Monday Reflection – January 10, 2022

The Detecting Force of God’s Word

But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults. Psalm 19:12

Psalm 19, like Psalm 119 and others, challenges us to ask ourselves how much we appreciate the word of God. A section of Psalm 19 is dedicated to the word of God, highlighting its character, impact and transformative power. So we must seriously ask, what impact does the word of God have on our lives? David reflects on the warnings found in the word of God, and the great reward found in obeying God’s word. This makes him reflect on the times and ways he has ignored the warnings and not kept God’s word.

David asks in today’s Watchword, “who can detect their errors?” This is a question which is its own answer. This is not an interrogation; it is a declaration. By the word of God is the knowledge of sin, and in the presence of divine truth, the Psalmist marvels at the number and heinousness of his sins. We know ourselves best when we know God’s word. Yet, when we think about this seriously, we have to consider how much we do not know, rather than feeling good about what we do know. David understands that he had ignored and disobeyed God’s word even more than he is aware of. What he knows is enough to make him concerned; his actual errors before God are still worse. Augustine wrote in his older days a series of Retractions; ours might make a library if we have enough grace to be convinced of our mistakes and to confess them.

Facing this reality, David wisely prays “Clear me from hidden faults.” Or “Cleanse me from hidden faults.” Knowing that he could not know just how many his errors were before God, David seeks cleansing even from the sins and faults that were secret to him. It is hopeless to expect to see all our spots; therefore, we must pray, “O Lord, wash away in the atoning blood even those sins which my conscience has been unable to detect.” Secret sins, like private conspirators, must be hunted out, or they may do deadly mischief; thus, we must seek God’s cleansing. As David contemplates the ‘perfect law, enlightening the eyes,’, this sends him to his knees. He is appalled by his own shortcomings, and feels that, beside all those of which he is aware, there is a region, as yet unilluminated by that law, where evil things nestle and breed. The sins we see and confess are like the farmer’s small samples which he brings to market, when he has left his storeroom full at home.

The word used here for “faults” describes a sin that is committed in ignorance. The fact that the sin happened unintentionally doesn’t make it acceptable, but that kind of sin wasn’t judged as harshly as sins that were committed wilfully by the Jews. David’s relationship to the Law is to use it as a diagnostic tool to find out where he is still guilty, and not as justifying tool to proclaim himself innocent. What a lesson for us all!! We have to constantly engage the word of God which reveals God’s perfect plan for our lives, and shows how we ought to live in alignment with God’s will. That revelation highlights our shortcomings for which we should immediately seek God’s cleansing. Yet, in a deeper sense, the word of God reveals the nature of the Word, Jesus Christ who teaches us about the principles of the Kingdom of God. His death assures us of forgiveness for our confessed sins. The Holy Spirit is available to help us to live by God’s word. When we sincerely confess, we experience cleansing and sweet communion with the Triune Godhead.

Jermaine Gibson 

Replacing Doubt with Confidence

Friends, it can be shattering when you are left with no idea of where to go and what to do. It represents despondency, hopelessness beyond anything you could have imagined. Psalm 57 was written by David as he fled from Saul and hid in the caves. It is a two-part song in which the King pleads with God to help him against Saul. Here David is anxious, vulnerable, and yet unashamed. The second part sees a more confident David deciding to trust in God, to exercise confidence in God’s ability to deliver him and to praise God even during his trials. From this Psalm we learn that the perspective we have will impact the results we receive. David cries out to God in today’s watchword, be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge. Psalm 57: 1.

David knew that he needed a refuge, a hiding place or better yet, a place of safety to wait out the calamities or the storms of his life. He knew that they would eventually pass, but he also knew that his well being at the end of it all depended on his ability to weather it out. He could keep running and Saul could keep chasing but eventually that pursuit would come to an end. What happened next would depend on how well David was able to weather the storm. He could allow his doubt to leave him cowering, forever running, and hiding. He could allow his situation to leave him steeped in negativity, applying this negative thinking to everything in his life as he moved forward. He could do that, or he could replace his doubt with confidence. Where though would he be able to find the confidence, he needed to face his unknown, his uncertainties, his tomorrows? Such confidence can be found only in God through Christ. David realized that as crafty as he was, that was not going to be enough and as swift as he was, it would not be fast enough. He recognized the wisdom and value of confidence that was based on his faith and not on his abilities. It was Joyce Meyers who said, ‘we don’t need self-confidence, we need God-confidence’. Thus, David appeals to God’s mercy. We are constantly in need of God’s mercy as we face the many challenges of life. When our strength is insufficient, God’s grace is more than enough. Like David we cry out to God for mercy because it is in God that our soul find refuge.

2022 has dawned on us. Its realities stare us in the face and often we can be overwhelmed, so much so, that we lose sight of our faith. Corona Virus does not seem to be going anywhere. Our bills are racking up. We are facing health issues, financial issues, domestic issues, and many other situations that seek to rob us of the confidence God gives us through faith. In all this we are reminded in Psalm 34: 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. In a moment of doubt, we will begin to think that there is no help for us, that nothing we try will work and that we are doomed to fall. In faithful confidence however we will be reminded that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Such confidence is our constant reminder that we have a shelter from the storms of life, that we have a storehouse of unlimited resources from which we are constantly being supplied and that we are never alone for God has promised through the Beloved ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’. Indeed, friends today let us thank God for the confidence we have found in His presence and let us resolve to go through this year in confidence knowing that He that is with us is far greater than anything that may come against us. Let us walk confidently, for our Lord, our refuge, walks with us. Amen.

Monday Reflection – January 03, 2022 Beginning with God

You, O Lord, are in the midst of us,  and we are called by your name;  do not forsake us! Jeremiah 14:9

We have marched into a new year! To God be the glory! To have survived 2021 is sufficient to give God more than 10,000 praises. I witnessed so many illnesses and death in 2021; so many persons experienced unprecedented challenges. But we have made it, and all praise and glory belong to God. 2022 is before us, filled with opportunities yet with challenges. We march forward with God as leader and guide.

Jeremiah 14 captures a period in Judah’s history when they were afflicted by droughts. Sustained or multiple droughts were always a life-or-death issue in ancient societies where most made their living by farming. Drought was also a special issue for ancient Israel and Judah, because the often-worshipped Canaanite idol Baal was thought to be the god of weather and rain. Many ancient Israelites were drawn to Baal worship because they wanted rain. It was also thought that the Lord’s purpose in sending drought was to bring the nation to repentance. This led to confusion and despair by the people as they covered their heads. The Orientals cover their heads when in the deepest grief, as David did, when he went over the brook Kedron. Charles Spurgeon says that this means, ‘I cannot face it. Do not look on me in my sorrow, nor expect me to look on you. I cover my head, for it is all over with me.’

Fortunately, the people never stayed in this state of confusion and despair. They rose up and offered true repentance to God. It began with an utter confession of guilt and an appeal to pure mercy, not what they deserved. They were very aware that only the Lord’s mercy could save them. Having approached God with humility and repentance, they  appealed to God by reminding Him that He was Israel’s Hope and Savior, and asked Him not to be a stranger to them in their great need. In this appeal we find today’s Watchword, as the people reminded God that He was near to Israel, in their very midst, and that they did belong to Him. They called upon God to act upon that nearness and identification. These reasons should be sufficient for God not to forsake them.

We know not of what 2022 will bring, perhaps drought and famine, sickness and death, pain and sorrow, disappointments and heartaches. Whatever we may face, a good place to start and a great practice to exercise is to turn to God with humility and repentance; to recognize our state of sinfulness and plea for God’s mercy. As we embark on a new year, may we march forward knowing assuredly that God is always with us and invites us into a loving relationship with Him. May we remember that God will not abandon us. Let’s follow in His footsteps as we seek to become more like Christ and do His will.  

I leave you with the usual New Year thought that I have found ever renewing at the start of each new year: I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, “Give me a light so that I may walk safely into the unknown.” He replied, “Go your way and place your hand into the hand of God.  That will be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”

Happy New Year everybody!

Jermaine Gibson 

Friday Reflection December 17, 2021

Hope in God

Good morning Friends,
Happy Holidays! 🎄

Today’s reflection takes us to the book of Lamentations , chapter 3:24. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will hope in him.”
Lamentations 3:24 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/lam.3.24.NIV

Brief Background

The book of Lamentations is said to have been written by the prophet Jeremiah. In this specific chapter, he speaks of his afflictions and the difficult times he had. But in verse 24, he boldly express that in spite of that, and because of the fact that God’s mercies and love are new every morning and does not fail, He could boldly declare; the Lord is my portion, therefore I hope in Him

Application
Like Jeremiah, we are faced with challenges and difficult times. Not just personally, but as a church, as a community and as a nation. We continue to face our own personal fears of crime and violence, family disputes and some of us face numerous struggles with our faith. We continue to see the gospel being watered down daily by false prophets who have no intention of winning souls for the kingdom, but for their own selfish gain. We continue to experience the unfairness of the political system and the abuse of those in power. And the list goes on and on!

But like Jeremiah, we know in whom we have believed and are persuaded that He is able to keep us and all that we have committed to Him. No matter what we may be called upon to suffer in this life, we KNOW that God is faithful and will not cause us to be consumed by this world. We are more than conquerors in Him that love us! It is not by might nor power that we will overcome this present world, but it is by His Spirit!

God is a promise keeper, and so like Jeremiah, we too without a shadow of doubt can proclaim, “The Lord is my portion – therefore I have hope in Him.”

As you journey through today and the rest of 2021. Always remember these words, say them over and over until they become apart of you!

Untill next time, God bless you!

Shaneka Raymore Euphfa

Friday Reflection December 17, 2021

Hope in God

Good morning Friends,
Happy Holidays! 🎄

Today’s reflection takes us to the book of Lamentations , chapter 3:24. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will hope in him.”
Lamentations 3:24 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/lam.3.24.NIV

Brief Background

The book of Lamentations is said to have been written by the prophet Jeremiah. In this specific chapter, he speaks of his afflictions and the difficult times he had. But in verse 24, he boldly express that in spite of that, and because of the fact that God’s mercies and love are new every morning and does not fail, He could boldly declare; the Lord is my portion, therefore I hope in Him

Application
Like Jeremiah, we are faced with challenges and difficult times. Not just personally, but as a church, as a community and as a nation. We continue to face our own personal fears of crime and violence, family disputes and some of us face numerous struggles with our faith. We continue to see the gospel being watered down daily by false prophets who have no intention of winning souls for the kingdom, but for their own selfish gain. We continue to experience the unfairness of the political system and the abuse of those in power. And the list goes on and on!

But like Jeremiah, we know in whom we have believed and are persuaded that He is able to keep us and all that we have committed to Him. No matter what we may be called upon to suffer in this life, we KNOW that God is faithful and will not cause us to be consumed by this world. We are more than conquerors in Him that love us! It is not by might nor power that we will overcome this present world, but it is by His Spirit!

God is a promise keeper, and so like Jeremiah, we too without a shadow of doubt can proclaim, “The Lord is my portion – therefore I have hope in Him.”

As you journey through today and the rest of 2021. Always remember these words, say them over and over until they become apart of you!

Untill next time, God bless you!

Shaneka Raymore Euphfa

Thursday Reflection December 16, 2021

Never Alone

And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

Greeting friends,

Have you ever felt alone and sad? Have you ever felt abandoned, especially by someone you love and trust? What about overwhelmed with no indication of help? It’s easy to forget the presence of Jesus with us.

In St Matthew 28 the disciples were seeing Jesus face to face for the very final time. This is after his Resurrection and his appearance to the disciples. However, this will be the final time that they see him on earth. In Jesus’s charge to His disciples He encouraged them to go into all the world baptising in the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He also charged them to teach the people what they have learnt from Jesus and reminded them that they are not alone.

Friends, despite the foreknowledge of what was to come which was Jesus’s return to be with His Father, I could just imagine how the disciples might have left or the thoughts that ran through their minds. Its probably the same thought Jesus had of them. “Here it is we had Jesus with us. Then He wasn’t with us. He then came back to us and now He’s going away. We’re going to be alone again.”

There are times that we go through situations in life and we for certain feel the presence of God in our lives. Without a doubt we know that God is there. We can testify, because we see His hand at work and we say, “God you good ehh” but then there are times we wonder where is Jesus. We no longer feel His presence and we definitely cannot see His hands at work. It is during these times that we feel alone, abandoned, neglected and even forgotten. It is during these times our thoughts run wild and we question even our own relationship with God.

Jesus was aware that these moments would occur for the disciples and by extension even for us. Hence, He said, “And remember…” In the times that we do not feel the presence of God or His hand at work, we are called to remember. Sometimes we forget or don’t even want to remember, but we must remember. We must call to mind.

What must we call to mind? That Jesus is with us even to the end of age. Hallelujah! Jesus is with us always! We’re never alone Even when we do not feel his presence or see His hand at work, He is still with us. Even when everyone around us has abandoned us and we’re left to our thoughts and our tears, Jesus is still with us. When life’s challenges are stacked against us and there seems to be no one to help, Jesus is still with you. Even when you’re dead and in the grave Jesus is still with you. He said to His disciples, “I am with you always, to the end of age.” Glory be to God.!

So friends, I charge us today to remember. Remember that you’re never alone, because Jesus is always with you.

Shalom

Christopher Euphfa

Wednesday Reflection, December 15, 2021

Jehovah Rapha

For thus says the Lord: Your hurt is incurable, your wound is grievous. For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal.
Jeremiah 30:12,17.

Good day friends. Have you ever seen an elderly person behaving in a manner that makes you wonder about their sanity and self respect? Or considered those people who spend most of their time in the gambling houses losing more than they win? Does it bother you when you see young men and women seemingly wasting away, giving in to partying and what would appear to be an incessant urge to drink and/smoke?

I have often pondered the logics of life and it bothers me that after trying and participating in so many things, there are still persons who are still seeking to fulfill the desires of the flesh. Some have been bound by habbits they can’t seem to break and life for many seems a constant up hill.

In today’s watchword, the Lord spoke to a similar set of people. They had dabbled in sin and walked in disobedience for so long that God had to address their unhealthy state.

Through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord told the people that there was no cure among men for thehr diseases, they were gravely ill, those who loved them had forsaken them. He explained that because of the magnitude of their sins, the consequences would also be great.

All these,the Lord allowed to happen however, He promised to restore their health and to heal their wounds so that they would know and remember that He was their God.

Friends, what a sad state to be in. A state of illness with no medicine, doctors or loved ones to offer care or support. Imagine all the people I spoke of earlier, imagine you and I as sinful men and women before we became saved by grace.

As we seek God on our own behalf, may we seek Him for those still hurting, aching for a cure. Those who have not yet realized that Jesus is the answer. Today’s doctrinal text from 1 Peter 2:24 reminds us, ‘by his wounds you have been healed’

Brothers and sisters, let us continue to pray for the healing of others as we pray also for ourselves.
Amen

Kerone Lamoth

Strangers in an Alien Land

While I lived in the Cayman Islands, I would caution many persons who cane there on work permit to be careful how they spent their earnings. I didn’t want them to complete their time allowed to work only to find that they had spent all their earnings and now had nothing to go home with. My saying was that they were at work and not at home so should not live as if they were home. They were strangers in a foreign land. The Watchword for today is a reminder of that period in my life, not because I was not feeling at home but because the reality was that I knew the day would come when I would have no more time to remain in that country unless my status changed. I know what it means to live as a stranger in a foreign land. Today’s Watchword is from Psalm 119: 19 I live as an alien in the land.

What does it mean to live as a stranger in a foreign land? It’s different from being a visitor. A visitor already knows that time is limited and even while enjoying the hospitality of the visit, will be busy preparing for the return trip home. When one lives in a land however, one becomes a part of the system, builds relationships with the people, and become a valued contributor to the economy through earning and spending. Strangers are just as valuable to the existence of an economic system as the residents are. While one group is transient and are always being rotated, the other is stable and always in place. The children of Israel considered themselves aliens in the land or strangers in the earth. They were the transient population. We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone so soon without a trace 1 Chronicles 29: 15. This was based on the concept that they were on the earth only for a short time so should not live as if they were there forever. Life was thus described like a bird in flight, visible but for a short while, rather than as a mountain or as the sun which were always there. It was a way of recognizing humanity’s greatest limitation, the brevity of life. We are here for a limited time and so should live wisely, making good use of the time we have.

Being strangers in this world also means that as Christians we should not become like the world, but should maintain our difference, our uniqueness as children of God. The concept of being in the world but not of the world comes to mind here. Jesus when he prayed for the disciples did not pray for them to be removed from the world but for them be kept safely, to have a sense of belonging to a better place which He, Jesus would be going to prepare. The call then is for us not to be conformed to the world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds so that we might pay keener attention to the things that are godly rather than those that are worldly. To be a stranger is to be careful of who and what we become attached to, it is to ensure that we glorify God and not humanity through our words and work. It is to know that as God’s children we will not be loved, valued or respected by the world. It is to refuse to partake in the sinful actions of the world even if it means we will be looked down on and ostracized. More importantly, it is knowing that this world is not home for us for we long for a better world, one whose builder and maker is God. A city prepared for a prepared people, a people who live not for this world, but for life eternal with Jesus Christ. Yes friends, we await its realization, we await Christ’s return, and we await His invitation to enter our Master’s joy. In this Advent season, may we look forward to His coming not only as a baby for Christmas celebrations, but as the King of Kings to claim and welcome those who faithfully await His return. We are strangers in a foreign land and our time of going home is fast approaching. Let us be prepared. I close with the doctrinal text from Eph 5: 15 and 16 Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time. Amen.

Monday Reflection – December 13, 2021
God’s Faithful Covenant

Do not let the downtrodden be put to shame. Psalm 74:21

While one is not sure as to when Psalm 74 was written, it is clear that the writer Asaph is pleading with God to remember His destroyed sanctuary. Some scholars believe that the Psalm was written following the destruction of the temple by the Babylonians. Some argue that it is even later, following the desecration of the temple in the days of Antiochus Epiphanes. Some say that the Asaph of David and Solomon’s time composed this Psalm on the occasion or the memory of the destruction of the tabernacle in Shiloh (1 Samuel 4). Whichever it is, what is clear is that Psalm 74 is a plea and a prayer in great sorrow from the destruction of the sanctuary.

In the midst of this prayer, Asaph asks God to remember and respect His covenant. This everlasting covenant that was established with Abraham is intended to be everlasting covenant for all generations. How can God forget or disregard so sacred a promise He made? But, can He? Absolutely not! I imagine that Asaph and his people were so overwhelmed by the sight of the destroyed temple that he wonders where is God. I imagine that the negative effects of the reality and the impact on him and his people socially, spiritually, psychologically and mentally was so grave that he at least wondered, maybe doubted, whether God has reneged on His promise. In this context, we hear Asaph’s plea in today’s Watchword, “Do not let the downtrodden be put to shame.”

Admittedly friends, when life gets too much for us to deal with, we may at times wonder about God’s power and faithfulness. We question God’s presence, plan and purposes. When time seems to be running out, we question God’s will and timeliness. Today’s New Testament text provides hope, “Elizabeth’s neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her” Luke 1:58. We recall that both Elizabeth and Zechariah were old and she had passed child bearing age. Like all other families, they desired children, especially a son, for which they had prayed for a long time. God answered their prayers and they were priviledged to be parents to John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Christ.  

In a world where life gets difficult, God remains faithful. In a world, where we are handed sorrow and joy, pain and gladness, mountains and valleys, rugged and plain paths, God’s promise remains sure. In a world where disaster and destruction, sickness and death are a part of life, God’s abiding presence and sustaining grace are always available. In a dangerous world, full of the haunts of cruelty, God’s people can rely on God’s covenant promise. In a world where the value of our money is declining and the prices of goods are ever increasing, God’s providence is assured. In a world where Covid-19 seems here to stay, God’s delivering power is at work. Let’s anchor our hope in God, through Jesus Christ.

We join Tate and Brady in declaring:
Through all the changing scenes of life,
  In trouble and in joy,
The praises of my God shall still
  My heart and tongue employ.

Jermaine Gibson

Saturday Reflection – 11 December 2021

“Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 1 Corinthians 1:20

How is it, that as Christians, we are able to hold on to such hope, to possess such peace, to be filled with such joy and to emanate such love, that no matter the circumstances that we face, no matter the realities that surround us, there is still life and light wherever we go, and with whomever we engage on a daily basis. More than that, the deep and genuine hope, and peace, joy, and love that is found within us, that flows through us to those around us, is not seasonal or conditional, but is representative of the lasting hope, the incomprehensible peace, the strengthening joy, and the unconditional love that we have received freely from the Father.

This may be mind-boggling, and not an easily accepted notion by those who have not yet come to know Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour, and may even be cast aside as foolishness, disingenuous, or fanaticism. As the Apostle Paul confronts the church on the mystery of the power of God, we are reminded that our own understanding is limited and cannot match up to our Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent God. This truth reminds us that instead of trying to work out the mystery of God, we ought to cultivate simple faith, the faith of a child, without which we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.

In this season of advent, which is a time of preparation, we are often confronted with the mystery of the first coming of Christ, born in Bethlehem of Judea, “…born a child and yet a king.” And even as we hear and reflect on the Nativity of Christ each Christmas, we believe by faith, that Christ left heaven, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, was born of the Virgin Mary, that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. This mystery of the Incarnation, we accept by faith, and just that belief strengthens us, by reminding and offering to us hope, peace, joy, and love, wrapped up in the greatest gift that could ever be given, with which anyone who would freely accept would find life, and life more abundantly. The season of advent also strengthens our resolve, as we wait patiently for the second coming of Christ. As we reminded of the words of the prophets, and everything falling into place at the birth of the Saviour, in like manner, having read the Scriptures, accepted the gift of salvation, and being led by the Holy Spirit, we actively prepare, by our lip – in spreading the good news, and living a life that reflects the one who came to save us. That when the Lord should put in his appearance “…not just a Saviour, but a reigning king…” we will all be numbered among the saints that will go marching in.

This was the message of the angels to the shepherds, on that first advent of Christ, “Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” (St. Luke 2:10-11) For us as Christians, this good news has changed our lives forever, and this is our message to the world. It is not about comprehending the mysteries of God, but to take God at His word, and to yield to the call of the Holy Spirit. We may find ourselves distracted by contemplating, by adducing, and experimenting to come to scientific conclusions that we miss the great and powerful mystery of the Saviour’s first advent, who came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly. We may be cultured to accept a Christmas tale that we reject when we get older, as we understand that it is not feasible, and only a Children’s fable. Not so, with the Nativity of Christ. If we continue to see it as a narrative, then we will overlook and sooner than later, forget that it actually happened and lose sight of its purpose and meaning “For Jews demand signs (attesting miracles), and Greeks pursue [worldly] wisdom and philosophy, but we preach Christ crucified, [a message which is] to Jews a stumbling block [that provokes their opposition], and to Gentiles foolishness [just utter nonsense], but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks (Gentiles), Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1: 22-24, AMP) The truth is the world’s wisdom has only led to strife, confusion, pain and destruction, but in the Lord, His choicest blessings, a living hope, and an eternal inheritance!

Until next week, as we continue to reflect in this Advent season, may we ask God to renew our faith in Christ that we may believe, live, and be energized to spread the good news, that all may come to see, experience and know God’s choicest blessings, both bountifully and beautifully exhibited in the Lord’s Advent. Amen.

Dominic J. Blair