Wednesday, December 6, 2023:
God of hope, may the first candle’s light and its flame remind us that even amid uncertainty, your light guides us. Help us share this hope with others, becoming beacons of encouragement in our community. Amen.
Category Archives: Theology
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.
But When?
11.30.23
A reflection from Sunday’s message based on Matthew 25:31-46
But When?
We stand at the crossroads of profound reality, contemplating a future where our every choice, action, and word will be laid bare before Christ. The crux of our self-reflection lies in the dichotomy of being either sheep or goats in the eyes of the Divine.
For the sheep, the commendation from Christ is a resounding “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Their lives resonate with acts of kindness, echoing the very essence of the kingdom—feeding the hungry, offering a drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, and visiting the imprisoned.
Conversely, the goats face a moment of questioning, realizing missed opportunities to extend love and compassion. It’s a crucial reckoning with the daily choices that shape our lives.
Christ’s response is crystal clear: our actions, or lack thereof, are not mere gestures but encounters with the Divine. The challenge is to let the rings of love, compassion, and service be a constant reminder, urging us to ask, “But when?” When will we extend love? When will we make today count, regardless of what happened yesterday?
As we step out of this moment of reflection, let us carry the awareness that our daily choices matter. May the rings on our metaphorical smartwatches remind us to live with purpose, making each day count. The words “You did it” should echo in our lives not in fear but in joy, knowing that each act of kindness, compassion, and service is a sacred encounter with Christ.
So, as a church, let our journey forward be one that resonates with love, compassion, and a resounding “Amen.” May our response to the challenges and opportunities ahead be a testament to the transformative power of living with purpose and embracing the echoes of our choices.
Grace and peace!
Sela Finau
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
Be Ready. Be Present.
11.17.23
The timeless wisdom in the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids translates its message into relatable life lessons. Set against the backdrop of a wedding celebration, the parable urges us to embrace spiritual preparedness in the face of life’s uncertainties.
Representing spiritual readiness and unpreparedness, the wise and foolish bridesmaids highlight the need for vigilance and preparation for the return of Christ. Drawing parallels to everyday scenarios, like a surprise party or a road trip, emphasizes the importance of being ready for life’s uncertainties.
The parable reminds us to take ownership of our spiritual journey, cultivate preparedness, and prepare for life’s unpredictable moments. Whether wise or foolish, the key is to show up and be present in the moment, ensuring we don’t miss the opportunity to be spiritually grounded.
What areas of your life could use more intentional readiness?
<><Sela Finau
Love God ~ Love Neighbor
11.3.23
In Sunday’s sermon, we delved into the significance of Reformation Sunday, commemorating Martin Luther’s pivotal protest against the Catholic Church 506 years ago. Luther’s stand, sparked by his opposition to the sale of indulgences, emphasized God’s grace and love over human deeds. This historical event led to the Protestant Movement and shaped our Methodist faith today.
Drawing parallels to the sermon, the scripture from Matthew 22:34-46 highlighted Jesus’ response to Pharisees questioning him about the greatest commandment. Jesus distilled the essence of faith, emphasizing the paramount importance of loving God wholeheartedly and extending that love to others. This teaching underscores the central role of love, compassion, and empathy in our faith, transcending mere religious rituals and legalistic obedience. It challenges us to embody these principles in our daily lives, reinforcing the foundational message of love for God and love for one’s neighbor found throughout the gospels.
Love and Grace,
Sela Finau
Peace Like A River
10.27.23
As we close out our voyage through the teachings of Philippians, may we hold on to the invaluable lessons we’ve learned. In the midst of life’s frenzied chaos, we are encouraged to seek those serene moments in the presence of God. This enduring quest for tranquility is not just a personal endeavor; it’s a mission to become peacemakers in every sphere of our lives.
Imagine a world where our homes, workplaces, small groups, churches, and communities resonate with peace. Picture yourself as a calming presence amidst the storms of others. But above all, envision finding an unshakeable peace within yourself, rooted in the profound knowledge that we are loved and cherished profoundly by our Creator.
This peace, the kind that transcends understanding, is not passive; it’s an active force that should flow through us. It should shape our responses, soothe our fears, and guide our steps. As we journey through the bustling streets of life, let the tranquility of God’s peace accompany us like a steadfast companion. In the midst of troubled waters, it reminds us that solace can be found in the boundless love of God.
Let this peace be transformative, washing away our fears, anxieties, and doubts. May it not be just a fleeting moment of respite but the anthem that echoes through the corridors of our lives. As we assume the role of peacemakers, we are not just spreading a momentary calm; we are cultivating a culture of serenity, one that reflects the very essence of our faith.
May we find the strength to be that calming presence, not just for others but for ourselves too. May we navigate life’s challenges with grace, secure in the knowledge that we are deeply cherished by the One who created us. And as we do so, may the peace of God reign supreme in our hearts, shaping our interactions, influencing our decisions, and illuminating our path.
Grace and Peace!
Sela Finau
Press On
10.13.23
In Sunday’s sermon, we delved into the inspiring story of John Stephen Akhwari, a tale that beautifully illustrates the power of perseverance, determination, and unwavering commitment. His story reminds us that in life, the ultimate victory lies not in winning the race but in finishing it with resilience and purpose, regardless of the hurdles in our path.
The sermon emphasized the significance of pressing on in our lives, even when faced with daunting challenges. As Akhwari persevered through bruises and pain, we were encouraged to confront our obstacles with unwavering faith. The message echoed the biblical teachings from Philippians 3:4-14, urging us to run the race of faith with endurance, keeping our focus on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
The parallel between Akhwari’s determination and our purpose in the race of life is that we were not placed in this life to quit or give up. We’re in this race to finish. Stay encouraged and focus on Christ, who stands ahead, guiding us toward the ultimate goal. So keep pressing on and continue the race with endurance until we unite with Christ in the ultimate victory.
Press on…
Sela Finau
a journey in existence 