what happens, God is always holding us together—whether everything around us is falling apart, or when we ourselves seem to fall apart.

In Christ! Shalom, Salaam, Paz, Pax, Peace, Melino!

Sela

 
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Posted by on October 10, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Prayer

03 Oct
Prayer

Growing up, prayer was an integral part of our family life. We gathered each morning and evening, young and old alike, to offer our prayers to God. The longer each person prayed, the longer we stayed together in the living room. It wasn’t uncommon for the youngest among us to fall asleep during our prayer time. Today, we continue to pray together whenever we gather as a family.

Prayer was more than just a ritual; it was a way to connect with God and with each other. It was a source of comfort, strength, and guidance.

As I’ve continued my journey as a follower of Christ, I’ve come to appreciate the transformative power of prayer even more. It’s not just a spiritual exercise; it’s a lifeline to God, a source of strength, and a means of experiencing God.

Intercessory prayer is equally important. Praying for others is a powerful way to demonstrate our love and compassion. But we can also be answers to prayers. By offering practical help and support to those in need, we become instruments of God’s grace.

The recent catastrophe in the southeastern states has been a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life, and the irrelevance of possessions. Yet, amidst the devastation, we’ve witnessed countless acts of kindness and compassion. People from all walks of life have come together to help those affected, offering shelter, food, and emotional support.

These individuals are answers to prayers. Their presence has brought hope and comfort to those who have lost so much. By stepping up and offering assistance, they have demonstrated the power of human kindness and the love of God.

As we continue our journey as followers of Christ, let us remember the importance of both praying and being an answer to prayers. By offering our time, our resources, and our compassion, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of others and reflect the love of God in the world.

Don’t let the busyness of life distract you from the importance of prayer. Make time to connect with God through prayer, and experience the transformative power of God’s love and grace.

In Christ! Shalom, Salaam, Paz, Pax, Peace, Melino!

Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on October 3, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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