All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees. Psalm 25:10

Undoubtedly, God has strewn our path with encouraging promises, which are scattered throughout His word. He has pledged to lead us in the paths of righteousness and make the way we take secure. But can we trust His promises? Can we be certain that His word is true? Indeed, we can, and David is a living testament to this. Often in the Book of Psalms, we see David lifting up his heart to the Lord in prayer and praise, and calling out to Him for guidance and pardon. His prayers often contain a request for God’s help in the face of his enemies, which demonstrates a quiet confidence that God is faithful to His word and will not let him down. Today’s Watchword is no different.

The promises of God are founded on nothing less than the perfection of God’s holy nature. They are rooted in God’s steadfast love and the eternal faithfulness of His everlasting word. David knows this to be true in his own life, and we find him reflecting on the wonder of the Lord as he prayerfully considers the goodness of God and His faithfulness in meeting sinners and teaching them the way of truth: All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness. God’s ways lead to gracious love, and He shows His fidelity towards those who keep His covenant and His decrees.

The faithfulness, mercy, goodness, and grace of God, are no less true today than during that time when David discovered the Lord was his Shepherd who gently leads him beside the still waters, faithfully guides him into the way of peace, guards him in the valley of the shadow of death, and prepares a plentiful table of good things in the midst of all his enemies. It is only as we remain in Christ, rest in His love, and walk in the path He has planned for us, that we will discover all His paths are strewn with goodness and grace. God is working in our lives with an eternal perspective, and it is only as we walk in harmony with the Lord and remain in accordance with His plans and purposes that we will remain in harmony with His truth.

The way we travel may not be the path of our choosing, nor the way we expected to trudge. The path we take may be covered with difficulties and dangers, but God’s grace is sufficient for every eventuality we may encounter. He knows the best way for each of us to take for He is the way, and we need to trust Him to lead us aright, even when the route is overshadowed by dark and thunderous clouds.  As we trust God’s word, carry out His will, abide in Him, and He is us, we will grow in faith. His way will lead us deeper into fellowship with Himself and enable us to mature in the faith, grow in grace, and gain a deeper knowledge of the holy. For He desires us to enjoy a satisfying and unbroken communion with Him.

May we commit to walk with God and enjoy the benefits of His presence and His covenantal promises. Amen.   

Jermaine Gibson

Prelude: I greet you in the aftermath of the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Melissa. I pray you
and family are as ok as possible. We are troubled, but hopeful. Let’s process what has taken
place and how it has affected each of us. Let’s rise with intention and passion to rebuild,
undergirded by the love and power of God.

God: Our Defense Witness and Advocate
Even now my witness is in heaven, and my advocate is on high. Job 16:19

In the context of today’s text, Job is facing sustained and heated accusations by his friends,
insisting that his suffering must be a result of sin. In today’s Watchword, Job expresses a deep
conviction that despite all his suffering and the accusations of his friends, he has a witness in
heaven, someone who sees and knows the truth of his innocence. He believes that God Himself
is his advocate, standing as his defense in a heavenly court. This is a powerful statement of faith
in the midst of Job’s overwhelming pain and confusion. Job does not fully understand why he is
suffering, but he trusts that God sees the truth and will ultimately vindicate him. His hope is not
in earthly justice, but in the justice that comes from God.
In the time of Job, the legal system often involved witnesses and advocates who would stand in
defense of someone accused of wrongdoing. Job’s friends have taken on the role of accusers. Job
counters their arguments by declaring that his true witness and advocate is not on earth but in
heaven. He is looking beyond human opinions and earthly justice to the ultimate justice that
comes from God. In this ancient cultural context, the role of an advocate or mediator was
essential in legal disputes, and Job is applying this concept to his relationship with God, trusting
that God will defend him, even when others accuse him. Job appeals to God as a divine witness
who knows the truth of his character and heart, even when earthly witnesses are unavailable and
his friends offer no true comfort.
Today’s text teaches us that God is both our witness and advocate. In moments of suffering and
when we feel wrongly accused, we can take comfort in knowing that God sees the truth of our
hearts. Job’s declaration shows his deep trust in God’s justice, even when human understanding
fails. Indeed, we are not alone in our struggles; God stands with us as our defender. Further,
ultimate justice belongs to God, and He will vindicate the righteous in His perfect timing. Job’s
faith in his heavenly advocate encourages us to look to God, rather than to human opinions, for
validation and justice. God is on our side, even when we face trials and accusations. We are
encouraged to remain faithful in times of suffering, knowing that God will ultimately make all
things right. God is deeply involved in our lives and cares about justice. God’s love is active and
protective, not passive or indifferent. He sees us, knows us, and will ultimately bring justice.
Job’s hope in a heavenly advocate finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Today’s New
Testament text in Hebrews 4:14 reminds us, “Since, then, we have a great high priest who has
passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.” Jesus is
the true advocate who stands before God on our behalf. Through His death and resurrection,
Jesus has taken on the role of defending us, interceding for us, and securing our salvation.

Hebrews 7:25 assures us that “He (Jesus) always lives to intercede for them…” Job’s cry for a
heavenly witness and defender points forward to the work of Christ, who not only defends us,
but redeems us. Through Jesus, we have the assurance that our case has already been won.
Hallelujah! Amen.
Jermaine Gibson

You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. Psalm 116:8

A woman who had been suffering from a flow of blood for 12 years, and though she had spent all she had on physicians, no one could cure her. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of His cloak, and immediately her flow of blood stopped. Luke 8: 43-44

Merciful Saviour, we cry out to You for relief. In our sorrow, despair, and anguish, let us draw closer to you and the promise of Your healing love. We yearn for the moment when Your arms will enfolds us, and Your love surround us. Bring Your comfort to us, we pray. Amen

Belonging to God
I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts. Psalm 119:94
Psalm 119 is dedicated to the celebration of God’s word and the joy of following God’s statutes
and ordinances. David extols the virtues of God’s commandments and expresses his commitment
to following them faithfully. One of the central themes of today’s Watchword is the Psalmist’s
unwavering commitment to God. The verse begins with the statement, “I am yours” which
signifies David’s acknowledgment of his belonging to God. This declaration reflects his
understanding of his identity as a child of God and his personal relationship with Him.
In today’s verse, David articulates a deep personal relationship with God, underscoring his
dependence on divine intervention. The plea for salvation is rooted in the acknowledgment of
belonging to God, a theme resonating throughout Psalm 119. This self-identification as
belonging to God emphasizes his commitment to faithfully pursuing God’s commands. The
writer expresses not only a desire for salvation but also a life lived in alignment with God’s
precepts, illustrating the relationship between devotion and deliverance.
The heartfelt plea, “save me,” reflects an urgent need for divine rescue amidst trials. The
Psalmist’s commitment to seeking God’s precepts serves as the basis for his request, highlighting
the reciprocal relationship between obedience and God’s protection. Believing that God’s
assistance is forthcoming, he embodies the assurance that those who earnestly seek after God
remain secure within His care. This belief in divine safeguarding invites believers to reflect on
our own pursuit of God and the expectations that arise from that pursuit, understanding what it
means to live faithfully within the covenant of faith.
Further, David’s plea for salvation reflects the struggles and challenges he faces in his life.
Throughout Psalm 119, he acknowledges the trials and tribulations he encounters, but he
consistently turns to God’s word for guidance and strength. In today’s verse, David’s plea for
deliverance is a manifestation of his trust in God’s ability to rescue him from adversity and to
provide him with the protection he needs.
As we contemplate today’s text, we are led to reflect on our relationship with God. Do we belong
to God? Have we surrendered to God’s will and way for our lives? What of the level and depth
of our fellowship with God? Remember David says, “I am yours”. A true reflection of his
submission to God’s authority and his commitment to living in accordance with His will. It also
conveys a deep sense of intimacy and trust, as David recognizes his dependence on God and his
need for God’s guidance and protection. Can we say with all sincerity to God, ‘I am yours’?
May our daily pursuit be to deepen our relationship with God. May it be to commit and recommit
our lives to God and his sovereign rulership over our lives. May we read God’s word daily and
dedicate ourselves to follow it faithfully. May we depend on God to guide and protect us as we
face life’s trials, anchored in God’s love. Amen.
Jermaine Gibson

Thursday Reflection February 17, 2022

Experience not Deduction

Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:31‭-‬32‭ https://bible.com/bible/2016/jhn.8.31-34.NRSV

Greetings friends,

Matt Skinner, a professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary in Minnesotsa, in commenting on these verses stated, “Experience, not Deduction”. We only truly become disciples of Christ if we remain in the words of Jesus. It is the amount of time we spend in the words of Jesus that will make us know the truth. It’s not how smart we are or our ability to deduce.

Jesus was speaking to the Jews earlier in the chapter. Jesus told them that he is the light of the world. Whoever follows him will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. This statement by Jesus triggered a debate between Jesus and the Jews about being his own testimony. Jesus responded to say that the Father also testifies on his part. After much explaining, we’re told many believed in him. It is then he made the statement mentioned in verses 31 and 32.

As we analyse the verses we realized some important points made by Jesus. After the Jews believed, Jesus told them that they had to continue in his word to truly be His disciples. WOW!!! Simply saying you believe in Jesus is not enough. When we accept Jesus we believe in his words, but after accepting him, we have to CONTINUE in his word to TRULY become His disciple. This is what Jesus pointed out to the Jews who believed and this is what he points out to us even now.

The other point Jesus made is that if you continue in his word you will know the truth. Truth is not relative or dependent on one’s culture. Truth is the full knowledge of God through Jesus. Skinner puts it this way, “in this Gospel, “truth” does not refer to the opposite of falsehood; it is knowledge of God as revealed in Jesus’ own self. Knowing this “truth” is knowing God, God made present in Jesus, who is “the way, and the truth, and the life” (14:6). Jesus makes this clear in 8:36, when he substitutes “the Son” for “the truth,” saying that the Son makes people free.”

All this knowledge of God doesn’t come at once, that is why Jesus says, “IF” you CONTINUE in His word. The reality is many say they believe, but not many continue in His word, hence they do not truly know Jesus. That is why Experience outweighs Deduction. We become experience the more we do something. The more time that we spend doing a particular job, is the more experience and knowledge you’ll get. So the more time you spend in the Word of God, it is the more experience you become. But let me be clear, going to church for years DO NOT make you experience in Jesus. What it does is make you an experienced church goer, but not experienced with Jesus. Therefore, the time must be spent with Jesus.

There is one last point I want to make from this text. The truth will make you free. What are we being freed from? The answer is sin. The more time we spend in the Word of God and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, is the less we’ll sin. Sin is a bondage and holds us captive. The only way to truly be free from it is if we continue to abide in Jesus. It is by spending time with Jesus that we become experience in Jesus and Jesus will teach us the truth that will free us from sin. Book knowledge is not what makes us free. It is continuing, living, abiding, being convicted by the teachings of Jesus and growing in the knowledge of Jesus that cause us to be free from living in sin.

So until next week let us choose to continue in the words and teachings of Jesus.

Shalom
Christopher Euphfa

Don’t Be A Fool

To be is fool is to be considered unwise, senseless or to lack judgment. Biblically, the fool is someone who disrespects, disobeys and disregards God’s words. One who is comfortable in their folly, that is, a fool, has no interest in the truth. In fact a fool will scorn, laugh at and turn away from truth. Such persons will not take kindly to the advice of others because in their own eyes, very often their eyes alone, they are all wise, have all the answers and can solve any problem that may arise. Fools are often so caught up in their own sense of knowledge and self-worth that they cannot believe in a wiser higher power than their own understanding. Thus the Watchword for today cautions us to not be fools and deny the existence of God. Fools say in their heart “There is no God”. Psalm 14: 1

Fools speak folly to themselves first, then to others. The text says that a ‘fool says in his heart’. In other words, this is how the foolish person thinks to himself or herself. He determines in his heart, that is, he convinces himself, regardless of the weakness of his rationale, begins to act the part (or to act the fool), then he sets out to convince others. Such behavior is not surprising. In Gen 6: 12 God looked upon the earth and saw that it was corrupt; for all living creatures on the earth had corrupted their ways. It is from corrupt hearts and minds that corrupt theories come. It is the corruption of the heart that leads to the follies of humanity. It is for this reason that we are implored: Don’t be a fool.

If we are not to be considered fools, then our words and actions must show wisdom. Wisdom is God’s gift to us. James 1: 5 encourages us: If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. We do not need wisdom as in head knowledge, but wisdom as in heart knowledge. Wisdom of the mind can be attained through the study of the many human disciplines, but wisdom of the heart, godly wisdom, is what God gives to us when we ask. Many travel a path of their own choosing, thinking it is the wisest choice available to them. They do this because they are living life on their own terms. Proverbs 16: 25 warns us: There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. What we truly need is not our own way, but God’s way. Humanity’s way is the way of irrationality, the way of pride, the way of selfishness, but God’s way is the way of wisdom, the way of insight, the way of knowledge and understanding. In every step of our life journey, may we choose God’s way above ours, for ‘man’s way lead to a hopeless end while God’s way lead to an endless hope’. Don’t be a fool my friend. Amen.

Monday Reflection – February 14, 2022

Steadfast Heart of Praise

My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make melody. Awake, my soul! Psalm 108:1

It is widely believed that Psalm 108 is a compilation of sections from two other Psalms. Psalm 108:1-5 is very similar to Psalm 57:7-11, and verses 6-13 is almost identical to Psalm 60:6-12. This suggests that the inspired words of David are taken and applied to a present challenge. Verses 9-13 speak of enemies – Moab, Edom, and Philistia (with the emphasis on Edom). It may be that the old foe, subdued earlier in David’s day, rose again and Israel must defeat her again. In this Psalm, David shows how we can and should use the words of Scripture as our present prayers and praises, suitable to our present situation.

David expresses his earnest nature of praise to God in this Psalm. So he begins with the words of today’s Watchword, declaring the steadfastness of his heart and his fervent commitment to sing and make melody, and awake his soul. David’s steadfast confidence in God gave him a fixed point from which he could and would sing and give praise. In this verse David voices his heart’s deep passion to praise God with the best of his being. Whatever glory belonged to David, he directed it toward God in praise. Not surprising in verse 2, he speaks of awaking the lute and harp. His earnest praise offered to God was musical. David was a skilled musician, and it could be said that this skill was part of his glory – so he offered it to God in praise. Today’s text prompts the questions, are we steadfast in our praise to God? Does God receive the best of our being in praise? Do we take any glory for ourselves, or is all of the glory directed to God? Is all of our skill, accomplishments, talents and gifts offered to God for God’s glory and use?

David also says in verse 2 that he will awaken the dawn. David was determined to give God the best in praise, so he gave to God the choicest part of the day. David let the sound of his praise greet the dawn as it rose in the wee hours of the morning. Charles Spurgeon asserts that, “Some singers had need to awake, for they sing in drawling tones, as if they were half asleep; the tune drags wearily along, there is no feeling or sentiment in the singing, but the listener hears only a dull mechanical sound…. Oh, choristers, wake up, for this is not a work for dreamers, but such as requires your best powers in their liveliest condition.” In other words, our praise to God must not be dragging on with lack of enthusiasm and fulsome effort, and with miserable boredom, merely going through the rituals. God must receive the best of ourselves, our singing, our praise, our focus, our attention, our time, at all times.   

Our praise to God ought to be out of a heart of steadfastness or a fixed heart. If we want God to be pleased with our worship, then it demands surrendering our lives to God. It requires us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. It demands loving God completely; anything less can determine acceptance or rejection of our praise. Our praise of God ought to be driven by our passionate and sincere love for God. Without love for God, our praise is empty; without a desire to please God in all we do, our praise is useless. Yet, as we contemplate love for God, we must equally consider our love for each other. So, without love for God and others, our praise is empty. On this day when we celebrate love, let’s consider the nature of our love for God and others. We should ask ourselves, do our lives and decisions reflect a fixed heart; a person fixed on pleasing God? Let’s reflect.

Jermaine Gibson 

Saturday Reflection – 12 February 2022

“My mouth is filled with your praise and with your glory all day long.” Psalm 71:8

It is becoming more and more evident to us, my brothers and sisters, that we cannot ever take a day, a moment, or even small mercies for granted. What we continue to experience around us, must continually lead to the throne of grace, in gratitude and with praise. We are alive and well, if not 100%, there is still life, health, and God’s goodness that we encounter on a daily basis, enough to tune our song that “God is good, All the time and All the time, God is good!”

The watchword for today, comes from a prayer as the Psalmist seeks to commit himself into the Lord’s watchful care, and asks God to be his comfort and strength. We are all too familiar with this prayer, and the stance taken by the Psalmist as he encounters disaster, and in his prayer, celebrates God who has journeyed with him from birth, and that God would rescue Him from danger, that God would show himself to be God in his circumstances, that the Psalmist would never be put to shame.

But the Psalmist in prayer for God’s divine protection, often gives praise to God who has continued to keep him. That through all the stages of life, and all the seasons of life, in his recognition of God’s great keeping, guidance and protection, is led to acknowledge God’s providence and to glorify him all day long. Over the past few months, we have continued to encounter the devastating state our world is in, and though it may leave many of us disheartened and wanting to succumb in this state, even as we reflect on our own role in shining the light of Christ in the darkness, today’s reflection leads us to pause on God’s goodness in our life, God’s grace and mercy that has brought us through, His blessings upon us that transcends even the things of this world. The hymnwriter says “… Riches eternal and blessings supernal from His precious hand I received.” These things that will surely lead us back to that throne of grace with gratitude and thanksgiving to our Guiding and Benevolent God.

You see friends, God has been good to us, and even as the Psalmist seeks God’s divine guidance and protection, he has not forgotten how good God has been to him. He has not forgotten God’s mercies, and He does not approach God as if God has never done anything for him. He acknowledges his Heavenly Father, who is not only God, but a good God whose mercies never fail. And I believe my brothers and sisters, that if we adopt this stance, we will truly encounter God as we reflect on his goodness in our own lives. We may pause to count our blessings, or just recognize the hand of God amidst the disaster around us, and there I am certain that we are in a better position to trust God and to shine the light of Christ in the darkness.

For that light only shines within us, when we have surrendered to God’s will and way, and in recognition and gratitude, allowed ourselves to be immersed in praise and celebration of the goodness of God. And it is this recognition and stance, that invigorates our worship, and gives meaning to our testimony. Our hope in God is strengthened by experiencing God’s goodness which strengthens our resolve, that God, who is the same yesterday, today and forever, will continue to work all things together for good, even in this world, and for eternity. This will assure us of God’s presence that is with us, from whom we are led, and given the courage and strength to lead others. Let us pause, my brothers and sisters, immersing ourselves in the very presence of God, to reflect on God’s goodness, rolling back the curtains as the songwriter says, that we may be lead in worship, and that prayer would come from a place of faith and trust in God, “… for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6b, KJV) Then will our song be sincere, our testimony will have life and meaning, and the light of Christ in us, will shine bright to eradicate the darkness, “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” (Matthew 12:34, NIV)

Until next week, may the light of God surround us, may the love of God enfold us, may the power of God protect us, may the presence of God watch over us, for where we are God is, and all is well! So how can we keep from singing? Amen.

Friday Reflection February 11, 2022

Good morning everyone, our text for reflection is St. John chapter 14:23.

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. John 14:23 NIV
https://john.bible/john-14-23

In this verse Jesus was answering the question asked in the verse before. One of the disciples had asked ” what do you mean you will show yourself to us and not to the world?” In answering said question, Jesus made two very important statements.

1. If a man love me, he will obey my teachings

This is the condition necessary for us as believers in order to see the manifestation of God. We cannot see/ experience/ understand Jesus if we are disobedient to his teachings! Without the spirit of love, we are unable to experience Jesus in the way he intends for us to. In other words, we have a part to play! It is our duty to do the will of God through Jesus Christ here on earth and to keep his commandment as far as is possible! The surest evidence of our love to Christ is obedience to his teachings. We cannot say we love God and we are not keeping his commandments.

In answering the question Jesus went on to say:

2. My father will love them, and we will come into them and make a home with them Let’s break this down, if you keep my commandments my Father (God) will love you! AND…. We (Jesus and God) will come into you and make a home (dwelling place) with you!

Many believers (saved) and even unbelievers ( unsaved) will say “God is with me” however, it is not just so so so as we Jamaicans would say. In order for God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit to live within you , you must keep his commandments! That is not just going to church on a Sunday and paying your tithes and offerings! It’s loving your neighbor as yourself, it’s visiting the sick and shut , showing Kindness to all people and feeding the poor etc…

Final thoughts

Those who love Christ, and have the Holy Spirit, will adhere to His commands. This is what allows us to “see” God, and to know Him. The more love you have for Christ the more you will experience and understand Him and his will for your life.
God bless you all, have a great weekend!

Shaneka Raymore Euphfa