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Category Archives: Economics

Prayer for Victims of Violence

02 May
Prayer for Victims of Violence

5.2.24

Almighty God,

We come before you heartbroken by the senseless act of violence that occurred near our church last night. A drive-by shooting left five people injured, one young adult of 19 years old and four precious children, the youngest being a mere 3 years old.

Our hearts ache for these innocent victims. Grant the young adult and the four children strength and resilience as they heal from their physical wounds and emotional trauma. Surround them with skilled medical professionals and the unwavering love of their families. 

We also pray for the individual who was stabbed at our neighborhood Kroger’s yesterday morning. For the families facing fear and uncertainty, we pray for your comforting presence. Grant them strength to support their loved ones during this difficult time.

We pray for the perpetrators. Redirect and transform their thoughts, minds, hearts, and lives.

Guide our community towards healing and peace. May we work together to create a safer future where innocent lives, young and old, are not put at risk by violence. Empower us to speak out against gun violence and all forms of violence and work tirelessly towards a future where children can play freely without fear.

In your infinite mercy, we pray. Amen.

Rev. Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on May 2, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Palm Sunday Prayer

24 Mar
Palm Sunday Prayer

3.24.24

Dear God, on this Palm Sunday, we remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem; we echo the crowd’s joyful shouts: “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mark 11:9).

Yet, even amidst the celebration, a deeper understanding stirs within us. We recognize the foreshadowing in Jesus’ arrival on a donkey, a symbol of humility and peace, not on a mighty warhorse. This humble entrance reminds us that the path to true victory lies not in earthly glory but in following your will.

As we begin this Holy Week, we acknowledge the shadow of the coming days—the weight of the cross Jesus will bear on Good Friday. As you have shown us, there is no true understanding of Easter’s joy without first experiencing the sorrow of suffering. Just as Jesus walked through the valley before reaching the mountaintop, we must also be willing to face challenges with unwavering faith.

Lord, help us see beyond the outward spectacle and recognize the true message Jesus brings. Like the branches laid at his feet, may we surrender our pride and self-importance, paving the way for your reign of love and justice in our hearts.

Grant us the courage to follow Jesus, even when the path leads not to earthly glory but service and sacrifice. May we, like the children who sang his praises, embody a spirit of joyful faith, unwavering in our belief in your love and the promise of redemption.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 
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Posted by on March 24, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Philosophy, Postcolonial, Postmodern, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Update on Wes

08 Mar
Update on Wes

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

 
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Posted by on March 8, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Lent

05 Mar
Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Lent

Day 18: Gracious God, help us identify the “tables” in our lives that need flipping, whether it be harmful habits, negative thoughts, or judgmental attitudes. Grant us the courage to overturn them in pursuit of your will, replacing them with the fruits of your Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 
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Posted by on March 5, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Media, Philosophy, Postcolonial, Postmodern, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Monday of the Fourth Week in Lent

04 Mar
Monday of the Fourth Week in Lent

Day 17: Holy God, open our eyes to see where in our lives we may be replicating the actions of the moneychangers in the temple, creating barriers that hinder others from experiencing your love and grace. Remind us that, like the temple, our hearts were meant to be dwelling places for your Spirit, not marketplaces of self-interest. Guide us to remove these obstacles with compassion and love, allowing your light to shine through and draw others closer to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 
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Posted by on March 4, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Friday of the Third Week in Lent

01 Mar
Friday of the Third Week in Lent

3.1.24

Day 15 – God, amid this Lenten journey, we lift our hearts to you amidst the devastating fire in the Panhandle. We seek your strength to persevere in our commitments. As we take up our cross, we also carry the burden of those affected by the fire. Comfort the grieving, protect the displaced, and guide all in the face of this trial. May our lives witness your love and grace, bringing hope and restoration to those in need. Amen

 
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Posted by on March 1, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Isn’t About Earthly Success

29 Feb
Isn’t About Earthly Success

2.29.24

This past Sunday’s message explored the message of Mark 8:31-38, reminding us that following Jesus isn’t about earthly success or comfort. The message emphasizes:

  • Living authentically: Upholding our values, even when faced with pressure or difficulty.
  • Love and service: Prioritizing the needs of others and demonstrating compassion, inspired by Jesus’ teachings.
  • Sacrifice and commitment: Embracing the core values of the gospel, even if it means sacrificing personal gain.

Following Jesus requires living our faith with courage and integrity. This includes standing up for what we believe in, acting with kindness, and embodying the message of love and hope through our actions. Just as the first disciples faced challenges, we, too, will encounter moments where unexpected circumstances test our faith.

We are reminded that faith is a journey with challenges, but through perseverance and commitment, we can make the world a brighter place, one act of compassion at a time.

Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on February 29, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Philosophy, Postmodern, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Investing for the Kingdom: A Reflection on the Parable of the Talents

22 Nov
Investing for the Kingdom: A Reflection on the Parable of the Talents

Investing for the Kingdom: A Reflection on the Parable of the Talents

Exploring the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 (sermon from 11.19.23), Jesus, in preparing his disciples for the Kingdom of Heaven, narrates a story of a master entrusting different talents to three individuals before embarking on a long journey.

The master expects diligence and active engagement, not idle waiting. Upon his return, the two servants who received more talents had doubled their investments, but the one entrusted with a single talent returned it without any growth. This servant’s fear and tendency to compare himself to others led to inaction, resulting in disappointment from the master.

The key lesson drawn from this parable is a call to stewardship. As stewards of God’s gifts—be it talents, abilities, or resources—we are reminded not to waste what has been entrusted to us. The perspective of being stewards, not owners, encourages us to manage our lives, time, and resources wisely.

The sermon emphasized the importance of an open-handed approach to blessings. Rather than tightly holding onto resources, we are encouraged to give and invest in the kingdom. Fear and the trap of comparison were identified as hindrances to effective investment. The dangerous game of comparing ourselves to others can lead to playing it safe and missing out on opportunities to make a positive impact.

Faith involves taking risks and trusting in God. Stepping out in faith and risking it for Christ is the challenge presented to individuals and the church. The kingdom doesn’t grow if faith is kept private or if we expect the community to come to us. The parable challenges us to make something meaningful with our lives and take the necessary risks to be faithful stewards.

The conclusion posed a direct question: are we willing to risk our most valuable possessions for Christ and invest our treasured gifts for the kingdom? The call to let go and let God was extended, irrespective of the quantity of talents one possesses. The message resonated with a challenge to reflect on personal investments for the kingdom, emphasizing that the church will continue, but the question remains: how will our investments perform?

The final prayerful reflection urged a response like the first two servants in the parable, stating, “Here, God, I didn’t waste your investment. I used it wisely for your kingdom. I took the risk and placed my trust in you.”

What is your response to the call of faith, trust, and investment for the kingdom?

<><Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on November 22, 2023 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Life, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Keep Working

20 Jul
Keep Working

7.20.23

Jesus’ parable of the sower, seed, and soil speaks directly to our lives today. Each type of soil represents different aspects of our hearts and lives. The parable reminds us that success is not always immediate. It takes time for seeds to take root and grow. It requires nourishment, consistency, and the right environment. Some seeds may not make it no matter what we do, but others will flourish and bear fruit. The same applies to our efforts and endeavors – some may not work out due to the soil. The Gospel will fall on deaf ears, hardened hearts, and closed minds, but others will lead to something beautiful and meaningful.

As we navigate through the ups and downs of life, we can embody the resilience and determination of a farmer or gardener. Keep sowing seeds of love, kindness, and hope, even when it feels like the odds are against us. When we face challenges that seem beyond our control, remember that our season is coming, and our efforts will bear fruit in due time.

Just as the sower in the parable didn’t stop sowing despite the different outcomes and bad seasons, we, too, must not stop but continue to sow goodness in the world. But we must nourish our faith, trusting in God, and we will produce fruits of the kingdom, and it will multiply.

 
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Posted by on July 20, 2023 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Homelessness

31 Mar
Homelessness

3.31.23

Meet my friend Mickey! We met last weekend. While on my way home from visiting a member, I noticed Mickey pushing her cart on Camp Bowie. I couldn’t pass by without offering help, for in the gospel, Jesus stopped to aid people on the road. I asked Mickey if I could pray for her, and she said yes; then, unexpectedly, she asked if she could pray for me. On a busy road in Fort Worth, I eagerly accepted.

Everything Mickey owns is captured in this picture. Mickey joined us for worship last Sunday, and we provided her with temporary housing and other essentials. However, what’s more important is that we took the time to acknowledge and greet her. Mickey is a homeless veteran who served in the Marines for seven years, but due to life’s circumstances, she’s currently living on the streets while waiting for her VA benefits. She is actively working towards getting off the streets.

Countless individuals like Mickey are homeless, and it’s essential to understand that sometimes, it’s due to circumstances beyond their control. As Christians, our duty is to provide assistance, not to judge. What if, in the coming week, we each stopped and offered help to someone and prayed for them?

This Sunday, after worship, a few of us will go out to feed our friends in the Lancaster and surrounding areas. If you’d like to contribute anything, please bring it Sunday. If you can join us, we would appreciate your help. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Pastor Sela

Thank you for allowing me to share Mickey’s story. I received permission from her to post it.

 
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Posted by on March 31, 2023 in Church, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 
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