Day 30: Loving God, remind us of the power of forgiveness. Help us to release any anger, resentment, or bitterness we hold in our hearts. Grant us the grace to forgive ourselves and others, just as you forgive us. Like the seed that falls to the earth and dies, may we be willing to let go of negativity so that new growth and forgiveness can take root in our hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 28: Holy God, Your boundless love inspires awe and gratitude. The image of the sunrise, spilling its light over every corner of the world, reflects the vastness of your love. Help me to share this light with others. May my actions and words reflect your love, drawing others into the warmth of your embrace. Guide me to reach out to those who feel excluded or alone, offering them a listening ear and a compassionate heart. May I be a living testament to your love, a beacon that shines brightly in the world. Amen.
Day 27: Everlasting God, on this Lenten Friday, I recommit myself to following the path of Jesus. Help me to carry the light of your love into the world. Grant me the strength to overcome challenges, the courage to speak out for justice, and the compassion to offer comfort to those in need. May my actions reflect the transformative power of your love. Amen.
“For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16) These words paint a powerful picture of God’s boundless love, a love that transcends any barrier we might imagine.
Just as God’s love embraces the entire world, we are called to expand our capacity for love. Consider the divisions in our community and the prejudices that create distance. God’s love knows no bounds, and we are called to reflect this love through compassion and understanding.
Reflecting on the sunrise as a metaphor for God’s love—a light that spills over every mountain peak and hidden valley, lighting every corner of the world. We are challenged to be beacons of this same light, welcoming those on the margins, fostering understanding, and building a more loving and just world.
Here are some questions to ponder as we move forward:
As we approach Holy Week, may we carry this message of God’s inclusive love in our hearts. May we shine our light brightly, a testament to the boundless love that embraces the entire world.
A summary of Sunday’s sermon based on John 3:14-21.
Sela Finau
Day 26: Everlasting God. On this Lenten journey, I reflect on John’s message that breaks down walls and dismantles categories. Your love extends to all, regardless of ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other label we might use. Help me to dismantle any walls of prejudice within my own heart. Open my eyes to the richness of diversity surrounding me, a reflection of your vast creation. May I celebrate the unique gifts and perspectives of others, fostering a community that embraces inclusivity and belonging. Grant me the strength to share this message of your boundless love with the world. May my words and actions reflect the beauty of your inclusive embrace, drawing others closer to the warmth of your love. Amen.
Day 24: Almighty God, This Lenten season compels me to reflect on the inclusivity of your love (John 3:14-22). Just as your love encompasses the entire world, I am called to expand my own capacity for love. Forgive me for any judgments or prejudices I may hold that create barriers between myself and others. Help me to see the world through your eyes, with compassion for those who may feel excluded or marginalized. May your love be the guiding light that leads me to embrace those different from myself, welcoming them into our faith community and extending a hand of friendship. Grant me the courage to bridge divides and promote understanding, reflecting your boundless love in the world. Amen.
3.11.24
Day 23: Loving God, As this week of Lent begins, help me to see the darkness within and confess any grumbling, discontent, or doubt hindering my relationship with you. Grant me the courage to seek forgiveness and embrace the transformative light of your love. Like the Israelites in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4-9), I too can grumble despite your provisions. Help me to recognize these patterns within myself and turn towards your forgiveness. The bronze serpent lifted high became a symbol of their redemption. May Jesus, lifted on the cross, be a constant reminder of your sacrifice and the path back to your love. Amen.
3.10.24
Eternal God, on this Fourth Sunday in Lent, we gather in gratitude for the journey thus far. Open our hearts to a deeper awareness of your boundless love and grace. Illuminate our path with the light of your truth, guiding us through moments of reflection, repentance, and redemption. May the joy of your presence inspire us to persevere, and may the promise of Easter fill our hearts with hope. Strengthen us as we continue to walk in faith, and may our lives reflect the transformative power of your enduring love. Amen.
Day 22: Everlasting God, we remember your promise, “He will raise it up.” As we anticipate the celebration of your Son’s resurrection, fill our hearts with hope and expectation. May we find strength and renewal in the knowledge that even in the midst of darkness and struggle, your love prevails, and you have the power to raise us up and transform our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
3.8.24
Wes (the church dog) faced labor complications at home, prompting a visit to PARC Emergency Hospital on Thursday afternoon. The initial diagnosis from the doctor suggested that Wes had a fetus lodged in the birth canal, causing distress and labor dystocia, and that none of the fetuses were deemed “viable.” After discussing the options, I decided that the nonviable fetuses would be removed, and Wes would undergo a spaying procedure. The plan was for her to stay overnight at the hospital.
For hours, I waited for the doctor to call with an update; I prayed that maybe she was wrong and that they would find at least one alive with a heartbeat. I called for an update and was informed the doctor would update me after surgery. Well, the doctor called back, revealing her initial diagnosis was partially incorrect. Surprisingly, two of the five fetuses were indeed viable and were “thriving” (doctor’s word). I was relieved and grateful but heartbroken for the three who did not make it. Then, in the middle of the night, I received a text message from the hospital saying that one of the two puppies had “passed away.” I was confused.
Despite the mixed emotions, there’s a silver lining. Considering the eventual need to part with the puppies and the uncertainty of their future homes, the situation might have unfolded for the best. The story is bittersweet, with moments of joy and sorrow intertwined. Yet, I am grateful for the opportunity to nurture and raise one precious puppy life. Whether human, animal, or plant, life is a gift from God.
I’ll update on the well-being of mom (Wes) and puppy (Epiphany). They are home from the hospital.
The PARC, a 24-hour Emergency Hospital, may be the place to take your pet in Fort Worth for emergencies, as it is equipped with doctors, the latest modern tools, and fancy equipment, but the ER cost is no different than a human ER… 😳😩🤑
#thankful #grateful #blessed #epiphany
a journey in existence 