Peculiar People

1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:
In the past a lot was said about adventists being a 'peculiar people' with certain distinct characteristics that readily set them apart from the world and other religions. Indeed in times past one could readily identify an adventist. Now it seems the line of demarcation between believers and the world has become blurred. Many believers can't be distinguished from worldly associates. Why is this so? This occurs and has occurred simply because some of us no longer desire to be seen as 'peculiar' or 'different' from the rest of the world. We want to 'blend in' not stand out as a sore thumb. We want to dress, behave and live like the world. It seems as we want the world more than Christ! This shows us how far removed from Christ we are. The sad part is that many of us are content with this state of affairs. This is not sad it is frightening! How can the people who claim to be followers of the true God behave like or worse than those they consider 'heathens'? Then we go on to have evangelistic efforts to 'save' those in the world who no doubt regard us as hypocrites! The folks in the world know exactly what we as adventists are supposed to be practicing and living! We can't save anyone when we ourselves need saving! What is needed is a thorough reformation and leaving behind of cherished sins. It is a humbling of self and of dying to self daily. This can only be achieved by daily bible study, prayer and accepting of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for us. We need to think less of self and more about what our the needs of our friends, relatives, colleagues etc who are perishing in sin. If we love them we will set a good example for them and be the peculiar people we ought to be.


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Going Home

Finally I'm home! I've been away for the past few months due to many things: family, work etc. I got to thinking about when one is away from home how one longs for home. I then thought about the Christian's 'home'. Where is the Christian's home? Is it as we say 'home is where the heart is'? As a Christian I concluded that my home ( and heart) is with Jesus. Jesus Christ said that He is going to prepare a place for His followers and then He will return for them. In the final chapters of the Book of Revelation we get a good picture of what that 'home' with Jesus will be like. I long for that 'home' to be free of the cares and distresses of this world. I am tired of the way things are on this earth with crime, disease etc. I pray for the soon return of Jesus Christ but till then I must exist in this world. As it is said I must be in the world but not of the world. As believers we ought not to behave as though this present world is our home. Some of us believers live as though there isn't a future 'home' to look forward to as we live in the present sometimes even losing our way. Therefore I urge all readers of this blog post not to trifle with their faith but to rely firmly and only on God. I look forward to the time when there will be no more pain, sorrow, death or anything that was as a result of sin entering the world. I intend to be there by accepting Christ as my Lord and Savior. It will truly be a day of rejoicing when Jesus returns for His chosen ones, I believe by faith I will be amongst them. I therefore pray for all believers that they be faithful to the end and go home to Jesus. Be blessed as always.



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Righteousness by Faith

A really hot topic that has re-emerged in Adventist circles is that of 'righteousness by faith' and all that it entails: Jones and Waggoner, the humanity of Christ, the acceptance/ non acceptance of the 'message of righteousness by faith' by the Church, justification, sanctification, etc. What really impressed me was that in the 90's when I joined the adventist church controversial topics like 'righteousness by faith', off-shoots and such were not discussed or entertained at all. Recently this trend seems to be reversing with some in-house pastors preaching, and literally quoting from Jones and Waggoner's writings (therefore in my humble opinion embracing the message). Also in-house books are now being promoted that investigate the message of righteousness by faith. At least here in Trinidad openness to this 'most precious message' is indeed welcome news indeed. Previously this message was met with stern resistance from many brethren. To this time there are many who strongly resist the truths that were endorsed by Ellen White that came from brothers Jones and Waggoner. However there is less hostility now with folks being able to sit down and discuss this subject in a very civil manner. Thank God for this, for in the past I have seen both folks for and against the message exhibit some unbecoming behaviour. This change of openness is good for the church both the clergy/pastors and laity/members. I have thus invited a brother who is very knowledgeable on the message of righteousness by faith to write a few posts on this subject. This brother (bro F) has been a proponent of the righteous by faith message for about 10 years. So I think he is well qualified to blog about this topic. Such issues as 'What is righteousness by faith,' 'what really is faith','the nature of Christ' and the like. So til then study this topic if you have not done so before. You will be blessed by so doing.

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I AM BLESSED INDEED

Lately I've been going through some unusual experiences...Like in the past when my funds were low and I could see no way out of financial gridlock; I would then have been really worried. I would stay up late into the night wondering how I could fix the problem on my own. Even as a Christian this habit of worrying about problems still persisted. Now I have a lot more financial problems than then! Thanks be to God that I have gotten the victory over worrying to a great extent. Presently I take my burdens to the Lord in prayer alone and with my kids. Then I just leave it in His most capable hands. This is an experience that I had to have repeated many times over in my life because I just wasn't getting it: I had to let go and let God take care of the problems. Today I can be confident of God's leading as thus far He has taken me through it all. So now when faced with whatever trials I base my confidence on God, knowing that He (and not I) is in control. As the song goes "With Jesus in the vessel, I can smile at the storm....as we go sailing on... Truly I am blessed in spite of all that plagues me because Jesus makes all the difference. Give Jesus first place in your life and all of life's problems will be much easier to bear. Won't you give Him a chance today? Be blessed as always..... And have a blessed and restful sabbath.
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Doing It My Way

As individuals we all like to have our 'own way'.... As kids we fight and compete to have our own way in everything. As a Christian should we then strive to have our own way? Dear readers I considered the matter quite a bit and discovered that sadly there are only two 'ways'. Folks a person can either do things God's way or satan's way. You're either following satan or God. The Bible clearly illustrates this in the broad way (leads to destruction etc), or the narrow way (leads to eternal life).
Recently during family worship one night with my kids, we read a very thought provoking passage from the book 'Desire of Ages' written by Ellen G White, Chapter 51 'The Light of Life', page 466: "Every soul that refuses to give himself to God is under the control of another power. He is not his own. He may talk of freedom, but he in the most abject slavery. He is not allowed to see the beauty of truth, for his mind is under the control of satan. While he flatters himself that he is following the dictates of his own judgment, he obeys the will of the prince of darkness." The italics are mine and highlight how satan deceives us into thinking that when we do something we think we're following our own conscience but it shows we actually place ourselves in bondage to him.
After the above reading my son said that we can never do our own thing. As he so aptly put it its either we're doing God's thing or satan's thing, never our own. So then who are you yielding to? Is it the Holy One or the serpent? This question is for myself also and one that we need to ask ourselves ever so often. Do you want to be free? The only true freedom is found in obedience to Jesus Christ. His Word declares that who the Son of Man (Jesus) has made free is free indeed! This my friends is true freedom. Allow Jesus to liberate you today and you will rejoice in His Glorious freedom.
I recommend as eye-opening thought provoking reading material books by Ellen G White. It will enrich your Christian experience and help you to grow. As usual be blessed.






















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An Adventist Christmas

How do adventists celebrate Christmas?....Well, I can't speak for all of adventism but only of my own experiences with my church and family. In my church there are quite a few year end celebrations for various church groups e.g. AY (Adventist Youth), other church ministries also the entire church. It is a time that the church places more emphasis on the less fortunate in society and in helping them to have a good christmas. This is done through concerted fund raising and donations made by both members and non members.
On a personal level my family and I do not celebrate Christmas as many do. In a way I do celebrate Christmas everyday as I rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ! I think that as Christians we ought to be glad and give thanks for the Son of God coming to this sinful earth to go eventually die for sinful humanity. On the day that the world celebrates as the birth of Christ my kids and I awake early as usual and have our morning worship. We may sing some songs that are considered Christmas carols. Incidentally in our family we sing carols at any time of the year. We go through our normal routine of breakfast, cleaning of the house, playtime, etc. We do this as there is NO word of scripture that commands us to celebrate the birth of Christ or that Jesus was born on the 25th of December. So readers beware! If in doubt check your Bibles!
This Sabbath the youth department of my home church is going to carry goodies to an orphange. I think that this is in keeping with the commands of Christ concerning helping those in need. So dear readers have a blessed holiday and remember the One who died for you and I many years ago: Jesus Christ
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Revenge and God

Revenge is sweet! Or so the saying goes.... What does God say about taking revenge and getting even. For about one year now I have been subjected to a severe, unwarranted attacks obviously originating from the enemy of God and man - Satan. I have been through the fire for the past year and have thought several times of dealing with those who are trying to destroy my life with 'an eye for an eye' attitude (they 'do' me and I 'do' them back worse). This would have brought great satisfaction to me...if i were of the world. But Christ lives within me, sooo what did I do? Welll...I started to pray as never before. I began to take my Christianity more seriously (not that I hadn't been serious before). I started studying the Bible and the writings of Ellen White to discover why this was happening to me and by extension my family. As I read the Bible I was struck by how the prophets of old in many instances did NOTHING when oppressed by enemies. Even our beloved Saviour did nothing when His enemies taunted Him on the cross. The Bible even says in Romans 12:17 that we ought not to Recompense to no man evil for evil. Furthermore it states in Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
So then if God will deal with those who oppress you and are determined to make your life miserable because you are a Christian, why should I try to do God's work? Let us leave God to do what he has promised to deal with those who treat us thus. Now some who name the name of Christ do justly get opposition due to their inconsistent lives. So I (and you) need to examine ourselves to see if there are aspects of our lives that are not in accordance with God's will. Now God has entrusted to us our work: To carry the gospel to the entire world. So I now leave the scheming and plotting to those agents of Satan. I will stand still and see the glory of the Lord.
The past year has been highly challenging as never before, but God has taken me through each trap set for me by evil persons and I am here still. Make no joke about it Satan wants to destroy all who obey Christ. So far I have seen one person who sorely oppressed me start to come to church on a Sabbath. I think this is great as Jesus died for all of humanity even the wicked. May God have mercy on us all but more so on those who oppress His people. Be blessed.


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The blessings of the Seventh day Sabbath

It's sabbath morning again! I have had a really terrible week and I'm really thankful for the Sabbath day. This week was terribly challenging: problems with my health, spouse, financial but not the kids thank God. So it's with a grateful heart that I spend this sabbath day. I can and have put aside all these problems/ challenges for one whole day. Imagine that- a problem free day! An entire day devoted to God. The weekly sabbath day has been a real blessing to me and my family for many years. It is like a soothing shower of rain after a drought. The sabbath offers us a chance to recharge ourselves after a week of challenges, trials, downfalls and triumphs. It prepares one to be ready for the challenges of the coming week which as usual will be filled with lots of temptations and stress etc. So come on and rest awhile in God's appointed day of rest the seventh day sabbath. You will be glad you did! Be blessed!


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Is it hard to be a Christian?

I have often pondered this question... Is it hard to be a Christian? Jesus states that His burden is easy and His yoke is light. This sounds like it easy to be a Christian. But it is not easy for some people. At times I feel quite despondent over personal issues in my life at present. It's quite difficult being a Christian in a home of non Christians. There are moments when I feel like giving up but at those times I remember the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for me on the cross. I think it can be a challenge given one's circumstances but it is worth every sacrifice, insult or humiliation one has to face. God allows trials to make us better people and for us to be more like Christ. I now pray for God to help me through each day. So being a Christian can be difficult at times but God is still in control of everything. This gives me the assurance I need at those times I feel like giving up. So don't give up, God will see you through it all. Be blessed.


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My Health My Wealth

It maybe an old worn out adage but it is still true... "My health is my wealth". The Bible is full of health counsels that we can all benefit from. It tells us how to live pleasing in the sight of our God and Creator. The foundation of our health as Christians is God. Does God care about my lifestyle choices, habits and vices? Does it matter what we do as long as we accept God as our saviour? Actually it does matter to God and it should to us. The Bible explicitly says in 1 Corinthians 3:16-18 "16Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."
Many of our diseases and ills today are lifestyle diseases. These result from our unhealthy choices in entertainment, food, drink and even job. Added together with our varied and complicated relationships with spouse, kids, relatives etc its easy to see why our health is in chaos. So today God is appealing to me and you, us to make those healthy choices that will bring much needed relief to both body and mind. We as Christians need to avoid any and everything that would defile the body temple of God. This would include illicit drugs, narcotics, alcohol and foods that contribute to unhealthiness like red meat, lots of sugar, caffeine etc. So may God give you and I the inner strength to make healthy choices that are pleasing to Him. Be blessed.

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Young people leaving the church?

More than ever our young people are leaving the church... Why is this happening? Can the church leaders stem this exodus? According to research done about 7 out of 10 young adults are leaving the church. This trend is a source of tremendous concern for many as the youth are the ones to carry on in the future. They are the future elders, leaders, pastors etc. Therefore we all should be concerned about this alarming trend. Various reasons for youth leaving the church include: 1. wanting a 'break' from church, 2. judgmental or hypocritical church members, 3. moving away for higher education, 4. work related issues, 5. relocating far away from home church, 6. too busy, 7. not connected with members, 8. disagreement with church doctrines on current issues, 9. hanging out with non church friends, 10 went to church to please parents, friends etc.
Now this being said we now have to examine why those young people who chose to stay did so: 1.church is vital to maintain a relationship with God, 2. it helps with everyday decision making, 3. assists in helping to make the individual a better person, 4. am following the example of a family member or someone else, 5. am involved in a lot of the Church's activities, 6. the church is supportive when individuals are going through hard times, 6. fear of living without the guidance of God.
Therefore the onus is upon church leaders to examine these issues that are causing so many of our youth to abandon church and God. In my home church there are many youth oriented social events and programmes that has had a great measure of success thus far. In my church(adventist) great value is placed upon the youth and we have had several teen deacons, church board members and young people elected to many offices traditionally occupied by the more mature persons. We as older adults need to support and encourage the youngsters in our churches, remember they are the younger members of God's family. Treat them as such! Be blessed.

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The Best Insurance

I have discovered the best insurance there is yet.... With the recent upheavals in the insurance sector and the consequent "bail out" by the government left me thinking about insurance. I was thinking about what can possibly be the 'best insurance' for me and my family. Then it dawned on me I already have the best insurance Jesus Christ! He's better than all the insurance companies put together as He preserves my very life and keeps me out of many kinds of accidents and dangers. Some of these dangers I will never know until I get to the kingdom of glory! In addition to this He has provided for me heavenly escorts in the form of the heavenly hosts - angels! They are my silent, invisible guardians. Also He has graciously provided me with His Holy Spirit living in me to make right choices and decisions to keep me away from harm and danger! Can any earthly insurance company top that? While they may have their usefulness we are not to place our trust and dependence on these organizations for they are man made. More importantly have the right insurance that yields so much blessings here and the ultimate blessing in the hereafter. Today consider 'taking out' some of this type of insurance. It's simply the best! There's no way you will lose. Be blessed.
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What is the Church?

What is the Church? Is it a place of worship...or is it entirely something else? Read more to find out. If I were to ask the average person what is the/a church, the many would reply a building, place of worship etc. What would be God's response to this? The answer can be found in the Bible - God's thoughts written for us. Ephesians 2:19-22 says, "19Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:22In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." This shows us that we (believers) are the habitation of God not a building or structure. Another scripture, 2 Corinthians 2:16 says, "And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people" This clearly shows without a doubt that the church consists of the body of believers. So a family is the church, two persons studying the Bible is the church. I am the church, you are the church, we are the church. Additionally what does the word translated church mean in the Bible? It comes from the Greek word Ekklesia which refers to "an assembly", or "calling out". Obviously this does not refer to a building. In Old Testament times God chose to dwell in the Ark of the Covenant but since atonement was made for sin, God has now chosen to dwell in us. Isn't this a wonderful privilege? That God who in former times was hidden in the temple away from the common people now wants to live in me, in you. Thanks be to God for His great mercies. Make we make the choice today to allow Him to live in us so that we may be living temples.
This work by Ann Singh is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.


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I am worth so much to God

The thought that I am worth so much to God is really a source of great comfort and joy to such a sinner as I. God is truely an awesome God. Imagine in His Word, Jesus explicitly says in Matthew 5:28,29,30 "...Consider the lillies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin.....Wherefore if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?" So my dear friends you and I have nothing to worry about. The God of the Universe who created all things says in verse 33: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God. and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." So folks remember that once you seek God and his righteousness the things that you and I need God will provide according as His Word says.Seeking God is easy. Just go to God in prayer and ask Him to forgive your sin and make known your needs. The next part involves right doing, the keeping of all His commandments. So the next time you see a flower remember God cares for you; see the flower as a token of God's love to/for you. As always be blessed.
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How to avoid Adultery

Here are 5 guidelines that can help Christian men and women avoid the pitfall of Adultery.
1. Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you - James 4:8. The main reason folks fall into sin is because they abandon God (or maybe they never had a relationship with Him). So know that when you feel to stay away from church services, prayer meeting, etc it is then that you NEED to draw nigh to God. Remember God is our refuge and fortress. Maintain your relationship with God!
2. See the one trying to entice you into sin as an agent of Satan. Despite how attractive and enticing the person may be he/she needs to be seen for what they are. Let us pray that God will truly open our eyes.
3. Don't play with sin. You know the person's intention but still like the attention being paid to you. Be careful this 'attention' is designed to pull you away from God, church, your spouse and to dwell more on self.
4. Do not get emotionally involved. Many affairs do not start out as such, but begin innocently enough as simple friendship and gradually begins to get more intense with the two persons involved spending more and more time with each other, having long intimate conversations and generally talking incessantly about each other even to their spouse. This is a no-no! Mash the brakes! Only your spouse is entitled to your intimacies no one else is.
5. Be honest with your spouse. Your husband/ wife is not the enemy! Your spouse is supposed to be your best friend, your companion. Love your wife' husband as yourself. He/She can help you avoid many pitfalls including adultery. Talk things over with him/her before they get out of hand. Remember prevention is better than cure. Nuff said! Be blessed and have a great sabbath!


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Leadership in Crisis!

In any church there are challenges, especially where leadership is concerned. The church board is the local church highest authority. Therefore it pains me to hear of the concerted attacks of satan on leadership. As one who had served as a board member for some time a while aback, it always amazes me how satan weaves his cunning web around some who embrace his lies and deceptions instead of turning away in horror like Joseph: How can I do this thing and sin against God? This does not merely refer to leaders being caught up in sexual sin but any and everything that will bound you to satan. The truth be told I think sexual sin is the major tool the devil uses to ensnare and entrap our male leaders (females to a lesser extent). This I have seen firsthand and quite a few times at that. When these men are at their peak in terms of working for the Lord, it is then that the enemy will use an unconverted agent (member or non member) to wreck and destroy all that has been done in the name of Christ. What had taken years in some instances is destroyed literally over night. The Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy warn us in no uncertain terms of the results of this sin. So then how can leaders, members or anyone avoid this most dangerous pitfall? This will be the subject of my next post. Till then be blessed.
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The Shaking

"All that can be shaken, will be shaken" is a quote from one of my favourite Christian writers Ellen G White. This statement is true and describes the state of affairs of the Church today.


Members are in crisis, families are in crisis and sadly churches are in crisis. The 'shaking' that is happening today indicates that we are living in the very end of time. Sister White rightly says of some 'many a bright star will fall', I have seen this time and again even in my own family (sad to say). Some of the persons who have left the Church swore they would never leave and would rather die than abandon God/Church. These persons placed their confidence in 'the arm of flesh' and did not place their trust in Jesus Christ. The Bible says of the human heart that it is deceitful and above all desperately wicked. Some of us don't know the extent of our own wicked hearts and when trials come we can't endure. Our hearts need to be softened and molded and fashioned by Christ. We as Christians are brought into strait places to be tested by God, to be refined as we go through the 'fires of our trials'. Whether we are ready or not the testing time will come, therefore it is wise to be prepare for the 'shaking' that will come. I personally know of persons who were leaders in their local churches who suddenly and without any hint departed from Church never to again step inside the church. Some of them have become the Church's worst enemies and blame everyone else for their spiritual demise except where the blame is to be placed: on themselves. Are you preparing for the 'shaking'? As an adventist I urge you to begin studying your Bibles and Spirit of Prophecy, this will be of invaluable assistance. Don't be self confident for your self will fail you, rely on God and His Word to carry you through the rough times. Be strong in the Lord!
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Off- shoots of Adventism

Today I decided to focus on on the relationship between the adventist church and those splinter groups who have broken off from the Church. These 'off-shoots', dissidents and break away factions are regarded
as anathema by nearly all of mainstream adventism. Many times they are viewed with suspicion and deemed as fanatics and cultish. We can't deny history with the likes of Koresh etc. These incidents are facts and add to the image we have of those who have departed from the adventist church. Many times in the past I was repeatedly told by those mature adventists to have nothing to do with the 'off-shoots' as they are very cunning and can easily brainwash folks to join their church. Well contrary to all that was said a group of believers decided to have a study with a particular group of 'off-shoots'. These people were sincere, dedicated Christians who had strong convictions about certain issues (humanity of Christ, Jones & Waggoner, righteousness by faith, etc). These brethren were (and still are) diligent students of the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy. The reason I believe that mainstream adventists avoid them is that we as a people are too lazy and don't know the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy as we ought to. If we as a church are reaching out to others of various faiths why not reach out to those who are closest to us in doctrine? To be honest we as adventists don't know or care in many instances what these people believe or hold as doctrine. Given that they may err on many points (they were unable to refute many Spirit of Prophecy quotes about not forming new church organisations etc) I actually learnt a lot from them and they have some good ideas and insights. So let us not cast them off. We must study with them, learn what their doctrines are and refute the wrong. The attitude of some adventists to these 'break away' groups ia akin to that of the pharisees and scribes of Jesus' day. Now there are some factions that I have studied with who are very insultive and do not have a Christlike disposition, because of this are we to condemn all the off-shoot brethren? In closing I must say I am still a member of the adventist church and still hold fast to the doctrines of the church. I have not seen one 'off-shoot' faction that I can join. I still hold to and believe that the adventist church is the church and as such I can't leave to go anywhere else. What's your take on this?
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COME AND REST A WHILE

Jesus many years ago told His disciples to come apart and rest a while. Today His words still echoes across the centuries down to us today. Jesus invites us to come apart and rest a while. What exactly does it mean to come apart and rest a while? Simply put it means to come to Jesus and place your burdens at His feet. In short it means resting from sin and all its manifestations: alcoholism, porn, prostitution, drugs, marital problems, you name it. It means getting the burden of sin lifted off your shoulders. Sin is the greatest burden mankind has to bear, but why bear it when we have the great Burden Bearer Jesus Christ. Resting in Jesus is the best rest that a person can experience. It encompasses both physical and mental rest. There remaineth a rest for the people of God. This 'rest' is a putting away of sin and the putting on of Jesus and His righteousness. So today on the Sabbath day of rest why not come apart and rest in Jesus? It's the greatest rest a person can enjoy. So rest in Jesus. I am!
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