Jenny and Stephen's 5-minute Reflections

From Monday April 6, until Friday July 21 2020, Jenny and I recorded 5-minute reflections to encourage you during the COVID-19 crisis.

You can subscribe to our You Tube channel here >>>

Our reflections used the verse of the day from bible.com‘s YouVersion App.

Friday July 31 Watch here >>>

All good things come to an end, except… God’s love endures forever. Thanks for support and comments, that’s it for our Daily Reflections. Bye for now!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, – Ephesians 3:20
For more reflections…

Thursday July 30 Watch here >>>

As we bring our second last Daily Reflection, its profound to realise that God dwells among us, and that we, you and I, are God’s temple.

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? – 1 Corinthians 3:16

Wednesday July 29 Watch here >>>

How your weaknesses can become strengths, when mixed with God’s grace.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. – 2 Corinthians 12:9

Tuesday July 28 Watch here >>>

The importance of guarding your heart. Staying alert and aware.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. – Proverbs 4:23

Monday July 27 Watch here >>>

Merry Christmas! Jesus, the light of God comes into our world. What better time to celebrate than when the days are cold and short? We just did…

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. – John 1:5

Friday July 24 Watch here >>>

We all have times when we need a refuge. Thankfully God is good and promises to be just that. Jenny asks when it has been true for me.

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. – Nahum 1:7

Thursday July 23 Watch here >>>

Nobody likes suffering, yet it’s part of life, including Jesus’ followers. How do we bear that?

However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. – 1 Peter 4:16

Wednesday July 22 Watch here >>>

Are you feeling good about your COVID life? It depends on where you put your focus.

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

Tuesday July 21 Watch here >>>

God is full of compassion and always ready to comfort you, if only you are willing to receive it.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Monday July 20 Watch here >>>

Salt and grace. Not your normal combination but it makes for hearty and nutritious conversations.

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. – Colossians 4:6

Friday July 17 Watch here >>>

IF you can? Faith is a partnership between you and God… and Jenny raves on a bit!

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” – Mark 9:23

Thursday July 16 Watch here >>>

Do you like free samples? How about accepting the invitation to taste and see how good God actually is!

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. – Psalm 34:8

Wednesday July 15 Watch here >>>

Tough times? Your time of greatest need is when you don’t want to face God. But if you turn to God you will find grace and receive mercy.

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. – Hebrews 4:16

Tuesday July 14 Watch here >>>

What is most important? Freedom or love; rights or responsibilities?

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. – Galatians 5:13

Monday July 13 Watch here >>>

God loves you and longs for you to respond with love. Today Jenny Baxter and I reflect on loving God as a lifestyle. Sorry about the sneeze!!

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ – Matthew 22:37

Friday July 10 Watch here >>>

“Everything true and beautiful is always full of forgiveness.” Dostoyevsky.

But, as we share in this reflection, we haven’t found forgiveness easy.

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. – 1 Thessalonians 5:15

Thursday July 9 Watch here >>>

Are you a peacemaker? And what has it got to do with holiness?

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. – Hebrews 12:14

Wednesday July 8 Watch here >>>

Your prayers and God’s rewards. What’s the connection?

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you”. – Matthew 6:6

Tuesday July 7 Watch here >>>

What would the world, the church, and indeed our own lives be like, if we could love each other as God loves us?

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34

Monday July 6 Watch here >>>

God is full of surprises. Today we reflect on the unexpected answer to all our hurts.

He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. – Isaiah 53:3

Friday July 3 Watch here >>>

Today we talk about God and COVID-19. Are they connected?

Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord ’s anger. – Zephaniah 2:3

Thursday July 2 Watch here >>>

God’s promise to Joshua: is it a formula for your prosperity and success? What do you think? And can you spot my mistake?

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. – Joshua 1:8

Wednesday July 1 Watch here >>>

Water is essential for life. But Jesus promises “living” water. What on earth does that mean?

“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” – John 7:38

Tuesday June 30 Watch here >>>

Jesus, is more than your saviour! He’s your ultimate role model in living faithfully.

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:2

Monday June 29 Watch here >>>

Losing heart? Seeing things from God’s perspective

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. – 2 Corinthians 4:16

Friday June 26 Watch here >>>

Where is freedom? Jenny is perplexed and Stephen tries to help.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. – 2 Corinthians 3:17

Thursday June 25 Watch here >>>

Where does your help from? Today we reflect on looking to God for all our needs.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalms 121:1-2

Wednesday June 24 Watch here >>>

Eternal life. It’s much, much more than we think!

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” – John 3:36

Tuesday June 23 Watch here >>>

When do you feel unsafe? Today Jenny Baxter and I reflect on choosing to trust God.

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. – Proverbs 18:10

Monday June 22 Watch here >>>

A Love Triangle. Today we reflect on the invitation to enter into deep relationship with God.

“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” – John 14:21

Friday June 19 Watch here >>>

Sealed with a loving kiss. Today we reflect on loving our enemies.

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you – Matthew 5:44

Thursday June 18 Watch here >>>

Patience is a virtue and I need it now! Today Jenny Baxter and I reflect on the importance of getting on with each other.

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. – Ephesians 4:2

Wednesday June 17 Watch here >>>

“When the going gets tough…” Today we reflect on the choice to trust God amid difficult times.

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. – Psalm 28:7

Tuesday June 16 Watch here >>>

God is our strength and refuge. Today we reflect how sometimes God shelters us in a storm rather than calming it.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. – Psalm 91:1

Monday June 15 Watch here >>>

You are never alone. Today we reflect on God’s faithfulness.

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. – 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Friday June 12 Watch here >>>

“…the greatest is love” But it’s also the most fragile. Today we reflect on love’s need of hope.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. – 1 Corinthians 13:13

Thursday June 11 Watch here >>>

Today we reflect on God’s goodness.

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. – Psalm 23:1

Wednesday June 10 Watch here >>>

“All you need is love.” Easier to sing than to do. Today Jenny and I reflect on living it out.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. – 1 Peter 4:8

Tuesday June 9 Watch here >>>

Checkout chicks and maintaining good relationships. Today Jenny and I reflect on what it means to be honest and faithful even when no one is looking.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters – Colossians 3:23

Monday June 8 Watch here >>>

When “yes” seems to be the hardest word. Today we reflect on those moments when it seems God is asking something of you.

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? ” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” – Isaiah 6:8

Friday June 5 Watch here >>>

Take a walk on the ‘light’ side! Today we reflect on the gift of confessing our sins.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9

Thursday June 4 Watch here >>>

Forgiveness – it’s all about you. Today we reflect on the power of passing it on.

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. – Matthew 6:14

Wednesday June 3 Watch here >>>

Do you ever feel a bit sheepish about what you believe? In all honesty I have to say that’s been part of my story.

2 Timothy 1:7:

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

Tuesday June 2 Watch here >>>

“I wish for a red Ferrari, but I haven’t got one yet!!” Today Jenny Baxter and I reflect on God’s answers to our prayers.

John 15:7

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

Monday June 1 Watch here >>>

“I make my life a prayer to you” – Keith Green. Today we share something of our ongoing journey learning to pray.

Colossians 4:2

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

Friday May 29 Watch here >>>

God is our helper. Today we reflect on God’s help in some of our darkest moments.

Isaiah 41:13

“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

Thursday May 28 Watch here >>>

Shaken but not stirred? Today we reflect on God’s faithfulness even in difficult times.

Psalm 55:22

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”

Wednesday May 27 Watch here >>>

When did you last go shopping for clothes? In different ways Jesus and COVID-19 help remind us what’s important in life.

Matthew 6:25, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?”

Tuesday May 26 Watch here >>>

Seeking and experiencing the blessing of God. Today we reflect on what that has meant for us, especially in the hard times but in the good times as well.

Psalm 119:2

“Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.”

Monday May 25 Watch here >>>

The secret of joy. Today we reflect on Jesus’ desire to share his joy.

John 15:13

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Friday May 22 Watch here >>>

How wonderfully God has made us. Today Jenny and I reflect on the differences our choices make and the affect they have in the world.

Galatians 6:7

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”

Thursday May 21 Watch here >>>

Peace for troubled hearts. Today we reflect on how Jesus encourages his despairing disciples.

John 14:1

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”

Wednesday May 20 Watch here >>>

Knock, knock! Who’s there? Jesus! Jesus who?

Today we reflect on one of the most misquoted verses in the Bible.

Revelation 3:20,

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

Tuesday May 19 Watch here >>>

God loves you and is not condemning you. How can it be?

John 3:18,

“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”

Monday May 18 Watch here >>>

God’s gift of peace. Today we reflect on what it means to “rest” in it.

Isaiah 26:3

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

Friday May 15 Watch here >>>

God is always with us, even in the darkest, lonely time. Today Jenny shares what she is learning about being brokenhearted.

Psalm 34:1:

“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Thursday May 14 Watch here >>>

Love is more than words. Today Jenny and I reflect on its impact on our marriage.

1 John 3:18,

“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

Wednesday May 13 Watch here >>>

This is profound. Jesus turned it upside-down. Rather than serving God, God serves us!

Matthew 20:28

“just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Tuesday May 12 Watch here >>>

Hold on! Today Jenny Baxter and I reflect on God’s faithfulness in trying times like these.

Hebrews 10:23

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”

Monday May 11 Watch here >>>

Hi “y’all.” We’re all in this together. Today Jenny Baxter and I reflect on how God never meant us to speak and act alone.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Sunday May 10 Mother’s Day Watch here >>>

It’s a special Mother’s Day reflection, originally recorded at the request of Queensland Baptist Women. But also shared with you here.

Check out Jenny’s Mother’s Day blog post >>>

Friday May 8 Watch here >>>

A wounded heart can become a hard heart. Today we reflect on God’s gift to soften hearts hardened by pride, sin, bitterness and scars.

Ezekiel 36:26

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”

Thursday May 7 Watch here >>>

Mission Impossible? Your challenge today, should you be willing to accept it, is to pray continually!

1 Thessalonians 5:17

“Pray continually.”

Wednesday May 6 Watch here >>>

Jesus said, “All things are possible.” Today Jenny and I ask, what did he mean by “all things”?

Matthew 19:26

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Tuesday May 5 Watch here >>>

Today we reflect on waiting well, particularly when it’s tough.

Psalm 130:5:

“I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.”

Monday May 4 Watch here >>>

We all face temptations. Today we reflect on some of ours, and God’s faithfulness to us.

1 Corinthians 10:13:

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Friday May 1 Watch here >>>

Our religious activities annoy God. In today’s Daily Reflection Jenny and I explore what God might be looking for.

From Proverbs 21:3

“To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”

Thursday April 30 Watch here >>>

Today we reflect on God’s promise to support and encourage us when we are feeling fearful, despairing and alone.

Isaiah 41:10

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Wednesday April 29 Watch here >>>

In a world where there is a lot of fear, trusting God is not as easy as we would like it to be. We reflect on some of the choices we’ve made to trust and God’s faithfulness to us.

Isaiah 56:3

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”

Tuesday April 28 Watch here >>>

What to do when life doesn’t go according to your plans? Today we reflect on God’s promises and some of our experiences.

Proverbs 16:3

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

Monday April 27 Watch here >>>

L O V E. It’s a little word with lots of meanings. We reflect on loving God and loving each other.

Deuteronomy 6:5

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

Friday April 24 Watch here >>>

Jenny’s dad served in WWII, her family shared the cost of it for years. Tomorrow is ANZAC day and we reflect on the costliness of salvation.

Acts 2:41

“And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Thursday April 23 Watch here >>>

Today we remember the day salvation came to our home. God saves us in so many different ways.

Acts 4:12

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Wednesday April 22 Watch here >>>

This is God’s world and COVID-19 doesn’t change that reality one bit. We reflect on giving thanks to God, even in times like these.

Our reflection today is on Psalm 24:1

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”

Tuesday April 21 Watch here >>>

Do you ever feel guilty, down on yourself, or out of sorts with God? We reflect on God’s remedy for our guilt trips feelings of hopelessness and despair.

Reflecting today on Romans 8:1:

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Monday April 20 Watch here >>>

“All you need is love,” so sung the Beatles. If only it was as easy as that!

Today’s reflection is on 1 Corinthians 13:6, “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”

Friday April 17 Watch here >>>

Every good story ends well and God has promised one for planet earth. What a relief!

Today our reflection comes from Isaiah 25:8:

    he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears
    from all faces;
he will remove his people’s disgrace
    from all the earth.
The Lord has spoken.

Thursday April 16 Watch here >>>

We’re in lockdown, can we be free? We reflect on the freedom we have in Christ and how our choices can rob us of that hard won freedom.

Galatians 5:1

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

Wednesday April 15 Watch here >>>

God gives everyone second chances. Thank God for that!

Galatians 2:20

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Tuesday April 14 Watch here >>>

Taking this moment as a God given opportunity to abound in love. Today’s reflection on Philippians 1:9. Watch out for the personal challenge for you to take on today!

Philippians 1:9-11

^“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”

Monday April 13, 2020 Watch here >>>

How to ‘love others’ in this time in History

Jenny and I reflect on loving each other, as Jesus calls us to, amid the COVID-19 lockdown.

John 13:35

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Good Friday April 10, 2020 – Watch here >>>

Jesus Understands Your Sorrow

Do you ever feel as though God is not with you? Jesus did too. This Good Friday we reflect on how Jesus shares our sorrow, confusion, fears and despair.

Psalm 22:1-3

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
    Why are you so far from saving me,
    so far from my cries of anguish?
My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,
    by night, but I find no rest.

Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;
you are the one Israel praises.

Thursday April 9, 2020 – Watch here >>>

The spirit is willing!

Jesus understands what it is to be human, even in our weaknesses. Today, we reflect on how he is with us in this moment of global crisis, and how he helps us get through it.

Matthew 26:41:

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (NIV)

Wednesday April 8, 2020 – Watch here >>>

A New Covenant

How’s your relationship with God going in these trying times? Today, we reflect on God’s covenant with us, established by Jesus through his death and resurrection.

Luke 22:20

In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. (NIV)

Tuesday April 7, 2020 – Watch here >>>

He made Himself Nothing

Today we reflect on the profound thought how in Jesus God took the form of a servant and comes to serve us. What might than mean for us as we experience Easter locked away in our homes?

Philippians 2:7:

“… rather he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (NIV)

Monday April 6, 2020 – Watch here >>>

Blessed are those who are persecuted

Today’s discussion centres around an oxymoron that Jesus preached during the Sermon on the Mount. Really? Blessed when persecuted? How does that even make sense? And how does that relate to normal, everyday people affected by the ravages of COVID-19?

Matthew 5:10

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (NIV)