Thursday Reflection

October 8, 2020

Witnesses

Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the Lord, to serve him.” And they said, “We are witnesses.” Joshua 24:22

Good day friends,

I greet you in the Mighty name of Jesus!

Today I want to reflect briefly on the passage stated above. Joshua, along with the Israelites had conquered majority of the Promised Land. Joshua invited them to a meeting to distribute the land and to encourage them to faithfully serve the Lord. Despite Joshua’s reservation the people assured Joshua that they would faithfully serve the Lord. It is Joshua’s response to people’s assurance that is our text for reflection. He pointed out that they [the Israelites] are witnesses against themselves and they agreed to being witnesses. Similarly, we too, are witnesses to the pledge we have made and therefore I want to leave three points for us to reflect on.

1) You made a commitment to serve God

When you gave your life to the Lord, you made a commitment with the Lord. No one forced or can force you to accept the Lord. That is a personal decision. A decision to give up all things for the sake of Jesus and him crucified. So you are held accountable for it is YOUR decision.

2) You have to hold yourself accountable

I know we are in an era where some of us have accountability partners to help us with our spiritual journey, however at the end of the day you have to hold yourself accountable. No one else can.
If you choose not to share with your accountability partner your every moment of weakness or your every sin, then that partner cannot help you. You have to be accountable to yourself, whether that is sharing with others or being honest with yourself. If you find yourself drifting away from God, YOU have to make that decision to get back on track. YOU have to be serve God faithfully.

3) Testify of God’s faithfulness

As witnesses we MUST testify of what God has done for us and even for others. We MUST declare! We MUST speak out! That’s the responsibility of a witness. They share what they have seen or heard. We are to do likewise. We tell others of God’s grace and mercy.

Until next week be faithful witnesses.

Shalom

Christopher Euphfa

Wednesday Reflection, October 7, 2020

Pardon for Sin

Brothers and sisters, I greet you well! How many proverbs do you know? How many did you grow up on? And how many do you still use and find to be quite applicable still? The fact that there is nothing new under the sun resonated with me from the very first time I read Ezekiel 18.

The chapter opens with the Isrealites lamenting that they were being punished for the sins of their fathers simply because, the fathers ate the sour grape and set the children teeth on edge. How old were you when you learnt that this particular proverb was in fact biblical?

My friends, it is very easy for us to believe this proverb to be true especially in a world and culture that seems unable to cut you some slack. If it’s not one thing its another and if its not one thing its the other. Affliction, persecution, disappointment. Conflict, pain, singleness, joblessness, wayward children, unfaithful spouses, on and on the litany goes…

But as God reminded the people to put away such foolish thinking and not to discontinue the use of that particular proverb. He also reminded them that He judges each individual based on their individual sins. In Ezekiel 18:23 He speaks, ‘Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, says the Lord God, and not rather that they should turn from their ways and live? Today’s watchword. Whilst it is easy to believe one is being punished for something more or that he didn’t do, it would be unwise for the believer to pursue or continue in sin because the Lord bids each of come to repentance where He will blot out our sins and remember them no more.

Jesus said, ‘ I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in darkness.

Let us pray, Father in heaven, whose love profound
A ransom for our souls has found,
Before thy throne we sinners bend;
To us your pardoning love extend. E Cooper
Eternal Father, thank you for making us aware that you want the very best for us, life in all its fullness.

Amen

Kerone Lamoth

The Spirit Gives Hope

God’s promise to pour out his Spirit upon Israel is seen at different points in the Old Testament. The passage in which today’s watchword falls begins with the destruction of the armies of Israel’s enemies, Israel’s celebration and their restoration. This all becomes evidence of God’s visible presence in Israel’s midst. Today’s Watchword is God’s promise of His presence to Israel. I will never again hide my face from them, when I pour out my spirit upon the house of Israel, says the Lord. Ezekiel 39: 29.

When we read the Young’s Literal Translation, it says: ‘And I hide not any more My face from them, In that I have poured out My spirit on the house of Israel, An affirmation of the Lord Jehovah!’ God affirms His presence in Israel with the promise of His blessings on His people and they are expected to respond by adhering to God’s ways. Those who practice godliness are certain to receive God’s favor. The Lord’s promise to Israel and to us is that the outpouring of His Spirit would signify His lasting presence. Peter alluded to this on the Day of Pentecost as he addressed the crowd, quoting Joel 2: 28 – I will pour out my spirit on all people. This outpouring of the Spirit on all people was to be something new, something different and something spectacular. Prior to this the Spirit of God had been seasonal and not readily accessible. We see for example in Judges 3: 10 where the Spirit of God rested on Othneil and he became a judge of Israel and went to war. We also read in 1 Samuel 10: 10 where the Spirit of God rested on Saul and he joined a group of prophets and started to prophesy. The promise of today’s watchword however is that the time would come when God’s Spirit would be both available and accessible, leading humanity to practice Godliness and be recipients of God’s grace.

The text, as well Joel’s prophecy and others in the Old Testament, pointing to the outpouring of the Spirit of God on all people, was interpreted by Peter as having been fulfilled through Jesus Christ who had told them to await the coming of the Holy Spirit. God had poured his Spirit upon them through the work, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. We note however that the passage within which the watchword falls speaks of the total defeat of the enemies of God’s people, which I would interpret today as the enemy of the church. Although the Holy Spirit has been poured out among us, and although we are enabled to live Godly lives through this presence, we still await the defeat and destruction of the enemy. This will definitely come in accordance with God’s promise to us. We live in this broken world, often reflecting its brokenness but always holding to the hope that the Holy Spirit gives. The hope that He who now dwells within us will defeat all that seeks to destroy us. Sickness, disease, death, human evil, spiritual wickedness, the broken pieces of earthly living. Indeed, all that comes between humanity and Godly living will one day be defeated for all eternity as God establishes His new kingdom for those in whom His Spirit dwells. My prayer for us is that we will all continue to live by the Spirit until that day when our hope for an eternity of God’s perfect reign is established. May the visible presence of God in our hearts and lives, provide the hope we need every day. Amen

Monday Reflection – October 05, 2020
From the Archives #1
 
Prelude:
October 09 this year will mark three years that God led me to start Monday Reflections. As you know, what started out as Monday Reflection has developed into Weekly Reflections. Allow me to say thanks to Brothers Bevon White, Christopher Euphfa, and Dominic Blair and Sisters Shaneka Raymore Euphfa and Kerone Lamoth for sharing God’s word and for their commitment to this ministry. I must also express thanks to Sister Shantal Walters-Wilson who provided the inspiration and insight that led us to do both written and audio versions of the reflections. Hitherto hath the Lord helped us! In celebration of this journey, I have decided to go back to the archives and share the first four reflections for this month of October.
 
Monday Reflection – October 09, 2017
What is this season? What season are you in? 
 
Watchword: For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1
 
There are four seasons of the year. 

1. There is spring when seeds take root and vegetation begins to grow. The weather is warmer, and often wetter. Animals wake or return from warmer climates, often with newborns. 
2. There is summer when there is usually increase in temperature to the hottest of the year. In this period droughts are most likely to occur and forest fires may become more frequent. 
3. There is autumn or fall when temperatures cool again. Plants may begin to grow dormant. Animals might prepare themselves for the upcoming cold weather, storing food or traveling to warmer regions.   
4. There is winter which often brings a chill. Some areas may experience snow or ice, while others see only cold rain. Animals find ways to warm themselves, and may have changed their appearance to adapt. What season are you in physically, emotionally and spiritually?

The word today is not about the literal seasons of the year, but the word is about God’s determined season/time. The word ‘time’ has two meanings in the Greek language. 

1. Kronos – This is the chronological time that we observe every day, week, hour, minute and second. It is about day into night and night into day. 
2. Kairos – This is God’s appointed time, the actions and interventions of God in His own time.
    
   While we operate in chronological time, the God who transcends time, operates in his time (kairos). We make plans to fit into this time (kronos), yet God acts in his time (kairos). These two do not always converge, but we must recognize that God’s timing, actions and plans will always outdo, even eliminate, ours. 
    
   The Doctrinal Text is instructive in light of the Watchword. It says:
   Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” – not knowing what he said. Luke 9:33 
    
   Two thoughts immediately come to mind:
   1. Peter spoke when he should have been quiet – It is no wonder that the text says that Peter himself did not know what he said. He uttered words that he didn’t even know or understand. In the midst of the magnificent transfiguration, Peter was transfixed and confused and just said words. He missed the opportunity to be silent. We do not always have to speak; in fact, we should listen twice as much as we speak (no wonder we have two ears and one mouth). In this season, it may be the time to be silent……and watch……..and listen. There is indeed a time to speak and a time to be quiet.
    
   2. Peter wanted to stay permanently in this moment of exhilarating experience – This was evident as he desired to build three tabernacles. We love the mountaintops and despise the valleys. We wish we only had seasons of excitement, happiness, success and achievement. We don’t like sadness, disappointment, and failures. We wish our experiences were all exhilarating and breath-taking. 
    
   We have lived long enough to know that life is filled with many seasons, ups and downs, mountains and valleys. What season are you in? Perhaps you are up on the mountain/in the spring experiencing the blessings of growth; yet your valley will come. Perhaps you are in the valley/in the drought of the summer; yet your mountaintop will come. What season is it? What season are you in?
    
   Whatever season it is and whatever season we are in, be assured that God remains present and constant. God is present in our kronos and acts in his kairos. Open your hearts today and this week for God’s perfect action and kairos. 
    
   Prayer from the Daily Text:
   Father of all creation, we honour you for making all things beautiful in their season. May we live each season knowing that it is a part of a master plan and design. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. 
    
   Jermaine Gibson

Saturday Reflection – 03 October 2020

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined. Isaiah 9:2

Have you ever wanted to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, and the light switch is on the other end of the room so you have to grope around in the dark to find your way safely. Many times, we are successful and other times, we hit our toe against something in the room. Imagine that state of uncertainty as to exactly where on the wall, the light switch is, as we grope around and cannot seem to find its exact location. See our arms outstretched as we try to guide ourselves safely to the bathroom. Now, imagine the difference when we find the switch and the light is turned on. It is a completely different reality. There is clarity and we know exactly where we are going.

The prophet Isaiah uses this comparison to bring home the immense darkness that covers the world. In that darkness, there is hopelessness, fear, frustration, hurt and pain, there is no clarity in thought and sight and we grope around to find our way. And there, in that dark and dread state, comes the Christ to dispel the darkness. Jesus said “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (St. John 8:12)

Remember that clarity that we experienced when we finally found the light switch and we turned it on. Now, we see the obstacles clearly that prevented our way – some we tripped over, some in front of us. But we see the path clearly to where we need to go. There is the change when our eyes are opened, and we see things clearer. We begin to recognize those snares that trapped us, the obstacles that we need to avoid, and we walk hand-in-hand with our all-seeing and all-knowing Saviour who journeys with us to the very end. All that groping around, the hopelessness, fear, frustration, hurt and pain is transformed as the darkness is dispelled and replaced with power, love and a sound mind.

Isaiah begins to ignite hope in a hopeless and broken world marred by the consequences of sin, negligence and disobedience. There, the Messiah would come and bring light to the world. He would teach us the way to live and open the gates of glory. He would come to heal our brokenness, help the sick and sin-sick and open our eyes. As a ransom for sin he would reconcile us with God. Now the Messiah has come, and the light shines in the darkness. There is hope where it seems that we no longer can see our way through. Light to guide us, journey with us – journey through this pandemic that seems to have clouded the pathway that is our normalcy. Brothers and sisters, even in this pandemic – our moment of deep darkness, on us light has shined.

We do not need to grope around, for the Christ, the light of the world, has guided us, through his Word, his Holy Spirit and the health professionals that seek to safeguard our health. Therefore, we need not be afraid, but be wise and obedient.

Until next week, as we journey onwards, may we know him and walk in his light. There is hope for in the midst of the darkness, David declares “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11, ESV) Amen.

Dominic J. Blair

Wednesday Reflection, September 30, 2020

Unwavering Faith

Make us strong, Lord, and help us to stand firm against temptation and wrong. Make us watchful, so that we may never be taken unawares. Make us ready to place ourselves in your hands, so that we may know your power. May we take to ourselves the whole armour of God, after the example of Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever.

Dearly beloved, I greet you well. As today marks the end of September, I pray that this reflection will help some of us to realign our belief, our trust, our confidence in the Lord God; enabling us to have and to maintain unwavering faith.

Daily I meet people who just can’t wait for 2020 to end. They lament about how awful this year has been and about all that has gone wrong. Their downfalls, disappointments and setbacks.

Perhaps, you too have simply had rotten luck this year right? No! Brothers and sisters, of this one thing I am confident, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Yes, there appears to be trouble on every side, and yes things appear to be going from bad to worse but remember that the trying of our faith brings about patience and that the believer ought to glory in tribulations.

Much of what I have said is so much easier said than done. We know the scriptures but it is ever a challenge to put them into practice. Jesus knew that we would struggle and that our limitations would seek to overtake us which is why He gave us the Holy Spirit the comforter to guide us or keep us grounded when we feel most lost/alone.

In today’s watchword, the psalmist affirms, “I kept the faith, even when I said, ‘I am greatly afflicted’. Psalm 116:10
Friends, the troubles of the world we live in will constantly seek to oppress us but James 1:2 reminds us, ‘blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

In closing, I join with LM Mills in praying, ‘Father, hear the prayer we offer; not for ease that prayer shall be, but for strength that we may ever live our lives courageously.

Be our strength in hours of weakness, in our wanderings be our guide; through endeavor, failure, danger,
Father, be thou at our side.’

Amen

Kerone Lamoth

Monday Reflection – September 28, 2020
A Word to the Youth

Remember your creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come, and the years draw near when you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”. Ecclesiastes 12:1

How do we make sense of life? What do we need to do to make the best of the life that we have? How do we experience joy and fulfillment in this life? These are among many questions that we all ask ourselves. If we have not asked ourselves these questions, it is either that we have not lived long enough or we are not passionately pursuing life to make the best of it. People of every age and culture wrestle with these issues. Solomon was no different as he too tried to make sense of life. Though given wisdom from God, he outlines in the book of Ecclesiastes that he sought after joy and fulfillment and tried money, material possessions, sexual pleasures and much more, but as he puts it, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.”

Having experienced all that, Solomon offers a sound word of advice to young people as he concludes his book. He challenges them to remember Yahweh while they are young and before the evil days come. For him, youth must quickly recognize that they are God’s property, so they should serve him from the start of their years and not the end of it when service is very limited. There is the need to realize that God is our Creator who has beautifully fashioned us into his image and likeness. Sin has separated us from God, but through Christ’s death and resurrection we can all experience new life in God so life can be lived with God-directed purpose.   

But why this advice from Solomon? In verses 1-5 the reasons are outlined, as Solomon speaks of the sun and the light, the moon and the stars, that are not darkened, and follows this up with a poetic description of the effects of advancing age. So he speaks of:

      The keepers of the house tremble: The arms and hands that keep the body now begin to tremble

      The strong men bow down: The legs and knees begin to sag

      The grinders cease because they are few: Teeth are lost and chewing is more difficult

      The windows grow dim: The eyes get dim

      The sound of grinding is low: The ears become weaker and weaker

      One rises up at the sound of a bird: Sleep becomes more difficult and one is easy wakened

      The daughters of music are brought low: Singing and music are less appreciated

      Afraid of height, and of terrors in the way: One becomes more fearful in life

      The almond tree blossoms: The hair becomes white

      The grasshopper is a burden: The once active become weak and become dependent

      Desire fails: The passions and desires of life weaken and wane

Solomon follows this up with a final plea in verses 6-7. The youth should remember God before they die. Death is depicted as the irreversible shattering of a golden bowl when cut from the end of a silver cord and the similar smashing of a pitcher or wheel (verse 6). After death, we must all face the judgment. Let us all, young and old, live our lives in full surrender to God and to God’s glory, since we don’t know when our end will come.

Jermaine Gibson 

Saturday Reflection – 26 September 2020

“For I am with you, says the Lord, to save you.” Jeremiah 30:11

Since the ongoing pandemic, the world has been placed in a standstill. The things that we have been used to such as our way of worship, (especially in celebrating our Special Services) school, work and just our general way of living has been affected. And the thing is, many of us thought that this would be a six-month inconvenience, but it is clearer now, that life will not be the same again. and we now must contemplate a new normal.

As we read Jeremiah 30, we see just how the destruction and exile had affected the Israelites. In verses 5-6, Jeremiah says “Thus says the Lord: We have heard a cry of panic, of terror, and no peace. Ask now, and see, can a man bear a child? Why then do I see every man with his hands on his loins like a woman in labour? Why has every face turned pale?” There has been much anxiety and grappling fear over the rising number of positive cases; the resources needed for an effective teaching-learning environment, the constant need to wear masks and sanitize has brought on some uneasiness and apprehension.

Yet still, as Jeremiah preaches God’s message of hope and restoration, it becomes even more relevant as we confront the lasting effects of COVID-19. God had promised the nations of Israel and Judah that he will “…break the yoke from off his neck, and … will burst his bonds…” (vs. 8) And encourages his people saying “…have no fear, my servant Jacob, says the Lord, and do not be dismayed, O Israel; for I am going to save you from far away, and your offspring from the land of their captivity. Jacob shall return and have quiet and ease, and no one shall make him afraid.” (vs. 10) In the same way, we are today encouraged. For like the people, this disaster may seem unending and would just worsen as the days go on. But God reminds us that he will save us, will redeem us from captivity (even the captivity of our homes due to COVID-19) and we will return to quiet and ease and we shall not be afraid anymore.

And God will save us. Today’s watchword is a reminded that those footprints in the sand, are still evident in today’s world. That though we have tribulation, the one who has overcome the world, walks closely beside us. He is the one that will save us. In this resolve, we see our anxieties and perplexities, the uneasiness and fear being replaced with the power, the love and the sound mind given to us by his refreshing Holy Spirit. Allow his peace then, that passes all understanding to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Until next week, as we continue to journey through this pandemic, wearing masks, sanitizing, and constantly checking our temperatures. May we continue to place everything in God’s hands while we continually wash ours. For God is with us and will save us. Amen.

Dominic J. Blair

Friday Reflection
September 25, 2020

These Three Things

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.
Colossians 3:16 NRSV
https://bible.com/bible/2016/col.3.16.NRSV

Good morning Friends, happyyyyyyy Friday!!!
I trust you are all keeping well and safe as we continue to grapple with the Covid 19 pandemic. If you are reading this reflection today , September 25, 2020, you are blessed. Many have died this year, many have been hospitalized and many are still alive. We are fortunate to have made it to this day. Therefore, I encourage you to ensure you remain in these three things:

1. The word of Christ: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. It is easy , especially in times of crisis to forget and withdraw from the word of God. He says , “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Therefore, take heart friends and continue to be guided by his words as you journey through the rest of 2020 and beyond.
2. Teaching one another: Teach and admonish one another in all wisdom. This my friends is very important. Especially in these times, we must be careful to approach our brothers and sisters with some level of wisdom. Often times we teach or advice persons to do something and we do so without any thought on how it might affect the person. It’s important to teach and advice one another in all wisdom.
3. Gratitude is a must: And with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. Having made it to September of this year, wi affi gi tanks to almighty God! It is indeed a privilege to be alive. Today, show your gratitude to God, by singing hymns and spiritual song to him. Songs of thanksgiving.

Remember these three things, let the word of Christ dwell in you, teach and admonish one another in all wisdom and have a heart of gratitude!

Until next, stay safe, stay true and stay blessed!

Shaneka Raymore Euphfa

Thursday Reflection September 24, 2020 What is in your heart?

“Each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of the evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.” Luke 6:44-45

Good day friends!

I want to begin this reflection with a series of questions for self-examination. When you gather at the workplace and join with friends to negatively and maliciously speak about others what type of spiritual fruit are you producing? When you refuse to speak to a brother or sister at church and completely avoid the person what fruit are you producing? When you tell lies on others, especially to save your own self, what kind of fruit are you producing? When you commit fornication, adultery and sexual immorality what kind of fruit are you producing? When you ignore the word of God and the teachings of the Bible what kind of fruit are you producing?

Jesus was teaching a large crowd on a mountain. This is the same mountain that he gave the Beatitudes. This was a series of teaching by Jesus which covered many aspects of life. In his teaching in chapter 6 of Luke, he taught about the fruit in people’s lives. A tree is identified by the fruit that it produces and a good tree cannot produce bad fruit. Jesus gave the following illustration, “Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush.” So in other words a fig tree will produce figs and grape vines will produce grape. They will not produce fruit such as thorns or brambles. So a good person will NOT produce sexual immorality, quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfish ambition, malicious conversations, lustful pleasures, division and envy (Galatians 6:19-21) . Instead a good person WILL produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 6: 22-23). So the good person will produce that which is good and the bad person that which is bad.

As Jesus continued teaching the multitude about the fruit that one produces, He got to the heart of the matter which is the heart. Hear Jesus, “The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of the evil treasure produces evil”. Your heart determines what type of fruit you will produce. If you are producing bad fruit that mean your heart is at a bad place and if you are producing good fruit your heart is in a good place and all of this is reflected by our speech. The New Living Translation commentary Bible puts it this way, “Jesus reminds us that our speech and actions reveal our true underlying beliefs, attitudes, and motivations. The good impressions we try to make cannot last if we are being deceptive. What is in your heart will come out in your speech and behavior.”

You cannot hide your true nature. You can pretend to produce good fruit, but the bad will come out, because of what is truly in your heart. EXAMINE YOUR HEART TODAY and determine what is in your heart. Don’t just assume it is good, because you do not kill or rob. No examine how you treat people and how you treat God.

Shalom

Christopher Euphfa