The First Five years (Reflections from my baptism anniversary)

My Baptism, March 27, 2010.

March 27th marks the anniversary to the day I was baptized in the year 2010. It is a day I hope I never forget. This year officially marks 5 years since I was baptized into Christ, and 5 years of being a Seventh-day Adventist Christian. I can without a doubt say that it has been the best time of my life, with many lessons, cherished experiences, and stories to share, this post is just a brief reflection on some of the lessons learnt and valuable thoughts that one has had throughout the First five years since my baptism.

1. God is worth being trusted because of who He is.

"Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness." Psalms 107:8-9

Over the few short years of my Christianity, I have learnt that the greatest reason to put ones trust in God should ultimately be because of who He is as God. All that He does, all that He provides are all tokens of His love, and expressions of His character as God. Though these ought to be appreciated, we may trust God, so much so that even if these were to not be there, we may continue to trust Him because of who He is: "For I [am] the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed."  Malachi 3:6

2. Christ is sufficient. 

"... His divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 2 Peter 1:3-4

In Jesus, through the knowledge of Him (being intimately acquainted and connected with Him), we may find every single that pertains to life and godliness. Jesus is like a voucher to all the benefits which heaven has to offer. Thus He should be the object of our seeking, not so much the benefits themselves. He is speaking of Himself when He says we are to seek first "the kingdom of God", that all things that are needful for this life may follow. When we have Christ, when we seek Jesus, we have the assurance that we have access to all that He contains, even the things that pertain to godliness. 

Thus as long as I have Christ, I may have godliness. As long as I have Christ, all things that are needful (even for this life) are assured. 

3. Believe God, Trust His word | Faith is simple in its operation

"We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;" 2 Corinthians 4:13

I have noticed that the simplicity of this point sometimes bothers our complicated minds, hence God even at times asks us to consider truth as children do. Faith is simply to believe God and to trust His word. When God makes a promise, the promise is as real as the God who spoke it, even though we may not see it. This has nothing to do with feeling, with emotion, with apparent circumstances, or any other factor. Faith rests on the word of God, and it is when we obey that word that we are qualified to receive all that it promises. This attitude of faith, grants us access to the "boundless resources of Omnipotence."

3.1 Faith acts, & Feeling is not faith.

As Paul says in the above quoted text, the spirit of faith is to speak/ express what we believe, [not what the circumstances/ emotions tell us]. Thus, faith acts, true faith in God's word is always expressed in corresponding actions. In the case of Noah, when God mentioned a coming flood, his faith in God's word acted in him building the ark. When God promised Abraham a son in His old age, his faith was expressed in thanks giving, "he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God." 

This must be our attitude in response to every one of God's promises. Faith is to act and speak as though God's word is true, because it is. Whether it is in promising and giving forgiveness, and pardon from guilt, or in giving an instruction of command. Real faith acts correspondingly: "I believed, therefore have I spoken"  this is the spirit of faith. 

A practical example: When I have confessed a discovered fault in my life, and in repentance I confess it to God, because He has promised pardon, I can leave that prayer resting on the promise of His word. I can boldly say I am no longer captive to that thing, I can express that I have been cleansed from the record of guilt. For me to not do so would be to call God a liar, after He has promised. "I believed, and therefore have I spoken," regardless of what I have felt, or what circumstances say. 

4. Gods providence on behalf of those who make a full surrender to Him. 

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose." Romans 8:28

To the one who is entirely given to God and His purpose for one's life, God will always direct the circumstances of that persons life for his/her ultimate good. Regardless of how pleasant or difficult ones circumstances may be, to the child of God, these are always working together for ones eternal good. 
"The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD: and he delights in his way." Psalms 37:23. The good man is nothing less that a servant of God, it is the steps of such a man that God orders and directs, and that man will ever delight in his way, whatever that way may lead. When we realize this, it offers an entirely different perspective to ones circumstances. One can be optimistic about any circumstance one finds himself in because he knows that "I am right where God wants me to be, and I will put my best in all that I do to make the most of where God has placed me." 

"I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11. I have personally see this in my own life, that even some of what I thought were the most trying times of life, were all instruments in God's hand to mold my character to be like His own.

5. God answers prayer

"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."  Jeremiah 33:3

I have seen this over and over and over. God answers prayer. Perhaps not always exactly the way one asks for things, but definitely in the best way that His infinite wisdom has seen fit. The real blessing of prayer is not even so much in the answer of it, but in the privilege of being able to have an open line of communication with the all mighty Creator of the universe. In prayer, God gives time and attention to mans necessities and needs, great and small. It is humbling to consider that I can have an conversation with Him as to a friend, and He answers. In the past 5 years, I have seen some prayer answered years after one has began bringing them to God, and at the very time of the response, the timing couldn't have been better. 

6. Service, evangelism and witnessing is one of the best ways to grow spiritually. 

"There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty.The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself." Proverbs 11:24-25

There is something about sharing the word of God, witnessing to others of His goodness to ones life personally, and serving others for no reward or gain that has an impact on ones personal experience, character and personal grown in ways that I cannot describe. This results in very many blessings.

I am convinced that often times God even makes opportunities for one to witness for Him, or to share His word so that I may personally be blessed from that experience. Very few things are as personally fulfilling as being a blessing to someone else. This has been one of the most powerful means in keeping me in Christ. 

7. The strongest argument for Christianity really is a consistent christian character. 

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal." 1 Corinthians 13:1

Men may argue against ones words, they may pile up objections to the statements of his faith, but none can argue the consistent character of a pure true Christian as revealed in unselfish charity. This is the most powerful witnessing tool. Without this one possesses essential trait, though one may have the eloquence of an angel, but his words may sound as a sounding brass. I admire very much the character of Christ. This was His most convincing sermon, such that even the Roman soldier that took part in crucifying Him was compelled to say "truly this an was the Son of God." (Mark 15:39) when he saw how Jesus conducted Himself even under the severest cruelty. 

8. A solid foundation for my faith. 

"And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe."  John 14:29

 As a christian, I have found a sure foundation on which to reasonably lay my faith. God, through the prophecies given in His word, has given sufficient evidence for one to lay their full confidence in Him without a reasonable doubt. God is not the kind of God that would have us merely following Him blindly. He created us with brains to use them. One may reasonably consider the accuracy, consistency and the fulfillment of His prophetic word, and from that, be able to say without a doubt that God's word can be trusted a truth. 
This is the strongest assurance for one to have when considering the promises that God then makes. 

" He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32

On top o giving a reliable supply of evidence in His word that it can be trusted, God went further in giving His Son as the Divine pledge of all His promise. God's complete and total willingness to receive, save and convert even the chiefest of sinners is made manifest in the death of Christ on the cross, and had there been something greater that God could do to show how much compassion He has over mankind, He would have done that very thing.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."  John 15:14.

The cross is God's greatest argument that He is able and willing to save sinners.  

9. One day at a time

"Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." Proverbs 27:1 

"Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof." Matthew 6:34

The Christian walk is very much a journey, and we need not try to cram into today tomorrows struggles and worries. Many are reluctant to go all the way to God, for fear of what tomorrow may bring. As with every walk, we are to take it one step at a time, advancing slowly perhaps, but holding every step of advance gained.  

"For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now [is] the accepted time; behold, now [is] the day of salvation." 2 Corinthians 6:2

God would have us live each day to the fullest, making the most of the promises and opportunities, fulfilling the duties that He has given us for each day. We need not let the worries of tomorrow hinder the opportunities of today. In planning for our future, we may rely on God's promises to never put us in circumstances which would not work for our good (see #4).

"Worry is blind, and cannot discern the future; but Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief. Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service and honor of God supreme will find perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their feet." The Desire of Ages p.330 

10 Remember God's providence.

"This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. [It is of] the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. " Lamentations 3:20-21 

One of the greatest sources of hope and encouragement is to recall to mind the fact that it is of the Lords mercies that I am not consumed, even though I deserve to be.  Looking back and reflecting on what God has done for me, telling others of that, and thinking of where God has taken me from, is one of the most encouraging things in giving hope for the future. I love how it is put in the book Testimonies to Ministers, p. 31:

"In reviewing our past history, having traveled over every step of advance to our present standing, I can say, Praise God! As I see what God has wrought, I am filled with astonishment, and with confidence in Christ as leader. We have nothing to fear for the future except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history."

Bonus: There is real joy in obedience. 

"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and [that] your joy might be full." John 15:10-11 

God has given His instructions, counsel and commandments for our highest good. As the creator of mankind, He knows whats best for us. In the past few short years I have realized that true joy is found in living ones life in accordance with the counsel of the One who knows best, in every part of life, and all through to ones lifestyle practices. 
True joy is found in obedience, it saves one from the pain of regret, from the burden of remorse, shame and guilt, and gives a contentment and peace that is long lasting. This obedience may be experienced by trusting in God's ability to change a person from within (See # 3). 

Pages from my Journal: Morning Devotional thought early 2014

Penned 5 February 2014

While paging through my journal I stumbled upon my notes from a morning devotion I had last year. The beauty of a journal: one can reflect on past experiences which come back to bless you.

Devotional thought on Gen. 43:11-13

Brief background

Simeon, the son of Jacob and the brother of Joseph was imprisoned in Egypt during the time of famine. This was when Simeon and his brothers had gone to Egypt form Canaan in order to buy food. 

• In order for Simeon to be returned to his family, the deal was that Benjamin, Jacobs youngest son, had to be brought to Egypt. This is the condition upon which Simeon was to be redeemed. Jacob considered & treated Benjamin, his last born, as his only son. At first, when the deal was made, Jacob fully refused to let them take Benjamin. After having already faced the pain of "losing" Joseph who was his last born then, he didn't want the experience again the grief he would suffer if Benjamin were to die (Gen, 42:38). 
• Eventually "the famine was sore in the land" (Gen. 43:1), so bad that Jacob eventually agreed to give Benjamin in order to redeem Simeon, knowing very well that there was a possibility that he may not return alive (if he even returns at all).

"And their father Israel said unto them, If [it must be] so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds: And take double money in your hand; and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry [it] again in your hand; peradventure it [was] an oversight: Take also your brother, and arise, go again unto the man:" Genesis 43:11-13

•  When Jacob eventually agreed to give Benjamin, Jacob gave also the best gifts that he had of fruit, spices, honey, nuts, and twice as much money as required in order to get food from Egypt. He gave the very best of these in order to increase the likelihood of redeeming his son Simeon. Jacob gave not only beloved son Benjamin, but added also the bests gifts, so that the "Egyptian" may be more favoured to releasing Simeon. If Jacob had more gifts to give (in spite of the raging famine that was in the land), it is very likely that Jacob would have given more. Now note: 

"Like as a father pities [his] children, [so] the LORD pities them that fear him."  Psalms 103:13 

• The same way Jacob, faced with the dilemma of possibly losing both his children, loves and pities his sons, in the same way God pities His children. 

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32

• God, in giving Jesus Christ, His son, gave the greatest of gifts which He had to give, and more than that, He does not spare any other thing necessary in order that mankind may be saved. He risked the grief of losing His only Son in order to save us. Now, if He did not hold back His Son in order to redeem me, there is therefore no good thing that He would withhold if it be that that thing would be to the benefit of ones salvation. 
• God, in Christ, gave everything necessary  to even make the times and place of our individual lives such as would have us most favourable to seeking after Him and thus being saved from sin (Acts 17;26-27). If Jesus could have, He would have given more than what He already did, if so be that that gift would be mold our characters like as His own. 
• The love Jacob had for Benjamin, and the great value he placed on him as a gift, is not more than a glimpse of the great love that God the Father has for Christ. The value He has placed on us is shown in how willing He was to give of Christ in order to redeem us. 
• NOTE: To redeem Simeon, Jacob had no other alternative Likewase, apart from the gift & sacrifice of Christ, there was no other means by which mankind could be saved. God would honour no other alternative. 

If God went to this extent in order to buy back an unworthy race, where then is cause for doubt of whether He will receive us? Did He not pay for us? What then will he not give us if it be that we ask in order to glorify His name and reflect His very character?