Monday, December 25, 2023
Dear God, on this Christmas Day, we thank you for the gift of love shown in Jesus’ birth. Guide us to embody His selfless love in our actions and words. Teach us to love as you do. Amen.
Category Archives: Family
Advent Daily Prayer 12.23.23
Saturday, December 23, 2023
Gracious God, as we approach Bethlehem, our hearts resonate with joy. In this moment, we relish the anticipation of Christ’s arrival, finding joy in the journey toward His birth. May this week’s focus on joy continue to uplift our spirits and strengthen our connection with You. Amen.
Daily Advent Prayer 12.17.23
Week Three: Joy
Sunday, December 17, 2023:
Lord, as we light the third Advent candle, the joy candle, fill our hearts with the joy that comes from knowing you are our salvation. May our worship and praise reflect the joyous anticipation of celebrating Christ’s birth and the ongoing joy found in anticipating His return. Amen.
Advent Daily Prayer 12.15.23
Friday, December 15, 2023
Eternal God, source of true peace, as we draw near the end of this week devoted to peace, grant us the insight to actively pursue global harmony. Inspire world leaders to work earnestly for peace, especially in regions marred by conflict, such as the Middle East. In moments of tension, let your transcendent peace be our steadfast anchor. Guide us to engage purposefully, seeking reconciliation where there is discord and extending compassion to those affected by strife. Amen.
Advent Daily Prayer, 12.5.23
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Eternal One, in the flickering light of the first candle, teach us to be patient and hopeful amidst our current circumstances, anticipating the joy of Christmas and the ultimate bliss of Christ’s return. Grant us the wisdom to discern the signs of your presence in history and the unfolding future. Amen.
Advent Daily Prayer, 12.4.23
Week One: Hope
Monday, December 4, 2023
God, as the glow of the first candle lingers, may the hope we find in Christ’s first coming inspire our daily lives and fuel our anticipation of His return. May our hearts be steadfast, anchored in the assurance of your promises. Amen.
Advent Daily Prayer: 12.3.23
Week One: Hope
Sunday, December 3, 2023:
Gracious God, as we begin this Advent season and light the first Advent candle, we embrace the dual anticipation of celebrating the birth of Christ and eagerly awaiting His glorious return. Fill our hearts with the hope that comes from both the historical fulfillment of your promises and the promise of future joy in Christ’s presence. Ignite a flame of hope within us, dispelling any darkness in our lives. Amen.
Mind the Gap
9.21.23
This past Sunday, we celebrated our church’s 64th anniversary with worship, followed by a marvelous feast. The food selection was fantastic, with plenty to go around and even some leftovers to take home.
In our message from Romans 14, we explored the vital theme of “Mind the Gap.” The message emphasized the significance of love, unity, and harmony as we navigate the natural gaps stemming from differing perspectives in our church family.
We’re called to bridge these gaps, demonstrating Christ’s transformative love within us and in the world. Just as passengers must exercise caution on a train platform, we, as a church, must be vigilant in our interactions, especially when our experiences and beliefs diverge.
These gaps go beyond theological differences; they include generational perspectives, approaches to social issues, and the impact of our upbringing and context. These gaps can hinder our unity as the body of Christ when we do not fully seek to understand.
However, “Mind the Gap” is not a mere warning; it’s an invitation to bridge these divides with love. As we celebrate our 64th anniversary, let’s remember that God’s faithfulness has guided us through endless challenges. Looking ahead, we envision a church that celebrates diversity and thrives in unity, love, and service.
As we stand at the threshold of the next 64 years, let’s embrace love, tolerance, understanding, and unity. Our church’s future will be marked by deeper relationships, reaching our community, and shining with Christ’s love.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Happy 64th anniversary to our church, and may God bless us abundantly as we continue to “Mind the Gap” in faith and life.
Peace and Grace!
Sela Finau
Overcome Evil With Good
9.7.23
In a world often marred by conflict and division, the age-old question lingers: How do we respond when faced with evil or hostility? From our message this last Sunday based on Romans 12: We have a choice. We can either perpetuate the cycle of hatred or choose a higher path – one illuminated by love, compassion, and reconciliation.
Drawing inspiration from the teachings of Jesus and the apostle Paul, we are reminded that responding with love can be a transformative force. It is tempting to meet hatred with hatred, engage in conflicts, and build walls. However, the wisdom of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speaks to us: “You cannot drive out darkness with darkness, only light can do that.” The path to change and reconciliation lies in responding to adversity with the radiance of love and kindness.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of change. Our faith compels us to rise above the negativity surrounding us and be beacons of love, compassion, and justice. Rather than allowing conflicts to escalate, we can actively choose to de-escalate them through our actions and attitudes. It is in these moments of challenge that our true character as disciples of Christ is revealed.
We are confronted with a pivotal choice. Will we surrender to the darkness that seeks to divide us, or will we rise above it? In the face of adversity, will we become instruments of love and transformation? The answer lies within each of us, and it is a decision we must make daily. While numerous aspects of life are beyond our control, the one element firmly within our grasp is our response.
Ultimately, our calling as followers of Christ is clear: we are to overcome evil with good. Through God’s grace, we possess the strength to embrace this calling. By choosing love, we have the power to transform ourselves and the world around us. In this transformation, we find the path to unity, reconciliation, and a brighter future for all.
Love and peace,
Sela Finau
Will of God
8.31.23
Romans 12:1-8 deals with the concept of interconnectedness within the body of Christ. The passage reminds us that we are not isolated individuals but rather vital members of a collective whole. Together, we contribute to a diverse array of roles, from prophecy and ministry to teaching, support, generosity, leadership, and compassion.
While we can undertake these roles individually, their impact is magnified when embraced within a supportive community. Our actions, infused with God’s grace, transform our lives into offerings that align with God’s will. This reflection encourages us to consider the sources of influence in our lives. Are we living according to our own will, the noise around us, or are we attuned to God’s guiding whispers?
As we move forward, let us take time to pray and connect with God. By doing so, we can discern God’s will amidst the distractions. In summary, our lives are intertwined in the body of Christ, and as we embrace our unique roles, may we remember that our actions, guided by God’s grace, create a harmonious symphony that fulfills God’s purpose.
a journey in existence 