Saturday Reflection \u2013 14 November 2020<\/p>\n\n\n
\u201cHow great are your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep!\u201d Psalm 92:5<\/p>\n\n\n
The moment that Adam and Eve sinned, humanity had been condemned to face the judgement of God as punishment for that sin. We remember the words of David in Psalm 51:5 saying \u201cIndeed, I was born guilty, a sinner when my mother conceived me.\u201d And throughout scripture, we see the work of the Law and Prophets in guiding God\u2019s people to righteous living.<\/p>\n\n\n
Since it was not God\u2019s will that anyone should perish, God provide the ultimate sacrifice, Christ Jesus our Lord, that we may experience his grace and be saved. When we begin to consider the divine plan of God to salvation, and see the love that flows from the cross, we are often speechless. From the design of the prophets \u2013 to their message and prophecies. And through scripture, seeing everything fall into place. It is by God\u2019s love \u2013 through Christ\u2019s sacrifice that we can be saved, are saved, and we will be saved unto his return.<\/p>\n\n\n
We are reminded by Paul in Ephesians 2:8-9 that \u201cFor by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God\u2014 not the result of works, so that no one may boast.\u201d It is important that we remember that work for our salvation, it is not through our acts of worship, our life, or service to God, but it is God\u2019s gift to humanity. From sinners to sinners saved by grace.<\/p>\n\n\n
As Christians, we are then led to life of gratitude and humility. Since we are not deserving but have been extended this grace, then we ought to express thanks to the giver. And we ought to be humble. As we contemplate a new normal, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the events of recent times. It is easy, as many others have done to question God\u2019s ability to control, or the extent of God\u2019s hand in recent events. However, today\u2019s watchword reminds that God\u2019s work is great evidenced in our salvation. Since by his grace, we are not only saved but also sustained, we have reason to remain grateful, humble, and confident. Just as the songwriter pens \u201cWhen he was on the cross, I was on his mind.\u201d We can still be confident that God\u2019s love has not ceased, nor did he stop caring for us. We ought to continue to trust God as God leads us across the Jordan. And God invites us to \u201cCast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.\u201d (1 Peter 5:7)<\/p>\n\n\n
Last Friday, on our way to Choir Practice, we all expressed how hard the week had been, and how we tired we are. And our youth leader, in response to our feelings, told each of us to name three things that we were thankful for. In counting our blessings, the mood had shifted to gratitude. When we are mindful, and thankful \u2013 then God\u2019s love, peace and joy fills our life so much so, we that we can, in full assurance that it is alright.<\/p>\n\n\n
Today\u2019s watchword leads us to reflect on the goodness of God, in giving to us that gift. Remember that day, when we were the Holy Spirit drew us to him, and we said Yes. The moment when we were never the same again. That was God\u2019s work. Then recall how God has kept us. Those moments where all we could say was \u201cWere it not for the grace of God, where would we be?\u201d That was God\u2019s work. And it is evident in all of this, that he deeply cares about us, and works all things together for our good.<\/p>\n\n\n
But it is easy to forget, to complain and become rebellious \u2013 just as the Israelites forgot how God saved them from Pharaoh\u2019s hand, having experienced the plagues that fell on Egypt. They seemed to forget how God brought them across the Red Sea and decimated their enemies. They began to complain to Moses \u2013 that they were only tired of manna and wanted to go back to Egypt. Today\u2019s watchword calls us to remember. To stop for a moment, and consider the times, it seemed impossible \u2013 but we became victorious. To remember God\u2019s saving and sustaining work in our lives and be grateful, and humble and confident. When we remember, then we are strengthened \u2013 knowing that the God who does not change can do it again.<\/p>\n\n\n
Until next week, may we continue to lean on God\u2019s everlasting arms. In recalling God\u2019s goodness to us, may we continue him to trust, and truly believe that if he led us to it, then he will lead us through it. Amen<\/p>\n\n\n
Dominic J. Blair<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Saturday Reflection \u2013 14 November 2020 \u201cHow great are your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep!\u201d Psalm 92:5 The moment that Adam and Eve sinned, humanity had been condemned to face the judgement of God as punishment for\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"template":"","watchword_topic":[10],"class_list":["post-391","watchword","type-watchword","status-publish","hentry","watchword_topic-leadership"],"yoast_head":"\n