Wednesday Reflection, February 2, 2022

Continuous Praise

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1

Throughout a believer’s life, there will be tests and trials and mounting tribulations; some highs, some lows, sometimes a yes and other times a no but whilst this has been the reality there is also another side to all this.

When one understands and accepts that no matter the lot that he has seemingly been dealt, it does not change who or how God is. Yet the way in which he reacts will very well determine how he is able to wade through and further overcome adversity.

Brothers and sisters, happy are those who delight in the Lord, those who trust in Him and wait on Him. In today’s watchword the Psalmist declared that he would praise the Lord at all times, in and out of season as some would say but David did not simply end there but rather he went on to declare that praises would always and continually come from his mouth.

Praises are what help to fuel and strengthen the believers walk in faith. It enables us to maintain an active relationship in which we are able to enjoy open communication with God.

Paul in writing to the Thessalonians encouraged them to, ‘Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you’
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Friends, as we reflect today, I pray that praises will rise from within us, that our praises will not only be continuous but also contagious and that God will receive our offerings of praise.

Amen

Kerone Lamoth

Firmly Rooted, Bearing Upwards.

In today’s watchword, Judah is given a promise by God through the prophet Isaiah. It is a promise of a brighter future in the face of destruction and doom. A promise of better days when they seem to be facing the end of their days. It was a prophecy of new life and new growth in the face of death. Indeed, God spoke hope and restoration where everyone else was seeing only impending destruction and no hope for God’s people. Hear the watchword for today from 2 Kings 19: 30: The surviving remnant of the house of Judah shall again take root downwards, and bear fruit upwards.

In the preceding events leading up to this prophecy, we learn of the Assyrian siege of Samaria, the capital of Israel. After three years of war, the Israelite Kingdom was captured, and the people deported to Assyria and resettled in what we know today as Iran. They were part of a larger group from many other conquered regions that were resettled there. The Israelites, representing ten of the twelve tribes, soon intermarried and became part of this new community, losing their Hebrew identity. The Bible makes it clear that Israel suffered this displacement because they did not follow anything that the Lord commanded them to. Prophecy, however, has declared that these tribes, known today as the lost tribes of Israel, will one day return. Eight years later, the Assyrian army besieged and captured Judah. Hezekiah surrendered and met the demands of the Assyrians, stripping the gold from the temple doors to do so. That however was not enough. The Assyrian army marched into Jerusalem and sent insulting and threatening messages to King Hezekiah while insulting God Almighty. The King and the religious leaders in their alarm at this threat and insult to God, sought God through prayer, and through the prophet Isaiah. The Watchword is part of Isaiah’s response from the Lord to his people.

There are several valuable lessons we can learn from this text and its background. Firstly, when we refuse to follow God’s command, we set ourselves up for a downfall. This was what happened to Israel. Secondly, never make light of the plight of others for we never know when it will be our time. Not that Judah did this. I imagine however, that Judah may have been feeling secure, feeling that they were too small and insignificant for the mighty Assyrian army to even bother with, when suddenly they were under attack. Thirdly, never believe that we can satisfy the enemy to leave us alone by agreeing to his demands. The Bible teaches us that the enemy, the devil is like a roaring lion seeking to destroy its prey (1 Peter 5: 8). He is cunning as a fox and can never be trusted. That’s why we should always trust God and no other. Fourthly, prayer is the only response that God’s people have against the assailing storms of life, whether they be spiritual, physical, emotional, or medical. No matter what we face, our God is able to bring us through. Phil 4: 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Fifthly, when God’s people are firmly rooted, our fruits will bear upwards. People may not be able to see our roots, our hope our faith our trust, but by our actions and words, that is, by our fruit, they shall know that we are God’s children. When God’s children stand up for what we believe regardless of what is happening around us, the enemy has no footing and will have to flee. In 1 Cor 15: 58, Paul encourages us who look forward to Christ’s return or being called home to Him: Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. This steadiness and uprightness in our faith journey will keep us firmly rooted and bearing upwards. Finally, friends, always remember this, it is never about the situation you face, the happenings around you or the threats against you. Rather, it is always about the God who is for you. May God open our eyes so we can see that those with us are far greater than those against us. Amen.

Monday Reflection – January 31, 2022
Returning to God

Return, O faithless children, I will heal your faithlessness. “Here we come to you; for you are the Lord our God.” Jeremiah 3:22

Have you ever left a conversation and thanked God for just how beautiful and impactful it was? Perhaps, a better question to ask is, how many conversations have we had and either or both persons benefitted positively from it? Amazing, the Almighty God, our Abba Father, is always inviting us to talk with Him. The Bible is replete of instances of persons who dialogued with God, God’s dialogue with people, as well as God’s invitation to reason with humanity (cf. Isaiah 1:18). Jeremiah 3 features a dialogue between God and his people, where He offers gracious terms of pardon to them, and they should make sincere professions of obedience to Him.

In today’s Watchword, God invites His people to return to Him. God’s invitation is for the people to return to Him, to His worship and service, to their duty. God says this upon hearing the weeping and supplications of the Israelites, acknowledging their sin, and humbling themselves before Him. God’s invitation is accompanied with His promise – I will heal your faithlessness. In other words, God says, I will take away your guilt and save you from your rebellious and revolting disposition. God heals our backslidings and faithlessness by His pardoning mercy, His abiding peace, and His renewing grace. Such a promise is met with a resounding positive response, “Here we come to you; for you are the Lord our God.” For the people – We readily and cheerfully obey your command, and comply with your invitation. This is an immediate, speedy answer, without delay; not we will come later, but we do come now; we need not take time to consider it. This is grounded in the reality that the people remember who is their Master and Lord, Yahweh.

David Guzik reminds us of the features of backsliding or faithlessness. Backsliding brings desolation; backsliding is worthy of great mourning; backsliders may return right from their wayward place; backsliding is shown in a perverted way; backsliding is shown in forgetting God; backsliding is something only children of God can do; backsliding is a decision to turn from; backsliding is a disease to be healed from; backsliding is corrected by the recognition of a wrong way; backsliding is corrected by the recognition of having forgotten God.

Yet, we must settle why we should return to God, having been faithless. Because:

1. God is the true God
2. The idols do not profit us; they can give no help in time of trouble
3. We are worst off when we abandon the worship of God
4. It is the prerogative of God alone to offer forgiveness, redemption and salvation

Today’s text challenges us to practice regular introspection, as well as analysis of our relationship with God. And when we miss the mark, we should quickly repent and seek God’s forgiveness and restoration. The Apostle Peter, in a beautiful commendation of the believers, says in 1 Peter 2:25: “For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.” Let’s follow suit.  
Jermaine Gibson 

Saturday Reflection – 29 January 2022

“I will save them from all the apostasies into which they have fallen, and will cleanse them. Then they shall be my people.” Ezekiel 37:23

Just when we thought it was all over, that we were at the point of no return, that we were so far down the rabbit hole, so unredeemable that we couldn’t even recognize ourselves, just that moment when we felt that we had strayed so far from the Lord our God, that we were no longer worthy to be called his children, that today’s watchword reminds that God will save us, restore us and bring us back into right relationship with Him.

In Ezekiel 37, we hear the popular story of the prophet’s experience in the Valley of Dry Bones. But there was a second experience recorded in the chapter. Ezekiel was then instructed to take a stick and write on it “For Judah, and the Israelites associated with it” And to take another stick and write on that one “For Joseph (the stick of Ephraim) and all the house of Israel associated with it” And then to join them together and hold them as one in his hand. And when anyone should ask the meaning of this, that the Lord will unite the two nations into one kingdom and under one king. God will be with them forever and they will never defile themselves again but live in accordance with God’s will.

We probably can relate to how Israel was feeling by the time we got to Ezekiel’s experience. All we hear of recently are continued price increases which will affect the price of food and other living expenses. We see the rise in crime and violence; specifically murders, and many times we feel unsafe in our own communities and on the streets, especially at nights. We hear and experience the continued wonton disregard for safety on the roads, and continue to grapple with finding logical explanations for many of the events that we encounter or hear of as a society. There are the continued social effects in our society, our concerns of education and healthcare greatly worsened by the pandemic. And in spite of all of this, we try to remain sane and a positive contributor to our society And this may have left feeling overwhelmed and often depressed. We feel cut off, and divided as a people, that many others are comfortable, whilst it is not the reality for others. There is that wide gap between the social classes in our context, and often we see no way out for us as a people. We may feel just as cut-off, dried up, and sorely divided as Israel.

But the promise of God, that came out of these two experiences that the prophet had, are just as meaningful for us today. Just when we thought that there was no way, God “made a way, when our backs were against the wall, and it looked as if it was over.” God made a way through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour who would usher in a reign of righteousness, peace, and transformation for all nations of the world. That through Christ, our Saviour and King, we would be restored, saved from the consequences of sin, renewed from hopelessness and despair, and returned into prominence and prosperity through right relationship with Almighty God. Jesus came that we would life more abundantly, that through him, there would be no more division, but we all would be one, in Him, as Christ is all and in all. That no matter where we have turned, to whom else we have gone. No matter, how far-gone we are, His blood is able to purify us and make us white as snow. He calls us to follow Him, that we would no longer stumble in darkness, but have the light of life, which brings hope, peace, joy, and love eternal. We may not always have it easy, but in Christ, we will always be blessed!

It is then for us, who have had this life-transforming experience with Christ, even as we pray “Thy kingdom come on earth, as it is heaven” to be the trailblazers for this cause of Christ. Yes, we are called upon, by our lip and life, individually and as the Body of Christ, to be exemplars, in positive and radical ways, that others may come to experience and emulate Christ. Christ is the only answer and has given us the perfect example; all we need to do is go and do likewise. Go and transform the life of the orphan and the widow, the marginalized and the oppressed. Go and show love to all people, inviting them all to respond to the call of the Spirit, and experience the joy of being apart of the Family of God. That is when we will see the difference, as one light ignites the other, soon the whole world will be lit.

Until next week, let us turn to Him who calls us to be active participants in His mandate, that by our witness, and the work of the Holy Spirit, lives will be transformed, and we will truly experience His kingdom here on earth, as it is in heaven. Amen.

Dominic J. Blair

Thursday Reflection January 27, 2022

The Unchanging Jesus

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 NRSV https://bible.com/bible/2016/heb.13.8.NRSV

Greeting friends,

There is no doubt that we live in a changing world. The evidence of this is all around us. Technology is continuously being changed or improved. Covid has definitely changed how the world now operates. The value of money continues to change and for the worse. Its spending power is limited and has negatively impacted most families.

There is no doubt that we live in a changing world. Everything around us has changed in one way or another and that is difficult. Even the message of Jesus is being changed to suit the needs of people, even though some of what is being preached is contrary to Gospel of Jesus.

In Hebrews chapter 13 verse 9 it tells us to be careful we are not carried away by strange teachings. In verse 7 we are called to remember our leaders who spoke the word of God and how they lived their lives. But more importantly we are called to remember in verse 8 that, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and tomorrow.” The message of Jesus Christ has not changed. It is the same from the beginning until now.

Hebrews 13 gives us a preview of the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that has not changed. In verse 1, We’re to continue in mutual love, showing hospitality even to strangers. In verse 3, We’re to remember those in prison Verse 4 tells us marriage should be held honourable by ALL Verse 5 tells us, Don’t be consume by the love of money. Verse 12 tells us, Jesus suffered for all and we have been sanctified by his blood. Verse 14 reminds us that we have a lasting city as our hope

In this changing world Jesus remains the same as from the beginning. His loving nature and his dislike for sin has not changed. Jesus is our constant in this changing world. Jesus is unchanging in this world and I remind us to hold on to the unchanging Jesus.

Shalom
Christopher Euphfa

God’s Penal System

It is well known that when we correct or punish in anger, we are apt to over do it. One of the things I always shared with parents when I worked as a guidance counselor, was the importance of not disciplining their children in their anger. What was meant to punish and or correct has the potential to become acts of abuse and cruelty if administered in anger. In today’s watchword the prophet Jeremiah is begging God not to correct him or discipline him in anger since such action from God will lead to the prophet’s total annihilation. Rather he asks God to ensure that the discipline is tempered by God’s mercy. Correct me, O Lord, but in just measure; not in your anger, or you will bring me to nothing. Jeremiah 10: 24.

Discipline today has moved from being corrective to exacting punishment as well as withholding privileges. We see the unjust ways in which the penal system applies justice to society. A person may be more severely punished for a crime because of their ethnicity, status or locality. Look for example of the case of Felicity Huffman, the wealthy celebrity who was sentenced to fourteen days in prison for forging her child’s SAT scores as well as her involvement in a college admissions scandal. Compare that to the case of Tanya McDowell who was sentenced to five years in prison for lying about her home address to get her child into a better school district. The most striking difference between the two ladies is that Felicity is white while Tanya is black. There are those who have used punishment for making money rather than to punish and rehabilitate. In the US, 1 in every 54 Hispanic men is imprisoned. 1 in every 36 black men is imprisoned and 1 in every 106 white men is imprisoned. These are all in the 18 plus age group and shows the racial disparity in our penal system. The United States is home to 4.2 percent of the world’s population, yet it holds 20 percent of the world’s prisoners, most of who are young black men. This is because the penal system is more of a money-making mechanism for the rich and a means of racial discrimination, than a means of rehabilitating and returning an offender to society. While the rest of the world may not seek to benefit from the penal system in the same way, the stigma attached to being punished or incarcerated is demeaning and life changing. It sure seems as if the world does not correct in just measure.

Jeremiah’s request then may well be reflective of the request of anyone who has had to face the law and have been punished in any way, including being incarcerated. Punishment in just measure speaks of justice which is retributive and reformative. It must fit the crime and it must lead to the offender being a better person. God as the righteous judge is never vindictive, but always fair in His judgment. It is for this reason that the prophet asks that God not judge him in anger but in just measure. We are destroyed by God’s wrath, but Christ came to save us and grant us life everlasting. In the Hymn written by John Hus, we find these fitting words. To avert from men God’s wrath, Jesus suffered in our stead; by an ignominious death He a full atonement made; and by His most precious blood brought us, sinners, nigh to God. God’s penal system is Jesus Christ. He is God’s way of not punishing us in his anger but in just measure, for Christ already bore the brunt of God’s anger for our sins. It doesn’t give us an escape hatch however, for God will discipline us in love, to correct us or to bring us back to himself. In Hebrews 12: 5 – 6 we are reminded, My child, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every child whom He receives. May we accept God’s discipline in love and may it have the desired effect of moving us into better relationship with God and with those around us. Amen.

Monday Reflection – January 24, 2022
The Light of God

If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you. Psalm 139:11-12

Psalm 139 may very well be regarded as a praise and prayer to the God who knows all and is everywhere. This magnificent Psalm is titled For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. It does not surprise us that such a significant Psalm came from David’s pen, who was the sweet Psalmist of Israel. Claude Fleury says profoundly, “Let the modern wits, after this, look upon the honest shepherds of Palestine as a company of rude and unpolished clowns; let them, if they can, produce from profane authors thoughts that are more sublime, more delicate, or better turned; not to mention the sound divinity and solid piety which are apparent under these expressions.” In other words, so beautiful is this Psalm yet from the pen of a mere shepherd. Isn’t it amazing what God can do with any of us to accomplish His will, no matter how simple or poor our state! Precious jewels we can become in the hands of our marvelous God and Potter.   

David affirms in Psalm 139 that the all-present God is with us. He considers the truth that God is present everywhere, and there is no corner or dimension of the universe hidden from Him. Heaven is not too high and hell is not too low; God is everywhere. It is in this context that we find today’s Watchword – If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you. David here declares that if he were to contemplate or say that darkness is his experience, he must remind himself that there is no darkness with God. God’s presence with David was like a constant light in the darkness. As the pillar of cloud illuminated Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21), so with God’s presence the night shines as the day.

Horne also reminds us that “Darkness may, indeed, conceal us and our deeds from the sight of men; but the divine presence, like that of the sun, turns night into day, and makes all things manifest before God.” Morgan agrees and asserts that “Darkness is light to Him, and has no hiding place from Him.” Whenever we are tempted to hide or do things in the cover of the dark, we would do well to remember that there is no darkness associated with God. God will beam his light into our created dark spaces and all things are revealed to Him.

Another dimension is not just that darkness is as light to God, but that God Himself is light. While God is the creator of light, He is the epitome of light. In God dwells the fulness of light that beams into every space. Jesus also declares himself as the light of the world and those who follow him will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12). Not just that, but hear Jesus’ instructions to those who follow Him, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16). And as John visions the new heaven and new earth, he says in Revelation 21:23, “And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” May we walk with God who is our light and lights our way.

Jermaine Gibson 

Saturday Reflection – 22 January 2022

“By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” St. Luke 1:78-79

Following the birth and presentation of John the Baptist in the temple, Zachariah the priest, who was also the John’s father, had regained his speech and was then filled with the Holy Spirit concerning God’s promise as fulfilled in the Messiah, and the great impact and transformation that would be effected on the world. Now, we have come out of the Christmas season, yet still are in the season of Epiphany. We find ourselves in a new year, yet still encumbered by the many challenges that we face as a society. There is still so much darkness in our world, a truth that we can all testify to seeing the vast increase in crime and violence, the raging pandemic and its societal effects, and the many other challenges of oppression and lawlessness; the topsy-turvy world that we can’t even recognize, that has left people wayward, depressed or even overcome in fear and anguish.

Yet still, in this season of Epiphany, the doctrinal text reminds us that by God’s mercy, the dawn will rise, giving light to those in darkness and despondency, leading us to the way of God’s peace. The light that would shine would be able to overpower the darkness, enlightening the way that leads us to eternal life. Where we think that there is no hope, that the world has gone mad with no way to return, Zachariah’s prophecy as fulfilled in Christ reminds us that there is still light in the darkness, and hope for renewal in our world. For the society then, having gone through exile, having returned but finding themselves under Roman oppression, this message would spark hope that this Messiah would fulfil God’s plan and bring salvation to the nations, restoring them in prominence, guiding them in peace, in the way of the kingdom that leads to eternal life.

For us, who have already celebrated the Messiah’s birth, and who know of his later crucifixion and resurrection have in front of us, the answer and remedy for our world. In our view, the prophecy of Zachariah is only a reminder that points to the cross of Calvary and the power of the resurrection that is able to transform lives and nations. That the teachings of the kingdom are made possible through Christ who saved us all. And because we are saved, we are then able to shine the light of Christ that is within us, by our lip and our life, that others may see Christ in us, and be led to Him, who is the light of the world.

This solution gives us hope that all is not lost; for we pray and know that God is still able, God’s hands are still on the steering wheel, and God’s intervention can still do for us, what we cannot do for ourselves. But as we pray, and allow God to lead, as His labourers in the vineyard, the Lord needs us, because we have come in contact with the Master, and can testify of this light; how the light of the world saved us, gives us sound direction, and in following, we have found hope, peace, joy, and love eternal. We are the Lord’s hands and feet, and as bearers of that light, we cannot cover it with a bushel. We cannot be content with just our hope being secured, and our way being lit. We’ve got to shine – by our time, talent, and treasure, by our lip and life, by “actively and enthusiastically spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Then will we see the change we desire, the prophecy being fulfilled in our day, the hope that we want to be born in our society, the renewal that needs to occur in our land. For if one light will ignite the other, soon the whole world will be lit.

Until next week, Christ tells us that if we follow Him, we will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. As Christ enlightens us, and enables us by the power of Holy Spirit, may we then, recognizing the transforming power of that light within us, shine, so that lives are transformed, our society is renewed, and God is glorified. Amen.

Dominic J. Blair

Friday Reflection January 21, 2022

Good morning friends, happy Friday!
Today’s text for reflection is from the book of St. John 15:16:
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. John 15:16 NIV
https://john.bible/john-15-16

Many argue that the first part of this verse is referring to initial salvation and that Jesus also chose who would believe in him. The matter of free will then became the subject of critics. However, if we should read the full chapter especially verse 1 to 15, we would get a clearer picture of what Jesus was saying and to whom.

It was just hours before Jesus’ crucifixion when He  uttered the words recorded in this verse. It is a common understanding among believers that Jesus was talking to his disciples. It could not have been that Jesus was was referring to salvation because they ( the disciples) were already believers in Christ.

What Jesus was making reference to was the whole matter of bearing fruit. Not only did he urge them to bear fruit, but to let their fruit remain! Jesus also said in the latter part of the verse “and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you”. Being a branch in Christ Jesus and bearing fruit gives a believer benefits.

Just like them, we too are Jesus’ disciples and we are chosen by him to bear lasting fruit. What is this fruit you might ask. The fruit of the spirit! Kindness, love , joy, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, long-suffering, self-control and peace! Brothers and sisters, being branches in Christ Jesus, the True Vine doesn’t exempt us from trials and temptation. However, we are called to remain in him and bear good fruit and maintain a good relationship with Him and others.

If we maintain our place in Jesus and continue to bear fruit, it would enable us to ask for whatever we need from God the Father… Not just any and everything, but whatever is in line with the will of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! And once that is the case God will grant it!

 For those who have already accepted the free gift of salvation, you are being called to live a fruitful and faithful life! For those who have not yet been saved by grace, salvation is yours today if you only believe! You cannot bear fruit unless you are abiding in the True Vine.

God Bless you!

Shaneka Raymore Euphfa

Thursday Reflection January 20, 2022

Worship the Creator

“Fear God,” he shouted. “Give glory to him. For the time has come when he will sit as judge. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all the springs of water.” Revelation 14:7 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/rev.14.7.NLT

Greetings friends,

This chapter distinguishes two groups of people: those who believe in Jesus during the tribulation and those who worship the beast. John sees the Lamb, Jesus, and the 144,00 sealed Jewish servants of God standing together on Mount Zion. The scene anticipates the end of the tribulation with the 144,000 celebrating their victory over the beast. Their is also celebration in heaven over their triumph.

The second group surrounds three angels. One that has the Eternal Good News who encourages us to give God glory and worship the Creator. The second angel speaks about the collapse of Babylon and the third angel the eternal punishment of the beast, whose image so many unbelievers worshiped.

This impending judgment is cause for believers to stay loyal to the Lord. Many believers will face martyrdom, but their temporary suffering does not compare with the eternal suffering worshipers of the beast will experience. When Christ returns to earth, the destruction of the wicked will be imminent.

We are also called to worship God, not only because of the judgment to come, but because who God is. We’re called to worship him, because He is creator of the heavens, the earth, and all that lives within. This speaks of the might of the Lord and his greatness. God’s supernatural ability surpasses ours by far and shows how marvelous the Lord is. We’re called to worship the Creator of the world. For in his creation, He has demonstrated His love for us. He has shown us how much he cares and we are called to do likewise.

So I encourage us, let us worship the Creator of the world.

Shalom

Christopher Euphfa