We are NOT gods!

There's this trend going on amongst us Christians.For some reason,scary reason,we think that God has left it up to  us to decide whether his Word is worthy to be done or not and  we have the right to add/remove from His Word.But fearful is the judgement of one who adds/removes a part in God's word-he has no place in heaven.And I'm afraid that is what's going make us perish,if we do not start adhering to His Word regardless of how we feel,the pastor says or the church says.

There's this attitude that "the fact that he isn't against it/it's not written" means we can do it.But we forget that,"All scripture is given by inspiration of God,and is profitable for doctrine,reproof,for correction,for instruction in righteousness."~2 Timothy 3:16.So, all that we need to do is found in the Bible.We need not go and approach a pastor or a church,he has revealed all that pertains to His will in His word.

If God's Word is silent about a specific doctrine,then it's not up to us to make conclusions about it.We also are to be silent.If it's clear and specific,the wisest decision we can make is to adhere to it rather than to perish.My point is: we need to stop this "in my church" talk when God has revealed all in His Word.And if we are guided by the Spirit of truth when we read God's Word and if we come with a teachable spirit when reading God's Word,He will reveal his truth to us and there will be no confusion.The Word of God has always been correct and there is not confusion found in it because God is "not man that he should lie and is not an author of confusion".It all becomes confusing when we uphold "thus saith the pastor"/"thus saith the church" or we start upholding our own opinions higher than God's.

If we claim to be Christians:then we must follow God;not man's ideas-not man who've changed God's doctrines to fit their own circumstances or sinful ways.It doesn't matter if the most righteous man alive says it.Until proven in God's Word,then it's a hypothesis.

This is not the time to harden our hearts to what God has said because so and so is doing it/because I don't want my family to disown me/I'm afraid they'll laugh at me.Our only safety is in doing what God says and leaving the consequences with Him.Lest we forget:we are the creatures and he is the Creator!The invented machine never knows best than it's inventor.

Do it FOR God only.......and yourself

Luke 14:28-29King James Version (KJV)

28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,

This passage can be applied even in our daily lives and even in the Christian journey.And no-one could have said it better than Christ.I believe it would be wise for us to take heed to this advice even when making decisions concerning our Christian life.I personally believe it is not wise to rush into something-whether good-until we have a proper understanding of what it entails and the risks it comes with.

By this I mean,it is better for us to study a particular doctrine prayerfully before claiming we believe it or we accept it,lest we fall along the way and discourage many.Not that Christianity is about making claims of our belief over certain doctrines.And maybe that's the problem-these days we seem to claim instead of living it.

But back to my point.There's been 2 incidences where I've seen 2 sisters claiming to be following the dress reform.But after a few months they went back to their old clothes and started uploading recent pics where they had forsaken the dress reform doctrine.This is saddening :( and prayer I believe can avail much;but it has taught me that one should never follow a certain doctrine if it's not to please God.The moment you start living Christianity for others INSTEAD of God then you've completely missed it.It then becomes difficult to keep up because all that you do is a show and it's not genuinely coming from a heart that is converted and seeks to please God.

What's even sad is you now disappoint others who were looking up to you :( and some may conclude God's ways are not fair.So,study it for yourself and be convicted and ask the Lord to give you strength to carry it till the end.When you've studied for yourself then it's easier to even explain why you are doing it instead of saying "pastor so and so says this" or "the church says it".What happens when the same pastor comes back and says it's okay to wear knee length dresses all because his wife wears them?And what happens when the church compromises to the point where false doctrines come to the church?Our safety is doing what God says and doing it for him.

If you do it for him:even when piercing words are said,you'll not fall.Yes,it will hurt and discouragement will come;some will even misunderstand you and call you names BUT if doing God's will is your priority,even such things will not shake you because of the firm foundation you have.

And again some sisters fall into the trap of pleasing the bf to the extent that God isn't the reason for  doing it.But then what happens when you break-up?You go back to your old ways and you become a false witness.It's sad.As much as it's ok to try to please one another in a relationship-it all should be based on a "thus saith the Lord" because God's word is a solid foundation which cannot be moved and what a blessing it is to stand on God's Word.

Sad thing is some of us fall into the trap of seeking to be understood but that's the thing about Christianity:it can never be understood,unless one studies and accepts the truth for themselves.Look at Christ.Even his OWN brothers misunderstood him-even though they were of the same church.Christianity is not and was never about being understood.It's about living for the One who called you into it.When we choose God's word we cannot expect comfort and encouragement from the world,but from him who has called us.

  Let's soldier on children of the most high God!

I yearn

to see simplicity that God's prophetess speaks about in courtships."The ideas of courtship have their foundation in erroneous ideas concerning marriage. They follow impulse and blind passion. The courtship is carried on in a spirit of flirtation. The parties frequently violate the rules of modesty and reserve and are guilty of indiscretion, if they do not break the law of God."-AH,p55.It's scary to me how some pics are so suggestive on facebook.Non-married couples hold hands and each other's waists and as I've studied I see no simplicity and modesty.I've even seen images where I thought the couple was married only to find out the latter. And maybe it is this spirit which makes falling into sexual sin easy.I pray we may be distinct from the world.Not only distinct because we are not kissing or hugging,but even in our conduct within courtship relationships.

It's my prayer that,when people look at my/your courtship they will not be drawn to how "good we look together",but be drawn to the One who has brought us together.I pray that when people see us they'd think we are just good friends who love the Lord.I get it,when you love someone you want the whole world to know:but let's reflect whether certain poses will honor God or the attention will be drawn away from him?

Yesterday,I was on my way to a friend.I saw a couple I know sitting across each other studying.And this scenery was beautiful to me.No cosyness,it was pure simplicity.And I believe that we need to be careful NOT to exalt our relationships in the place of God.There are instances where people have put more than 100 pictures of themselves as a couple-non-married couple.And I always wonder,what impression does this give to the non-believer?

No,it's encouraging to have pics of courting couples to see what activities they engage in-but I believe the pictures should not lead those who are not in relationships to feel lonely.In all we do,being in a courtship should not absorb our attention so much that we lose sight of our responsibilities,others etc.

We need to be mindful of God's presence!

We are all equal

In the eyes of God.When it comes to God our race,class,backgrounds,intelligence quotient do not matter. God does not care about how educated we are,how many houses,cars,business we own.We all are equal.He does not care whether we are more fluent in a particular language nor is he bothered by all our qualifications.To Him we are all one,created by Him.

God is not bothered by our physical attributes,heights and fashion sense.Our achievements do not move Him.He loves us and there only thing he is concerned about is our salvation and our happiness.The fact that Jesus died for all makes us all equal.At the cross,we become nothing but God's creation.

The sad thing is in Uni you begin to observe certain individuals who start thinking they are better than others because they know more,they are more fluent in english,they get good grades.But all of this doesn't matter.It doesn't make you any better than the other individual,it just makes you better than who you were yesterday.

In fact,we should not study hard or do good because we are trying to become better than others.Life is NOT a competition,you are running your OWN race.No need to get worked up on becoming better than others.Instead,I personally believe you become better as you help others.There is no use competing each other.

After all,if we were to start comparing,then you will never better because there's someone who knows better and has more.

Life is much better when we help each other instead of competing against each other.

Friendships :)

I've always heard girls saying they prefer males to be their friends as compared to females.And their reasons seemed valid:girls can be moody and competitive,I used to be!But since changing growing up has taught me that  females can have proper friendships that are fulfilling without ANY complications.

I believe the reason most friendships turn out sour is because they  do not have any principles and in most cases there are no shared values between the individuals.We often fight with each other because we do not practise love at all times and we often fail to practise the golden rule:doing to others as we would like them to do towards us.We lose on valuable friendships because we are NOT willing to let self aside and we sometimes do not think before saying things.How many friendships would have been saved,if only we had refrained from saying a hurtful thing?

It is only when we allow God's spirit to reign in our hearts that we can have fulfilling,uplifting relationships where there are no arguments involved.I've been friends with dear sisters for 5 years and I believe it is through prayer and considering their feelings that our friendship has managed to last this long.

I've met one particular lady which has demonstrated that friendship is a gift from God.She has been kind,encouraging me when I felt weak and her presence in my life has led me to seek Jesus more.She's taught me so much;from how to be a godly woman,how to be modest and above all she's taught me to trust in the Lord.

This is what friendship should be about!  I believe relationships between females should not be that complicated.We don't need to be 'friends' and start sharing personal info with each other but we can all afford to be kind and provide support.That's what Christianity is about:you DON'T love,care,show kindness because someone is your friend BUT because they belong to God and they are human.


And I personally believe females and males cannot be friends-in the truest sense of the word,because one between the two parties is likely to interpret the relationship otherwise!Not that we should not interact with males BUT we should guard our hearts so that we do not send mixed messages.Many ladies have been hurt because they mistook a guy's kindness for something else.

For example:I cannot treat males the same way I treat my females friends/sisters.I cannot visit a brother for no apparent reason and alone.

As ladies professing godliness we should always note that our behaviour has an influence for good or bad and it is sinful to do anything that causes another person to fall.If we love our brothers,we will not put them in situations where they are likely to be tempted or commit sin.

I believe that if we girls can put our differences aside and be there for each other:then there will be a decrease in the number of depressed individuals or those who commit suicide or fall into sin.If we were sincerely our sister's keepers,I believe many would be able to overcome certain sins because we would encourage and share our experiences with each other.

If we cannot live happily and in harmony with other  here on earth,how can we in heaven?We often dislike each other because we compare ourselves to one another but no one is better than the other. I've learnt that we all have our faults and we are all struggling. We all are facing one enemy;the devil.We ALL have issues to deal with,so no use hating!Instead,we should stand together so that we all go to heaven.

#Learning and Unlearning

Godliness in our everyday relations,part 2

These are some of the rules that may help us to maintain pure relations between males and females:

REFRAIN FROM FLATTERY:

"I am pained when I see men praised, flattered, and petted. God has revealed to me the fact that some who receive these attentions are unworthy to take His name upon their lips; yet they are exalted to heaven in the estimation of finite beings, who read only from outward appearance. My sisters, never pet and flatter poor, fallible, erring men, either young or old, married or unmarried. You know not their weaknesses, and you know not but that these very attentions and this profuse praise may prove their ruin. I am alarmed at the shortsightedness, the want of wisdom, that many manifest in this respect.Men who are doing God’s work, and who have Christ abiding in their hearts, will not lower the standard of morality, but will ever seek to elevate it. They will not find pleasure in the flattery of women or in being petted by them.

REFRAIN FROM TOUCHING:

" Let men, both single and married, say: “Hands off! I will never give the least occasion that my good should be evil spoken of. My good name is capital of far more value to me than gold or silver. Let me preserve it untarnished. If men assail that name, it shall not be because I have given them occasion to do so, but for the same reason that they spoke evil of Christ—because they hated the purity and holiness of His character, for it was a constant rebuke to them.”

MARRIED MEN,TO GIVE PROPER ATTENTION THEIR WIVES:

"To married men I am instructed to say, It is to your wives, the mothers of your children, that your respect and affection are due. Your attentions are to be given to them, and your thoughts are to dwell upon plans for their happiness.

I have been shown families where the husband and father has not preserved that reserve, that dignified, godlike manhood which is befitting a follower of Christ. He has failed to perform the kind, tender, courteous acts due to his wife, whom he has promised before God and angels to love, respect, and honor while they both shall live. The girl employed to do the work has been free and somewhat forward to dress his hair and to be affectionately attentive, and he is pleased, foolishly pleased. In his love and attention to his wife he is not as demonstrative as he once was. Be sure that Satan is at work here. Respect your hired help, treat them kindly, considerately, but go no farther. Let your deportment be such that there will be no advances to familiarity from them."

MAINTAIN FAMILY PRIVACY:

"Oh, how many lives are made bitter by the breaking down of the walls which inclose the privacies of every family, and which are calculated to preserve its purity and sanctity! A third person is taken into the confidence of the wife, and her private

family matters are laid open before the special friend. This is the device of Satan to estrange the hearts of the husband and wife. Oh, that this would cease! What a world of trouble would be saved! Lock within your own hearts the knowledge of each other’s faults. Tell your troubles alone to God. He can give you right counsel and sure consolation which will be pure, having no bitterness in it.

When a woman relates her family troubles or complains of her husband to another man, she violates her marriage vows; she dishonors her husband and breaks down the wall erected to preserve the sanctity of the marriage relation; she throws wide open the door and invites Satan to enter with his insidious temptations. This is just as Satan would have it.

SISTERS NOT TO CONFIDE TO THOSE OF THE OPPOSITE SEX,WHO ARE NOT THE THEIR FUTURE SPOUSES and vice versa:

"If a woman comes to a Christian brother with a tale of her woes, her disappointments and trials, he should ever advise her, if she must confide her troubles to someone, to select sisters for her confidants, and then there will be no appearance of evil whereby the cause of God may suffer reproach"

{Adventist Home,chapter 55}

Heart Issues

My conclusion with regards to relationships is:

It is better to wait till you know exactly what you want BEFORE entering into a relationship.It saves you a lot of time and helps you not to triffle with one's heart

 Take time to know God,to serve him,to know yourself,to figure out what you want,to achieve your goals so that by the time you get into a relationship you know what you want and you don't have to go 'searching' for what you want. I believe as Adam spent some time with God before meeting Eve,it is crucial to know God ourselves before meeting our spouses.

It is also important to examine our motives behind seeking marriage.We shouldn't marry because we want to be made 'complete' or because we are scared to be lonely.The purpose of getting into a relationship shouldn't be to fulfill our desires,but we should consider whether a relationship is God's will for us and whether the relationship will be good for us spiritually and whether it would allow us to fulfill our calling.

"Before accepting a proposal from a man wearing trousers,you should accept the proposal of a man in a robe (Jesus)",said a dear sister.

MISTAKES

The thing about making mistakes is:you can never run away from the consequences. While some consequences are shortlived ,some will follow you around for ever.And when you look back ,you wish you could have made a different decision.

It is crucial to think every decision through,irregardless of how small/big it seems,how we feel and the situations we find ourselves in. I have come to realize that most bad decisions are made when we depend sorely on emotions as opposed to reasoning.For example,a student will not study because he "doesn't feel like it" and the student is likely to fail.

The point I am trying to bring across is,before taking a decision avoid thinking about the pleasure you will receive and think about the consequences.How many of us would have chosen differently,had we taken the time to think things through.Sometimes,we make decisions hastily when we should take time to think them through.Thus,time is a crucial factor in decision making.

We also need to understand that when we make decisions we always have a choice to choose and to choose right.One lecturer said "we can't choose who we fall inlove with ", but the fact that you have the choice to either accept/refuse a relationship proposal means we have a choice.

It is also crucial for us to reflect on decisions we make daily so that we can see our mistakes and work on ways to not repeat them.It is not wise to repeatedly make a bad decision just because there are no consequences-you always reap what you sow.

The choices we make often affect those that we love.For example,if a student who is studying at a private school fails a grade due to lack of commitment he will cost his parents more money than they had budgetted and in turn the plans they had will be messed up.

It is always wise to ask God for guidance because He is the best advisor. God is wise,holy(without sin) and he wants the best for us.God knows the end from the beginning so when we seek advice from him the decisions we make will ensure a better future.

The fact that God is sinless means the decisions we make will not only benefit us but will in turn please our Creator.

Why students/scholars fail?

I've come to realize that failure does not determine one's intelligence quotient.In fact it has little to do with one's mental ability.I've realized that failure,most times,is the result of lack of discipline and time management.I have seen it my life.I've failed certain courses not because I'm dumb;but because I rarely read my books.

See,in High school you can (but shouldn't) study the day before and still get an A.And most of us have used that method.And sadly we still want to use it in varsity.But it DOES NOT WORK!You have a lot of work to do.

Some people fail because they do not understand English.In most black schools/Xhosa-speaking schools you are taught in IsiXhosa- in your home language and it's better to understand.But sadlly,if there's not a balance between one's home language and english you may end up not understanding.It's always better if the school has white teachers.Manier times people have failed,not because they did not study and know what is required;but they do not understand the questions and do not understand the words used.

And guess what?Xhosa-speaking individuals who have been taught in their home language are not the only ones that suffer.This afternoon we were at a tutorial and I was working with a coloured girl and she mentioned that she sometimes struggles because she has been taught in Afrikaans.During orientation I also met a coloured girl who was taught in afrikaans.She told me she chose to do foundation because she wants to get used to English.

There are also other factors like not prioritising and spending loads of time in less important things.I remember when I first came to varsity; I didn't have any social network.So,I joined facebook and I was instantly addicted-because I love writing so facebook accomodated and allowed me to do what I love.I would spend more than 10 hours mainly stalking,updating and reading other people's statuses.But it had to stop.There were times I'd deactivate my facebook and then come back.I later on deleted it;but after 14 days I created another one but I have taken a break and thank God I have not been tempted.

So,I'd advise you:if you'd like to pursue a degree:familiarise yourself with English and take some time to read the dictionary,limit your time on social networks or don't join any and lastly: prioritise-study before socializing or doing your hobbies.


To be continued...  

WOMANHOOD-GODLY WOMANHOOD:

The woman NOT to be:

"And withal they learn  to be idle,wandering about from house to house;and not only idle,but tattlers also and busybodies,speaking things which they ought not."~ 1 Timothy 5:13

From the above text,we can conclude that God forbids being:

idle-not working hard/lazy.When God placed mankind in the garden of Eden he gave him work (Genesis 2:15).SOP goes to say work was there to keep mankind busy to aid in his development.SOP goes on to say idleness is a curse and satan finds/tempts idle hands.
busybody-a person who is too interested in what other people are doing.God gives us counsel on how to avoid this:"¹¹ and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, ¹² so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."~1 Thessalonians 4:11,12
Speaking which ought not be:"God detests lying lips".Also God counsels us in SOP that,instead of gossiping we should speak of His wondrous love.
tattle-gossip/tattle-talk.God counsels us,"Let your speech be alway with grace,seasoned with salt.that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man"~Colossians 4:6


The woman TO be:

"I will therefore that younger women marry,bear children,GUIDE THE HOUSE,GIVE NONE OCCASION TO SPEAK REPROACHFULLY."~1 Timothy 5:14

"The aged women likewise,that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness,not false accusers,not given to much wine,teachers of good things;that they may teach young women to be sober,to love their husbands,to love their children."-Titus 2:3-4

This text simply tells me I need a mentor in my life.It also DEFINES the role of women.Women are not called to preach,lead but tio teach other women and children.

"To be discreet,chaste,keepers at home,good,obedient to their own husbands,that the word of God may not be blasphemed."~Titus 2:5

God is calling for godly women,who are seeking to be His instruments and who are willing forsake all for His glory.

We are called to be discreet,chaste,and married women are NOT only for these two but to be:keepers at home and to obey their husbands.

discreet-careful in what you say or do,in order to keep something secret/avoid causing embarrassment for somebody
              unlikely to attract attention

This tells me:our words are to be CAREFULLY selected and would have us holy in conversation(1 Peter 3:11) and we are to avoid seeking attention or doing things that will grab other people's attention.e.gPassing on a group of guys so they can notice you?Dressing so as to be seen

chaste-not having sex with anyone;only having sex with someone you are married to
           not expressing sexual feelings
           simple and plain in style;not decorated

We are to be mindful of the fact that,our bodies are the temple of God and they belong to him (1 Corinthians 6:19,20).We are to refrain from watching,reading,doing that which is impure-Philippians 4:8 and 2 Peter 3:14.Furthermore,God wants us to refrain from fornication (1 Corinthians 6:18) as only those who are married are allowed to participate in sexual activity (1 Corinthians 7:2).

We are also to refrain from allowing ourselves to be touched by the opposite sex,as Paul says,an unmarried man should not touch a woman (1 Corithians 7:1).So, no hugging and kissing!

God has also called us to simplicity in dress.Thus ,we are to refrain from make-up and jewellery or anything that attracts attention.

God would have wives as home-keepers-but I also believe those who would like to get married one day should be equipped concerning home duties.


#Learning_and_Unlearning

DEAR LADIES

I would advise you to seek divine intervention when considering a life-partner or if it is your earnest desire to be married one day.It is crucial to keep in mind that marriage is a holy institution and God is its author-so one needs to have a solid relationship with God before entering into it.It is also crucial to realize that marriage will affect this life and will,to a certain extent,determine whether you make to heaven or not and will determine your faithfulness towards God.

So, do not enter into marriage for the sake of running away from singlehood or because you are scared of being alone for the rest of your life.

I've seen how hurtful and burdensome it is to be married to someone who is not entirely submitted to God.If you are in a relationship:I advise you to put your emotions aside and really consider whether the person you are with will lead your heavenward,in words and deeds and whether they would  lighten the burdens of this world.It is also crucial to consider whether he is supportive and  his priority is your salvation.

The sad truth is:it is not enough  for him to be a churchgoer or of the same faith;but he has to be surrendered to God's will and so should you.I have also come to realize that marriage needs two individuals who are constantly yielding to Christ and are trying with God's grace to live according to all His principles.

I've seen how my mom had to struggle alone,raising us up to be Christians,putting us through school and working hard to put food on the table.I've seen how she's never had someone to cry to and to support her,even though she is married.But praise be to God for keeping her sane and calm.

Believe me:you don't want to be in a marriage where you have to bear every burden.Not only that but you also have to consider how the marriage relation will affect your children.We should consider whether the person will take his role as a priest and as a father seriously.Will he help you in raising  children who are fit for heavenly citizenship and children who will consider God in all things and be soul winners?

Marriage not only affects you but your children as well.And if you choose one who God has not intended for you,how will yiu be a good mother to the children God has given you?Will he allow you to follow the principles that govern marriage?Is he acquainted with his role as a father and a husband?Will he be faithful to God?Will he faithfully lead to heaven?

"Before giving her hand in marriage, every woman should inquire whether he with whom she is about to unite her destiny is worthy. What has been his past record? Is his life pure? Is the love which he expresses of a noble, elevated character, or is it a mere emotional fondness? Has he the traits of character that will make her happy? Can she find true peace and joy in his affection? Will she be allowed to preserve her individuality, or must her judgment and conscience be surrendered to the control of her husband? As a disciple of Christ, she is not her own; she has been bought with a price. Can she honor the Saviour’s claims as supreme? Will body and soul, thoughts and purposes, be preserved pure and holy? These questions have a vital bearing upon the well-being of every woman who enters the marriage relation.

Let the questions be raised, Will this union help me heavenward? will it increase my love for God? and will it enlarge my sphere of usefulness in this life? If these reflections present no drawback, then in the fear of God move forward."~Ellen G.White,Letters to young lovers,ch.10,p.23.