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Thankful for a beautiful cool morning, we started the day with breakfast and devotions before we left for church at Seje Glory School. Phelex welcomed us and he spoke about how God’s plan is bigger than your struggles. He encouraged us to keep on trusting God and to remember that trials or delays are not denials, it is just a matter of God’s timing.
Phelex Also reminded us that while we will face many things in this world, we need to focus on the truth that God still has a good plan for us. It doesn’t matter the challenges because nothing can hinder God. Joseph was betrayed, enslaved and imprisoned. But prison lead him to promotion. He was blessed by what was thought to harm him. What is meant to break us can bless us. Don't sit in the challenges but walk through them … Keep moving. God sees what we can't and look at what God does with troubles … shepherd to king, water to wine, crucifixion to resurrection. God can turn your struggles into something better! “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” - Jeremiah 29:11
Pastor Andrew spoke about the cost of being a christian. We were saved by the blood of Jesus Christ while we were still sinners, His enemies. Jesus was a man of love and died for us on the cross. In thankfulness, we need to do as Jesus commands us “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (Matthew 28:19). It’s the work of everyone, not just preachers.
Jesus humbled himself and became a man.
Jesus is holy and we are filthy but He accepted us the way we were and He cleansed us so that the Lord can now accept us. If we want to follow Jesus we need to imitate Him, walk like Him and obey His commands. Love your neighbours and enemies as He loved us.
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:27-36
We coexist with unbelievers and need to be different. If we do the same things unbelievers do, that’s not showing them Jesus. We need to be Christians obedient to Him because He may be using us to bring men and women to Himself.
It's not only speaking but how we walk and behave that can draw people to want to know Jesus. It's not our mind, intelligence, power or money that draws sinners to Jesus but it's Jesus Christ Himself who convicts them. Remember there are people around us predestined to salvation scattered around us but have not yet come to know and love Jesus.
It's a tough journey but easy for the one who follows Jesus Christ who gives you strength. Follow him. Emulate him. Forgive those who wrong us. Share what is good. Not only to your friends and family but also to enemies. Pray for those who hurt you and don't retaliate. Don't offend. Forgive because we've been forgiven. Pray for people bc that is what Jesus does.
Tread carefully … the world didn’t love Jesus so they won’t love us either if they are not followers of Him. Even the apostles were killed and suffered but don’t worry about suffering. This is minor compared to the glories of heaven.
Hell is real and heaven is real. What path are you going to take? We will leave this life, and those are the options, hell or Heaven. Do you want to enjoy the world and end up in hell? Or do you refuse the world and live with God in heaven for eternity? This is the time. Believe on Jesus Christ. Don't reject Him and love the world … this is the time to be saved. Follow Jesus.
We had several visits today … Evelyne, Rose, Consolata and Lillian. We also had afternoon worship with 105 year old Sarah and some of her grandchildren. We also made a quick stop at the equator today.
The Lord’s Day was beautiful. We rejoiced and were glad with the day God gave us.
