Monday, December 18, 2023
God of Fierce Joy, open our eyes to the beauty in small blessings. Let our joy be so infectious that it spreads to those in need of encouragement and upliftment, celebrating not only the birth of Christ but also the anticipation of His glorious return. Amen.
12.13.23
Building a Just Peace This Advent
Dear Church,
This past Sunday, our focus was on peace. We delved into the powerful message from Isaiah: “Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (Isaiah 40:3). This call to action isn’t just a utopian dream; it’s a prophecy urging us to actively participate in creating a world where peace and justice prevail.
Isaiah envisions a society where inequalities are dismantled, barriers removed, and everyone is valued. This isn’t wishful thinking; it’s a guiding light propelling us toward a just and peaceful world. The call to action echoes across the centuries, urging us to build a highway for God, not waiting for others but taking responsibility for ourselves.
Preparing the way means making room for God, cleansing our lives of negativity, and allowing God to bring a just peace. This call resonates with the challenges we face today—wars, suffering, inequality. Isaiah’s promise is a bountiful feast, rectifying all wrongs and providing healing.
Building peace starts within each of us, requiring self-reflection, forgiveness, and choosing compassion. Beyond individual action, it calls for collaboration—speaking out against injustice, supporting peace organizations, and holding leaders accountable.
Isaiah reminds us that peace begins within, offering personal, comforting peace. This Advent, may we commit to building a just peace, being messengers of hope and agents of peace. Even the smallest act of kindness can create a ripple effect, bringing us closer to Isaiah’s envisioned world and God’s kingdom.
Pastor Sela
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
God, as we pursue peace, guide us to extend the transformative power of forgiveness and reconciliation. May our actions reflect the peace that Christ ushered in with His birth and the lasting peace He promises in His return. Strengthen us to actively engage in the work of peace, being instruments of unity and understanding in our communities. Amen.
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
7.6.23
This past Sunday, our message was based on Matthew 10:40-42. Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.” These words emphasize the interconnectedness between Christ, his messengers, and the One who sent him. They reveal that when we extend a warm welcome to someone, we are not only receiving them but also receiving Christ himself. When we don’t accept them, especially those who are messengers of Christ, we also reject Christ and God.
The act of welcome is rooted in hospitality and extends far beyond our church walls. The message of welcome transcends time and culture. It carries profound significance in today’s society, often marked by division, exclusion, and fear of the stranger. As followers of Christ, we are called to break through these barriers and actively embody the true spirit of welcome.
This week, we celebrated as a country Independence Day. We remember that not long ago, millions of immigrants traveled to this country via Ellis Island, where they were welcomed. A part of their story, which has become our story as a country, is etched on the Statue of Liberty with the following words:
The New Colossus
“Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows worldwide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
November 2, 1883
a journey in existence 