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Tag Archives: jesus

Thursday of the Fifth Week in Lent

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

 

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Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Lent

13 Mar
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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Posted by on March 13, 2024 in Church, Community, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Monday of the Fifth Week in Lent

11 Mar
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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Posted by on March 11, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Thursday of the Fourth Week in Lent

07 Mar
Thursday of the Fourth Week in Lent

Day 20: Mighty God, empower us to be instruments of your peace, breaking down walls of prejudice, misunderstanding, and conflict. Guide us to build bridges of understanding and love, fostering connection and reconciliation in your name, just as Jesus offered himself as the ultimate sacrifice, bridging the gap between humanity and God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 
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Posted by on March 7, 2024 in Church, Community, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Lent

06 Mar
Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Lent

Day 19: Loving God, cleanse our hearts and minds from all that hinders our focus on you, including distractions, anxieties, and worldly concerns. May your light shine brightly through us, revealing your love to the world through our actions, words, and how we treat one another, just as Jesus cleansed the temple and brought focus back to your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 
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Posted by on March 6, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Lent

05 Mar
Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Lent

Day 18: Gracious God, help us identify the “tables” in our lives that need flipping, whether it be harmful habits, negative thoughts, or judgmental attitudes. Grant us the courage to overturn them in pursuit of your will, replacing them with the fruits of your Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 
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Posted by on March 5, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Media, Philosophy, Postcolonial, Postmodern, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Isn’t About Earthly Success

29 Feb
Isn’t About Earthly Success

2.29.24

This past Sunday’s message explored the message of Mark 8:31-38, reminding us that following Jesus isn’t about earthly success or comfort. The message emphasizes:

  • Living authentically: Upholding our values, even when faced with pressure or difficulty.
  • Love and service: Prioritizing the needs of others and demonstrating compassion, inspired by Jesus’ teachings.
  • Sacrifice and commitment: Embracing the core values of the gospel, even if it means sacrificing personal gain.

Following Jesus requires living our faith with courage and integrity. This includes standing up for what we believe in, acting with kindness, and embodying the message of love and hope through our actions. Just as the first disciples faced challenges, we, too, will encounter moments where unexpected circumstances test our faith.

We are reminded that faith is a journey with challenges, but through perseverance and commitment, we can make the world a brighter place, one act of compassion at a time.

Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on February 29, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Philosophy, Postmodern, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Wednesday of the Third Week in Lent

28 Feb
Wednesday of the Third Week in Lent

Day 13: Compassionate God, as we reflect on the words of Jesus, teach us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. Grant us the wisdom to discern your will and the courage to obey it, even in the face of adversity. May our lives bear witness to the transformative power of your love. Amen.

 
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Posted by on February 28, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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God’s Nearness in Life’s Wilderness

22 Feb
God’s Nearness in Life’s Wilderness

2.22.24

Our recent sermon explored the profound message of leaning into God’s nearness amidst life’s uncertainties. Inspired by Mark’s Gospel, we discovered the invitation to embrace the Spirit, especially when facing the challenges of our personal wilderness.

Mark encourages us to “lean into the uncertainty,” mirroring our struggles. Similar to Jesus in the wilderness, we’re urged to embrace the Spirit even in uncharted territory. Rather than abandoning us, the wilderness holds hidden resources that can sustain us in times of trial.

At the core of the message is the choice to lean into the Spirit, opening ourselves to resilience in the face of uncertainty. This challenge is not theoretical; it’s a present choice that each of us must make.

Mark’s timeless call invites us to a transformative journey through life’s wilderness. Reflecting on baptism and wilderness trials, we see Jesus as a model of transformation, highlighting God’s nearness in our vulnerability.

As we enter the Lenten season, let’s not just observe but deeply engage with the journey. God’s love is not limited to mountaintop experiences; it extends into the valleys of our struggles. This season prompts us to transform, acknowledging that the One who walked through the wilderness with purpose is with us on our journey.

May this Lenten season be more than observation, evolving into a sacred space for growth. Embracing the challenges of the wilderness, we can encounter the profound nearness of God amid life’s trials.

Grace and peace, Sela

 
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Posted by on February 22, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Advent Daily Prayer 12.24.23

24 Dec
Advent Daily Prayer 12.24.23

Sunday, December 24, 2023

O God, as we illuminate the fourth Advent candle—the embodiment of love—and the Christ candle in celebration of the birth of Christ, we earnestly pray for an opening of our hearts to the profound depths of your love. May the boundless love that brought Jesus into the world serve as a guiding light, inspiring us to embrace selfless love toward one another. In this season dedicated to love, may our lives become a reflection of your divine love, illuminating the world with compassion and grace. Amen.

 
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Posted by on December 24, 2023 in Church, Community, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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