Perception

Just finished presenting a 3 week project we've been working on at school. God has really just been revealing Himself so wonderfully to me throughout this year. If there is one thought I can hold as true is that in all things, God is really in control.

So the project was a group project, which will eventually lead up to a competition where the group selected within the class will then go to compete with other universities working on the same project. Now this was the 3rd group project this year, so some bonds have already been established among other groups who had been working together since the 1st one. The last group I was in was  a "chance" arrangement (I say sarcastically, with Rom. 8:28 in mind), so I really wasn't too sure what the arrangement for this latest would be. But having gotten the brief, I just committed the matter to God (yes I pray for my projects).

Day 1 of the briefing in class was after the holiday after the conference. By then some of the class had already gotten themselves into  groups and I personally wasn't too sure which group I would be in, but from the conferences experience I had the confidence that Go will still lead. So the morning continues and out of the blue one of my colleagues, whom I have really never had a conversation with, asks me if we could pair up. :), was slightly surprised there and, not having much of a choice, I agreed. We needed a 3rd person but everyone had already paired themselves so we agreed to work as just a team of 2.

Now to set all this in context, this brother is one who was in the very same year with me since first year, but still we've never really ever spoken. Various reasons for this come to mind but part of them area also really as a result of my own perception of him (and his possible perception of me.) This was the reason behind the surprise. I wont go into much detail of what my perception of him was but that it was very inaccurate.

As we were going to site we got to speaking and I was very humbled at how similar me and him really are. He is really convicted on the importance of the family, and we shared a lovely discussion on the impact broken homes have had on society. We got to speaking about religion and the he is a faithful Christian too, rather devoted and also holds a position in his church. We had an interesting talk the one time on race relations, he's "Afrikaans" and it was really refreshing to be candid with each other. We both have a frustration with racism, (what's funny is that we are both frustrated with it when it comes our own races - that is: I am really unimpressed with racist behaviour from black people and vice versa).

These, and quite a number of other discussions really humbled me. I never realised how wrong, and possibly quite unfair, my views of him were. Must say I really learnt quite a bit. The experience has really been worth it.

For the past few weeks God has been teaching me a number of valuable lessons. The power of perception has been one to cherish. A pointed question that comes to mind is that what are ones perceptions of people really based on? Also the thought that what are peoples perceptions of me, and the Jesus whom I long to represent? I really think this idea of perception would change many a lives when really looked at critically. At times people do and say things which we may think are done for reasons entirely different to the original purpose, and the misunderstanding really is the result of how things are perceived. I think one can relate to the experience of doing something and then having it entirely misinterpreted from what you were trying to do.

I'm convinced that in everyone there's something valuable to discover, and it is amazing what impact a positive perception of people motives and actions can do when one choses to consider them in that light.

Hoping to get some rest tonight after the project, :). Till next post.

Back from an impacting experience

Got back recently from what has really been a powerful experience to me personally. I was privileged to be at the Mission Cohort 2014 conference and I can without a doubt say that the Holy Spirit was present at that gathering.

There were powerful devotions, plenary sessions, panel discussions and personal conversations which all in some way or another really hit home. The Lord really found a way to deal with my character. The sermons posed some very challenging questions and reminders of ones duty. Coming back, I've had some time to seriously reflect on ones own personal ministry and that's part of the reason why I've gotten back to blogging. I've learnt at least from this conference that reflection and reviewing is not likely to be a one time thing though. Something I always say to others has been my very own experience since the conference, that: "the greatest of convictions happen not so much when we are gathered in the assembly of others, but in the quiet quarters of private study and personal devotion.

As I continue, I will be posting, by Gods grace, some of the experiences, plans, thoughts and encounters that I have had from and since the conference. I have not been able to look at life the same since. I have, ever since I became Seventh-day Adventist believed that Jesus is coming soon, but that conference made me believe it more. This now comes with the responsibility of asking myself: How can I then practically respond to that fact. Not in an entirely sentimental, emotional manner, but looking at where God has placed me, how do I carry out my own personal mission (under the guidance of the Holy Spirit) to practically brighten the corner where I am.

Like Tom Davis says in His book "How to become a victorious Christian", answers to questions like these don't come in 30 minutes, but what one may be assured of is that in seeking diligently and listening out to the voice of God through His word, Spirit and providence, one may be sure of getting the answers.

Highlights to the conference:
- Speaking on the topic of "Communion with Christ", how we can have a sustained devotional life. In summary: they that water others shall themselves be watered.
- Righteousness by faith Plenary sessions
- Heart felt devotional messages. God really humbled me through 2 presentations which called for a thorough examination of oneself. Mark the words: "some of the things that are an hindrance between a person and God are other individuals, and sometimes we ourselves are those individuals..." (speaker 1). "We can be the enemies to the very cause which we profess to love... in refusing to let go of the issue we have, even among us here, we delay the coming of Jesus and can never expect to see thousands converted in a day (no matter how much we act like those issues are not there)." (speaker 2)... the details of what these led up to is a story for another day.
- Feedback session on peoples experiences of the conference. Some of the young people there were really on the verge of dying spiritually. Some had lost hope and confidence in God, people whom others see as "alright", expressing how much they themselves needed a personal revival and others admitting that God, through the conference had spoken mightily to them regarding the personal experiences they were having.
- The food :) and friends
- And many more.

Do look out for more posts though. Blogging has found its way into my schedule so by Gods grace I hope to post more soon. (I have been writing more than typing, but hope to transfer the handwritten stuff soon). Have had one or 2 disappointments since the last post, but I have been gladdened by seeing Romans 8:28 manifest itself, and give hope for the future...

My new favourite verse:
John 15:4
Abide.

The footsteps of Jesus

Ah but how good God is. Just to relate a recent experience.

So today we were having a meeting with the committee and it was at my place, and just to be nice to my friends I was planning to cook for them (Les always cooks when we meet at her place and I thought it would be cool to do the same). So I had to get a few of the ingredients beforehand to have the lunch ready. I was going home for the weekend so I had to make sure to get it on Friday, spend the Sabbath that side because it was holy communion, then make it back Sunday morning in time to prepare the lunch for after the meeting (or at least that was the plan).

Friday came and I got the ingredients, and to be quite honest, while shopping the thought came to mind that I wouldn't make it back in time to cook for the guys. But I still had the impression to get all the things needed for lunch. "What would happen if I don't make it back in time to cook, what would I do with all the food", that's the thought that one had.

After the blessed Sabbath experience at Boksburg South (it was really powerful man), as foreseen, Sunday morning (this morning) I didn't make it back in time to cook the lunch for the guys. Now after the meeting, everyone had to rush to different places, and there I was left with all the food. I don't have a fridge so keeping it would inevitably result in it going bad. Finding an alternative didn't take long though. I was reminded of Street Kitchen, (an youth led city humanitarian mission project), and it was hard for me to resist (and I did try). The Lord left a heavy impression to go in that direction.

The way the Lord directs things is very interesting though. As I was preparing the food after the meeting, I realised that I would need more hands. Then a know came to my door, one of my classmates (who really never comes to my room). He brought a cable for my phone which someone asked him to give me. Anyhow, I asked him to assist me later on when the food would be ready. Very quickly he responds, "Sure, cool, no problem." :). I really realise throughout that it was God's leading. So I finished preparing the food, prayed that God be with us and that the food would be enough, and got ready to leave. I sort of had an idea of where to find some of the homeless guys, (one generally somehow always knows their places, but how often we pass them by).

So I went to my classmates place, fetched him and we left together, looking for homeless people. It was slightly awkward for the first few minutes because me and him are really not more than class mates, (though mates nonetheless), so the conversation was really "academic" for lack of better words. We got to the one place where we both knew we would find some guys, and the short time spent there was really something else. We got there, introduced ourselves, and told them why we were there, and they were so grateful for the act. To me and my classmate it really didn't seem like we did much, but to those few guys it meant so much. I don't know how many times they expressed their gratitude. I actually think that more than just receiving a cooked meal, what warmed their hearts was the thought that someone actually cared for them, as opposed to fearing or suspecting them as criminals.

There was still a bit of food left and they pointed us in the direction where we could possibly find a few more homeless guys. We prayed with them then left. "Even if you guys did this once, the fact that you did it, and didn't just think about doing it means a lot" said one of the guys (we got their names).  I could see, as we were leaving them, the impact that it had on my friend. So we went the direction they pointed.

Walking past campus, we come across one of the girls from the architecture department, one of the earlier year students. After exchanging the polite greetings she asks us where we were going, seeing the stuff we had. We told her we're looking for homeless people, "nyani?" (That's "really" in Xhosa, :). Yep, and she directed us to where we were likely to find a couple, and asked us to let her know the next time we do this again, (quite frankly I actually wasn't thinking about a "next time.") But we said we would see... So we continued. We got to where we were directed to and found a young boy there, Serame. A very sweet young man. He was reading a newspaper and immediately I thought of Sam Pipim's testimony...

We gave him the food that we had left and had a very nice little chat with him and it really left an impression on me. Now while walking back to res with my friend I would really see that it had an impact on him too. That's just what serving others does. We were both smiling all the way. Being a blessing to others, for no personal gain, really results in blessings upon oneself.

The substance of the conversation changed on our way back. The subject turned more to being about how blessed one is in life, how much suffering there is in the world, how much a little act of kindness goes such a long way to the person who received it etc. He said some things that really warmed my heart, "we should do this more often like every Sunday..." "I'm even willing to contribute...""Even if we have a submission on Monday, it would be worth it." He even said something along the lines of getting others from architecture involved in it. "We should do this again next Sunday." This is the power of serving others. We got back and he appreciated the invite to help. I really appreciated his willingness to come and assist and I'm glad it had an impact on him too. His willingness got me to really thinking.

Coming back to my place, reflecting on the experience really made me realise how powerful it all was. The thought that came to mind was that this is a really powerful opportunity for the gospel. I wonder how God is going to use this experience to further get the message of Christ soon second coming and saving grace/power to the hearts of his children living on the streets of the city. Shall be praying that God really use it to His glory, to impact not just the homeless people that may be fed, but also minister conversion in the hearts of those involved in the food distribution.

Some statements in mind.:
"When we have done all the good we can possibly do, we are still unprofitable servants. We have done only what was our duty. What we have accomplished has been wrought solely through the grace of Christ, and no reward is due to us from God on the ground of our merit." The Review and Herald, June 27, 1893.

"...we need not go to Nazareth, to Capernaum, or to Bethany, in order to walk in the steps of Jesus. We shall find His footprints beside the sickbed, in the hovels of poverty, in the crowded alleys of the great city, and in every place where there are human hearts in need of consolation. In doing as Jesus did when on earth, we shall walk in His steps."  The Desire of Ages p.640.2

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...:)