Author: Gemechis Buba

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Mission Driven – The Faithfulness of God

As we continue through this season of Pentecost, we are celebrating God’s goodness and faithfulness. In 1 Peter 2:6 we read: 

For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

There are many discouraging things that we face today in this world: a continuing global pandemic, civil unrest, political instability throughout the world, and natural disasters. But these things should not come as a surprise to us since the fall in Genesis 3. We do not ignore the challenges, but rather, we proclaim the faithfulness and goodness of our God. We proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ which does not change, even in the midst of a changing world. And we know that other things may be shaken and fall away, that we rest securely because of the unshakable cornerstone. We rejoice in the privilege that God has called us into mission together as living stones, built upon the rock that is Jesus Christ.

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Mission Driven – Update

In these days where we have sheltered in place, we have been called for a season to remain behind closed doors for the love of our neighbor. We dearly miss the opportunity to gather face to face and to have the gift of a building we can regularly use. It has been a profound challenge not to gather face to face in this season. It has renewed our gratitude for the abundance with which we have been blessed and strengthened our prayer for the persecuted church around the world, for whom this is the norm.

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Lenten Devotional Introduction

The season of Lent has typically held a special place in the life of the Church. Beginning tomorrow with Ash Wednesday and culminating in the events of Holy Week, Lent is an invitation to focus on what is central to our faith. It has also become a time for personal and spiritual reflection on who we are as God’s people and on what God has given us so graciously in Christ.  Continue reading “Lenten Devotional Introduction”

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Persistence in Prayer

“O LORD my God, I cried to you for help and you have healed me.” — Psalm 30:2 ESV

I am struck by the beauty and simplicity of Psalm 30. Is there a more complete prayer in such few words than here in verse two? This verse sums up the entirety of our stories. As David prays these words, he calls on God by name as he cries out, addressing the depth of our brokenness. And in the same breath, healing. For we have a great God who saves, who gives us the chance to live again. What a gift from God is prayer!  Continue reading “Persistence in Prayer”