Thursday Reflection October 21, 2021

Not divided, but ONE

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

Greeting friends!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amen!

Christopher Euphfa

God waits to be gracious to us.

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

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

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

Monday Reflection – October 18, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jermaine Gibson

Thursday Reflection October 14, 2021

God our helper

Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God. Psalms 146:5

Greeting friends!

The Psalmist begins by offering praises to God as long as he lives. He charges those reading not to put their trust in princes or mortals for they are of no real help. For when they die so do their plans. He encourages us to put our trust in the Lord. Those who do are happy and have hope.

Friends as we look at the text we see the Psalmist drawing attention to our true source of help, who is God. He makes it clear that he’s talking about the God of Jacob and not any false god. It is from Jacob’s twelve sons we get the Twelve Tribes of Israel and the name Israelites for the chosen people of God. We know the good God did throughout the life of the Israelites and the many miracles He worked.

Seek help from the God who parted the Red Sea. The God who tore down the walls of Jericho. The God who led Gideon with just 300 men to defeat an entire army. The God who enabled David to defeat Goliath. The God who sent Jesus to die for our sins. The God who raised Jesus from the dead. The God who gave us the Holy Spirit as our guide today and promised never to leave us nor forsake us. This is the same God of Jacob that will help us. This is who you should seek help from. We shouldn’t seek the help of people or prince’s who die and when they do so does their help.

Those who seek help from the God of Jacob are HAPPY. The proceeding verses tell us why why we should be happy. Verse 6 tells us that God is the maker of heaven and earth, verse 7 that He carries out justice, feed the hungry and set prisoners free. Verse 8 He opens the eyes of the blind and lift up those weighed down by challenges. Verse 9 he watches over the strangers who are alone and those who are marginalised. He also destroys the wicked Those who seek God’s help are happy, because God will help them. It has been recorded how God has helped others so He WILL help us too.

So seek the help of God and be happy for God is our helper.

Shalom

Christopher Euphfa

Wednesday Reflection, October 13, 2021

Called to Serve

Greetings friends. We might all be familiar with the story of Elkanah and Hannah his wife and her great struggle. How Hanna was mocked because she could not bear children and although Elkanah loved and treated her well, she remained unsatisfied and prayed earnestly to God, so much so, that when they went to the temple she remained in prayer until the Preist Eli, mistook her devotion for drunkeness.

So the Lord honored Hannah’s service. He opened her womb and she bore a son, Samuel. And when he was weaned, as she promised the Lord she would, Anna took Samuel to live at the temple with the Preist Eli. One might wonder at the wisdom of Hannah; after longing so much for this thing, why then would she have spent so little time with her child? What reason could she have for giving him away?

Friends, Hannah recognized that she, like each of us, was called to serve, and a huge part of her service was to bear this child then to give him into the Lord’s employ. In today’s watchword, 1 Samuel 3:4 tells us, ‘the Lord called, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ and he said, ‘here I am’. Of course the Lord knew where this child was, in the same way God asked, ‘Adam, where are you?’ He is perhaps asking the same question of each of us today, calling us to accountability, to communion, to service and to an active ministry in mission.

In today’s old testament text, ‘The Lord said to Paul, “do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am with you.” Acts 18:9-10. Brothers and sisters, if there be any fear or doubt in you today, meditate on this, God who has called you has already equipped you and he promises to be with you at every step of the way.

Let us pray, Lord you’re still calling aren’t you? Take away our fear. Take away our ‘safe’ silence. Give us voice to say, “here I am.” Give us bold courage to speak to injustice, racism, and hatred, for you are with us. Amen.

Kerone Lamoth

Monday Reflection – October 11, 2021

Prelude:
Last Saturday, October 09, 2021 marked four years since I responded to the Holy Spirit’s prompting and began Monday Reflection. I give God thanks for His enduring presence, guidance and inspiration. A BIG shout out to Sisters Shaneka Raymore Euphfa and Kerome Lamoth, and Brothers Bevon White, Christopher Euphfa and Dominic Blair who joined at different times on this journey. Hitherto hath the Lord helped us! As is customary, I celebrate God’s goodness by using a Reflection that I did before. Today I renew the reflection done on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 in the midst of a world that has changed so much, especially since the onset of Covid-19.

OUR IMMUTABLE GOD
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Change is the only constancy in this physical world. Whatever is not changing remains static and is likely to get stagnant and stink. We live in an ever-changing world with so much developments taking place by the second. The advent of technology has resulted in significant changes that occur almost at the wink of an eye. Technology has resulted in faster and greater productivity and has flung wide open the avenues and opportunities of communication. Some people are afraid of change and feel vulnerable to its possible effects.

Yet, I believe that change is not bad. Change allows for a new perspective, new knowledge and insights, a new outlook that is likely to produce growth in our lives. The reality is that for growth to take place there must be change – a movement from one dimension to the next in a northerly direction. Change also forces us to recognize that nothing in this life is permanent, and some things lose their value overtime. So many things have given way to more advanced developments.

In the midst of all the changes of life, today’s New Testament text declares, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” This highlights the reality that Jesus is unchangeable. The writer was addressing a people faced with trials, persecutions, trouble and pain. The writer is encouraging them to persevere by showing that their Saviour was always the same. He who had sustained his people in former times, was the same still, and would be the same forever. This is about the immutability of the Redeemer. If he were fickle, vacillating and changing in his character and plans; if today he aids his people, and tomorrow will forsake them; if he formed a plan yesterday which he has abandoned today; or if he is ever to be a different being from what he is now, there would be no encouragement or effort to serve Christ and press on. Who would know what to depend on? Who would know what to expect tomorrow? For who could have any certainty that he could ever please a being who changes his mind every minute?  Who could know how to shape his conduct if the divine principles were not always the same

The writer is also affirming in this text the divinity of Jesus.  Jesus is changeless – sameness in the past, the present, and for all eternity. In the midst of a changing world is a changeless God. His nature, qualities, attributes and characteristics remain intact forever. This is the very reason why we can trust him because he remains faithful, loving, compassionate, merciful, long suffering, tender hearted, forgiving, just, holy and true. What ought to be our response to this immutable God? I join Tate and Brady in song:

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

Till next week, let’s trust our immutable God

Jermaine Gibson

Saturday Reflection – 09 October 2021

Jesus said, “Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also.” St. John 12:26

Our Christian life is a journey. From the moment we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Saviour, we begin a relationship with Him, through whom we experience abundant life in the here and now and eternal life in the next. In this Christian life, we have Jesus living on the inside, working on the outside, bringing about that change in our lives. And so, as the writer to the Hebrews encourages us, we “…run with patience, the race set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:1b-2a)

Jesus’ words in our doctrinal text, presents to us to full truth that if we are going to be Christians, we have to 100% committed, 100% of the time; we have to surrender our all to Jesus, withholding nothing. And when we are fully surrendered, then will God mould us, fill us and use us, even to His honour and His glory. Having surrendered all, we are not bound to this things of this world, but are able to follow Jesus all the way, as we are led and guided by the Holy Spirit, along this journey of life.

But many times, we find that there are things of this world, that catch our attention, and divert our focus from Jesus. Yes, we are reminded by the Lord Jesus that God knows that we have need of food and clothing, and call us to seek first the kingdom and His righteousness, then will all other things be added unto us. The thing about this journey, that is our Christian life, is that in our walk with the Saviour, we grow even in a more intimate relationship with Christ and become more like Him. It starts with surrendering all, and trusting and allowing God to lead and guide us and to provide our needs, but we must reject the sinful traits; thoughts, words and actions that once stained us, and put on the new person; clothing ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. (Colossians 3:12) Because our Christian life is a journey, and we walk hand-in-hand with the Master, the closer we are in our Christian lifestyle, to adopting and observing the character traits that marks the child of God, the closer we are in our walk with God. For our walk with God, is not only exemplified in our words and our worship, but in our lifestyle.

Jesus left us the perfect example, and is the master template for Christian living, and that is why he says, follow me. This follow me is a call to walk in the footprints left by Jesus, to hear and heed the teachings of Jesus, and to hear and heed the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit, and to model our lives after the One who died for us. For he was obedient unto death, and through Him we have salvation. Even as we have the master template to emulate, Jesus continues to live inside us, and work in us, by the Spirit, to make us, mould us, and to fashion us according to God’s will for our lives. And he continues to intercede on our behalf to the Father. In the same way, we must be open to the instruction and moulding of the Master Potter, the husbandman, who prunes the branches, that they are able to bear much fruit.

Is there anything in our lives, that is preventing us from being totally committed to Christ? Is there anything or anyone that is restricting our obedience and total surrender? Jesus says that we must follow Him, not only when it suits us, but always. We must trust Him, not only when we see the benefit, but always, We must obey Him, not only when we see the outcome, but always. Then will our walk with close with God. I pray that we will tear down the idols, the conditions, the reservations that are preventing us from heeding the loving voice of our Saviour as he says to us “Follow me” That we will let go of sin, and pride and vanity, and hold on to the sweet assurance that Christ gives to us. Rest assured, every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before! Then will the journey lead us across the Jordan and into the promised land.

Until next week, Jesus said “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.” (St. John 10:27-28) Here, Jesus is saying to us that if we are His sheep, then we hear His voice, and follow in complete obedience. Much like the animal when its owner calls Him either for food or to come home. When our walk is close with God, we will never perish, God will not allow us to! God who guides us, will lead us safely across the Jordan. No one can pull us away from the hands of the Master! For when our walk is close with God, there is a light that shines upon the narrow road, that leads us to eternal life, that leads us to the Lamb. Amen.

Dominic J. Blair

Friday Reflection September 8, 2021

Think on these things
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/php.4.8.NIV

Background
Some of us are very familiar with this passage of scripture. Earlier in the chapter Paul was addressing the matter of a personal dispute between two ladies in the church and urged the church to help them to settle same that they might ‘live’ in unity! In advising the church, Paul explained to them where their focus should be. That brings us to verse 8.

Discussion
As believers we have been called into an intimate relationship with God through our acceptance of Christ, by faith. As a result of said calling, we are expected to take responsibility for walking in the spirit. That is living a life that is pleasing to God and being at peace with ourselves, God and others.

In verse 8 of the chapter, Paul summarized a list of areas that should be of great importantance for Christians . They include whatever is true, lovely, just, commendable, pure, excellent, honorable, and praiseworthy.

Believers were are called to think on these things.
Good and right living is dependent on positive and holistic thinking. Even though God has promised to keep us in perfect peace, we still have a part to play. In order for us to have this perfect peace, with God, ourselves and others our focus must be on God and the things of God. He did promise to keep us in perfect peace if our minds ( thoughts) are focused on Him.

Application
There is so much going on around the world and in Jamaica. Yesterday I read about a 5 year old girl who was shot and killed by stray bullets. It was sad and disturbing. Immediately my thoughts and focus were on this child as I wondered what her parents were experiencing at the time. Then I read about the vaccine and some other news. I become so caught up with what I read I totally forget about what I was doing before that. I am saying that to say, that there are many distractions, dispute and negative news that will interfere with your thinking and cause you to have negative thoughts.
Today like Paul, I want to encourage you that no matter what is happening in your life, no matter who you are upset with, no matter what is going on in the world… Set your thoughts on the things that are good! Whatever is true, lovely, just, commendable, pure, excellent, honorable, and praiseworthy. Focus on these things!

God bless you!
Shaneka Raymore Euphfa

Thursday Reflection October 7, 2021

An Undivided Heart

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name. Psalms 86:11

Greeting friends!

Psalm 86 is considered a Psalm of individual Lament, which is an individual expressing pain over their present condition and seeking God’s help. The Psalmist begins by requesting a listening ear from God. He also asks the Lord to preserve his life. As he makes these requests of the Lord he recounts the faithfulness of the Lord and offer praise as well. As he continues to speak of the goodness and the might of the Lord, he asks the Lord to teach him the ways of the Lord so that he might walk in the truth. He also asks the Lord to give him an undivided heart to revere the name of the Lord.

In the midst of personal turmoil and trial the Psalmist seeks to please the Lord, so he asks the Lord to teach him. I can hear the words of the song writer Horatius Bonar saying:

” Thy way, not mine, O Lord, however dark it be; lead me by thine own hand, choose out the path for me.”

The ways of the Lord are not automatically or innately known. They have to be taught and who better to teach them than the Lord. So in the midst of challenges, although his life is threatened the Psalmist still has a desire to please the Lord and do God’s will so that he may walk in the truth.

The truth here not only means the right way, but walk in the Lord. Jesus said in St. John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” The Psalmist seeks to be directed by the Lord. But in order to do this he realises that nothing else and no one else can take God’s place, so he asks for an undivided heart.

There are so many distractions in this world that prevents us from spending time with God and from showing God the deep respect and honour He deserves. Our heart becomes divided. Divided by so many things such as work, social media, friends, loved ones etc. When our heart becomes divided then our love for God gets divided. The request of the Psalmist in the midst of trouble is to ask God to help him not become distracted, so that he can love God with all his heart, soul, mind and strength.

Again another matter that the Lord has to help us with. It’s not innate, but something that has to be taught. We have to seek the help of God so that we give the Lord our undivided heart in order to revere or show Him the respect and love that He deserves.

Friends, let us pray to God and ask him to give us an undivided heart so that our love for him will more than anything else in this world.

Shalom
Christopher Euphfa