Growing Gracefully | Mar/Apr 2017

Lilies in the City - March/April 2017 - Issue 20

lilies city

Where is your citizenship?

THE UNDERDOG

Veggie Stir-Fry Staff Picks!

love notes Interpreting

Growing

Gracefully

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lilies city Lily Lifestyle Social Lily Lily Eats Glowing Lily

6 Where is Your Citizenship?

16 Interpreting Love Notes 10 The Underdog

14 Veggie Stir-Fry

20 Staff Picks!

Unless otherwise noted, all scripture references are taken from the Authorized Version of the Bible (The King James Version)

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Editor's Note

M

Whiter than Snow

y walk to work is now an obstacle course.

Black leather-booted, I'm cautiously passing river-like puddles, stepping across slushy ponds, climbing little snow hills and sliding over ice patches. When successful, I remain upright and my double-socked feet stay dry. Success isn't always realized, nevertheless, I make it to work.

rity? What a contrast this is to the work of the Holy Spirit. When God tells us that He wants to make us "white as snow" (Is 1:18), it's not a mere covering He's looking to place over our shoulders. God's not interested in having us look or seem pure outwardly, while there's dirt, debris and unwanted muck hiding beneath. The work of the Holy Spirit is a cleansing work; He intends to remove all that is not like Him.

It's that interesting time of the year in the True North just before spring when winter doesn't seem sure if it's leaving quickly or tarrying for a fortnight. The bright sunny days and melting snow mounds reveal dirt, debris and unwanted muck that the pure white snow had kept casually covered. Although not always the most esthetic, there's something attractive about the changes in this time of year.

"Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you"(Ez 36:25 ;cf. Eph 5:26). "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Co 7:1). The water of the Holy Spirit is God's cleansing agent from both spiritual and carnal filth and debris.

I'm often intrigued with the things that come out of hiding as the snow melts. That was under the soft, white cloak of pu4

The Holy Spirit's chosen method of work? The Bible, God's word.

The Psalmist instructs us, "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto

according to thy word" (Ps 119:9). In the Word is found the power to transform: the fruit of the Spirit inhabits the heart and good habits are exchanged for dead ones. "As the student of the Bible beholds the Redeemer, there is awakened in the soul the mysterious power of faith, adoration, and love.

Upon the vision of Christ the gaze is fixed, and the beholder grows into the likeness of that which he adores."1 In this issue we'll be exploring the work and person of the Holy Spirit as an integral part of the Godhead and our daily Christian growth and experience.

1. Ellen G White, Education, (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association), 292.

Administrative

STAFF

Almarie Hill

Rochelle Mekowulu

Almarie is the Editor-in-Chief at Lilies in the City (LIC). Of things seen on this earth, she loves only sweet potatoes and bananas more than words, writing and editing. Almarie lives for ministry and has a passion for Christ's wholistic method of healing - naturally.

Rochelle, the Business Manager, provides strategic guidance to ministries in their marketing and development efforts. She has always had a passion for ministry and the furtherance of the gospel.

When not working on various projects, she can be found in nature, doing a bible study or writing.

Akilah Ballard As the Financial Manager at LIC, the Lord has blessed Akilah with a knack for organization and attention to detail: two skills fundamental to finance and accounting. When not analyzing numbers, she loves to admire God through His created works: gardening has become one of her favorite interests. She suspects that the same excitement she has watching seeds grow is the same that God has in watching His Word bear fruit in our hearts.

Sarah Victor Sarah is LIC’s Account Manager and she has made it her personal goal to make the service of God the most attractive thing in the world. Whether she is sharing tasty, healthful recipes, sharing object lessons while gardening, or while making her all natural hair and body butters for Jane's Butters, there is always one goal: to show that there is great peace, safety, and most of all joy in the service of our loving God!

Have Any Questions For The Lilies Staff?

Contact us: admin@liliesinthecity.org

Jaleesa Almarales Jaleesa, the Marketing Manager, believes that Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching people. Therefore counseling and teaching combined with a few other talents are tools that God has given her to prepare people, especially an army of youth, to meet our God. In her spare time, she can be found working on a DIY project, painting or trying to learn to play the piano.

Angelique Manning As the administrative assistant at LIC, Angelique is dedicated to using the skills the Lord has blessed her with to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. She believes that true happiness is found in unselfish ministry and with that, loves to serve whether it's by encouraging her family and friends or sharing the love of Christ with people in her community.

Layout & Design: Abiola Osinjolu

Associate Editor: Delnita McDavid 5

Where is Your Citizen

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n most cases, it is by birth that we become citizens of a country in this world.

That is to say, by being born in a particular country, we are citizens of that country. Therefore, in all cases, it is by birth that we become citizens of the “heavenly country” (Heb 11:16, NKJV). In other words, by being “born again,” we are citizens of the heavenly country.

For this reason, Paul declares unto the Philippians: “Our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil 3:20). Unlike most passages in the New Testament, the Greek meaning of the word conversation in this particular verse does not mean conduct but rather citizenship.

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citizen, Jesus Christ declares: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God [or the heavenly country]” (Jn 3:3). There is a margin at the end of this verse which seeks to describe what it means to be Furthermore, as it is true that, in “born again” and the margin describes being “born again” as most cases, it is by birth that we being “born from above.” And become citizens of a country in that which is above is heaven. this world and therefore, as it is also true that, in all cases, it Therefore, in order for the Chrisis by birth that we become citi- tian citizen to know whether he zens of the heavenly country, it is a faithful citizen of the heavenly country from which he was inevitably follows that the best born, he must understand what way to know whether we are it truly means to be “born from faithful citizens of the country of above.” our birth is to understand what it truly means to be born of that With this in mind, let us considcountry. er the words of Christ in His disNow, to every person that de- course with Nicodemus: “There was a man of the Pharisees, sires to become a Christian

Thus, it is worthy to repeat this verse with the word citizenship in place of the word conversation: “Our [citizenship] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

nship?

– Ikemba Balogu

named Nicodemus, a ruler of the In this passage, Jesus clearly Jews: The same came to Jesus states that to be “born again” (or by night, and said unto Him, Rab- “born from above”) is to be “born bi, we know that Thou art a teach- of the Spirit” which was “sent er come from God: for no man down from heaven” (1 Pt 1:12). can do these miracles that Thou This is the second birth. And doest, except God be with him. even further, when Christ says Jesus answered and said unto that “ye must be born again”, him, Verily, Verily, I say unto thee, He is evidently acknowledging Except a man be born again, he that you have already been born cannot see the kingdom of God. once and that as the second Nicodemus saith unto him, How birth is “of the Spirit”, the first can a man be born when he is birth is “of the flesh”. Therefore, old? Can he enter the second Jesus exclaimed: “That which time into his mother’s womb, and is born of the flesh is flesh”( Jn be born? Jesus answered, Verily, 3:6). This is the first birth. verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born… of the Spirit, he Now, the first birth, being the cannot enter into the kingdom of birth “of the flesh”, denotes God. That which is born of the being born of the flesh of your flesh is flesh; and that which is mother. And wherever your born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel mother’s citizenship is, you, by not that I said unto thee, Ye must right of being born of her flesh, receive your earthly citizenship. be born again” (Jn 3:3-7).

"...the principles of the countries of this world are generally antagonistic to the principles of the heavenly country."

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“Which birth are you of?”

The second birth, being the birth “of the Spirit”, denotes being “born of God” (1 Jn 3:9).

And wherever God’s citizenship is, you, by right of being born of His Spirit, receive your heavenly citizenship.

And this brings us precisely and exactly to an all-important question: Which birth are you of? Are you of the first birth, that birth by which you have received your earthly citizenship?

Or are you of the second birth, that birth by which you have received your heavenly citizenship? You may say: “I am of both. I am of both the first and the second birth. I am both of the flesh and of the Spirit. I am both an earthly citizen and an heavenly citizen.”

To such, we give the plain Word of God: “The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these [that is, the flesh and the Spirit] are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Again, it is written: “Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.”

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“For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh but [or while on the contrary] they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit” (Gal 5:17; 4:28, 29; Rom 8:5).

Thus, as the Spirit and the flesh are in constant contention with one another and as the principles of the countries of this world are generally antagonistic to the principles of the heavenly country, the Word of God declares you to choose one or the other. “Choose ye this day whom you will serve”; for “ye cannot serve two masters” (Jo 24:15; Mt 6:24). You cannot be both of the flesh and of the Spirit. You cannot be of the first birth and of the second birth. You cannot be both an earthly citizen and a heavenly citizen.

For Abraham, who is “the father of us all” (Rom 3:16), understood this most glorious truth. For after he was born of the Spirit and therefore, received his heavenly citizenship, it is written of him that “he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange [or foreign] country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise.” And that “these all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims ON THE EARTH. For they that say such things declare that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they seek a better country, that is, an heavenly” (Heb 11:9, 13-16).

Thus, Abraham, considering his

citizenship to be only in heaven, entirely rejected the notion that he was an earthly citizen; for he confessed that he was a stranger and pilgrim ON THE EARTH and sought a “better country, that is, an heavenly.”

Furthermore, Christ, who is “our everlasting Father” (Is 9:6), declared “My kingdom [or country] is not of this world” (Jn 18:36); and when He prayed to the Father, He twice professed of His disciples: “They are not of the world EVEN AS [or to the same proportion that] I am not of the world” (Jn 18:36; 17:14, 16).

Thus, as Christ and His kingdom is not of this world, and as His disciples are not of this world to the same proportion that Christ Himself is not of this world, then it must follow that the disciples of Christ are subjects and citizens of the kingdom [or country] of Christ which is “the heavenly country.”

And although Christ was a Jew in the flesh, He is without nationality in the Spirit. For in Christ, there is no such thing as a nationality such as an American, French, German, Russian, Chinese, African, Jew, or Greek.

For it is written: “Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as

have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek… for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:26-28).

Consequently, “if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed” (Gal 3:29).

So, it is worthy to ask again: Which birth are you of? Are you of the first birth, that birth by which you have received your earthly citizenship? Or are you of the second birth, that birth by which you have received your heavenly citizenship?

Where is your citizenship?

By faith in Christ Jesus, may your response echo the words of that inspired apostle: “Our citizenship is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil 3:20).

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THE UNDER DOG – Nadia Agnant

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didn’t understand who the Holy Spirit was until I experienced His power. When I converted in 2012, I hadn’t really stopped and thought about the Holy Spirit. I knew that He was part of the Godhead; I knew He was sent after Jesus came to testify of Him and to convict us of sin, but I hadn’t really considered how involved He would be in my spiritual walk.

In hindsight, the Holy Spirit was to me the warm, comforting figure of the Godhead–He’s never too far away, always making recommendations and advises each step we take. The Holy Spirit is that voice that helps you to refrain from bad and also pushes you to good. You know, that voice that causes you to apologize when you’ve done something wrong, to put back what you were going to steal, or to walk back to that beggar and hand him a few dollars.

In my walk with God, I’ve learned that the Holy Spirit is the closest to us as He speaks from the inside out. He speaks IN our hearts and minds in so many ways: He brings back parts of scripture at the right moment; He activates our conscience and lets us know that we are on dangerous territory; He whispers promises of peace and words of consolation in our darkest hours. The Holy Spirit reminds us of what Christ had said–of what He has done for others, for us, and what He can do if we remain faithful. What a blessing to have Him! The Holy Spirit also inspired all of the writers of the Bible and all of the prophets. In our personal walk with Him, like the Psalmist David, we too will be inspired to

create our own psalms. In a moment of submission, I’ve had the privilege of hearing my own little psalm. I was so humbled by the fact that God took the time to speak to me through one of my very favorite mediums, music.

I hope, that sweet melody will never leave me. God wishes to speak to every single one of us in a very particular way: it’s only a matter of us listening.

That experience helped me understand how much of the Holy Spirit I could experience personally if I let Him dwell in me. I went back to look at the Book of Psalms and at the hymn of joy Mary shared with Elizabeth when she mentioned that the baby in Mary’s womb was the Messiah.1 Here, I glimpsed what it feels like when the Holy Spirit dwells within us. Our God is powerful and mighty!

Christians must seek that Presence for their own benefit. Without the Holy Spirit, we are unable to polish our character in order to be fit for Heaven and we are unable to grow the fruit of the Spirit.2 Able to convince us of sin, justice and judgment,3 the Holy Spirit is there to transform us into the best version of ourselves. The beauty of it is, He does not only convince us of those things but He also enables us to gain victory over whatever is keeping us from being truly free. Like a best friend, He points out what needs to be fixed in our hearts and lives but also rolls up His sleeves to help us clean our act.

"Without the Holy Spirit, we are unable to polish our character in order to be fit for Heaven and we are unable to grow the fruit of the Spirit."

Because we cannot minister to others without the help and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we absolutely must seek Him when we wish to help anyone. All of 11 11 11

the souls we wish to touch, all of the people suffering through life’s trials without understanding, each deserves to receive words and love that is beyond our capacities. And doesn’t the Scriptures tell us that love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, faith and temperance are all one fruit, the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT?4 By filling ourselves with Godinspired words, songs and discussions, the Holy Spirit will be manifested and we will be able to benefit from His presence and power. A lot of the mistakes we make through life come from the fact that we are shortsighted. The Holy Spirit is the glasses of faith we can decide to wear to see so much further. “If you will listen to the voice that now speaks to you, if you will respond without delay to the knocking at the door of your heart,”5 the Holy Spirit will take over and change who you are and what kind of tool you can become for God’s mission.

As the Holy Spirit extends the ministry of Christ on Earth, we should do our best to be ambassadors of our Lord and be filled with that Spirit who speaks with the authority of Jesus to mankind.6 1. Lk 1:42-55.

2. Gal 5:22-23.

3. Jn 16:8.

4. Gal 5:22-23.

5. Ellen G. White, The Adventist Home, (Nashville: Southern Publishing Association, 1952), 350.

6. Ellen G. White, Sons and Daughters of God, (Hagerstown: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1955), 282.

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"The Holy Spirit will take over and change who you are and what kind of tool you can become for God’s mission."

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Veggie Stir-Fry

– Brittany Hodges, B|Whole

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Ingredients Stir-Fry Sauce:

1 tablespoon oil 1/4 cup onion, minced 2 tablespoons garlic, minced 2 teaspoons ginger, minced 1 1/3 cups vegetable broth 1/4 cup Braggs Liquid Aminos (soy sauce substitute) 1/3 cup cane sugar 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Baked Tofu:

1 package (14 ounces) water-packed tofu, firm or extra-firm 3/4 cornstarch

Finishing Touch!

SautĂŠ frozen stir-fry vegetables with a high heat oil* over medium/high heat and mix with baked tofu.

Pour warm stir-fry sauce over mixture and serve over rice or Asian noodles.

HAPPY EATING! B|HEALTHY and B|WHOLE *High-heat oils have a higher heating capacity, they are able to maintain their internal structures with minimal change at higher heats. Some of our favourites are safflower, sunflower, coconut and grapeseed oils.

Stir-FrySaucE instructions:

1. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.

2. Add onion, garlic, & ginger; cook about 4 minutes, until onions are softened.

3. Add vegetable broth, Bragg's, sugar, lemon juice; bring to a boil.

4. Mix water with cornstarch in a small bowl; add to boiling sauce. Cook until thickened.

5. Remove from heat.

Tofu instructions:

1. Drain excess water from tofu.

2. Cut tofu into small (bite-sized) cubes and toss with the cornstarch until completely coated.

3. Cover bottom of baking pan with highheat oil.* 4. Bake at 350 degrees fahrenheit until golden brown.

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love notes Interpreting

– Akilah Ballard

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"We see that in nature everything exists entirely to minister to another’s good."

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ne of the most rudimentary spiritual truths we first learn is that God is our Creator. However, as we grow in our relationship with God a more thought provoking question might present itself as to what does the act of creation reveal about the Creator? As I meditated on the first chapter of Genesis–the story of creation–one morning, my heart was quickened with an overwhelming joy and adoration for God. It was as if each line of scripture was a love note which was sweeter than honey to my soul. We find that David as well had a sweet experience as his mind dwelt on this theme.

“When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him?” (Ps 8:3-4).

When David considered, or meditated, on creation he came to a conclusion about God: that He was mindful (or thoughtful) of man. Again in Psalms 19:1, David makes mention that “the heavens declare the glory of God…” Thus creation itself reveals something about its Maker. As the

attentive student, guided by the Holy Spirit, observes nature, they will find that the act of creation was but an expression of God’s love. As they note how everything made provides for the happiness and adapts to the needs, not only of man, but of every living creature,1 they would declare in a spirit of praise with the psalmist: “Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing” (Ps 145:16).

But creation can only show God’s glory as it itself bares the same character of God. As God is good, so His creation was good. And we find that in the beginning, before the fall of man, this was so. Throughout the creation account, after nearly every element of nature was made, this comment was given: “…and God saw that it was good” (Gn 1:4, 10, 12, 17, 21, 25, 31).

The word “saw” implies that God examined or at least observed it.

What can be observed about nature which would elicit the Divine assessment that “it was good”?

Shortly put: it was unselfish.

We see that in nature everything exists entirely to minister to another’s good. The soil, full of nutrients and minerals, would be wholly useless unless a plant through its roots receives those nutrients. The fruit tree in turn 17 17

does not bear fruit to feed itself, but provides food for another. Trees not only soothe man with the calming effect of its green color and shade from heat, but they also absorb carbon dioxide and other harmful gases and in turn release a very vital element for man’s existence: oxygen. The beautiful scenes of nature (such as the flowers, waterfalls and mountains) do not bask in their own beauty, but gladden the hearts of those whose eyes rest upon its delightful splendor.

Just as the heavens declare God’s glory, so Isaiah 43:7 teaches us that man was created for the glory of God. But like everything else in creation, man cannot declare or reveal God’s glory unless he himself has the very character of God. The next natural question of the thoughtful mind would be: so should man then, whom God has created…the same God who has created everything else with the attribute of “seeking not her own”, be wholly shut up to himself?

Christ taught that love, the basis of the law, is expressed in two distinct ways: love for God and love for man (note Mt 22:36 – 40; Gal 5:14).

Therefore, if the decision of how to dress, what occupation to obtain, what to eat or what type of entertainment to engage in, for example, cannot produce the desired effect of ministering to another’s good or of pleasing God, it should be forsaken. One should ask oneself: Is my sole ambition in life to live to please God and to serve others, or do I study only my own advancement, even to the detriment of others? Just as the soil’s qualities is of no good use except it receives to give, so man’s life is of no good use except he uses his gifts to the betterment of others.

Sin, the transgression of God’s law, has defaced the very image of God 18

in man. Yet, as every manifestation of creative power is an expression of Divine love,2 so the act of re-creating His image in man is an expression of love. Psalms 136:1 reasons that God is good because of His enduring mercy. Where can one see the goodness described as the enduring mercy of God? As it was only the fall of man which necessitated mercy, so it is only through the study of the plan of redemption that man can see a depth of God’s mercy and love that heretofore were unseen. Additionally Romans 1:17 tells us that within the gospel the righteousness (or the character) of God is revealed. May the Holy Spirit help us to interpret every passage of scripture and the handwritings in nature as love notes which testify to the gracious, merciful and loving character of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1. Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1892), 9.

2. Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1890), 33.

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Staff Picks! to boost your brain

Almarie Picks

memorize scripture!

A few years ago, I realized that I wasn’t “as smart” as I had been. In a panic I researched different ways to improve my mind. Studying the Bible and then memorizing scripture changed my life! There’s something about studying the Word of God and committing parts to memory that brings you in contact with the mind of God. Pick a promise, a favourite passage or a chapter to get started. Choose an accountability partner or a friend to memorize with. You can even use cue cards or a Bible memorization app! “God has provided in His word the means for mental and spiritual development.”1

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Sarah Picks

sing!

I have always loved singing, but never felt like I had a singing voice. As I continue to learn about the benefits of this wonderful tool to not only improve your mood and lower your stress but to also strengthen the mind, I decided that I was going to start cultivating my voice! Singing hymns, spiritual/inspirational songs or scriptures actually uplifts your thoughts and clears your mind allowing you to think and work more efficiently.

Do you know the hymn, “Come Thou Fount”?

Look it up and let the Lord “tune your heart to sing His grace”!

1. Ellen G White, Education (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association), 123.

Jaleesa Picks

Exercise it!

Heard of the phrase "use it or lose it"? While it may not be the best choice of words, it highlights a true life principle. Everything strengthens with exercise, and by a lack of exercise, things deteriorate. One of the best ways I've found to boost my brain is by using it!

Challenging it, discovering new things, or just learning! Use your brain instead of hitting the calculator icon; google a new word or something you didn't know - exercise your mind and watch it grow.

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22 Lilies in the City - February 2015