Looking and mourning

“And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for [his] only [son], and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn.” Zechariah 12:10

Those who mourn, mourn not only for the abominations that be done in the land (Ezekiel 9), but also because of what it is that they themselves have done in piercing the Saviour. They realize their own guilty condition and their personal part in the crucifixion of Christ. We have wounded Him by our unbelief in His promises, and a lack of selfless love for those for whom He has died. We have wounded Him by partaking of the spiteful spirit of he who “was a murderer from the beginning.

Nevertheless, Jesus was sent to “to comfort all that mourn” and moreover to “to give unto them…the oil of joy for mourning” (Isaiah 61:1-3). It is to them that “mourn in Zion” that Jesus will send “another Comforter”. It is these that will be filled with the Holy Spirit, they will be anointed with the oil of gladness. “Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted” Matthew 5:4

This act of mourning is caused by looking upon the One whom we have pierced. A thoughtful consideration of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, and what that sacrifice means personally, brings the sincere believer to realize his own mournful condition. It brings us to the realization of our personal need of Saviour, and the promise is “I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring.”

When men consider the sacrifice of Jesus, as applying personally, the realization of one’s  personal need will fit us to be filled with the Spirit. Looking upon Him who I have pierced will call for a mourning of the individual and corporate condition and thus lead to more earnest pleading for His Spirit. And the promise is then sure, it is they that mourn that shall be comforted.

“The tears of the penitent are only the raindrops that precede the sunshine of holiness.” Desire of Ages p.300.4

Pages from my Journal: Notes from my past weekend speaking at the Berea youth camp (Day 2)

My weekend in a nutshell.

Day 2 (Sunday)
I'm at Magaliesburg at an Ambassador club youth camp (ages 16-21). Was invited to be a speaker for the camp by the clubs leader from Berea Seventh-day Adventist church. I'm privileged to speak on the camps theme: On Christ the Solid Rock. :)

Its only been about 2 days and I have already been seeing the hand of God. My personal burden for the weekend has been to set before the young people a clear and practical understanding of how they can have a real and abiding relationship with Christ. It was never the intention of Christ that the christian experience must be one of a sometimes in/ sometimes out experience, but one where we would abide in Him (John 15:4). With this intention in mind, truly I have been seeing the hand of God in a mighty manner. From the presentations (with another speaker), the discussions and the personal lessons from devotion thus far, I am impressed by the campers' sincere love for Jesus and a desire to live above the status squo of a Christian experience that is such in name alone. 

Part of the reason I am very passionate about "Ambassadors", is primarily because it was at that stage in my life (the late teenage years) that I decided to go all the way with Christ. God has granted me an experience that has made abiding in Him a reality and I wish the same for them. 

Hope to share a few of the lessons learnt as the weekend continues, (camp ends on Tuesday 16th.) Have a bit more time to blog since "school is closed." A few highlights so far:

1. Christ is a solid rock. 

How I wish that this fact may be more clearly understood. Correctness of doctrine, of every reform and creed finds its foundation on this rock. All these, regardless of how much zeal they are adopted with, outside of the experience one may have at the foot of the cross, have no saving effect. It is a union with Jesus that makes these of value:

"Unless we become vitally connected with God, we can never resist the unhallowed effects of self-love, self-indulgence, and temptation to sin. We may leave off many bad habits, for the time we may part company with Satan; but without a vital connection with God, through the surrender of ourselves to Him moment by moment, we shall be overcome. Without a personal acquaintance with Christ, and a continual communion, we are at the mercy of the enemy, and shall do his bidding in the end." The Desire of Ages p.324.1

2. The power of influence

Through some of the personal discussions with the guys, I was reminded of how really far reaching the power of influence goes. Won't go into much detail here, but it must be known that ones life has a power for good or for evil that reaches far beyond his/her estimation. On one account: A young lady was telling me of the way God has used certain individuals I know to influence her in her Christian experience for the better... and she has never even met them personally. :)

3. The everlasting Gospel must be easy to understand.

Many have never experienced what it means to have Christ do a work of transforming their hearts from one of hatred, envy, unkindness etc: not because they didn't believe that it was possible, but because of having no idea how to enter into that mysterious experience. At a point in my life this was my experience... In another case it is because of how vaguely/complicatedly that way is taught and expressed. (*Praying over posting something on this...)
Nevertheless, if God wants to save children, the gospel must be easy enough to be unfolded to them, at least enough for them to experience it.  

Other thoughts are still forming themselves properly in my mind as I observe, interact and learn the lessons God is bringing me to realise as the weekend continues. Look forward to seeing what God has in store for the coming days...

"Brethren, pray for us." 1 Thessalonians 5:25  

Thoughts on Faith, the Cross and the Mark of the beast (Part i)

In the time of the 3^rd angel’s message, men will be compelled to worship the beast and his image through receiving the mark o the beast. Obeying this command from the ruling earthly powers will be at the cost of their lives (Revelation 13:15-16, 18).

But God’s word commands that those who do worship the beast and his image will receive a punishment which is far greater than what the world authorities can give: those who worship the beast and his image will face “the wine of the wrath of God which is poured out without mixture.” Revelation 14:10

Thus the choice is between worshiping God, or worshiping the beast and his image: the main point of controversy will be the 4^th commandment. This is the main point at which the followers of God are at variance with the worshipers of the beast.

While the whole world moves towards receiving the mark of the beast, the worshiper’s of God will refuse to violate God’s commandments. The only, and highest argument that the followers have in going against the whole world in this regard will be that: “we ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29)

Every earthly motive for keeping the Sabbath will be removed. The only reason remaining for observing the Sabbath over the Sunday will be that it is because God said so.  Because they have put their trust in God, God’s people will chose to follow Him even if it is at the cost of their lives. They have learnt to trust that God’s way is ultimately the best, even if obeying is at the cost of life.

This will require an unyielding faith, a faith that will not be moved even by the threat of death. A faith will be required in Gods faithful such that they will obey Him even when it makes no ‘logical’ sense to. To obey God at the cost of one’s life is “unreasonable” to the worldly mind, but it is such a faith that is needed, and it is such a trust in His will that will keep them from following the whole world in worshiping the beast and His image.

But what could inspire such a faith in the followers of Christ? What could drive them to exercise such a trust where the only reason they have to obey God is because of who He is?

1. The cross of Christ

Those who are justified by the blood of Christ, shed on the cross, will not receive the wrath of God (Rom. 5:9). These are not the ones who worship the beast and his image. What we find is that the experience that the redeemed have with the experience of Christ on the cross will be what keeps them from worshiping the beast and his image, even at the cost of their lives. This will be what keeps them still abiding in Christ through the time of trouble.

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:  That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.“  John 3:14-15

When Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, the Israelites were going through and experience of fiery serpents biting them because of their own murmuring and rebellion. They were being bitten and had no way of escape. Picture them trying to run from the snakes, only to find more snakes in whatever direction they turned, imagine them, some already bitten, with blood on their clothes, and other still having the serpents still hanging off of their flesh. In vain are their efforts to wrestle and fight off the serpents. Realising that all this was the result of their casting God away as their protector, the Israelites cry out to Moses and to God for deliverance.

In this terrible ordeal, God gives them in instruction which, should they follow, would be their only way of escape from the terrible torment. “And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.” Number 21:7. Picture the scene: they are in pain, they are surrounded by snakes, and this is the way of escape God offers them, without any other alternative. They were to look, to behold the bronze serpent on the pole, and this was to be their source of deliverance from the biting snakes around them: the only other option was death.

Now to the examining mind this does not make sense. What is the logic in looking at a pole with metal shaped like a serpent on it? The children of Israel could have reasoned with Moses that it does not make sense to look at the serpent while they were dying, but this was the only option they were given. They were to look and live, and there was no time to debate about how it is that looking would save them from the bites of the poisonous serpents, especially because all their own efforts to save themselves from the snakes were in vain. They were in a hopeless situation. Their only way of escape was to look and live. They had to exercise a faith in the word of God which was solely dependent on His trustworthiness: that looking at the bronze serpent would give them life and deliver them from the biting serpents. Although, to them, this did not make any sense at all, the only other alternative was death.

“And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.“ Numbers 21:9

Because God’s word is true, when men looked at the serpent that Moses made, they lived, even everyone whom the serpents had bitten. Even so then, “as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.” The same way that the serpent was the only way of escape form the deathly bites of the serpents, even so, Jesus lifted up is the only deliverance form the deathly bites of the serpent of sin, self and satan. As useless as the efforts of the children of Israel were to save themselves from the snakes, even so are men’s efforts in vain to save themselves from the death bite of transgressing His law. It is only in looking to Christ lifted up as the serpent was that men may be saved from sin:

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all [men] unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die.” John 12:33-34

 Jesus Christ being “lifted up” is a reference to His death on the cross. As the Israelites found life and help only as they beheld the serpent on the pole, even so must those who are in need of deliverance from sin behold Christ on the cross, suffering on the sinners behalf. As they thus fix their eyes on Christ, as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, realisating that that is the only way of escape available, they are then exercising faith. As men look to the sacrifice of Jesus, not as a historical event that took place one Friday some 2000 years ago, but realizing that that is the only available way of escape from the sting of sin, they experience the promise that “whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:15.

"The primary reason why the serpent of sin still has its grip is that men have not beheld Christ on the cross, have not beheld him with the same mind-set that the Israelite's were to behold that serpent on the pole..."

As with the Israelite's in the wilderness, this way of escape is seemingly without sense. It does not follow with the “rational” mind, yet the only other alternative is death. While it seems like the serpent of lust has been wrestled of, the sting of pride and self-love is felt, the bites of immodestly is cast away while the serpent of hatred leaves its marks. Look and live is the only way of escape offered. This faith in Christ on the cross, as the only way of escape form sin, rises far above man’s feeble logic. Look, behold, realise in that sacrifice of Christ on the cross, the only way of escape offered. The primary reason why the serpent of sin still has its grip is that men have not beheld Christ on the cross, have not beheld him with the same mind-set that the Israelite's were to behold that serpent on the pole.

"This faith in the sacrifice of Christ on sinner’s behalf is the surest preparation for the second coming of Christ..."

This faith in the sacrifice of Christ on sinner’s behalf is the surest preparation for the second coming of Christ. It is those who would have cultivated this kind of faith that will be willing to obey God even at the face of persecution and death. They have realized, by their experience with the cross, that even though trusting God may seemingly be above reason, it is only the most reasonable choice: because all other alternatives are death and in vain.

“And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive [his] mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God…” Revelation 14:9-10

“Much more then, being now justified by his blood [shed on the cross], we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Romans 5:9

To be continued…

Freedom from guilt and shame

Very many are burdened under the load of their past sins. The memory of the shame of disobedience, compromise, the remembrance of past failures. Many, in looking to oneself and realising the entire unworthiness, fear the idea of even approaching God. But this need not be the case. In Christ, there is freedom from the dark cloud of guilt. It is for the very fallen the Christ died and He has made it His mission to seek for the guilt-ridden individual.
His invitation to the fallen:

His promise to the guilty, and broken-hearted over their sins:

“If you feel yourself to be the greatest sinner, Christ is just what you need, the greatest Saviour.” Mind Character and Personality, book 2, p.452.2

The feeling of “guilt”, synonymous with shame, regret, self-reproach. It is this feeling of guilt that robs many of an abiding peace. It is the cause of anxiety and disbelief in the willingness of God to accept sinners.  But this need not be the case, because it is just such who Christ invites, and even offers freedom and liberation from the burden of past faults and shortcomings.

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. “ Isa. 1:18.

His invite is to the scarlet stained sinner. This man not only receives sinners, but He invites them, that He may pardon and empower them with the whiteness of a righteous life. 

“Jesus loves to have us come to Him just as we are, sinful, helpless, dependent. We may come with all our weakness, our folly, our sinfulness, and fall at His feet in penitence. It is His glory to encircle us in the arms of His love and to bind up our wounds, to cleanse us from all impurity.” Steps to Christ p.52.2

Jesus wants you to come to Him, as sinful and broken as you are, with the confidence that He loves you too much to leave you that way. It is His glory to bind up the wounds from the defeat against sin and satan.

 “The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” Ps. 51:17

“Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. “ 2 Corinthians 5:17

The former things are passed away. The record of past wrongs, the burden of past faults and of sins which once plagued the heart and brought grief and shame, all these are passed away and we may stand before God as new creatures, presented “faultless before the presence of His glory, with exceeding joy.” Jude 24

“The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep [his anger] for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, [so] great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, [so] far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalms 103:9-12

East and West are infinitely far apart from one another, and when one comes to God, with sincere confession of all transgressions, this is how far He removes them. This is not only in the case of the record of the guilt, but Jesus desires to expel the very sin itself from the heart.

Note His promise:

“This [is] the covenant (agreement/promise) that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;  And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” Hebrews 10:16-17

When we come to Christ, in confession of ones faults, we may be assured that God consciously forgets our sins and iniquities. Though they may remain fresh in the minds of men, in the mind of God they have no presence. And more than no longer remembering our sins, God writes His law in the very heart, thus enabling one to walk in the path of righteousness, the path of right doing.

Have you any guilt? Be of good cheer, It is for you that Christ has died.

“This feeling of guiltiness must be laid at the foot of the cross of Calvary. The sense of sinfulness has poisoned the springs of life and true happiness. Now Jesus says, Lay it all on Me; I will take your sin, I will give you peace. Destroy no longer your self-respect, for I have bought you with the price of My own blood. You are Mine; your weakened will I will strengthen; your remorse for sin I will remove.  Mind, Character and Personality, book 2 451.2

In Jesus, there is freedom from shame and guilt.

How to have perfect peace

A few notes on one of the rarest commodities in society: Personal peace

1. Trust:

"You wiil keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed [on you: because he trusts in you. 

 Trust in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength" Isaiah 26:3-4

2. Pray:

"Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philipians 4:6-7

 3. Obey:

"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." Psalms 119:186

 THE CAUSE OF NO PEACE

"But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked." Isaiah 57:20-21

Who are the wicked? "...the wicked that forsake your (God's) law" Psalms 119:53. Disobedience is one of the greatest hindrances to peace.

THE SOLUTION

How can those who lack peace obtain it.

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" Romans 5:1

True and lasting peace is obtained through Jesus Christ. The peace that is recieved through Christ is obtained when one is justified, or made right, by and with God. This we may have when we exercise faith, an intentional trust, in God. This is how we are enabled to live in obedience to God's law, and so maintain the peace. 

 JESUS HAS MADE A WAY FOR US

"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross..." Colossians 1:20

When Jesus endured the cross, he paid the penalty for mans sins, He provided access to the perfect peace that is experienced in a life in harmony with God's will (as revealed in His law.) The cross is the surest pledge of peace: When one considers how undeserving they are of God's attention, how incapable they are to obey, how far short they fall from meeting God's claims on their life, we may look to the cross: It is heavens argument as to why God can accept and transform the one who puts their trust in Him.

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?