SCARS SIN HAS LEFT

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

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

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

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

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

IT BEGINS IN THE HOME

Christianity begins at home.

Love begins at home.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God of time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Evolution Theory

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

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

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

But this comforts me:

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

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

MY SISTERS

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

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

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

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

MISCARRIAGE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is courtship:

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

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

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

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

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


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

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


#Fearfully learning 

 

What happens when we die?

• Death: What Happens and where are the dead?

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

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

(Genesis 2:7)

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

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

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

( Ecclesiastes 3:19-21)

When one dies, the opposite of creation occurs:

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

(Ecclesiastes 12:7)

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

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

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

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

(Genesis 3:19)

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

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

The dead know nothing:

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

( Ecclesiastes 9:5)

Their memory is not active nor are the conscious:

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

( Ecclesiastes 9:6)

The dead do not praise God:

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

(Psalm 115:17)

There is no activity in the grave:

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

(Ecclesiastes 9:10)

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

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

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

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

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

A ROSE AMONGST WEEDS:REVIVING THE SPIRIT OF DORCAS

About a month ago,an elderly woman had visited the church I worship in with  five (or more) children.She then stood up to share a testimony that God was doing in a girl she had taken to look after.I also learnt that she was feeding soup to the children in her neighbourhood.The Lord had impressed it upon my heart to do something concerning the children and so I had prayed that I'd see her again,especially this past Sabbath.

So,I cheerfully went to church and Lo and behold,the elderly woman was there.I couldn't stop thanking God.So,I went back home to bring her the clothes I decided to give for the children-since I wasn't wearing them and since I had decided to get rid of all my short dresses and other immodest clothes.So,when I came back,she happened to be outside and I gave her the parcel and she was grateful and gave me a hug.She then invited me for lunch to her house.

I then went to her house for lunch.She lives in a neighbourhood that's marked with poverty.When I entered her house I was taken aback.The thought that this old woman was feeding and clothing other people's children while her house wasn't fancy really struck me.But I immediately felt welcomed and it was such a cosy house-neat and lovely.

So,she offered me food and we spent the whole afternoon listening to presentations on health and 2 sermons on Pastor Paul Charles.I was blessed to the utmost.I was comforted to know that even in this sin-filled world,even in this generation that doesn't possess self-forgetfulness there are servants of God.What even comforted me more was the fact that she was an elderly woman and she shared the word of God with me.At some point I felt like there weren't any aged women I could look up to,except for a few.But she exceeded my expectations.

And God is really impressing in my heart the importance of serving him in the little that I have.As the youth,we often think we cannot help feed the hungry,clothe the poor and more,since we are often dependent on our parents.But God has taught me how untrue this concept is.We can do some good by sharing with others what we have.This also has made me realize the importance of being able to sustain myself so I can help where I can.

We often daydream of opening shelters or having a salary which will  enable us to give to others or the poor,but I now know:he who cannot share whilst he has little,can never share when he has much.The servant who was given one talent would have never been faithful even if he were to be given more,since he could not be faithful with one little thing.

God is really teaching me wonderful lessons through His willing vessels.God has opened my eyes and I'm learning that there's a lot of ways to serve the Lord while serving others.We often seek to do big things for God,but we must allow Him to use us in smaller ways so as to be prepared to handle the bigger things.If it so happens that we never are afforded the greater opportunities,we can  do mcuh in the little we have.Plus,what we esteem LITTLE in our eyes,isn't little in His eyes.

You don't  need much to serve.A willingness to serve is the start and we are to ask God to imbue us with wisdom so that we may be able to see opportunities in which we can do much for Him.

"Little is much,when God is in it"

Let us lay aside the spirit of seeking vain glory,the spirit of seeking to be highly esteemed.We can do much for God,even in the humblest form.

Of late,through certain books and blogs,I've found myself wondering:Will people cry for me,like they cried for Dorcas?Would the hope of many be removed in my absence?Not that any should have hope IN me!But what difference am I doing in other people's lives?

It's sad how we seem to think we are entitled to tomorrow.It's sad how we seem to think we will live for ever.Death comes and may we ever keep this in mind.More than so,may we ever remember that Christ is busy deciding our fate and anytime the door of mercy may close on each one of us.May we improve every opportunity,for the sake our Master,our souls and that of others.

Each one of us,whever we can,can do much to brighten our surroundings and draw others to God.

"No one can practice real benevolence without self-denial. Only by a life of simplicity, self-denial, and close economy is it possible for us to accomplish the work appointed us as Christ’s representatives. Pride and worldly ambition must be put out of our hearts. In all our work, the principle of unselfishness revealed in Christ’s life is to be carried out. Upon the walls of our homes, the pictures, the furnishings, we are to read, “Bring the poor that are cast out to thy house.” On our wardrobes were are to see written, as with the finger of God, “Clothe the naked.” In the dining-room, on the table laden with abundant food, we should see traced, “Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry?”-MYP,320



#It begins with me
#Reviving the Spirit of Dorcas

WILL YOU GIVE UP YOUR VINEYARD?

(Based on 1 Kings 21)

"1 And it came to pass after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria.

² And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money.
³ And Naboth said to Ahab, The Lord forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.
⁴ And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread."~1-4

There is a powerful object lesson from this story.Naboth valued the vineyard he had inherited from his father more than anything.This vineyard could be equated with riches,for he valued so much.When king Ahab money and another vineyard he didn't have to think about it-he refused because this was an "inheritance".At the end Naboth is killed (you'll have to read the whole chapter).This vineyard was worth so much to him that he was willing to die for it.  

This is the attitude we need to have when it comess to our faith-our relationship with God,the salvation freely given to us.To a certain extent,it is an inheritance that has been passed from our forefathers (Abraham).Like Ahab,the devil seeks to take this inheritance away from us and He does it in various ways.

Like Ahab,he offers money,worldly riches,world attainments and more.As the youth he presents us with a false picture:a life of prosperity,a life free from duty and a life which is seemingly peaceful.But like Naboth,we are to stand true to this great gift of salvation.We also see that Naboth was not threatened by Ahab's position-he didn't even have to think or even consider what he offered.So should we.God's will should be the ultimate determining factor,even when we relate to those of higher positions.

Ahab also offered Ahab another vineyard in exchange of his.I mean what what harm could it do and it might serve the same purpose anyway,right?Well,Satan does the same with us.He offers a counterfeit relationship with God.He doesn't need us to leave the church.We can still have this "vineyard" in another form:"having the form of godliness,but denying the power thereof"(1 Timothy 3:5).

But like Naboth,let us refuse his offer and his suggestions.We are to guard our relationship with God so closely and let nothing come between us,even at the point of death.What Christ has done for us and what he offers,is worth dying for.Blood has been shed for us to have this liberty of enjoying worshipping God without our lives been at stake.We still have the privilege of reading our Bibles-when in the dark ages this wasn't a privilege for many.Many have been burned,abused,beaten,denied food and more just so we can have the light of the gospel.Some (waldenses) have lived in caves just to keep the Gospel in its truest form and undiluted.Such an inheritance-so full and free!

Like Naboth loved his vineyard unto death,let's also do the same.We are promised,"Yea,and all that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution"(2 Timothy 3:12).This may come in any form,but our relationship with God and the salvation we have received is NOT worth giving up.


^" Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."~Revelation 2:10

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."~Revelation 12:11

May we hold fast the gift of salvation freely given

My we choose poverty,scorn,ridicule,loneliness,seperation from loved ones,loss than to give up our heritage

May we not accept money-if it mean we will neglect duty and transgress God's law

May we choose to be in rags,if need be,for truth

May we choose to be "singular and straight laced" than to fit in

May we choose truth,rather than a counterfeit

And if it so happens that we have to die for we LIVE and believe,let us remember those who die in the Lord,will resurrect to eternal life (John 5:29;1 Thessalonians  4:13-17).

 

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

P/S:If there are any errors,forgive me,have to rush-Sabbath preps :)

WOMANHOOD

"Womanhood stands for all that is pure and clean and noble. She who does not make the world better for having lived in it, has failed to be all that a woman should be."~Mabel Hale

Lately,I've been learning what it really means to be a woman,in God's eyes and God is teaching me a lot.What I've come to realise is that, womanhood is a high calling and it requires one to entirely surrender all to God,for apart from Him we can never reach our ideal.Who better to consult,than the Creator of the woman Himself?

 “To understand the meaning of womanhood we have to start with God. If He is indeed “Creator of all things visible and invisible” .He is certainly in charge of all things, visible and invisible, stupendous and miniscule, magnificent and trivial. God has to be in charge of details if He is going to be in charge of the overall design.”~Elisabeth Elliot

Thus far,I've learnt that womahood has little to do with the externals-outward beauty.Womanhood is characterized by the character and if we want to be women,in the truest sense,we really need to allow the Holy Spirit to work within us; so that we may be righteous as God is.

The world has made womanhood so cheap,with no requirement of self-denial or standard to reach.But then again,we can never trust the world to define anything for us.The world would have us believe that, the more we focus our attention on outward beauty,the worthier we become.The world would have us believe that our value comes from accomplishments and all that we possess.But true womanhood is founded on God's standard and is far more different than what womanhood is made out to be-frivolous and feeding to it's sensual desires.

God admonishes us:"Favour is deceitful,and beauty is vain:but a woman that feareth the Lord,she shall be praised"(Proverbs 31:30).

"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."(1 Peter 3:3-4)

We know that beauty diminishes,but here a beautiful contrast is made:the character,inward beauty doesn't fade.A godly character is the standard we should all strive for.One who is beautiful inside will beautify her surroundings.

When we lay down our selfish desires,when we do not need get validation from other people's opinions,when we don't don't thrive on attention,when we are not striving for first place,when our thoughts dwell on how we can bless and serve others,when we are not self-absorbed, then we are on the journey of being women.

The world would have us think that all that we possess and all that is ours is to minister to our flfillment even if it's not ennobling.The world would have us think that we were given eyes to behold that which is impure and what tickles  our fancy,while it brings no dignity.But our eyes were meant to see where there's a need,to see where there's sorrow and more,but we can ONLY possess such when we are acquianted with God.

The world would have us think that our speech is for flirting,degrading,criticism,and more,but our speech is to soothe,encourage,to speak kindly,gently and to ever inspire others to reach God's ideal for them.

The world would have us think that we can engage in whatever conversation,in jesting,gossip but all that comes from our mouths is to ever edify.


The world would have us think our hands are meant to be manicured,to type endless,senseless conversations and to rest in idleness and to touch the unclean.But our hands should ever be streched in service like our Master's,they should only be involved in handling that which is holy and doing good to others.

The world would have us think that a loose woman,who is not subject to any principles,who's bold enough to approach and pursue men (a man) is courageous;but courage is bearing struggles,trials in quiteness and standing for God,even in this sin-filled world.

The world would have us think that a woman who does not restrain her emotions and desires is free,but true freedom is having our emotions,tempers,desires,thoughts,appetite subject to God's principles.True womanhood calls us to not feed or be slaves to the sensual but to maintain purity of mind.

The world would have us think,our feet are to be clad in the most gorgeous shoes and they are to step anywhere,but our feet should be swift in doing good and swift to flee from evil.

True womanhood begins with God and ends with Him.