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Embracing the Light: Reflecting God’s Inclusive Love

Embracing the Light: Reflecting God’s Inclusive Love

3.14.24

“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:

  • Does our love reflect God’s?
  • How can we better welcome those different from ourselves into our community?
  • Can we be a bridge of reconciliation, promoting understanding and fostering peace?

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

 

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Thursday of the Fifth Week in Lent

Thursday of the Fifth Week in Lent

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.

 

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Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Lent

Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Lent

Day 25: Gracious God, As I delve deeper into Lent, remind me of the transformative power of your all-encompassing love. Think of the conflicts that divide our world, the bitter arguments that tear families apart. Like the sunrise, your love reaches even into the darkest corners, offering hope and reconciliation. Grant me the courage to be a beacon of your love amid these divisions. Help me to see beyond differences and recognize the divine spark within each person. May your light shine brightly through me, a testament to the boundless love that embraces the entire world. Amen.

 

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Tuesday of the Fifth Week in Lent

Tuesday of the Fifth Week in Lent

3.12.24

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.

 

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Monday of the Fifth Week in Lent

Monday of the Fifth Week in Lent

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.

 

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Fourth Sunday in Lent

Fourth Sunday in Lent

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.

 

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Saturday of the Fourth Week in Lent

Saturday of the Fourth Week in Lent

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.

 

Update on Wes

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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Friday of the Fourth Week in Lent

Friday of the Fourth Week in Lent

Day 21: Merciful God, forgive us for our shortcomings, both the deliberate and the unintentional. As we journey towards the light of your resurrection, guide us on the path of renewal. Help us to learn from our mistakes, grow in faith, and become more faithful reflections of your love in the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

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Jesus Flips Tables: A Call to Spiritual Renewal

Jesus Flips Tables: A Call to Spiritual Renewal

In a bold act of reform, Jesus cleanses the temple, challenging institutional practices and redefining worship. The focus shifts from traditional sacrifices to a personal connection with Jesus, symbolized by the transition from the altar to the Communion Table. This radical act challenges institutional rigidity, prompting reflection on personal and spiritual cleansing during the Lenten season. As we journey to the cross, may our lives become sacred spaces where Christ is raised, fostering openness to God’s renewing work.

A summary from this past Sunday’s sermon based on John 2:13-22.

Sela Finau

 

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