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Stillness

27 Feb
Stillness

2.27.23

Stillness

Scripture: Be still, and know that I am God! (Psalm 46:10 NRSV)

Devotion: I participated in a retreat at the Still Water Lodge in Glen Rose, Texas, a few years ago. This place is next door to where Glen Lake Camp is located, a familiar site for many youths in our conference including ours who just returned from their winter camp.

This was my second gathering with this particular group at the Still Water Lodge. It was early fall, and the facility and grounds were very serene.

The next day, I woke up early and went to spend some time sitting on a wooden bench swing looking over the water. I pondered why they may have named that place Still Water Lodge. The water in the river behind the lodge seemed very still, thus the name Still Water. Whether or not that was the meaning behind the name is interesting. I have not been around many rivers, so I am uncertain and know very little of their behavior as opposed to oceans. But the water’s stillness connected me to that morning’s tranquility. It was peaceful and serene, and the weather was perfect, the fog slowly moving over to cover the skies and meet the morning dew.

The mist from the fog softly dropped on my bare skin, and I could feel its refreshing coolness. I could hear the birds chirping all around, a delightful sound. And even though I could hear the sounds of traffic in the background, I meditated on the peaceful present. It was as if God was saying to me, “Be still, Sela, for I am here.” I would have stayed in that space, that sacred space, with God all day if I could. 

During this season of Lent, find a quiet place to be still and listen to how God may be speaking to you. 

Prayer: Oh God, help us to find a space where we can hear you and listen to you more attentively. Amen.

AW

 
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Posted by on February 27, 2023 in Church, Culture, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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First Sunday in Lent Prayer

26 Feb
First Sunday in Lent Prayer

Dear God, we come before you today in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We thank you for the example set by Jesus when he faced temptation and overcame it by standing firm in your Word.

We pray for our church and community, that we may follow Jesus’ example and resist the temptations that come our way. Please give us the strength to overcome the trials and challenges we face, and help us to rely on your Word as our guide.

We pray for unity within our church and community so that we may be one in purpose and mission. May we support and encourage one another in our faith, and reach out to those who are lost or hurting.

We pray for your guidance and wisdom as we seek to serve you, and for your protection and provision for our families, friends, and neighbors. May we be faithful stewards of the resources you have given us, using them to glorify you and advance your kingdom.


In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

 
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Posted by on February 26, 2023 in Church, Life, Religion, Spirituality

 

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Ashes

25 Feb
Ashes

During the season of Lent, I will be sharing a few devotions that I had written as part of a daily devotional for our church, Western Hills United Methodist Church in Fort Worth, Texas.

Ashes

Scripture: By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread

until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken;

you are dust, and to dust you shall return. (Genesis 3:19 NRSV)

Devotion: Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, a season of repentance and reflection in the Christian church. This day is marked by the practice of receiving ashes on the forehead, which are typically made by burning the palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday. The ashes symbolize mortality and remind us that we are but dust; to dust, we shall return. 

The practice of receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday dates back to the 8th century, but Christians have observed the season of Lent since the early days of the Church. Lent is 40 days, mirroring the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness, fasting and praying before beginning his ministry. During this time, Christians are called to focus on prayer, fasting, and acts of charity to draw closer to God and prepare their hearts for Easter.

In the book of Joel, we read the call to repentance at the heart of the Lenten season. Joel 2:12-13 says, “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” The ashes on our foreheads are a visible sign of our desire to turn away from sin and towards God, to repent and receive the grace and forgiveness that is offered to us through Jesus Christ.

Prayer: God, as we begin this season of Lent, help us as we reflect on our lives and draw closer to you by seeking your will and mercy. Amen

AW

 
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Posted by on February 25, 2023 in Church, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Lent Season 2023

24 Feb
Lent Season 2023

2.24.23

We have entered the Lenten Season of 2023, beginning with Ash Wednesday. Thank you to all of you who came to have brunch with us. We were incredibly blessed to have an excellent and meaningful worship service Ash Wednesday evening, with a terrific message from our guest preacher Rev. Alfie Wines, Ph.D. If you did not have an opportunity to join us Wednesday, please take the time to view our worship service online on our YouTube channel. The church season of Lent, the 40 days, not including Sundays, is a time of self-examination and repentance in preparation for celebrating the most significant day for the Christian faith, Easter.

Please pick up a Lenten devotional Sunday to be a part of your daily spiritual discipline. The devotions are also shared online on our website and social media.

*Invitation to the Observance of Lenten Discipline

Dear Brothers and sisters in Christ:
The early Christians observed with great devotion
the days of our Lord’s passion and resurrection,
And it became the custom of the Church that before the Easter celebration, there should be a forty-day season of spiritual preparation. During this season, converts to the faith were prepared for Holy Baptism. It was also a time when persons who had committed serious sins and had separated themselves from the community of faith,
were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness,
And restored to participation in the life of the Church.
In this way, the whole congregation was reminded of the mercy, and for- giveness proclaimed in the gospel of Jesus Christ
and the need we all have to renew our faith.
I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church,
To observe a holy Lent:
By self-examination and repentance;
By prayer, fasting, and self-denial,
And by reading and meditation on God’s Holy Word
*BOW


In Christ!
Pastor Sela

 
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Posted by on February 24, 2023 in Church, Culture, Life, Religion, Spirituality

 

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Come Holy Spirit

17 Feb
Come Holy Spirit

February 17, 2023

Over the past week, there have been several events around the world that have influenced my thoughts and caused me to pause, pray, and reflect, and I will share two of them. The first event that impacted me was the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria, claiming over 45,000 lives. It is disheartening to think about the thousands of grieving families, and my heart goes out to them. Our shared humanity connects us despite the distance and different religions that people may practice. We are all brothers and sisters, and our belief in the one monotheistic God unites us.

The second event is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky. The revival has been ongoing for over a week, and a couple of other universities have also caught a spark of that fire and started revivals on their campuses. This is encouraging news, no matter who is involved, but particularly when it involves young people worshiping nonstop. Thousands of people flocked to Asbury to witness and participate in the revival. It shows a hunger for spiritual renewal and that young people are willing to take up the mantle of faith. Seeing the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on a college campus filled with students is inspiring. This gives hope for the future of the church and the world. Asbury University is rooted in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition and theology, and the university is named after Bishop Francis Asbury, the first Methodist bishop in America.

The revival at Asbury University is a reminder that the Holy Spirit is not contained in a specific time, generation, location, community, denomination, or building, for it flows freely among people who sincerely desire God. It challenges us to reflect on how we can have a revival in our community. Can we also have the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our church and neighborhood? I can attest that I see a spark of the Holy Spirit when we gather on Sunday. I see this spark in children, youth, and all ages. And to continue this spark beyond Sunday and have it continue burning, we must first experience it (the outpouring of the Holy Spirit), spread God’s love, and pass it on. Just like the hymn, Pass It On.

There must be a deep desire in our hearts to seek God. We need to continuously ask ourselves if the work of the Holy Spirit is evident in our lives with how we speak to others and about others and with how we conduct ourselves and our affairs. How deeply do we desire God in our lives? Sometimes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit requires us to do uncomfortable things, but we know it’s from God. The Holy Spirit may lead us to leave the comfort of our building and go to places we may not want to go, but it is where we are most needed. It is a sign of whether we are only doing what we want to do or following God’s vision for us.

As we move towards Lent next week, we must repent of our sins, turn to God, and reflect on our role in the lives of others. We need to ponder on our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ, and reflect on how and if God plays a role in our lives. The events over the past week challenged us to think beyond ourselves and consider the needs of others. It is essential to consider how we can positively impact those around us, both near and far. We can take inspiration from the revival at Asbury University and work towards spreading the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our small groups and community. We can make a difference by fostering a culture of prayer and worship. Creating opportunities for people to gather and pray can ignite a spiritual awakening in our neighborhoods.

On Ash Wednesday, February 22, I invite you to come and receive ashes between the hours of 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 to 12:30 p.m. I will be in the narthex (primary entryway to the sanctuary). If you cannot get out of your car, just pull up by the door. I also invite you to brunch at 10 a.m. at the Westside Cafe on Camp Bowie. Here we can break bread, be a witness, and offer ashes to those who wish to receive them. And finally, you are invited to join us for our worship service at 7:00 p.m.

Thank you for your faithfulness.

In Christ!
Pastor Sela

 
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Posted by on February 17, 2023 in Church, Culture, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Student life, Theology

 

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New Vision

10 Feb
New Vision

Dear Church,

Millions of people will watch the Super Bowl on TV this Sunday. Unfortunately for Dallas Cowboys fans, our team will also be watching instead of playing. The teams who make it to the Super Bowl deserve every bit since they worked hard and made necessary changes with their leaders, players, and staff. If someone is no longer contributing to the team’s success, they may better serve in another team, even if that means retirement. Everyone and everything has a season. 

The church is facing a critical time as the world has undergone a major shift in the wake of the pandemic. Many churches have experienced a decline in attendance and a reduction in offerings; some have even had to close their doors. To avoid becoming a part of the statistics of a dying church, it is imperative that we make necessary changes today with staff and leadership.

One of the most significant changes we need to make is to adapt to the changing times. In the corporate world, as with a professional football team, when something is no longer working, it is often necessary to restructure or get rid of it. The same holds true for the church. If we cling to old methods and ideas that are no longer effective, we will be left behind. The church must embrace new ideas, new technologies, and new ways of outreach if we are to reach the next generation.

Another critical change that needs to be made is to embrace new leadership. Jesus once said, “You don’t put new wine in old wineskins.” This means that as the church changes and evolves, the leadership must also change. Old leaders have limitations and tunnel vision and need to step aside to make way for the future. This church needs a new vision with new leaders who can see a future different from sustaining the status quo.

Since last year, over 2,000 churches have disaffiliated from The United Methodist Church. This division results from different opinions and theological interpretations of the Bible about human sexuality, among other theological matters. While it is heartbreaking to see our church denomination breakup, church splits and disagreements have existed since the beginning of the church. However, it is also an opportunity for growth and renewal and should not deter us from continuing our mission of furthering the kingdom of God.

As we look to the future, we cannot predict it based on the past. Everything has a season, and it is time for the church to embrace change and make way for the future. The mission of Jesus is to save the lost, heal the sick, and comfort the brokenhearted. This mission cannot be achieved by clinging to old ideas and methods. It requires a new vision, new leadership, and a willingness to embrace change. When we embrace change and make necessary adjustments to programs, staff, and lay leadership, the church will continue to be a beacon of hope in a dark world. 

Whatever team wins the Superbowl Sunday, it is clear that the Dallas Cowboys needs to make necessary changes today to increase their chances for a brighter future.

Pastor Sela

 
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Posted by on February 10, 2023 in Church, Life, Religion, Theology

 

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Make the Switch

03 Feb
Make the Switch

Dear Church,

How have you been? How have you been doing mentally, spiritually, and physically this week with all the freezing weather? If you are not accustomed to staying at home all day and night and feel stuck, this week has probably been a challenge. What do you do with all this time? For some of us, we were able to work from home without interruptions. For many, the time at home allowed us to catch up on tasks and spend time with family. For others, the weather was an inconvenience and disruption to our routine. Furthermore, it may have meant a loss of income. However ways we dealt with nature, I pray we were better prepared this time around. I pray that our time at home allows us to spend more time with God and study and meditate on God’s holy Word. 

I was backing out of my garage a few days ago to go somewhere. My car didn’t feel right, so I pulled it back inside the garage. It was around 25 degrees. I was in my 23-year-old car and my preferred ride. I absolutely love that car. We have history together for the past 21 years. We’ve seen our best and worst days. Two years ago, when we had the icemageddon, we plowed through it. The car has a snow-eject feature, a powerful engine, and great wheels on snow and ice. Since that frightful Valentine’s week in 2021, when it stayed below freezing for a week, and we endured without electricity and water in central Texas, I planned for the future. I needed another car to handle the subsequent ice storms better. Thus, that summer, I invested in a four-wheel drive car that could take me through the next couple of decades of ice storms. That future is here, and my four-wheel drive SUV faired well on the roads these past few days, and I am grateful I made the switch. Unfortunately, for my friends in central Texas, in both Williamson and Travis counties, many are still without power. Some had made plans with a generator, others not so much.

I share this story to say that it is, in many ways, the same as the Church. We may have a favorite and preferred way of doing things. We prefer to stick to the way we’ve always done it. It has carried us through the years. We have an emotional attachment to it and don’t want change. But if the way we’ve always done it is not reaching new people for Christ, and it’s not furthering the kingdom of God, then perhaps we need to make a switch. Continuing to ride the same vehicle will only take us so far. There is a season for everything. All things have a shelf life. When we have a vision of where we want to go, we need to switch to updated, modern, and sturdier vehicles for the changing seasons and journey. Frankly, in this Texas weather with thunder, ice, sleet, snow, and freezing rain, the only thing we need to be sliding into on the road is Jesus, who is up ahead, calling us to come to him. 

See you Sunday!

Pastor Sela

 
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Posted by on February 3, 2023 in Church, Life, Philosophy, Religion

 

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Vision

27 Jan
Vision
Photo by Sebastian Palomino on Pexels.com

Dear Church,

Six months ago, we embarked on a journey. The Bishop and conference brought us together to be in ministry alongside our neighbors and serve those in our mission field. Our vision for the future is to continue our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Without a clear vision, we may not be able to see accurately. Without a refined vision, we may go around and around as in a roundabout. The mission is to make disciples. The vision is to transform the world. We refine and define our vision by assessing our present location or where we are now and asking ourselves where we want to go from here. If we consider that everything is fine as is and we want to stay where we are, then by all means, we do not need to do anything. To remain idle is like a church on hospice.

However, if we envision a future where we are reaching more people for Christ and are committed to following the ways of Jesus, we must define our steps and create a pathway to get there. We evaluate our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Continuing to do the same things repeatedly and expecting different results is not the answer. We must continuously recruit new people in new positions to bring their ideas to the table and to have new conversations and diverse perspectives.

Put simply; it’s like mapping where we’re going. Our map must first know our current location before calculating our destination. Only then will our map app line up our path with a plan to get to where we want to go. And along the way, we may encounter delays and obstacles, but with a plan in place, we can deviate and continue the journey.

In the past six months, our worship attendance increased slightly. As I have heard from several people, there is a new energy in the room. My vision for the next 12 months is to engage more people for Jesus, specifically younger people. One way we will accomplish this is with the help of a Children’s Ministry Director. The position is currently open and available. Another way of reaching more people is by enhancing our music ministry. Weekly, our media team continues to need help. One week our livestream works well; the next week, our sound is lost. The sound is excellent in a particular section of the sanctuary, while our voices are barely heard in other areas. Every aspect is a work in progress, but we can better define a path forward by analyzing our current position and making improvements.

Ultimately, our worship attendance will consequently increase as a result of our commitment to engaging the people in our mission field. We must sometimes ask whether we are genuinely committed to following Jesus and continuing his mission, or are we standing in the way, causing a delay? I pray that we are all committed followers and seek to move forward.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday!

Pastor Sela

Western Hills United Methodist Church

2820 Laredo Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76116 http://www.westernhillsumc.org

 
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Posted by on January 27, 2023 in Church, Culture, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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A Post from the Countryside!

02 Nov

2013-11-02 13.06.11

Today, a few of Bethel UMC members and I drove to Millsap for a Bell Dedication Service at the Millsap Volunteer Fire Department. The dedication service was in honor and memory of Bill Guess, offered by his family. He is a late member of Bethel and also a War Veteran and Prisoner of War. His widow, Dot Guess is an active member and is a darling with a great sense of humor.

But if you’re wondering, “Where is Millsap?” Rest assured, you’re not alone. I didn’t know where Millsap was located either until today. Living and working in the country has been quite an experience. I have traveled to many small country towns in the last three months than I have in the last, oh I don’t know, maybe decade?

But here are a few things that I’ve learned since being here in the country: 1. The word “tank” in the country refers to an artificial pond or reservoir that holds water for animal drinking. Silly me, I had thought that they were natural and cute little ponds strategically located within each farm. 2. An average farm size is around 400 acres. Average ranch size is over 500 and going into the thousands. Wow! 3. Squirrels are everywhere, and there are too many dead ones on the road along with other roadkills. Yikes! 4. Although Weatherford in Parker County is part of the Dallas Fort-Worth Metroplex and only 30 minutes West from Downtown Fort Worth, some people think that it’s actually the West, as in West Texas. 5. Parker County is much slower in pace and stepping into the towns is like stepping back in time.

In any case, like the town of Millsap, each day in Parker County I discover more of its rich history and tradition with western and pioneer heritage.

 
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Posted by on November 2, 2013 in Church, Culture, Life

 

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Friday Morning!

11 Oct

It’s Friday morning, and I’m awake at 7:00 a.m. My dog, Philo, is eager to get out. I tell him not yet, but he seems not to understand. So we get up and it’s still dark outside, cloudy, humid and cool. It’s supposed to be my day off, but I have a golf tournament with one of my church. I’ve never played golf before, so today will be a first.

As I’m enjoying my cups of coffee, I thought of checking this blog that I’ve neglected for the past couple of months. But it’s been a busy couple of months. For the month of August and September, I’ve presided and co-presided over 4 different funerals. I realize that’s part of a pastor’s job, but when a couple of those funerals involved family and friends, it’s more than just a pastor’s job.

I’ve traveled to Washington, D.C. for a board meeting with the General Commission on Religion and Race, and then to Boston where I co-officiated with a Catholic Priest at my niece, Amelia’s wedding to James, an Irish. It was a day of celebration, not just with our family, but to see Catholic and Protestant, Irish and Tongan, both immigrant islanders to the U.S. is an amazing story and blessing. A reflection of unity in diversity. A glimpse of the Kingdom of God.

It was nice and refreshing to be away. But since being back, it’s been endless meetings. The mileage I’ve put in my car is ridiculously not ecologically friendly. I could go on a little more in this area, but I will address that at another time.

Anyway, last week, after being on leave for the past couple of months, I officially resigned from my position with TD Ameritrade after 5+ years. It’s been a great experience dealing with people around the world and Wall Street. If there’s one thing that I’ve learned while working in the industry, is that the world does not sleep, at least not at the same time. And whatever happens here in the U.S. from sociopolitical, geopolitics to various market segments affects the world, and whatever happens around the world affects the U.S., financial or otherwise. The Global Market is cyclical, projecting, hopeful, tempting, doubtful, risky, costly, fearful, volatile, reactionary, and reflectionary.

I surely will not miss working 12 hours overnight. That was a killer to the body, mind, and soul. But the irony is that the overnight schedule afforded me the opportunity and flexibility to attend seminary. Two masters degrees later is not bad for a sleepless islander. While I will not miss the chaos of the market, I will miss the excitement. My series 7 & 63 broker licenses is now a thing of the past. And those 7 hours securities industry exams made my eyes and head hurt.

Now, instead of being asked about the DOW, NASDAQ, and S&P, I get asked about church membership, its offering and ministries. Moving onward and living out a calling in the business of Trust, Faith, Hope, and Love. The church ministry, an exciting, rewarding, yet difficult and lonely place to be at times.

Now excuse me while I go and play golf.

 

 
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Posted by on October 11, 2013 in Church, Culture, Life

 
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