Invest In yourself: My 2017 booklist

One goal I set for myself in 2017 was to read a lot more. Reading is something I have loved from a very young age. I’ve learned that it’s one of the most amazing ways to invest in your spiritual life, social life and homemaking life when you read the RIGHT books. A lot of people especially in this generation have been so consumed with work, school, media and other things that time is not made to cultivate the mind by taking time off to quieten one’s environment and pour into themselves.

 One of the reasons I said the RIGHT books is that we are in a spiritual warfare of the mind. Satan has many ways of unsettling the mind so we lose sight of God. You don’t have to believe in God to know that our world, especially the entertainment industry incorporates hate, intolerance, and violence into movies, music, books and video games in order to increase sales. These acts are a form of desensitizing our personal values, polluting our minds, and destroying our world, it is imperative that we dwell on “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable” (Philippians 4:8).

One of my favourite authors Ellen G White said “Satan knows that to a great degree the mind is affected by that upon which it feeds. He is seeking to lead both the youth and those of mature age to read story-books, tales, and other literature. The readers of such literature become unfitted for the duties lying before them. They live an unreal life, and have no desire to search the Scriptures, to feed upon the heavenly manna. The mind that needs strengthening is enfeebled, and loses its power to study the great truths that relate to the mission and work of Christ,—truths that would fortify the mind, awaken the imagination, and kindle a strong, earnest desire to overcome as Christ overcame.” (Ellen White, The Youth's Instructor, Oct. 9, 1902.)

In saying that, THIS is my current reading list and some thoughts on the books:

1.     The Bible

I already read the bible and to be honest, it's my most picked up book, but I need to read it more. This year I greatly desire to grow deeper in my relationship with God. I want to know my maker and designer of this universe. I want more about Jesus, His thoughts, His plans, His character, and to know more of why He does what He does. Furthermore, as a Christian I ought to have engraved in my mind what I believe, why and where it’s found. So I’m currently on a bible reading plan. One plan which I like and also incorporates additional literature is from (http://www.prophesyagain.org/bible-reading-plan)

2.     Reflecting Christ (Ellen G White)

This is the book I’m currently reading for my daily devotionals. As Christians, our responsibility is to share with others what God has shown to us. Ellen G. White  had much to say about this responsibility—and the transforming effect of beholding Christ. This complete change of heart affects not only the spiritual life but also the physical, mental, and social.

3.     Patience in the midst of Trials and Afflictions (Samuel Pipim)

This book insightfully explains the nature of patience, why God permits trials and afflictions, and how you can benefit from them.

4.     Messages to Young People (Ellen G white)

This compilation answers many of the questions that arise concerning Christian conduct in a modern world such as - God's Purpose for the Youth, The Conflict with Sin, Gaining Victories, Preparation for the Life Work, Health and Efficiency, The Home Life, Courtship and Marriage. One thing I love about this book is that It can be read based on themes and sub themes.

5.     Praying for your Future Husband (Gunn and Goyer)

In Praying for Your Future Husband, Robin and Tricia share their two vastly different experiences, including the things they did right and the mistakes they made on the path to meeting and marrying their husbands. Each chapter includes helpful Bible verses, prayers, and practical application, along with true stories of women who prayed for a husband and how God answered in remarkable ways.

6.     The Purpose Room: A Meeting Place Where You Discover, Birth and Accomplish Your God-Given Purpose (Heather Lindsey)

Heather Lindsey shares her years of living purposeless without Jesus. She candidly shares her peaks, pitfalls, and what she has learned along the way as the Lord has revealed His purpose to her. If you’ve ever struggled with identifying, being afraid of, or walking in your purpose, this book is for you.

7.     When God Writes Your Love Story (Eric and Leslie Ludy)

In their most popular book, bestselling authors Eric and Leslie Ludy challenge singles to take a fresh approach to relationships in a culture where love has been replaced by cheap sensual passion. 

8. Spanning the Abyss: How the Atonement Brings Humanity and God Together ( Angel Rodriguez)

9. When God says Remember (Mark Finley)

This small book asks and answers questions about the Bible Sabbath, its origins, its history, and its relevance today.

10. Mind, Character and Personality (Ellen G White)

Being a Psychology major at University I’m super interested in the mind lol! This volume has been on my mental reading list for the longest! 

This first volume includes sections on the study of the mind, the development of the mind, basic relationships, the growing personality, life’s energizing force, selfishness and self-respect, adolescence and youth, and guiding principles in education. This second volume includes sections on the interrelationship of body and mind, mental health, emotional problems, problems in adjustment, personality, thoughts and their influences, false systems of therapy, principles and their application, and practical psychology.

Reading is such great joy and insight. I can’t wait to read, ponder and reflect on these books! I would really encourage you to pick up a book and start a reading habit. Use the knowledge acquired from your readings as a means to create deeper connections with your family, friends, and community. SHARING IS CARING !

ENJOY ! J

Love, Rejoicexox

Overcoming negative thinking: 5 steps towards more peace in the new year.

In our excitement to welcome the new year it can be easy to forget that just like the previous year, everything WILL NOT be perfect and most likely you will be carrying over the same old mindset into the new. Challenges will arise and there are gonna be issues you need to address. However, I’m so grateful that we serve a constant God, if he could strengthen us through last year, he is faithful to do the same this year. However, to make this life a little bit easier, we have to work with him and protect our peace. This is incredibly vital because eventually the newness of the year is gonna wear off and if we are not careful our emotions are gonna run our lives when people get on our nerves or most importantly when we fail to meet the expectations we set for ourselves. I’ve come to realise that it’s in those moments that it becomes easy to forget who we are through Christ and who we are living for.

Now the reason I thought it was important to write about this, is because that’s an area I sometimes really struggle with and God had to check me on this. If I’m to be completely honest with you, I had one too many tantrums last year and allowed seeds to grow in my life that should have never been planted which led me to be VERY upset. I was an emotional mess until God went and got me together. I remember one night as I was having my devotional I cried in frustration to God because I just felt so attacked by thoughts in my own head!

It was literally as if my mind was plagued with things I wanted to happen, events, and worries about my future. I cried Lord I claim your word that “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13) and you “…have plans to prosper me and give me an expected end...” (Jeremiah 29:11) but I’m finding it hard to be positive and walk out in faith claiming your promises! What I knew I ought to do, it seemed impossible for me to do and I was about ready to be done. As I sat talking to God I began to cry because of all my anxieties and He spoke to me and said

 “Rejoice, what door is open in your life that you’re allowing the devil to come through and breed these false and negative thoughts? Are you allowing social media such as Instagram, relationship posts and the music you’re listening to, to plants seeds of discontentment? Who are you following, watching and wanting to be like that it's causing you to doubt who I say you are. I need you to guard your heart Rejoice so I can tell you my secrets and show you my heart and things that are unseen, not these temporary earthly attainments. Stop using these things to make you feel good about yourself, I want your entire heart and you have to grow up. Once you let go of these worldly ideals can you then be content in every area of your life. My grace is sufficient for you. My strength is made perfect in your weakness”.

 In that moment, I repented to God for putting other things before him. I also decided to hit back negativity with the word of God and what he says about me, not what is fed on media and other people’s expectations. The world will and IS trying to deceive you by telling you that if you don’t have this or are going through that, then your life ain’t popping, you’re missing out or could be better. Now don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with setting goals for ourselves, but we are to fix our eyes on Jesus for heaven is the ultimate goal (Colossians 3:1-2).  Trusting in the Lord brings ultimate safety, peace, joy and assurance of the future. This is a daily decision you will have to make if you want to win against Satan’s attacks and threatening thoughts. We can't afford to be distracted by silly things when there is heaven on the line. What door have you kept open which the devil comes in to steer you off track? Now I’m going to share with you, my 5 practical tips which help guard me against negativity and fear in order to keep my peace.

1.      Put on the whole armour of God- look at Ephesians 6:14-17. Too many of us are refusing to get dressed each morning and are walking around in rags or even naked, because we don’t read and apply the word of God DAILY and wonder why things aren’t going so well.(Belt of truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, Shoes of the gospel of peace, Shield of faith and Helmet of truth.)We are in a spiritual warfare and our salavation is on the line!
2.    Mind your company- Bad company corrupts good character ( 1 Corinthians 15:33). Whether we like it or not the people and the things we entertain rub off on us, hence why we start to imitate friends’ expressions or characters on the tv shows we watch. If you have friends who are constantly talking down about themselves or other people or better yet if they love to sit and compare other people’s lives etc it's time to evaluate those friendships. If you allow yourself to feed of those types of conversations, they will start to affect you in your subconscious and you wonder why you’re negative?? A person who TRULY loves God will not actively go and engage in an environment which does not cultivate their faith or is contrary to the bible without being UNCOMFORTABLE or CONVICTED.
3.    Believe the best! -  Why are you talking to Satan? You need to capture those thoughts and make them obedient to the word of God. God has not given you a spirit of fear, but through him, you’re more than a conqueror.  I always try and base my thoughts on Philippians 4:8. (whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable). I like to ask myself Is what I’m thinking true or have I made up this scenario in my head and ran off with it, now I’m making myself feel bad over what’s not a reality? Am I being led by my feelings and emotions which change? What is the goal of thinking these bad thoughts? There is always good in something so dwell on the positive. Track down your stimuli and get tough with them! What gets your mind going? Is it the explore tab on Instagram, music or a particular tv show ?
4.   Know what the Bible says -  if you’re not sure go to the Bible or go and google some verses concerning your situation then go sit before the Lord. If you don’t know of what God says about you and the future how can you have assurance? The bible will put things in perspective for you and help you to stop making bad decisions and running ahead of God.
5.    Spend time with God- How can you have trust and love for someone you don’t know? Time with God is pure JOY and only He can meet your needs and give you the SPECIFIC diagnosis for whatever is happening in your life. Too often we like to look at other people’s spiritual experiences and lives and then compare it to ours etc. Trust me I have done that! The only person we need to be looking at is God for he was the ultimate example. God wants to spent time with you, Jeremiah 33:3 is just one of many examples where God has called us and said “Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.”.  Only when you spend time with him and APPLY the word, you are able to be unbothered by negativity and concentrate more on living a life pleasing to God that will draw others to Him. 

No matter what happens this year, let’s not forget the work God is doing in us and wants to complete in us. As we pray for blessings and opportunities this new year, lets pray that God imparts in us a steadfast spirit that will endure all the hardships to come. Let us pray that we don’t feed our imaginations, fantasies and daydreams based on loneliness, anxiety or desperation. Let us pray that the lord will renew us. As Romans 12:2 says “Don't copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Things will happen and we can’t control all that will happen, however, we do have the CHOICE to depend on the Lord.

REMEMBER Cheerfulness Brightens the Pathway—It is the duty of everyone to cultivate cheerfulness instead of brooding over sorrow and troubles. Many not only make themselves wretched in this way, but they sacrifice health and happiness to a morbid imagination. There are things in their surroundings that are not agreeable, and their countenances wear a continual frown that more plainly than words expresses discontent.2MCP 759.1

These depressing emotions are a great injury to them healthwise, for by hindering the process of digestion they interfere with nutrition. While grief and anxiety cannot remedy a single evil, they can do great harm; but cheerfulness and hope, while they brighten the pathway of others, “are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.”—The Signs of the Times, February 12, 1885. (My Life Today, 153.)

STOP stressing out! major biblical keys on combating worry and stress

  ‘We gon be all right, do you hear me? Do you feel me? We gon be alright!’ 

It was very ironic that this was the song playing as I was talking to a friend about the number of different things we had to do and some of our fears and concerns. One thing that kept ringing through my head was if God has brought us this far, surely He is ABLE to see us through.

Psalm 37:23-24 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand.

It is now that time of year where mid-terms and EXAMS are on your case. In my case, I have my 9000-word dissertation to do and it’s very easy to get overwhelmed and discouraged. This led me to think of this point. Imagine the most challenging thing you have ever had to deal with. Now imagine life a month before that event happened. Even if you can look back and say “Oh, I knew it was gonna happen,” there was no way you could have truly known how things were going to play out, how the situation would make you feel, or what lessons you would learn. 

Uncertainty is such an unsettling feeling. As humans we have the tendency to always focus and wonder about 2 years from now, 5 years from now and so on and that can rob us of today’s joy and living in the present moment. Uncertainty is overwhelming when you allow it consume you, HOWEVER, because there is a God who holds tomorrow and takes care of us no matter what, we have no reason to worry about the unknown! So, STOP stressing out because you don’t know what next week, month, SEMESTER, or YEAR is going to look like…

It doesn't all have to be gloomy... His yoke is easy and his burden is light

Now the Bible is such an AMAZING book for it holds so many treasures and REAL-LIFE applications to many of the things that we go through and one person we can certainly learn from is Paul.

In his journey as a Christian, the Apostle Paul had no idea what he was going to face or what would become of him in the days to come. In fact, this man SUFFERED and went without the comforts of life that we are accustomed to as he was living out his purpose for Gods mission. One thing that helped him to keep going in life was to PRAY about EVERYTHING, not worry and to be CONTENT.  

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I CAN do EVERYTHING through Him who gives me STRENGHT” (Philippians 4:12-13). 

Paul LEARNED that it is far more valuable to focus on God and what He was called to do as opposed to stressing out over what might go wrong even if it meant going to prison. Don’t let yourself be afraid of the unknown.  You are where you are in this stage of life for a reason; it’s all part of the journey and you wouldn’t be here if you weren’t meant to be. When we worry, it can often make us complacent rather than dealing with issues at hand. This is because our emotions can cloud our view of what we have to do. Give yourself time to find out who God really is and how He has been faithful in the past to supply the needs of his people, AND GUESS WHAT? He STILL does the same today. When we get worried and fret to the point of discouragement and weariness it means we do NOT TRUST God. When you look to God for your answers, it will grow your confidence and trust for the future because you know God has it under control so then what should you fear?

God used Paul mightily and He was there for him continually and He wants to do the same for us today.  

We live in a sinful world with many hardships and various encounters which can often lead us worried and stressed. Some of those worries and causes of stress are issues such as:

 1. Not knowing how your school year is going to go.
2. Being uncertain about what to do about your job or different career opportunities

3. Not knowing what your current relationships will look a month from now
4. A situation with your health or your family that's completely out of your control
5. Feeling stuck about how you should approach a situation with a friend or someone your ‘talking’ to.

I would encourage you to give such matters to God and leave them with Him. Don’t pick them up and worry again and know that God will tell you what to do and life will plan out as it should. In order to do this, we must turn down the world's volume so we can be in tune with God.

God will continue to be with us for as long as we live. Keep your focus on finishing the course He has called you to. Don't give up on praying or reading His word because of what hasn't been sorted out yet. Don't stop worshipping and doing His work as you seek Him daily about the decisions or circumstances you're faced with.

You've made it this far and He is NOT going to LEAVE you now!
Love Rejoicexox

Devotional inspiration from* Philippians 4:4-13 and Acts 20:22-23

THIS IS JUST TOO LONG! Rebellion and life callings

At some point during one’s Christian walk, there gets a point when you ask yourself “What’s the point of it all? 

It's either you get overwhelmed or complacent or your walk feels stagnant.  It’s almost like you stop caring about your life because you think God is distant and doesn’t care about you either. Or if you know he cares and wants the best for you, you don't live it out. You start entertaining bad relationships, spend like crazy, some people drink or smoke, or do whatever else that fills their voids rather than seek God, because WHY does it matter anyway?

All this doing "right"— doesn’t seem to be really going anywhere and you have major FOMO (Fear of missing out).This becomes very dangerous because when you start to feel like this, you become blind to your own ignorance which can hinder you in walking the path God intends for you to. It’s almost like there is a glaze over your eyes and ears that we end up not being convicted or if we do it's only temporary before something goes and distracts us.

I think one of the reasons this tends to happen is that we get so focused on someone else’s walk. Or we get too comfortable in our own walk that we stop ceasing to put the work in. Everybody seems to be doing things and making movements towards their “purpose” or life goals. It’s like they have it all figured out and you’re like erm “hey God over here… give me something” or on the otherhand you find yourself overwhelmed with your Christian responsibilities that you start to slack.

As I’m going through my Christian walk, one thing that keeps coming up is that I should seek Christ no matter what I'm feeling or going through (matt 6:33) and pray without ceasing for God will finish the work he has started in me . It can be so easy to get caught up in what God has called us to do, that you may either start something you shouldn’t, or the route of envy begins. On the flip side of things, you may start not to care about your walk at all through your daily actions in life. Don’t ignore Jesus, don't ever stop seeking him or grow weary in doing good. He will make his way plain before your face when you seek him. God is not silent! I’m telling you first hand. God can either communicate to you through your gut instinct/consciousness, people or events, but you gotta be seeking. Write God a note, whisper a prayer... never stop in finding an opportunity to talk to God and pray that he gives you a love for him.

Jeremiah 29:12-14 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹² Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. ¹⁴ I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.

Now here I have some MAJOR KEYS which I try to abide by which help me when my walk gets a bit blah or i get overwhelmed with all the variours things i have to be keeping up with.

1. You gotta Repent and RENEW. Read ALL of 1 John. See your life as a tree and that you’re bearing fruit. The fruit of your tree should be rooted from Christ. You can give your life to God at a young age but track your life from then till now look how far you have come. I really recommend journaling your devotional thoughts, prayers and general chit chat to God. Yes, the fruit is in the pudding but fruit grows slowly, so don't be hard on yourself if you aren't growing in certain areas. God is great because he gives us grace HOWEVER you must be INTENTIONAL in GROWING up in HIM.

2.You gotta LISTEN to God. When you get convicted about an issue, purpose in your heart to work it out, there is nothing than having peace with Jesus, otherwise, the complaining will never stop. And if he tells you to do something, take the leap and do it ! you will wish you had started earlier. 

3.Check out your space. Who are you hanging out with as you get overwhelmed in your walk ? REMEMBER sin separates us from CHRIST. (Isaiah 59:2). Ask God for guidance in that area of friendships and as you do so, also encourage those around you as they might be feeling the same too.

4.Be content (it's hard yall). Even though you may not be where you want to be in life right now ...  you have God. Keep your eyes on him and he will open doors that no man can close. WHEN JESUS SAYS YES NOBODY CAN SAY NO. Sometimes life gets dreary bit God will bring you some amazing blessings in your life. There is a time for everything Ecclesiastes 3:1.

Please remember (this is also a note to self) that your life is much greater than your feelings job or your degree or your relationship. It's bigger than you appearing successful to some people, It’s bigger than you appearing to be the perfect Christian. It's bigger than what you think. God has created every single one of us and placed us in our mother’s womb for such a time as this, meaning you have a purpose!

The Christian walk is not an easy one, and sometimes it seems like you're not on the right path.But don't get discouraged just know that.If God woke you up this morning, God is going to use TODAY to prepare you for those things HE called you to do. WE will never arrive there is something to always work on. So, don't get caught up in this silly world & it’s ideas, or that you're not good enough. Don't place yourself around people and situations that bring you down.

Love,

Rejoicexox

Interrupted plans !!! But lord I know what i want

Ahhhh nothing worse than when you decide you're gonna have a good day, then all of a sudden everything goes wrong! You know one of them ones when you say you're gonna wake up early, then you miss your alarm, then you're late to do something else, or something goes wrong and it throws you off completely. Trust me I know! so like literally yesterday, I was like okay I'm gonna set my alarm a bit earlier, so I have enough time to do my devotion, go to the gym and finish of my proposal for my meeting with my supervisor before I have to meet him then go to lectures. So I prayed about it, gave it to God and went to sleep. Sounds good right ? Well let me tell you, my alarm went off, no problem, did my devotion- no problem, I went to check my phone to go over some material which I had on there, then next thing you know, my phone freezes and it decided to die and not operate. I was finished ! I had saved some material on there which I needed for my meeting as well as needing it for my gym routine amongst many other things. So basically I spent majority of my day stressing over my phone and pondering when the last time I had backed it up coz I didn't wanna lose my stuff on there. Very stressful . So later on that night before I went to sleep, I talked to God and reflected on my day and he revealed and highlighted some very important points which I believe we can all learn.

REALLY THO ?

I know what I want !

You see Gods timing is everything!( that's another post on its own), we cant help but make plans and wonder when its our time for something to happen, forgetting that everything has its season (Ecclesiastes 3) and we should be anxious for nothing ! The things that we plan and aspire for are often minute matters in the overall picture of life. We want to do things now and  for our lives to go in a certain direction, forgetting that to get to those places lessons need to be learned and work needs to happen in order for us to be prepared for those things we want.

One example I can give for example is that most of us girls want love and to get married. That's fine, but God repeatedly says

do not awaken love whilst it is not yet time, Songs of Solomon 8:4

BUT  we rush ahead and talk to a guy we have no business talking to for various reasons. Then we find ourselves in a situationship or having begun something , it goes wrong and you get heartbroken because you placed so much hope in this guy rather than listening to God and putting your hope in him. Its all about Gods timing and will. Some of us are going around the same mountain every year declaring that we trust God but our heart is not really in it and we are not giving him a chance to do what he would want us to do. INSTEAD we write our own vision and put God on it ! You see that's why God has to interrupt our plans sometimes, because they are not good for us nor are they perfecting our faith- we cant place our trust on our phones, degrees, people etc. because they will fail us.

God knows the desires of our hearts, but in order for him to truly move us into all that he as in store for us, we have to delight in him, commit our ways to him and wait on him inspite of our own timings.

Romans 5:3-5

3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

The bigger picture ~

God sees the bigger picture, Isaiah 55:8-9 declares our plans are not his plans and his thoughts are not our thoughts, that's something we truly need to learn and apply in our lives. Who knows, maybe I could have been involved in an accident if I had left my house the time I had planned. We like something, we set our eyes on someone, things break, inconveniences happen, traffic makes us late, like I could go on and on. The thing is when these things happen how do we react ?,do we say okay God what are you tryna tell me about this, or do we curse and blame God, forgetting that there's a reason for everything ?

You see God is not surprised at these events,  in fact sometimes they are divinely placed in our path to change us to be more like Christ or to give us something much more better. So for example you said you wanted to be more patient, how do you react to the traffic ? Sometimes we expect these big dramatic events to take place and then we are gonna have a massive epiphany, but let me tell you in reality its through these small moments of interruptions and frustrations where we are given the opportunity to trust in God despite the craziness and to rely on him. Our characters are not defined in big moments, but rather through the little things each day which reveal what's on our hearts.

God is certainly teaching me that I'm not in control, I'm not saying not to plan for things because that would be foolish, but rather lets not hold too tightly to these plans, because we are gonna set ourselves up for disappointment and anger when God says otherwise. I'm not in control but I'm sooo glad I serve a God who is. One who is working all things for my good (Romans 8:28), who knows exactly what and who I need at the right time.
Proverbs 16:9 "A man's mind plans his ways, but the lord directs his steps"
so guys lets trust the process and "obey for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus."