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Thursday Reflection January 09, 2020

Thursday Reflection – January 09, 2020
 
Armed with God’s strength 
 
“It is God who arms me with strength.” Psalms 18:32
 
Greeting Friends! 
In our text for reflection today we encounter David writing a song to the Lord, because God delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. In this Psalm David highlights a few things. He gave praise to God, because he cried out to the Lord and the Lord delivered him. The Lord not only delivered him, but also placed him in a safe place. God delivered David, because David did what was right in the sight of God. As a result of this God became a present and future power in David’s life. David declared that it is God who arms him with strength, gave him victory over his foes and established his throne.
As we look at this Psalm and in particular verse 32 we can safely say that David had an encounter with God that brought him to a point of realization. David realized that the strength to deal with his foes and his circumstances came from one source and that is God. I like this Psalm for its practicality. David cried out to God during his time of difficulty (verse 4-6). The truth is regardless of who we are we will face adverse circumstances. Circumstances that will threaten our lives and livelihood. We will face people who will come against us and try to destroy us. But in those moments of fear, uncertainty, doubt, dismay and hurt we can cry out to God. We can put away our pride and shame and just call out to God for help. We can put away our fears of what others might think of us and just call out to God.
When we call out to God He will answer!
That’s the assurance we have when we bring our concerns to God. God is not a God of partiality; it’s not David’s prayers alone that he will answer. God will answer our prayers as well. However, God doesn’t always answer our prayers in the time we think he should. God answers our cries in the time that is best suited for God and us. But in this period of waiting for God to answer our prayers, what he does is arm us with strength to endure.
This is one of the revelations garnered by David. It is God who gave him the strength to face each day of his problems and it is God who gave him strength to overcome each problem.
 The word used in this text is ‘arms’ and it is not just a giving of strength. The strength given by God is meant to be used as a tool or weapon to get through life, but we have to choose to use it as such. God gives us the strength needed and we must use it to arm ourselves. We do so through constant prayers with God and not giving up. We are bigger than our problems, because of the strength God gives to us.
Until next week, arm yourself with the strength of God
 
Shalom!  
 
Christopher Euphfa

Unity Information Newsletter 

MORAVIAN CHURCH – UNITAS FRATRUM 

Unity Information Newsletter 

Published January 7th, 2020 

The Moravian Church Tanzania, Western Tanzania (MCWT) From 16-20 October, MCWT conducted a seminar for church workers, which included pastors and their wives, lay heads of departments and leaders from Mission Areas supervised by MCWT. These include Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda and West central mission areas. Guest speakers were, Rev. Dr. J. Boytler (UBA), Bishop Ezekiel Yona, Retired Bishop Nicodemo, Rev. Mary Kategile and two brothers, E. Kasanga and J. Kilungu. It was real a fantastic seminar, which brought people together as sons and daughters of one parent. Two major events made during the seminar ere inauguration of the new church building and the concecration of 17 presbyters. Furthermore on 3rd of December, 2019 MCWT together with representatives of Danish Moravian Mission (BDM) witnessed the opening ceremony of the Rehabilitation Unity house at Sikonge Hospital. The house was supported by BDM for leprosy people. We thank God and our friends BDM for this assistance. Reported by Rev. Richard Lwali General Secretary of MCWT. 

The Moravian Church Tanzania, Rukwa Province (MCRT) 

The Provincial board of Moravian Church in Tanzania Rukwa Province decided to have two important things in 2019. One of it is a Refresher Course for Pastors and secondly, a partnership agreement conference. The province also hosted Moravian Church in Tanzania Choir assembly. 

Partnership agreement conference between MCTRP and BDM 27th, November 2019 Board members representatives from both parties gathered together in Rukwa Province and later in Denmark. During the meeting many issues were discussed, agreed and later on signed the agreement in 2010. The agreement has nine years old since it was signed in Denmark. On 27th, November 2019 the partnership agreement conference between MCTRP and BDM gathered together at Moravian Conference Centre. In total were fifteen delegates. A number of issues concerning partnership agreement were discussed and amended. New agendas were discussed and resolved. Some of agendas which were discussed include: The future of the Primary Health Care Project (PHC) on Lake Tanganyika, Theological education support for women and evangelists, building support for new Lake Rukwa District, Church workers retirement benefits and challenges. The challenges which the province are faced include: A huge water bill of the Moravian Conference Centre, damage on church buildings which were caused by heavy rain and the loss of 110 acres of forest plantation, which was caused by fire hit. The partnership agreement conference will be reviewed after four years. Refresher course for Pastors Refresher course for pastors started on 26th – 30th of November 2019. 97 pastors attended the refresher course. Many challenges were presented, discussed and resolved. Rev. Dr. Jorgen Boytler (UBA) facilitated on Moravian Identity while Bishop Conrad Nguvumali Sikombe facilitated on ethics and revival. Rev. Erord Rupia Simae facilitated on the following topics: Qualities of good leader, secret of living with different people, why do people dislike leaders and the top seven which make your 

congregation grow economically and spiritually. Also the topic indicators of the dying church and how to rescue the dying church, was explained. Rev. Asajile Philemon Mwandagasya facilitated on Servanthood in 21st century while Rev. Emmanuel Adam Sikazwe facilitated on how to raise the internal income. A leader from the provincial finance office was teaching on Church management and evaluation of the current economy. It was said that the only thing that should make the Church move forward is that we should respect our procedures, constitution and regulations. Moravian authority depends on the decision of the meetings while the authority of other historical Churches like Catholic Church and Anglican high Church depends on bishop’s decision. If we as Moravians know our shared leadership model and respect our duty and being accountable to everyday activities, no doubt the church will grow. It was also agreed that; each and every pastor should join National social security fund and that this should start in January 2020. The Refresher course for pastors ended with a love feast. 

Main Choirs’ Festival Assembly (Kwaya Kuu) The Moravian Church in Tanzania coordinated the big ‘Kwaya Kuu’ assembly in Sumbawanga in MCT- Rukwa Province. The assembly took place from 6th to 8th December 2019 at Sumbawanga Urban Congregation. In this assembly, 6 choir groups came together from 5 Unity Provinces and 1 Mission Area. The five Unity Provinces that sent choir groups were Southern Province, South-West Province, Rukwa Province, Northern Province and East Province. The only Mission Area was Mbozi. The assembly made 381 participants (singers). 

As always is when Christians meet there must be Biblical verse to lead. The Bible verse that stood as a topic of the assembly was Math 5:13 “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men.” Fortunately, the assembly had a very good preacher who made Bible exposition; he is no other than Rev. Charles Yona Katale, the Provincial Chairperson of Lake Tanganyika Province. He emphatically asked Moravian Christian to be the salt of the World. Their whole personalities should witness them as having ’salt’. Sumbawanga Urban parishioners and other parishioners from around Sumbawanga came in big numbers to see and hear how beautifully and delightfully all choir groups were performing. As it is common to Moravian Church in Tanzania, all ‘Kwaya Kuu’ groups sing in vernacular tones and a choir leader standing in front conducting with the stick commonly known as ‘fimbo’. Generally it was a good and godly assembly and sovereign God was praised through songs sung in tribal tones particularly Nyakyusa tone. 

When great numbers of peoples assemble for 3 days, cost of managing the assembly cannot be avoided. Despite travel costs in which every province took responsibility to her choir group, indeed other costs like accommodation (hiring mattresses), meals and other utilities made the whole assembly to spend more than 13 million Tanzania shillings. All the money was contributions from Moravian Christian member from all provinces. Furthermore, Moravian Church in Tanzania general secretary Rev. David Mgombele offered thanks Rukwa Province who hosted the assembly and made possible all the logistics during assembly sessions and the day of finishing the ‘Kwaya Kuu’ assembly with Sunday Service, closed by Bishop Conrad Nguvumali Sikombe. Reported by Rev. Erord Rupia Simae, Chair Person of MCRT 

Moravia Citrus Project – South Africa The 200 Hectare Moravia Citrus Project is being developed on portions of the Wittewater farm land owned by the Moravian Church in South Africa (MCSA) and MCiSA Agri & Tourism (Pty) Ltd that are under a long term lease to the Moravia Citrus Project. Wittewater, nestled against the slopes of Piketberg, was established in 1857 by German Moravian missionaries and is a town in Bergrivier Local Municipality in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, located off the R399 road, between Piketberg and Velddrif. For the first time in its 160 years, the agricultural land of the MCSA is now being developed by MCiSA, whose purpose is to create sustainable long term value for their customers, employees and shareholders (i.e. Moravian Church Trust). The projects of MCiSA also create employment opportunities in the neighbouring mission stations and towns. MCiSA, which has MCiSA Agri & Tourism (Pty) Ltd as its agricultural subsidiary, was established in March 2008 and endorsed by MCSA Synod 2008 after Synod 2004 decided that a long-term vision be formulated to decentralise all financial functions of the MCSA and to gradually outsource and/or hive- off non-core business, remembering that the core business of the MCSA is to spread the Gospel and preach the Word of God. 

Tango trees planted during October 2018 The Moravia Citrus Project is being developed through a joint venture formed between MCiSA Agri & Tourism (51% shareholding) and its joint venture partner, Stargrow (49% shareholding). The reason for selecting Stargrow Group as a joint venture partner was Stargrow’s track record with other emerging farmers in South Africa and its relationship with the Jobs Fund. The objective of the Jobs Fund is to co-finance projects by public, private and non-governmental organisations that will significantly contribute to job creation. The Jobs Fund was launched in June 2011 by the Minister of Finance of the Republic of South Africa and an amount of $ 639 million (USD) (R 9 billion ZAR) was set aside towards the realisation of the objectives of the Jobs Fund. The contribution of MCiSA Agri & Tourism towards the joint venture is a lease of land and 200 Ha water valued at $ 1,447,246 USD (R 20,4 million ZAR), whilst the capital contribution of Stargrow amounts to $ 1,390,323 USD (R 19,6 million ZAR). 

The Stargrow Group, established in 1992, consists of a group of companies that are well known in South Africa and internationally. Originally established as a nursery business, Stargrow has become one of the biggest suppliers of plant material in South Africa and has expanded into cultivar development and commercialisation of cultivars, including management of Intellectual Property Rights, project management of new agricultural development in Africa and fruit marketing. Although the ground breaking ceremony launching the citrus development was held during October 2017, ground works could only commence during 2018 due to the continued droughts in the Western Cape in 2017 and the preceding two years. The initial development of the Moravia Citrus Project commenced during October 2018 with 52 hectares of Tango being planted. Tango is a seedless and easy peeling mid- to late-season mandarin. Production is from the end of June to August. It is deep orange in colour with high juice content and a sweet taste. There is a huge international market demand for Tango in countries in the Far East, Middle East, South East Asia, European Union and Asia, and MCiSA Agri & Tourism and Stargrow will jointly market the produce in these markets, utilizing Stargrow’s marketing expertise developed over the years. Ground preparation for another 25 hectares has commenced during October 2019 and 25 hectares of Clemenluz will be planted during March 2020. Clemenluz is a new clementine variety that matures early and is of high value. As with Tango, Clemenluz is in high demand in international markets and will also be jointly marketed by MCiSA Agri & Tourism and Stargrow in these markets. The remaining 123 hectares are to be planted towards the end of 2020 and during 2021. To date, 103 job opportunities were created by the Moravia Citrus Project, this being 18 permanent jobs, 41 short term employment opportunities and 44 non-permanent seasonal jobs. The initial employment opportunities were offered to residents of Wittewater Mission Station. At its peak production, it is estimated that 221 jobs will be created by the Moravia Citrus Project, being 60 permanent jobs, 57 short-term jobs and 104 non-permanent seasonal jobs. With increased job opportunities during the life of the Moravia Citrus Project, the employment catchment areas will eventually widen to other mission stations surrounding Wittewater. The projected Moravia Citrus Project costs are estimated at $ 3,5 million USD (R 50 million ZAR) over 7 years of its full development. The project costs to date amount to $ 993,390 USD (R 14 million ZAR). The total grant available from the Jobs Fund for the Moravia Citrus Project amounts to $ 2 million (USD) of which $ 497,079 (USD) (R 7 million ZAR) was received to date. The projected annual turnover of the Moravia Citrus Project after year 10 is estimated at approximately $ 9,4 million USD (R133 million ZAR) with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) estimated at approximately $ 4,5 million USD (R 64 million ZAR). The agricultural business model of MCiSA was also presented to the Unity Mission Conference that was held in Cape Town, South Africa in November 2017 and included as part of the presentation on Sustainable Mission Models, the focus being on sustainable models for supporting mission and ministry and effective efforts to reduce dependency on outside sources of funding. One of the greatest affirmations for MCiSA was the commentary by the Chairman of the Conference that the presentation had to be made to the Conference and not at the workshop as the entire Unity would have benefited from the business initiative presented to the delegates in the workshop. Another affirmation for MCiSA was its invitation by the Moravian Church in Tanzania during March 2018 to introduce a similar business model in Tanzania. MCiSA is thus working with the Moravian Church in Tanzania to assist in developing their own business model along similar lines. Further affirmation was by the delegation of the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea that visited the Moravia Citrus Project during August 2018. Rev. Solomon Paul Benjamin (EMS Liaison Secretary East Asia and India) encouraged MCiSA to steadfastly continue with their projects as envisaged in his book Business as Mission published in 2015 that promotes resource mobilisation for sustainability. We would strongly and earnestly encourage all Provinces and Missions of the Unitas Fratrum to embark upon establishing sustainable models for supporting mission and ministry and to implement effective efforts to reduce dependency on outside sources of funding in order to aid the Moravian Church in spreading the Gospel and preaching the Word of God. Reported by Br. Sidney Stadler, Project Manager MCSA 

Editing: Jørgen Bøytler, UBA Lindegade 26, DK-6070 Christiansfeld, Denmark. Tel. +45 40361420. [email protected] 

Wednesday Reflection, January 8, 2020

Wednesday Reflection, January 8, 2020

The Steadfast Love of the Lord

Brethren, I greet you well.

Throughout the 33rd Psalm, the psalmist instructs the righteous to praise the Lord, he tells what instruments to use, he declares God’s majesty and power, testifies of the Lord’s goodness and then in the concluding verse of the psalm he prays, “Let your Steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.” Psalm 33:22, today’s watchword.

Such utterances can only be made by those who have truly had communion and enjoyed sweet fellowship with the Lord. It speaks to a budding or growing relationship with mutual understanding. The Lord delights in our praises, it is through prayer and praise that the lines of communication remain opened.

Recently I was led to reflect on a story I heard many years ago. It is the story of the eagle. The eagle is considered the strongest of all birds as well as the only one of that species to live possibly up to 70 years. In order for the eagle to get to age 70, the bird must make a very difficult decision. Not all Eagles go through this but as you and I have come know, there are always exceptions.

In the Eagle’s 40th year, it’s long and flexible talons can no longer grab a prey, it’s sharp beak becomes bent, it’s feathers would by then become aged and as a result would stick to its chest; making it difficult to catch prey, eat or fly. Sounds like a dead turkey…I mean Eagle right?

So the story continues, the eagle having gotten to this point now has two options: it either DIES or endures a painful process of GROWTH!

Talk about “growing pains” this process lasts for 150 days/5 months and requires the eagle to fly to the highest peak, a point of seclusion. During this time the eagle will lose its beak, talons and feathers. The bird is alone and vulnerable, incapable of flying or hunting for its own food. Yet, the Eagle, knows it is prudent to remain in position until that which it has shed has been restored. At the end of 5 months it’ll be able to fly and eat and catch prey, not as it did before but renewed and refreshed and strengthened.

Brothers and sisters, what examples, life lessons or assurances can we take from this? How many of us having entered into a time of nothingness were able to sit still, to trust God to provide, to be confident that the Lord would see us through? How many of us know or appreciate the importance of being alone/in seclusion with God? How often do we conduct self examinations? How often do thoughts of desertion give birth to giving up? What are the things that present as hindrances to the power and presence of God in our lives?

You see my friends, to trust God, to believe only in Him, to follow his leading and to accept His will is evidence of total submission and complete dependence on God which then places a believer on a point of high he will never seek to get down from.

Paul wrote in Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful.

Until next week, be encouraged, for the eyes will never be able to know what faith leads us to see.

Amen

Monday Reflection – September 30, 2019

Tossings and Tears

 You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your record? Psalm 56:8  

Tossings and tears are part of our journey at one stage in our lives or another. If we have lived long enough, we know that we experienced nights of toss and turns, restlessness, and even loss of sleep. Experiences in life have brought tears to our eyes and spirits as we face the ups and downs, the hills and valleys, the highpoints and low points of this journey. We have both tears of joy and those of sorrow. The loss of a loved one – whether by death, divorce or separation -, failures, anguish, fear, pain, hardships, trials, tribulations, stress and strains all threaten our happiness and joy and many times bring tossings and tears.

 

David can identify with us, for he had his fair share of tossings and tears. He faced lions, bears and Goliath with courage and strength. Indeed, he had a good heart, for he was described as a man after God’s own heart. He was anointed the next king of Israel, yet what was to be a time of celebration for him, became his greatest nightmare. The reigning king Saul hunted him down to kill him. Today’s text is said to be a description of David’s appeal to God as he headed to the cave in Adullam to hide for his life. No doubt, he was alone, desperate and afraid.

 

Here he reasons with and even challenges God. He draws to God’s attention that God knows fully well the level and number of tossings that he has had. Indeed, God should bottle up his tears to see how much he has shed. All his hurt and pain should be recorded by God. It is as if he was saying to God that he has been through so much and his pain is so deep that it’s time God relieves him of all of this. Yet, in all this we see David valuing the sympathy and care of God all the more, and he found great comfort in the thought that God noted his misery.

 

David speaks about bottling his tears. For Spurgeon, “His sorrows were so many that there would need a great wine–skin to hold them all.” Yet, there may be an allusion to a very ancient custom among Greeks and Romans of putting the tears which were shed for the death of any person into small phials and offering them on the tomb of the deceased. There are some persons who always have their tear-bottle with them, and who always treasure up every little grief and every little disappointment. Whenever you meet them, the first thing you see is the tear-bottle; and there is more in it than there was last time. Note that I am not speaking of those who have great trials and must shed tears, but of those who make a great deal of every little thing. We ought not to live in this gloomy way. In the midst of David’s trial, he affirms his confidence in God and declares in verse 9, “This I know, because God is for me”. His tossings and tears do not mean that God was against him. Instead he knew that God was for him, and would answer his prayer for rescue.

 

What of your tossings and tears? Surrender it all to God and rise in resolute confidence to face whatever life brings our way. Indeed, tears are a language God understands.

 

Jermaine Gibson

Monday Reflection – September 16, 2019

Seek God! Seek Good!

 

Prelude: Today is recognized across the Moravian Church worldwide as Ministers’ Covenant Day. It was on this day in 1741, at a synod in London, that Jesus was recognized as Chief Elder and Head of the Moravian Church. Moravian clergy now observe this significant day by renewing their response to the call of Christ.

 

Seek good and not evil, that you may live. Amos 5:14

 

The words of today’s Watchword are found elsewhere in this chapter, so they are almost like a refrain. Almost, because the focus of the other two that precede verse 14 summons the people to seek God. In verse 4 we hear, “This is what the Lord says to the house of Israel: ‘Seek me and live…’” In verse 6 we hear the clarion call from the prophet Amos, “Seek the Lord and live.” I believe the sequence of these instructions is deliberate and critical. God initiates and invites the people to seek him; then the prophet calls the people to seek God. The people are then challenged to seek good and not evil. It is only in responding positively to God’s invitation to seek him that we are able to pursue good and not evil.

But, what does it mean to seek God?  Seek here does not mean to search for something that is lost. We have already been invited into a relationship with God; we already know where God is. We do not have to search God out as if he is lost somewhere. Seek means to turn to God in trust and confidence. It does not mean to seek to get something from God, but rather to seek God for who he is. It is a desire to know God, and know him more and more. It is to be diligent, fervent, and persevering in seeking after God.

                              

When we seek after God, we are also seeking good, and when we pursue good, we depart from evil. We cannot seek good without first putting away evil; yet we must wholehearted seek good, or else evil will linger. This invitation and command breaks in like a beam of sunshine in the darkness. The fearful doom already spoken of by Amos is conditional. When a moral change takes place in and among the people, God will dispense his love, compassion and mercy. God’s people should thrust their passions upon God and focus their minds and actions to the practice of true holiness and virtue. Seeking God should be translated into everyday living, where we strive to be like Christ.

 

We must note that there are awesome benefits to seeking God and doing good. The text says, “…that you may live.” Life is the reward. To live here means to live abundantly or everlastingly. Yes, we may experience material abundance and a great life physically, but there is a far more significant benefit – eternal life. On the other hand, those who don’t seek God are in for a rude awakening. Devastation and perilous times will be experienced when we live outside of God’s will and counsel. It would do us well to seek God, seek good, and denounce evil. Paul offers a word of counsel in today’s New Testament text in Philippians 2:5:  Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.

 

Jermaine Gibson

Friday Reflection September 13, 2019

Jesus will help you

Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Hebrews 2:18 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/heb.2.18.NIV

“The remembrance of his own sorrows and temptations, makes Christ mindful of the trials of his people, and he is ready to help them.”
– Matthew Henry –

Happy Friday friends,
As we journey through the pligrim land we should be assured that we have a friend who walks with us . One who keeps us safe, provides for our needs and most of all, understands our sorrows.

Today’s reflection is one that reveals two truths that we must keep before us as we walk this walk of Faith.

1. Jesus suffered: There are some theologians who believe that since Christ is the son of God, he could not have really “suffered”. But I am reminding us today, that Christ did suffer. To the point where he said “LORD IF IT IS POSSIBLE LET THIS CUP PASS FROM ME” He took on human flesh and though he was without sin, he had every single emotions and feelings we humans are facing. Happiness, sadness, sorrowful etc….

2. He understands our temptations and he is able to HELP: Jesus was tempted, persecuted, disrespected and treated poorly. Why? because he was the Son of God.
So it is with us today, we will be disrespected, tempted, persecuted and treated poorly because we identify ourselves with Christ. Yes it is hard and seem to be getting worse,;but today’s reflection is reminding us that Jesus knows all about our troubles and is able to help us!

All it takes is for us to believe that he can and reach out to him for the help we need. He understands! Because he too was tempted. Jesus is not asking us to face the sufferings of life on our own, he knows the difficulties of live, because he lived it and he’s willing to help us though ours

Untill next week,
Jesus will help you!
BELIEVE ON HIM, AND HE WILL BRING YOU TO A PLACE OF PEACE

Blessings
Shaneka Raymore-Euphfa

Wednesday Reflection – September 11, 2019

A Life of Worship

 

Prelude: As I thought about today, I believe we cannot escape remembering the devastation of what is called ‘9/11’. It was as if the world stood still. History.com summarizes the events as follows:  “On September 11, 2001, 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al Qaeda hijacked four airplanes and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States. Two of the planes were flown into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane hit the Pentagon just outside Washington, D.C., and the fourth plane crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Almost 3,000 people were killed during the 9/11 terrorist attacks…”Today brings back bitter and painful memories for many across the world. We pray for their strength and perseverance.

 
Today’s Watchword says: You must not distort justice; you must not show partiality; and you must not accept bribes, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of those who are in the right. 
Deuteronomy 16:19
 
 In the context of today’s text, Moses continues his final speech as he prepares the people to enter the Promised Land, a place he would be able to experience. He started with the basics and has developed a very well delivered guide for how they must stay the course in serving God. The land they are about to enter is flowing with milk and honey, bountiful, fertile and productive. However, there is the present threat that they may get distracted and derailed by the plenty, that they forget God and the principles of God. Prosperity may blind their vision and purpose. They must stay focused.
In chapter 16, Moses outlines the procedures for three feasts- Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles. The people were to ensure that their corporate worship life was in order and the stipulations adhered to. Interestingly, immediately thereafter Moses announces that judges and officers were to be appointed to administer the judicial affairs, and then follows today’s text. The judges are to rule justly and with equity and do not allow themselves to be bribed. Bribery and justice are opponents; and those who are in the right will suffer if the judges are bribed.
I believe the essence of this instruction in the context of the three feasts is to point out that while observing the rituals and worship requirements is important, they become of no value if our engagement with each other is unjust. Worship is not just confined to our sanctuaries and personal or family devotions. Worship is a way of life. In our thoughts, words and actions God must be glorified. So many people compartmentalize their lives, so there is the secular and there is the sacred parts. Not so with the Lord! We are called to live total lives that honour God. Hear today’s New Testament text: Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness. 2 Timothy 2:19 (NASB).

We may not be like the terrorists who continue to wreak havoc across the world, bombing up places and killing people. However, the words we say to others and about others can be so harmful that they leave long-term debilitating effects. Our actions also come under scrutiny. We ought to demonstrate the love and compassion of Christ in all our interactions and engagements with others. May our aim always be that God is pleased with us and his name glorified.

Jermaine Gibson

Tuesday Reflection- September 10, 2019

Guidance and Protection

Greetings friends. It’s Tuesday September 10. I am Bevon White reflecting on today’s Watchword. This week marks the beginning of the eleventh year of my doing Tuesday’s Reflection on the Daily Watchword. What began as an email of part of a Radio program in the Cayman Islands, continues in written and vocal formats today. During the past ten years I have received responses from persons I do not know, from persons I had no idea was receiving the devotion and from places ranging from Canada to South Africa. I am thankful to God that he has used, and continues to use this medium to bless persons far and wide. I crave your prayers for inspiration and spiritual strength to continue to encourage and uplift lives through this medium.

Today’s watchword is from Psalm 84: 11 “The Lord God is a sun and shield”. Charles Spurgeon describes Psalm 84 as one of the sweetest Psalms of Peace. The Psalm was written by the sons of Korah and is an expression of their deep love and dedication to the temple. The Psalmists declare that God’s temple was indeed the place to be and whenever they were away from the temple, there existed a longing in their soul for God’s house. This longing gave hope to the worshipper as regardless of what they were going through, they could look forward to the joy of coming together in God’s house for worship. Whenever one was experiencing a dry spell in their lives, they would always find hope in knowing that worship would leave them refreshed and renewed. Worship was thus anticipated and the house of God was seen as a place of redemption, a place of restoration, a place of reestablishment and renewal. Do you feel that way about church? What does it mean for you to go to God’s house each week? What do you see yourself as loosing if you do not go?

The place of worship will become to us, what we uphold the object of our worship to be. In other words, Church and worship is as important to us as God is. The Psalmist sees God as a sun and shield. This is the only place in the Bible where God is explicitly called a sun. The sun gives light, offers guidance and is generally a sign of a good day. A shield is that part of the armor that protects, or prevents the arrows of the enemy from striking that fatal blow. God as sun and shield guides and protects those who delight in worshipping him. God meets us where we need Him. When we are surrounded by the darkness of this sinful world, he is the light guiding us to Himself, when we are bombarded by the attacks of the enemy of the church, He becomes our shield and protector. At our weakest He is our strength and at our lowest he offers grace and mercy to lift us up and carry us through. In our need he supplies and in our sickness he heals. What a mighty God we serve!  What would we do without God’s guidance and protection? Thus Paul declares in Phil 4: 19, the doctrinal text for today, My God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. God loves to meet us in His House. There he embraces us as our guide and protector. Till next week then, God’s guidance and protection be yours. Amen.

Friday Reflection – September 6, 2019

Unity in the body of Christ

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!; for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
Psalms 133:3 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.133.3.KJVPsalms 133:1 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.133.1.KJV

Happy Friday to you friends, it is the first Friday in the 9th month of the calendar year. The year is going by quickly, time is going by quickly. Therefore, there is no time for division among believers. “Let division be forsaken, and the holy join in one, and the will of God in all be done!

Today’s text for reflection is one that I hold dear to my heart. I have also said, and will continue to say “without unity in the body of Christ, there will be no miracles, no signs, no wonders in our midst” we will not experience the abundant blessings of our Lord and Savior.

There are two important things I want us to note today:
1. Unity is essential to body of Christ: It is like the salt in the sea. One cannot exist without the other. If we say we are people of faith we must dwell together in peace and love (unity). It is important for us to be honest, caring and trustworthy amongst ourselves and in our communities.

2. Without unity it is impossible to impact our communities If the church is divided, the community will not only notice, but they become affected as well. The blessing of the Lord is wide spread , where there is unity, the bible says there is strength. I am convinced that when the church unites, the blessing of God will flood the community and unbelievers will become believers miracles, signs and wonders will occur.

Unity doesn’t mean we will all agree on everything. It means that when we disagree, we find the best way to compromise and agree. No relationship is perfect, but God is calling the church to a place of perfectness , a place of unity!

Untill next week, If you are at the altar and remember that ANYONE has something against YOU, LEAVE your gift , GO RECONCILE WITH SUCH A PERSON, then RETURN. Then and only then will unity be restored.

Blessings,
Shaneka Raymore-Euphfa

Wednesday Reflection – September 04, 2019

The Teaching Ministry

 

Things that we have heard and known, that our ancestors have told us – we will not hide them from their children. Psalm 78:3-4

 

How do we know what we know? The limited knowledge that we have, how did we acquire it? Four answers come immediately to mind – what we have read and researched, what we have gained through experience, what the Holy Spirit has revealed, and what others have taught us. The contribution of persons who have taught us, academically, spiritually or otherwise, cannot be underestimated. Today’s text highlights the importance of spiritual education. There is a commitment in the text that what they have been taught, they will teach their children.

 

I love the expression in this text – “…we will not hide them from their children.” Our negligent silence must not deprive our children of the precious truth of God; it would be shameful if we did so. There is the anticipation of future generations and a promise to provide for their godly education. Indeed, it is the duty of the church to maintain, in fullest vigour, every agency intended for the religious education of the young. We must sow the seeds of righteousness and godliness now, so that we reap a righteous reward. Children are to be taught to magnify the Lord; they ought to be told about God’s wonderful works in ages past, and they should know that a decision to follow Christ is the best decision to make in life. The remainder of verse 4 says, “…we will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.”

 

Rick Warren supports this important programme of Christian education. In his book ‘The Purpose Driven Church’, Warren notes that one of the factors which result in church growth is that people grow deeper through discipleship. Such discipleship results in maturity among members. He emphasizes an intentional people-building process. He says, “If you will concentrate on building people, God will build the church.”

 

Bishop Robert Schnase, in his book, ‘Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations’, contends that successful congregations often have certain characteristics in common. These fundamental practices demonstrate congregational health, vitality, and fruitfulness. One such characteristic is Intentional Faith Development. He describes this as offering high quality learning experiences that help people understand scripture, faith, and life in the supportive nurture of caring relationships. Schnase views the ministries of Christian education and formation, small group work and Bible Study as absolutely critical to our mission. For him, we must consistently offer opportunities for people of all ages, interests and faith experiences to learn in community.

 

The Church has the awesome task of providing spiritual education to all, but especially to our children. We must have effective Sunday/Sabbath Schools, Bible Studies that are transformational, and sermons that are impactful. May God find us faithful.

Jermaine Gibson