Monday Reflection – August 24, 2020
God as Shepherd and Host
 
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Psalm 23:5
 
Undoubtedly, Psalm 23 is one of the most loved Psalms of David. Most persons believe that this Psalm was written at a time of David’s maturity, but with vivid remembrance of his youth as a shepherd. Henry Ward Beecher expresses the powerful impact of Psalm 23 in saying that “It has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world… It has comforted the noble host of the poor. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. It has poured balm and consolation into the heart of the sick, of captives in dungeons, of widows in their pinching griefs, of orphans in their loneliness. Dying soldiers have died easier as it was read to them; ghastly hospitals have been illuminated; it has visited the prisoner and broken his chains.” Psalm 23 has made the dying Christian slave freer than his master, and consoled those left behind to mourn.
 
Psalm 23 affirms the Lord as Shepherd who sustains (vs. 1-2), and who leads (vs. 3). There is also the gift of the Shepherd’s presence, especially in the midst of the valley of the shadow of death, and in the presence of evil (vs. 4). Even in a fearful place, the presence of the shepherd banishes the fear of evil because we are under the Lord’s care. The shepherd’s presence does not eliminate the presence of evil, but certainly the fear of evil.
 
In today’s Watchword, David affirms the Lord as Host. Continuing with the previous picture of the valley of the shadow of death, David envisions the provision and goodness given by the Lord as a host who invites David to a rich table prepared for him. Clarke asserts that “A magnificent banquet is provided by a most liberal and benevolent host, who has not only the bounty to feed me, but power to protect me; and, though surrounded by enemies, I sit down to this table with confidence, knowing that I shall feast in perfect security.” Table suggests bounty; prepare suggests foresight and care; and before me suggests the personal connection. The table is set right in the midst of the presence of my enemies. The Host’s care and concern does not eliminate the presence of my enemies, but enables the experience of God’s goodness and bounty even in their midst. Not just that, but despite the dangers about and the presence of enemies, David enjoys the richness of his Host’s goodness. He is refreshed by a head anointed with oil; his cup is over-filled.

Jesus affirms this image of shepherd when de declared in John 10: 11 & 14 “I am the good shepherd”. Jesus also spoke of the Great Banquet in St. Luke 14. What a priviledge to have the Lord as our Shepherd and Host! Our Shepherd and Host sustains, leads, guides, protects, provides and blesses in overflowing measure. There is not a safer and better place to be than in the care of the Shepherd and Host. There goodness and mercy follow us forever.

May we seek after our Lord always and enjoy the pleasure of his shepherding and hosting. The result is abundant life in the here and now and eternal life in the next.

Jermaine Gibson 

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Friday Reflection**August 21, 2020**Q & A with Jesus*

Hello Friends, HAPPY FRIDAY.I trust you are all keeping well and safe as we continue to battle with COVID 19 and all the other challenges 2020 brings. *Inspired by God, we continue to search the scriptures for comfort, light and life.* Whether relating to COVID 19 or not. We must remain steadfast , unmovable and rooted in the word of God!.*Walk with me today, as we reflect on this passage of scripture:*At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.*Matthew 18:1‭-‬3 NIV*https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.18.1-3.NIV*The focus today is on the question asked by the disciples and Jesus’ response* *The question:*They came to Jesus and asked, *‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’* This question comes after Jesus has already told his disciples twice about the suffering and death that awaits him in Jerusalem also, after he has told them that following him entails denying themselves and taking up the cross. Matthew Henry puts it this way: It seems that Jesus’ message has not truly penetrated the minds and hearts of the disciples. Perhaps they have heard the part about the kingdom of heaven drawing near, but they have not understood what kind of kingdom this is, for they are preoccupied with questions of their status in this kingdom.*The response:*In response, Jesus calls a child, places the child among them, and tells them that *unless they change and become as little children, they will never even enter the kingdom*. What does that even mean? Again, I like how Mr. Henry puts it, he says: As long as they are concerned about their own status, they have missed the point completely. A child in the ancient world was without status or rights, completely dependent on the good will of others to care for him or her. Notice that Jesus does not tell the disciples that they should have faith like a little child — as if they could bring about this kind of faith on their own –not all all, instead he said that they need to become like little children. Jesus further specifies what this means in the following verse: “Whoever humbles themselves like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven”.*With that said, I just want to say to us today:*1. Be mindful of the questions you are asking Jesus2. Listen keenly to his response3. Try to pay attention to the words and phrases in his response.4. Be careful that what you are asking of him isn’t selfish5. Do not get caught up with your agenda , you might miss out on the blessings that he has in store for you!. Have a good day!Stay safe! Stay true! BlessingsShaneka Raymore EuphfaBIBLE.COMMatthew 18:1-3 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of 

*Thursday Reflection*

*August 13, 2020*

*The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit in 1727*

*Good day friends!*

Today is marked as the August Thirteenth Festival, which is known for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on a group of Moravians at their Communion Service in Saxony (now known as Germany). Today I share the thoughts and reflections of Oswald J. Smith, a Canadian pastor and evangelist who wrote the book ‘The Spirit at Work’ and who also dedicated a chapter of this book to the Great Moravian Revival.

I read..

One of the greatest outpourings of the Spirit since the days of the Apostles occurred on Wednesday morning, August 13, 1727, among the Moravian Brethren at Herrnhut, Germany, on the estate of Count Zinzendorf, in Saxony. For centuries the followers of John Huss (1373-1415), the martyred Bohemian reformer, had endured persecution and death. Fleeing from imprisonment and torture, they at last found a refuge in Germany where Count Zinzendorf, a young Christian nobleman, offered them an asylum on his estates.

Speaking of what occurred that memorable thirteenth day of August, historians tell that they left the House of God “hardly knowing whether they belonged to earth or had already gone to Heaven.” Zinzendorf, in his description of it, says: “The Saviour permitted to come upon us a Spirit of whom we had hitherto (previously) not had any experience or knowledge. Hitherto (Until then) WE had been the leaders and helpers. Now the Holy Spirit Himself took full control of everything and everybody.”

All agreed that it was a definite, unmistakable outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the entire congregation, so wonderful that it was absolutely indescribable. The brethren had been judging one another; doctrinal disputes were common; heated arguments that threatened division and discord were the order of the day. Instead of love, bitterness. Instead of brotherly unity, strife.

“When God intends great mercy for His people,” says Matthew Henry, “the first thing He does is to set them apraying.” And so it was at Herrnhut. The more spiritual among them, utterly dissatisfied with themselves, commenced to cry mightily to God for help. That their prayer was answered, there is abundant proof.

*Salvation by Faith*

The first experience that the revived brethren constantly emphasized was a definite knowledge of salvation by faith in Christ alone. They made the discovery that the Church could not save them; that there was no salvation in its creeds, doctrines or dogmas; that good works, moral living, commandment keeping, praying and Bible reading, could not avail; much less culture, character or conduct. They found that Christ alone could save; that He was willing and able to receive sinners at a moment’s notice; that justification, the forgiveness of sins, the new birth, etc., were instantaneous experiences received the very moment a sinner believed on Christ; that salvation was through grace and by faith, apart from the deeds of the law; that when a man is saved he has peace with God, and that he receives the assurance of salvation by the witness of the Holy Spirit in his heart.

The second experience that came to the brethren was a personal anointing of the Holy Spirit for life and service. In the power of that anointing they went forth and accomplished impossible tasks.

*Results of the Outpouring*

The first of the two great results was hymns and spiritual songs. Most of their hymns are prayers to Christ. Many of them are expressions of joy and gratitude for what He has done.

The other outstanding result of the Moravian revival at Herrnhut was a vision of worldwide missions.

In the West Indies, among the North American Indians, on the cold, bleak shores of Greenland, far away in Africa, as well as in South America, and practically every country in Europe and Asia, the Moravians planted the cross and won thousands of souls to Jesus Christ. It was the spirit expressed in their leader’s great motto that inspired them: “I have one passion,” exclaimed Zinzendorf, “it is Jesus, Jesus only.”

*What about Us?*

But now arises the question: What about us? Do we need a revival? What is the greatest need of the Church of our day? Men, machinery, money, organization? No. The supreme need of the hour is a mighty outpouring of the Holy Ghost. Oh that there might come upon us a spirit of prayer such as came upon the brethren at Herrnhut over two centuries ago, that we, too, both individually and as a Church, might experience an anointing of the Holy Spirit that would cause the world to wonder at the “signs following!” God grant it may be so!

*Arranged from The Spirit At Work by Oswald J. Smith.*

*Until next week let us pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit*

*Shalom*

*Christopher Euphfa*

Wednesday Reflection, August 12, 2020

Greetings friends, today’s reflection draws our attention to 1 Kings 8. In this chapter we see the leadership, wisdom and obedience of King Solomon on display. The chapter has 66 verses. Solomon prays a prayer of dedication from verses 22-61. One I encourage you to read on your own.

You see friends, prayer isn’t just something that we do. It ought to be how we act, how we think, how we live because our lives of a truth must offer adoration to God, daily we are called to confess our sins, to give thanks unto the Almighty and to seek Him earnestly.

So the Ark was brought into the temple and it would appear this chapter details the very first dedication ceremony. Solomon was mindful of the promises the Lord made to his father David. He understood that one has to be responsible upon receiving gifts. He had a duty to perform and it was not to be taken lightly.

Brothers and sisters, what gifts have we received? What promises have others received concerning us? Nothing in this life goes according to our plans or our ways yet man religiously seeks his own way. Can we truly say that like Solomon in 1 Kings 8 that we have been faithful to our calling? That we have been responsible in carrying out our duties? One may ask what duties and what responsibility not recognizing that it is the duty and responsibility of every Christian to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, to pray for others, to give to the church, to share with others and to express love without conditions.

These things are more easily said than done which is why in today’s watchword, Solomon prayed, “let your eyes be open to the plea of your servant, and to the plea of your people Israel, listening to them whenever they call to you. 1 Kings 8:52. God is our constant source and guide, it is through prayer that we become plugged in and remain connected to the source.

May we ever be vigilant, praying without ceasing, assured that whatever things we ask in God’s name, He will do it.

Amen.

Kerone Lamoth

Tuesday Reflection – August 11, 2020Jubilant Worship

Psalm 68 is a prayer and praise to God. It is believed to have been written on the occasion of David completing the tent to house the Ark of the Covenant and bringing it there. David’s prayer is one of rejoicing. The Psalm is also messianic in part as it anticipates God’s sending of the Messiah as Israel’s ultimate hope, even as the Ark of the Covenant gave them hope by its presence among them. In verse 3 (Ps 68), our watchword for today, David declares, Let the righteous be joyful; let them exult before God; let them be jubilant with joy. 

Israel should rejoice because of God’s faithfulness. God protects the righteous and makes provisions for those who trust in Him. In the same way Israel could now rest assured that God would protect them, so too, we who trust in God have the assurance of his protection regardless of what is happening around us. This gives reason for rejoicing. Ps 32: 11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!  Those who live righteously can and should rejoice. This is in contrast to the scattering of the wicked or the unrighteous. The same God who brings sorrow to the unrighteous, is the source of joy for the righteous. Let the righteous therefore be joyful. Our verse also calls for worship. To exult is to give high praise, to leap for joy, to be extremely joyful. This is all being done before the Lord which makes it worship. Such worship is a response to God’s presence in the placement of Ark of the Covenant in its tent and also as a response to God’s blessings and protection of His people. While the enemies of good cringe in fear at the presence of God, the righteous can openly praise and worship God knowing they are guaranteed God’s presence, protection and provision. Nothing therefore should take away from our worship, not the hardship of the times, not the dread of a virus. Worship that is done in spirit and in truth is not tied to a place or space but flows unbounded from the hearts of the righteous and God who is omnipresent receives our worship and responds with His continued blessings on our lives irrespective of what is taking place in the physical realm. Indeed, God’s blessings help us to navigate the times in confidence when fear grips the world around us. God is a mighty and compassionate God and that gives us every reason to be jubilant with joy. 
To be jubilant is to be joyful. It’s saying our joy should be extreme. Worshippers should never be stoic and wretched. We should be so caught up in God’s presence through our worship that we have no room for anything but joyful jubilation. We are thanking God for his blessings and deliverance while declaring our trust for what is ahead. This is praiseworthy. Paul puts it perfectly in the doctrinal text for today from Phil 4: 4 rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. May our worship therefore be unhindered as we rejoice in a God who completely cares for those who put their trust in Him. Amen
Bevon White

Monday Reflection – August 10, 2020

Let God Rule!

Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the Lord will rule over you.” Judges 8:23

Today’s Watchword is Gideon’s response to the Israelites who wanted to make him king. Verse 22 says, Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, “Rule over us, both you and your son, and your grandson also; for you have delivered us from the hand of Midian.” Gideon was a judge of Israel, but the people wanted a kingdom. Interestingly, the desire for a human king over Israel started early in the nation’s history. Hundreds of years later (in the days of Samuel the prophet and judge), God gave Israel the king they asked for, with Saul as their first king.

Gideon’s response was very appropriate for he understood that it was not his place to take the throne over Israel because the Lord was king over Israel. This was a reflection of his theology – Jehovah was their true king. What other nation had the Creator, the Lord of heaven and earth, as their King? None! What a priviledge! Gideon seems to acknowledge his awareness that he was only an instrument in God’s hands and he knew God meant for Israel to be a people and nation ruled by God Himself. They already had a King if only they would acknowledge him. Morgan advises that this should be the attitude of all those who God raises up to lead and deliver His people. Their leadership must always stop short of sovereignty. Their business is never that of superseding the Divine rule; but of interpreting it, and of leading the people to recognition of it, and submission to it. This is true, not only of kings, but also of priests, prophets, and preachers.

Unfortunately, Gideon’s insight, modesty and humility at this moment in history are in sharp contrast to the events that follow, for he acted like a king thereafter. His words were humble, but his actions were not. It is easier to talk about humility and service to God than it is to actually live it. We must ponder the words of Solomon in Proverbs 27:21: “The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold, and a man is tested by the praise accorded him.” The truth is that success and praise are not always easy to handle, and the love of power can get the better of us.

It all boils down to the place God occupies in our lives. When God is sovereign ruler of our lives, we know that we have no other option but to submit to his will and purpose. We learn that God sets up people in authority and takes down whomever he determines. There is no attitude of self-exaltation nor self-promotion, but we humble ourselves under the rulership of God. Neither do we exalt nor promote others for our benefit, but follow the directives of God. We rid ourselves of every sense of feeling like we are indispensable and recognize that we are here today and gone tomorrow, and we are eventually forgotten.

Let God rule and reign in our hearts, our lives, our homes, our nation and our world.

Jermaine Gibson 

Tuesday Reflection – August 04, 2020 Positioned to Praise

A reading of today’s Watchword puts us in the mindset of worship. Psalm 26 is a Psalm of David in which he places himself before the Lord as his vindicator. David clothed himself in the mercy and grace of God declaring that he would remain upright and would never lose hope in his God regardless of what came his way. He declared total dependence and complete confidence in the Lord as he sought God’s guidance to keep him on the right path. The final statement of the Psalm is our Watchword for today. In the great congregation I will bless the Lord. Psalm 26: 12 The entire verse 12 reads, ‘My foot stands in an even place; In the congregations I will bless the Lord.’ David is speaking from a position of confidence. In the Psalm he declared the intention of his heart not to become involved in evil practices. His purpose is clear. He will not allow any mitigating circumstances to shift him from his resolution to serve God. Whatever comes, even with all that he was experiencing at the moment, his perspectives would not change because he looked forward to that moment when he would be able to share his testimony of God’s deliverance with the community. David was assured of God’s keeping. He knew that the God he served would be true to his covenant. “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people …” Exodus 19:5. David knew that his faithfulness would be rewarded and he would be able to proclaim it to the people. He was also assured of divine protection. As long as he remained true to God, as long as his trust was unwavering, God would never allow him to fall to the forces that surrounded him, that were coming at Him.  Dear friends, let me ask you today, what is the source of your confidence in God? What gives you the certainty of a testimony regardless of what is happening around you? Like David we have to be resolute, unflinching in our faith regardless of the uncertainties that surround us. James encourages us in 1: 12, Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Our confidence should never be in ourselves or any worldly system. Our confidence should be in God alone. Indeed, he will keep us in perfect peace when our minds are stayed on Him. Isaiah 26: 3. When we are so positioned, we will have the assurance and protection we need to face any challenge and still come out praising our God, knowing that He and only He could have brought us through. Our faithfulness will always be rewarded by God’s deliverance, provision and protection. When we live in this way, we are not only building up ourselves spiritually, but we also build up the entire congregation of God’s people through our testimony. Like David we should be resolute in our commitment to be unwavering in the certainty of God’s faithfulness. I strongly encourage you dear friends, ensure that you stand firmly rooted and grounded where you are positioned to offer total and complete praise to Him who will never leave or forsake those who are faithful to Him. Amen   
Bevon White

Monday Reflection – August 03, 2020Humility – A Bi-Product of Wisdom
To the humble he shows favour. Proverbs 3:34

Today’s text is yet another appropriate follow up from the last two weeks. Two weeks ago, the Watchword challenged us to rid ourselves of fool-heartedness and being stubborn. Last week we were invited to recognize the importance of divine wisdom offered to us by the Lord. Such wisdom is revealed in God’s word for the guidance of our lives. Proverbs 3 is really about the wisdom we get from trusting God. Solomon begins this chapter by charging his son to walk rightly with God. This walk involves valuing God’s word and truly trusting him. Verses 5 and 6 contain one of Christians’ favourite text: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” For Solomon, he found that God was worthy to be trusted. We also walk right with God by living a humble, reverent life and by honouring God with our possessions.
As we pursue life and seek wisdom, Solomon advises that we must be prepared to receive the hard lessons of wisdom. Doing so involves receiving correction from God with the right heart by not despising nor detesting the chastening of the Lord. God’s correction is given in love and has wonderful benefits. Solomon challenges us to value wise living before God and our fellow humans and give attention to God’s wisdom. He assures us that there is safety in walking in God’s wisdom. God guides those who honour his wisdom into paths of safety and there is nothing safer than living in the wisdom and will of God.
One of the benefits of a life that loves God’s wisdom is a life of humility for which God gives favour or grace. Pride sets God in opposition to us, but humility invites the grace of God. We need to be humble to receive and appreciate God’s grace, since grace is God’s unmerited favour. There is a sense in which Solomon spoke of wisdom and humility as being closely related. Those who are wise enough to see God as he really is and ourselves as we really are will possess a natural and appropriate humility.
Paul reminds us in today’s New Testament text of Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.”
Let’s pursue wisdom and learn the benefits of being humility.
Jermaine Gibson 

*Friday Reflection*
*July 31, 2020*
*You!*

You shalt not raise a false report: put not your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.
Exodus 23:1 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/exo.23.1.KJV

Happy Friday Friends! TGIF!!!
Today we take a look at this Old Testament passage and see how best we can apply the lesson to our everyday life. Let’s Go!

*Background:* Exodus chapter 23 is a list of more laws to Judges. Today our focus is on verse one which speaks about a law that promotes justice. You might ask … How’s this relevant today? Journey with me as I examine the text and apply it’s concept to our lives in this present world.

*Application*: The text begins with what we call a personal pronoun. The word *you* I believe is intentionally used as it can be both singular and plural which means it referring to individuals as well as a group of individuals. Therefore, it MUST be taken personally.

*Firstly, let us examine the first sentence:*

*You* shall not circulate a false report: The only way to obey this command is to put a stop to false report. Often times we hear things being said of persons and we know fully well they are lies. Some of us have a tendency to say “it’s not my business”. But today I am saying to us *we are our brothers and sisters keeper and therefore it is very much our business!* Doing nothing or remaining neutral only allow the false report to circulate even more. You might say but I am not the one who started it, guess what… *“The inventor and receiver of false and slanderous reports, are almost equally criminal* (Clarke)
In Jamaica we say *yu a hypocrite!*

Friends, the onus is on *you*. You shall NOT bear false witness against anyone. It is not about anyone else and whether they are the one’s who started it yes or no. It’s about *you* and your Godly responsibility. *You* must ensure you put a stop to false report by not engaging in conversations about it and most importantly *you must speak the truth*. If you do not know the truth it is proper to ask and require proof from the person bringing the report, and proof as required in the Bible – from two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15).

Secondly, *You* shall not put your hand with the wicked to be an *unrighteous witness*. In others words *doh mix up yuhself wid wicked ppl and bear false witness gainst adda ppl*

It has always been in the nature of mankind *to follow a crowd to do evil*, since the time Adam followed Eve into sin to this very day. It is easy and dangerous to side with many to pervert justice, to follow our peers and popular opinion. When doing so promotes a false report or perverts justice, then it is sin! This is why it is so important for us *to choose our crowd carefully*: Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (1 Corinthians 15:33). *You* are responsible for the friends you associate yourself with. Only *you* can decide when it’s time to move on!.

*Conclusion:* Both statements/ command is connected with the next because the circulation of a false report was and still is a fundamental way to put your hand with the wicked and follow a crowd to do evil. Remember the onus is on *you*.
Do the right thing and speak up about injustice, do not be apart of it and do not sit and do nothing about it. *Your bother or sister is your business and part of your Godly responsibility*

God bless ya’ll

Shaneka Raymore Euphfa