SIKU YA – 6:

         FURAHA YA UTII:

Nami nitajifurahisha sana kwa maagizo yako, ambayo nimeyapenda. Zaburi 119:47

Mapendekezo ya utaratibu wa maombi
Kusifu (dakika 10)
Anzeni kipindi chenu cha maombi kwa kumsifu Mungu kwa jinsi alivyo (Tabia Yake), Yeye ni yote katika yote, mfariji, Mhuishaji n.k
Mshukuru Mungu kwa ajili ya Yesu, ambaye ametuonyesha maana ya kuwa na furaha ya utii.
Mshukuru Mungu kwamba kuna shangwe, amani na furaha katika kumtii Kristo.
Kuungamana na Kudai Ushindi dhidi ya dhambi (dakika 5)
Muombe Mungu akuonyeshe dhambi unazohitaji kuziungama faraghani, dai ushindi dhidi ya dhambi hizo.
Mshukuru Mungu kwamba anakusamehe kulingana na 1Yohana 1:9.
Sala na Maombezi (dakika 35)
Je unayo furaha katika kutenda yale Mungu anayokuagiza? Omba kwamba Mungu akupe uhiari wa kumtii Yeye na furaha katika kufanya cho chote anachoagiza.
Omba ili kwamba upendo wa Mungu uweze kukamilishwa katika kanisa Lake.
Omba kwa ajili ya mkazo zaidi katika fundisho la kipekee la uumbaji katika Biblia – kwamba dunia yetu iliumbwa kwa siku halisi sita, zinazofuatana kwa neno la Mungu.
Omba kwa ajili ya ongezeko kubwa katika utegemezaji wa vijana wa Kiadventista ambao wanasoma katika shule za umma. Omba kwamba vijana hao waweze kuwa wamishenari wenye nguvu ambao watahudumia vijana wenzao katika vyuo vya kawaida na vyuo vikuu vya kiserikali.
Omba kwa ajili ya ushirikiano wenye nguvu na umoja katika mfumo wa kanisa na huduma za kanisa zinazounga mkono uinjilisti katika jamii.
Msihi Bwana aweze kulea na kujipatia viongozi wacha Mungu, wanaokuwa tayari kufundishwa na wanyenyekevu kwa ajili ya kipindi kijacho, viongozi ambao wataonyesha mfano wa uongozi ambao kiini chake ni Kristo, wakati kanisa la Mungu linapotimiza wajibu wake toka mbinguni wa kutangaza ujumbe wa malaika wa tatu na haki ya Kristo kama msingi Wake.
Utume katika Majiji – Omba kwa ajili ya Divisheni ya Amerika ya Kaskazini: New York, Calgary, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Seattle, San Francisco, Oakland, Tampa, jiji la Oklahoma. Omba pia kwa ajili ya Divisheni ya Northern Asia-Pacific na miji wanayokusudia kuifikia: Tokyo, Daegu, Daejon, Wuxi, Ulaanbaatar, Taipei. Omba kwa ajili ya Roho wa Mungu kufanya kazi kwa nguvu katika miji hii.
Omba ili washiriki wa kanisa na jamii waelewe umuhimu wa matengenezo ya afya kama sehemu ya kilio kikuu kuwarejesha wanadamu katika sura ya Mungu kupitia kwa haki ya Kristo. Omba kwamba watu wote waweze kuukubali mtindo wa maisha wenye afya na kiasi na kwamba miili yetu itunzwe kama mahekalu ya Roho Mtakatifu, ili kutusaidia kupokea maono muhimu kutoka kwa Mungu.
Omba ili kwamba watu saba au zaidi katika orodha yako waweze kuona hitaji lao na kufungua mioyo yao kwa Roho Mtakatifu.
Omba kwa ajili ya mahitaji yako binafsi. Shukrani
Mshukuru Mungu kwamba kupitia Kristo waweza kusema, kuyafanya mapenzi yako, Ee Mungu wangu, ndiyo furaha yangu (Zaburi 40:8).
Mshukuru Mungu kwamba anao watu wake katika kila mji ambao wanaotazama mbinguni kwa shauku kubwa!
Mshukuru Mungu kwamba anainua viongozi wacha Mungu, wanyenyekevu na walio tayari kufundishwa kwa ajili ya wakati ujao.
Mapendekezo ya Nyimbo
Namwandama Bwana no. 128, Yesu Mwokozi kwa Hakika no. 51, Ni salama Rohoni Mwangu no.127, Mwanga Umo Moyoni no. 45
FURAHA YA UTII
Nami nitajifurahisha sana kwa maagizo yako, ambayo nimeyapenda. Zaburi 119:47
Bwana amekusudia kwamba kila roho inayotii neno Lake itakuwa na Furaha Yake, amani Yake, na nguvu yake inayodumu katika kutunza. Wanaume na wanawake watiio kama hao daima huvutwa karibu Naye, si wakati tu wanapopiga magoti kuomba, bali wakati hata wakiendelea na shughuli zao za maisha. Mungu ameandaa kwa ajili yao sehemu ya kukaa ndani Yake, mahali ambapo maisha hutakaswa toka katika uchafu wote na machukizo yote. Kwa ushirika huu pamoja Naye, wanafanywa watendakazi pamoja Naye katika maisha yao yote.
Kristo anapokaa ndani ya moyo, roho itajazwa na upendo Wake, na kwa sababu ya furaha ya ushirika pamoja Naye, ambayo itachoma moyo wake na katika kumtafakari Yeye, ubinafsi utasahauliwa. Upendo kwa Kristo utakuwa sababu ya utendaji. Wale ambao wanaohisi upendo wenye nguvu wa Mungu, hawaulizi ni kiasi gani kidogo kinachoweza kutolewa ili kutimiza matakwa ya Mungu; hawaulizii viwango vya chini, lakini hulenga katika uliganifu kamili wa nia ya Mwokozi wao. Wakiwa na shauku ya dhati hutii yote na kudhihirisha faida linganifu na thamani ya jambo lile wanalolitafuta.
Ni roho ile yenye utii, yenye kukubali mafundisho ambayo Mungu huitaka. Kile kinachofanya ombi liwe bora ni ukweli kwamba linatoka katika moyo wenye upendo na utii.
Mkinipenda mtazishika amri zangu. (Yohana 14:15).
Mtu yule ambaye anajaribu kuzishika amri za Mungu kutokana na kutii wajibu tu, kwa sababu anahitajika kufanya hivyo –kamwe hataingia katika furaha ya utii, kwani hatii. Wakati matakwa ya Mungu yanapohesabiwa kuwa mzigo, kwa sababu yanapingana na mazoea ya kibinadamu, tunaweza kutambua kwamba maisha hayo si maisha ya Kikristo. Utii wa kweli ni matokeo ya kanuni ambayo imo ndani. Hutiririka kutoka katika upendo wa haki, upendo kwa sheria ya Mungu. Kiini cha haki yote ni uaminifu kwa Mwokozi wetu. Hii itatuongoza katika kufanya mambo sahihi kwa sababu mambo hayo ni sahihi – kwa sababu kufanya mambo sahihi ni kumpendeza Mungu.
Tuko katika dunia hii ili tuwe msaada na mbaraka kwa kila mmoja wetu, tukiunganishwa na Kristo katika juhudi ya kurejesha sura ya Mungu kwa mwanadamu. Ili kufanya kazi hii, ni lazima tujifunze kutoka kwa Yesu. “Jitieni nira yangu,” anasema “mjifunze kwangu; kwa kuwa mimi ni mpole na mnyenyekevu wa moyo: nanyi mtapata raha nafsini mwenu.” Katika ahadi hii hakuna “kama”. Wale ambao wamepata uzoefu wa kujitia nira ya Kristo ya kujitawala na utii wanajua kwamba inamaanisha kupata pumziko na amani katika Yeye. Katika utii kuna furaha na farijiko. Malaika watakatifu huwazingira watiifu ili kuwatunza katika njia za amani.
Hakuna imani iokoayo katika Kristo pekee kama ambayo inadhihirishwa katika utii. Kila mwanadamu yupo chini ya wajibu mkubwa wa kumtii Mungu. Uwepo wa Mungu na furaha ya milele inategemea na utii wa hiari wa mtu kwa matakwa ya mbingu. Nia ya mtu na matakwa yake yapaswa yasalimishwe kwa Mungu. Wakati hilo linapofanyika, mtu atashirikiana na Mungu akionyesha kwa mwenendo na kwa kielelezo kuwa amechagua kuwa chini ya utawala wa Muumbaji wake katika njia zake zote. Mungu anafurahi wakati ambapo, kama Musa, watoto wake wanaamua kuchagua kumtumikia Yeye badala ya kufarahia anasa za dunia hii. Kama pazia lingeweza kufunuliwa, kama wanadamu wangeweza kuona jeshi la malaika wakimtukuza Mungu kwa nyimbo za shangwe na furaha, wangetambua kwamba utii daima huleta furaha na kutokutii huleta huzuni. Mungu na malaika hushangilia juu ya kila ushindi apatao Mkristo; lakini jaribu linapoishinda nafsi, kunakuwepo huzuni mbinguni.
Tunaupeleka uongo kwenye ukweli na kumtukuza shetani pale ambapo tunatembea tukiwa na huzuni na majonzi kwa sababu tunadhani kwamba matakwa yanayohitajika kwetu katika maisha ya Kikristo ni mengi kuliko vile tuwezavyo. Mkombozi wako anakupenda, na anakupatia furaha za umilele katika maisha ya utii. Hakuna ambaye amewahi kuonja furaha ya utii mkamilifu na wa hiari kwa Mungu, ambaye hakupata amani, furaha na uthibitisho wa pendo Lake.

Maswali ya Kujitathmini:
Je unapitia uzoefu wa utii kwa Kristo?
Je kuna jambo lo lote linalokuzuia kupata furaha katika kumtii Mwokozi wako mpendwa?

SIKU YA – 5:

ZAIDI YA KUSHINDA:

“Lakini katika mambo hayo yote tunashinda, na zaidi ya kushinda, kwa yeye aliyetupenda.” Wakorintho 8:37.

Kusifu (takribani dakika 10) Anzeni kipindi cha maombi kwa kumsifu Mungu kwa jinsi alivyo yaani tabia Yake. Msifuni kwa uaminifu Wake na kwamba Yeye ni kimbilio. Msifu Mungu kwamba yote unayotakiwa kufanya ni kukaa ndani ya Kristo ili upate ushindi dhidi ya dhambi. Msifu Mungu kwamba Yesu alipata ushindi dhidi ya dhambi pale msalabani. Kuungama na Kudai Ushindi dhidi ya Dhambi (dk5) Muombe Mungu akuonyeshe dhambi ambazo unahitaji kuziungama kwa uwazi na zile ambazo unahitaji kuziungama faraghani. Dai ushindi dhidi ya dhambi hizo. Je kumekuwepo na nyakati ambazo hukujisikia kwamba ulitaka kuishinda dhambi? Muombe Mungu msamaha. Muombe Mungu aweke tamanio ndani ya moyo wako la kuishinda dhambi. Muombe Mungu msamaha kwamba sisi, kama kanisa bado hatujaweza kuishinda dhambi. Mshukuru Mungu kwamba anakusamehe kulingana na 1 Yohana 1:9. Sala na Maombezi (dakika 35) Omba kwamba Mungu akupe tamanio la kuishinda dhambi. Ombea wanafamilia na marafiki ambao pia wanahitaji kupata ushindi dhidi ya dhambi. Ombea mahali ambapo katika maisha yako bado unahitaji kupata ushindi dhidi ya dhambi. Muombe Mungu akupe ushindi kamili. Muombe Mungu akusaidie uamini kwamba Yeye anaweza kukupatia ushindi kamili dhidi ya dhambi. Je bado unashikilia sanamu katika maisha yako? Zilete sanamu hizo mbele za Mungu na muombe akupe chuki moyoni mwako dhidhi ya sanamu hizo.
Omba ili viongozi wa kanisa (Mchungaiji wako wa mtaa, wachungaji wa konferensi, unioni, divisheni na Makao Makuu ya Kanisa) wamruhusu Mungu awape ushindi dhidi ya dhambi.
Omba ili Mungu akufanye uwe mnyenyekevu ili uweze kuona udhaifu wako na kuomba nguvu ya kushicnda udhaifu huo.
Omba kwa ajili ya mipango mikubwa ya uinjilisti na huduma nje ya kanisa katika divisheni zote 13 pamoja na unioni moja iliyo pamoja na divisheni hizo, unioni ya (Middle East and North Africa Union).
Omba kwa ajili ya mafanikio katika “Utume Katika Majiji” na katika kufikia maeneo ya vijijini. Utume katika Miji Mikubwa –
 Omba kwa ajili ya divisheni ya South America na miji 74 ambayo wameichagua ili kuihudumia. Omba pia kwa ajili ya Divisheni ya Pasifiki ya Kusini na miji ambayo wameichagua kuifikia kwa ajili Kristo: miji hiyo ni Sydney, Christchurch, Lae, Apia.
 Omba ili kwamba Mungu atume watenda kazi na aweze kubariki jitihada zao.
 Omba ili Mungu aendelee kuongoza kanisa Lake na kuwapa washiriki ushindi dhidi ya dhambi. Omba ili watu saba (au zaidi) katika orodha yako waweze kuona hitaji lao na kufungua mioyo yao kwa Roho Mtakatifu.
Omba kwa ajili ya mahitaji yako binafsi uliyo nayo (Mithali 3:5, 6).
Shukrani (takribani dakika 10) Mshukuru Mungu kwamba yupo radhi kukupatia haki Yake. Mshukuru Mungu kwamba Yeye ndiye “Kwa maana ndiye Mungu atendaye kazi ndani yenu, kutaka kwenu na kutenda kwenu, kwa kulitimiza kusudi lake jema.” Wafilipi 2:13 Mshukuru Mungu kwa ajili ya maisha ya Yesu yasiyo na dhambi na jinsi ambavyo ametuonyesha jinsi ya kuwa washindi. Mshukuru Mungu kwamba anajibu maombi uliyoomba kulingana na mapenzi Yake.
Mapendekezo ya Nyimbo: Si Mimi Kristo no. 17, Usinipite Mwokozi no.22, Mtazame Mwokozi no.212, Mwamba Wenye Imara no. 192

ZAIDI YA KUSHINDA.

“Lakini katika mambo hayo yote tunashinda, na zaidi ya kushinda, kwa yeye aliyetupenda.” Wakorintho 8:37
Katika pambano lao na Shetani, familia ya kibinadamu inao msaada wote aliokuwa nao Kristo. Hawatakiwi kushindwa. Wanaweza kuwa zaidi ya washindi kupitia Yeye ambaye aliwapenda na akatoa maisha Yake kwa ajili yao….Mwana wa Mungu katika ubinadamu Wake alipambana na hali mbaya vivyo hivyo, majaribu mazito ambayo hutushambulia – majaribu ya uchu wa chakula, kuwa na kiburi kuthubutu kuenenda mahali ambapo Mungu hajaongoza na kuelekea katika kumuabudu mungu wa ulimwengu huu, kutoa mhanga umilele wa mbinguni kwa anasa zinazovutia za ulimwengu huu. Kila mmoja atajaribiwa, lakini Neno linasema kwamba hatutajiribiwa kupita tuwezavyo kuvumilia. Tunaweza hata hivyo kukataa na kumshinda adui mwenye hila. Jaribu halikuwapata ninyi, isipokuwa lililo kawaida ya wanadamu; ila Mungu ni mwaminifu; ambaye hatawaacha mjaribiwe kupita mwezavyo; lakini pamoja na lile jaribu atafanya na mlango wa kutokea, ili mweze kustahimili. (1Wakorintho 10:13)
Kazi yetu ya katika maisha tuliyopewa ni kazi ya maandalizi ya maisha ya umilele, na tutakapokamilisha kazi hii kama Mungu alivyowezesha tuifanye, kila jaribu litakuwa kwa kutufanya tusonge mbele; kwani tutakapokataa kuhadaika na jaribu hilo tutasonga mbele katika maisha ya kimbingu. Katika joto la pambano, wakati tunapojihusisha kikamilifu katika vita ya kiroho, mawakala wasioonekana kwa macho wako kando yetu, waliokabidhiwa mamlaka na mbingu kutuongoza katika mapambano yetu na wakati wa hatari, tunapatiwa nguvu, uthabiti na uwezo, na tunakuwa na nguvu zaidi ya ile ya kibinadamu.Lakini isipokuwa pale tu wakala wa kibinadamu ataweka nia yake kupatana na ile nia ya Mungu, hadi atakapokuwa ameachana na sanamu na kushinda kila mazoea mabaya, kamwe hatafanikiwa katika pambano ila hatimaye atashindwa. Wale ambao watakuwa washindi lazima waingie katika pambano pamoja na wakala wasioonekana, ufisadi ulio ndani ya moyo wapaswa kushindwa, na mawazo yote yapaswa kutiishwa kwa Kristo na kusalimishwa kwa Kristo. Roho Mtakatifu daima yuko kazini akitafuta kutakasa, kusafisha na kuadibisha roho za wanadamu ili kwamba wafae katika jamii ya watakatifu na malaika na kama washindi waweze kuimba wimbo wa ukombozi, wakirudisha utukufu na heshima kwa Mungu na kwa Mwanakondoo katika nyua za mbinguni.. Hatuna adui wa nje ambaye tunaweza kumuogopa. Pambano letu kuu liko katika ubinafsi ambao haujawekwa wakfu, Tutakapoishinda nafsi, tutakuwa zaidi ya washindi kupitia Yeye ambaye alitupenda. Ndugu zangu, kuna uzima wa milele tunaohitaji kuupata. Hebu tupige vita vizuri vya imani. Wakati tulio nao si ujao, lakini sasa.
Lakini msisahau kutenda mema na kushirikiana; maana sadaka kama hizi ndizo zimpendezazo Mungu, (Waebrania 13:16)
Kuishi maisha aliyoishi Mwokozi, kushinda kila shauku yenye ubinafsi, kutimiza wajibu wetu kwa Mungu na kwa wenzetu kwa ujasiri na kwa moyo uliochangamka hutufanya tuwe zaidi ya washindi. Hii hutuandaa kusimama mbele ya kiti kikuu cheupe cha enzi bila mawaa wala makunyazi, tukiwa tumesafisha mavazi yetu ya tabia na kuyasafisha kuwa meupe katika damu ya Mwanakondoo. Nguvu inayotawala watu ya uchu wa chakula itaongoza maelfu kupotea, wakati ambapo kama wangeshinda katika jambo hili, wangekuwa na nguvu ya kimaadili kuwasaidia kupata ushindi juu ya majaribu yote ya shetani. Lakini wale ambao ni watumwa wa uchu wa chakula watashindwa kukamilisha tabia ya Kikristo. Uasi unaoendelea wa mwanadamu kwa miaka elfu sita umeleta matunda ya magonjwa, maumivu na kifo. Tunapokaribia mwisho wa wakati, majaribu ya shetani katika kuendekeza uchu wa chakula yatakuwa yenye nguvu zaidi na magumu kuyashinda.
Ndugu zangu, hebu tuweke yote hayo pembeni, hatuna haki ya kuelekeza mawazo yetu kwetu wenyewe, wala katika vipaumbele vyetu na yote yanayotupendeza. Hatupaswi kutafuta kudumisha kutambulika kwetu kwa namna iliyo ya pekee, wasifu wetu, au ubinafsi wetu, ambao utatutenganisha na watenda kazi wenzetu. Tuna tabia ambayo twapaswa kuidumisha lakini hiyo ni tabia ya Kristo. Tunapokuwa na tabia ya Kristo, tutaweza kuifanya kazi ya Mungu pamoja. Kristo aliye ndani yetu atakutana na Kristo aliye ndani ya wenzetu na Roho Mtakatifu ataleta muunganiko wa mioyo na matendo ambayo yatashuhudia kwa ulimwengu kwamba sisi ni watoto wa Mungu. Hebu Mungu atusaidie kuifia nafsi na kuzaliwa upya, ili Kristo aweze kuishi ndani yetu, kwa kanuni iliyo hai na itendayo kazi, nguvu ambayo itatufanya kudumu kuwa watakatifu.

Maswali ya Kujitathmini:
1. Je ni mapambano gani yaliyo makuu katika maisha yako? Je ni katika mambo gani unahitaji ushindi?
2. Je ni mambo gani yanayokuzuia kutokuwa zaidi ya mshindi? Salimisha mambo hayo kwa Mungu.

Day 4:

                 Abiding in Christ:

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:4, 5 

Those who make a success of the Christian life will count all things as loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ. Only those who are abiding in Christ can know what true life is. They realize the value of true religion. They have brought their talents of influence and means and ability to the altar of consecration, seeking only to know and do the will of Him who has died to redeem them. (Our High Calling, p. 8)

It is not a casual touch with Christ that is needed, but it is to abide with Him. He called you to abide with Him. He does not propose to you a short-lived blessedness that is realized occasionally through earnest seeking of the Lord and passes away as you engage in the common duties of life. Your abiding with Christ makes every necessary duty light, for He bears the weight of every burden. He has prepared for you to abide with Him. This means that you are to be conscious of an abiding Christ, that you are continually with Christ, where your mind is encouraged and strengthened. (In Heavenly Places, p. 55)

Do not stand outside of Christ, as many professed Christians of today. To “abide in me, and I in you” is a possible thing to do, and the invitation would not be given if you could not do this. Jesus our Saviour is constantly drawing you by His Holy Spirit, working with your mind that you will abide with Christ. . . . The blessings He bestows are all connected with your own individual action. Shall Christ be refused? He says, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). Of another class He says, “Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life” (John 5:40). (In Heavenly Places, p. 55)

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matt. 11:28, KJV)

Have you, have I, fully comprehended the gracious call, “Come unto me”? He says, “Abide in me,” not Abide with Me. “Do understand My call. Come to Me to stay with Me.” He will freely bestow all blessings connected with Himself upon all who come to Him for life. He has something better for you than a short-lived blessedness that you feel when you seek the Lord in earnest prayer. That is but as a drop in the bucket, to have a word with Christ. You are privileged with His abiding presence in the place of a short-lived privilege that is not lasting as you engage in the duties of life. . . . Will anxiety, perplexity, and cares drive you away from Christ? Are we less dependent upon God when in the workshop, in the field, in the market-place? The Lord Jesus will abide with you and you with Him in every place. (In Heavenly Places, p. 55)

All who receive Christ by faith become one with Him. The branches are not tied to the vine; they are not joined to it by any mechanical process of artificial fastening. They are united to the vine, so as to become part of it. They are nourished by the roots of the vine. So those who receive Christ by faith become one with Him in principle and action. They are united to Him, and the life they live is the life of the Son of God. They derive their life from Him who is life. (In Heavenly Places, p. 56)

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Cor. 5:17, KJV)

Baptism may be repeated over and over again, but of itself it has no power to change the human heart. The heart must be united with Christ’s heart, the will must be submerged in His will, the mind must become one with His mind, the thoughts must be brought into captivity to Him. . . . The regenerated man has a vital connection with Christ. As the branch derives its sustenance from the parent stock and, because of this, bears much fruit, so the true believer, united with Christ, reveals in his life the fruits of the Spirit. The branch becomes one with the vine; storm cannot carry it away; frost cannot destroy its vital properties. Nothing is able to separate it from the vine. It is a living branch, and it bears the fruit of the vine. So with the believer. By good words and good actions he reveals the character of Christ. . . . (In Heavenly Places, p. 56)

Christ has provided means whereby our whole life may be an unbroken communion with Himself; but the sense of Christ’s abiding presence can come only through living faith. (In Heavenly Places, p. 56)

Questions for Personal Reflection:

1. Is anything (worries, cares of life, stress, riches) hindering you from abiding in Christ?

2. Where is your responsibility in making sure that you abide in Christ?

Day 3:

                 Christ in Us: 

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Gal. 2:20, KJV

Why are we so dull of comprehension? Why do we not cling to Jesus, and draw from Him by faith the strength and perfection of His character, as the vine branch draws the sap from the living vine? We are to look to Jesus, and as temptations close us about, climb up step by step in the work of overcoming. Abiding in Christ, we become one with Him. Then we are safe, entirely safe, against all the assaults of Satan. Christ living in the soul is revealed in the character. Man is nothing without Christ. But if Christ lives in us, we shall work the works of God. We shall represent Christ in our life, we shall talk of Christ because we meditate upon Him. We shall grow up into Christ to the full stature of men and women in spiritual understanding. (Signs of the Times, Oct. 10, 1892)

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:5, KJV)

When we feel our heart need, when we long after the quickening influence of the Holy Spirit, Christ draws nigh to us. Self is crucified. Christ lives in us, and the power of the Spirit attends our efforts; then the soul is refined and elevated. Light from the heavenly sanctuary shines upon us, and we are enabled to exert an influence which is a savor of life unto life. By a union with Christ, by living faith, we are privileged to enjoy the efficacy of His mediation. We are crucified with Christ, buried with Christ, risen with Christ, to walk in newness of life. (Signs of the Times, Oct. 11, 1899)

Man needs a power outside of and beyond himself, to restore him to the likeness of God, and enable him to do the work of God; but this does not make the human agency unessential. Humanity lays hold upon divine power, Christ dwells in the heart by faith; and through co-operation with the divine, the power of man becomes efficient for good. (Colporteur Ministry, p. 104)

Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 4:13, 14, KJV)

Jesus did not convey the idea that merely one draft of the water of life would suffice the receiver. He who tastes of the love of Christ will continually long for more; but he seeks for nothing else. The riches, honors, and pleasures of the world do not attract him. The constant cry of his heart is, More of Thee. And He who reveals to the soul its necessity is waiting to satisfy its hunger and thirst. Every human resource and dependence will fail. The cisterns will be emptied, the pools become dry; but our Redeemer is an inexhaustible fountain. We may drink, and drink again, and ever find a fresh supply. He in whom Christ dwells has within himself the fountain of blessing,—“a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” From this source he may draw strength and grace sufficient for all his needs. (The Desire of Ages, p. 187)

So long as we are in the world, we shall meet with adverse influences. There will be provocations to test the temper; and it is by meeting these in a right spirit that the Christian graces are developed. If Christ dwells in us, we shall be patient, kind, and forbearing, cheerful amid frets and irritations. Day by day and year by year we shall conquer self, and grow into a noble heroism. This is our allotted task; but it cannot be accomplished without help from Jesus, resolute decision, unwavering purpose, continual watchfulness, and unceasing prayer. Each one has a personal battle to fight. Not even God can make our characters noble or our lives useful, unless we become co-workers with Him. Those who decline the struggle lose the strength and joy of victory. (Gospel Workers, p. 477)

It is the privilege of every soul to exercise faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. But pure spiritual life comes only as the soul surrenders itself to the will of God through Christ, the reconciling Saviour. It is our privilege to be worked by the Holy Spirit. Through the exercise of faith we are brought into communion with Christ Jesus, for Christ dwells in the hearts of all who are meek and lowly. Theirs is a faith that works by love and purifies the soul, a faith that brings peace to the heart, and leads in the path of self-denial and self-sacrifice. (This Day with God, p. 359) 

Questions for Personal Reflection:

1. Jesus wants not a distant relationship with you but to be as close as possible. He wants to dwell in your heart. How does this make you feel? How can you invite Him to dwell in your heart?

2. Consider prayerfully what would hinder Christ from abiding in you.

Day 2:

                
                            Our Greatest Gift to God: Our Being:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” Rom. 12:1

Christ taught His disciples that the amount of divine attention given to any object is proportionate to the rank assigned to it in the creation of God. He called their attention to the birds of the air. Not a sparrow, He said, falls to the ground without the notice of our heavenly Father. And if the little sparrow is regarded by Him, surely the souls of those for whom Christ has died are precious in His sight. The value of man, the estimate God places upon him, is revealed in the cross of Calvary. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” And will not God judge those who cause pain or disappointment to the ones for whom Christ has given His life? Then let men be careful how, by word or action, they cause one of God’s children sorrow or grief. (The Signs of the Times, Nov. 17, 1898)

Christ made a complete sacrifice in our behalf, when He gave Himself as an offering for sin; and He asks us to give ourselves entirely to Him. He asks for the whole heart; He will accept nothing less than the undivided affections. “God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” (The Signs of the Times, Feb. 1, 1899)

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1 Cor. 6:19, 20, KJV)

Whether we give ourselves to the Lord or not, we are His. Ye are not your own; ye are bought with a price. We are the Lord’s by creation, and we are His by redemption. Therefore we have no right to think that we can do as we please. All we handle is the Lord’s. We have no right of ourselves to anything, not even to an existence. All our money, time, and talents belong to God, and are lent us by Him that we may accomplish the work He has given us to do. He has given us the charge, “Occupy till I come.” Luke 19:13. (Our High Calling, p. 42)

The love of Christ in the heart is what is needed. Self is in need of being crucified. When self is submerged in Christ, true love springs forth spontaneously. It is not an emotion or an impulse, but a decision of a sanctified will. It consists not in feeling, but in the transformation of the whole heart, soul, and character, which is dead to self and alive unto God. Our Lord and Saviour asks us to give ourselves to Him. Surrendering self to God is all He requires, giving ourselves to Him to be employed as He sees fit. Until we come to this point of surrender, we shall not work happily, usefully, or successfully anywhere. (Letter 97, 1898)

I see before me today those whom I know God can use if they will put their dependence in Him. … It is an honor to follow the Saviour. And it is by obeying the instructions that He has given that you are to be prepared to meet Him when He comes. If you will ask God to help you to overcome what is un-Christlike in your dispositions, He will prepare you for entrance into heaven, where no sin can enter. Those who daily give the life to Jesus, and who follow on to know Him, will be greatly blessed. Say, Christ gave His life for me, and I must give my life for Him. If you give yourselves wholly to Him, you will be conquerors in the warfare against sin. The Lord Jesus will be your helper, your support, your strength, if you will receive and obey Him. (The Youth’s Instructor, June 9, 1914)

In the parable the pearl is not represented as a gift. The merchantman bought it at the price of all that he had. Many question the meaning of this, since Christ is represented in the Scriptures as a gift. He is a gift, but only to those who give themselves, soul, body, and spirit, to Him without reserve. We are to give ourselves to Christ, to live a life of willing obedience to all His requirements. All that we are, all the talents and capabilities we possess, are the Lord’s, to be consecrated to His service. When we thus give ourselves wholly to Him, Christ, with all the treasures of heaven, gives Himself to us. We obtain the pearl of great price. (Maranatha, p. 72) 

Questions for Personal Reflection:

1. You are so precious in God’s eyes that He did everything to make you His own. How does this make you feel?

2. Think about what Jesus gave for you so that heaven could be yours. Is it worth giving yourself daily to Him? Isn’t it the most reasonable thing to do?

 SIKU YA-2:         UHAI WETU- ZAWADI YETU KUU KWA MUNGU:

 “Basi, ndugu zangu, nawasihi, kwa huruma zake Mungu, itoeni milli yenu iwe dhabihu iliyo hai, takatifu, ya kumpendeza Mungu, ndiyo ibada yenu yenye maana.” Warumi 12:1

Mapendekezo ya Utaratibu wa Kipindi cha Maombi Kusifu (kama dakika 10) Anzeni kipindi cha maombi kwa kumsifu Mungu jinsi alivyo: Yeye ni mwaminifu, Yeye anajua yote n.k. Msifu Mungu kwamba amesubiri kwa muda mrefu ili wewe uweze kumpatia moyo wako wote. Mshukuru Mungu kwamba haitaji tu sehemu yako lakini anakuhitaji wewe na talanta zako zote na mapungufu yako.

 Msifu Mungu kwa namna ambazo anakufundisha kukaa ndani Yake. Kuungama na Kudai Ushindi dhidi ya dhambi (kama dakika 5) Muombe Mungu akuonyeshe dhambi ambazo unahitaji kuziunganma kwa uwazi na zile unazohitaji kuziungama faraghani. Dai ushindi juu ya dhambi hizo. Muombe Mungu msamaha kama hukuwa ukisalimisha maisha yako kila siku Kwake? Muombe Mungu msamaha kwa nyakati ambazo ulitumia muda wako, pesa na talanta kwa ajili yako mwenyewe na si kwa ajili Yake na kwa utukufu Wake. Mshukuru Mungu kwamba anakusamehe kulingana na 1Yohana 1:9. Sala na Maombezi (takribani dakika 35) Muombe Mungu aondoe cho chote kile ambacho ambacho kinakuzuia kusalimisha muda, fedha, nguvu, uwezo, hofu na nia yako. Mwambie Mungu unataka kumilikiwa kikamilifu na Kristo. Muombe ili Mungu akusaidie kuomba kama Yesu, “walakini si mapenzi yangu, bali yako yatendeke” (Luka 22:42) Je kuna jambo lo lote linalokuzuia kumpa Yeye uhai wako na moyo wako wote? Mwambie Yeye mambo hayo.

 Muombe akufanye uwe radhi kuyasalimisha Kwake. Omba kwa ajili ya wanafamilia yako na marafiki ambao hawajajitoa kikamilifu kwa Kristo. Muombe awafanye wawe wawe radhi kusalimisha uhai wao Kwake. Omba kwamba mchungaji wako wa mtaa na viongozi wa kanisa katika ngazi zote watoe maisha yao yote kwa Mungu. Omba kwa ajili ya vijana wa kanisa letu kupata furaha katika kusalimisha maisha yao kwa Kristo na kumfuata. Wainue vijana wa kanisa lako kwa majina yao kupitia kwa maombi. Omba kwamba kila kiongozi wa kanisa duniani ashikilie kwa kina mtazamo wa kiroho na wa kiinjilisti. Msihi Bwana awalinde wachungaji na washiriki dhidi ya kupoteza utambulisho wa jinsi tulivyo kama Kanisa la Waadventista Wasabato, kanisa la masalio la Mungu katika kipindi cha mwisho. Utume Katika Miji Mikuu – Omba kwa ajili ya Divisheni ya Trans-Europian na miji wanayojitahidi kuileta kwa Kristo: London, Zagreb, Tallinn, Dublin, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Budapest, Bergen, Randstad, Warsaw, Belgrade, Gothenburg, omba kwa ajili ya watu kupata njaa kali kwa ajili ya neno la Mungu. Omba ili kwamba watu saba au zaidi katika orodha yako waone hitaji lao na kufungua mioyo yao kwa Roho Mtakatifu. Omba kwa ajili ya mahitaji binafsi uliyo nayo. Shukrani (takribani dakika 10) Mshukuru Mungu kwamba atajibu kulingana na mapenzi Yake na kwa wakati Wake. Mshukuru Mungu kwamba yupo tayari kuchukua moyo wako wenye dhambi na kuufanya kuwa safi na mtakatifu. Mshukuru Mungu kwamba Yesu alikuwa tayari kuishi na kufa, sio kwa ajili Yake lakini kwa mapenzi yake Yule aliyemtuma. Mshukuru Mungu kwa kujifunua kwa namna ya pekee katika maisha yako kwatika kipindi hiki cha siku kumi.

Mapendekezo ya Nyimbo “Tawala Ndani Yangu” no 147, “Nina Haja Nawe” no.126, Univute Karibu” no 148, “Yote Namtolea Yesu” no 122, “Karibu Sana Univute no. 33.

Kristo aliwafundisha wanafunzi Wake kwamba kiwango cha uangalifu wa kimbingu kwa kitu cho chote huwa sawia na kiwango cha jukumu lililopo kwa kitu hicho katika uumbaji wa Mungu. Kristo alivuta usikivu wa wanafuzi wake kwa mfano wa ndege wa angani. Hakuna shomoro, alisema haanguki chini asipojua Baba wa mbinguni. Na kama ndege huyo mdogo hutambuliwa na Mungu, kwa hakika roho za wale ambao Kristo aliwafia ni za thamani mbele Zake. Thamani ya mtu, kiwango ambacho Mungu anakiweka juu ya mwanadamu, hufunuliwa katika msalaba wa Kalvari. “Kwa maana jinsi hii Mungu aliupenda ulimwengu, hata akamtoa Mwanawe pekee, ili kila mtu amwaminiye asipotee, bali awe na uzima wa milele.” Je Mungu hatawahukumu wale ambao wanasababisha maumivu au huzuni kwa wale ambao Kristo alitoa uhai Wake kwa ajili yao? 

Hivyo wanadamu sasa wawe waangalifu kwa namna ambavyo kwa maneno au matendo wanawasababishia watoto wa Mungu huzuni na majonzi. Kristo alitoa kafari kamili kwa niaba yetu, pale alipojitoia mwenyewe kama sadaka ya dhambi na anatutaka sisi kujitoa kikamilifu Kwake, Yesu anahitaji moyo wote; hatapokea pungufu ya upendo usiogawanyika. “Mungu ni Roho, na wote wamwabuduo wamwabudu katika roho na kweli. Au hamjui ya kuwa mwili wenu ni hekalu la Roho Mtakatifu aliye ndani yenu, mliyepewa na Mungu? Wala ninyi si mali yenu wenyewe; maana mlinunuliwa kwa thamani. Sasa basi, mtukuzeni Mungu katika miili yenu. (1Wakorintho 6: 19,20) Iwe tunajitoa kwa Mungu au la, sisi ni Wake. Ninyi si mali yenu wenyewe; mlinunuliwa kwa thamani. Sisi ni mali ya Bwana kwa uumbaji na sisi ni mali Yake kwa ukombozi. Hivyo hatuna haki ya kufikiria kwamba tunaweza kufanya vile tupendavyo. Yote tunayoshikilia ni mali ya Bwana. Hatuna haki sisi wenyewe kwa jambo lo lote, hata kuwepo haipo. Fedha zako zote, wakati na talanta vyote ni mali ya Mungu na vimeazimwa kwetu na Yeye ili kwamba tukamilishe kazi ambayo ametupatia. Ametupatia agizo, “Fanyeni biashara hata nitakapokuja” Upendo wa Kristo katika moyo ndicho kinachohitajika. Ubinafsi wapaswa kusulubishwa. Wakati ubinafsi unapozamishwa katika Kristo, upendo wa kweli utatiririka kwa uhiari. Sio hisia wala msukumo lakini uamuzi nia iliyotakaswa. Haipo katika hisia lakini katika kubadilishwa kwa moyo wote, roho na tabia, ambayo imefia nafsi na kuishi kwa ajili ya Kristo. Bwana wetu na Mwokozi wetu anatuhitaji tujitoe Kwake. 

Kusalimisha ubinafsi wetu kwa Mungu ndiyo yote anayohitaji, kujtoa kwake kutumika kama apendavyoYeye. Ni hadi tutakapofika katika hatua hii ya kujisalimisha, ndipo tutaweza kufanya kazi kwa furaha, kwa faida na kwa mafanikio po pote pale. Mbele yangu leo ninaona wale ambao Mungu anaweza kuwatumia kama watamtegemea Yeye ….Ni heshima kumfuata Mwokozi. Na ni kwa kutii maagizo aliyotoa kwamba utaandaliwa kwa ajili ya kukutana Naye pindi ajapo. Kama utamwomba Mungu akusaidie kushinda tabia isiyo ya Kikristo katika mwenendo wako, atakuandaa kwa ajili ya kuingia mbinguni, mahali ambapo dhambi haiwezi kuingia. Wale ambao kila siku wanatoa maisha yao kwa Kristo, na wale ambao wanatafuta kumjua, watabarikiwa sana. Sema hivi, Kristo alitoa maisha Yake kwa ajili yangu, nami lazima nitoe maisha yangu Kwake. Kama utajitoa kikamilifu Kwake, utakuwa mshindi katika vita dhidi ya dhambi. Bwana Yesu Kristo atakuwa msaada kwako, atakuwa mdhamini kwako, nguvu zako kama utampokea na kumtii Yeye. Katika kisa, lulu haitolewi kama zawadi. Mfanyabiashara aliinunua kwa gharama ya vyote alivyokuwa navyo. Maswali mengi juu ya hili, Kristo anaelezewa katika Maandiko kama zawadi. Yeye ni zawadi, lakini kwa wale tu ambao wanajitoa wenyewe, nafsi, mwili na roho, mwili, kwake bila kuzuia cho chote. Tunapaswa tujitoe wenyewe kwa Kristo, kuishi maisha ya utii wa hiari kwa matakwa Yake yote. Vile vyote tulivyo, talanta zetu na uwezo wetu tulio nao ni vya Bwana, kuwekwa wakfu kwa huduma Yake. Tutakapojitoa kikamilifu Kwake, Kristo pamoja na hazina zote za mbinguni, hujitoa mwenyewe kwetu. Nasi tunapata lulu ya thamani. 

Maswali ya Kujitathmini:

 Wewe ni wa thamani sana mbele za macho ya Mungu kiasi kwamba alifanya yote kukufanya uwe wake. Hili hukufanya ujisikieje? 

 Fikiri juu ya kile ambacho Yesu alikupatia ili mbingu iwe yako. Je inakstahili kujitoa Kwake kila siku? Je msingi kufanya?

Day 1.

                                      

                     Our Greatest Need:The Holy Spirit

“And I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” Luke 11:9-13

It is the power of the Holy Spirit that is needed. There is with you and with the flock of God a self-satisfied feeling that must be broken up. The Spirit of God is a convincing power. When this is breathed upon the church, there will be a decided change in their spiritual efficiency. The Lord God is ready to give, but many do not realize their necessity of receiving. They are weak, when they might be strong; powerless, when they might be powerful through receiving the efficiency of the Holy Spirit. Their light is dim. Arouse them from their self-satisfied, self-righteous condition. (Testimonies to Southern Africa, p. 69)

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you, And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. (John 16:7, 8, KJV)

We need the softening, subduing, refining influence of the Holy Spirit, to mold our characters, and to bring every thought into captivity to Christ. It is the Holy Spirit that will enable us to overcome, that will lead us to sit at the feet of Jesus, as did Mary, and learn His meekness and lowliness of heart. We need to be sanctified by the Holy Spirit every hour of the day, lest we be ensnared by the enemy, and our souls be imperiled. (God’s Amazing Grace, p. 203)

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (John 16:13-15, KJV)

A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work. There must be earnest effort to obtain the blessing of the Lord, not because God is not willing to bestow His blessing upon us, but because we are unprepared to receive it. Our heavenly Father is more willing to give His Holy Spirit to them that ask Him, than are earthly parents to give good gifts to their children. But it is our work, by confession, humiliation, repentance, and earnest prayer, to fulfill the conditions upon which God has promised to grant us His blessing. A revival need be expected only in answer to prayer. While the people are so destitute of God’s Holy Spirit, they cannot appreciate the preaching of the Word; but when the Spirit’s power touches their hearts, then the discourses given will not be without effect. Guided by the teachings of God’s Word, with the manifestation of His Spirit, in the exercise of sound discretion, those who attend our meetings will gain a precious experience, and returning home, will be prepared to exert a healthful influence. (Selected Messages, book 1, p. 121)

The descent of the Holy Spirit upon the church is looked forward to as in the future; but it is the privilege of the church to have it now. Seek for it, pray for it, believe for it. We must have it, and Heaven is waiting to bestow it. (The Review and Herald, Mar. 19, 1895)

Christ has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to His church, and the promise belongs to us as much as to the first disciples. But like every other promise, it is given on conditions. There are many who believe and profess to claim the Lord’s promise; they talk about Christ and about the Holy Spirit, yet receive no benefit. They do not surrender the soul to be guided and controlled by the divine agencies. We cannot use the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is to use us. Through the Spirit God works in His people “to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13. But many will not submit to this. They want to manage themselves. This is why they do not receive the heavenly gift. Only to those who wait humbly upon God, who watch for His guidance and grace, is the Spirit given. The power of God awaits their demand and reception. This promised blessing, claimed by faith, brings all other blessings in its train. (The Desire of Ages, p. 672)

Questions for Personal Reflection

1. The word ask (aiteo) used at the end of verse 13 in Luke 11 is a form of continual asking. Why do you think God used this form of the word?

2. Does anything hinder you from asking God daily for the Holy Spirit to come into your heart and life? Will you surrender those things to God today?

MKUTANO WA KUCHAGUA VIONGOZI WA KANISA LA WAADVENTISTA WASABATO UNION

KONFERENSI YA KUSINI MWA TANZANIA.UMEFANYIKA ARUSHA.

 



Konferensi ya Kaskazini mwa Tanzania, unaoendelea jijini Arusha kwenye 
kanisa la Waadventista wa Sabato Arusha Kati, leo hii tarehe 09/09/2015,
 viongozi wafuatao wamechaguliwa kuongoza Union hiyo kwa miaka mitano 
ijayo (2015 - 2020)

 1. Mwenyekiti: Pr/Dr Godwin Gabriel Lekundayo 
 2. Katibu: David Makoye 
 3. Mhazini: Dickson Matiko   

WAKURUGENZI:
4. Uwakili: Jeremiah Izungo
5. Vijana, Chaplensia, na Muziki: Elias Kasika
6. Elimu: Mashauri Mjema
7. Huduma ya Uchapishaji: Davis Fue
8. Huduma ya Afya: Silas Kabhele
9. Mawasiliano: Gideon Msambwa
10. Huduma za kichungaji, Adventist Mission, na Huduma ya Familia: Enock Sando
11. Shule ya Sabato na Huduma Binafsi: George Ojwang
12. Huduma za Wanawake na Watoto: Mariam Samo
Mungu awapatie Nguvu katika kuifanya kazi yake.

MKUTANO MKUU WA UCHAGUZI WA KANISA LA WAADVENTISTA WA SABATO

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MKUTANO MKUU WA UCHAGUZI WA KANISA LA WAADVENTISTA WA SABATO

Make $35 per hour : http://bit.ly/elance_web