Post-Mission-Part 1

I must confess,prior this mission I really loved health expos as I felt they were more relevant to my field and they really are a door to reaching out people.Often,some people are less open to the Word-God's Word that is.But the minute you talk about health,they listen.So,I've learnt that the health message must go hand-in-hand with the gospel.

But this time around our audience was different.We spent three weeks at a Cape Town community in KuilsRiver.When we started we were about 11 and we stayed at different places.Since the schools were closed,we had to move out of student residence and it would not have been convenient for us to travel to and fro anyway.So,each family at church adopted us and I am so glad they did.I'll share about that some other time,under the title "adoptive parents" or something like that :).All I can say is,I found another family in Cape Town that is just awesome.

The idea for the mission was that there were going to be two groups:one for the vocational bible school and door-to-door group.But due to lack of a venue for the school,we couldn't have them and as I look back I am thankful.When our plans seem to fail,God has something better in mind,that will accomplish much than the failed plan.

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One part of the community consists of coloured people and most houses are brick and they have electricity.It also has many young people and children running around.The place is rife with drug use.It also consist of some foreigners from Angola,Rwanda and Zimbabwe.


So,ja,we started doing door-to-door and handing out VOP lessons and sharing stories with children on the street.All I can say is,there is a group of people that is really hungry for God's Word.They are waiting and when we come,they will readily listen.There's another group that is surrounded by the bond of the devil and they need to be pointed back to the Saviour who is mighty to save .

We would meet each morning at 9 and have personal devotion.We were reading the book of Acts and each person shared.Then after that we'd have a study on the lessons we'd share with the people.We covered the purpose of man,the origin of evil,the character of God,judgement,repentance,and so forth.We worked in pairs-two brothers or a sister and a brother.

These are some of the lessons I learnt:

-As a missionary,you must have a personal experience with God and you must have a consistent walk with God.When you have an experience,then you carry much conviction.You speak about what you've seen and what you've experienced yourself and what God continues to do in your life.So you are acquainted with the struggles of those you are trying to win because you are a sinner.To put it clearly,"As His representatives among men,God does not choose angels who have never fallen,but human beings,men of like passions with those they seek to save.Christ took humanity that He might reach humanity.A divine-human Saviour was needed to bring salvation to the world.And to men and to women has been committed the sacred trust of making knows the 'unsearchable riches of Christ' -Ephesians 3:8"-The Acts of the Apostles,p.318

-You must first love those you work with before you can love the souls outside.This sounds easier than said.Honestly,it's hard.What makes it hard?Self and different personalities.Initially,there were clashes.Why?Because I'm someone who expects others to act in a certain way.Don't command me around without a please *coughs*.I really need the meek and quiet spirit-pray for me as I pray for myself.But I later understood that we're different and it was really hard initially.But as I prayed for these individuals I begin to love them truly and I even miss them.I've learnt that love is a choice.Often,it's easy to love those who think like us,held the same views,not too loud etc.But I guess one has to spend more time with people and understand them.I had one brother teaching me on social relations.Also,unity is very crucial :) or the work fails.Also,the Holy Spirit is needed.Why am I sharing this?To let others know this journey is a struggle and one needs to continue pray and overcome.Also,for those who think they are struggling.For some loving is not a problem,it's something else.But God is faithful!These statements really kept me and they keep pushing me as I go on to relate to others:

"Every association of life calls for the exercise of self-control, forbearance, and sympathy. We differ so widely in disposition, habits, education, that our ways of looking at things vary. We judge differently. Our understanding of truth, our ideas in regard to the conduct of life, are not in all respects the same. There are no two whose experience is alike in every particular. The trials of one are not the trials of another. The duties that one finds light are to another most difficult and perplexing.
So frail, so ignorant, so liable to misconception is human nature, that each should be careful in the estimate he places upon another. We little know the bearing of our acts upon the experience of others. What we do or say may seem to us of little moment, when, could our eyes be opened, we should see that upon it depended the most important results for good or for evil."-Ministry of Healing,ch.41,p.483

"So long as we are in the world, we shall meet with adverse influences. There will be provocations to test the temper; and it is by meeting these in a right spirit that the Christian graces are developed. If Christ dwells in us, we shall be patient, kind, and forbearing, cheerful amid frets and irritations. Day by day and year by year we shall conquer self, and grow into a noble heroism. This is our allotted task; but it cannot be accomplished without help from Jesus, resolute decision, unwavering purpose, continual watchfulness, and unceasing prayer. Each one has a personal battle to fight. Not even God can make our characters noble or our lives useful, unless we become co-workers with Him. Those who decline the struggle lose the strength and joy of victory.  "-Ministry of Healing,ch.41,p.487

I really advise that missionaries to read chapter 41 of the Ministry of Healing.Actually the whole book is great-practical tips on being a Christian and a missionary :).

To be continued,hopefully,since I have so much to write about that making a series of one subject just ends up in my journal etc.God is great and He is faithful <3!

1st July 2016:Reflection

Yay,we onto the 7th month!This year is going so fast!

So far,so good because God is faithful in ALL that he has promised.He is a covenant-keeping God.

He is so gracious.

He answers prayers,especially when we cry to him sincerely,with an understanding of how filthy we are and how much we need His grace.

Walking with Him has been a joy and he has been teaching beautiful lessons.

More than anything,He has been my refuge and strength,a VERY present help in need.

He has been a refuge in times of weariness,fear,and in good times too.

MY plea:taste and see how good God is!

Glad it's Sabbath soon!

ALCOHOL:THE CAUSE OF WOE -PART 1

A month ago,while walking to my friend's house I came across an ironic statement.A truck was written,"say no to underage drinking.It takes a village to raise a child".What I found ironic and saddening was that,these same individuals who produce alcohol are the same cause for broken families.Many children have to raise themselves because their mothers and fathers are slaves to alcohol.

I grew up watching families where everyone was a drunkard.From the grandparents,to the aunts,and this only resulted in children who were not taken care of and whose needs were not really taken into consideration.I've watched children having to drop out of school because the mother used the money to feed her drunkenness.These children then spend much time in the street and are exposed to many evils.

But one mental image I still hold and still hurts me is one of a young boy of about 4 years  of age who had to drag his staggering,drunken mother away from the road.This made me tear up and I often wonder what future does this little boy have?In fact,he was begging his mother tearfully to not go to the mainroad.I and my mom managed to get her atleast inside the vicinity.

Recently,a college student raped a certain woman because of alcohol.Women suffer abuse in the hands of their drunk husbands.Alcohol is a curse to mankind.Homes have been broken,the future of many children turned into darkness because of a father who drinks rather  than pay for the fees of the child.Many a child has to go to bed on an empty stomach,not due to employment,but because of alcoholism.Many have died due to drunken driving,some raped,beaten and mistreated because of this poison.


Marriage Vows Melted in the Fiery Liquid.—Look upon the
drunkard’s home. Mark the squalid poverty, the wretchedness, the
unutterable woe that are reigning there. See the once happy wife fleeing
before her maniac husband. Hear her plead for mercy as the cruel blows
fall on her shrinking form. Where are the sacred vows made at the
marriage altar? where is the love to cherish, the strength to protect
her now? Alas, these have been melted like precious pearls in the fiery
liquid, the cup of abominations! Look upon those half-naked children.
Once they were cherished tenderly. No wintry storm, nor the cold breath
of the world’s contempt and scorn, was permitted to approach them. A
father’s care, a mother’s love, made their home a paradise. Now all is
changed. Day by day the cries of agony wrenched from the lips of the
drunkard’s wife and children go up to heaven.—The Review and Herald,

November 8, 1881/Temperance,p31

The devil Himself is the author of the wine,that is,fermented wine.

SOP tells us that the devil met with his angels in a counsel to devise ways in which they could destroy mankind and after so many suggestions,the devil came to the conclusion of fermenting  wine to alcohol.I just forgot the reference-I'll try to remember it.But consider these scary statements:

Indulgence in intoxicating liquor places a man wholly under the
control of the demon who devised this stimulant in order to deface and
destroy the moral image of God.—Manuscript 1, 1899/Temperance,32


Behind the
liquor seller stands the mighty destroyer of souls, and every act which
earth or hell can devise is employed to draw human beings under his

power.--Temperance,24

Thus he [Satan] works when
he entices men to sell the soul for liquor. He takes possession of body,
mind, and soul, and it is no longer the man, but Satan, who acts. And the
cruelty of Satan is expressed as the drunkard lifts his hand to strike down
the wife he has promised to love and cherish as long as life shall last. The
deeds of the drunkard are an expression of Satan’s violence.—Medical

Ministry, 114/Temperance,32



Of course we may argue that the consumer is not forced to buy alcohol but the Bible counsels us to  be careful when we exercise our freedom;not be stumbling blocks to the weak (1 Corinthians 8:9).The principle of love is that it does no harm (Romans 13:10).In fact,God does not entertain those who sell alcohol.He holds them accountable.

“Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; ... that saith, I will build me a wide house and large chambers, and cutteth him out windows; and it is ceiled with cedar, and painted with vermilion. Shalt thou reign, because thou closest thyself in cedar? ... Thine eyes and thine heart are not but for thy covetousness, and for to shed innocent blood, and for oppression, and for violence, to do it.” Jeremiah 22:13-17.

The Responsibility of the Liquor Dealer.—Those who sell
intoxicating liquor to their fellow men ... receive the earnings of the
drunkard, and give him no equivalent for his money. Instead of this, they
give him that which maddens him, which makes him act the fool, and
turns him into a demon of evil and cruelty.But angels of God have witnessed every step in the downward path,
and have traced every consequence that resulted from a man’s placing
the bottle to his neighbor’s lips. The liquor dealer is written in the
records among those whose hands are full of blood. He is condemned for
keeping on hand the poisonous draft by which his neighbor is tempted to
ruin, and by which homes are filled with wretchedness and degradation.
The Lord holds the liquor dealer responsible for every penny that comes
to his till out of the earnings of the poor drunkard, who has lost all moral
power, who has sunk his manhood in drink.—The Review and Herald,
May 8, 1894/Temperance,39,40 


There will be no excuse for the liquor dealers in that day
when every man shall receive according to his works. Those who have
destroyed life, will by their own life have to pay the penalty. God’s law

is holy and just and good.—Letter 90, 1908/Temperance,41,42

Research shows:

High Percentage of Crime Attributable to Liquor.—Nine tenths of
those who are taken to prison are those who have learned to drink.—The
Review and Herald, May 8, 1894/Temperance,23


The Testimony of the Judiciary.—The relation of crime to
intemperance is well understood by men who have to deal with those
who transgress the laws of the land. In the words of a Philadelphia judge:
“We can trace four fifths of the crimes that are committed to the influence
of rum. There is not one case in twenty where a man is tried for his life,
in which rum is not the direct or indirect cause of the murder. Rum and
blood, I mean the shedding of blood, go hand in hand.”—Drunkenness

and Crime, page 7/Temperance,23

Ever thought of the good the money used in alcohol could make?I always have.

The Starving Might Be Fed.—The cries of the starving millions in
our world would soon be hushed if the money put into the tills of the
liquor sellers were spent in alleviating the sufferings of humanity. But
the evil is constantly increasing. The youth are being educated to love
the vile stuff, and this is ruining them, soul and body. The work they
might do in God’s vineyard they refuse to do.—Manuscript 139, 1899/Temperance,29

Something worth think about.I'll definitely do a further study on this and hopefully in the future,I'll continue writing about it.

One interesting thing?I once read three articles on the effect of alcohol on the brain.Before I share the findings,consider this:the brain cells,neurons,cannot be multiplied!They can only be depleted and everytime you drink,they are destroyed but of course with age as well.

In the study they found that occasional drinking,once in a while,also causes deterioration including loss of planning,decision making and reasoning amongst other brain functions.The part of the brain that allows us to be able to execute these tasks is the frontal lobe.So,if you lose this function,you are likely to rely on the limbic system.The limbic system is part of the brain,found in the cerebral cortex that consist of the hippocampus ,basal ganglia and amygdala.The hippocampus is for memory-allows us to remember things and the amygdala is where emotions sit.So,you are likely to be controlled by emotions as you would have lost your reasoning capacities.You definitely don't want that.Consider this,God calls us to come and 'reason' with Him (Isaiah 1:18) considering our sin problem.But how can we reason if we've lost this capability?

God calls us to give ourselves as a living sacrifice-this being our 'reasonable' service (Romans 12:1-2).God appeals to the frontal lobe and not to the emotions.Could there be a link between alcohol and our salvation?Things to consider.

Interesting findings on moderate drinking,consider this:

Moderate Drinking.—Moderate drinking is the school in which men
are receiving an education for the drunkard’s career.—The Review and
Herald, March 25, 1884/Temperance,30

A GOD OF JUSTICE AND MERCY:PART 1

I must say 2016 is really an interesting year and proof that we are truly living in end times as the word of God (Bible) states.From gay people being killed by so called 'Christians' to racists claiming God requires them to be racist.All of this saddens me because it is a misrepresentation of who God is.And I realize why it is important to know God (Jeremiah 9:23-24).If we have a thorough knowledge of who God is,then we will be true representatives of Him.A thorough knowledge of God has a direct link to our salvation.Jesus said," And this is life eternal,that they might know the the only true God,and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent."(John 17:3)

Perhaps we can take this as an introduction of who God is,so that we may rightly serve and represent Him.

From Creation,will learn that God made mankind according to His likeness-the origin of mankind comes from God.From origin,the was one race,on language.God set laws that govern His kingdom and sadly,mankind was deceived into disregarding one of the commands.Sin entered and through sin,there was division.The point of departure has been disobedience/obedience to God's laws ALONE.

When men disregarded God's law,He then introduced a distinction to stop their plans of rebelling-the language was introduced and that's why we have such diversity.Then God chose a particular people,NOT BASED ON THEIR RACE,LANGUAGE,WEALTH etc but on the grounds that they would obey His commandments.So,throughout the Bible God has always sought to have people who adhere to His commandments for their own good and because he detests sin-which is defiance of His law.

But not only did God end there,He sent Jesus to die for EVERYONE'S sin-regardless of their race,sexuality,religion,social class etc.This is love (John 3:16),And as much as God is loving (1 John 4:8) He cannot tolerate sin because it's against His governance (1 John 3:4).In fact,it was for this reason Christ died-not only to die that we might have eternal life if we believe in Him,but to separate us with sin (1 John 3:5) and to help us to live in line with His commands (1 John 3:7).In fact,nowhere do we find in the Bible anything that's to do with God hating a certain race/anyone.Interestingly,only one thing can separate us from His love and having a relationship with Him-sin (Isaiah 59:2).Sin is a huge deal then,because the same Bible declares no situation can separate us from God (Romans 8:35;39) YET sin does!


So,we can conclude two things from God:God loves mankind and hates sin.

Is race sin?NO!So God does not hate any race.In fact,God Himself condemns partiality (James 2:9).Interestingly enough,when we show partiality/favor one group over another we sin---do that which God hates!In fact,God commands to love each other REGARDLESS of one's race.Then obviously,if we do the opposite we sin,which is what God hates.

So then,we can also establish that God shows no preference and he expects us to do the same.

Does God hate homosexuals?No!Why?Because they are humans.He loves them.Does God love homosexuality?NO,because it's defiance of His law.

See,God hates the 'acts'-homosexuality,racism NOT the individual.

Therefore,to be right with God we must part ways with that which He hates.

I'll add more Biblical content as time goes.Hopefully part 2 will be sooner.

HUMAN LIFE MATTERS REGARDLESS OF ANYTHING

Ignorance,superstition,and love of money combined are very dangerous and a curse to mankind;especially when human rights are trempled upon and one's life is taken for granted.

I was shocked to learn from a documentary that albinos are either mutilated or killed in Tanzania.They either mutilate the members of their bodies to use them in 'potions' or umuthi.These witch doctors believe because 'albinos' are 'white' having their limbs mixed in their potions will result to riches/wealth.The worst part is that the government is doing NOTHING about it;since most of its officials use 'muthi' themselves.

Some men who admitted to killing admitted their guilt but you could tell it's business for them.'Albinos' fear for their lives.A teenager was abducted and they cut her arm BUT FORTUNATELY she was rescued.She lives in fear.There are camps for them but the living conditions in those facilities are bad;the sometimes even go hungry because the government does not always deliver these food parcels.

When an 'albino' dies, some people have the audacity to exhume their bodies just have their limbs or genitals.
Because the community is entrenched in the witchcraft it's hard for them to stand against this injustice.Instead,if one reports a killing of an albino they are threatened or excommunicated :(.

In fact,this whole thing of calling them 'albinos' is sickening.It's sad that we relate to others with regards to solely physical appearance.

Devotional Snippet:Challenged to the utmost!!!

I am rebuked,challenged,and strengthened at the same time.So help me God!

"Success in this life, success in gaining the future life, depends upon a faithful, conscientious attention to the little things. Perfection is seen in the least, no less than in the greatest, of the works of God. The hand that hung the worlds in space is the hand that wrought with delicate skill the lilies of the field. And as God is perfect in his sphere, so we are to be perfect in ours. The symmetrical structure of a strong, beautiful character is built up by individual acts of duty. And faithfulness should characterize our life in the least as well as in the greatest of its details. Integrity in little things, the performance of little acts of fidelity and little deeds of kindness, will gladden the path of life; and when our work on earth is ended, it will be found that every one of the little duties faithfully performed has exerted an influence for good—an influence that can never perish.

The youth of our time may become as precious in the sight of God as was Samuel. By faithfully maintaining their Christian integrity, they may exert a strong influence in the work of reform. Such men are needed at this time. God has a work for every one of them. Never did men achieve greater results for God and humanity than may be achieved in this our day by those who will be faithful to their God-given trust. "-Patriarchs and Prophets,ch 55,p574

Reflection:Being a 22 year old

I have realized that I value meaningful friendships.I value spending time with others,especially when I can learn from them and it is through spending time with others that I learn more about myself.I'm learning that there's always a lesson you can get from associating with different people and I'm at a point where I value my female sisters,as they add value to my life.

Anyway,this blogpost was 'ínspired' by my sister (in Christ) who's three years younger than me.As we were conversing today,she told me how she felt young.That's because she was surrounded by people who are  older than her.She said we were matured.Hahaha how funny.I don't think of myself as this old individual.Being 'matured' is a trait that others see IN you and it cannot be acted out,as it will only become a burden.

You cannot rush growing up.It's one area that must been enjoyed to the fullest.By enjoy I mean you should appreciate every stage you find yourself in.As a 20 year old you should not worry that you are not as 'matured' as so and so.I think the only important thing is allowing God to lead you and to constantly follow where He leads.The 'matured' part will happens on its own.You need not be pressured because others know more than you.ALL that matters is using every opportunity to become the person God wants you to be,WITHOUT worrying about whether you are like them or not.

One thing being 22 has taught me is,walk your journey with God,without being worried much about how others view you.The most important thing is your relationship with God and if that is well,and you continue to nurture it,everything else falls into place.

By rushing through life,you actually reflect and feel like you haven't lived.I think I did that-did not allow myself to be around young people since I did not want to be part of frivolous,meaningless conversations.I assumed that every young,LOUD person is like that-I'm sorry :)!But I've now learnt that one needs wisdom on how to interact.

I feel like I've been in a box where I was too scared to live,too scared to be myself,and I'm finally free.And I can honestly say life is beautiful-beautiful because God is in it.

OKAY,the whole point was,don't rush into adulthood;savor each moment.Build meaningful relationships.Laugh and go crazy-crazy in the sense that it's okay to visit your friend's room and jump on their bed (atleast when I was 20 my best friend and I did that).It's okay to allow yourself to grow without being too hard on yourself.It's okay to hold certain views even if they will wean off as you grow.You need not to come across all 'matured'.Even at 22,I'm still figuring out some things-a lot I mean,still learning about myself and so forth.

So relax.Don't worry yourself about how 25 would be like.I think I spent most days worrying about that,such that time just went by quickly.So,as much as growing older can be scary,when you live a meaningful life,at least,it's not as bad.

Thankful Sunday

Thankful for a God who always makes provision.A God who has an answer before us and who always provides a solution.Today,God reminded me that,He can handle His business.I need not to trust myself but to let Him lead me with His righteous hand!I am thankful for having such a God who gently leads us in the unknown while He Has been there before us.

Thankful to be surrounded by individuals who love God sincerely,who are willing to sacrifice everything just to see God's work going forward.Thankful that they are willing to work hand in hand with me,to make the burden even lighter.

It was a blessed Sabbath once again,I'll surely do a reflection on the sermon:). Tempted to write it now,but I've got good company-onto sisterhood :).Of course,I'm showing off.Being 22 makes you appreciate every chance you spend with other sisters :) <3.

Thankful Friday

This month has been really beautiful.I'm really thankful for God's leading.Have you ever had experiences where you are aware of God's leading?I've had those for over month,even today I had one.I went searching for the traffic department.I had searched for it in google and asked a lady to confirm.When I got there,I was given new directions.

On my way,I saw the sign and I walked for about a maximum of fifteen minutes and still couldn't see it.I decided to take the other direction.In my mind,I knew it wasn't the right route to take.As I got to the end of the steet,the place wasn't there.So,I decided to go back to the original board and check the sign again.And as I was headed to where the sign pointed,a sister from a certain church I've been attending appears out of nowhere and calls me.She then gave me a lift to the traffic department.Such providence!Just talking to her always uplifts the soul.

I think of moments when the Holy Spirit will impress upon me to leave so that I can catch the train and I would arrive just in time to catch it.Or I'd be impressed to leave and take a particular path just to meet someone who might need my help or a friend or whatever.I don't think such events occur by chance.To me,they show how possible it is to walk with God every step of the way,on a daily basis.

I'm thankful for individuals who just check up on me when they are dealing with a lot themselves.I thank God for these individuals.

I'm thankful for friends who are friends in the truest sense-who call out to me when I'm in the wrong,who pray for and with me.Friends who allow me to be vulnerable and who share their struggles with me-these are proof that I'm not struggling alone.

I'm thankful for the truth that God has revealed to me.It's sad to see people deceived while thinking they are on the right path.I came across a couple online who kept the true Sabbath.The sad thing was,they still worship ancestors.The Sabbath that was meant to point mankind to the true God and turn them away from idol worship .I pray that they realize truth.

I'm thankful for God-where would I even start?God is the only One who keeps me.I have hope because He is in my life.

I'm also thankful for His moral law.If it wasn't for His enabling grace to keep it,I know my life would be a mess.I really find myself wondering how do people survive without God's law?It is indeed holy and the law of liberty-liberty from danger and woe.I thank God for being a holy God who seeks to bring us back to His image.

I'm thankful for individuals who are passionate about God.Individuals who are not silent about God's goodness in their lives.

BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD!

It's easy to get weary in this Christian journey.One moment of carelessness,one moment of giving in,one moment of sleeping can lead to a stagnant walk with God.And it takes much effort to just get back where you were spiritually.I've had such an experience myself. I took time to evaluate the cause.Although I will not go into detail due to time or saving the info for a later stage,there are a few things I've noted.

We are to be intentional with our relationship with God.I'm sure we have all pursued something;whether it's a degree,weight loss or whatever.In pursuing something,we are not to lose focus and there's a reason behind pursuing something.Let's take an example of pursuing a degree:you pursue it so that you can make a living and be helpful to others.

I've learnt that when we understand how important God is to us,then He becomes a priority.I'm at a point in my life where I realize I need God the most.Even if I may have people to turn to,they are limited.They cannot give me strength when I'm weary,they cannot give me victory over sin and they cannot be omnipresent.These qualities I can only find in God and He is my refuge.And since my relationship with God is so crucial,then there are things I cannot do without like prayer and reading His Word.So I need to daily make a conscious decision to pray and have my devotions and spend time with Him.

It's also important to have goals.It's important to assess your relationship with God and decide what you need to improve on and what  you'd love to learn.In my case,I've realized that my knowledge of prophecy (Daniel and Revelation) is limited and I need to study these subjects extensively.And I've decided to do something about this.So,we need to always have aims we'd like to achieve and it is through this that we grow.We are to grow in knowledge and application.But if we do not set specific times to study God's Word,to pray,to meditate,then all is in vain.

One important lesson God has taught me this year that I'm really thankful for is the power of CHOICE.I always wondered why my relationship with God was stagnant until I realised how crucial choice is in my growth.I always have a choice.A choice to choose between that which will help me eternally and that which will give me temporal pleasure.So,I got to understand that listening to the muffinz would be good and bring pleasure,but the music wouldn't lead me to love God more and hunger after spiritual food.Whenever we are faced with decisions,it's important to weigh these options.Yes,you might not necessarily feel like it,but you've got to choose.I can't count the times when the thought of doing my devotion excited me but until I actually do the devotion,all is in vain.

There's been moments of weariness,times when I've felt lonely-missing my beloved mother and my beloved twin.Missing my beloved sisters in Christ.Times I've felt void of courage and just wanted to sleep and let the hand of God slip.But when I used the strength God gave me and chose prayer and His Word,I have always become uplifted and comforted.God's Word and His promises comfort the soul more than anything.

And so,we need to make our time with God enjoyable.It's not an obligation but one of the precious moments.Time with your Creator,Father and Friend.Choose Him over temporal pleasure.If it means sweat,tears,then be it,because God is so much worth it.Christ trod the path and he resisted unto blood.We have not resisted unto blood.We have not been weary such that we have daily felt exhausted.There's a narrow way.Many have walked it.There's blood on the white wall,blood to encourage us to continue.Let's soldier on.

"Wherefore seeing that we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses,let us lay aside every weight ,and the SIN which easily beset us,and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,Looking unto Jesus the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith;who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,despising the shame,and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God"-Hebrews 12:1-2(emphasis mine)

"Ye have not yet resisted unto blood,striving against sin."-Hebrews 12:4

Sabbath Reflections:11 June 2016

For the past few months my Sabbaths have been exceptional.Exceptional because of the fellowship I experience.I sincerely thank God for the sisters he has placed around me.They are amazing.It's my prayer that as a sister,I may too add value to another sisters' experiences.I've been encouraged.And I continue to be encouraged.Encouraged as I listen to the testimonies of these sisters,the beautiful lessons God teaches them and for the first time,I feel emotional at the thought of that I'll not seem some for three weeks or so.It hurts :(.I never knew how wonderful it is to dwell amongst my sisters.

Back to my Sabbath.It was holy communion and some of us shared our testimonies.One of the sister's testimonies really stood out for me and it is just beautiful.She shared how God delivered her from homosexuality and this just made me realize how deep God's love is.But the whole testimony opened my eyes to the reality of homosexuality and how many sincerely desire to come out of it.Looking back,I realise,even I have failed in how I deal with homosexuals.Often it's easy to focus on the outward sin while failing to deal with one's sins.But I remember interacting with one gay and I felt so much love for him,because God created him too.And I just pitied him because I realize most gays are discriminated against and excluded.I realize that my FIRST duty towards homosexuals is to love them and deal with them as I would with anyone I love.Most of them have been abused,hurt,hated,and even abandoned.The least I can do is to be there.I also need to introduce them to Christ who will be the One who loves them thoroughly,takes the journey with them and helps them.

I've just watched a documentary on those who've been through homosexuality and overcame.It's touvhing,heart-breaking but more than any,a testimony of God's far-reaching grace to every sin.I believe we need to learn more about this sin,so that we know how to deal with them rightly and understand them.To notonly point out the sin and the Saviour too.