Yes,Jesus is coming!But do you know the manner of His coming? Part1

I've been podering on the manner of Christ's coming and for some time I wanted to write about it.But something would always come up.But this past Sabbath,an encounter I had made me realize how crucial is knowing the manner of His coming and sequence of events or we might miss Him.

So,as I was sitting on the train to Bellville,I decided to take my Bible and continue with reading the book of Joshua.As I was about to start reading,a brother comes in and ask if I'm a Christian and ask which church I attend.I answer him and he tells me which church he attends.

So,we started talking about Jesus' coming and he mentions that Christ will come to take those who live righteously at the present time.My heart leaped with joy.Finally,someone who knows that the grace of God enables us to live righteously in this PRESENT WORLD.He went on to talk about Matthew 24 and He mentioned how Christ's return would be secret.Then I disagreed.What about the verses in the same chapter that mention that Christ's coming would be visible to everyone,hence we are not to go when people say they see Him in a certain place.

He went on to mention that passage about one person being taken as symbolizing this.Also he used the example of Elijah and Enoch taken to heaven.Sadly,Biblically it is not so and unfortunatelely,even though we were just engaging,he led the conversation and wouldn't let me talk-and I've been learning to let people finish speaking.

And so there error goes around.But I am also thankful for the encounter because it made me realize how much I need to study God's Word and be able to know it for myself what I believe in and be able to explain to others.

Now with regards to Christ coming secretly,I'd like to pose these questions:

If that be the case,why is His coming audible to everyone and visible to everyone?
If Jesus' coming is a secret,then why would  one group crying,"this is our Lord,we have waited for Him.Let us rejoice" and the other,crying,"mountains fall on us" ?
Then when will the first resurrection be?
And how will those who pierced  him see Him in glory,if he comes secretly?
Christ would be coming as a King of Kings and does One coming in such manner,come secretly?

The problem with this theory of Christ coming secretly is,it is contrary with certain events that must happen when Jesus comes and it is a subtle lie from the devil,so that people,while thinking the are waiting for Jesus' coming,will miss Him.

I hope to do a second part soon.

FRUITLESS FIG TREE

Are you, O careless heart, a fruitless
tree in the Lord's vineyard? Shall the words of doom erelong be spoken of you? How long have you
received His gifts? How long has He watched and waited for a return of love? Planted in His vineyard,
under the watchful care of the gardener, what privileges are yours! How often has the tender gospel
message thrilled your heart! You have taken the name of Christ, you are outwardly a member of the
church which is His body, and yet you are conscious of no living connection with the great heart of love.
The tide of His life does not flow through you. The sweet graces of His character, "the fruits of the
Spirit," are not seen in your life.{COL 216.3}
The barren tree receives the rain and the sunshine and the gardener's care. It draws nourishment
from the soil. But its unproductive boughs only darken the ground, so that fruit-bearing plants cannot
flourish in its shadow. So God's gifts, lavished on you, convey no blessing to the world. You are robbing
others of privileges that, but for you, might be theirs. {COL 217.1}
You realize, though it may be but dimly, that you are a cumberer of the ground. Yet in His great
mercy God has not cut you down. He does not look coldly upon you. He does not turn away with
indifference, or leave you to destruction. Looking upon you He cries, as He cried so
218
many centuries ago concerning Israel, "How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? How shall I deliver thee,
Israel? . . . I will not execute the fierceness of Mine anger. I will not return to destroy Ephraim; for I am
God, and not man." Hosea 11:8, 9. The pitying Saviour is saying concerning you, Spare it this year also,
till I shall dig about it and dress it. {COL 217.2}
With what unwearied love did Christ minister to Israel during the period of added probation. Upon
the cross He prayed, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Luke 23:24. After His
ascension the gospel was preached first at Jerusalem. There the Holy Spirit was poured out. There the
first gospel church revealed the power of the risen Saviour. There Stephen--"his face as it had been the
face of an angel" (Acts 6:15)--bore his testimony and laid down his life. All that heaven itself could give
was bestowed. "What could have been done more to My vineyard," Christ said, "that I have not done in
it?" Isa. 5:4. So His care and labor for you are not lessened, but increased. Still He says, "I the Lord do
keep it; I will water it every moment; lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day." Isa. 27:3. {COL 218.1}
"If it bear fruit, well; and if not, then after that"-- {COL 218.2}
The heart that does not respond to divine agencies becomes hardened until it is no longer susceptible
to the influence of the Holy Spirit. Then it is that the word is spoken, "Cut it down; why cumbereth it the
ground?" {COL 218.3}


Rebuked but these words comfort and encourage me:

"Today He invites you: "O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God. . . . I will heal their backsliding, I will
love them freely. . . . I will be as the dew unto Israel; he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as
Lebanon. . . . They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as
the vine. . . . From Me is thy fruit found." Hosea 14:1-8. {COL 218.4}

Just a little thought

“ of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,”-2 Timothy 3:6

Captive,silly women laden with sins?

Led away with diverse of lust?

OR  free in Christ,strengthened by Him to keep His law and daily gaining victory over sin?

Mortifying every fleshly desire,no longer living in the flesh and ” Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ”(2 Corinthians 10:5)

RESULTS OF MY CEREBRUM

They tell us to accentuate the curves,the beautiful eyes and all other physical aspects
But he tells us,to not let our beauty come from "outward adorning" but from a meek and gentle spirit (inward)

They tell us to do as we please and to fulfill every sexual desire but he calls us to not live in the flesh but to walk in the spirit

They tell us to climb the ladder while disregarding the duties of life,but He tells to be women who can take care of the home and cook healthy food irregardless of the fact that not all of us will marry (still struggling with this,but by His grace He will enable me)

They tell us we can do what every male can,uprooting the beauty of femininity

They tell us to follow our feelings,but He calls us to subject every desire o His will

They tell us to believe in ourselves,in our abilities but He calls us to draw strength from him

They call us to self-esteem,focusing on ourselves but he calls to self-respect

They call us to free sexual intercourse outside the marriage context,but he calls us to purity and waiting

They tell us we're incomplete,if we're not in a relationship but He calls us to HImself-the One who has loved us with an everlasting love,the fountain of life

Lessons from travelling by train

Before I get into the lessons I've learnt from blog,I must admit,I really enjoy travelling by train.It's one of the things I really miss about Cape Town.It brings much peace to me.It's my time to meditate on certain things and just view the beautiful creation of God-inside the train and outside.

Travelling by train has brought funny experiences as I look back.I remember this one time I was visiting a friend in some part of Cape Town.And when I got to the exit,I couldn't find my ticket.I was scared,so I ended up going,as I thought you pay R40.

Then the other time,while visiting the same friend,I got on the next stop instead of dropping off on the one before it.And guess what?I thought I could probably walk back by foot,hahaha but I ended up going home since I was scared and it was far anyway.

Getting off the wrong stop made me to be vigilant and I always prefer sitting by the window so that I check all the train stations we pass.In fact,I refuse to sit down.I prefer standing by the door.And I now even calculate the number of stops we pass,so I can know if I've arrived to my destination,just to be safe.I know it's a bit extreme,but I enjoy it.

But this experience also has a spiritual application.When you've fallen into a certain sin,you must reflect on how you got there in the first place.Then you are to guard against everything that might lead you to fall into the same sin.The verse below explain it clearly;

2 Corinthians 7:11King James Version (KJV)

¹¹ For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

 

Then yesterday I missed a train.I was 10 minutes away from reaching it and I just watched it leave me.But atleast another one followed after 30 minutes,so not bad at all :).

The whole thing of missing a train made me think about losing eternal life.There's nothing you can do about it and you just see it passing.In my case,I could get a train again.But you cannot get another chance if you lose eternal life.

 In every area of life,God speaks to us!

A thought in my mind

I know of students who'd rather not eat,sleep rather than not study.The same students are willing to go on without prayer and bible study

I know of people who have persevered being mistreated by their spouses with the hope that all would get better one day

I know of people who are willing to starve themselves and save up money for something they want

I know of people who believe in love,that they are willing to go to extremes just to be in a relationship

I know of people who are driven and who have achieved much of their dreams through perseverance

But I always ask, why can't this drive for success,love,hoping for the better NOT be the same drive for one's salvation?

I mean,considering what Christ has done for us and what He has in store for us,isn't our time worth it when spent doing good,in prayer and Bible study-not as an obligation but as a privilege.Why is it that we are willing to miss prayer-the breath of life and time to commune with God,over an episode?

How can we can be willing to stick it out with someone but we are not willing to commit to God-the source of our being?

How is it that we'd rather persevere certain trials BUT WE ARE NOT WILLING TO SUFFER A LITTLE WHILE FOR Christ's sake-which is really for our own sake?

Why has God taken last place in our lives-when He's the source of everything?

I admit,there has been times when I've been tempted to watch tv/chat/blog instead of doing my evening devotion;but when I realised that I was the one missing out on having a meaningful relationship with God,I always lose sight of all the things that are not salvational to me.

But this thought still remains:why are we willing to chase after perishable things which will only break and harm us;instead of choosing the One who seeks to mend us,give us victory over sin and eternal life?

Could it be that we do not really understand of God's love for us or we take too little time to contemplate on His love?

Why is our salvation a matter of little thought to us?

WHAT MANNER OF LOVE IS THIS?

"The spotless Son of God hung upon the cross,His flesh lacerated with stripes; those hands so often reached out in blessing,nailedvto the wooden bars; spiked to the tree; that royal head pierced by the crown of thorns; those quivering lips,shaped to the crown of woe.And all that He endured-the blood drops that flowed from His head,His hands,His feet,the agony that racked His frame,and the unutterable anguish that filled His soul at the hiding of His Father's face-speaks to each child of humanity,declaring,It is thee that the Son of God consents to bear this burden of guilt; for thee He spoils the domain of death,and opens the gates of Paradise.He who stilled the angry waves and walked in the foam-capped billows, who made devils tremble and disease flee,who opened blind eyes and called forth the dead to life,-offers Himself upon the cross as a sacrifice,AND THIS FROM LOVE TO THEE.He,the Sin Bearer,endures the wrath of divine justice,and for thy sake becomes sin itself"-The Desire of Ages,pp755-756

Bruised,insulted,mocked,hated,beaten,slapped,rejected,crucified JUST FOR ME!

Thanksgiving and Reflections

I am thankful to God for the privilege of blogging,I've missed it so much.But I always write my thoughts on my journal.

But more than anything, I am thankful to God for carrying me through 2015.Last year,I really learnt to wait on the Lord and finally realise that there is absolutely no way I can depend on myself.
 
I am thankful for the trials.They taught me more about who God is and how excellent His ways and timing are for me.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to go to Limpompo and Jo'burg,both experiences taught me more about myself and how much I need God.

I've learnt the following lessons:

God cannot be fooled.It sounds obvious but believe me it's so easy to get to a point where you care more about what others think,instead of God.I was in that position. I wanted people to view me as this Gof-fearing person to the extent that some things were done out of seeking approval from others.Then,when I was in Limpompo on a mission,God exposed me to my defects and I am eternally grateful for that.I decided to read the Great Controversy,on Investigative Judgement a multiple times.One thing stood out for me:God judges our motives and nothing is hidden from Him.This truly liberated me.I stopped caring whether others thought I was "spiritual",whether I was reserved and meek and I started focusing on what God thinks.I am learning to deal truly with myself,without seeking to "seem".

A form of godliness robs us of true communion with God.Even worse,it blinds us of our own defects.One verse that stuck with me at the mission was 2 Corinthians 13:5,where we are counselled to examine ourselves if we are walking in the faith and I was shocked to know the answer.But this taught me to be myself.I am way too faulty but I care little what others think of me.I now am concerned with whether God is pleased.As much as it's a scary for people to know your shortcomingd,the scariest thing is having my name rejected in the book of life,hurting God and the Holy Spirit no longer dwelling with you.When God matters more,you no longer feel pressured.

2. When God would like you to do something,he goes to the extent of removing every obstacle,just to leave you without excuse.He did that for me with regards to the missions at Limpompo.Everything just fell into place.


3.Your unselfish deed is an answer to someone's prayer.By being selfish,you might misrepresent God.

4.Quoting Scripture on every sentence,status etc does not necessarily mean you are a Christian-your life will prove so.You can not even say a thing about God but people will be able to tell you are a Christian.

5.Whatever duty is laid by God will ALWAYS benefit us more than those you help.Going to Limpompo helped me more than anything I did for others.

6.Serving those nearest to us is what will prepare us for heaven,partly of course.I learnt that I do get lazy,especially when it's hot.But that's no excuse.And the more you do it,the greater your joy.

7.I've learnt to ignore some things that people say or do to me because heaven is worth much more;than losing over petty  things.

8.Don't hide your faults from God.

9.You and I can never be a standard for anything:dress reform,health reform etc;the word of God and the testimonies are.

10. It's actually okay to spend some time apart from loved ones just to spend time with God;you need Him.

11. Don't impose your convictions on others-especially when not biblical.

12. Love needs not be partial!I've leant to love even those that aren't my friend and what joy it brings.Love others as you do your closest friends,for Christ's sake.

13.It's not enough to show love but pray too for others.

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