The Biblical formula for abundant Joy

Been having much to do of late, really miss blogging. My last journal is full and I just got a new one :). I thing this coming holiday will really see the "Pages from my journal" section filling up quite a bit. Anyhow, a brief thought/ ex to share

Penned around 15/09/2013

The Biblical formula for abundant Joy

On Friday, one of my collegues/ class mates came to me and was like "Simon, you dont have any problems ne?". I smiled thinking silently: if He only knew. I told him that I, like every other human being face challenges. But He insisted,"yes, but you dont have like Big problems". Ah the joys of knowing Jesus though. I told Him about the promise that Jesus has given in Matthew 11:28-30, that to Jesus I can lay all my heaviest burdens, and He will not only give me rest, but a yoke which is easy to bear. I let Him know that this promise has been a very real experiences in the many trials that one may face but that in Jesus I can literally look with a smile on what others may find to be a grievious yoke... :)

Any way, just a nice thought to share:
Jesus speaks these words in John 13:17, : "If ye know these things, happy are [you] if you do them." What one finds in reading these words is the fact that there is happines in following the instructions which Jesus Christ has given, not just hearing them. Now in this context Jesus was giving instruction to his disciples regarding the ceremony of footwashing, in the verses before (v. 3-16), but we'll see that the principle applies with all that Christ has spoken. Knowing what Christ has instructed, and going on to do it is the source of true and lasting happiness.

John later also implies something similar to this in his epistle. We read in his letter, "And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full." 1 John 1:4. In introducing the epistle, John is telling us that the things that we will find in his letter are intended that our joy may be full. So to find out what it is that will give us this fullness of joy, we can go further through the book. He says in the next chapter: "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:". Looking at these 2 passages next to each other, it would be safe to conclude that what John is telling us is that if we "sin not" our "joy may be full". He is further emphasising the very words of Jesus, that obedience is the source of a joy that is full.

Now one may ask, "But John, I have already fallen into sin, how can I from henceforth turn from sin to obedience?", John would give us the answer. Further in the same book he tells us the following: "Whosoever committes sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he [Jesus] was manifested to take away our sins, and in him is no sin." 1 John 3:4-5.
John first explains what sin is, that sin is to disobey or to transgress the law of God. He further explains though that Jesus was manifested to take away our sins, Jesus was manifested to take away our disobedience and transgression of the law. When Jesus takes away the disobedience to His law (sin), He fills the vaccuum with nothing but His own obedience, so that one is able to keep the commandments and to "sin not". Friends, Jesus came to take away our disobedience of his law that our "joy may be full" in obeying Him.

Note what John continues to say: "Whosoever abideth in him [Jesus] sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him."  Fullness of joy comes by abiding in Jesus because He is the one who gives the obedience. The question then ought not to be "can you or I live in full obedience to the law of God", rather the question should be "Can you and I accept the almighty power of Jesus to work in the heart to keep us from sinning?". This is why Christ came, to take away our sin, to give this fullness of joy. Will you believe and accept this today...?

Who is your maker. Part 2

In the previous post we saw briefly the relation between the work of creation and redemption. That the first impression that God made in introducing Himself was that He is the creator of the universe and that the same power He uses to create the heavens and the earth is the same power He wants to use to save me and you from all sin.

Just to dwell on this point briefly:

John, speaking of Jesus says these words: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” John 1:1-3. What John is making clear to us is the fact that the one through whom all creation exists is none other than Jesus Christ Himself who was “in the beginning with God.”

This becomes very crucial when we consider what Paul writes about Christ as the creator. He says “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Col. 1:16-17.

Everything that exists, owes its existence to Jesus Christ. In Him, everything is held together. Now at the start of those words, Paul uses the word “For” [or because]. So in order for us to grasp a fuller understanding of the value of these verses it is important to consider the words spoke before. While still speaking of Jesus, we read: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:” Col. 1:14-15. It is through the blood of Christ that we have redemption, even the forgiveness (and thus the removal) of sins. Christ is an all-powerful saviour. But why is this so? “For by him were all things created.” The fact that Jesus Christ is the creator of the heavens and the earth, is what qualifies Him above all others to be your and my redeemer.

 

Creation linked to redemption

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” In giving these words, the first impression that God was essentially giving of Himself was that, due to this great fact, He is able to save to the uttermost them which come to Him by Christ. The creative power of God is as essential to the work of salvation as was the death of Christ on the cross and His work as mediator in the heavenly sanctuary. The same one who said “I am the light of the world” is the very same God who said “let there be light.”

With all of this in mind, the point that should stand out most prominently in these words is the importance and relation of the work of creation and redemption. We are then to ask ourselves as to what is the mark or sign of the creative power of God? What has God given to man as a token of His creative and thus His redemptive power? What is it that God has placed to be a reminder to man of the God who created and redeemed them?

Immediately after creating the heavens and the earth, after God looked at all things that He had created and made, and saw that it was very good, we are told these words: "Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made." Genesis 2:1-3.

After creating, God does something on the seventh-day that He did not do on any other day; He rested ("Ceased from work"), blessed the seventh day and He made it holy. Now one asks, why is it that God did this? Why did God rest on, bless and sanctify/ make holy this seventh day? God himself gives us the answer; we read: "For [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore (for that reason) the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it." Exo. 20:11. So the reason God blessed the seventh day, or what He calls the Sabbath, was because He is the one who "made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is" within the 6 days prior. It was because of the fact that God created, that the Sabbath day was instituted.

And so the words of God, given to Israel apply to modern Israel, and all mankind (Mark 2:27): "And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I [am] the LORD your God." Eze. 20:20, the Sabbath was to be a sign between us and Him that He is our God, our God who created us, and who by the same power is able to redeem us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ his son.

It follows therefore that to having the LORD as your and my God requires a looking to His creative and redemptive power, of which His holy Sabbath is a sign. Who then is your maker?

The imperative question therefore follows as to which day does the Bible define to be the "seventh-day"...

 

Self rebuke

I'm quite chowed as I post this,

I'm currently working on a school project which sees us having to start a blog to document the design process. Working on that project actually makes me realize how little excuse I have to not post ey. I am often quite tied up, with little time to sit down to post, but as I post on the school blog I think of the many things I would love to share here but do not have (or atleast make) time to post. Its a call to some serious reforms.

I think I may just need to cut out some other things in order to publish some of the many wonderful things the Lord has been teaching me of late. Nevertheless, my Journal has been filling up, so the thoughts and reflections are recorded.

Ie. the wonderful weekend I just had in Potch, visiting the NWU Sdasm that side for a revival program. Ah God has a way of speaking just at the perfect time. I was really in need of the messages there. The overwork had me really fatigued and sister White talks about the danger of being overly busy, even in the Lords work, that there is a serious risk of neglecting personal piety. I'll share my notes as I was reading the chapter "Come rest a while."  A chapter which God has really been speaking to me through.

A thought I had this morning: I have really come to know the love of Christ through the people that He has granted me the opportunity to know. I look at the people God has placed in my life and it makes it easier for me to comprehend the selfless love of Christ as I think of them. Friends, family, missionaries, my heart is warmed as I reflect. What burns in my heart is a desire to be more like Jesus that even through me God might be glorified, that through me someone might be able to say "I have come to know and love Jesus more."
It's a nice lesson on the power and effect of ones influence.

Anyhow, back to work. Looking forward to sharing some pages from my journal... And continuing the "Who is your maker" study :)...

PS. A link to my school blog: http://s-thinksdesign.blogspot.com/

Who is your maker? Part 1 (the first (brief) study on my blog)

Something I was thinking about the other night,

I really missed posting. something I recently read was  actually quite a push in terms of encouraging to post more (even when typing does at times feels a bit laborious). This is a quote from the great controversy under the chapter covering the investigative Judgement (a very enjoyble chapter by the way):

"In the judgment the use made of every talent will be scrutinized. How have we employed the capital lent us of Heaven? Will the Lord at His coming receive His own with usury? Have we improved the powers entrusted us, in hand and heart and brain, to the glory of God and the blessing of the world? How have we used our time, our pen, our voice, our money, our influence? What have we done for Christ, in the person of the poor, the afflicted, the orphan, or the widow? God has made us the depositaries of His holy word; what have we done with the light and truth given us to make men wise unto salvation? No value is attached to a mere profession of faith in Christ; only the love which is shown by works is counted genuine. Yet it is love alone which in the sight of Heaven makes any act of value. Whatever is done from love, however small it may appear in the estimation of men, is accepted and rewarded of God.  {GC 487.2} (emphasis mine).

Really inspired by the quote, so I hope I can be able to post more (making use of my pen - keyboard rather.)

A friend of mine shared some very valuable advice with me recently which I think will see me posting more too. I get very reluctant to post unfinished thoughts, but these tend to build up in my "unpublished" folder. She shared the idea of posting even some of my unfinished material, and having it "to be continued". A great idea I tought, for many reasons (which I wont go into now). 

In the meantime: below is the first study to see this blog. I trust, and hope you will be blessed.

Who Is Your Maker? Part 1

In all social dealings, the first impression a person makes has an effect on how the person will be viewed from then onward. When going to a job interview of something of the sort, one always tries to put on their most professional attire, because the first impression they make will affect the decision of the person interviewing. How good, or how badly a person is perceived, often goes back to the first impression that that person made on those viewing Him.

In Genesis 1:1, as we are introduced to the Holy Scriptures and the God who authored them, God first introduces Himself with these words:

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”

The first impression which God makes, which will (or at least should) affect our entire view of Him from there on, is that He is the creator. Now later on in the Bible we are told that God is love, in other places we are told that He is merciful and gracious, and so on; but before God tells us all those wonderful things about Himself, the first introduction, the first impression God gives of Himself is that He is the creator of the heaven and the earth. He is the creator of the entire universe.

The fact that God is the creator is one of the most central themes in all of scripture. In Revelation 4:11, the heavenly beings worship God for this very fact, saying: 

“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”  

The fact that God is their creator is their primary motive of worshiping Him.

Now, what does that have to do with us you may ask? Well firstly, the fact that God is our creator is cause enough to worship Him. Note the words of the Psalmist: 

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made: marvellous [are] thy works; and [that] my soul knoweth right well.” Ps. 139:14. 

Were God not our creator, He wouldn’t deserve it. 

But let us consider another aspect of the creative power of God. In Romans 1:16, God through Paul reveals something very interesting. He says: 

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” 

The gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Now Christ came to save us from nothing other than sin and its effects (Matt. 1:21). So the gospel can be understood then to be the power of God, which leads to salvation from sin. God exercises His own power to save fallen man from sin.

But what kind of power is it that God uses to save from sin? Where is this power revealed? Lets consider what Paul continues to say in Rom 1:20: “For the invisible things of [God] from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made (so there are some invisible aspects of God which are clearly seen and understood when looking at the things which He has made. What are these...?), even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” So Paul is letting us know that when we look at the creation of the world, the things which God has made, we get to visibly see His eternal power. The power of God is revealed in his creation, and that can be none other than His creative power. 

So just to slight recap: the gospel is the power of God unto salvation from sin; and this “power” is nothing other than the creative power of God. What God would have us understand is that in the work of saving man from sin, God wants to exercise all the creative energy that He used to create the heavens and the earth. In saving me and you, God would use nothing less than the power which created everything good, out of absolutely nothing. The same power used to make the sun, the moon and all the galaxies, God can use to recreate in me and you His very own image. 

The work and power of creation, is the very same work and power in the plan of salvation. It is thus that Paul tells us that: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Eph. 2:8-10. To receive Christ, means to allow Him to exercise His divine creative power in the heart to produce righteousness and a character like His very own, and He does this work using nothing less than the power He used to make the stars. 

Now if is He was able to create the universe without even breaking a sweat, how can it be said that Christ cannot grant victory over “every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset”? (Heb 12:1) To say that is to doubt His creative power.

“In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth.” What lovely words to meditate on. Understanding that God is our creator, gives a clearer understanding in His work as our redeemer. As much as there is nothing which is beyond Gods power to create, likewise is there no individual in this entire planet that is beyond the saving power of Jesus. Note the promise: “Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Cor. 5:17

To be continued...:)

To practice what you preach... my last post Sabbath experience.

Just got back from what has been a very very blessed Sabbath. (I know i haven't been blogging for some time - I'll explain why in my next post. Anyway...) I just got blogger on my phone so posting will be way easier from now (i'm actually quite excited about it :)

Now to what has been a blessed experience. I was privileged to be a part of the program at Etwatwa SDA church today. The theme was "something better" (though that wasn't mentioned). It was basically about evangelism/mission, the need, the purpose and the call. The time in which we live, the moments right before the second coming of Christ, call for a radical response in view of that day which is soon to take the world by storm.

So as the day proceeded, the messages were all hard hitting calls to enter into Gods service to be used by Him. I spoke on "When to do missions/evangelism". The main point i spoke on was the fact that the time is now, and that as long as sin exists Gods heart breaks by beholding its effects and the persistance of man in sin. The overall point was really carried home throughout the day that every proffessed believer ought to be a light in his/her context to lead others to Christ.

Now just a side note before I continue: it is not enough to verbally preach a message. The practice of the life must bear a consistent record of the words preached. Something the preacher mentioned: "Before people will believe what you say, they must see the gospel in your life." One must practice what you preach.
The reason I mention this is that having had the privilege to exhort the church to the work of evangelism and missions, there rests a higher responsibility then on me to practice what I preached. It would not be proper to encourage others to evangelism, if there is none of it on my personal life.

This point became real to me as we were in the taxi to Jhb from the church with my friend (who also spoke during the day). As we were just discussing some things, a young man came and sat next to us in the taxi. The taxi got full, and got going... Now as we sat chatting in the taxi, me and my friend, an inescapable conviction came on my heart to tell the man that sat next to me about Jesus. I perceived that it was God Himself giving the impression. I must be very honest, at first I really tried to resist the conviction. Many excuses/ rationalizations came to mind. Part of me even wanted to tell my friend the deep impression I was having, with the hope that it would give courage. I ended up not.

Now as I was wrestling internally, the many words spoken throughout the day came to mind: "If he were to die without knowing about Christ, would I have done my part," / "God isn't looking for talent and ability, but for those who He can fill with His Spirit to carry out His will." (these were words shared with the congregation). It was now a challenge to me personally to, there, practice what I had earlier preached (more like taught).

It became clear to me that God wanted this man to hear about Him. I didn't know what I would say to the man, so I just asked God to give me what to say (if indeed it was that He wanted me to witness to the man).
After the short petition, I noticed the bag of tools the man had: so I randomly asked if he was a builder. He then told me he was a carpenter... :).
'Powerful', I thought, remembering that Jesus was a carpenter. So I told him that I know a carpenter, and His name is Jesus. Then a brief moment of silence.. Then God gave some very interesting words:
I asked the man if he would like to know why it was that Jesus was a carpenter. After his consent I went on to relay to him a bit on the condescension of Christ. About how Jesus humbled Himself to become a man that He may demonstrate to us His familiarity with all our trials and temptations, about how the creator of man became a man in order to die for and ultimately save man from all his sins. God really spoke there. The encounter itself was very unique.

After listening with a keen ear the man asks, "do you really mean it that Jesus was a carpenter, or are you just telling a story to relate it to myself?" It may have seemed too good to be true, but I reassured him that what I'm telling him is very Biblical. In seeming disbelief he responds "I'm not that familiar with the Bible." Then I pulled out my Bible and offered to show him. I recalled a text I once read in Mark. That promise that Jesus makes in John 14:26 still rings true, that "the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." He reminded me of some words found in Mark 6:4. Those who were listening to Jesus in the synagogue, after being astoished at His words ask: "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him." Though they may not mean much to someone else, the words that Jesus Christ was a carpenter whilst on earth greatly encouraged the man I sat to in the taxi.
"It's nice to hear that Jesus was a carpenter" the man says, to which he followed humorously: "maybe one day I'll also be seen preaching and healing people." We spoke a bit more and he told me about the struggles he faces but that he can trust that all will work out as long as he trusts in God. His name is Thembinkosi ("trust the Lord"), and he says he tries to live by his name.

On our walk after that encounter with my friend, I was really humbled at how God really works. Now I may not ever see Thembinkosi again in this lifetime, but this is what the word of God says of itself: "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." 1 Pet, 1:23. The Word of God is an incorruptible seed, which, when faithfully sown will bring about a new birth. God's word has converting power and it lives and abides forever. I'm confident that God spoke to him for a reason, that seed sown may work something in his life which I may never get to realize until all things are made plain. What really stands out is how willing God is to save humanity. So much so that He is even willing to use man in his fallen state to reach other's that they may be brought to Christ. The call is really high to accept Gods invitation to be used by Him, but He is ever faithful that He will be with us. With that man in the taxi, I had no idea what to say, no 1 week preparation, no pocket notes, but God by His Spirit gave a word in due season.

With each passing day, the Lords day draws close,

In which He shall return with His heavenly host.

In view of the truth that His coming His near

To be wholly His is my most earnest prayer.

Long overdue post

Haven't posted in a very long time and I must really say that it has been long overdue. Through it all though the Lord has just been showing Himself time and time again, my mind is continually stunned at how good He is to me. Very humbling, and very many experiences.

Reason I haven't been posting, I've been very pressed with quite a bit of work. School work, and (more pleasantly) the privilege of the Lords work. A thought I must express though: being overly busy is not a virtue. A statement I recently got to memorize: "Satan invents unnumbered schemes to occupy our minds that they may not dwell upon the very work with which we are to be best acquainted. The arch-deceiver hates the great truths that bring to view an atoning sacrifice and an all-powerful mediator. He knows that with him, everything depends on his diverting minds from Jesus and His truth." (GC p.488) Something I read once, that being busy (to the point where the mind is deviated "from Jesus and His truth") is to "B-e U-nder S-atans Y-oke".. Anyhow, most of my time has since been spent in devotion and work.

I actually realized that I haven't posted since March (before the last post), so this will be more like an update on some of the experiences, thoughts, devotions I've had since then (warning: this may be quite a long post...).

1. Went on mission in March to Arlington: Free State.
A mission which I can without a doubt, describe as one of the most impacting missions I have ever been on thus. I got to see the mighty saving power of God in a powerful way. The mission was a week long but it was one where all trust had to be on God. I learnt some very practical lessons on faith and the fact that we are in the middle of a very real great controversy with very real opposing forces and a very real Saviour. (If you will check out the latest issue of the Mission Cohort newsletter, you will find some very lovely testimonies from some the missionaries who were there. I'll try post a link to it)

2. Got the privilege to speak at a few SDASMs. I'll just comment on the 1 that I really wanted to blog on the most but didnt get the chance to.
Sermon at a small SDASM. I had the experience of being visiting a sdasm which I had never been to before. With that being said, I didnt quite know what to expect while going there. Upon arrival, I notice that (though I didnt know what to expect) the number of the congregants was quite small. It was the first sabbath of the term so not many of the students knew about the structure. I must say, from first site, one felt slightly discouraged at the number. But I remembered a testimony I read before about a man who preached at a church which had only one attendee on that cold winter day. Nevertheless the preacher preached with the same faithfulness as though he stood before a multitude. The man who heard the sermon received the words with gladness and then went on to become a missionary, leading close to a thousand people to Jesus. With the faithfulness of that preacher in mind, the handfull of people actually was encouraging. The intimacy of a small church is very lovely though, theres a seemingly richer and more real reall level of spirituality. I think with that experience, God is really in aim to form a deeper love for souls in me. Its easy to want to be seen by
men and praised, but experiences like that call one to question whether there is a genuine love for souls or whether the service is all for show. Had some interesting discussions afterward with the brethren

3. Journey through the book of Daniel.
I've been making a personal effort of late to be more acquainted with the prophecies of Daniel. I remember a challenge/appeal a friend of mine a couple of years back of taking God at His word when He promises that the Holy Spirit will "teach you all things" and "guide you into all truth" (John 14:26, 16:13). With that in mind, I've been going through the book with minimal commentaries/ notes from prominent authors etc. It has truly been a journey highly fulfilling. Allowing oneself to be taught by God is always very exciting. One thing that studying the prophecies does is to revive a real consiousness of how soon Jesus is coming. Seeing the fulfillnent of prophecies (to the very letter) in times past gives such confidence in the word of truth. Moreover it makes one doubtlessly look to tbe fulfilment of prophecies yet to be fulfilled, it gives full confidence in Gods word when it says "the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1John 1:7. Look forward to sharing some of tbe fragments and jewels I've picked up.
Just a bit more on this point: Realise more and more how much one needs to be more diligent in Gods word. The mine if truth can never be exhausted, but some of the most precious trausures lie far beneath the surface.

4. Got a new leather covered journal. I know this isn't anything spectacular but it has been a very precious tool. I think its possibly also the reason behind the delayed post and seldom blogging. Its nice to have nearby to jot down questions, or thoughts I have. (Its helped cut down on the "I had an interesting thought earlier but I forgot what it was" experiences.)

5. Mid year exam/presentation.
I recently presented my mid-year exam presentation. Unlike "writing" exams, with like a set question paper, in architecture we give an oral and visual presentation to an external moderator of the projects we've been working on during the semester. Looking back to my exam, I cannot but say that God is good!
I had quite a bit of work and catching up to do and I wasnt too happy with where I was sitting mark wise. Together with this, I had a bit of other work to type (mission related, outdside of school) so time wasnt on my side. One thing that I am continually reminded and tested on though is the fact that God is faithful to those who put Him first. He takes care of those who have yielded themself to obey Him. Now remembering that, I took God at His challenge and worked on the mission things before the school work. (To be very honest, this was entirely an act of faith. It seemed illogical, but the beauty of trusting God is that it sometimes goes beyond our own reasoning). So for about 4 days, (3 really, the 1 was a sabbath) I didnt work on my exam presentation.
I eventually got to finish what I had to do, then I carried on with preparing for the presentation.
When I got to my schoolwork, man theiracles just continued pouring in. God provided that I would be able to finish my posters (which arent small) in the short time I had; God provided means and ways for me to be able to print my posters (which isn't cheap:) but Jesus knows no boundaries.
In summary, the presentation itself went very well and the marks came back well.

Im currently on another mission in Free State which us also filled with some very powerful experiences. Learning quite a bit, getting a brighter revelation of God, and my own character and the work which Christ is doing in me.

I look forward to posting on these experiences...

Ps. 133:1 :)

An pleasant birthday present.

I havent been posting for quite some time. I actually feel like for the past few weeks I've been on an entirely differnt planet. The reason: being an architecture student...

Anyhow, it has really been a blessed season with many blessings and some challenges making devotion time that much more of a blessing.

But just thought I'd share a lovely blessing (of the exceedingly many) that God has really done for me recently. A couple of days ago (27 March) I was celebrating my 3rd birthday :). 3 Years ago on March 27th was the day that I went into the waters of baptism in publically declaring my acceptance of Christ as a personal and true friend, savior and Lord. Looking back I could without a doubt say that the past 3 years of life as a Christian have been exponentially more fulfilling than the entire 18 years I had lived before that, and each day it seems to only get more lovely.

Now having been baptised into Christ and joining the Seventh-day Adventist church, I took a decision that was contrary to family tradition. I am not from an Adventist background so joining the church was quite a decision to make, but it has been one of the best. My one hope though was that my parents would come to know and accept the truths that I myself had come to love.

Just recently my father, who is not a Seventh-day Adventist (yet), has been becoming more and more receptive the to Advent message and the truths of scripture. He had been watching a dvd series of sermons about a year ago by a Ps. Rany Skeete and he just got hooked. Ever since he's been falling more and more in love with Bible truth. Now my fathers always been Christian, he was the elder at his church, founded and chaired the youth society there (1970's) and has been as devout as he knew how, but learning the truth about the righteousness of Christ, the true sabbath and obedience to Gods law by the power of the indwelling Spirit opened his eyes to things he had never known before. Learning all these things made him say something close to what I had been praying for ever since I got baptised: "I see myself becoming a Seventh-day Adventist, and I cant run away from that. Theres just so much truth." This he said after much effort at trying to convince his fellow church leadership (at the church where he was an elder) without too much success.

Ps. Randy Skeete has been in the country for a few weeks hosting another crusade and my father made sure to attend. I got to thinking about it and I realised that the first night that my father actually attended was the anniversay of my baptism. However one may see it, it was really just a blessed sequence of events.

I am convinced that God has been working in my fathers heart to bring him to the love and acceptance of the truth and it is cause to give glory to Him every day. He really does answer prayer, and it was a very pleasant (new)birth-day present to sit next to my father in a church service and listen to his (not so on key :) singing for the first time in more than about 7 years. I know God will continue leading him.

1 Parent down, 1 more to go though...

An interesting experience...

Something quite interesting happened recently which was really a pleasant reminder of where God has taken me from and how He has really lead me in life.

So I became a Christian as in teenager around late 2008 and that is when I made the decision to give my heart to Christ. While going to church, I was a part of the Cornerstone Connection Sabbath school class (this was the class for 16-18 year olds). Any way, I didnt spend too long in that class, before making the decision to get baptised and hence joining the baptismal class; but I am very sure that the time spent in that class had a great influence on my decision to get baptised. (I actually think that that class is way better than the adult sabbath school class, I have my reasons...)

Jumping to the future (or the "now" rather), I was recently elected to be a sabbath school teacher for this year. Interesting enough, I was elected to be the teacher of the Cornerstone class. Having gone over the lesson for a few weeks, I was really blown away by the content of the lesson. The editor is really clear on righteousness by faith. The theme for this quarter is "In the flesh", which deals with the nature of Christ, basically covering the fact that He overcame in sinful flesh and, by the power of His indwelling Spirit, we may overcome in the very same flesh.

I've really enjoyed this lesson so far, it is very practical. So I had kept my Cornerstone Sabbath school lesson from when I was still in that class even up to this day. Having enjoyed the current lesson so much, I wanted to compare the 2 to see if there has been a change in the standard of the lessons. So I looked through some of my books and when I found the lesson (my 2009 Cornerstone lesson), I checked the theme to see what it was. To my surprise, the theme title was "In the Flesh". Paging through it, I reallised that it is the very same lesson. Same studies etc.

I turned the page to the lesson which had been repeated last week to see some of my answeres to the questions in the lesson. The lesson was on Matthew/ Luke 4, on the temptation of Jesus and one of the questions read "Which part of this story is new to you?". As I was going through it now, I had to look for something new in the story, my answer in 2009 that I wrote was "Most of it, I have never read this story before." :) It was really nice to see that. Its always good to remember where God has led me from.

Im really excited by the lesson. Looking at the impact it had on me back then, I am interested in seeing the impact it would have on my class. A teacher has a great impact on the interest of the students so theres much responsibility here.

My answers really reminded me of much of my early Christian experience, Im reminded of that song that goes "the longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows; the longer I love Him, more love he bestows..." The past few years of being acquainted with Jesus have been more pleasant than all my life before then. My hope is that should Jesus not have returned in a few years from, I will look back on this time in life and think "God has really led me far from then."

Things I learnt / was reminded of about missions.

Below is a list of things I learnt/ was reminded of during the time spent on mission in November- December of last year. Having been granted the privilege to go on 2 relatively distinct missions, these are drawn from the experiences I had there (and some prior missions.) I think this statement is one which best sums up the mission experience...

"If you will go to work as Christ designs that His... disciples shall, and win souls for Him, you will feel the need of a deeper experience and a greater knowledge in divine things, and will hunger and thirst after righteousness. You will plead with God, and your faith will be strengthened, and your soul will drink deeper drafts at the well of salvation. Encountering positions and trials will drive you to the Bible and prayer. You will grow in grace and the knowledge of Christ, and will develop a rich experience." Steps to Christ p.80 :).

In no particular order...
1. Jesus is the most effectual solution to the root cause of all life's problems and perplexities.

2. The work of sharing the gospel is a noble, dignified and amazingly fulfilling work.

3. The work of service is one of the greatest experiences in the Christian life and is a powerful tool in the way of character perfection/development. The Christian experience becomes much deeper and richer as one co-labours with Jesus.

4. The same Jesus who said "go ye therefore" is the same one who said "tarry... until ye be imbued with power from on high". The work should only be carried out in the power of the Holy Spirit. It would do well to plead for this power early on in missions

5. The Holy Spirit is the best aid and help to every circumstance, even language barriers. Without the presence of the Holy Spirit, all efforts are in vain.

6. The work isn't dependant on man's wisdom, opinions or experience. The Holy Spirit will work with the humble and submissive who are willing to yield all to Him.

7. A measure of success is dependant on a willingness to sacrifice on the part of the labourer.

8. Faith is not felt. "True faith lays hold of, and claims, the promised blessing before it is realised and felt." Early writings p.73

9. No two missions are the same in all aspects, but Gods providence meets any situation.

10. As the best place to learn to swim is in the water, the best place to learn how to give a Bible study is in the field.

11. A true love for souls is developed and strengthened in coming into contact with people for the purpose of leading them to Christ and ministering to their needs.

12. The gospel of health is verily and indeed given by God Himself. There are those who would have never been reached and introduced to Jesus had it not been for the health message being an entering wedge.

13. Seems as though God desires us to engage in active personal labour (even in missions) as opposed to being dependant on crusades as the greater part of the work.

14. Crusade/tent meetings ought not to be the central pillar on which the evangelism of a congregation is set, where the burden of the labourer is to invite rather than "teach all nation" (thus not creating a need of personal study).

15. Crusades are a good means to cement/ wrap up the decisions made in Bible studies with door to door labourers.

16. Late suppers weaken missionaries.

17. Christ's power to save is not an evolutionary process in which one will one day 'arrive' at holiness after a long, slow and gradual experience. It doesn't take Jesus a long time to create or save. The reality of this is seen in the change of a persons life when they have been lead to Jesus and have a true encounter with Him.

18. When Jesus says "and lo I am with you always", He really means it, ours is to "Go"

19. Of a fact, Jesus is coming soon. The experienced truth of Bible make it hard to doubt this.

20. God answers prayer. Whether its 'small' prayers to help you find something, or 'big' prayers to change the weather for it to be possible to visit Bible study contacts. He's ever ready to hear and exercise His divinity to help.

21. There are many urban areas which are also 'unentered'. The fields are ripened and need labourers...

22. Distant missions may serve as a training ground for personal labour. The practical things learnt on mission ought to be applied in the personal life and ministry. As long as Jesus has not yet returned, the mission continues.

23. Missions are a great place to make lifelong, godly friends :).

24. You learn more on mission than just the spiritual things. Very practical self sustainability skills are gained, ie building a house, planting and producing your own food, surviving without electricity, among many.
I would invite anyone who would want to have a richer Christian experience to enter the work of leading others to Jesus and being a co-labourer with Him. I trust that, should God grant me opportunity to go labour for Him, many more things will be learnt.

A verse which served as a powerful encouragement throughout mission: "Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Isa. 41:10

By way of introduction...

After having started the blog (like 5 months ago), I never actually got through to posting on it. But after a very inspiring discussion with a friend of mine, I thought it would be good to just get going with it.

So, just to add to the discription, content will mainly be made up of the things I find interesting from devotions, some interesting Bible studies, mission experiences, maybe even some interesting essays/articles I read from friends and/or some of my favourite authors.

The title "Simon Thinks", just  a branch off from the phrase "Simon Says" (my thoughts tend to be more than my words oftentimes).

So this is just by way of introduction to my first (published) blog. My hope is that it may be a blessing. Just remembered another reason why I got through to starting the blog: the things which God teaches are not just for the benefit of the one whom He teaches, but also to be shared with others. So I'm really also  up for learning (through comments, dialogues etc). Thoughts unshared will never be appreciated.

Anyhow, hope you enjoy. I know I will :).

"I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word." Psalms 119:15-16

"My tongue shall speak of thy word..." Ps. 119:172