For God’s Sake

How many times have you heard the expression ‘for God’s sake’ or even used it yourself? ‘For God’s sake’ is an appeal to an authority or a set of values that far surpass what is yours or that of the local community. It seeks to ground your response or action on what you hold dearest and value highest, your relationship with God. In today’s daily watchword God explains through the prophet Isaiah that His actions of mercy towards us is not because of us but because of who God is. Indeed, what case could any of us present before God in defense of ourselves, to be deserving of God’s grace? It is for God’s sake that we receive God’s grace and mercy. It is because of God and not for anything that we are or have done, why we are kept by God’s grace. Hear God’s word through his prophet. For my name’s sake I defer my anger, for the sake of my praise I restrain it for you, so that I may not cut you off. Isaiah 48: 9

Israel was described by God as a hard-headed, stiff necked people. In other words, they were stubborn and disobedient even though they were living under God’s grace, privileged to worship in the temple and blessed beyond measure with God’s provisions. Taking for granted what they should have valued most, they lived ungodly lives while expecting God’s best for themselves and their loved ones. This was not acceptable to God then and still is not today. Israel’s tribulation was therefore God’s way of keeping them in check, reminding them who was in control. Note that the word defer means to hold back until a later time. God was not forgetting their tribulation, rather God was processing them. The passage goes on to speak of God’s refining Israel, testing them in the furnace of affliction. God used their hardships to remind them who He was, who they were to Him, and to turn them back to Himself. God’s desire for Israel and for us is for our salvation, for us to be Christlike in every aspect of our lives. Anything less than that is to fall short of the goodness of God. Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Coll 3: 1

God holds back from treating us as we deserve, in order that God’s name may be glorified. If we are honest with ourselves, then we will take a daily look at our failures and shortcomings and give thanks and praise to God for his sparing mercies that secured us and brought us to the end of the day. Yes friends, the righteous fail daily but God remains faithful. He never fails in his fidelity to us and sustains us despite our failures, our shortcomings. Is it any wonder that Charles Wesley wrote the hymn in which he wished he had a thousand tongues, all to be used in praising his God? O For a thousand tongues to sing My dear Redeemer’s praise! The glories of my God and King, The triumphs of His grace! When we recognize that as righteous or as holy as we think we are, it is only God’s mercy and grace that keeps us, we have no choice but to give God praise because it’s not us, it’s for God’s sake. But there’s more. The unrighteous are not destroyed in their unrighteousness because God shows restraint towards them, even as they are brought through the process that will bring them give praise. God’s desire indeed is not for any to be lost but for all to come to a saving knowledge of God through Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3: 9). God acts therefore for God’s sake, for God’s glory and in so doing guides us to be beneficiaries of His actions, of his grace. To those who refuse to repent, to praise, to make the necessary changes in their lives, God’s deferred judgment awaits. Those who see God at work and become better servants, however, are guided on to spiritual growth and maturity, as God brings us through tests and trials, as silver and gold through the refiner’s fire. Life has its share of ups and downs, its hardships and trials, but God uses them to bring us closer to Him, to live better lives, and get us to become habitual praise and worshippers, not for us, but for God’s sake. Amen.

Monday Reflection – November 16, 2020
Love – A Core Attribute of Holiness

You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbour as yourself: I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:18

The book of Leviticus contains the laws which were to guide the people of God in their everyday actions and activities. Today’s Watchword is located in chapter 19, which interestingly begins with the call by God for His people to be holy. The word ‘holy’ means to be separate, apart or different from. So God is different from all others, different in His being and different in the greatness and majesty of His attributes. Yet, because humans are made in the image of God, they can follow in His steps and also be holy. In this context, Israel was to be different, separate from the nations and peoples around them.

Within this context of holiness is the command to love one’s neighbour. Verse 17 begins, “You shall not hate in your heart anyone of your kin…” Love for others is commanded, not only in action but also in heart. This is so because it is out of our hearts that our words and actions flow, thus we have to begin there. Love demands that we not take vengeance against others. Romans 12:19 says that vengeance belongs to God; therefore, there is a sense in which we can hold back God’s work of vengeance upon others by seeking it ourselves. Love demands that we exercise forgiveness and restraint. Love also demands that we not bear a grudge against others. Admittedly, it is easy for many to cherish a grudge against another, especially when it is deserved; but too much damage is done to the one holding the grudge.

The charge to love one another is all over the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments. The significance of the call to love our neighbour as ourselves is highlighted by the fact that Jesus and Paul both cited this verse as a summary of the duties one has to his fellow human being (Matthew 22:39-40, Romans 13:9). Further, Jesus commanded us to love our enemies (Luke 6:27), and showed that our neighbours are the ones in need, even if they might be regarded as a traditional enemy (Luke 10:25-37). Love demands that the same way we take care of ourselves and are concerned about our own interests, we should take care and have concern for the interests of others.

This command to love in the text seems like a summary of what was being outlined before. Loving our neighbours is about:

1. Providing for the poor by leaving fields incompletely harvested (vs. 9-10)
2. Honest dealings with others (vs. 11-13)
3. Basic human compassion (vs. 14)
4. Justice and truthfulness (vs. 15-16)
    
   Admittedly, the demands of holiness and love are great and cannot be achieved on our own. The indwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit is required to fulfill these demands. We pray that God will transform us into holy creatures who demonstrate His genuine love to others. Amen.  

Jermaine Gibson

Saturday Reflection – 14 November 2020

“How great are your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep!” Psalm 92:5

The moment that Adam and Eve sinned, humanity had been condemned to face the judgement of God as punishment for that sin. We remember the words of David in Psalm 51:5 saying “Indeed, I was born guilty, a sinner when my mother conceived me.” And throughout scripture, we see the work of the Law and Prophets in guiding God’s people to righteous living.

Since it was not God’s will that anyone should perish, God provide the ultimate sacrifice, Christ Jesus our Lord, that we may experience his grace and be saved. When we begin to consider the divine plan of God to salvation, and see the love that flows from the cross, we are often speechless. From the design of the prophets – to their message and prophecies. And through scripture, seeing everything fall into place. It is by God’s love – through Christ’s sacrifice that we can be saved, are saved, and we will be saved unto his return.

We are reminded by Paul in Ephesians 2:8-9 that “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast.” It is important that we remember that work for our salvation, it is not through our acts of worship, our life, or service to God, but it is God’s gift to humanity. From sinners to sinners saved by grace.

As Christians, we are then led to life of gratitude and humility. Since we are not deserving but have been extended this grace, then we ought to express thanks to the giver. And we ought to be humble. As we contemplate a new normal, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the events of recent times. It is easy, as many others have done to question God’s ability to control, or the extent of God’s hand in recent events. However, today’s watchword reminds that God’s work is great evidenced in our salvation. Since by his grace, we are not only saved but also sustained, we have reason to remain grateful, humble, and confident. Just as the songwriter pens “When he was on the cross, I was on his mind.” We can still be confident that God’s love has not ceased, nor did he stop caring for us. We ought to continue to trust God as God leads us across the Jordan. And God invites us to “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

Last Friday, on our way to Choir Practice, we all expressed how hard the week had been, and how we tired we are. And our youth leader, in response to our feelings, told each of us to name three things that we were thankful for. In counting our blessings, the mood had shifted to gratitude. When we are mindful, and thankful – then God’s love, peace and joy fills our life so much so, we that we can, in full assurance that it is alright.

Today’s watchword leads us to reflect on the goodness of God, in giving to us that gift. Remember that day, when we were the Holy Spirit drew us to him, and we said Yes. The moment when we were never the same again. That was God’s work. Then recall how God has kept us. Those moments where all we could say was “Were it not for the grace of God, where would we be?” That was God’s work. And it is evident in all of this, that he deeply cares about us, and works all things together for our good.

But it is easy to forget, to complain and become rebellious – just as the Israelites forgot how God saved them from Pharaoh’s hand, having experienced the plagues that fell on Egypt. They seemed to forget how God brought them across the Red Sea and decimated their enemies. They began to complain to Moses – that they were only tired of manna and wanted to go back to Egypt. Today’s watchword calls us to remember. To stop for a moment, and consider the times, it seemed impossible – but we became victorious. To remember God’s saving and sustaining work in our lives and be grateful, and humble and confident. When we remember, then we are strengthened – knowing that the God who does not change can do it again.

Until next week, may we continue to lean on God’s everlasting arms. In recalling God’s goodness to us, may we continue him to trust, and truly believe that if he led us to it, then he will lead us through it. Amen

Dominic J. Blair

November 13, 2020

The Holy Spirit is for all who believe

For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.”
Acts 2:39 NRSV

Our text for reflection today brings us to the popular Acts 2 passage that speaks to the coming of the Holy Spirit. We should be acquainted with this story. The Holy Spirit came down as tongues of fire and fell on the disciples who were gathered on the day of Pentecost.

Those who were there heard the disciples speaking in their own native language. Some thought the disciples were drunk early in the morning. It is at this juncture Peter gives an account of Jesus, beginning with the prophecy from Joel highlighting the pouring out of the Spirit of God in the last days.

This prophecy is crucial to the comment made by Peter in verse 39, for this is the promise that he speaks of. The Promise of God’s Spirit being poured out on his people. It is a promise that is entitled to everyone who repent of their sins, turn to God and is baptised for the remission of their sins. It is a promise for you, for your children and your children’s children. It is a promise for those who are near and those who are far. It is a promise that God honours to those who love Him.

What is this promise of the Holy Spirit? The promise of the Holy Spirit is God’s direct contact with us and with everyone. It’s the manifestation of his powers through us. There is no longer a clear division between us and God. We can directly go to God- whoever repents of their sins, gets baptised and accept Jesus Christ . The Holy Spirit now allows everyone including the servant, who is not thought much of, to receive the gifts given by the Holy Spirit. Gifts of prophesy, dreams, wonders in heaven and signs on earth. This gift is for all who believe.

So receive the promise of the Holy Spirit. It’s for all people and generations who repent of sins, turn to God and are baptised for the remission of sins. God’s power is in you!

Until next week use the power of the Holy Spirit within you
Christopher Euphfa

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Praise Not Fear

We your people, the flock of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever ; from generation to generation we will recount your praise. Psalms 79:13

Good morning church family I pray that you are all blessed and staying safe. With this global pandemic, racial injustice, natural disasters and other disasters happening around the world I know there are days when we feel hopeless ,desolate or feel that God has turned his back on us, we may even feel as if these disasters are a result of our sins. If like myself you have been feeling this way it means we can all relate to the Jews and how they felt after the intrusion of the Bablyonian army which wreaked havoc on their nation.

Even though the Jews were being constantly warned to turn away from their sinful ways and to obey the commandments, they would not listen. They continued to defile themselves and the Lord’s temple and as we all know , “who can’t hear , must feel”. Their disobedience caused God to allow the Babylonians to invade their land, kill them , leave their bodies to be eaten by animals and to destroy the holy temple.

Asaph started to feel overwhelmed with what was happening in his nation and he began to pray and ask God for deliverance, forgiveness and also asked him to turn his anger away from them. He hated the fact that the Babylonians were asking “where is their God? “ and he asked God to silence their nation by being the avenger of blood for his people .

After praying to be rescued, Asaph ended the prayer with thanksgiving and hope that God will look down on their needs and and answer his prayer , he also had faith that better days were ahead . God tells us he is our shepherd and we are the sheep of the pastures, it is for this reason that we can rely on God wholeheartedly because shepherds ensure that their sheep are safe and well taken of. Asaph vowed that he will praise God and continue to praise God in all generations to come and tell the stories of his marvelous works.

So instead of worrying or feeling overwhelmed with all that’s happening around us let us continue praying that God will rescue us and trust that better days are ahead. Until next time stay safe , stay blessed

Toni-Ann Poyser

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Little Is Much!

Dearly beloved, I greet you well. Today’s watchword is from Proverbs 15:16 and it tells us that, “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it.” Imagine that…

As a people on a whole we spend so much time trying to get ahead and to become better versions of ourselves. We have this ideal in mind and so we seek to attain and to acheive and sometimes it is in so doing that we lose sight or focus on the things that are really important.

Our relationship with Christ suffers and then automatically we end up not being able to make time for our children, perhaps tend a garden, visit a sick brother or sister or even minister to anyone. Nothing is wrong with setting goals and trying to acheive them however, one must never become so engrossed in his pursuit of happiness that he can no longer commune with God.

Perhaps you feel as if you have been given too little; it appears that whilst you constantly struggle others have it more easier. Friend, commit all your ways to the Lord, keep your heart focused on Him and He will open your eyes to all you have been gifted with.

Mark 8:36 asks, “what good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? These are scriptures that we may know by heart but have we assessed our circumstances lately? What is your current standing? Are you seeking to gain so much that you have lost sight of all that you already possess? Think on these things.

Until next week, I join with B Farrell in praying,
Longing for shelter, many are homeless,
Longing for warmth, many are cold.
Make us your building, sheltering others, walls made of living stone.

Amen.

Kerone Lamoth

Keep on Praying. God hears and will answer.

For months there has been some constant requests during my praying. Some things I keep asking God to grant. As I continued to pray this week it suddenly dawned on me that God is answering my prayers and that of many others. There is a new President Elect of the United States of America, one who has already vowed to repair the damage done to the political, social and emotional relationships over the last four years, both locally and internationally. Yes friends. God hears and answers our prayers. There is hope too in the news of the development of drugs, one at 90% success in the trials, that will aid in the fight against the Corona virus. God answers prayers. A prayer to be used generally, Psalm 86 was written by David. It was especially for use in a difficult period. In today’s watchword David calls upon God to give special attention to his situation. Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant. Psalm 86: 16.

David calls on God to be his keeper, his savior and his protector. There were so many people and forces that had turned against David, but He knew that what he needed was not for them to turn back to him but for God’s face to be turned towards him. He knew he needed God’s favor and not humanity’s embrace. Dear friends we very often want the world to notice us, to like us and to be receptive of us, not realizing that what we truly need is the favor of God in our lives. It is that longing for worldly acceptance that causes us to do the things that will gain the world’s approval rather than doing that which is pleasing to God. This is why Paul warns us in Romans 12: 2, And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. David in wisdom therefore sought God’s face and not humanity’s acceptance. He did not seek people’s likes, but rather depended on God’s love for him. He knew that God could do more for him than any human could, so he kept praying and focusing on God for the help he needed. It should be the same with us. God is able and He wont fail, so trust God and keep praying, He will answer.

David asks God to give him strength. Not to strengthen him, which would be an increase of David’s own strength. Rather he asked that God give him of God’s strength. God can increase our physical strength dear friends. David knew that. He knew of Sampson who had a strength like no other human. He also remembered that he had wrestled with a lion and a bear and had been victorious. Remember also David against Goliath. These feats would have been impossible had it not been for the strength of God given to him in those moments of need. In today’s text David again called on the Lord in his moment of need ‘give your strength to your servant’. We at times are in need of a strength that is more than what we have and at such time all we need to do is call on God and He will provide the resource we need for the moment. In the same way God responded to David, God will also respond to our prayers and like David we will be able to worship and praise, to say ‘In my distress I called upon the Lord, And cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry entered His ears.’ 2 Sam 22: 7. Friends, are you able to see God’s hands at work in your life? Can you attest to answered prayers on a personal and a general level? As you continue to petition the throne of heaven, remember to give thanks for answered prayers and remember to keep on praying. The answer you seek may not be forthcoming, but in due time God who hears will answer your prayer.

Monday Reflection – November 09, 2020
The Relentless God!

I was ready to be sought out by those who did not ask, to be found by those who did not seek me. I said, “Here I am, here I am,” to a nation that did not call on my name. Isaiah 65:1

When we reflect on the mayhem, violence, mass shootings and wars that are taking place in our world, we struggle many times to comprehend it all. We ask why? How? How come? We wrestle to come up with a plausible reason or answer. In the search for answers, we many times blame someone or some system. We blame homes, communities, friends, a broken mental health system etc. We point several fingers. Even when it comes down to situations in our personal lives, we are quick to cast blame elsewhere.  

The Israelites who returned from exile in Babylon faced precisely this problem: how can we explain the immense suffering endured by the people of God? Second Isaiah (chapters 40-55), addressed to the Israelites near the end of the exile, expresses confidence in God’s command of history and the eventual restoration of the nation. Despite the people’s suffering, Isaiah promises a God who will continue to bless Israel. These promises, however, are not fulfilled, at least not yet. The small groups of exiles who returned to Judah after Persia’s defeat of Babylon in 539 faced hardship, famine, political in-fighting, and economic oppression. How do they account for this continued suffering, even after the promised return to their homeland has occurred? Isaiah chapters 56-66 declare that it is God’s punishment for the people’s unfaithfulness.

Today’s Watchword depicts a God who longs to be sought by God’s people but who is continually shunted aside. God’s voice even sounds plaintive here; “Here I am, here I am,” God cries, to a nation that turns away. Specifically, the people have turned to the practice of pagan rituals. The people’s disobedience and infidelity have made them repugnant to God. The continued suffering of the Israelites is just punishment for their sin. It is the people themselves who are responsible for their suffering. Yet God will not punish all; a remnant, a chosen few, will be redeemed, who will receive all that had been promised to Israel.

Even though the people have rejected God, Yahweh offers hope. Isaiah visions the new heavens and a new earth that God is about to create (vs. 17). Also, Yahweh will rejoice in Jerusalem,
and delight in His people; No more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it, or the cry of distress (vs 19). There is further hope in verse 24: Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear.

What’s the lesson here for all of us?
ü  We must accept responsibility for our actions

ü  God will justly meet out punishment to us when we reject him and follow after other gods

ü  The faithful will be rewarded

ü  No matter how far we have drifted, God relentlessly pursues us desiring to lead us back home

ü  There is hope and the promise of security and eternity for those who submit themselves to the Lordship and leadership of God. Amen

Jermaine Gibson

Saturday Reflection – 07 November 2020

“As my life was ebbing away, I remembered the Lord; and my prayer came to you.” Jonah 2:7

The story of Jonah is a very popular one. Jonah had been called by God to go to Nineveh and preach a message of repentance. Jonah however disobeyed God, for he thought the Ninevites were not deserving of God’s mercy and ran to Tarshish. It was on the boat travelling to Tarshish that a violent storm brewed on the seas. In response, Jonah told the other men to throw him overboard and he was swallowed by a big fish. Then the storm had calmed. Jonah spent three days in the belly of the fish, of which he stayed in continual prayer to God.

Jonah considers his sin, and the consequences brought on by his action of disobedience. As he prays, he thinks, just as we many times do, that there is no means of redemption. But Jonah, in his moment of trouble and distress, turns himself to the throne of grace, and throws himself on the mercies of God. The good thing, many times said, that God is not like man, we serve a forgiving and merciful God. Hear Jonah in verses 3 -7 “You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the flood surrounded me; all your waves and your billows passed over me. Then I said, ‘I am driven away from your sight; how shall I look again upon your holy temple?’ The waters closed in over me; the deep surrounded me; weeds were wrapped around my head at the roots of the mountains. I went down to the land whose bars closed upon me forever; yet you brought up my life from the Pit, O Lord my God. As my life was ebbing away, I remembered the Lord; and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple.”

Jonah had seen the error of his ways, and with a repentant heart, right where he was, he committed himself to turn back to the Lord. And in his contrition, as he life ebbs away, he prays depending on God’s grace to be meted to him. This experience reminds us, that God desires our obedience, and we ought to trust the leading and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This is a call to look beyond our limited sight and thought, surrendering to our omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent God. As the now people of God, self must be slain, that God would be glorified. The prophet Jonah limited the mercy of God and refused to allow the people of Nineveh to turn from their sin to righteousness. We must open ourselves, to be used by God – and according to God’s will and purpose. It is interesting that in determining that the Ninevites did not deserve God’s grace, he disobeyed God and therein sinned. And now Jonah needed God’s grace. As sinners saved by grace, we must never judgemental but always open to lead others to the cross, that they may experience God’s grace.

The final thought from Jonah’s experience relates a loving and merciful God who will continually hear the cry of the penitent and will answer their prayer. It is not God’s will that anyone should perish, and so he stands to dispense his grace to anyone who would return to the Lord, our God. Many times, we may feel irreparably separated from God. And there, like Jonah, when our life ebbs away, we may be able to look up and approach the throne of grace. Jonah had sinned for he was disobedience, and the consequences of his disobedience were meted out, but in his penitence, he experienced God’s grace that is greater than all our sin. We are imperfect human beings, and when we fall, we need only in true contrition and repentance, to confess our sins, and he is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Until next week,
Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

Refrain:
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!

Amen.

Dominic J. Blair

Wednesday Reflection, November 4, 2020

Sing Out!

Zephaniah 3:14-15
Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgements against you.

Hello friends, today marks one year since I was asked to join in sharing in this particular ministry and whilst It hasn’t entirely been smooth sailing this past year, The Lord remains faithful and ever in Control.

Today, I’d like to draw your attention to one of the many instances in which the children of Israel went astray; forsaking their God as well as their responsibility to Him.

Zephaniah 3 begins with a warning against sin then an encouragement to seek mercy and finally, promises of the favor and prosperity that would come.

Charles Spurgeon cited, “faulty as the church is, the Lord rejoices in her. While we mourn, as well as we may, yet we do not sorrow as those that are without hope; for God does not sorrow, his heart is glad, and he is said to rejoice with joy- a highly emphatic expression.”

Brothers and sisters, are you or I any different from or more worthy of grace than the children of Israel? Did the generation of sorrow, disobedience and despair die with our fore parents? If you are like me, a sinner saved by grace, who is daily bombarded by the things of this world; then hear God say to you, to me to us, ‘sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgements against you.

Indeed, Jesus dropped the charges! Do not allow your heart, circumstances or anyone to condemn you because of your former ways. The Lord has taken away the judgements against you. Understand that God is with you, He is in your midst with power to save, He takes joy in you, He gives you rest in His love and He sings over you.

What blessed consolation we have today! Today’s new testament text, 1 John 2:2 reminds us, ‘Jesus Christ is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

Until next week, remember, may the Joy of the Lord be your strength

Kerone Lamoth