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

Authenticty

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LOVE IN ACTION

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

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

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

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

22 October 1844

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Can't depend on PREACHERS or ANYONE for that matter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is your relationship making you better?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morning Devotion:Heart Examination

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