RSS

Category Archives: Culture

Prayer for the Fifth Sunday in Lent

26 Mar
Prayer for the Fifth Sunday in Lent

Scripture: John 11:1-45

Dear God,

On this fifth Sunday in Lent, we are grateful for all you have done for us. We come before you with humble hearts, reflecting on the story of Lazarus. We remember how Mary and Martha’s faith was tested, and they cried out to you in their time of need.

Today, we ask for the same faith and courage to trust in your power to bring new life to our difficult situations. We pray for the strength to face our challenges with the same confidence Mary and Martha had in you.
Help us to remember that even when things seem hopeless, you are the God of miracles. We pray that you would breathe new life into the places of our lives that feel dead and heal our wounds and give us hope for the future.

We pray for the families and communities dealing with a loss today, especially the people of Mississippi. We pray for people everywhere who are struggling. Just as you brought Lazarus back to life, we ask that you breathe new life into people who need hope. Help us to trust in your power to transform even the darkest situations.

As we journey towards Easter, may we continue to draw closer to you, growing in faith and love, and may the story of Lazarus remind us of your power to bring life out of death.

We ask all these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on March 26, 2023 in Church, Culture, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Tags:

Fasting

24 Mar
Fasting

Day 27: Friday, March 24, 2023

Fasting

Scripture: Then I turned to the lord God, to seek an answer by prayer and supplication with fasting and sackcloth and

ashes. (Daniel 9:3 NRSV)

Devotion: It has been said that regular fasting at its most basic level may well be the most effective way to deal with all the appetites and pressures that rule us. So many saints throughout history have practiced fasting religiously. Combined with prayer, it is a critical means of making ourselves available to the cleansing, restoring, and empowering grace of God.

Growing up, I often witnessed my mom and aunts carry on this tradition. Although I was invited to participate, I never took it seriously, and if I did take part, it was more of a requirement while on a church retreat or with a group. Later in seminary life, the importance of fasting was reiterated.

While fasting is not all there is to the Christian life, it creates enough space for God to engage us. The most popular fasting is abstinence from food, but this alone cannot be experienced as spiritual until it can be joined with the sense of acknowledging God’s love and responding by loving others. Fasting is not primarily a discipline through which we gain greater control over our lives but through which God gains access to redirect and heal our body, mind, and spirit.

Fasting and prayer are traditional disciplines for the season of Lent. Whatever your experience with fasting may have been in the past, may we earnestly make space and clear the way for God so that we can be restored and discover more fully the desires of our soul.

Following is an author’s definition on fasting that I thought appropriate.

“Fasting is cleansing. It cleans out our bodies. It lays bare our souls. It leads us into the arms of that One for whom we hunger.

In the Divine Arms we become less demanding and more like the 

one who holds us. Then we experience new hungers. We hunger and thirst for justice, for goodness and holiness. We hunger for what is right. We hunger to be saints. Most of us are not nearly hungry enough for the things that really matter. That’s why it is so good for us to feel a gnawing in our guts. Then we remember why we are fasting. We remember all the peoples of the world who have no choice but to go to bed hungry. We remember how we waste and squander the goods of this world.

We remember what poor stewards of the earth we have been. We remember that each of us is called to be bread for the world. Our lives are meant to nourish. Fasting can lead us to the core of our being and make us more nourishing for others.” – Macrina Wiederkehr

Prayer: Holy God, We come to you in the emptiness of our body and soul and ask that you fill it with your love. Amen

AW

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on March 24, 2023 in Church, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Tags:

Freewill

22 Mar
Freewill

Day 25: Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Freewill

Scripture: The human mind plans the way, but the Lord direct the steps. (Proverbs 16:9 NRSV)

Devotional: One of the greatest gifts of God to humanity is the freedom to choose. We can choose our attitude and direction in life.

Sometimes we don’t always make the right choice. We rush to make decisions or have the wrong motives. We even sometimes choose not to choose, and the consequences haunt us for our indecisions.

Sometimes the problem with choices is that there are too many, and need for a clearer understanding of which way is right and which way is wrong. Other times, we may feel that we have no choice. God gave us the gift of freewill so we can make wise choices. We should make the right choices through guidance from the Bible and the Holy Spirit. When we feel we have made the wrong choice, we can ask God to help us choose again and direct our steps. We do not have to be stranded in the desert or the middle of nowhere. We can always find hope in asking God to direct our steps and bring us back on the right track.

During the season of Lent, if you are on the wrong track, ask God to redirect your steps and help you get back on the right path.

Prayer: Holy God, we give you thanks for gifting us freewill. As we plan for our life, help us stay on course. Amen

AW

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on March 22, 2023 in Church, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Tags:

Planters

20 Mar
Planters

Day 23: Monday, March 20, 2023

Planters

Scripture: I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and each will receive wages according to their own labor. For we are God’s coworkers, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Let each builder choose with care how to build on it. (1 Corinthians 3:6-10 NRSV)

Devotion: As we journey through the season of Lent, it’s important to remember that our role in the church is not to force growth but to plant seeds. In 1 Corinthians 3:6-10, Paul writes about this very idea: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”

Like Paul, we are called to plant seeds and water them, but we are not the ones who ultimately control their growth. This can be difficult for us, especially in a culture that values immediate results and success. But as we reflect on our personal stories, we can see that the seeds planted in our lives took time to grow and bear fruit.

For me, it was never my plan to go into ministry. However, God’s calling led me to seminary and eventually into ministry. Looking back, I can see how the seeds of faith were planted in my family, as generations before me served in various roles in the church. Their faithfulness and commitment to the gospel laid the foundation for my journey.

Similarly, we can be faithful planters of seeds in others’ lives, even if we don’t get to see the results. It takes time for roots to grow and bear fruit. During this Lenten season, may we focus on faithfully planting seeds and nurturing them, knowing that God is the one who gives the growth. And may we trust in God’s timing and plan, as we continue to journey in faith and serve in our various roles in the church.

Prayer: Creator God, Thank you for the seeds planted by others in our lives. Thank you for making it grow. Amen

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on March 20, 2023 in Church, Culture, Family, Life, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Tags:

Stewardship

17 Mar
Stewardship

In 2008, the financial industry was hit by a major crisis highlighting the importance of sound decision-making and effective management. At the time, I was a licensed series 7 and 63 broker working in the financial securities industry while attending seminary. This experience showed me firsthand the importance of taking a long-term view and avoiding emotional attachment and personal opinions that can cloud our judgment.

Fast forward to this week, and we see Silicon Valley Bank’s and Signature Bank’s failures. At the same time, the First Republic and Credit Suisse Banks are being rescued, and still, others are on edge, which serves as a stark reminder that the health of our financial systems is closely interconnected.

As we reflect on these events, it is essential to remember the wisdom of Proverbs 27:23-24, which cautions us to be mindful of our resources and prioritize responsible stewardship. Whether we are managing our personal finances, the finances of a business or institution, or the finances of a church, it is essential to remain focused on long-term goals and avoid being swayed by short-term emotions.

In particular, managing church finances requires high accountability and transparency, as we are entrusted with the resources others have given over the years and continue to allocate toward the future. It is our responsibility to use these resources wisely and in accordance with the values and priorities of the church that will further the kingdom.

The recent bank failures also demonstrate the interconnected nature of our financial systems. As banks and financial institutions work together to manage risks and allocate resources, the failure of one institution can have ripple effects throughout the system. This is why effective regulation and oversight are essential to ensure our financial systems’ stability and resilience.

As we move forward, let us remember the past and present lessons and strive to be responsible stewards of all our personal, institutional, or pooled resources. Doing so can build a more robust and stable financial system that benefits us all in the short term and future generations.

Grace and peace!

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on March 17, 2023 in Church, Culture, Economics, Life, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Tags:

Global Neighbor

14 Mar
Global Neighbor

Day 18: Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Global Neighbor

Scripture: How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1 NRSV)

Devotion: Psalm 133:1 reminds us of the importance of unity and living in harmony with each other and our neighbors. As we observe Lent, we are reminded of our responsibility to expand our definition of “kindred” beyond our immediate circles. The global community is our extended family, and we are called to treat them as such.

Growing up in Tonga and Hawai’i, I learned the importance of being a good neighbor. We supported each other through thick and thin. In today’s interconnected world, we have the ability to reach out and connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds. This Lenten season, we are called to embrace our global neighbors and support those in need.

As we open our hearts and minds, we become the hands and feet of Christ. Our love and compassion for our fellow humans demonstrate our love for God. Let us celebrate the beauty of unity, no matter where we are in the world. May our Lenten journey be a time of reflection and action, as we embrace our global family and strive for unity and harmony.

Prayer: God, help us love and serve our neighbors near and far. Open our eyes, mind, and heart to those we may otherwise miss. Amen.

AW

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on March 14, 2023 in Church, Culture, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Tags:

Love Your Neighbor

11 Mar
Love Your Neighbor

Day 16: Saturday, March 11, 2023

Love Your Neighbor

Scripture: You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 19:18 NRSV)

Devotion: We often hear Jesus saying to love God with all of our hearts, mind, soul, and strength and to love our neighbor. Jesus also said that loving God and neighbor were the greatest commandments of all. What we don’t often hear is that these words reiterated by Jesus also show up in the Old Testament, in the book of Leviticus:

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.” 

Who is our neighbor? Everyone. How we show love to everyone can be challenging, particularly with those whose choices we dislike, whose lifestyles we disapprove of, or anyone that’s too different. When we encounter people whose race, culture, religion, or political view differs from ours, the challenge to love them increases. God, who created and loved all people, calls and empowers us to love one another. We are called to love God with our whole selves, and we do this by loving one another and our neighbors.

C.S. Lewis once said, “Do not waste your time bothering about whether you love your neighbor; act as if you did… When you are behaving as if you love someone, you will presently come to love him.”

In this season of Lent, may we seek God’s guidance in helping us to grow our love for our neighbor.

Prayer: Holy God, you are always merciful and loving. May you continue to help us grow in our love for you through loving our neighbors. Amen

AW

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on March 11, 2023 in Church, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Philosophy, Postcolonial, Postmodern, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Tags:

Time Change

10 Mar
Time Change

3.10.23

It’s Friday morning, and I just glanced at my calendar. And to my horror, daylight savings time is marked for this Sunday, March 12, 2023. Oh no, the one day I dread all year long is fast approaching. It’s one of my least favorite days of the year, as it always messes with my sleep schedule for days, weeks, and maybe months until they change the time back in the fall. But just like time changes, there are many things in life that we can’t control, seasons, weather, inflation, the state of the world, and people’s behavior. All we can do is prepare ourselves and respond in the best possible way we know how.

The Lenten season is a reminder of this, as it challenges us to overcome the desires of the flesh (like more sleep) and prepare ourselves for Easter. It’s not meant to be a season of suffering or denying ourselves of something for no reason, but rather Lent is an opportunity to become new persons ready to rise with Christ.

St. Oscar Romero once said, “People do not mortify themselves during Lent out of a sick desire to suffer. God did not make us for suffering. If we fast or do penances or pray, it is for a very positive goal: by overcoming self, one achieves the Easter resurrection. We do not just celebrate a risen Christ, distinct from us, but during Lent, we prepare ourselves to rise with him to new life and to become the new persons is what the country needs right now. Let us not just shout slogans about new structures; new structures will be worthless without new persons to administer the new structures the country needs and live them out in their lives.”
St. Oscar Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador, The Violence of Love (2004). Assassinated March 24, 1980, El Salvador

His words struck a chord with me. Lent was not meant to be a time of aimless suffering but intentional self-reflection and growth. It reminds us that we can always strive to become better versions of ourselves, even in the face of things we can’t control.

So, as I prepare for the time change, I am reminded that I may not have control over everything in life, but I do have control over how I respond. As I mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually prepare to adjust my clocks forward an hour, I keep in mind that change is hard many times. We don’t quickly adapt and accept them because we’re too comfortable with everything where they are. But if we’re to embrace a new season, and rise with Christ, then we must prepare ourselves for a future that lies ahead, in which God is calling us not just to wake up but to rise and embrace the new life that awaits us.

Peace and grace!

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on March 10, 2023 in Church, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Tags:

Forgiveness

09 Mar
Forgiveness

Day 14: Thursday, March 9, 2023

Forgiveness

Scripture: Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21-22)

Devotion: During the season of Lent, we reflect on our relationship with God and examine our hearts. Peter once asked Jesus, “Lord, how many times should I forgive someone who sins against me?” Forgiveness can be a difficult act, especially when someone has hurt us deeply. However, Jesus teaches us that forgiveness is not just a one-time act but a way of life.

In our individualistic culture, we may be tempted to only attend church when it meets our personal needs and to leave if we are offended or hurt. But Jesus calls us to a higher standard of love and forgiveness. As we gather with other believers, we have a responsibility to forgive and uphold one another.

Forgiveness is a gift of God and a powerful sign of our spiritual maturity and life together as Christians. When we forgive, we gain strength and freedom to refocus our emotional energies and grow closer to God. It is important to remember that forgiveness does not mean we need to be a recipient of abuse or mistreatment. Instead, it means we choose to release our hurt and anger to God to work healing power in our lives.

So, as we journey through this Lenten season, let us ask ourselves: Whom do we need to forgive? Are we willing to extend the same forgiveness that God has shown us? Let us reflect on the heart of God, and allow God to work in us the power of grace.

Prayer: Merciful God, Help us to become more like you. Amen.

AW

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on March 9, 2023 in Church, Culture, Family, Life, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Tags:

Rules

07 Mar
Rules

Day 12: Tuesday, March 7, 2023

                                    Rules

Scripture: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above or that is on the earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject mebut showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments. “You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.“Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and consecrated it. “Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. “You shall not murder. “You shall not commit adultery. “You shall not steal. “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female slave, ox, donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:2-17 NRSV)

Devotional: Growing up, the Ten Commandments were the rule in our house. In fact, my parents added a lot more to the ten found in the books of Exodus, Deuteronomy, and Leviticus. I learned early on that following the rules from the Bible was critical as a Christian. Later, I learned that being a Christian is not just about rules but also about accepting the free gift of God’s grace through Jesus Christ. We rely on God’s power to guide us and accept God’s grace by keeping the commandments, not out of obligation but out of love. The Ten Commandments are a gift from God that guides us in our life together as God’s people. They are timeless ethical and moral principles and part of God’s covenant with us. The Ten Commandments give us a guideline for our responsibility toward God and one another.

As we journey in the season of Lent, may we examine our lives to see if we are living out God’s gift of the Ten Commandments. If not, what can we do differently to live more closely to this gift from God?

Prayer: Holy God, you have given us a gift of how to live rightly with you and others. Please help us to be faithful followers in both word and deed. Amen

AW

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on March 7, 2023 in Church, Culture, Family, Life, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Tags:

← Older posts
Newer posts →