Caribbean Moravian Devotions

The Lord will send his angels with you and make your way successful
Genesis 24:40

One can hear the excitement in the servant’s voice as he retold the details leading up to his mission to the household of Leban. Abraham, well advanced in age, had commissioned one of his servants to go to his father’s family and ‘get a wife for [his] son’ Gen. 24:38. A huge responsibility was laid on the servant’s shoulders that, concerned for being unsuccessful in his assignment, he inquired of Abraham “What if the woman will not come back with me?” v.39.

AbrahamÂ’s reply was: The Lord, [before whom I have walked] will send His angel with you and make your journey a success.

What is so similar in this story and that of the wedding where Jesus, as it is recorded in JohnÂ’s Gospel, performed his first miracle? One cannot help but notice, if nothing else, GodÂ’s providence in the common events of human life, and in them to exercise prudence and other graces.

Oftentimes in our pilgrimage, the uncertainty and the fear of failure in our mission over take us or the question lurks in our thoughts – the ‘what if’s’. Nothing is wrong in assessing the situations and looking at the variables or possibilities or pending outcomes of one’s plan of action. It is probably, human to do so. Moses had his ‘what if’. Jeremiah had his ‘what if’. Gideon had his too... and even today we have bombarded God with the ‘what if’! Based on Jesus’ response in Luke 14:28f, it would suggest that it is expected for one to consider the cost and the viability of any venture, whether it is building a tower or going to war.

So to the servant’s ‘what if’, Abraham responded with a statement of faith “The Lord will... and make your way successful.” What could have allowed Abraham to declare such a faith? Was it the covenant that God had made with him in Genesis 12 – to be the father of all nations? Unfortunately the phrase from the verse for Thursday’s Watchword is omitted “ before whom I walked” . Why? In my mind it speaks to past experiences of God’s providence – the ram in the thicket for instance. So God’s promise and the evidence of God’s providence in the past give rise to deeper faith.

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The Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places
Isaiah 58:11
Today’s Thursday’s Watchword is so pointing, “The Lord shall”.
Have you ever in your pilgrimage wonder where your life is heading? Have you ever reach a crossroad and ponder desperately over the direction life should go, conscious of the fact that we all pass through this world but once? Well, meditate on the Watchword and draw from it the assurances it offers to those who trust in the Almighty for His guidance.
Firstly, note who will guide you – the LORD. It is God who has not left us on our earthly pilgrimage to an angel’s guidance; He himself leads the way. You may not see the fiery pillar, but your Lord will never forsake us! Secondly, notice the word “shall” – “the Lord shall guide thee.” What certainty! How sure it is that God will not abandon us! It is not may but shall! It is a given that we have the assurances of His guidance, each one of us can make that claim of His promise “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Thirdly, observe the adverb continually in the verse; not occasionally to be left to our own understanding, and so to wander, but we are continually guided by the Great Shepherd in all situations and places – whether beside the still waters or through the valley of shadow of death. And if we obediently follow closely, we shall not err, but be led into the place of eternal rest, which our Saviour has prepared for us. And wherever life may lead us, distant shores, or cast into poverty, or suddenly into a challenging situation or into a more responsible position than the one you now occupy; if you are thrown among strangers or in an unknown territory ,or cast among enemies, fear not, for “the Lord shall guide thee continually”.
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Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest
if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Weariness is a part of life. Weariness is a part of ministry. Weariness is definitely something that overtakes us when we set our hearts on doing good for others. Sometimes the source of our tiredness is from the task itself that we are engaged in. Sometimes we get weary because of the type of persons we have to work with and their attitudes, failure to pull their weight or their negative attitudes, looking for holes in a sieve. That can wear out anyone. It is easy to become weary, even in doing good.
There are times in our lives as Christians we feel like giving up. We are living for Jesus. We have sought o do the right things. We have laboured hard for the sake of the gospel. And all it seems that all we have accomplished is get exceeding tired. Our physical and spiritual muscles burn with fatigue. Bruises and heart breaks are all that we can see for our efforts. We see those who are living in sin and they don’t seem to be having the heaviness and heartache that we have. We ask ourselves why we must suffer for doing what is right. So there is the tendency wanting to “throw in the towel” and “call it a day”!
ThursdayÂ’s Doctrinal Text assures us that we are not the first to feel this way. Apparently, the Apostle Paul became very concerned about the early Church. He must have drawn from his own personal experiences as he sought now to encourage his fellow runners in the race not [to] become weary in doing good. It reminds me of the relay race in the last Olympic Games in Bejing. As Bolt passed on the baton to Powell, I could almost read his lips encouraging him, still running behind... Do not give up, you running good, keep on keeping on. Suffice to say here, how we need to encourage each other to keep on keeping on.
Continue reading "Keep on Keeping on!"

The Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places
Isaiah 58:11
Today’s Thursday’s Watchword is so pointing, “The Lord shall”.
Have you ever in your pilgrimage wonder where your life is heading? Have you ever reach a crossroad and ponder desperately over the direction life should go, conscious of the fact that we all pass through this world but once? Well, meditate on the Watchword and draw from it the assurances it offers to those who trust in the Almighty for His guidance.
Firstly, note who will guide you – the LORD. It is God who has not left us on our earthly pilgrimage to an angel’s guidance; He himself leads the way. You may not see the fiery pillar, but your Lord will never forsake us! Secondly, notice the word “shall” – “the Lord shall guide thee.” What certainty! How sure it is that God will not abandon us! It is not may but shall! It is a given that we have the assurances of His guidance, each one of us can make that claim of His promise “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Thirdly, observe the adverb continually in the verse; not occasionally to be left to our own understanding, and so to wander, but we are continually guided by the Great Shepherd in all situations and places – whether beside the still waters or through the valley of shadow of death. And if we obediently follow closely, we shall not err, but be led into the place of eternal rest, which our Saviour has prepared for us. And wherever life may lead us, distant shores, or cast into poverty, or suddenly into a challenging situation or into a more responsible position than the one you now occupy; if you are thrown among strangers or in an unknown territory ,or cast among enemies, fear not, for “the Lord shall guide thee continually”.
There are no dilemmas out of which you shall not be delivered if you live near to God, and your heart be kept warm with holy love. LORD -mark the word-"The Lord shall guide you continually.
But listen again, Thursday’s Watchword also declares further and [the Lord shall] satisfy your needs in parched places. Sometimes we dread those parched places that our journey takes us through. Don’t become overly anxious, along your journey you may be confronted by droughts of all kinds – spiritual, emotional or whatever; you may have to cross drought areas in your pilgrimage. Whatever and wherever and whenever, remember your Lord – Jehovah- Jireh – will satisfy your needs! Nothing is beyond God’s ability! Is not that the reminder from Thursday’s Doctrinal Text from John 6: 11 when Jesus, after blessing the loaves, gave the people with fish as much as they wanted?
Continue reading "<strong>“The Lord Shall”</strong>"

Weariness is a part of life. Weariness is a part of ministry. Weariness is definitely something that overtakes us when we set our hearts on doing good for others. Sometimes the source of our tiredness is from the task itself that we are engaged in. Sometimes we get weary because of the type of persons we have to work with and their attitudes, failure to pull their weight or their negative attitudes, looking for holes in a sieve. That can wear out anyone. It is easy to become weary, even in doing good.
There are times in our lives as Christians we feel like giving up. We are living for Jesus. We have sought o do the right things. We have laboured hard for the sake of the gospel. And all it seems that all we have accomplished is get exceeding tired. Our physical and spiritual muscles burn with fatigue. Bruises and heart breaks are all that we can see for our efforts. We see those who are living in sin and they don’t seem to be having the heaviness and heartache that we have. We ask ourselves why we must suffer for doing what is right. So there is the tendency wanting to “throw in the towel” and “call it a day”!
ThursdayÂ’s Doctrinal Text assures us that we are not the first to feel this way. Apparently, the Apostle Paul became very concerned about the early Church. He must have drawn from his own personal experiences as he sought now to encourage his fellow runners in the race not [to] become weary in doing good. It reminds me of the relay race in the last Olympic Games in Bejing. As Bolt passed on the baton to Powell, I could almost read his lips encouraging him, still running behind... Do not give up, you running good, keep on keeping on. Suffice to say here, how we need to encourage each other to keep on keeping on.
Continue reading "<strong>Keep on Keeping on!</strong>"

(God) does great things that we cannot comprehend.
Job 37:5

As you continue to reflect over the past year, just worship your God for WHO HE IS and for the truth that HE HAS DONE GREAT THINGS!!

Sing with me, then
What a Mighty God we serve
Angels bow before Him,
Heaven and earth adore Him
What a Mighty God we serve.

******

To God be the glory! Great things he hath done!
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son;
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.
Continue reading "Great Things!"

Let all those rejoice who put their trust in you (Psalm 5:11 (NKJV)


This Psalm is described as a lament psalm (a psalm of grieving/weeping) that points to an unspecified but distressing period of DavidÂ’s life - perhaps a time marked by enemies who verbally opposed him and his governance. In verse 11(and in verse 12), the psalmist draws from his personal experiences that the saved should nevertheless rejoice because of the One in whom they have placed their trust. But let all who take refuge in you be glad. (NIV)

Note the following lessons to learn:
First – concerning this joy. That it is to be universal to all who trust in God. This is not only for the healthy, but for the sick, not only for the successful, but for the disappointed. It is not only for those who are certain of a job in 2010 but for those who are anticipating becoming unemployed or are unemployed. Let all rejoice who put their trust in God! No matter how big or small your faith may be, as long as you are trusting in God, you should rejoice in the Lord for He shall bless “both small and great”. Continue reading "Joy, Everlasting Joy"

Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.1 Samuel 3:9

In the passage in 1 Samuel Chapter 3, Samuel mistook GodÂ’s voice for the voice of Eli. Samuel has been assisting Eli in serving the tabernacle but was not able to discern GodÂ’s voice. Eli finally realized that God was speaking to Samuel and advised the young man what to do. Samuel returned and lay down in his place, probably anticipating another call.

Samuel’s response in verse 10, as instructed by Eli, now reflects his very sense of God’s presence. Samuel voiced his readiness to receive God’s revelation. The Hebrew word shama for ‘hears’ (listens) means to ‘hear with interest’ and probably can be translated “obey”. Hence Samuel was listening for God’s word and was determined to obey it.

How about us in a world of so much confusion, turmoil and pressure, are we prepared to allow the Lord to speak to us with a willingness to hear – shama – listening with keen interest? Continue reading "Speak!"

I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry
Psalm 40 : 1

I waited patiently

Without an examination of the context of this Psalm of David, for a moment permit the phrase I waited patiently to speak to us.

I waited, waited and waited for God - The Message

A very essential aspect of a Christian life is waiting for the Lord. There are at least two important factors that should be present in the way we should wait: humility and hope. Note Psalm 37:9, “Evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land.” Then following in verse 11 the same promise is repeated but in the place of those who wait is the meek or the humble. “But the humble will inherit the land, and will delight themselves in abundantly prosperity.” It is safe to deduce then that those who wait are the humble. Humility is a virtue that signifies an attitude of surrender (not passivity) and trusting in wisdom and will of the Lord.

Secondly, those who wait patiently, hope in the Lord. I waited patiently and expectantly for the Lord – Amplified Bible. Expectantly means hopefully, in anticipation, with bated breath. In Psalm 39:7, the question is asked, “And now, Lord, for what do I wait?” My hope is in thee.” Psalm 130:5, “Wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, and in his word do I hope.” The believer that waits for God is not a leisurely wait, that is, without aim or direction or purpose. It is not like a weather vane pointing this way, then that according to how the air flows. This waiting patiently is with hope and expectation to receive like a deer that pants for the water brooks (Psalm 42). Maybe it is for strength, then Isaiah reminds us “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…” Maybe it is for boldness, well, heed the call Wait, be of good courage, wait, I say on the Lord. Whatever it is, to wait patiently for the Lord, is to wait intently, with hope and with expectation of the Lord’s response.

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O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger, or discipline
me in your wrath. Psalm 6:1

Psalm 6 is regarded as the first of the penitential psalms as it expresses the language of a penitent – sorrow, humiliation, the hatred of sin. David was experiencing what he feared to be mortal illness. He sensed that this illness may have fallen on him because of his own sinfulness.

So he cried, “Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger, or discipline me in your wrath.”

It is of interest to note that David does not simply ascribe to God the afflictions under which he is now experiencing suffering, but accepts them to be the just punishment for his own sins. So his approach to God is not as if he had been an enemy, treating him with cruelty without any just cause; but giving in to God the right of rebuking and disciplinary action. What he expresses in Psalm 1 is a plea that in his chastisement that he must receive, that it will be done with mercy and love not in anger or with wrath. David is not altogether resisting punishment, for he deserves it – he has sinned; and to be without it, he reckon would be more to his disadvantage than beneficial to him. Clearly what David fears is the wrath of God which threatens sinners with annihilation and damnation.

We observe a similar pleading by Jeremiah, “Ó Lord, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger”(10:24)

Continue reading "Hear My Plea!"

No matter what excuses you have Moses, “You shall speak”. The Lord’s command was in response to what appeared to be Moses’ reluctance to go to Pharaoh for the release of his fellowmen from captivity. What caused his reluctance? Was it more than just that he had “uncircumcised lips” (16:30)? Was it the past that drove fear into him when he recognised that he had to confront the Pharaoh? Or was it the fear of disbelief by his own people (4:1ff)?

Moses was honest in expressing his fears before God and to himself. He recognised his inadequacy or shortcomings. Honesty of this nature will always open the door for experiencing GodÂ’s power in our earthen vessels (2 Cor 4:7). This honesty ought to lead us, servants of God, to greater dependency on the LordÂ’s supreme authority and power given to us either directly or through help from co-workers as we face the challenges in ministry.
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Paul wrote: I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection.
Philippians 3:10

That I May Know Him

Having experienced salvation through faith in Christ, the Apostle Paul expressed a deep desire to know Christ. With all his credentials, social status and knowledge (3:4-6) he considered all these things as nothing (dung) compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (v.8b).

For Paul, it would not suffice just to have a saving knowledge of Christ or to know he has been saved. He expressed a desire to know which the Greek word indicates as having a personal knowledge. It is not simply an intellectual knowledge of certain facts or principles about someone. This was the deep desire of one who has been saved, who enjoyed the full conviction that his sins were forgiven and that he was in Christ, whop wants to experience more. It is only the regenerated and saved person who can feel such a desire, “That I may know Him”, deep, deepen longing for a personal experience. Apostle aimed to know Him as being in Him. Such desire of this knowledge is inspired by the consciousness – not elaborated by the intellect. It rises up from within, from the experiences the saved one enjoys in union with Christ and the righteousness of God that he/she has through faith in God.

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The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This is the LordÂ’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. Psalm 118: 22-23

“This is the Lord’s Doing"

The Saviour is pictured as a discarded stone that is then reused as the most significant stone of all, the Chief Cornerstone. This potent imagery depicts JesusÂ’ rejection by many. The prophet Isaiah prophesied this: He was despised and rejected by men (53:3a); and Mark has it recorded that Jesus predicted His own rejection as the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejectedÂ… (8:31b).
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The Lord God took the man and put him to the Garden of Eden to till it and keep it.
Genesis 2:15

Very simply and in a straightforward way, God states the purpose for which the Garden was created and the role of humans in it. It was a set of expanded instructions to that which was stated in Genesis 1: 26, 28, concerning subduing, having dominion over, tilling and keeping the earth.

Till or tend comes from the Hebrew word which means to “work or serve” thus referring to the ground or a garden – to cultivate so that more can grow and bear fruit.

Continue reading "Tend and Keep It"