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Category Archives: Spirituality

When God is Silent (A reflection based on Job 23:1-17)

When God is Silent (A reflection based on Job 23:1-17)

10.17.24
Have you ever found yourself searching for God, only to be met with silence? I know I have. There are times when we call out to God, desperate for answers, but all we seem to hear is our own voice echoing back. This was Job’s experience, and it’s an experience many of us share, especially when we’re facing difficult times.

Job cried out to God in his suffering, but God was silent for what felt like a lifetime. In those moments, Job struggled, just as we do. But as I reflected on Job’s story, I wondered: What if God’s silence is actually a way of communicating? A God who shows up at the snap of our fingers would lose His mystery and power. But in the silence, we are given the space to express our sorrow, to wrestle with our questions, and to realize that we’re not in control.

In our world today, we’ve seen so much suffering—through hurricanes like Helene and Milton, through war in the Middle East, through personal losses and health struggles. When God seems silent, it’s easy to feel abandoned. But just like Job, we are not alone. Even in the silence, God is present through the people around us, through the community of faith that upholds us, and through the whispers of hope that remind us God is still here.

We may not always get clear answers, but we can take heart in knowing that even when we shout into the silence, God hears us. And sometimes, it’s in that silence that we find the strength to keep going, to keep believing, and to trust that God is still at work, even when we can’t see it.

In Christ! Shalom, Salaam, Paz, Pax, Peace, Melino!

Sela Finau

 

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Holding It Together When Everything’s Falling Apart

Holding It Together When Everything’s Falling Apart

10.10.24

Holding It Together When Everything’s Falling Apart

This past Sunday’s sermon, based on Job 1:1, 2:1-10, is a timely reflection on how we navigate life when everything around us seems to crumble. Job, a man who was blameless before God, loses everything—his wealth, his family, and his health—yet somehow holds on to his faith. How did Job manage to keep his integrity when everything in his life was falling apart? It’s the same question many of us ask when tragedy strikes.

Like Job, we’ve all experienced moments where life feels unfair, where suffering seems too great to bear. Whether it’s the sudden loss of a loved one, a devastating illness, or natural disasters like Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we find ourselves lifting our eyes to heaven and asking, “Why, God? It’s easy to feel abandoned or even angry in times like these. The book of Job reminds us that it’s okay to feel that way. But it also challenges us to hold on to our faith, even in the hardest of times.

This past week, as communities in the Carolinas, Tennessee, Virginia, and Florida begin the long process of recovery from Hurricane Helene, and with Hurricane Milton, we are reminded of the fragility of life. Many have lost homes, businesses, and even loved ones. But in the midst of this devastation, we also see signs of hope. Volunteers, emergency responders, and neighbors have come together to help clean up and rebuild. God is at work behind the scenes, bringing comfort, healing, and hope even in the darkest moments.

As we reflect on Job’s story, we are reminded that while suffering is a part of life, it does not last forever. Evil may have its moment, but God’s reign is eternal. In the face of loss, we are invited to hold onto the good, even when life presents us with the bad. God is still on the throne, still working, still present.

Let us continue to pray for those affected by these hurricanes and for all those suffering across the world. And may we, as a church, be a source of hope, light, and love in our community, showing that even when everything seems to be falling apart, we can hold it together through our faith in God. Because no matter what happens, God is always holding us together—whether everything around us is falling apart, or when we ourselves seem to fall apart.

In Christ! Shalom, Salaam, Paz, Pax, Peace, Melino!

Sela

 

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Prayer

Prayer

Growing up, prayer was an integral part of our family life. We gathered each morning and evening, young and old alike, to offer our prayers to God. The longer each person prayed, the longer we stayed together in the living room. It wasn’t uncommon for the youngest among us to fall asleep during our prayer time. Today, we continue to pray together whenever we gather as a family.

Prayer was more than just a ritual; it was a way to connect with God and with each other. It was a source of comfort, strength, and guidance.

As I’ve continued my journey as a follower of Christ, I’ve come to appreciate the transformative power of prayer even more. It’s not just a spiritual exercise; it’s a lifeline to God, a source of strength, and a means of experiencing God.

Intercessory prayer is equally important. Praying for others is a powerful way to demonstrate our love and compassion. But we can also be answers to prayers. By offering practical help and support to those in need, we become instruments of God’s grace.

The recent catastrophe in the southeastern states has been a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life, and the irrelevance of possessions. Yet, amidst the devastation, we’ve witnessed countless acts of kindness and compassion. People from all walks of life have come together to help those affected, offering shelter, food, and emotional support.

These individuals are answers to prayers. Their presence has brought hope and comfort to those who have lost so much. By stepping up and offering assistance, they have demonstrated the power of human kindness and the love of God.

As we continue our journey as followers of Christ, let us remember the importance of both praying and being an answer to prayers. By offering our time, our resources, and our compassion, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of others and reflect the love of God in the world.

Don’t let the busyness of life distract you from the importance of prayer. Make time to connect with God through prayer, and experience the transformative power of God’s love and grace.

In Christ! Shalom, Salaam, Paz, Pax, Peace, Melino!

Sela Finau

 

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Submitting to God’s Wisdom

Submitting to God’s Wisdom

9.26.24

True wisdom comes from submitting our lives to God, trusting in God’s plan, and letting go of our own will.

James, the New Testament ethicist, challenges us to examine our lives and ask, “Who truly has wisdom?” He reminds us that wisdom isn’t just about knowledge or intellect. It’s about how we live our lives, how we interact with others, and how we respond to challenges.

In contrast to heavenly wisdom, earthly wisdom is rooted in pride, selfishness, lies, deceit, hate, and a desire for self-promotion. On the other hand, heavenly wisdom comes from God and is characterized by peace, gentleness, humility, love, mercy, and grace.

To cultivate heavenly wisdom, James encourages us to draw near to God, seek guidance, and trust in God’s plan even when we do not understand it. By doing so, we can turn away from the world’s destructive influences and embrace the peaceful, godly leadership essential for a thriving community of faith.

As we continue our journey as followers of Christ, may we seek wisdom from above and live our lives according to God’s will.

In Christ!

Sela Finau

Reflection based on James 3:13-4:8a from the New Testament of the Bible.

 

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Wisdom

Wisdom

9.19.24

Proverbs 1:20-33 offers life-giving wisdom. Like a lighthouse guiding ships through rough waters, wisdom calls out to us, urging us to follow the path that leads to life, peace, and purpose.

But wisdom doesn’t just call—it warns. Just as ignoring a warning sign on a journey can lead to peril, turning a deaf ear to wisdom brings its own set of challenges. We’ve all faced moments when taking the easy or popular path leads to unexpected setbacks. Wisdom, however, invites us to rise above that and choose a better way.

In today’s fast-paced world, wisdom’s call feels more urgent than ever. It invites us to go deeper, to look beyond the surface, and to build lives anchored in God’s truth. It’s a call to cultivate our faith, act with integrity, and live with purpose.

Grace and Peace!

Sela

 

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Faith in Action

Faith in Action

9.6.24

James 1:17-27 offers a deeper understanding of faith in action. The passage emphasized listening to God’s word and putting it into practice, including controlling anger and serving others.

The message encourages us to:

Acknowledge God’s gifts: Everything we have is a gift from God.

Listen and learn: Be quick to listen and slow to speak.

Control anger: Resist the temptation to react angrily.

Serve others: Actively participate in serving our community.

Following Sunday’s Worship Service, several of us went out to feed our friends on the street. The line of people waiting for food was a testament to the need and the blessing that the church’s service provided.

This act of service mirrored Jesus’ example of going into the community rather than waiting for people to come to him. It was encouraging to see other churches also participating in this ministry, demonstrating a shared commitment to serving our community. This served as a reminder that we are not alone in our efforts and that God is with us in our shared mission.

Thank you to everyone who participated, whether through your monetary gifts or your hands and feet. 

 

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Put On The Full Armor of God

Put On The Full Armor of God

8.29.24

Put On The Full Armor Of God

Ephesians 6:10-20, Paul urges us to “put on the full armor of God.” This passage serves as a powerful reminder that we are engaged in a spiritual battle, a constant struggle against the forces of evil. The enemy is not just a physical entity but a spiritual force that seeks to undermine our faith and divide us. This battle is not limited to the past; it’s a daily reality that we all face.

Just as the Pevensie children in The Chronicles of Narnia faced off against the White Witch, we, too, are engaged in a cosmic conflict. The White Witch represents the forces of darkness, while Aslan symbolizes Christ, the true King of Narnia.

This story serves as a powerful metaphor for our own spiritual battles. Like the Pevensie children, we must rely on the strength of our faith and the protection of God to overcome the challenges we face.

To equip ourselves for this spiritual warfare, Paul outlines the armor of God:

  • The belt of truth
  • The breastplate of righteousness
  • The shoes of peace
  • The shield of faith
  • The helmet of salvation
  • The sword of the Spirit
  • Prayer

By putting on this armor, we can stand firm against the enemy and emerge victorious.   

As we continue to navigate the challenges of our church, community, and world, may we remember to put on the full armor of God. By doing so, we can overcome the obstacles that lie ahead and live lives that glorify God.

In Christ!

Sela

 

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Navigating Life’s Highway: A Call to Intentionality

Navigating Life’s Highway: A Call to Intentionality

8.22.24

Navigating Life’s Highway: A Call to Intentionality

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get lost in pursuing material possessions and fleeting pleasures. Ephesians 5:15-20 reminds us that our lives are about living in a way that is pleasing to God.

To live intentionally, we must “redeem the time” by prioritizing activities that nourish our souls. This means being mindful of how we spend our days and avoiding distractions that hinder our spiritual growth.

The Holy Spirit provides us with the guidance and strength we need to resist temptations and live a life characterized by the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. By yielding to the Holy Spirit’s influence, we can navigate life’s challenges with greater wisdom and grace.

By speaking in Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, we connect with God and express our gratitude, worship, and praise.

Ultimately, living a life that is pleasing to God requires careful attention, mindfulness, and a commitment to following the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It’s like navigating a complex road; with the right map and guidance, we can reach our destination safely and successfully.

In Christ!

Sela

 

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Building Blocks of Faith

Building Blocks of Faith

8.16.2024

Last Sunday’s sermon discussed the essential building blocks for a solid and enduring faith. Drawing from Ephesians 4:25-5:2, we considered the importance of truth, forgiveness, grace, and love.

Just as a well-constructed building requires a solid foundation, our spiritual lives must be grounded in these principles. The question we must wrestle with today is: What kind of construction worker are you? Are you helping or hindering the building project of your faith? Are you sealing up cracks or leaving an opening for the devil?

By replacing falsehood with truth, anger with forgiveness, and bitterness with grace, we are actively contributing to the construction of our spiritual lives. Furthermore, we are not merely constructing our own lives but building a dwelling place for God’s Spirit. Our words should be life-giving, not destructive.

As we strive to build a life that pleases God, let us remember that it is a continuous process. There will be challenges along the way, but with the Holy Spirit as our guide and the Word of God as our blueprint, we can construct a life that is both fulfilling and impactful.

In Christ!

Sela

 

The Table Is For Everyone

The Table Is For Everyone

8.8.2024

This past week’s sermon, we listened to Jesus’ declaration, “I am the bread of life.” After witnessing the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, the crowd was captivated by the spectacle but missed the deeper spiritual significance.

Just as we might chase after worldly pleasures or achievements to fill a void, these people sought to satisfy their souls with more miracles. Jesus, however, offered something far more substantial: Himself. He is the ultimate source of life and fulfillment.

To receive this Bread of Life, we must have faith in Jesus, the Christ, and a commitment to follow Him. When we partake in the Sacrament of Holy Communion, we remember his sacrifice and renew our covenant with him.

At the Olympic Opening Ceremony, there was a lot of backlash and chatter about just how offensive the scene of the perceived Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” was to Christians—only to be confused with another supposed scene from Greek mythology. The artist claims that it was not his intent to mock any religion; instead, he “wanted to include everyone…” Isn’t that what Jesus would do, invite everyone to the table, making us all feel included and valued?

As my doctoral mentor, Leonard Sweet, had written, “The stage has a purpose, but the table sets the stage. If we invested as much energy setting the table as we do setting the stage, the church would be a wellspring of revival. The table represents who we truly are; the stage is who we want others to perceive us. The table embodies authenticity; the stage reflects appearance. Jesus dedicated His ministry to setting the table, not just performing on stage. Can we prioritize authenticity and gather around the table as much as gather for and spotlight the stage?” Indeed, the only thing that should be offensive to Christians are those among us who come to the table and partake of the body and blood of Christ without repentance and, after partaking in the Sacrament of Holy Communion, go about their sinful ways without transformation. 

1 Corinthians 11:27-28 

27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Examine yourselves, and only then eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 

May we prioritize the eternal over the temporal, seeking nourishment from the One who can truly satisfy our hearts and souls.

In Christ!

Pastor Sela

 

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