Monday Reflection – November 01, 2021
Harvest Rejoicing

You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. Isaiah 9:3

Isaiah 9 offers a resounding word and promise of hope to the people of God. The Prophet declares the coming of the long-expected Messiah who would bring joy and gladness to Israel. In today’s Watchword, Isaiah speaks of a Harvest Festival; an old-fashioned celebration. He speaks of an all-out Hebrew celebration involving dancing, eating, drinking, and worship. The real concept of harvest is lost on most people of our day and time. Many give no thought to planting and cultivation and irrigation. Nor do they consider the rearing and care of livestock and animals. Most people in our culture have no idea what a stalk of grain looks like. They have never seen a chicken lay an egg. They have never seen a cow being milked. All they know is that they can get whatever food they need or want from the grocery store. Somehow it is always there. Built into Israel’s culture and faith life was a number of harvest festivals, so the people remember and rejoice that food and drink and other blessings do not just appear by themselves.

Today’s text speaks of the spirit of rejoicing before God as with joy at the harvest. Isaiah recognizes that harvest joy is directed towards God. Everything comes from God. Isaiah addresses God as ‘You’ three times in this verse to emphasize that we are dependent on God. Not just partially dependent but fully dependent. Not just dependent in times of emergency but all the time. We are more dependent upon God than most of us even imagine, and sadly, fail to recognize. The same God who dropped the bread of heaven upon the camp of Israel commands the earth to yield its crops. The same God who brought water from a rock also fills the seas. The same God who provided meat for his people, causes chickens to lay eggs and cows to give milk.

While we receive physical blessings from God, a harvest joy also comes from God’s spiritual blessings. The text speaks of God multiplying the nation. God adds to His fold, His chosen nation, and for this Isaiah says that there should be rejoicing. The Lord’s harvest is more about the spiritual blessings than the physical, where persons are surrendering to the Lordship of God. Let’s not forget that conversion is the Lord’s work. We are reminded  that the only multiplication of the church that is to be desired is that which God sends. If we add to our membership by becoming worldly and accommodating, our increase is worth nothing at all. If our growth comes by using entertainment and gimmicks, our increase is worth nothing at all. If our growth comes by compromising the truth, our increase is worth nothing at all. Note verse 2: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” Look at the change! People come out of horrible darkness into glorious light. They are now new creatures in Christ.

Today, let’s rejoice in God’s physical and spiritual harvest. Yet we must remind ourselves that one day there will be a final harvest. Here both rejoicing and mourning will exist when the Messiah, not as a child that is born, but as reigning King, will separate those who are for Him and those who are not. May we be found faithful and enjoy eternal rejoicing.  

Jermaine Gibson

Friday Reflection October 29, 2021

Good morning friends, happy Friday!

Let’s get into the word for today:
Yours, Lord , is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord , is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.
1 Chronicles 29:11 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/1ch.29.11.NIV

Background

King David had the vision to build a temple for God but because he was a man of war, God had appointmented the great king Solomon to build the Holy Temple of the Lord. Because it was originally David’s birth child, he gave generously toward the building materials. His giving propelled others to give to the said cause.

After everything came together and all the preparations for the building was made, David blessed the Lord along with the congregation in Israel. He lead one of the most joyful prayer of thanksgiving and jubilation in the history of mankind. Verse 11 of 2nd Chronicles 29 is the finial lines of the prayer of praise and thanksgiving.
Yours, Lord , is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.

Application

David could have taken credit for all the that he contributed to the building of the temple, but instead he led the people in prayer, praise and thanksgiving unto God. It doesn’t matter how much we work and how much we contribute, at the end of the day God enables us and so he must be praised for all his good works. David understood that and we should too.

What is your reaction like when you have accomplished something great under the hands of God? Do you take the glory? Do you praise someone else other than God for the work done? Brothers and sisters, today I want to remind us that it is God who is deserving of ALL our praise! It is not about us and how much we contribute to his work, the praise and glory belongs to him and him alone!

Today I encourage you to praise God! With a joyful heart. He is deserving of every bit of praise we have!

God bless!
Shaneka Raymore Euphfa

Thursday Reflection October 28, 2021

Jesus our Provider

He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people.
Matthew 15:35‭-‬36 NIV

Greeting friends!

I pray that as we draw to the end of one month and the beginning of another we will remember “Jesus is our Provider”.

Our text is the feeding of the 4,000 which shares some similarities with the feeding of the 5,000.
In both situations there was a large crowd following Jesus. Also they were in a remote place. The disciples make it clear that it was a wilderness; a place of barrenness. In this situation though Jesus initiates the conversation surrounding the feeding of the people. But in both situations the disciples don’t know where to get enough food to feed the people. Jesus we are told got seven loaves of bread and a few small fishes. Jesus did what He does best and blessed it and it shared for everyone.

As we reflect on this text there are a few points I want to leave with us.

1. Jesus knows about our conditions
   The text tells us that the people were in the wilderness with Jesus for three days. During this time they did not eat, so they must have been hungry. So Jesus mentions this to His disciples. Friends, Jesus knows about our conditions. He knows how it is affecting us. He knows how long we have been going through it. He knows the severity of it as well. Jesus knows!
2. Jesus is concerned about our condition

Jesus told the disciples, “I have compassion for these people… I don’t want to send them away hungry or they will faint along the way.” Jesus not only knew they were hungry, but he cared that they were hungry.

Friends, Jesus cares about what you’re going through and how it impacts you. He doesn’t want the situation you’re facing to cause you to faint or to harm you. Jesus cares about you! That is important, because if He cares He will help you.

3. Jesus will multiply what you have

The situation was so dire that the disciples thought it impossible. Hear the disciple’s remarks after Jesus shared His concerns, “Where would we get enough food here in the wilderness for such a huge crowd?” The truth is that our situations at times seem hopeless and there is no way anyone can help, because in the wilderness there is nothing to use to help the situation.
However, Jesus’s response is key, “How much bread do you have?” Jesus doesn’t expects you to solve the situation. He expects you to bring whatever you have and He will multiply it. So if it is just seven loaves of bread and two fishes bring it, because He will multiply it. If it is faith as small as a mustard seed bring it. If it is your praise, bring it still. If it is your prayers, bring it. Whatever positive thing you have bring it, because Jesus’s job is to increase it so that it will be enough in the wilderness.

4. Jesus will provide
   Jesus told the people to sit, He blessed the meal and they all ate. Jesus provided in the wilderness and that’s the end of the matter. Jesus will provide for you. Just continue to trust Him and bring what you have to Him.

Shalom

Christopher Euphfa

I Trust in God

These days we are called upon to pause and reflect on all that is happening around us. The purpose of this reflection is to see where we are as a person of faith. We must assess from time to time, the worth and weight of faith in our lives. This involves knowing where we turn in our times of stress, what we do when we are experiencing tough moments. Today’s Watchword from Psalm 20: 7 gives us the different directions in which persons will turn in moments of hardships. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

It is believed that when David wrote this Psalm, he was thinking of the Syrian army which was reputed to be mighty with lots of chariots and horses. Most other armies of that time depended on foot soldiers. The armies with the chariots and horses would have an advantage over an army that was mostly foot soldiers. David and his army were able to resist this army and be victorious over them. They knew that this was not because of their might but because God was with them. In 2 Samuel 8: 4 David captures chariots, their riders, and horsemen. There were other occasions where David and his army was able to defeat the more powerful armies of chariots and horses. The people praised God for they knew that their victory was not based on their strength, but on the power of God in whom they trusted. Matthew Henry describes it like this: those who make God and his name their praise may make God and his name their trust. As we assess our faith we must examine who receives our praise, for whoever we give our praise, will also receive our trust.

The text points out for us the difference between a worldly and a godly outlook. The worldly outlook will give praise to powers, structures and systems of this world. Such persons will depend upon medical systems and procedures for healing. Worldly persons will depend on political and social structures for protection and provision. Worldly persons will depend on the community for social interactions. Godly persons however have learned to find in Christ our all in all. Godly persons have learned to depend on God as our provided and protector, as the one who surrounds us with loving, caring community and as the one who mends and heals our brokenness and ailments. Indeed, some will trust in the things and systems of this world, but we who know Jesus as Lord have learnt to trust in the name of the Lord our God. Nothing can replace the power and presence of God in our lives when we remain firmly rooted and grounded in Christ. My trust is in Him alone, and no other. Amen

Monday Reflection – October 25, 2021
Bold and Faithful Prayer

O God, do not keep silence; do not hold your peace or be still, O God! Even now your enemies are in tumult; those who hate you have raised their heads. Psalm 83:1-2

Psalm 83 is the last of the Asaphian psalms, which began in Psalm 50. Many of these are lamentations concerning the condition of the nation of Israel, especially regarding threats by opposing nations, as also the concerns of the people of God in captivity. Yet, such lamentations are accompanied by hope—hope in the Lord. Like the other psalms of Asaph, we are unsure of the particular setting of this one, only that the nation is enfolded by foes and under threat. The reality is that this was the constant story of the people of Israel, in war battling against opposing nations who desired to wipe them off of the map.

In today’s Watchword, Asaph begins, “O God, do not keep silence; do not hold your peace or be still, O God!” This is bold and faithful praying. When we know God, we can speak freely to God. This is not an example of irreverence; rather, it reveals the heart of one who takes God, His Word and His purposes very seriously. Yet, we must not overlook another issue in this verse – the silence of God. The Bible contains many examples of His people beleaguered by troubles while God seems to silently sit by. Note that I said, ‘seems’, because God is never silent, unaware, unconcerned nor inactive. God’s sovereign wisdom, runs the universe according to His perfect clock. God is always working His plan. Job is a perfect example of this. By the way, when God delivered Job, he was not given insight into the whys and wherefores. God remained silent about that. God simply restored Job and that was sufficient for Job to rest in God’s sovereign will. We find ourselves in trouble at times, and we continue to labour and to live trusting God. Yet God seems silent. How should we respond? With bold and faithful praying.

Verse 2 offers some insight into what our prayers should be about – a God-centred concern. Asaph’s concern was not primarily for Israel, but for God. He says, “Even now your enemies are in tumult; those who hate you have raised their heads.”  Note in this verse the usage of the second person: “Your enemies” and “those who hate You”. The plea for God to break His silence is due to a concern for the glory of God’s name. What is our primary concern? What dominates our prayers especially when trouble looms? Is it for our deliverance only? Or is it primarily that God may be glorified through our experience?

When the church is surrounded by scoundrels who clearly hate the Lord, when we observe the arrogance of God-rejecters conspiring to overthrow His rule, when we note the attempts to shut down God’s church and to cut off our influence, then, for the glory of God’s name, we must pray with boldness, “O God, do not keep silence; do not hold your peace or be still, O God!”. The events of last week regarding the cultic movement in St. James is very concerning. These groups that call themselves church, yet do not represent nor reflect the principles of Christ’s kingdom is alarming. They bring the church into disrepute, and strengthen those who doubt or question the authenticity and purpose of the church. More than that, they defame God’s name. For them we must boldly and faithfully pray, “O God, do not keep silence; do not hold your peace or be still; may your name always be honoured and glorified!”.   

Jermaine Gibson

Saturday Reflection – 23 October 2021

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

One of the mistakes that we make as Christians, is to limit our Christian living to the confines of church or whenever we are engaged in Church activities, or on Sundays whenever we gather for worship. We know our responsibility to live lives that glorify God, but we may begin to categorize certain aspects of our daily living as not having anything to do with our Christian life. On the other hand, we may become judgemental and overly concerned with ourselves that we do not consider each other, we may become just like the saying “so heavenly minded that we are not of any earthly use.” And because of this, there is division and strife, confusion in our Christian living and mission.

Here, the Apostle Paul in addressing the church, reminds them of the events in Israel’s history, as a lesson in trusting, obeying, and following the Lord our God. We are reminded by this same historical lesson, that God will not facilitate our turning to idols, or sharing with them, for God desires our all in worship. With that in mind, Paul turns to one of the topics that can be said to be one of the major sources of division. That when their Jewish customs and traditions, clash with the Gentile and now overall Christian customs and traditions, what is the way to be followed? His answer though simple yet is profound, and is do all for God’s glory!

This consideration, I believe is founded in Jesus’ answer to the question posed to him in St. Matthew 22:36-40 saying: “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” And this, I believe is the essence of Paul’s instruction in 1 Corinthians 10:22-33. In our love of God, we seek to put him first in our lives, to honour God and ensure that in and through our whole lives, God will be glorified. In our love for our neighbours as ourselves, we seek the other’s advantage, and not our own. We do not raise objections on conscience, unless these activities taint or dishonour our God, who is the priority in our lives. We do whatever we can, not to distance or disgrace others, for the sake of piety, but in love that others are led to cross of Calvary.

We have received this freedom in Christ, and that is why the Apostle Paul began the thought, by warning the church, using Israel as an example, that we would not misuse or abuse this freedom, for indeed that will come with consequences. But our religion does not mean that we may be discourteous to others, only thinking about what is lawful and not aiming to edify. This freedom that we have been given, is not for us to hurt others, not for our reproach, but we must at all times, and in all we do, seek to glorify God. Our aim must always be God be honoured, glorified, and lifted high.

In our walk and talk, wherever we are, with whomever we engage, the result must honour and glorify God. And we may wonder, how is it that we will glorify God in these times, for there are times when it seems like the engagement has nothing to do with church or evangelism? But our light must always shine, that wherever we are, darkness is dispelled, by the conversations we have, the actions and activities that we partake in. For sometimes the conversations and activities that we allow to happen around us, surely dishonour, and displease God. Or sometimes the people around us, have no idea that we are even Christians, unless they see us in a church setting. Other times, we become hypercritical that we have hardened ourselves, making it extremely difficult to extend the gospel of Christ. We should not indulge in sin, as Paul makes it very clear, but we must always be open, caring and loving, providing the perfect opportunity for the Holy Spirit to flow through us to those around us.

Until next week, one of the hardest considerations that we must make, is how to relate with others on a daily basis. We are called to be in the world, and not of the world, and yet in that world, we are called to make disciples of all nations. The thought may be mind-boggling, but the answer is in verses 31-33 “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, so that they may be saved.” Amen.

Dominic J. Blair

Thursday Reflection October 21, 2021

Not divided, but ONE

There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

Greeting friends!

I pray God’s blessings on you all as share in today’s reflection.

As we look at life in this world there are so many situations that cause us to be divided as a people. Racism continues to rear its ugly head as some races think they are more superior to others. Racism doesn’t only include white hating blacks or blacks hating white. It extends to other races such as Asians or those from the Middle East etc. In this world we tend to focus on the matters that divide us than what joins us together.

This difference also includes one’s social status in life. Generally speaking the rich might be given better treatment than the poor because of their financial status. Hence there is a disparity with equity within the world and especially here in Jamaica.

This division also includes religion with so many people building their denomination and not the body of Christ. There is no doubt that the body of Christ has become divided with so many different denominations all trying to build themselves and promote themselves and some at the expense of others. Hence, the division because the focus is not on what joins but on what divides us. It is to address the division within the church at Galatia and a reminder of what joins people together that Paul wrote Galatians 3.

Paul wrote to remind them that what joins them together supersedes what divides them. Once you have accepted Jesus through faith then you are a child of God. Paul says, “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” I want to examine some of the terms used by Paul in this verse.

Paul said, “There is no longer” meaning that what existed before is no more. In other words whatever use to separate us is no more once we’ve accepted Jesus. So if race use to cause division then it is no more, because we do not look at each other from that light anymore. If one’s status use to divide us then that has been abolished. If it was denomination then that also is gone. So when it comes to Christ these dividers are NO MORE. The challenge is that we don’t look at it that way. We do everything in our power to maintain our “identity” forgetting that our only identity is in Jesus Christ.

Paul also said, “For all of you are one.” The reason why the things that divide us are no more is because ALL OF US have become one. Every single person that has accepted Christ is one. We all belong to the same family and family, in theory, look pass their differences to operate as one. Not even our gender becomes important, “neither male or female” because we’re operating as one spirit. Our oneness comes from our relationship in Jesus Christ and that is the single most important factor, not anything else.

So I charge us today, let us operate as one as Jesus intended it to be.

Amen!

Christopher Euphfa

God waits to be gracious to us.

In Isaiah 30 God challenged Israel for their obstinate or stubborn behavior. They are feeling threatened by the advance of the Assyrians from the north. In response they look to forming an alliance with Egypt in the south so they could repel the attacks of the advancing Assyrians. Egypt however has been conquered by Ethiopia which means they are nowhere as strong as Israel and Judah thinks. The prophetic voice of Isaiah at this time calls on the people to trust God but because of their disobedience, because they chose to trust the Egyptians over the God who has always sustained them, they will meet nothing but trouble from the advancing army. They would be defeated but their hope lay in the text for today. The Lord waits to be gracious to you. Isaiah 30: 18

To be gracious is to show mercy and compassion. When the prophet said that the Lord waits to be gracious, he was telling Israel and Judah that God would wait to show favor and kindness to them when they repented. God often allows us to follow our own will and way, even though this will lead to our loss. We are not forced into servitude, but our serving God is a choice which we are left to make. In mercy God waits on us to repent and return to Him. When we do, God extends to us His grace. It does not matter what we have done or where we have been. God’s grace is available to all repentant hearts. God waits to be gracious to us.

Today I ask you to allow God’s purpose to be fulfilled in your life. It may not be according to your timing or liking, but God is all seeing, and all knowing and makes plans for you in accordance. We may not be able to see or understand, but God knows. Israel and Judah were only able to see the advancing armies that were coming at them, but God knew that if they trusted Him, they would be saved. This is the same God who had defeated the armies of the Moabites, Edomites and Ammonites as they marched against Israel. (2 Chronicles 20) While Israel sang God’s praises, God took care of their enemies. We may only see our struggles at this moment, but God is looking at the bigger picture. His plan, His outcome is guaranteed to restore our hope and trust in Him. When we trust God and give Him our praises, He will silence and defeat our enemies. Isaiah 12: 2 calls us to remember that our God saves. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. God waits to be gracious to us. Amen.

Monday Reflection – October 18, 2021

Prelude:
Happy Heroes Day to all Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora!! As a nation, we pause today to remember our national heroes and heroine who sacrificed all to help in the process towards our emancipation and independence. We also recognize our present heroes, some of whom will receive national awards today. Let’s not forget our unsung heroes who have and continue to give of their all in service to their fellow human beings.   

What to do as Trouble Looms
Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. Psalm 50:15

We all have had unexpected situations occurring in our lives; situations which demanded the application of specific skills set in order to arrive at a solution. This may range from requiring a plumber to repair a leaking pipe, a mason to repair the house, a counselor to help resolve an issue, a doctor to solve a health crisis, and a teacher to help with an academic challenge. And the list goes on. All these usually require a professional or someone with the required skills, competence and/or experience. We call on such persons in our time of need. We expect that our need is attended to, our problem is handled and a solution is found, either by the person we called or some other recommended source. Our daily routine returns to normal and we are happy. We are likely to tell others about our situation. Once we are satisfied with the service and/or cost, we may even recommend to others who currently face a similar challenge or may do so one day.  

Today’s Watchword  reminds us that we have access to the highest authority in our times of need. In the crises of life we can call to God and are given the assurance and certainty that God will respond. Psalm 50 begins by paying tribute to the greatness and awesome presence of God. It ends with a call for sustained and sincere obedience as well as a warning to the wicked. The Psalmist condemns the practices of the religious leaders of Israel as the offering of sacrifices was merely ritualistic. This must be accompanied by sincerely seeking a spiritual relationship with God. God does not require nor want anything material that we may offer to Him. Everything is already His. God desires a faithful relationship where we offer our praise and thanks. God wants us to call on Him and trust confidently in Him.

Today’s text invites us to consider how we develop a meaningful relationship with God: This involves: giving due thanks and praise to God; calling on Him in our desperate times and times of trouble; believing that God will be of comfort to us in such times, and giving glory and honor to God’s name for His grace. We look to mortal beings to solve our daily challenges, so must we turn to God for all the issues of life and when trouble looms. And in the same way we sing the praises of others who helped us to deal with a challenge, so should we sing God’s praises to others when He delivers us from looming trouble.

When trouble looms, hear Peter’s recommended solution: “Cast all your anxiety on him (Christ), because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

Jermaine Gibson