Getting to know God

Some time last week,while waiting for a train,I came across a lady I had seen before.So,after greeting her I initiated a conversation.I also noted that she's a Christian because she had a zcc badge on.
She then opened up to me and told me about what she was going through.My heart was heavy,but I tried counselling her.All I could was promise to keep her in my prayers.And what breaks my heart is,there are many other women facing the same challenge as her.And this has made me realize there is a lot of work that must be done in spreading the gospel.

I learnt the following lessons from my interaction with her:
-Bible study is crucial.God allows us to come across certain individuals so that we may counsel or encourage  them according to His Word.
-Many Christians do not have a knowledge of God and His will.Many are just churchgoers but they are sadly deceived into thinking they are Christians.I know this too well.Being born in an Adventist family made me see no need to make a personal decision to follow God.I thought keeping the Sabbath (which I have come to learn that I was breaking) made me a Christian and sadly this is a lie the devil feeds to many.
-The most suffering in this world is due to not adhering to God's Word.The reason the lady I was talking to is in so much pain is because she is doing something against God's Word.I don't judge her but I had to tell her.Looking at the history of the Israelites,they prospered and they were safe when they hearkened and did God's commandments.But the minute they turned away,they would either be killed or held captive.Bondage is the end of disobedience.
-It is the devil's  plan to hinder people from having a personal relationship with God.He is willing to bring whatever in your way to distract you.It could be a particular job,friendship,entertainment etc.Why?Because he knows if you don't  have a personal relationship with God,you will not know  God's will and you will not even accept Him as your Lord and Saviour,which is a prerequisite for salvation.His end goal is to make sure you don't  enjoy the benefits of having a relationship with God here on earth and living with Him eternally
-Whatever is from God will not lead you contrary from His will

Chivalry is NOT dead

Today,let me celebrate those brothers who relate to us as sisters with purity.

i celebrate those brothers who treat us as their biological sisters:who go out of their way to make sure that we are safe and we reach home safely

I celebrate those brothers who will carry your heavy bag just to make sure you are okay

I celebrate those brothers who are more concerned with your well-being than theirs

I celebrate those brothers who sacrifice their chair so that you can sit down

I celebrate those brothers who do not tolerate any form of abuse towards ladies

There are still good men out there.Men who not ONLY treat their own wives or girlfriends or fiances as royalty,but who treat every other sister with respect and dignity.

My heart always skips with joy at the realisation that there are good Christ-centered men;who care more about your salvation.

Not every guy out there looks at women as objects.My brothers look at women as their sisters deserving of their utmost respect.

I look up to these brothers.There has been many.Many who encourage you to pursue God.There has been two particular brothers from Angola who are Christ-like and whenever I think of them I'm encouraged to take my cross and follow Jesus,because they are good representatives of Christ

Brethren's keeper:Love not just in words ALONE BUT IN ACTIONS

^" Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."-Philippians 2:4

" Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."-Galations 6:2

"As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith"-Galations 6:10

As life goes on,many of our my brothers an sisters are becoming weary.The devil doesn't stop to attack.Everywhere I turn,there's a disheartened soul,who finds itslf going back to sin.EverywhereI turn,many are losing heart and many are overwhelmed.And I find myselfwondering:where have I been?Why was I not there to detect the fall in its early stages?Why did I get so absorbed in my small troubles?And it dawned on me:I still lack love.Love that serves and is ever readyto lift the soul in prayer.

And I realise,we needeach other in this road.Many are becoming weary and they need a wordsaid in season.Many need to be reminded of God's promises.Many need to be called and reminded,someone cares and morover,God cares much.I'm learningthat we really need to dig deep and found out how people are.I'm sad that,I had thought to fulfill this duty but have failed.But a I start this new ay,I am grateful forthe opportunity to take my cross and do all that God requires,including taking care of my brethren-more especially my sisters.

"Selfishness and
cold formality have well-nigh extinguished the fire of love, and dispelled the graces that should make
fragrant the character. Many who profess His name have lost sight of the fact that Christians are to
represent Christ. Unless there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the family circle, in
the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever we may be, then whatever our profession, we are not
Christians."-DA,p504

"Sin is the greatest of
all evils, and it is ours to pity and help the sinner. There are many who err, and who feel their shame
and their folly. They are hungry for words of encouragement. They look upon their mistakes and errors,
until they are driven almost to desperation. These souls we are not to neglect. If we are Christians, we
shall not pass by on the other side, keeping as far as possible from the very ones who most need our
help. When we see human beings in distress, whether through affliction or through sin, we shall never
say, This does not concern me."-DA,p504

Authenticty

One thing God has been teaching this year is being truthful and unpretentious-being myself and not trying to fit into people's ideas of who they think I am.Sometimes, you do feel a certain pressure that because you're a Christian,you must be an example and rightly so.But we are to be careful to not get to a point where we are more mindful of what people think rather than God.

For some time I struggled with balancing the two,but it all made sense when I understand thoroughly that nothing is hidden to God and he sees my motives.When it was brought to my attention that the only person I should be doing my all to impress is God,it all became easier and I am now becoming me with no burden to please people and believe me it's freeing.

But I believe one factor that contributes to pretense is FACEBOOK.Yes,it is.Often,I believe people live up to this image they create on facebook and now their lives end up revolving around the image.I personally have come to realise that facebook need not to be a diary.In fact,it was a dear sister that brought this to my mind.I was unaware that to some certain extent I had fallen prey of the facebook culture of updating about almost every interesting event in my life.

I have since learnt that you don't need to make everything about your life known,especially your service to God.There's no need for you to make an announcement when you're going to preach or doing a certain ministry.Don't get me wrong,you can share about your experience with God and how he's leading you in your ministry but I personally  don't see it appropriate to announce every preaching appointment that you have.

I personally believe not everything has to end up on facebook.I've had the most precious moments with certain sisters and I hold them dearly.And I believe for maintaining these relationships we need to have those "face to face" acknowledgements.What I mean is:if I have a great time with a certain sister,I need to tell her face to face.Why must I run on her wall?I kinda feel like this limits the level of sincerity and honesty.Why can't I inbox?All I'm saying we stand at a danger of becoming fake and proving we're also happy.

An example that's so prevalent is pictures of people taking pics during Sabbath and talking about the great Sabbath they had-in some cases it is sincere.But often the Sabbath becomes an event of meeting with friends and keeping with the "churchgoer" appearance.But it is often not kept holy.Jesting and unsanctified conversations mark the day.Isn't it evil then to appear as sincere worshipers of God when we dshonour him in His day of rest?

But then again,these are my opinions.I just pray that I don't announce every event in my life:off to a mission,shopping with friend,etc.Nothing wrong with this but a balance should be maintained.I wish I could express this in a more clearer way but I lack the correct words.All I'm saying is,nothing should be done with the motive of ending up on facebook.I also believe there should be more to taking pics-for making memories and not for the mere fact of facebook.

LOVE IN ACTION

One lesson God has to constantly teach me and remind me is Philippians 2:4 “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others”.I often get so absorbed with what’s happening in my life and around me,that I forget to reach out to others and keep up with how they are doing.

By the time I reach out,too much damage has occurred and some even conclude that I’ve abandoned them-when I could never do so.But I’m learning that it’s not enough to love people at a distance.People want to be shown and they want to be told that they are loved.Some will never take the first step,until you do.And you’ll never know what blessed companionship can come out of such a step,until you make it.

I’m learning that it’s not enough to pray for people and it’s not enough to reach out to them just once.They want to be constantly checked upon and they want you to show them that you sincerely care.

And to you my sisters,do know I’m praying for you.Do know that I do care for each one of you,even though I do not now you personally and even if I may not say it.My heart often breaks knowing the burdens you carry.I know the struggle is real-the different burden we each have to carry BUT God is there for each one of you.Hold onto Him,he never disappoints,even though I may.

22 October 1844

^" And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed."-Daniel 8:14


Today marks a very solemn day in the events of Christian's calender.In 22 October 1844,Christ entered into the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary to begin His work as a High Priest.The Old Testatement gives an overview of the work of the High Priest.In the earthy sanctuary,the High Priest,on the day of atonement (Leviticus 16) would cleanse the sanctuary,that is,cleanse it from sin by offering a sacrifice for his sins and that of his family,and then confess the sins of the church on a goat (I think) and would then have to kill it.All this was pointing to what Jesus was going to do.He became the sacrificial lamb,carrying our sins that we may be free from its bondage.

Jesus,after his resurrection went to the heavenly sanctuary into the first compartment.But when the 2300 days ended (457 B.C-1844),he entered into the 2nd compartment.His work which involves being a judge.When we confess our sins,our sins are blotted out from the books of heaven.Because of his death and his righteous life,we're forgiven.Daniel 7:9-10 gives a picture.

So,in heaven right now,since 1844,Investigative judgement started.That is,everything we do undergoes judgement and it decides whether we'll receive eternal life or not.We are saved by faith in Christ BUT we are judged by our works and they are a deciding factor of whether we receive eternal or not.That is a subject for another day-investigative judgement.In Scripture,we're often told that Jesus is coming and he will reward all according to all they've done and in other parts of the Scriptures we're reminded that "every word,act,thought" is judged and we are to give account for it.So,judgement is NOT something of the future BUT it is happening right now.How can Christ come to reward everyone according to their deeds (Revelation 22:12),when judgement hasn't even begun?

For a further study on the issue of investigative judgement,do read here.

"We are now living in the great day of atonement. In the typical service, while the high priest was making the atonement for Israel, all were required to afflict their souls by repentance of sin and humiliation before the Lord, lest they be cut off from among the people. In like manner, all who would have their names retained in the book of life should now, in the few remaining days of their probation, afflict their souls before God by sorrow for sin and true repentance. There must be deep, faithful searching of heart. The light, frivolous spirit indulged by so many professed Christians must be put away. There is earnest warfare before all who would subdue the evil tendencies that strive for the mastery. The work of preparation is an individual work. We are not saved in groups. The purity and devotion of one will not offset the want of these qualities in another. Though all nations are to pass in judgment before God, yet He will examine the case of each individual with as close and searching scrutiny as if there were not another being upon the earth. Everyone must be tested and found without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.

Solemn are the scenes connected with the closing work of the atonement. Momentous are the interests involved therein. The judgment is now passing in the sanctuary above. For many years this work has been in progress. Soon--none know how soon--it will pass to the cases of the living. In the awful presence of God our lives are to come up in review. At this time above all others it behooves every soul to heed the Saviour's admonition: "Watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is." Mark 13:33. "If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee." Revelation 3:3.

When the work of the investigative judgment closes, the destiny of all will have been decided for life or death. Probation is ended a short time before the appearing of the Lord in the clouds of heaven. Christ in the Revelation, looking forward to that time, declares: "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Revelation 22:11, 12.

The righteous and the wicked will still be living upon the earth in their mortal state--men will be planting and building, eating and drinking, all unconscious that the final, irrevocable decision has been pronounced in the sanctuary above. Before the Flood, after Noah entered the ark, God shut him in and shut the ungodly out; but for seven days the people, knowing not that their doom was fixed, continued their careless, pleasure-loving life and mocked the warnings of impending judgment. "So," says the Saviour, "shall also the coming of the Son of man be." Matthew 24:39. Silently, unnoticed as the midnight thief, will come the decisive hour which marks the fixing of every man's destiny, the final withdrawal of mercy's offer to guilty men.

"Watch ye therefore: . . . lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping." Mark 13:35, 36. Perilous is the condition of those who, growing weary of their watch, turn to the attractions of the world. While the man of business is absorbed in the pursuit of gain, while the pleasure lover is seeking indulgence, while the daughter of fashion is arranging her adornments--it may be in that hour the Judge of all the earth will pronounce the sentence: "Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting." Daniel 5:27. “~GC,p486-491

We have no time to lose.We need to make right with God:

“Sins that have not been repented of and forsaken will not be pardoned and blotted out of the books of record, but will stand to witness against the sinner in the day of God. He may have committed his evil deeds in the light of day or in the darkness of night; but they were open and manifest before Him with whom we have to do. Angels of God witnessed each sin and registered it in the unerring records. Sin may be concealed, denied, covered up from father, mother, wife, children, and associates; no one but the guilty actors may cherish the least suspicion of the wrong; but it is laid bare before the intelligences of heaven. The darkness of the darkest night, the secrecy of all deceptive arts, is not sufficient to veil one thought from the knowledge of the Eternal. God has an exact record of every unjust account and every unfair dealing. He is not deceived by appearances of piety. He makes no mistakes in His estimation of character. Men may be deceived by those who are corrupt in heart, but God pierces all disguises and reads the inner life. 

How solemn is the thought! Day after day, passing into eternity, bears its burden of records for the books of heaven. Words once spoken, deeds once done, can never be recalled. Angels have registered both the good and the evil. The mightiest conqueror upon the earth cannot call back the record of even a single day. Our acts, our words, even our most secret motives, all have their weight in deciding our destiny for weal or woe. Though they may be forgotten by us, they will bear their testimony to justify or condemn."-GC,P486-487

 

Can't depend on PREACHERS or ANYONE for that matter

I've been thinking a lot about the sermons that are shared in the pulpit.And most of these sermons rarely call people To repentance.I think of how while growing up I never heard about dress reform,familiarity,entertainment and may other truths for this.In fact,most of these sermons have become motivational.Present truth for this time is rarely mentioned.Truth is presented in a careless manner.

In fact,all I hear is motivational sermons.You hear about how God will take care of us and of how we just need to pray and it will be so.There's definitely nothing wrong with these truths but they live you feeling like you have no need to repent.Messages that are shared in the pulpit should be pointing out sin and prparing us to to meet God.

In fact,the messages are saying"peace,peace" while a big storm is coming.The Sunday law may come any day and do people even know how to make sure they do not fall for it?Some people do not even know that we're undergoing investigative judgement.I remember how one guy who's a visitor mentioned that one day we'll face judgement.It's a pity that those who are even visitors leave with a sense of safety and do not realise that time is no more.

When will present truth be preached.God has a message for each time and our message is different from the time of Noah,the disciples etc.We know Christ died and is risen,but are we are aware of what he's doing in the holy of holies?

We have a distinct message,which is to prepare people to meet the Lord but we are not prepared ourselves?How are we then supposed to prepare others?In fact,this has made me realise how crucial it is to study the Bible sincerely and the testimonies,because truth is scarce and we are all responsible for knowing God's will for ourselves.

We can't put our trust on anyone.In fact in Jeremiah 17 we are told one who puts his trust on anyone is cursed.As much as pastors have a solemn responsibility to give the trumpet a certain sound-to deliver messages from God that will arouse his children to leave off sin,they do not,because they themselves are worldly.Some do not want to be old school.I'm always disappointed when non SOP books are quoted in the pulpit or in studies.

We can only trust God's word and the testimonies under the influence of the Holy Spirit.Now,it is time to spend much time in prayer and studying.I wish we'd turn Sabbath opening and wednesday to study the truth because it's needed.

We cannot entirely blame preachers or pastors for not knowing the truth when God has revealed everything in His word and the testimonies.I'm always surprised at how little I know and how I need to study SOP as there's counsel for everything.

I am scared as I watch BUT God will lead.How I pray we will be proud of our message and start hearing it more often.

Is your relationship making you better?

I have read that the sole purpose of a relationship is NOT to make us happy,but to make us better people and it should lead heavenward!

One lady comes to mind and I can attest that a relationship,when led by God and when his principles are taken into the place of feelings,is much fruitful and beautiful.

This lady is a Christian and although she had grown up in a family that attends church she still felt something missing.Although she had been strict with gaurding her purity she still wanted a relationship with God.She got baptised and was convinced she had reached the ideal.What she did not know about herself was that she was still  self-absorbed.She only loved those who loved her.Then she met her boyfriend.Her boyfriend loves people and he's the type who'll just talk to anyone and shows kindness to any individual,regardless of their social status.This really stood out for the lady and she since asked the Lord for kindness as well,as she did not want to be like the many wives she had seen.She had noticed that most kind husbands had unkind wives who never manifested the same kindness as their wives and she prayed that she will be a kind wife.

She then realised that it was hypocritical to love her bf sincerely while she did not even pay much attention to her own siblings and loved ones.She then learnt to first honour those around her and then the bf.She was inspired as this boyfriend really loved God and she purposed to put God first in everything she did.She has since grown in her faith and together they have mentored a few young people.

They have since grown.They continue to face challenges.Like the last time,after having not seen each other for a long time,they held hands.But as it is their traditional,to review every action,they realised they had overstepped the boundaries and prayed for strength to ever be subject to God's will.Growth has not only occured on the lady alone,the bf has since become more purposeful and more determined in life.It is his deepest desire to shun every evil.

They continue to grow.They have since learnt that prayer,study of God's word and fasting avails much.Although they love each other,they still maintain reserve.They try to only speak that which is uplifting to each other.Their friendship is characterised by honesty-so much that they point out the wrongs in each other's character,so that each makes it to heaven.They continue to pursue God individually.

Can this be said about your relationship?Is your relationship calling you to purity and godliness?Are you growing daily and is your desire for serving the Lord growing?Or are you more focused on sensual objects and you are even losing zeal to pursue your own dreams?

Morning Devotion:Heart Examination

"Closely examine your own heart, and the state of your affections toward God. Inquire, Have I devoted the precious moments of today in seeking to please myself, seeking for my own amusement? or have I made others happy? Have I helped those connected with me to greater devotion to God and to appreciate eternal things? Have I brought my religion into my home, and there revealed the grace of Christ in my words and in my deportment? By my respectful obedience, have I honored my parents, and thus kept the fifth commandment? Have I cheerfully taken up my little, everyday duties, performing them with fidelity, doing what I could to lighten the burdens of others? Have I kept my lips from evil, and my tongue from speaking guile? Have I honored Christ my Redeemer, who gave His precious life that eternal life might be within my reach."-MYP

A Different King

Lately,I've been thinking a lot about God and the more I think of him,the more it becomes difficult for me to comprehend his love for me as an individual and for humanity as a whole.There are many things that stand out for me with regards to God-the Creator.And these traits make me appreciate God more.


His holiness-I am glad that God is holy.Imagine if he wasn't!The misery we'd go through-knowing that he smiles at sinful acts which only degrade and bring misery.Even more,his holiness means he doesn't operate like me.He does not rejoice in evil.He doesn't change-he's the same.

His love-There's something particular about God's love.In fact he is love.What really gets me is that I don't need to do anything to be loved by God.I don't need to have certain traits,look a certain way,speak in a certain manner and possess certain abilities for him to love me.He just loves me.This comforts me.To know that I am accepted for the mere fact that He created me NOT because there's something that makes me likable is humbling.Even in my sinful state God loves me,even if I don't pray-he loves me.There isn't something that I can do that makes me love me more or less.His love is the same regardless of what I do or do not do.

His grace-God's grace empowers.It does not leave me in my sinful state but it calls me out of my sinful ways.This is beyond human comprehension.Not only does God love me but he wants me to be like him-holy.And so he gives me strength to reach His level.

The right to copy him-We live in a world where people will try to make the road harder if someone is trying to reach a certain level.The scenario I can come up with is of a particular employer who does all in his capability to make sure a particular individual doesn't get a certain job even if he's qualified for it and possesses everything the job requires.In fact, things like racism come to mind.But God is NOT jealous of us being like him.In fact,he begs us to copy him.He wants us to be exactly like him.Often,I have noticed that one who holds the highest position always wears differently-just so he can stand out.But not so with God.He says speak like me,think like me,etc,so that in being like me,I may receive glory.

He's a good example-One thing that has really made my Christianity journey more easier is having an example in my mother.I've always loved how she preached what she practised.Often,children complain of parents who have double standards.They'll preach about kindness and speaking kindly always,but they're often the first ones to not do this.What stands out for me about God is that he shows us  how to do all that he requires of us.This means if I cannot get a concept,he will teach me.Isn't that wonderful?He teaching me about what love truly is,how to forgive and he continually teaches me how to do every command.

He's gone through all and more-There's nothing as comforting as knowing that there's someone who understands what you've been through,but it becomes more comforting when they've gone through it themselves.And that's what sets God apart.Jesus has faced the most cruelty and SOP goes on to say that we will never be called to face such difficult situations like Jesus did.I mean what's the worst than carrying everyone's sins-even those who will decide to reject you as their personal Saviour?Nothing!He knows what rejection is like,he knows what it's like to be hungry,he's lost loved ones,he's been hungry (although he's the creator of all),he was misunderstood,he was ridiculed,he was slapped by a priest,he was beaten,he was betrayed,he was crucified and more.Some of us will never be crucified and some do not even know what it's like to be hungry-they've always had much.Some do not even know what poverty looks like-yet Jesus knows.

Not a reminder of my sins/past:What I mean is,God moves on!He doesn't spend his time reminding me of my sins I've asked forgiveness for.And I mean,we can say,he has a right since he's the one who forgives .But no!He doesn't even remind me of my sinful past.He is more concerned on who he wants me to be :).Such love!

In fact,everything about God stands out for me.

⁶ And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, ⁷ keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.”-Exodus 34:6-7

My mother

" Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."-James 1:17

One perfect gift I'm more than grateful to have is my mother.I am glad God never left the choice to choose my mother up to me.He chose who I needed.I am indebted to God for allowing me to be my mother's daughter.There are just too many things I love about my mom,but these really stand out for me:

Her sacrificial spirit:She'd rather deny herself basis needs than to see I and my brother suffer.My needs are a priority and through her,the Lord has provided for me in ways I cannot not comprehend-just at the right time.Not only does she manifests this spirit towards my twin and I,but to others as well.

She's open to correction.I have not met any mother who actually listens to her children when she's in the wrong,without pulling the "age" ticket.That's what set her apart.

She's one person I know I can ALWAYS count on.She has been there from the beginning and she continues to be there for me up until now.In my mistakes and failures she has been the one to strengthen me and to encourage me to pick up the pieces without making me feel worth less.Instead of ever bringing up my defects,she's always showered me with love and she continually lifts me up in prayer.

She allows me to talk a lot,without disturbing me.I am a matyr of making people fall asleep and  I thank her for affording me the opportunity,without manifesting any impatience.Now that I can no longer make one dear friend sleep (Agcobile),at least I have her.

She's always said that she sees me as a fellow sister in Christ or co-heir of the heavenly riches.She's lived out Christianity so that I can have a reference and she has lived such that she isn't a stumbling block in my path.

I'm more than pleased that she used to discipline me when I'd get out of hand.At those moments I used to dislike her,but I'm now much grateful for the discipline.

She's my friend
She cheers me along this road
She believes in me
She prays for me
She loves me
She laughs at my jokes

And I cannot wait to go home so that I can serve her,after all,that's the least I can do.

SCARS SIN HAS LEFT

Yesteray,I overheard another girl say:"beingin a relationship makesme feel like I'm a girl and i'm valuable".That's one of the saddest things I've heard.It has made me realise that the scars of sin run deeper than we can ever know and all it leaves is emptimess,nakedness and a sense of worthlessness.Perhaps many women feel this and hence the desperation to be in relationships-these men add worth in the lives.Perhaps this is one of the reason some women are even willing to compromise their purity-they don't know their worth.I guess maybe this is a reason why so many women are even willing to stay in abusive relationships,are willing tobe treated anyway-because they think their worth come from a man.IT IS HEART BREAKING!

But I can  I can identify with that feeling.At some point,I thought my worth was defined by the length of my hair,the shape of my legs,the flatness of my tummy,the size of my eyes and the colour of my skin and my height.I thought I was worth something when I got good grades and I did better than the next better.I thought my worth dependend on what I had.But it was only when I understood my worth in God's eyes that I appreciated and accepted who I was.I now knowthat my worth is NOT defined by my relationship status,friends,physical attributes,achievements,possssion,strengths and my abilities.

Sadly,not many ladies know this.Some feel worth somethingwhen they are dressed in a particular way.The outward covering is used to cover the emptiness and scars that run deep inside.It's a space to be in.But this comes to mind is I try to think of what worth is:Only the jewellery designer knows and can identify the worth of the jewellery he's made.Onlookers might make certain comments and talk about changes that could make the jewellery more beautiful in their eye,but their views do not change the worth of the jewellery.

Our worth as women only comes from God.When we fully understand our worth in Him,then,our relationship statuses and other things won't matter.The fact that we're "fearfully and wonderful made" is what makes us worth much.The fact the Creator hung on the cross is what defines our worth.

18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:~1 Peter 1:18-19 4 what is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? 5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. 6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:~Psalm 8:4-6 13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.~Psalm 139:13-14 "None but Christ can fashion anew the character that has been ruined by sin. He came to expel the demons that had controlled the will. He came to lift us up from the dust, to reshape the marred character after the pattern of His divine character, and to make it beautiful with His own glory."-DA,p38

IT BEGINS IN THE HOME

Christianity begins at home.

Love begins at home.

Often as young people we often dream of having happy homes but we can never have these if we have never learnt to do this in our often families.Often as ladies,we give much love to our friends and to those we hope to marry;but we often negelct loving those closest to us.God has impressed this in my heart and he has made it clear that I will never be able to submit to my husband,if I'm not submissive to my father.Also,how can I have loving relationships with other elderly woman if I do not show affection to my mother? And is it even godly to show more affection and respect to those outside my home,when I do not even appreciate my own parents?

Christ did not start serving outside his home.He spent 30 years ministering in the home.He was a cheerful helper to his father and mother.He practised kindness FIRST to his siblings.As young women or young girls we need to ponder on these points:

Do our mother's hearts beat with joy everytime they think of us?Are we our mother's helpers?Do we make their burdens lighter?Do we strengthen them when they are weary?Do we say a word in its appropriate season?Do we remind them how precious they are in our lives?Do we make time to listen to their trials and do we pray for them?

Do our brothers find solace in our presence?Is it easier for them to open their hearts to us?Can they come to us with their sorrows and disappointments?Do we cheer them along this way?Do they find it easier to not only share their struggles but also their joys with us?I am ever humbled when my brother shows me his test scripts when he's done well.In fact,I hope to share how God has beautified our relationship.About three weeks ago,he told me how glad he that I was in the same province as him.That really touched my heart seeing that he's not that type who often expresses love in words :).Can our brothers share their aspirations and future plans with us?

Can our fathers find comfort in our words as their daughters?Can our fathers come to us when they feel weak?Are we ever uplifting their weak hands or we are so focused on their ills that we see them as not deserving our respect?I know I have been angry at my dad for some time and I felt justified,but God calls us to honour our parents,to forgive and to love even at such instances.We often forget that our parents are humans too,that they are prone to sin.

To those who have sisters:can your sisters come to you with their problems because you don't make them feel like they are nobodys?Is your ear ever open to changes around your sisters?Is your eye ever open to their concerns?Can your sisters count on your prayers and does she aspire to be like you,as you aspire to be like Christ?

The statement below has helped me to realise my responsibility as a daughter and a sister:

"Friendships in the family require care and culture—as do other friendships. We must win one another's love inside the home doors just as we win the love of outside friends. We must prove ourselves worthy; we must show ourselves unselfish, self forgetful, thoughtful, and kind, tender, patient, helpful. Then when we have won each other we must keep the treasure of affection and confidence, just as we do in the case of friends not in the sacred circle of home.

If we have a friend whom we respect and prize very highly, we all know at what pains we are to retain his friendship. We are not sure of it, regardless of our treatment of him. We are most careful never to do anything to make us seem unworthy of the friendship. We try to prune from our own character, anything that would displease our friend. We cultivate assiduously those qualities of heart and life which he admires. We watch for opportunities to do kindnesses and show favors to him. We guard against whatever would wound him or cause him pain. We give him our confidence; we trust him and prove our affection for him in countless ways.
Let no one suppose that home friendships can be won and kept in any other way. We cannot depend on nature or instinct to do this for us. We must live for each other. We must gain each other's heart by giving just what we expect to receive. We must cherish the friendship that we have won. Unless we do, it will not grow. We must watch our words and our conduct. We must seek to please and take pains never to wound or grieve. We must deny self and live for one another. We must confide in one another. We must cultivate in our own hearts and lives whatever is beautiful, whatever is tender, whatever is holy, and whatever is true. Friendships in our own home, to be deep and true and heart satisfying, must be formed by the patient knitting of soul to soul and the growing of life into life, just as in other friendships"-J.R.Miller

God of time

Throughout the whole Bible,we see that God operates within the confines of time,But time doesn't limit who God is and what He's able to do.The opening statemen tof the Bible is,"in the beginning" and this teaches me personally that with God,there's a specific time for everything.We are told:"when the fullness of time came,God sent His son".

The Bible goes on to tell us,"there's a time for everything" (Ecclesiastes 3) and SOP beautifully puts this concept into something powerful:"But like the stars in the vast circuit of their appointed path, God's purposes know no haste and no delay."~DA,p32 

And as God continues to lead me,I have found him faithful and unchanging.I've learnt that His timing is perfect-sounds obvious,but when you've been through instances where you've wondered why God is taking too slow,you are then able to comprehend this.Through waiting,I've learnt to accept His appointed time for he knows best.And since God declares the end from the beginning,why can't we simply trust?I often beat myself over this-since God has never disappointed me.

Which reminds me of an object lesson God taught me a few months ago.I bought avocados and since I was really craving one,I decided to eat one before it was soft and ripe.I ended up regretting eating it.I then learnt that,there was nothing wrong with the avocado,the problem was the timing.Had I waited for the  right time-when it was soft,I would have enjoyed it.Often we cannot wait on the Lord and his right time and we end up not enjoying His blessings.

I think of many areas where we tend to be impatient,when we should patiently wait on Him.The benefit about waiting on him is:whatever you waited for,receives his stamp of approval and you are able to enjoy it-because things waited for are always worth it.

Secondly,while waiting we learn valuable lessons and God works on us.

May we ask God for patience,for he's able and desires to impart to us,only if we ask.And may we pray for experiences that will  develop our patience.

Evolution Theory

I used to take this theory so light since I was taught from a young age that I was created by God.And as I continue to study about the human body I have no doubt that I did not evolve.In fact,with the beautiful flowers and mountains that surround me,I am ever convinced that I was created.EVOLUTION DID NOT HAPPEN!

But the sad thing is,most wars,deaths,abuse and discrimination stems from evolution.That I did not know and it's sad.The likes of Hitler and other dictators used the concept of "survival of the fittest" to kill those whom they deemed "weak",hence the killing of jews.And I'm convinced that's what inspired apartheid in South Africa.In fact,the likes of hitler and those behind eugenics were inspired to do such cruel acts after reading Darwin's book on evolution and used the same concepts to apply to the societies.It brought about the idea that life is a fight for resources and you must eliminate those who get in your way-this is even used in how some businesses are run.How evil.Such evil from assumptions and lies.How sad!The great controversy goes deeper than I thought.To think that we are able to blatantly deny God's existence,when we know that our theories are lies.What's worse?Most of these so called discoveries such as fossils etc are untrue.

To think that I spent about two years listening to such nonsense!We are really hopeless without God and when the will is not subjected to him,we become helpmeets of the devil.We really need God and we need His word.All this immorality based on lies.The least I can do is to stand in the light God has revealed.So help me God.

But this comforts me:

¹⁴ And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.~Matthew 24:14

Everyone will get the chance to know the truth and will get to choose whether they believe in God and all His claims or not.God in the end,will have victory.And all the deceptions of the devil will be exposed.He will not win forever.He might seem like he's winning but he's not.

MY SISTERS

May we NOT be the reason for our brother's need to flee evil.But may our presence ever lead them to dwell on heavenly themes and to ever be motivated to seek the Lord for themselves.May we conduct ourselves in such a way that our brothers need no to fear but to find solace in our presence.May we not be the cause for the brothers who are falling into sin:whether it's trifling of hearts,flirting,sexual sin or whatever sin it is.

May our sincerity in serving the Lord lead our brothers to choose God.By our purity and love for God,may our brothers be led to have a closer walk with God.May we guard our thoughts,words,and souls.May we keep God's word hidden in our hearts.May we choose NOT to sin rather than a season of pleasure.May we live such that our brothers need not to trace their steps of falling into sin back to us.May we ever love in 'truth and deeds'-may we not be the cause of their temptations.

I sometimes get a sense that we submit while being led into sin.Here we need NOT to submit.We need to stand our ground.Let us stop being the devil's helpmeets.Let us stop disappointing God and lovingly be our brother's keepers.

"Favour is deceitful,and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord,she shall be praised"-Proverbs 31:30

MISCARRIAGE

It must be the most painful experience one can ever experience in this lifetime (among others).I can imagine a wife excited that she is going to be a mother.I can almost see her beginning to plan ahead:how she's going to be a good mother,how she's going to give her child all she ever dreamed of.I can imagine her bracing herself for sleepless nights.I can imagine her smiling at every baby she sees.And as time goes,so does excitement and preparations.And when she finally expects to hold her precious child for the first time,she's confronted by the sad reality that she will never hold this first baby of hers,that she will never breastfeed her and she ever live to remember the painful experience because she has had a miscarriage..Although she might have other children,her mind will ever wonder.Almost a mother,but NOT to this particular child,for death made it impossible.

I'm sure it will be a similar experience when we don't make it to heaven.I can imagine all that God has gone through,just to make sure we make it to heaven.I can imagine all the opportunities he has made available to make sure we make it:strength to resist even sin and enabling power to have a character like Christ's.I can imagine the new heavens created and a new earth and the feast prepared for every soul.But sadly,by our doing,we don't make it.The scars in Jesus' hands will ever remind him that we should have been there and our names on his palms?Almost saved,but not saved.Almost our eternal father,but we chose not to let him.

Isn't it sad?God doing all that he can to give us victory over sin,so that we may be able enter into heaven,where nothing defiled enters.

Friends,let us soldier on.Let us consecrate ourselves entirely to God and do our part to ensure that we are not almost saved.God has emptied heaven.The Godhead is involved in ensuring that we receive the gift of eternal life and so are the angels.Let us not disappoint our heavenly father,who longingly and desires to spend eternity with us-as his children,free from sin and to eternal joy.

May we be part of the good fruit that will be harvested.May we be among those who will joyfully exclaim,"Lo,this is our God;we have waited for him,and he will save us:this is the Lord;we have waited for him,we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation "(Isaiah 25:9).

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith  Christ hath made us free,and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage"-Galatians 5:1

"Work out your salvation with fear and trembling"(Philippians 2:12)

Is courtship:

-Holding hands and being lovey dovey
-Being seen together everywhere
-Writing love posts on each other's walls
-Tagging each other on every status
-Constantly taking pics together
-Putting each other's pics as profiles on social networks (haha)
-Going out and having a good time-laughing,jesting,flirting
-Exploring forbidden ground
-Calling each other by sweet names:bae,baby,etc

This is what's common these days and it is labelled "courtship".
I'm not really concerned about discussing the DO's and  the DONT's,but I think it should be taken more seriously and solemnly THAN most times.I'm not an expert in this area and I'm not even a good counselor/"to go to" typa person,but I can't help feeling that we're taking it too lightly.

I just feel like love letters,picnics and updating relationshp status(es) is all we think about when the word "courtship" is mentioned.Then we beautify it by being in a relationship with a brother from church which makes us feel justified.When the brother is not EVEN a believer-"doesn't believe in present truth".

I feel like there are few who realise the responsibility that lies on their shoulders as they enter into these relations.I feel like we should indeed "make haste slow";and keep in mind that if these were to lead to matrimony,which is the end goal:our relationship with God will be affected either for good or bad and the state of future generations.And ofcourse we can selfishly enter into these relationships for our enjoyment,but what about the precious little souls that Christ has died for?Don't they deserve parents who will  raise them up to reach God's ideal?

At least,lets put our own desires aside and think about the plan of redemption at large:are we going to continue on our selfish ways,when these relationship could be used for the salvation of mankind?How about breaking them off or re-dedicating them:starting afresh with a vision and a mission and an eye single for God's glory?


It's not enough to not "touch","hug","kiss".It goes deeper.Preparation should be done.The young lady preparing to be an help-meet and the young man preparing to be a Priest-a ministry,a calling.We do ourselves good if we would consult God,His Word and the testimonies-rather than man-made ideals for relationships,which are often rooted on feelings,circumstances and other people's experiences.

"If there is any subject that should be considered with calm reason and unimpassioned judgment, it is the subject of marriage. If ever the Bible is needed as a counselor, it is before taking a step that binds persons together for life. But the prevailing sentiment is that in this matter the feelings are to be the guide, and in too many cases lovesick sentimentalism takes the helm and guides to certain ruin. It is here that the youth show less intelligence than on any other subject; it is here that they refuse to be reasoned with. The question of marriage seems to have a bewitching power over them. They do not submit themselves to God. Their senses are enchained, and they move forward in secretiveness, as if fearful that their plans would be interfered with by someone."-Adventist Home,p70


#Fearfully learning 

 

What happens when we die?

• Death: What Happens and where are the dead?

There is a lot of confusion about death, especially among Christians, which should not be the case because the Word of God clearly shows us the state of the dead. Before we can look at death and how it came about, we need to look at the creation of mankind, since death is the opposite of life.

“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”

(Genesis 2:7)

From this Scripture we can conclude that in order for one to be alive or a “living soul” there needs to be two things: body (made up of dust) and the breath of life (which comes from God). We can also safely conclude that one is alive when both the body (lifeless) and the breath of life are present. So, when the body is without the spirit it not a living being (James 2:26) and the spirit (breath of life) is not alive without the body.

It is worth noting that the word “spirit” as it is used in this context refers to the breath of life which the bible says it is the same breath as that of animals:

“For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity. All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? ”

( Ecclesiastes 3:19-21)

When one dies, the opposite of creation occurs:

“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.”

(Ecclesiastes 12:7)

From this passage we learn that when people die, the body returns to dust and the spirit goes to God. So, we can conclude that death occurs when the spirit (breath of life) leaves the body and is taken back by its Originator (God).

Thus far we have established that a living being is: Body (formed from dust) + breath of life or spirit (from God) which makes up a living soul (Genesis 2:7) and a dead person is: Body (formed from dust) - breath of life or spirit (from God).

Now, we can answer the question, where does a dead person go? It is important to note that the dust (form/body) returns to dust and the breath returns to God as stated in (Ecclesiastes 12:7).

“In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”

(Genesis 3:19)

The text above makes note that the body does not go anywhere but to where it was taken from. We can safely conclude that when a person dies, he or she ceases to exist: since he or she is no longer a living being. He or she has no spirit roaming around.

Now that we have established that the dead are not a living being, it is also crucial to expand on this:

The dead know nothing:

“For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. ”

( Ecclesiastes 9:5)

Their memory is not active nor are the conscious:

“Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun. ”

( Ecclesiastes 9:6)

The dead do not praise God:

“The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence. ”

(Psalm 115:17)

There is no activity in the grave:

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. ”

(Ecclesiastes 9:10)

So, the dead cannot communicate with the living because they know nothing, they cannot hear, think or partake in any conscious activity such as speaking, expressing feeling etc.

The bible describes death as sleep (Daniel 12:2, Matthew 9:24, Mark 5:39, John 11:11-14). We can safely conclude:

The dead are not in hell nor are they in heaven but have returned in the dust and their breath has returned to God who gave it. For if they where in heaven then why will Christ come to resurrect them (1 Thessalonians 4:16 ) if they are already risen, or is the where in hell why would Christ say he will reward everyone accordingly at his coming(Revelations 22:12) if the wicked are already receiving the reward of their unfaithfulness?

The dead cannot interact with the living people because they know nothing and they cannot do anything (Job 14:21; Psalm 146:4).

The dead cannot watch over the living, let us pray and ask God for wisdom from above beloved. It is because of this old lie which was first told to Eve in Eden(Genesis 3:4) that many are deceived and led into spiritualism thinking that they are speaking to their loved ones who passed away when in actual fact the are speaking to demons or devils.