Sabbath Keeping:Part 2

As we learned in the previous post,we are to refrain from working or doing any work on God's Sabbath and by our acts,thoughts and conversations are to be centered on God in this day. Below are statements  which explain how we can  keep the Sabbath in practical terms.How we are to eat,how parents should teach their children to keep the Sabbath and how to make them treasure it,what to wear etc.

"Make Friday the Preparation Day—On Friday let the preparation for the Sabbath be completed. See that all the clothing is in readiness, and that all the cooking is done. Let the boots be blacked, and the baths be taken. It is possible to do this. If you make it a rule, you can do it. The Sabbath is not to be given to the repairing of garments, to the cooking of food, to pleasure seeking, or to any other worldly employment. Before the setting of the sun, let all secular work be laid aside, and all secular papers be put out of sight. Parents, explain your work and its purpose to your children, and let them share in your preparation to keep the Sabbath according to the commandment.4Testimonies For The Church 6:355, 356.

In many families [on Sabbath] boots and shoes are blacked and brushed, and stitches are taken, all because these little odds and ends were not done on Friday. They did not “remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” ...

On Friday the clothing of the children is to be looked after. During the week they should be all laid out by their own hands under the direction of the mother, so that they can dress quietly, without any confusion or rushing about and hasty speeches.5Manuscript 57, 1897./Child Guidance,p528

"There is another work that should receive attention on the preparation day. On this day all differences between brethren, whether in the family or in the church,  should be put away.".6Testimonies For The Church 6:356/CG,p528,529

"When the Sabbath commences, we should place a guard upon ourselves, upon our acts and our words, lest we rob God by appropriating to our own use that time which is strictly the Lord’s. We should not do ourselves, nor suffer our children to do, any manner of our own work for a livelihood or anything which could have been done on the six working days. Friday is the day of preparation. Time can then be devoted to making the necessary preparation for the Sabbath and to thinking and conversing about it. Nothing which will in the sight of Heaven be regarded as a violation of the holy Sabbath should be left unsaid or undone, to be said or done upon the Sabbath. God requires not only that we refrain from physical labor upon the Sabbath, but that the mind be disciplined to dwell upon sacred themes. The Fourth Commandment is virtually transgressed by conversing 

upon worldly things or by engaging in light and trifling conversation. Talking upon anything or everything which may come into the mind is speaking our own words. Every deviation from right brings us into bondage and condemnation.9Testimonies For The Church 2:702, 7

To be continued....

Sabbath Keeping : Part 1

I'm grateful that God does not leave us in our ignorant state in the Christian journey,but continuously reveals His will to us so that we can be "perfect as He is perfect" and be fitted to walk in the streets of gold.God has been revealing to me how to keep the Sabbath sacredly and I'm continuosly discovery new things.

I've noticed that when it comes to Sabbath keeping there is still confusion.Some refrain from physical labour and prepare the meals,clothes and the house;while neglecting to prepare the heart and the mind.So this group does no physical labour but will engage in conversation that is not fitted for the Sabbath-whether it's work,school,TV etc.The other group follow the pharasical route-they make the Sabbath a difficult,burdensome day.Like saying improper things like "you can't warm your food".While some take the Sabbath so light that they don't see anything wrong with buying-whereas this could've been done before sunset.

But I'd like people to keep this in mind:

-The Sabbath day is a joyful day,cutting us from the cares of the world and fixing our focus on God-it's all about Him
-It is also a day to fellowship with our brothers and sisters,hence we are admonished to not stay away from church.

The Bible outlines that keeping the Sabbath should be physical(practical) and spiritual.Meaning,not only are we to refrain from our day to day labour but we are to think only of heavenly things and not engage in topics that do not center around God.So,the Sabbath is a balance-physical rest and mental rest,if I may say so,in that the core focus is God,not our work life,school,etc.And the wonderful thing is,God has told us how to keep it and Jesus Himself left us a pattern.

Exodus 20:8-11New International Version (NIV)

8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

Isaiah 58:13-14New International Version (NIV)

13 “If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath
    and from doing as you please on my holy day,
if you call the Sabbath a delight
    and the Lord’s holy day honorable,
and if you honor it by not going your own way
    and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,
14 then you will find your joy in the Lord,
    and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land
    and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.”
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

But Why?

There's this spirit that has become so common to Christianity that it scares me and I pray that I do not cherish it.We have become so hardened that when we are corrected we are so quick to cry out "don't judge" and we are so intolerant when we don't understand what someone is saying but the ironic thing is we are quick to attack.I've seen it on fb and it's even happened to me.It's scary.

People always comment to attack and I always wonder: would it kill them to ask?Would it kill them to be kind,even when voicing their own opinions?Would it kill to be slow to comment/not comment at all when they don't have something better to say?I pray that God may give us quickness to obey rather than to see that we're being judged.So what if we're being judged?Shouldn't we fix those areas anyway?We are so quick to say the preacher is harsh!How is he harsh when he is speaking God's word? I think the reality of the matter is we're proffessing godliness while denying the power thereof and these are the fruits.

And this is how the devil would have it.If we are using the same Bible and we are guided by the same Spirit,why don't we always come to the same conclusion?The problem is not with the Bible or the Spirit which inspired it,but with us and may we be mindful that we don't engage in vain debates.

2 Timothy 2:23-24New International Version (NIV)

23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

May we not be like the Israelites and end up saying:

Isaiah 30:10King James Version (KJV)

10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:

What God is teaching me about godly parenthood

I am currently reading Child Guidance by Ellen White and I can conclude:

-There's one out of 30 parents who is training her children for heaven according to the way God would have the children trained.Children only get to hear about God in family worship.God is not the subject in the home,even in Christian homes and His principles are not entirely governing factors in the home;hence we see children who are born with Christian parents going astray-they have not led to understand who God is and what are his requirements because the parents themselves aren't converted.
-It is the devil's trick to make parents think that are to start teaching their children about God when they are around 7 or so;by that time the devil has placed his stamp upon them.The training of the child should start from infancy and they are to be taught by words and example daily.
-It is a sin to neglect raising your child in God's ways.Parent's first priority isn't putting food in the table;but training their children so that they accept Jesus as their personal Saviour while young and if properly trained,by the age of 7 or so they can be Christians.
-God will help every sincere parents who have the desire to raise their child(ren) in his ways;but he will not play their part.
-Most terrible acts such as murder,rape,robbery etc are to a certain extent the result of neglect in training up the children;but we also examples in Joseph,Samuel,Daniel and his friends of children of the fate of children whose parents have made it their priority to raise them in the Lord.
-Mothers have a great work to do and sadly only a few realize their responsibility and sadly many have neglected their first and foremost duty-mothers are to work for their salvation of their children.
-Parenthood needs repentance-it is only when the parents themselves are repented that children can be drawn to Christ-children need to see the spirit of Christ in action-love,kindness,humility,industry and more;but sadly in most houses arguments,harsh words etc are the order of the day YET these families have the thought that they will make it to heaven-if we cannot live peacefully and in harmony and are governed by God's law,heaven is not a reality
-It is evil and a sin for parents to let children have their way;this is preparing them to be selfish individuals and ruined,leading to eternal loss
-Parents should raise their children in an environment that is conducive for purity of heart and mind-that is,they are not see,hear,read that which is contrary with the principles of God

If we want to see better churches filled with people who SINCERELY love the Lord and are governed by every word spoken by God,then parents are to be study the Word of God earnestly and apply it in their lives first-so that their children can learn by word and actions.

As the youth we need to look beyond the wedding day and think of the children we'll raise-whether they will be fitted for heaven and serve God faithfully.We need to prepare now because parenthood requires converted parents who will lead their children by example.

"The law of God is the foundation of all enduring reformation. We are to present to the world in clear, distinct lines the need of obedience to His law. The great reformative movement must begin in the home. Obedience to God’s law is the great incentive to industry, economy, truthfulness, and just dealing between man and man."15Letter 74, 1900./Child Guidance,p489

“The Lord is not glorified when the children are neglected and passed by.... They require more than casual notice, more than a word of encouragement. They need painstaking, prayerful, careful labor. The heart that is filled with love and sympathy will reach the hearts of the youth who are apparently careless and hopeless. Parents should seek to comprehend the fact that they are to train their children for the courts of God. When they are entrusted with children, it is the same as though Christ placed them in their arms and said, “Train these children for Me, that they may shine in the courts of God.” -CG,p488

Pictures:scattering or gathering for Christ

I've been thinking about the pictures that are often posted on facebook and I have concluded that they are either drawing others to Christ or away from him.Or they tell something about us.There are certain individuals on my fb whose pictures tell of the gospel without them having to say something.Just by looking at their pictures a desire to be sincere to Christ and to live for him has is evoked.Their pictures never draw attention to themselves,behind it all you see God's love.

But at the same time,some give an idea of self-love/self-exaltation and I've been a victim of this and God is helping me :-)!Some,while they may be showing off a modest outfit,the picture still is all about them.They'd pose in various styles in the same outfit and at the end of the day you end up being drawn to the individual rather than the sincere desire behind the picture.Some pictures seem to be an announcement of "look at my closet,I have  many beautiful clothes" and sadly that is not the Spirit of Christ.Then there are those who brag about everything they get-how I pray I do not fall into this trap.Ever posting pics of what dear bf bought her,of what dear husband bought and did-and to a certain extent this is sweet,but not when it's overdone.I personally believe some pictures should be kept in one's phone and not seen by the whole world.

And then there are married couples who post pictures of themselves kissing.I'm personally against pictures of too much public display.I personally believe there's a time and a place for everything.As much as it's okay for MARRIED people to kiss,I don't see how doing it in public/posting such pics is glorifying God.I see it as bragging of some sort:"hey look at me I can finally kiss since I'm married".I feel like there's much more to display about married life other than kissing,since the TV is all about it and the marriage relationship has been dragged to such a low level of uncontrolled passion and lust.

Then there are those who post selfies about themselves-constantly and these selfies have negative connotations-usually they seem to be seeking for attention and usually the selfie  showcases a certain feature.And I've realised people relate to us in the way they interpret our pics.I've often read statuses of girls asking males to stop inboxing them-and of course they may be innocent;but what if the pictures are inviting the males and they are actually screaming "can you see me,i need your attention!" through their pics.

Other pics are the result why some men are tempted and are struggling with sin and I now realize that I even have to be mindful of the pictures I post,lest I misrepresent Christ or I increase while he decreases.It's so easy to misrepresent Christ,hence we are to seek counsel even when we post pics.

Home Religion

"The work of sanctification begins in the home. Those who are Christians in the home will be Christians in the church and in the world. There are many who do not grow in grace because they fail of cultivating home religion."7The Signs of the Times, February 17, 1904./Child Guidance,page481

For so long I struggled with this concept.I thought home religion begin at church.I became a total different person in church-sweeter,respectful and not moody.And sadly this is the state of the church.The mothers and fathers,children and even leaders  play Christians at church,while at home they are monsters or inflict harm.Isn't it interesting that God created the family first and there he communed with Adam and Eve and they were learning about God?Jesus also served in the home before serving outside the home.We are told that he served his parents before serving outsideThe home is a missionary field on its own. 

The family is the core of the church.We first have to live out Christianity in the home.The home is where we learn to be Christians/we're supposed to learn to be Christians.It is in the home that we learn of the spirit of Christ-serving,it is in the home that we learn to be kind,loving,patient and to speak softly.It is God's plan that even in this sin-filled world,the home should be the representative of the heavenly home and as each family gathers we will join together in the love of Christ and be a blessing to each other.The state of the church is the representation of our homes.

I'm learning that repentance starts at home and it is only when we practise Christianity in the home that we are true to God.Isn't it interesting that God commanded the Israelites to communicate the commands in the home-when they woke up,lied down,set on the table etc?This shows us that God was and is it to be in the minds of the family members daily and momentarily;and God's commands shouldn't be revisited only in family worship.

And  this is the problem in most homes.God's commands are not the government of the household nor are his principles.He's not really part o the home,he's a visitor.But this is not how it should be-the principles of God are to be th e governing factor of every activity taking place-whether it be raising the kids,entertainment,finance management,food eaten etc.And by doing this,we'll have a taste of heaven on earth and our families will draw others to Christ.

That which will make the character lovely in the home is that which will make it lovely in the heavenly mansions. The measure of your Christianity is gauged by the character of your home life. The grace of Christ enables its possessors to make the home a happy place, full of peace and rest. Unless you have the Spirit of Christ, you are none of His and will never see the redeemed saints in His kingdom, who are to be one with Him in the heaven of bliss. God desires you to consecrate yourself wholly to Him and represent His character in the home circle.6The Signs of the Times, November 14, 1892./Child Guidance,p481

The daily acts of life tell the measure and mold of our disposition and character. Where there is a lack of home religion, a profession of faith is valueless. Then let no unkind words fall from the lips of those who compose the home circle. Make the atmosphere fragrant with tender thoughtfulness of others. Only those will enter heaven who in probationary time have formed a character that breathes a heavenly influence. The saint in heaven must first be a saint upon earth.5The Signs of the Times, November 14, 1892./CG,p481

Every family in the home life should be a church, a beautiful symbol of the church of God in heaven. If parents realized their responsibilities to their children, they would not under any circumstances scold and fret at them. This is not the kind of education any child should have. Many, many children have learned to be faultfinding, fretful, scolding, passionate children, because they were allowed to be passionate at home. Parents are to consider that they are in the place of God to their children, to encourage every right principle and repress every wrong thought.1Letter 104, 1897./CG,

#Learning

A Letter To A Self-Indulged Daughter

It's my prayer that we as ladies professing godliness would not be found in the same category as this girl and we see similar traits with her we may repent.

Appeal to an Indulged Daughter [Note: these are extracts from a letter to a self-willed girl who was practicing secret vice.]—Your mind is impure. You were relieved from care and labor altogether too long. Household duties would have been one of the richest blessings that you could have had. Weariness would not have injured you one tenth as much as have your lascivious thoughts and conduct. You have received incorrect ideas in regard to girls and boys associating together, and it has been very congenial to your mind to be in the company of the boys. You are not pure in heart and mind. You have been injured by reading love stories and romances, and your mind has been fascinated by impure thoughts. Your imagination has become corrupt, until you seem to have no power to control your thoughts. Satan leads you captive as he pleases....
Your conduct has not been chaste, modest, or becoming. You have not had the fear of God before your eyes. You have so often dissembled in order to accomplish your plans that you bear a violated conscience. My dear girl, unless you stop just where you are, ruin is surely before you. Cease your daydreaming, your castle-building. Stop your thoughts from running in the channel of folly and corruption.
You cannot safely associate with the boys. A tide of temptation is roused and surges in your breast, having a tendency to uproot principle, female virtue, and true modesty. If you go on in your willful, headstrong course, what will be your fate? ... You are in danger, for you are just upon the point of sacrificing your eternal interests at the altar of passion. Passion is obtaining positive control of your entire being—passion of what quality? Of a base, destructive nature. By yielding to it, you will embitter the lives of your parents, bring sadness and shame to your sisters, sacrifice your own character, and forfeit heaven and a glorious immortal life. Are you ready to do this? ...
You are forward. You love the boys and love to make them the theme of your conversation. “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Habits have become powerful to control you, and you have learned to deceive in order to carry out your purposes and accomplish your desires. I do not consider your case hopeless; if I did, my pen would not be tracing these lines. In the strength of God, you can redeem the past....
Keep clear of the boys. In their society your temptations become earnest and powerful. Put marriage out of your girl’s head. You are in no sense fit for this. You need years of experience before you can be qualified to understand the duties and take up the burdens of married life. Positively guard your thoughts, your passions, and your affections. Do not degrade these to minister to lust. Elevate them to purity; devote them to God.
You may become a prudent, modest, virtuous girl, but not without earnest effort. You must watch, you must pray, you must meditate, you must investigate your motives and your actions. Closely analyze your feelings and your acts. Would you, in the presence of your father, perform an impure action? No, indeed. But you do this in the presence of your heavenly Father, who is so much more exalted, so holy, so pure. Yes; you corrupt your own body in the presence of the pure, sinless angels and in the presence of Christ; and you continue to do this irrespective of conscience, irrespective of the light and warnings given you. Remember, a record is made of all your acts. You must meet again the most secret things of your life....
Again I warn you as one who must meet these lines in that day when the case of everyone shall be decided. Yield yourself to Christ without delay; He alone, by the power of His grace, can redeem you from ruin. He alone can bring your moral and mental powers into a state of health. Your heart may be warm with the love of God; your understanding, clear and mature; your conscience,illuminated, quick, and pure; your will, upright and sanctified, subject to the control of the Spirit of God. You can make yourself what you choose. If you will now face right about, cease to do evil and learn to do well, then you will be happy indeed; you will be successful in the battles of life and rise to glory and honor in the better life than this. “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.”6Testimonies For The Church 2:559-565.

And the following quote shocked me while confirming some of my thoughts(hopefully I'll share them when I can):

"If a young girl just entering her teens is accosted with familiarity by a boy of her own age, or older, she should be taught to so resent this that no such advances will ever be repeated. When a girl’s company is frequently sought by boys or young men, something is wrong. That young girl needs a mother to show her her place, to restrain her, and teach her what belongs to a girl of her age."~Child Guidance,p455

Regardless of the struggles

We all face struggles and they vary.But I'm learning that we shouldn't let struggles determine how we relate to others.I'm the type who turns to look inward and ignore people when I'm going through something.But one thing that remains constant:there'll always be people with more struggles,whom I can help.

I'm learning that joy and peace comes when we look towards others and instead focus on being a blessing on others-even if it means offering a shoulder to cry or listening to someone's problem.At the end of it all you realise how blessed you are and how much you have to be grateful for.It's a pity that we get so absorbed in our struggles instead of God's loving kindness towards us.It always helps me to focus on the good things the Lord has done and how he has led me in the past.

Indeed we have nothing to fear unless we should forget how the Lord has led us in the past..and I   realise we don't even have to mourn considering how he has led us and all that He has in store for us.After all,the fact that God allows it means it is for our own good.And it is important to remember that God is NOT responsible for the bad/pain we go through-it's not His fault.He created a peaceful world without a struggle but because of our yielding to sin,we are suffering the consequences!

Everything that God allows us to go through,He does it out of love!

His ways are liberating

God's ways are liberating!I'm in awe as I think of how much God loves us and only wants the best for us.Every command He gives is out of love,for our own benefit.Indeed "The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love."~Psalm 103:8.In God I'm learning to trust FULLY in him,like as a helpless baby who trust on its mother for everything.

As I was preparing for Sabbath,I was looking at my short hair and I just felt a sense of peace.I look at how well my limbs are covered and I cannot thank God enough.I'm humbled!To think that the thought of giving up my short dresses-still have a few,as I'm not yet there yet,the thought of giving up my high heels and extensions really was hard.But as the Holy Spirit began to work in me,I started to feel a change-inward change.

I'm no longer absorbed in having my hair relaxed or the latest hairstyle.I haven't relaxed my hair since September.I no longer feel pain from my shoes and shoes are not the first thing that catch my attention when I'm at a shop and I don't have to spend too much money on one pair of shoes.And I'm grateful for the grateful for dress reform.Through dress reform,I now realise the heart must be pure,before the outward can be well covered.

I'm no longer worried about my skirt showing enough curves.All I want now is Hi righteousness,to be covered by His grace.I want His spirit of meekness,His love and affection,His kindness and humility.It's more appealing to me more than the latest fashion.I pray for the meek and quiet spirit,to speak words that are edifying,to support the discouraged and to live for others,that is NOW my desire.

   *As I learn

His kingdom requires righteousness

"Seek first the kingdom of God and all his righteousness,and all these things shall be added unto you."(paraphrased)~Matthew 6:33

I get three things from this text:our concern,our priority should be obtaining eternity;  to obtain eternity,we are to possess Christ's righteousness,His character.Our basic needs:food,clothes,are all secondary and God will provide.

You may ask why we need to be righteous for His kingdom:"But fornication,and all uncleanliness,or covetousness,let it not be once mentioned among you.,as becometh saints;neither filthiness,nor foolish talking,nor jesting,which are convenient:but rather giving of thanks.For this ye know,that no whoremonger,nor unclean person,nor covetous man,who is an idolater,HATH ANY INHERITANCE IN THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST AND OF GOD."(Ephesians 5:3-5).

"and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man,which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."(Ephesians 4:23-24)

How I pray to be holy!Holy in thoughts,in words,actions and more.But God is faithful and will impart His righteousness to me!

"

Our first duty to God and our fellow beings is in self-development. Every faculty with which the Creator has endowed us should be cultivated to the highest degree of perfection, that we may be able to do the greatest amount of good of which we are capable. In order to purify and refine our characters, we need the grace given us of Christ that will enable us to see and correct our deficiencies and improve that which is excellent in our characters."2Pacific Health Journal, April 1890/CG,p164

Lies that are common in this day and age:

Some time during the week I listened to a sermon by Nancy DeMoss and it was on point-Biblically.It got me thinking about lies told in this day and age.The things about these lies is:they are subliminal,we don't really give them thought,but we somehow believe them.

These are some of them:

"Education is everything"-Not really,domestic training is...Plus some have education,but they aren't employed
"Males and Females are the same"-We aren't,we are 2 different individuals,created to fulfill distinct roles
"I was born this way,can't change who I am"-Partially true,only God can change us as we co-operate with Him.You can change,even your temper,mood swings can!
"Men are all the same"-False!There are good,God-fearing men out there.

"Your worth is found in what you have/physical attributes"-Only found in Jesus,who died for us.

"He/she Completes me"-How can another broken individual complete you?Only the Maker an complete each one of us.

"If it feels good,it must be right"-Feelings can never determine what is right/wrong,God's word does

"It's my life"-It's imparted from God,so it's borrowed from Him.

His commands are for OUR OWN good

Growing in the Lord is so sweet and the pruning process is humbling and comforting when you know it's your desire to be like Christ,even if it doesn't feel good.After all,Christianity is NOT  about feelings-never was!And I must say I'm grateful for the lessons God is making clear to me and the different people he has placed into my life to encourage me in my walk with him;and I'm so grateful for the prayers uttered on my behalf,they're working!

Slowly but surely the Holy Spirit is working on me.When I look back at how I've changed I can only praise God.The main struggle I had was accepting my God-given role-to be a woman.I questioned his clear council on motherhood.I felt it was a bit unfair for me to go to school and then not really bring my degree to use.After all,I went to get a degree to serve the community.And for quite some time I had these conflict emotions concerning God's ideal for marriage.The thought of depending made me uncomfortable-I vizualised myself like a slave and having to go to husband for every cent when I could work for myself.Plus I was proud of not being able to cook.I really hated cooking,just was too domestic for me!

But a year and a few months later,after much prayer and study,I realize I am a woman-girl,created for His holy purpose and it is not by accident.He has called me to submit while he has called the male to lead.It is his order.And I must say,I'm starting to like domestic things now-cooking particularly since I'm a neat freak of some sort,although I first needed a heart change-still being pruned.I started reading Child Guidance by Ellen White and it is then that I realized the solemn duty of a mother.Before, I saw it as demeaning,on the other side I felt inadequate and the responsibility overwhelmed me.It is greater than that of a pastor or a missionary and this opened my eyes to how great and solemn  the work of the mother is and it requires repentance on the part of the mother first and practical Christianity-determining tomorrow's society.I suddenly had this desire to rear children in the Lord;but it was after much prayer.But God will reveal His will further on.For now,I need that Christ-like character,as I'm yet far.

I now know that God's ways are for our own good and for the pruning of our character into His likeness.We can only find true satisfaction when we accept and fill the role we are created to fill.Amid this indecisiveness,God never left me.He was by my side slowly leading me,even in my slackness.This is just how merciful,long-suffering and loving God is,desiring that all may repent and not perish.I was falling into a trip of seeking positions and I looked down on God's calling for me as a woman;but His Spirit kept impressing upon my heart,until I got it-still learning.

My only prayer now is:to be quick to obey,not to take long but to trust God in His leading.I've now learnt  that I shouldn't voice my opinion on a particular subject  that I'm not sure of,lest I lead others astray and misrepresent my Saviour.I'd rather counsel with God and wrestle with Him till he gives me understanding.I really have no words for God.Ever calling me to a higher level and I'm really humbled.



"If Christian mothers will present to society children with integrity of character, with firm principles and sound morals, they will have performed the most important of all missionary labors. Their children, thoroughly educated to take their places in society, are the greatest evidence of Christianity that can be given to the world."9Pacific Health Journal, June, 1890./Child Guidance,p163    

Temperaments:The good and the bad side

Over a year and some months ago,I went to a camp with SDASM.It was a blessing and I felt revived plus the surroundings were so beautiful-nature.I also learnt about myself.Although surrounded by many,I often felt lonely and I was quiet most of the times.I concluded it might have been because my best friend wasn't there,hence the behaviour.But I started to evaluate myself and I learnt that I wasn't really good with small talk;I'd rather participate in meaningful conversations.This worried me so I started researching and I found out that I was an introvert.I went on to learn about which temperament I was-Phlegmatic-Melancholic.And this gave me much peace,as I thought there was something wrong with me.That's the positive!

But then I became complacent with my defects,since it was considered normal for people like me to possess such qualities.Like I'd sometimes avoid sitting in a table with people in the dining hall or I'd expect other people to come to me,make me feel welcomed etc.And I even started reading up on the temperament that was best for me to marry-as if I know what's good for me!So,knowing my temperament made me less inclined to improve on areas I was lacking in but God is now helping me.

And that's the negative of knowing our temperaments.We tend to be pleased with fitting in those definitions and we find excuses and start saying things like,"I was born this way,I can't help it"!I remember how justified I felt when I had read that introverts were moody-and I was.But as I read the word of God nowhere was I told to cherish such a trait and my moodiness was affecting my relationship with others.So,these temperaments not only make us comfortable,they become an excuse for the defects we have and we lie to ourselves by saying,"God understands,it's fine even if I lack joy,it's how I'm wired."God calls us to His likeness.The command is: "Be ye perfect,as I am perfect".

I personally believe,as a dear friend once noted that knowing our temperament helps to point out traits we need to work on,but shouldn't define who we are.

In fact as Christians our temperament is to be Christ-like,holy,righteous because God has not "called us unto uncleanliness,but to holiness".And I now realise the fruit of the spirit should define us and we should possess these qualities above everything:"love,joy,peace,patience,kindness,humility and self-control".As much as we're all created differently,God is able to make each one of us holy and use us for the advancement of His kingdom.

It's easier to fall into the trap of listening to experts than God,but men-whether expert or not,will forever be limited in his knowledge!Only God is 'all knowing,wise,infallible' and He's the best person to turn to.The world is not the best counsel to turn to,especially when it comes to godliness or   God's standard.The world is actually the counterfeit of what God says.So,I'll repeat this message over and over again,we must avert our eyes and ears from all that will not benefit us in our walk with God.

Lastly,in Heaven only righteousness dwell therein (2 Peter 3:13;Revelation 21:27).

"A character formed according to the divine likeness is the only treasure that we can take from this world to the next. Those who are under the instruction of Christ in this world will take every divine attainment with them to the heavenly mansions. And in heaven we are continually to improve. How important, then, is the development of character in this life."~Child Guidance,ch.31,p.161

  

My fear about blogging

I fear that because I speak against some things some may think I view myself as the standard or I'm judgemental-which is not the case at all.I fear that I won't practise what I say and that will make me a hypocrite.I fear that some may get the idea that I've reached the 'standard' and I probably don't struggle as they do,but the struggle with sin  is real for each one of us.I fear that I may speak one thing and do the direct opposite.

But you know what I love?Putting it out there is a rebuke to me to do what I write.Putting it out there does make me feel lighter,since I'm standing for what I believe in,even in this small platform.I want to be a testimony of what God is able to do to a sinner and hopefully there'll be a  difference between when I started and now,till Jesus decides when.

Hopefully,I'll inspire one soul to pursue a relationship with God and get to see that soul in heaven :-).That's what I day dream about these days!And hopefully I'll reach the stage where  I will be able to say through God's grace,"be like me,because I'm like Christ".But for now I'm undergoing a serious pruning session,I'm learning about myself and I just pray that I never boast and the posts will be less about me and more of Him.It's my prayer that one soul may be revived,encouraged and take the stand for Christ.

And I continually find my comfort in these true words: "But God is faithful,who shall stablish you and keep you from evil(paraphrased)."~2 Thessalonians 3:3 and " praise be to God who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (paraphrased).-1 Corinthians 15:57 (I think :) ).

Object lesson from typos

I love writing!It's something I do on a daily basis and I often have to resist the urge of writing more than 3 blog posts in one day-that's how much I enjoy it;plus I feel like I express myself well in writing as compared to speaking.I find writing therapeutic but I often dread doing a spell check or reading what I've written  all over again to avoid errors.But I now realize that I need to due to many typos I've written ( of which I'm truly sorry) and lest I confuse you dear readers.Also my heart almost breaks when I find out I have some typos-love perfection!Plus,we're commanded not 'to be slothful in business' and I believe the principle applies even here,since the end goal of my blog posts is to lift up Christ and are commanded to do everything 'unto the Lord'.

The thing about typing errors is some people might get that you've made a mistake and we'll be able to get what you're saying but there'll be another class that will get confused or who may even think your typo is actually correct.And the unfortunate thing is,even if you go and edit the blog posts afterwards-like I usually do,they might never read the blog post again.

This is teaching me that we(I) need to be very mindful of what we say or whatever we do,because once it is said/done,it cannot be taken back and it will exert an influence for good or for evil.And the thing that saddens me is: we Christians tend to be a little care free on social media and for some reason we say things or put pics that aren't a good representation of  God.And sadly,once you've said it/posted that pic,even if you remove it,a soul will be influenced.Hence,it is better to refrain from being active on social media if you're going through something and pray about it rather.

As much as we are being pruned and we're still learning,we need to be always mindful that there are those who are looking at everything we do and through our conduct we are gathering or scattering.Like it is vital to do a spelling check and proof read an essay or any written work that is to be read by others,we need to allow the Holy Spirit to proof read all that we do and we need to listen to him.If he tells us not to write a certain status or post a certain pic,then we shouldn't,lest we gain followers in wrongdoing.

We also need to be acquainted with God's word so that we can measure all that we do and say against it.After all,whether we like it or not,everything we do,as small as it may seem,has an influence to lead people to God or otherwise.And we are all accountable for the influence we exert.

16 June : Youth Day

In S.A,the 16th of June is known as Youth's Day.In 16 June of 1976,the youth of S.A protested against the bantu education and mainly against afrikaans being introduced in their curriculum.Many died on this day and hence the commemoration.

I believe as Christian youth we need their spirit!The protestant spirit.But don't get me wrong,I'm not saying we should strike-not at all.But we should dare stand for what we believe in.If we sincerely believe In God and His Word,our lives should show that.We need to dare be different-in dress (gulps),in the food we eat,in what we watch,listen to and even say-whether in conversation or on social media.We are called to holiness and we are a 'chosen generation,a royal priesthood and a peculiar people'.Shouldn't we then by our lifestyle and by our conduct be different?

We need the same vigor,energy and persistence they had.The end of things is at hand and we need to be sober and watch unto prayer as the word of God admonishes,but that is not enough!We are told,this gospel shall be preached to all nations,then the end will come.The end will not come UNTIL we heed to the command "Go ye therefore"!

The Lord is looking for young people who'll be actively involved in spreading the three angel's message.He needs young women and young men who will choose in this generation to stand for him.God desires that we should use our talents for him to draw perishing souls to Him.God is looking for your women and men who will uphold His law.He needs young people who will be blameless,who will not live like the world,but who will live as pilgrims.

God needs young people,protesting against sin-calling it by its rightful name and not only calling it BUT to shun away from it.God needs women who will uphold morality,who will respect Him,themselves and will not find their worth in things or their relationship status.God is looking for women who are dipped in His word,women who know why they are Christians and who are rightly diving His Word.God is looking for women of prayer,women who will speak ONLY edifying words and will not be familiar with boys but will reserve their womanly dignity.

God is looking for young men who will not be slaves to their lust and passions but who will choose to stand for what is right like Joseph and to stand like the three hebrew boys.God is looking for young men who will not find comfort in being flattered by young women nor seek to be known as players,rappers or seek to be seen as 'dope'.God is seeking for young men who will purpose in their hearts to be pure,true and His followers not matter what.

Where is the youth?Who will heed to the call?There needs to be a line of distinction between Christian and non-Christian,between darkness and light.

Why not consult God?

The Bible is full of instruction,guidelines and what we ought to do to please God.God in his love,has revealed everything in his Word so that we may purified and changed into His likeness.But there are certain instances when God may command us to do something and we may struggle to put into practice.

In my case,I've struggled with what it really means to be 'meek and have a quiet spirit' and I've often wondered if I should be quiet-as not say much,since I'm an introvert or what?And there has been other Scriptures I've struggled with-like what it really means to be submissive and to love purely...But amid such confusion,I've learnt that God is the one I should turn to.

I mean the fact that God commands us to do something is proof that He knows how it should be done,so why not ask Him to show you how?Why struggle alone when God waits in loving kindness to grant us what we ask ?We often want to hear what others think or how others do it-and there's absolutely nothing wrong with this,but man tends to err and only God is infallible.

My point is this:God is the best adviser and He knows how we are to fulfill every command and He is the best person to consult since He's the one we are trying to please.We need not to find commentaries on God's Word because God has Given us the Holy Spirit who will lead us into truth (John 16:8).Who best,than the Holy Spirit?

"Howbeit when he,the Spirit of truth,is come,he shall guide you in all truth:for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever things he shall hear,that shall he speak : and he will show you things to come.He shall glorify me: for he shall show it you."~John 16:13-14

We need to counsel with God always and we need to know His voice.If not,how will He lead us?


#As I learn  

Love...

Lately,God has been teaching me about love :),true love.And I must say,love is such a beautiful thing and a hard thing too!Because the carnal mind,the sinful heart is not inclined to love,it is inclined to seeking it's own above other's wishes;but true love is the exact opposite.It's a pity that love has been dragged to a low level and is often associated with feelings and roses and chocolates.Love can include those BUT is not defined by them.Love nowadays is only presented in the context of dating/marriage relationships.But love involves our siblings,friends,parents,brethren and even strangers according to God.

Love is surely not a feeling-and for sometime I struggled with this concept,I thought I had to be loving towards others because of how I felt towards them,and God is helping me in this area.I'm now learning that I shouldn't love because of what the person has done/who the person is,but I'm to  love because God asks me to and God has loved us first-not that we deserve to be loved!

Love is a choice-you choose to love even if you feel the exact opposite.For example,if a friend says something that offends me,I still choose to love them regardless of what they've said.So,love is not something that is inherited or something that is for certain people,we all can choose to love!And it is the greatest choice.

According to me:
-Love forgives-countless times God has forgiven me and those dear to me
-Love sacrifices-my mom defines this.She always puts I and my brother's needs first and put hers last.God did a great job in this area.
-Love prays for the other person
Love rejoices with the other
Love is caring
Love is truthful and will not let you go astray
Love protects
Love does no harm-unintentionally
Love rejoices in making the other happy
Love seeks the best for the other
Love is patient with the mistakes of others-but it doesn't overlook them
Love is understanding-puts itself in the other person's shoes

How I pray from now on that I'll be known as the most loving person!May God impart His love to me.For there is nothing greater than love.

"And now abideth faith,hope,charity,these three;but the greatest of these is charity"-1 Corinthians 13:13

"Love is a precious gift,which we receive from Jesus.Pure and holy affection is not a feeling,but a principle.Those who are actuated by love are neither blind or unreasonable.There is but little real,genuine,devoted,pure love.This precious article is rare.Passion is termed love.True love is a high and holy principle,altogether different in character from that love which is awakened by impulse and suddenly dies when tested.Love is a plant of heavenly growth,and must be fostered and nourished.Affectionate hearts,truthful,loving words will make happy families and exert an everlasting influence upon all who come within the sphere of their influence."~Adventist Home,Chapter 7,page 50.


#As I learn

Holiness

The Christian journey is a battle and God has called us to be seperate,distinct and holy.I'm learning that if I want to be holy,and if we want to be holy,we need to turn away from every worldly thing and from every thing that promotes ungodliness,even in the slightest sense.And that includes what we watch,listen to,read etc.

I cringe when I watch TV.I've realised that I can't even watch news because of the Ads!Has anyone noticed how filthy and suggestive the adverts are?A body lotion always has a boy/girl thing going.There's too much nakedness as well.I can't even go to things like series(es) or soapies-they are promoting sin-from adultery to murder.

Even ads that seem helpful-like the ones about Aids prevention-they still promote fornication.It's disturbing.But this shows:we can never look at the world for MORALITY or GODLINESS,but to the one who has called us to it.The Word of God and the life of Christ is the standard.

"For God hath not called us unto uncleanliness,but unto godliness."-1 Thessalonians 4:7

"Put to death,therefore,whatever belongs to earthly nature:sexual immorality,impurity,lust,evil desires and greed,which is idolatry.Because of these,the wrath of God is coming.You used to walk in these ways,in the life you once lived.But you must rid yourselves of all such things as these;anger,rage,malice,slander and filthy language from your lips.Do not lie to each other,since you have taken off your old self,which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator."-Colossians 3:5-10

"Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body,that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin:but yield yourselves unto God,as those that are alive from the dead,and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.For sin shall not have dominion over you:for ye are not under law,but under grace."~Romans 6:12-14