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Giants In Your Life? You’re Not Alone!

27 Jun
Giants In Your Life? You’re Not Alone!

6.27.24

Ever feel like you’re facing a giant? A mountain of a problem, a fear that looms large, a situation that seems impossible to overcome? This past week’s message focused on life scenarios, using the epic story of David and Goliath from 1 Samuel 17.

We all have moments when we are frozen by fear because of intimidating giants. It can feel overwhelming, leaving us wondering how we’ll ever conquer it. Indeed, we cannot be victorious on our own. 

David accepted the challenge because he knew who had his back. No weapons or army could overcome the giant, but David had firsthand experience. God had delivered him before from the paws of bears and lions, and David had faith that God would deliver him again. David’s courage was a result of his faith.

Here’s the good news for us today: when we put our faith in God, we’re not alone in the fight. We’re equipped with the courage and strength to face anything, no matter how big the giant seems. God is with us, always. 

And here’s another powerful thought: what if we stopped focusing on what we don’t have or have to lose and started thinking about what we have to gain? Imagine facing your giant with that mindset—excited about the possibilities, fueled by faith. Your faith is a game-changer, helping you overcome any obstacles.

Whatever giants you face today, don’t let fear hold you back. Step forward in faith!

In Christ!

Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on June 27, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality

 

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Divisions: A Reflection based on Mark 3:20-35

13 Jun
Divisions: A Reflection based on Mark 3:20-35

6.13.24

Jesus, caught in the whirlwind of family concerns, religious criticism, and a hungry crowd, offers powerful lessons on navigating division and finding true belonging.

First, Jesus confronts the limitations of blood ties. He reminds us that family extends beyond genetics. It’s about shared values and a commitment to a higher purpose. Staring at the crowd, eager to learn, he declares, “These are my real family – anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”

This is a profound message, dismantling barriers and widening the circle of who we call family. It’s not about who you’re related to but about aligning with Jesus’ teachings and striving for a God-centered life.
Next, Jesus addresses the accusations of demon possession launched by the religious elite. He dismantles their claims with logic. Imagine, he says, a house divided against itself – it crumbles. So, how could Satan empower Jesus to heal and teach if his goal was destruction? This simple analogy exposes the absurdity of their accusations.

But this episode also highlights the deep divisions Jesus faced. The accusation of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit – attributing his good works to evil – is a stark reminder of the hostility he encountered and those doing God’s work.

Yet, through it all, Jesus shines a light on navigating division. He emphasizes finding common ground, focusing on those open to his message and the unifying power of faith. This faith, our faith, has the power to tear down the walls we build and embrace a broader definition of family, connecting us to a higher purpose.

Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on June 13, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Finding Light in Our Brokenness: A Reflection

06 Jun
Finding Light in Our Brokenness: A Reflection

Finding Light in Our Brokenness: A Reflection

June 6, 2024

This week, we reflected on the life of Vincent van Gogh, an artist who poured his heart and struggles onto the canvas, creating beauty that continues to inspire us today. We, too, are called to share our light, not for personal gain, but to illuminate the world with the love of Christ.

Even when we feel broken and flawed, God’s grace can shine through us, touching the lives of those around us. Our limitations shouldn’t discourage us; instead, they can become an opportunity to experience the paradox of faith, where our weaknesses can be transformed into strengths. It is often in our brokenness that God’s light shines most brightly.

As Paul reminds us, we may face trials, but we are never truly defeated. By choosing to follow Christ and share in his sufferings, we become vessels of hope, beacons of God’s love in a world that desperately needs it.

Surrendering our self-centeredness allows God’s transformative power to work through us. For instance, letting go of arrogance and embracing humility can be as simple as listening to others without interrupting or being open to constructive criticism. In doing so, we find confidence in knowing that even in our weakness, God’s strength is made perfect.

Let us be like those cracked clay jars radiating the magnificent light of Christ. Let our light shine, not for our own glory, but to illuminate the path for others and draw them closer to the radiant love of God.

Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on June 6, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Philosophy, Postmodern, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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God’s Calling

31 May
God’s Calling

5.31.24

This past Sunday, we explored Isaiah’s encounter with God’s incredible majesty in the temple. It was a powerful reminder that even a prophet felt unworthy of God’s presence. We all need forgiveness, and this passage highlights the extraordinary nature of God’s grace. We stand small before God, utterly dependent on God’s mercy for restoration.

Isaiah’s courageous response, “Here am I: send me!” should inspire us to answer God’s call. As we celebrated Memorial Day on Monday, we honor the men and women who served our country, who answered the call to duty, some giving the ultimate sacrifice. Their bravery is a strong reminder of what it means to truly answer a call.

As Christians, we are called. Not to battlefields, perhaps, but to serve God in whatever way God leads us. It might be big or small, public or private, but the call is there. Just like Isaiah, we might feel a flicker of fear or unworthiness, but the message was clear: God equips those God calls.

God’s calling you!

Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on May 31, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Love, Faith, and Belonging

09 May
Love, Faith, and Belonging

5.9.24

This week, our journey through 1 John concluded with powerful messages of love, faith, and belonging.

The importance of loving others struck a chord. John reminds us that loving God is inseparable from loving our brothers and sisters. Our faith must be reflected in our actions; belief translates to right living. We are called to walk the talk, following God’s light and avoiding the darkness of false teachings. John makes it clear: we stand with God or the enemy.

This concept of unity resonated throughout our message. For this author, everything connects back to God’s love. To love God is to love all that God has created without limitations or qualifications. This message felt particularly timely, reflecting on the recent actions of the General Conference. John’s words were a reminder that our love should extend to everyone, regardless of their identity.

John also offered encouragement. Our faith in Christ can conquer fear and doubt, granting us victory in this world. This victory comes not from our own strength but through Christ alone. Following God’s commandments isn’t a burden but a path towards living a life filled with love.

The Easter season was a focus, reminding us of the hope and new life offered by Christ’s resurrection. We are called to be “Easter people,” carrying the message of Christ’s love into the world. John’s message also addressed belonging. Ultimately, we belong to God, not to any specific denomination or church. This world is temporary; our true home lies with Christ and his Kingdom.

Our message concluded with a powerful image. Water and blood, essential life elements, symbolize Christ’s sacrifice. This sacrifice gave birth to the Church, our spiritual mother, who sustains and guides us on our faith journey. Through baptism, we are connected as a body of believers, a part of God’s family. We are invited to embrace the new life offered by Christ and live according to his teachings.

Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on May 9, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Embracing the Light: Reflecting God’s Inclusive Love

14 Mar
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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Posted by on March 14, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Embracing God’s Grace: Reflections on Jonah’s Journey

16 Feb
Embracing God’s Grace: Reflections on Jonah’s Journey

2.16.24

This past Sunday was the conclusion of our series on the book of Jonah. The narrative’s powerful closing reminds us that God’s waiting grace is always ready to welcome us home despite our detours and disobedience. Jonah’s journey prompts self-reflection on our responses to God’s grace and our willingness to return when we veer off course.

Moving beyond Jonah’s story, we delve into a broader call to share God’s grace with everyone. The central message echoes that God’s enduring and universal grace extends to friends, family, neighbors, and even those of different faiths. The emphasis lies in embracing the transformative power of spreading this message and recognizing our role as vessels of God’s unmerited favor in our interactions.

As recipients of God’s grace, we are urged to actively extend the invitation to others. The call to action resonates strongly: become ambassadors of God’s grace in our communities and beyond. The closing questions challenge us to examine our inclusivity and confront misplaced anger, reminding us that God’s preferences lean towards grace over anger. The message encourages us to align our motives with God’s transformative love as we carry the lessons of Jonah’s journey into our daily lives.

 
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Posted by on February 16, 2024 in Church, Community, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Timeout

01 Feb
Timeout

This past Sunday, we continued with the story of Jonah and his three days and nights in the belly of a fish, akin to a divine timeout. Timeout, a concept familiar to parents, was for Jonah both discipline and discipleship, emphasizing the shared root of learning, following, and adhering to principles.

Jonah’s experience underscores that God’s discipline is God’s provision, a grace-filled opportunity for development and shaping. In the depths of despair, Jonah found the right spirit and posture before God – a spirit of brokenness and a posture of humility and thankfulness.

In our own deep messes, we are urged to turn to God in prayer, acknowledging our brokenness rather than seeking temporary fixes elsewhere. God specializes in working with the empty and broken, and our humble approach opens the way for divine intervention. These challenging phases are opportunities for growth, alignment with God’s will, and preparation for what lies ahead.

Jonah’s story, at least chapter two, concludes with a messy yet transformative deliverance, teaching us that true cleansing and renewal often come in unexpected, seemingly unpleasant ways. As we navigate our own timeouts and brokenness, may we, like Jonah, find strength in prayer, cultivate gratitude in all situations, and trust in God’s transformative power even when the path seems messy.

Praise be to God!

Sela

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

 

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