Soul Food 4 U

THE ‘N or M’ GENERATION IN INFORMATION AGE

2007-02-19T04:15:00.000-08:00

February 9, 2007

THE ‘N OR M’ GENERATION IN INFORMATION AGE
Reflection:
 The word of God is like a lion. You do not have to defend a lion.
All you have to do is let the lion loose, and the lion will defend itself
(C. Spurgeon).
 You do not conquer mountains, mountains cannot be conquered. You
conquer yourself, your hopes, your dreams (J Whitaker).
 When the rate of change outside exceeds the rate of change
inside, the end is in sight (J. Welch).
 A man must brood over his own thoughts until his mind takes fire,
and then he may hope to light other minds (T.T. Lynch).

TEXT:
Jeremiah 31:33 "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their
hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will
a man teach his neighbour, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,'
because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,”
declares the LORD.
Isaiah 2:3 Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the
mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us
his ways, so that we may walk in his paths."
Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy
nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of
him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Thinking of how the establishment in which we work shape our lives and how
their success in embracing and creating change influences our world and
life view calls for attention. It is in those organisations that we spend
our best time, use our sound mind, our energy, our best looks and
coverings, as we interact and depend on one another for accomplishment of
shared goals. The emergence of associations and large companies in the
late 19th and early 20th Century in Europe and North America, as a result
of industrial revolution, operated on the assumption that it is the top
managers who did the thinking while workers had to do what they were told.
By the time of colonisation of Africa, organisations were designed and
managed on impersonal basis through clearly defined authority and
responsibility record keeping and uniform application of standard rules.
The churches, schools and families followed the same pattern of thinking
as I remember my induction into the church. The new members had to go
through three levels of instruction, The Seekers (Acaria), The Learners
(Athomagi) and those to be confirmed (Moko). One of the questions we had
to respond to was “What is your name?” The standard response was ‘I am
called N or M’ and if you said anything else like your real name you
failed and had to repeat the class for a full year. ‘Good people’ did not
question those who had the knowledge and so we progressed into the
industry with that mindset.
Toward the end of 1980’s, international competition and globalisation
caught many institutions and organisations unawares as it became clear
there was no one best way. The assumption that ‘usage of brains’ was a
gift of a few lucky people made companies that had been leading unable
to cope with change. With the computer-generated information and
internet connections, information became available to those who were
subdued by ignorance. Organisations that are having an advantage are
those who acknowledge that every person has something to offer, and
that diversity is an asset. It is open continuous improvement, minimal
boundaries, no status symbols that create differences, no special
parking places, as each person is a valued contributor. What of
organisations headed by those who belong to ‘Nor M’ generation, who
believed that it was the secretary to store information, and the
‘yellow’ notes of the teacher can now be accessed through internet?
Information is the most valuable asset and the learning organisations
are aware having employees or worshippers or students, who feel
powerless because they do not know how to respond to challenges is
deathly. If we do not want to have close up opportunities, we must
encourage creative living. We need to befriend the internet, e
commerce, e marketing, e mail, interpersonal relationships,
collaboration not competition, continuous training so that we are able
to cope with the change outside. How about Jesus Christ disciples who
are the light of the fast paced world? Might availing of information
to all people be what the bible calls the kingdom principles?
Think of what Jeremiah prophesied that a time was coming when people would
know the law of the Lord and each would be responsible for the choices he
made. The managers, teachers, pastors who assume that they are the ones
with information and so they do all the preparation and then ‘dispense’
it to the ‘headless’ employees, congregants, or students may be amazed
that their inflexibility is holding back people from unleashing their
potential. Jesus Christ did not send us the Holy Spirit so that a few
people can have titles that enable them to be held in high esteem while
affecting little in regard in the kingdom of God. Phrases like ‘We have
come to encourage you . . . reflect ‘Nor M’ thinking, how did you get the
encouragement? Open up the source so that ‘When you come together,
everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or
an interpretation (1 Corinthians 14:26). The usurping of the gifts of the
Holy Spirit to the church by a few titled members may have followed human
weakness (1 Corinthians 11:18) that got strengthened by the industrial
thinking. The various gifts that Paul’s talks about (1 Corinthians 12,
13, 14) should be exhibited. Information age is biblical when the basic
source of information is Christ, and his word then an inquisitive mind is
set to be open for learning. Wherever the Disciples of Christ are, they
encourage every aspect of development that upholds dignity of the free,
human person. To be the light of the world is to hold in high esteem the
most sacred right of man which is clear conscience, development of
individual abilities, inclinations and professionalism.

IF YOU EMBRACE BIBLICAL KNOWLDEGE YOU WILL;
a. Be a consultant – Keep an upward gaze- Talk to God regarding your
‘territory and assignment’. Think of what Dr. Ben Carson’s mother did
when she was confronted by a problem of poor academic performance of her
children. She prayed and God showed her what to do. As a result of a
prayer of a low cadre, single mother, the world has benefited from her
son’s neurosurgical skills among other benefits. You rise above your
circumstances as you look up to God for your needs. (Ben Carson’s books
include ‘Gifted Hands’, ‘THINK BIG’ and ‘The Big Picture’).
b. Share knowledge – Think of the testimony of George Washington Carver
who was in the first generation of freed slaves in America. He was
concerned about other needy people whose only possession was their own
manual and cheap labour. “When he had convinced farmers on the wisdom of
crop rotation, and they rotated cotton with peanuts and the sweet potato,
a new and desperate problem arose. They had an abundance of peanuts and
sweet potatoes and no buyers. They turned to Carver and asked him what he
was going to do about it. He went into his laboratory and prayed and
discovered 300 new ways for the uses for peanut and 150 new uses for
sweet potato’ (Walking with God, W.J. Smart, 1955, page 103).
c. Accountability – Each one of us has the duty and responsibility to seek
for knowledge. We should look out for ways of sharpening our skills so
that we are useful wherever we are. It is not test of how effective the
government, the boss, the pastor/bishop, manager, are for together, we
share what we have. All of us who submit to Christ as Lord are the public
relations officers, the ambassadors of the kingdom of God on earth and we
need to know the ideals of the kingdom we represent. “Do your best to
present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be
ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15).
Respect and high esteem of all who are created in God’s image and likeness
is our responsibility.

What paralysis in your economy, family, church, and society can you
clearly see that it is hindering God’s people living at their maximum
potential? "This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD
who formed it and established it--the LORD is his name: 3'Call to me and I
will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not
know” (Jeremiah 33:2-3) NIV.
Information age is a time to allow the Holy Spirit to empower us as we
listen to him and recognise the value of net working for everyone has
something valuable to offer. Each one of God’s people is an asset for the
extension of the kingdom of God on earth.
What Jesus Christ told his disciples is relevant for us in this knowledge
driven time, “7 As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is
near.' 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, and cleanse those who have
leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give” (Matt
10:7-9) NIV. Standard solutions and standard answers will not work today.
Know who you are, you are not ‘N or M’. The sick, the lame, the blind, the
deaf, thugs and frightened people need an odour of heaven. (In Kenya today
we need urgent connection to heaven and net work because of past paced
challenges that include Rift Valley fever, devaluing of human beings,
leading to unexplainable killings of people, quality of opinion formers
and leaders and so on). That has to be one who loves the word of God
enough to read it and allow it transform them so that they are able to
cope with the rate of change outside and reveal God’s solution.

ANYTHING WILL GIVE UP ITS SECRET IF YOU LOVE IT ENOUGH (G. W. Carver)

BALANCING BETWEEN GRACE AND SELF ESTEEM

2006-11-02T09:58:00.000-08:00

OCTOBER 27, 2006

(Part 1)
TEXT
Jonah 1:9 He answered, "I am a Hebrew and I worship the LORD, the God
of
heaven, who made the sea and the land."
10 This terrified them and they asked, "What have you done?" (They knew
he
was running away from the LORD, because he had already told them so.)
11
The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, "What
should
we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?" 12 "Pick me up and
throw
me into the sea," he replied, "and it will become calm. I know that it
is
my fault that this great storm has come upon you. NIV

REFLECTIONS:
• When life is a picnic, people play with theology; when life becomes a
fight we scrabble for religious conviction.
• There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people
will
not feel insecure around you.(Nelson Mandela)
• "Low self concept can be a crippler - it can hinder people from
achieving their potential, sabotage relationships and careers.  It can
keep dedicated Christians from fulfilling God's purpose for their lives
yet high self esteem may be promotion of self worship”.

Jonah knew who he was and whom he worshipped yet had made choices that
led
him on a path that was not facing where God had sent him. Was Jonah
suffering from low self esteem that made him not consider himself
capable
of doing what God had assigned him to do?   Is it not possible that
Jonah
was having a problem of high self esteem that made him want to have his
way independent of God,’ . . .is this not what I said when I was still
at
home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you
are
a gracious and compassionate God. . . (Jonah 4:2). Jonah’s complex
seems
to be that he was so aware of his effective communication skills that
he
chose to play small by running away from the greatness. The dilemma of
low
self esteem and the grace of God is an issue that calls for our
attention.
 Low self value results when those significant to us on our path in
life
constantly point out our weaknesses and shortcomings until we believe
it.
If you think of yourself as hopelessly incompetent, you will also
expect
others to respond to you as if that were true. Self fulfilling prophecy
is interpreting of events one experiences in ways that reinforce their
existing beliefs about who they are.  The prophecy not only helps
solidify a person’s view about who s/he is but acts as a guide into
future encounters. The fears that are deeply entrenched in someone’s
inner and unconscious beliefs make one act in ways that confirm the
fear.
The way you value yourself determines the perimeter within which you
operate. For example, if you think you are poor you interpret others
responses to you in ways that support your belief. Such a person is
apologetic for being smart or ‘eating the good of the earth’. That
belief
of not deserving the best and not being good enough makes one tend to
‘snatch’ or ‘overeat’ and display tendencies of one ‘stealing’. Low
self
view and value is a real crippler that paralysis people so that their
focus is survival and self protection. Placement in positions of power
and acquisition of possessions does not solve the challenge of low self
esteem.

SOME SIGNS OF A PERSON STRUGGLING WITH LOW SELF ESTEEM INCLUDE;
Inability to see good in self and in others, being excessively critical
of
others or self, guilt feelings that make one feel undeserving of God’s
love, hard taskmaster who has no allowance for failure and so is
frightened by risks, always seeking to please others and so not feeling
affirmed enough, the feeling that the problem is not what you do but
who
you are, inability to empathise with others, etc.
A person who is driven by ‘False Evidence Appearing Real (F.E.A.R.)’,
tend
not to mind benefiting from other’s weakness.  In search for
affirmation
and proof that one is able, a person develops some parasitic tendencies
that cripple those with whom s/he relates with. Think of Paul and Silas
thrown to jail for casting out a demonic spirit from a girl. “When the
owners of the slave girl realized that their hope of making money was
gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace
to
face the authorities” (Acts 16:19-20).
Are there people today, including believers,   who consider poverty in
Africa, HIV+ and AIDS and other disorders as noble source of income? 
Are
there people today who would feel offended if healing of the mind and
discoveries of cure for some of the crippling diseases was found
because
their NGOs would have no work for their mission was based on
continuation
of other people’s misery?  Please note that the work is good and should
be
encouraged but watch out before you fail to be concerned about the good
of
the people and be just concerned with what is in it for you. Building
your
strength on other people’s weaknesses and limitations can make you get
what Gehazi realised when his concern for his hunger was more than
appreciation for the healing of Naaman. “Is this the time to take
money,
or to accept clothes, olive groves, vineyards, flocks, herds, or
menservants and maidservants? 27 Naaman's leprosy will cling to you and
to
your descendants forever." (2 Kings 5:26-27).
In whatever capacity or station you are, do not use your position to
dis-empower others so that you remain benefactor. If you do so you
retain
their paralysis and those you would have helped to find the light of
God
remain in their paralysis. When you make others have to depend on you
to
show them the way, you take away their ability to depend on God.
Low self esteem has crippled and sabotaged establishment of God’s
kingdom
on earth as it is in heaven.  A lot of energy is spent in wiping the
cobweb instead of killing the spider that is causing the trouble.  It
is
God’s will for us to turn, face the future in the power of the one  who
knows how to straighten those with withered hands  or infirmed by the
beliefs systems in which we have been nurtured. To those who are
crippled
by low self esteem should realise that God’s infinite ability to redeem
the most negative experiences.  The redemption by Jesus Christ puts at
our
disposal the power to compensate for our biggest mistake and great
weaknesses giving us new possibilities and beginnings.

THE HUMAN HEART IS THE PROJECTOR, THE SOURCE OF THE EVIL PICTURE. IF WE
WANT GOOD CLEAN PICTURE WE WILL HAVE TO DO SOMEHING ABOUT THE PROJECTOR
(D.A. Seamands)


                                                                                    
(To
be
continued
-
Dangers
of
high
self
esteem
and
solution)

WHO TOLD YOU?

2006-10-19T09:19:00.000-07:00

October 13
Reflections:
Ø What we are today is an outcome of thoughts that we permitted to occupy
and dominate our minds yesterday.
Ø Following the path of least resistance makes rivers and men crooked
(Francis Gray).
Ø You are born an original do not die a copy (John Mason).
TEXT
Ezek 14:1 Some of the elders of Israel came to me and sat down in front
of me. 2 Then the word of the LORD came to me: 3 "Son of man, these men
have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before
their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all? 4 Therefore speak to
them and tell them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: When any
Israelite sets up idols in his heart and puts a wicked stumbling block
before his face and then goes to a prophet, I the LORD will answer him
myself in keeping with his great idolatry. NIV

Jeremiah 23:9-40 An important passage to reflect on as a leader whose
influence is impacting others.

A boy who had been sent to shop on an early morning found the trader
gloomy and dejected because thieves had robbed goods from his shop. The
boy was taken aback when in consoling the trader by telling him that God
would provide, the downcast merchant said that the thieves had stolen his
gods as well. How do you encourage a man whose source of strength is
taken away? What hope is there for one whose god, one’s source of
motivation and guidance, is stolen?
Whatever preoccupies our minds is a pointer to what we value and that is
what shapes the thoughts that direct our actions.
According to the creation story there are two basic sources of
information that incline our minds to the choices we make, that is either
God or the serpent. When man was asked by God where he was because he was
not where God had left him, the explanation was that fear on realisation
that he was naked had driven him into hiding. God asked man, “WHO TOLD
YOU THAT YOU WERE NAKED”? (Genesis 3: 11). The other source of
information that put doubt into what man knew marking him fearful and
insecure continues to plague humanity to this day. Idols and stumbling
blocks are the coverings that people seek to cover the nakedness that
result when we move from the place that God placed us. God is not
deceived by our actions that pretend that he is the only God while there
are idols that control the heart.

SOME CHOICES THAT ARISE FROM THE KNOWLDEGE WE HAVE OF GOD.
1. Trace the source of the knowledge on which you base any of the choices
that you make. “Who told you?” is a question that should be ingrained in
us as we make choices that lead to our growth in Christ or growth in the
worldly affairs. In order to grow people have to abandon some of the safe
areas of their lives and take some risks. There is security in what is
familiar and has been tried before even if it is a ‘hiding’ from the
fullness of life. Growth that is dependent on what God says is a risk to
one who has lost the secure place that God placed him or her. It is risky
to try to understand a different point of view for that may mean change of
beliefs that are familiar and act as idols around the heart. The truth is
that you take a greater risk when you go to seek God while holding on to
other sources of information. You risk the anger of God who knows the
source of motivation of your heart.

2. Do not resign your originality for a copy as you give courage to others
- Who told you that you cannot be the original that God created you to be?
‘I am a woman/man’, ‘I am poor or rich, ‘I am young or old’, etc are
messages that give us an image ourselves that determine how we view the
world. Some of the information that we have gotten has made us have a
marred image of God. An image of god that is faulty makes people go to
seek his counsel while they know deep within that they have other sources
of guidance. Courage that comes from ignorance can be very dangerous for
it makes people ‘fake’ before God who does enjoy our manipulative
strategies.
Do not give encouragement using information whose source you are
not sure of even though it sounds sensible. God is not pleased by
people who are not originals but just use words that they have
heard others say. "Therefore," declares the LORD, "I am against the
prophets who steal from one another words supposedly from me. 31
Yes," declares the LORD, "I am against the prophets who wag their
own tongues and yet declare, 'The LORD declares.' Jeremiah 23:30-32
NIV
To be the light of our world we need to take time to listen to the Lord
who is willing to talk to us. “But if they had stood in my council, they
would have proclaimed my words to my people” (Jeremiah 23:22). Do you use
phrases and statements that you have not reviewed their source? ‘Everybody
is doing it’ or ‘we have always done it this way’, is no excuse of failing
to listen and speak what is fresh and relevant from God.

3. External motivation makes you lose the sense of who you are.
Extrinsic motivation gives security that may appear firm but like gods
that can be stolen is temporary. Security that comes from rewards that
one gets when they comply or deliver something of value to others can be
deceptive. The reward may be in form of money, grades, promotion,
support, praise and acceptance. The reward tilts the mind to focus on
the reward; avoiding any possible risk. The joy of exploring the purpose
for which one was created is lost as the path of least resistance is
followed. Rewards that other people have set deflect attention from
allegiance to God as people submit to the ‘rewarder’. Authentic
motivation that arise from the presence of the Holy Spirit is killed and
people lose autonomy that comes from status of being a child of God
.When people miss out on the purpose they tend emphasise on rituals and
forget the reason for the ritual. Rituals can clog people from growth in
Christ and spend their energies refining their formal procedures that
become source of motivation. That is when the church as an organisation
becomes the ‘call’ and the mandate of Christ to go to the world becomes a
secondary issue.

As the light of Christ in our world today we must go back and trace our
source of information. Who told you? Are we speaking what God has told
us or are we echoing what others have said? Africa needs people who truly
listen, speak and do what God has said. There is a lot whitewashing and
visions as was in the time of Ezekiel when prophets said, ‘This is what
the Sovereign LORD says'-when the LORD has not spoken (22:29). God wants
to speak if we let go of idols and other sources of information that we
have and listen to him who has our life in his hands.

If you fail to listen to what God is saying regarding you and your mission
in this life, outside forces, and other people will take over the control
of your life whether you like it or not.

“I WAS ALWAYS ON MY MIND” – WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF YOUR POWER?

2006-10-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

October 6, 2006
REFLECTIONS:·
Do not ignore, underestimate or overestimate Satan’s power (Mark Bubeck).·
Roho Mtakatifu [Holy Spirit] to an immature Christian becomes RohoMtaka vitu [Spirit of possessions] (J. Ng’ang’a’).
A Christian needs to be Balanced, be Biblical and be BraveTEXT: Matthew 6:24 No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate theone and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise theother. You cannot serve both God and Money. 1 Kings 18:21 Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will youwaver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baalis God, follow him." But the people said nothing. NIVIn the recent past I have heard talks that indicate that the base ofChristianity has shifted from either Europe or America to Africa. Thatreminded me of conversation I had on one of the field trip to a communitythat is fairly active in religious issues. The sanguine caretaker of theguest house that I was staying in told me of how spirits (majini) hadinvaded a school adjacent to his church. When the senior most clergy wastold of the incident, he together with the other elders resolved tofundraise in order to get the renown sorcerer to help contain thesituation. The caretaker told me of how he offered himself to go for thewitch in place of their ‘bishop’. He went on to explain how the spiritswere exorcised and the church was doing very well. On inquiring whetherthe power used by the sorcerer was the one Jesus left to his disciples,the Caretaker was quick to point out what sounded like Jesus power was forsocial superficial issues while real traditional challenges needed anothergreater power. What is your view? Is Christ able to sort out challengesrelating to ancestral spirits and traditions?What distinguishes Christian faith from others is the source of ‘ruling’power. Power is the ability to influence the beliefs, attitudes andbehaviour of other people. The force or drive that that gives capacityto translate intention into reality and sustain it reflects who the Lordis and that is the one who is worshipped. The main challenge that we faceas Christians is the balancing between dialectical tensions caused bypresence of different sources of power. Time and energy spent in thebalancing act between the powers usurps from the believer opportunity tobe energized by Christ Jesus. Some of the main sources can be categorizedinto four broad groups;1. God who is Almighty, omnipotent and omnipresent. He created man andwoman and gave them authority to rule (Genesis 1:26-28). Jesus Christ cameto return the humanity to God’s intended position of ‘ruler ship’ thatderives power from God. As Jesus Christ was leaving earth he clarifiedthat he had been given authority and so those who believed in him werealso authorized to use his power (Matthew 28:16-20).2. The earthly system includes the structures that people come up with. Human beings tend to organize themselves in a way that strips others ofsome abilities. The value people have is related to products or servicesthey identify as valuable and those who have access to the ‘preferred‘products or services wield some power. That is how money is said to givepeople purchasing power. Whatever gives power is a treasure that attracts.Jesus Christ said, ‘For where your treasure is, there your heart will bealso’ (Luke 12:34). You cannot help but consciously or unconsciouslyworship whatever gives you power. The chief executive officers, thebishops, the presidents are all a result of cultural organisation andplacement that give people external power. Power that is given by externalarrangements makes people have some hidden insecurity because it can betaken away. ‘ In an effort to avoid being hurt some people constantly tryto maintain control of others and dominate the situations they face. Theydispense approval and disapproval . . . they are unwilling to let othersbe themselves and make their own decisions without their consent. Suchpeople are insecure, lack of control is an unacceptable threat to them(McGee Robert, Search For significance, p61). When ‘Christians’ depend onthis type of power, they think that God’s power is not adequate. Thetension caused as people struggle to balance between what gives them powerand depending on the grace of God tends to skew them towards self service. While structures are important for human operation, we must be carefulnot to derive power from them.3. Satan and the demonic power is a reality. Have you heard there is an‘evil eye’ whose look makes milk go sour? In this category is witch craft,spirits of the dead (who are not waiting to wake up when Christ comesagain) and all other spirits that seek to control human beings. Satan usesvarious devises to gain control over people of all ranks in any society.Halloween is some certification of power that is spiritual and not of God.Paul had an encounter with a sorcerer who was opposed to the things of God(Acts 13:6-12) and he showed him real power is with Christ and all whotrust in him. Satan tempted Jesus Christ with power (Luke4: 5-8) and asour Lord quoted the scriptures, so we also need to know what is written.4. Human beings are not empty slates waiting for any one to in script onthem. We have a will and power to choose which power to allow direct us.The greatest tragedy in Africa today is people assuming they are under theinfluence of God’s power while they are not. Self can be a very strongcontrolling power while people are confessing to be serving God. Onedangerous aspect of lowered self value has its roots in traumas in thislife that cause people to be stuck in an infantile world in which self ispredominant. Characteristics of a person stuck in ‘self world’ include;Ø Lack of empathy. These are ‘counsellors’ who hardly ever listen to anyone else. You begin to share your experience and they fill in the restwith their story. Ego centric people are poor listeners for they do notbother to know what the other person is saying. They are people who cannotmourn or rejoice with those who mourn/rejoice because they have gonethrough rituals and other experiences that dried them up.Ø Obsession by one’s power, importance, or brilliance. Their ownachievement and conquests make the talk. The talk is ‘my committee’, ‘mystaff’, ‘my church’, ‘my trophies such as grades, children’sachievements’, etc.Ø Preoccupied with envy of others and will do everything to pull themdown. Desire to occupy posts and be considered a success is exchanged forthe glory of God who declares, ‘And My glory I will not give to another‘(Isaiah 48:11).How can one who is a light to himself be a light of the world? Listen toprayer needs of the people and you can tell the power in operation. Mostprayer needs are about the issues that Jesus Christ said are for pagans(What shall we eat and what shall we wear? ‘For the pagans run after allthese things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them’. Matthew6:32).We cannot be ego centric and seek the kingdom of God and itsrighteousness. To be preoccupied with self is to act as if you are servingChrist while the real concern is your self which is self deception.You do not drift into God’s service you have to have the power (Matt 28:18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earthhas been given to me. The power we have is delegated to us and it is notnatural. We have to allow Christ to totally influence and control everyaspect of life by daily, continuously selection to be under his power(Luke 9:23). Christian faith is not a balancing act but total submissionto the Lordship of Christ even when at times it does not seem as the bestalternative from a human perspective.Can we say that people are evangelised because they have churches andsocial activities that mention biblical terms while in times of crisisthey go to the sorcerer? If to such has the gravity of the Christianfaith drifted, might it then be that Christian faith has lost base? No man bear witness to Christ and to himself at the same time.

A KING WITHOUT TEETH

2006-09-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

September 15, 2006

REFLECTIONS:
To a mind that is blind, eyes are of no use (Chinese proverb).
A belief is like a guillotine just as heavy, just as light.
Heaven forbid that knowledge without zeal should replace zeal without
knowledge (John Stott).
Conviction is worthless until it converts itself into conduct (Thomas
Carlisle)
TEXT:
Matthew 7:24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts
them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. NIV
2 Corinthians 10:4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the
world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the
knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to
Christ.

On a visit to Kenyan renowned game park, Maasai Mara, I noticed that the
zebras, gazelles and wildebeests were many but the lion, the king of the
jungle, was rare to find. The dignified, relaxed lion lives in no fear of
being attacked by any other animal and it is no wonder that it is said to
sleep for 18 out of the 24 hours. On inquiring why lions are not many,
the tour guide said that among other factors, lions tend to have serious
dental problems. If that be so, it means that a lion using its speed and
superior skills kills a zebra, but is unable to chew the meat and so
starves to death in presence of plenty of food. That is miserable. That
made me reflect on our situation as God’s apex of creation. God created
human beings in his image and likeness. ‘Then God said, "Let us make man
in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea
and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and
over all the creatures that move along the ground." (Gen 1:26). In God’s
structure, a day of rest was provided for right from the beginning. Why
then is there so much hunger, fatigue, stress, unfulfilment and general
lack of dignity in human beings? Has the ruler become the ruled?
Like the lion, man who was created to rule could be a king without teeth
and so cannot chew the already available food. People’s teeth are their
cognitive processes that include their characteristic way of viewing their
world and how they see themselves in relation to the world determines what
they see. Worldview are people’s eyes that determine what they see out of
what there is to be seen. Worldview gives the mental framework within
which people operate. In that framework is the issue of application of
Christian doctrine and how it applies to all other aspects of life. How
people characteristically adapt and integrate information is like teeth to
a human being or sieve that sorts what should go in and what should be
rejected. There are no human beings with no capacity to think unless
there is a health problem. The basic cause of difference between people is
what they consider to be information worth attention and what they do with
that information.
Unfortunately there are beliefs that lead people to operate in a
mechanical way and so do not develop the thinking part of the brain.
Routine tasks and specified roles can make people just slip into their
expected roles and so need not think. For example, in cultures that
emphasise the grade in examination more than learning, thinking and
exploration is sometimes unconsciously discouraged. A learner said,’
School creates mindless lab rats who simply follow the leader and never
question life. Always striving after that piece of food or in the case of
school, a letter A,B,C,D,F, that is supposed to describe a person’. Lack
of inquisitive mind make people fail to see opportunities around them
even though they may have certificates that show they have spent time
learning. Translation of information into meaningful and relevant usage
is what leads to human transformation. The place of well developed mind
is critical in integration and synthesising of Christian principles that
make us have the inner strength, security, courage and wisdom that lead
to charting the way in our social economic and political world.

WHY A CHRISTIAN SHOULD USE THEIR INTELLECT
1. Our God is a thinking God and created us to use our minds to rule. ‘But
we have the mind of Christ’ (1 Corinthians 2:16). We are in a world where
the people who have the ideas rule the world. When the people who are
described as having corrupt mind are the ones whose ideas are being heard,
the they are the rulers. To conquer the world as soldier of Christ we need
to generate and propagate ideas that are born out of our intimate
relationship with Christ. Our warfare is not against flesh and blood but
against forces and ideas that contradict the values of God’s kingdom. We
need to proclaim God’s truth in way that overthrows lies of men and
habitual thinking that makes man be ruled by what he meant to rule.
2. The biblical themes as revealed through the creation story, the coming
of Jesus Christ, the redemption and judgement all imply that man has
inescapable duty both to think and act upon what he thinks and knows. God
has revealed to us what we need. ‘The secret things belong to the LORD our
God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever,
that we may follow all the words of this law’ (Deut 29:29). It is our duty
to receive his revelation, to submit to it, to seek to understand it and
to relate it to the world in which we live.
3. Loss of intellectual confidence leads to use of references that have
been drawn from people’s experiences in the world. Handling of issues
such as poverty, disease and high levels of ignorance in Africa cannot be
left to unregenerate minds. We are the light of the world not in our
hidden corners of fellowship but in the world of industry and trade and
demonic forces. Theories developed in other cultures may not be easily
truncated into our systems without causing damage. We need the views of
men and women of the word, prayer and know where we are in relation to
God’s time map and other nations.
4. Genuine praise and worship of God results from ‘the word becoming flesh
and dwelling among us’. It is not frenzy that results from the rhythms of
our songs but realisation of ‘who’ we are and ‘whose’ we are. We cannot
declare the mighty works of God in our times if we do not use our minds to
see and consider. ‘Faith is a reasoning trust, a trust that reckons
thoughtfully and confidently upon the trustworthiness of God ‘(John
Stott). True faith is not just belief in self and in ones ability but it
is reflecting and trusting in the character and the promises of God. As we
put our weight in the word of God who teaches us how to produce wealth
(Deuteronomy 8:18), he inspires our thinking, and cause sour mind to see
possibilities. We then act on what we know.

Our mental processes are our teeth. When our thinking is not renewed we
draw the beliefs we act on from the world. Our teeth are the core values
or deeply embedded beliefs that unconsciously control us. Our view of
life, the meaning of life and what our part is in life should be renewed
if we are to benefit from what we profess as our faith. Christian can
starve to death if the mind is blind to who God is and what he has for us.
‘Confess it and you will have it’ can be misleading if our mind is
disconnected from God. ‘The Lord says:” These people come near to me with
their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from
me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men (Isaiah
29:13). God is not pleased with us when we slide into man made rules and
assume that we have had a relationship with him.
We must use our minds and so interpret God’s will here on earth. Our
continent is starved of ideas that can bring about control of the
resources that God has given us. We need to rule the earth using the
scientific knowledge that God is revealing to us and through us. Our
social cultural structures that include our organised gatherings
(churches) need prayerful review so that God’s people can enjoy the good
of the land. The individual and communal mental maps that are used as
references in life need to be renewed according to the word of God not
the rules that we have inherited or come up with (Romans 12: 1-2).
The hope of God’s people in Africa does not lie in the sterile past
however glorious, neither in other nations and continents, but in the
Living God who is our Father and wants to use us. God has given us minds
to help come up with solutions for problems and challenges that we find in
life. We need sanctified minds that God can use to give us revelation. We
need spiritual dental check up.

We are soldiers in a fierce army whose main battle field is the mind

NUMBERS – BARRICADES OR BRIDGES?

2006-09-15T00:26:00.000-07:00

REFLECTIONS:
Numbers –the science of statistics that represent people with
tears wiped off (A doctor).
Perhaps you may not be a star but you do not have to be a cloud.
New ideas bring revolutionary possibilities for growth or decay of
all societies.

TEXT:
Ps 90:12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of
wisdom. NIV
Revelation 13:18 This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him
calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is
666

One of the greatest challenges that confronted me was in my third year of
learning. Somehow my knowledge base was challenged as what I had known was
given different meaning. The word ‘one’ which means ‘look’ in my language
became a number. Letter ‘e’ became i, o became u, etc. and the world
ceased to make sense and somehow that trend has continued. When the
knowledge base shifts, new information has to be acquired if we are to
remain effective and relevant. The fact that a signal is familiar does not
necessarily mean the same thing to everybody. Symbols such as ‘lake’
could mean a mass of water but it could also mean his/hers in Kiswahili
(Jina lake). Mistaken advice, however sincere, may be serious in many
effects.
As messengers of the Gospel message we need to be aware of differing
cultural interpretation of signal systems. Think of numbers that carry
meaning as well as express relationships. Statistics express relationships
and communicate information with a combination of numbers and symbols.
From the very beginning, the numeric system of communication is used. For
example, the creation took seven days, Jacob served Laban for seven years
in order to marry, Pharaoh dream had seven thin cows that ate seven fat
cows, Jesus talked of seven spirit, seven loaves, forgiving others seven
times, The Sadducees gave an example of a woman who had seven husbands,
while the woman at Samaria had had five husbands. Daniel waited for an
answer to his prayer for 21 days (Daniel 10:13) while Jeremiah waited for
10 days(Jeremiah 42:7 Ten days later the word of the LORD came to
Jeremiah).
Numbers carry an agreed- upon meaning that is accepted within a cultural
grouping as conveying specific information in a precise manner. You
cannot assume that the meaning your community attaches to a number is the
same as that another community attaches. To understand the meaning
attached to numbers that are used in the bible one has to have some
understanding of the cultural meaning attached by the people of that day.

SOME TRAPS THAT WE NEED TO CONSCIOUS OF WHEN USING NUMERIC SYSTEM

1. Superstition - False notion. Many cultures have some beliefs about
some numbers having bad spell. Such numbers may not be pronounced without
some caution and in some cultures the ‘earmarked’ numbers are skipped when
following a sequence. How the numbers are selected and why, is not clear
but the belief is passed on from one generation to another. In some
cultures wealth and children are not expected to be counted verbally. For
a Christian to propagate beliefs that have no worthwhile foundation is
irresponsible. It is worse when some people ‘import’ superstitious beliefs
of other cultures and integrate them into their own belief system.
Superstition cultivates insecurity and sends a legion of structural cracks
through peoples’ disposition. It feeds on exaggerated, self made lies and
fears that grow so thick that the branches hide common sense –and worse,
God. To declare that a number means perfection, restoration, prosperity,
completeness, etc. may not communicate effectively. Some more information
is needed that would explain what it is about the number that makes it
carry that given message.
2. Syncretism – ‘The union of two opposite forces, beliefs, systems or
tenets so that the united form a new thing, neither one nor the other’
David Burnett). Syncretism may take the form of taking new ideas and
retaining the old meaning. Adding more value to numbers and expressing
the mixing of the old and new ideas in an indigenous system of belief.
Cultures have a system of dividing time and using numbers to express the
various divisions. Just as it happens in language, there are cultures that
become dominant and so their language is learned by others, use of English
is an example. Similarly in dividing time into manageable combination such
as weeks, months and years, there are dominant cultures whose divisions
have been adapted by others and that may explain existence of different
calendars. We have Julian calendar/ Ethiopian, Gregorian (that is the one
we use), Jewish, etc. New Year according to Gregorian calendar is not the
same day as expressed in other calendars. While God understand our
calendars it is not fair to speak to a congregation that has people from
various cultures as if they used one type of calendar. Is June 6, 2006
according to Gregorian calendar the same as it is in Ethiopian Calendar?
Which calendar does God use? Using one type of calendar to instil fear
and insecurity in people is mixing belief systems that do not arise from
the bible. That is not one way of lighting the world.

3. Witch-hunting - Christians can set themselves in a way that they find
Satan in every thing and blame as the subtle force behind all bad events
and encounters. The number 666 appear four times in the bible according to
NIV
The weight of the gold that Solomon received yearly was 666 talents, (1
Kings 10:14, 2 Chronicles 9:113); The list of the men of the people of
Israel. . . : of Adonikam 666 (Ezra 2: 2;13). The verse in Revelation
is the one that has attracted a lot of interpretation particularly as we
approached AD 2000.
This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number
of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666 (Revelation 13:18)
The Wycliffe Bible Commentary says, ‘The concluding verse of this chapter,
in which the number of the beast is revealed as 666, has given rise to a
multitude of interpretations’.
Looking for the mark of the beast in people’s names, birthdays (My
friend’s sister was born on 6.6.1966), car number plates, calendar dates,
estate house numbers may be a combination of superstition and witch
hunting. Almost anybody can be made antichrist by attaching value to the
letters that make his name, count the numbers backwards and the devil code
will be revealed. Charles Swindoll says of the search for meaning of 666,
‘Christians let’s wise up. We look foolish enough in the eyes of the lost
without giving them fuel for the fire’.

Numerical systems of communication provide us with a precise way of
presenting figures and summaries and should not be abused through
ignorance. When the numbers are misused they become barricades that create
fear and paralyse the people from making reasonable choice to follow the
Lord. Any communication that does not provide a bridge into greater
insights and discoveries of the kingdom is a hindrance that should be
avoided. Like any language has to be learned so are the numeric systems.
As the Psalmist said we need the Lord to teach us to number our days and
to interpret numbers in a way that makes us gain and increase wisdom in
the land.

Count your blessings name them by one and it will surprise you to see what
God has done.

SERVE THE PEOPLE AND THEY WILL BE YOUR SERVANTS FOREVER

2006-09-07T09:58:00.000-07:00

August 31, 2006

REFLECTIONS:
When people fail to understand who they are, they start competing with
others and that preoccupies them making them tired, frustrated, angry, and
short-tempered.
They achieve more who do not care who gets credit.
We can attempt to be in the hands of God like a pen is in the hands of a
man (John Wesley).
The more a person realises his/her power to choose, the more of a person
they become.

Text:
1 Kings 12:7 "If you will be a servant to these people today, and serve
them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be
your servants forever." NKJV

Gaining entry and permanent residence in the hearts of the people so that
we can effectively market ourselves and our beliefs to them is the
Christian term of reference (mandate) or call. We get inner strength when
we have assurance and security that comes from knowing that there are
people who love and accept us as we are and will look out for us. A true
partner is a person who is loyal to you and will be with you when you have
made mistakes and the whole world is out to show you how stupid you are.
The rulers and the ruled, the employer and the jobseeker, the rich and the
poor, all need the loyal service of a true partner who will be there
through the thick and thin of life.
To be effective disciple makers, peace makers, and change agents,
we need the art of making real, loyal friends in whom we can take refuge
from the hard knocks of this life. In spite of our being born into
families, learning in groups and finding the meaning of our lives through
people, the art of winning friends is not as natural as we may assume. The
ignored advice that the elders had given Rehoboam (1 Kings 12:7) remains
relevant for any one who wants to influence others. We are in people
business. According to the elders of Israel, winning permanent residence
in other peoples hearts involves serving, listening, and careful
selection of the words spoken to others.

HOW TO WIN PEOPLES HEARTS
1. Determine to be a servant to the people today- Tomorrow is today in
waiting; Yesterday is today lived. Today is what we have; life is
evaluated on the choices we make today.
Today in whatever position or circumstance you are in; decide to look out
for the need of others. Show the way to one who is unsure. Choose to
radiate warmth and extend friendship to those with whom you are. Determine
to communicate to those you interact with that you care and value them
everyday as long as it is today.
One obstruction to our service to others is fear of losing power, and the
respect that goes with our status. Somehow the apparent loss of power is
the actual key that turns the hearts of others to you and you gain more
power and respect. That was Jesus Christ style, . . . just as the Son of
Man did not come to be served, but to serve, (Matthew 20:28) NIV.
2. Answer the people - Listen to the people so that you respond to what
they are asking not just what you think they are asking. Many
organisations have taken time to come up with strategic plans that include
vision and mission for the company. If the mission statement is not linked
to a person on an individual basis, and it does not touch them on a
personal perceptive level, then it is meaningless. Mission statements can
be sterilisation of humanity with statements that are chock full of
corporate language and buzzwords but speak little to the hearts of the
individual. To imagine that an individual in desperation will kill
their aspirations in order to serve that of the organisation or church is
like assuming that a left handed person can become right handed because
you insist.
Listen to the dreams, aspirations and fears of the people so that you help
them know that in serving you they are not drowning themselves. If you
make the other person feel important, significant and valued, that person
is likely to be totally committed to your cause. Recognise the personhood
and humanness of people and they will offer you their shoulders to ride on
and that is how they willingly choose to be disciples of whoever you tell
them to obey.
Speak good words to the people - Select words that make people feel good
about themselves. Evaluate people from their intentions rather than their
actions and so give them benefit of doubt. Treasure hunt for, whatever is
true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is
lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or
praiseworthy-think about such things (Philippians 4:8) NIV.
Know that no one enjoys being criticised, pulled
down, embarrassed and humiliated and so avoid such words as would shrink
the person inside.. . . Pleasant words promote instruction.24 Pleasant
words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones
(Proverbs 16:21b, 24) NIV. Once people know that you have their welfare
at heart, they will drop their defences and be willing to take your
criticism and so you will help them to grow. People that find you
encouraging will be attracted to you and will allow themselves to be
influenced by your counsel.

If you recognise the unique, immeasurable presence of another, the person
will incline to you, listen and willingly follow you. Loyalty is a result
of you accepting to go with me on my journey and in return I will go with
you all the way. Calling others sinners, terrorists, is not Jesus
language. Jesus Christ took time to acknowledge the humanness of others,
he called those who others were calling sinners friends and he won their
hearts. The acknowledgement of Zaccheus, taking time to be with him, won
his heart, property and future (Luke 19: 1-11).
Rehoboam failed to take the counsel of the elders and he lost opportunity
to rule ten of the twelve tribes of Israel. Our positions and possessions
become empty shells that provide temporary or no security while the
influence and long-term loyalty is lost if we fail to serve the people,
listen and use our communicative acts to demonstrate our trust of them.
Rahab listened and served the Israel emissaries that were sent to spy her
country, and as a result she saved herself and her family as they became
incorporated among Gods people (Joshua 2). Rebecca listened and served a
thirsty traveller and his camels with water and she was rewarded by
getting a spouse in Gods chosen family (Genesis 24).
The entrance to other peoples inner world begins with our service to
them. That is what Jesus Christ did when he extended his open arms for us
(But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still
sinners, Christ died for us [Romans 5:8] and we now pledge our loyalty to
him with all we are and all we have in this life and in the life to come.
That is our pattern as we seek to serve God in serving humanity.

If your candle is not burning, you can light it from mine and I will
suffer no loss (Helen Keller).

SERVE THE PEOPLE AND THEY WILL BE YOUR SERVANTS FOREVER

2006-09-07T09:52:00.000-07:00

I AM BLACK BUT LOVELY (Song of Songs 1:5a)

2006-08-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

August 24, 2006
Reflections:
Until you know what to hear, you probably will not hear it.
There is no benefit in following, even with great and earnest sincerity,
a mistaken view.(Church bulletin)
If you believe that others hold the key to success or determine what
success is, you will be living to fulfil their desires and expectations
(Myles Munroe).
Must Africa repeat all the challenges that others have gone through for
them to learn?
Our actions can be no wise that our thoughts, our thinking can be no
wise than our understanding.
The great thing in life is not where we are but in what direction we are
moving.

TEXT: 2 Corinthians 10: 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage
war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of
the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish
strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself
up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make
it obedient to Christ. NIV
Isaiah 6:5 "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean
lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the
King, the LORD Almighty." 6 Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live
coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it
he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt
is taken away and your sin atoned for." NIV

A national leader was reported during prime time Kenya Television News
saying that there is something in the black skin that is opposed to
development. Could there be some truth in what he said? That reminded
me of a message I had read from a T shirt Born in Africa, Born to
suffer. Is the problem the colour of the skin, or being born in Africa or
in the choices that the people make? What is the impact of black skin to
the Christian faith? If so, then what is the hope for those of us
whose cover is black skin? Yes black sheep of the family, black spot,
blackmailing, black magic, black book, black corner, blacklist, blackout .
. . all have a negative connotation. To consciously or subconsciously
hold a belief that there is something retrogressive determined by the
colour of the skin, is a stronghold that makes improvement difficult. We
interpret and get meaning depending on the beliefs that we have within us
that make up our understanding. The negative emphasis that the general
view places upon the mind of the one who perceives the world leads to a
stress upon the individual. Isaiah confessed that, I am a man of unclean
lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips.

Colour is a signal of communication that is very powerful in that its
message is not only more believable but appeals to emotions. According to
communication expert, Don Smith, 83% of what we know is gathered through
sight, and that is the category in which colour falls. Psychological
effect of colour is apparently not universal. Colour does not carry the
same information for all cultures. For example, in some cultures the
colour for mourning is white while to others it is black. To some people
the well to do tend to clad themselves in purple while to others it is red
or black and so on. To assume that the interpretation of a certain colour
by another cultural group is universal or similar to your is the same as
assuming that language of another is the same as your language and that
can lead to great confusion. As every language has to be learned so are
colours and their interpretation. I once heard a preacher say that the
Holy Spirit was attracted by yellow colour and I though there was a
mixture of his personal colour preference that can be pushed into the
hearers thus misleading them.

HOW DID NEGATIVE INTERPRETATION OF BLACK COLOUR DEVELOP?

1. Assuming that that the signals have universal interpretation. Some
cultures push their interpretation until others assume that the colours
carry the same message. The dominant cultures tend fail to distinguish
between their group and personal colour preferences and those of other
people and groups. It is respect to acknowledge that every culture has its
own interpretation of the colours just like words. It is dishonouring to
allow others beliefs that contradict Gods appreciation of diversity
swallow you.
2. The fall of man. When human beings fail to know who they are in God,
they tend to attach value in what devalues others. While differentiation
is necessary in life, when we fail to attach value in what God values, we
antagonise ourselves and others. Colour of the skin, height, geographical
placement and other traits do not reflect value of human beings. All human
beings are Gods image bearers and are highly valued.
3. The cross cultural interactions When people confront others who are
different, they tend to hide their fears of the unknown under stereotypes
and prejudices. Being critical and using derogatory remarks are all signs
of fear as people try to cope with change. In Africa there are terms that
foreigners may have added to their lexicon that had arisen as they tried
to understand the new cultures. It would not be responsible behaviour if
the people who were described negatively continue holding of those
beliefs.
4. Language is peoples storehouse of their beliefs and culture. For those
whose vernacular is not English, try and get the dynamic equivalent of
those terms that begin with black and you realise that the colour is not
an issue. Now that the English language use the same term as the colour
of our skin to describe danger and generally what is negative, should we
feed our minds on the same?
5. A colonisation weapon and slave traders means of legitimising beliefs
that some people should be subservient. If people are weakened from
within, they easily submit to authorities however cruel. Many years after
colonisation the mind is still bent. This where the believer who is the
light of the world is expected to take a captive those thoughts that
enslave Gods children. Painting Satan as black is a colonial image nit
biblical. To teach children about salvation message using black beads to
represent sin is an unconscious way of insulting to the message of
salvation.
6. Etc.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT BLACK
1. The term black appears 16 times in New International Version (NIV), 18
times in King James Version and 22 times in American Standard Version.
The term is used to describe the colour of sheep, birds, clouds, horses,
hair and has the same weight as any other colour. For example, do not
swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black
(Matthew 5:36, Leviticus 11:13, Song of Songs 5:11).
2. If Ethiopian is what stood for black in the days of Moses, then Gods
most humble servant had married an Ethiopian woman. Then Miriam and Aaron
spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married;
for he had married an Ethiopian woman (Numbers 12:1). That act of
speaking against Moses wife because she was different caused Miriam to be
leprous and the Israelites journey was delayed for the time Miriam was
sick. Might there be delay in the progressing of Gods kingdom on earth
because of people looking down on others based on their skin colour?

I am somehow lacking scriptural evidence that show distinction between
human beings that is based on the colour of their skin. When speaking
about peoples constant practise that becomes like their second nature,
God asks, Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots?
(Jeremiah 13:23).Christian light the world by shedding off beliefs that
are propagated to oppress others and hide insecurities of the oppressors.
To live in ways that make others belief that they are born to suffer
because of the colour of their skin that they cannot change is evil. We
need to be truthful in our speech and conduct and not allow excuses that
make people not examine the choices that they are making.
The weakening of self concept, negative self image and loss of confidence
that many a black people have gone through and continued to go through is
immeasurable. Things will change only if people do things to change them.
The best way to combat afro-pessimism is to ensure that Africa does its
own homework and presents a different face to the world. The colour of
skin is neither retro nor progressive; it is the value the people attach
to the colour and the choices that they make following their beliefs.
It is the Christian who is to use the weapons that are not worldly, that
demolish strongholds and every pretension that sets itself against the
knowledge of God. We cannot take captive thoughts that hold back people
from experiencing their highest potential unless we accept to be set free.
Like Isaiah who saw the Lord (I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and
exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple [Isaiah 6:1]) and
that led him to recognise that the beliefs that he had were in line with
the general view of his people. We need a view of God that makes us want
cleansing that will give us a word for our people in our time and
generation. As we get our mind cleansed and lips bring forth that which
reflects the awesomeness of God the we will testify that, Since ancient
times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God
besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him (Isaiah 64:4)
NIV. Then we can join our South African bothers in singing Jabulani
Africa.
Jesus water of life to a thirsty land
Saviour meeting our needs with your mighty hand,
Sing for joy O Africa, the Lord your God is risen upon you
Sing for joy O Africa, the Lord your God is risen upon you now

THE ESSENCE OF TRUE SALVATION IS NOT A MATTER OF PROFESSION OR PERFOMANCE,
RATHER IT IS TRANSFORMATION (Elisabeth Elliot)

ASK WHATEVER YOU WISH, AND IT WILL BE GIVEN YOU (Part 2)

2006-08-24T05:11:00.000-07:00

August 17, 2006

TEXT: Matthew 7:7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will
find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks
receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be
opened. NIV

REFLECTIONS;
1. Each one of us holds a key to change that can only be opened from
inside. (Martin Luther)
2. God who cares for me neither sleeps nor slumbers, I see no sense in
both of us remaining awake.
3. He that loveth little prayeth little; but he that loveth much prayeth
much (St. Augustine).
4. He to whom communion with God the Father is a task has not advanced in
grace (D. Steel).

In part 1, we talked of how prayer reflects the state of maturity of the
believer. Prayer which is like our passport that enables us to get to the
heavenly realm and in humility recognize our status and the majesty of our
heavenly Father. An immature Christian is pre occupied with personal
needs and that can be dangerous. The second level of maturity is where the
believer is preoccupied with others needs.

PRE-OCCUPATION WITH OTHERS NEEDS
The people in the second level of maturity are those who go to God with a
list of the things that they want done for others. These are prayer
warriors and servant leaders who get their agenda from the world rather
than from God. Their prayer needs are genuine concern for the church, the
perishing, the hungry and other needs around them. While it is important
that we pray for the needs around us, we must be in touch with Our Father
who art in heaven and our prayer is, May Thy will be done on earth as it
is in heaven. A need does not necessarily constitute a call to prayer or
service. Think of Jesus Christ when together with his disciples saw
multitudes that were hungry, harassed and helpless. Why did He not meet
their need instead he asked the disciples to pray to the Lord of the
harvest? (Matthew 9:35-10:2). We are the people that God has chosen to
rule the world as we take instructions from him. Some things that we need
to have in mind as we pray;
1. Who your master is- Are you a servant of the Lord or of the world? Talk
to God about the needs and let him tell you what to do. Your priority is
to know what is in the mind of God and that is what you pray for. The
greatest desire is that Gods will is done in the situation as it is in
heaven. You and I do not know what Gods will as planned in heaven unless
he reveals it to us.
2. Beware of ethnocentric tendencies- It is possible to go to God with
an agenda to meet the needs of the people according to our cultural
understanding. Ethnocentrism is the practise of interpreting and
evaluating behaviour and objects by standards of ones own culture rather
than the culture to which they belong (Grunlan and Mayers). An
Illustration, in a convention where there were international speakers, the
believers were asked to pray for salvation of any one person in the room
who seemed needing salvation. The local people had been asked to invite
those who were not believers. Majority of the people selected the wife of
the main preacher (who had not yet been introduced to them) because she
had dressed differently and had used make up that they associated with
those who were not saved.
You can be very moved by what you consider to be needs and yet it is your
view that is different. A lot of damage has been done when people use
their cultural perspective to interpret the needs of others such as the
hungry, the naked and poor. Human beings have a tendency to interpret
negatively what they do not understand of the cultural rules used by other
people. Peoples technological achievements have been undermined leading
to loss of confidence and esteem thus increasing poverty conditions. To
assume that people are naked because they do not cover the parts of the
body that those in your culture cover can cripple people and tilt them to
seeing themselves as servants who have to be told what to do. That is why
it is best to pray to the Lord of the harvest who understands cultures and
appreciates people. Ask of the Father who is the Lord of the harvest, and
as he prepared Peter to go to Cornelius, whose food was not familiar, will
also prepare you.
3. Acknowledge personality differences- What is different is not
necessarily wrong. What you see as a weakness may be Gods gift to that
other person. The weakness may be in your inability to appreciate
diversity that God allows his people to have. Spend time with God in
prayer so that you have his mind or view regarding people.
The problem of settling on this second level of maturity is to fail to
recognise whose servant you are. Are your prayers driven by needs around
you or are you driven by a love for Christ that makes you willing to "Do
whatever he tells you." (John 2:5).
Busyness in the kings business is no excuse of ignoring the king. You
can be busy in the palace and forget that you are enjoying the status you
have because of your relationship with the king not your activities.

C. PRE-OCCUPATION WITH GOD.
The level that reveals maturity of the believer is where one recognises
that this world has an owner who is actively involved in what happens in
it. At this level of maturity prayer of the believers reflect their
priority. The person praying is preoccupied with;
1. God
2. The will of God
3. The needs of the people
God - We are created with a need to enjoy the presence of God as we
recognise his worth ship, majesty, splendour and our unworthiness except
for the favour extended to us. Our Father is omnipotent, omnipresent and
almighty and some how he is interested in each one of us.
Like Queen Esther who had a great need but spent time with the king at a
banquet, acknowledging his majesty, we also need to just enjoy being in
the splendour of the kings court. Praise and thanksgiving to the
almighty, merciful God, are predominant on the mind and lips of the one
praying. As you acknowledge Our Father who art in heaven. . . you
gain a perspective of your identity as a child of God and your
relationship with the rest of creation. It is not my father but our
father. You recognise that the name of the Lord is a strong tower that
must not be used in any irreverent manner such as punctuating sentences or
greeting people. The concept of Sabbath is about taking time to be with
God, resting and get replenished as you realise that you are dependent on
God not on your efforts and abilities. If we knew that our Father does
not sleep or get caught by situations unawares, then we can relax, and
that will release physical strength and health that are necessary in our
service.
Jesus Christ called the disciples, ordained them that they should be with
him and then send them out. 14 He appointed twelve-designating them
apostles-that they might be with him and that he might send them out to
preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons( Mark 3:14-15) NIV.
Being with Christ is very important. Do not send yourself, spend time
with Christ so that he gives you your assignment.
Apostle Paul knew the importance of being with Christ before being in
mission. Paul says that all those who are mature should be of the view of
wanting to know Christ (Philippians 3:10, 15). As Daniel said, But the
people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits
(Daniel 11:32b).NKJV.
Until our hunger for Gods presence is greater than our hunger for
recognition, security and provisions, we may not know what prayer is.

The will of God - May your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it
is in heaven (Matt 6:10) NIV. God has a will that he wants accomplished on
earth and that is what he wants us to ask of him. God has a will
regarding your marriage, fees, rent, career, old age, etc. and you can
count on him who knows no corners and to whom exists no darkness. God
knows that the valley you may seem to be stuck on is developing in you
stamina for the next assignment that only God knows. Think of the time
that God called Abraham and promised to make him the father of nations.
Even before any child was born to Abraham, 13 Then the LORD said to him,
"Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not
their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. .
. 16 In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here.
(Genesis 15:13,16) NIV. The story of Joseph, his dreams, his enslavement
in Egypt, was all part of a well thought out plan of God. The birth of
Moses and his upbringing in an adopted family of Pharaoh and his running
away to the desert were all part of Gods will in heaven that was being
carried out on earth.
Our role as Christians is to develop an intimate relationship with God so
that he uses us to accomplish the will that he already has and requires us
to play our part. Your marital status, the project proposal you sent out,
your current station , etc. are all meant to align to Gods will and that
should be your concern and prayer.
The needs of people - Give us today our daily bread (Matthew 6:11). God
wants to have our needs met. His promise is, Delight yourself in the
LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).NIV To
delight is to take pleasure, find satisfaction, enjoyment in the Lord and
when you do so, the Lord promises to give you the desires of your heart.
Jesus Christ said that it is Gods pleasure to give us good things. If
you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your
children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to
those who ask him!" (Luke 11:13) NIV

As you spend time with God, and meditate on his word, you will get to know
what to pray for. Prophet Jeremiah was used to prophesy that the
Israelites would be in Babylon for seventy years. As Daniel who had the
habit of praying, sought the scriptures, he prayed that which God had in
his mind. I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the
word of the LORD given to Jeremiah the prophet that the desolation of
Jerusalem would last seventy years. 3 So I turned to the Lord God and
pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and
ashes (Daniel 9:2-3, Jeremiah 29:10).
Is it possible that the time of Africa being under bondage of ignorance is
over and that a Daniel/ Daniella needs to turn to God in prayer,
petition, sackcloth and ashes? God is counting on you for your family,
institution and Gods people in Africa and the world to escape the
challenges that have become accepted as normal yet are oppressive to
those who bear the image of God.
God is counting on you to call on him so that he can heal the sick,
release the rain and shower us with his blessings.

If you believe and I believe and we together pray,
The Holy Spirit will come down
And Africa will be saved.

ASK WHATEVER YOU WISH, AND IT WILL BE GIVEN YOU

2006-08-17T05:14:00.000-07:00

August 11,2006

REFLECTIONS:

· To consecrate no place to prayer, is to make a beggarly showing, not
only in praying, but in holy living, for secret prayer and holy living are
so closely joined that they can never be severed.( E.M. Bounds)
· To Ask God to do things that are assuredly not His will is to wage war
through prayer, against God and against oneself. To pray that God should
put aside his will and do something else is to attempt to murder God. To
pray that God should act according to the desires of ones heart instead
of acting according to his pre determined purpose, is to attempt to
overthrow Go. ... (Zacharias Tanee Fomum)
· We ask God for silver, and He sends His denials wrapped in gold.

TEXT:
Jeremiah 33:
2 "This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed
it and established it--the LORD is his name: 3'Call to me and I will
answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'
NIV

John 14:
13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring
glory to the Father. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will
do it.
John 15:7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you
wish, and it will be given you.

What a privilege is ours as the Lord has the door of heaven open for us to
call. However dark the situation may be, however confused, our heavenly
Father wants us to call for he has an answer. One of the basic tenets of
Christian faith is prayer that is based on the word of God. Prayer is
essential ingredient to our relationship with God. It is the access that a
single mother, who having given the last grain from her last coin to her
children, tells God. O yes Lord, the mid night rider has come . . . and
by the morning there is some provision for breakfast.
Prayer is deep relationship with the Father that gets what is in the mind
of the Father to the mind of the believer and so establishes the kingdom
values on earth.
Our prayer reveals our state of spiritual maturity. If you remain in me
and my words remain in you is very important aspect of prayer. There is
a relationship between our understanding what prayer is and how we value
God. Prayer is our key to Gods treasures that are meant for us. When
fear seems to creep in because the way is not clear remember Jeremiah
33:3.
Prayer can be a very dangerous weapon that can cause untold suffering
to ignorant and immature believer. If the mind is not getting renewed
by the word of God and so you live by the values and standards of the
world, then the promise of asking whatever you will may not hold.

PRAYER AND THE STATE OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY
Our prayers reflect our state of maturity.
Three levels of maturity as identified by Zacharias T. Fomum of Cameroun
A. Pre occupation with personal needs
B. Pre-occupation with others needs
C. Pre-occupation with God.

A. PRE OCCUPATION WITH PERSONAL NEEDS

Pre-occupation with personal needs makes people ask for daily bread before
acknowledging the supremacy of God and His will. The unspoken assumption
is my will be done on earth. The items of prayers are usually meant to
influence peoples opinion about us. Prayers which are meant to build
personal kingdoms are literally asking God to step out of his throne so
that it is you who rule.
Why would people pray such deathly prayers?
1. Lack of understanding of what prayer is. In some of our languages we
do not have a word that can be translated to mean prayer. The dynamic
equivalent is begging kuomba- kuhoya- . . .and so a person who prays
is a beggar. You beg only when you are in need and you may put on a
posture and clothing that attracts sympathy. Prayer is not begging.
2. Lack of growth. Christian growth comes as people feed their beliefs
with the word of God so that they gain a perspective of God (Romans
12:1-2).
3. Desire to be independent. One may be a Christian for many years but
fail to distinguish between biological maturity and spiritual maturity.
The more independent a person is the more mature but in the kingdom of God
the more dependent you are on him the more mature. Cultural Christians are
activity driven for they assume that they can win Gods favour because of
their performance. Think of Queen Vashti (Esther1), who was busy in the
palace, doing good things, but failed to respond to the king when he asked
for her presence and consequently lost her position. Activities cannot
make up for relationship with our heavenly Father. Prayer to the
performance driven person is like asking for payment for the work that one
has done for God. To him/her prayers are demand notes for the services
rendered. That is failing to know who God is and who one is to him.
4. Desire to earn Gods favour. People preoccupied with their needs have
assumption that their works earn them Gods favour. It is disturbing when
you hear people in prayer say that they deserve the healing or the passing
of examinations, promotion, etc. because of the good works they have done.
Is there anything that we can do that can equal Gods love for us?
Goodness that is based on ones performance brings pride. Jesus Christ
illustrated the futility of pride motivated prayers using the story of the
Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:10-14). Cultural Christians do not
understand what the grace of God is all about. The grace that the hymn
writer caught in the words,
Not the labour of my hands, Shall fulfil Thy laws demand; Should my zeal
no respite know, Could my tears forever flow, All for sin could not
atone, Thou must save and Thou alone.
5. Lack of understanding of the Sovereignty of God. There is a way prayers
can be used as assigning of tasks to God. To such a person God is like an
errand boy who is given a list of activities to accomplish. When there is
delay or undesired response, the person experiences sense of anger,
frustration, and bitterness. There is a hidden feeling that God is not
trustworthy and so some precautions need to be taken when necessary. Such
a Christian lives in fear and is generally bitter because God may not have
answered some prayers the way the expected.

Prayers that seek to dethrone God are lethal. Just think about our human
will being established on earth with all our limitations. Then where does
God and his power come in?
DOES GOD ANSWER SELFISH PRAYER?
It seems to me that if we push and insist on having our way, God does
allow us to go on. We read of lying spirit that went to the prophets of
Ahab to tell him he was going to win the battle while he was actually
going to be killed (1 Kings 22:22-23).
In Sunday school we learnt that God answers prayers in three ways, like
traffic lights at around about- He can say, Yes=Green, or No=Red or wait
=Amber/orange. It seems there is fourth way. Think of some Matatu in
Kenya, though the signal say wait, you just assume it says go in as long
as there are no policemen in sight.
Illustration
Numbers 10:10-15, 31-34 The children of Israel wailed before God. They
wanted some meat and expressed doubts on Gods ability to meet their
needs.
Psalm 106:14-15 In the desert they in to their craving, In the wasteland
they put God to test, So he gave them what they asked for but sent a
wasting disease upon them.
Numbers 10:33 But while the meat was still between their teeth and before
it could be consumed the anger of the Lord burned against the people and
he struck them with sphere plague

There is need to distinguish between persistence in prayer and prayer
driven by unbelief and poor attitude to who God is. (Luke 11:1-13) Jesus
Christ teaches that our heavenly Father is willing to give what we ask
for. The key is that we abide in him and get to know what is in his mind.

Little of the Word with little Prayer is death to the spiritual life.
Much of the Word with little Prayer gives a sickly life.
Much of Prayer with little Word gives emotional life.
But a full measure of the Word and Prayer each day gives a healthy and
powerful life.
(Andrew Murray)
(To be continued)

BLESS AND DO NOT CURSE

2006-08-14T13:07:00.000-07:00

REFECTIONS:
·         ‘The feeble minded lack common sense, but they also lack
analytical criticism, which, like a brake, can be a hindrance to some
normal people’. Corrie ten Boom
·         Do not turn people off with your religion. Do not criticise,
condemn or complain, instead fatten those not sharing your faith, as
yet,
with friendship.
·         We do not see things as they are but we see things as we are.
TEXT:
Luke 6:27 "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to
those
who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat
you”.

Rom 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. . . ..
16
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to
associate with people of low position.. .. 17 Do not repay anyone evil
for
evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it
is
possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19
Do
not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is
written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the
contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give
him
something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his
head."  21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. NIV
1 Corinthians 4:1212 We work hard with our own hands. When we are
cursed,
we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; NIV

 Can you think of a warm sunny day when on a walk with friends around
the
Park, some monkeys up the trees throw objects, irritate and obstruct
you.  Looking up you realise one of them is different, there is
something familiar. Though naked and swinging like other monkeys, you
recognise that is your twin brother who unfortunately did not get the
same opportunity you had of being adopted into a ‘normal’ family. He
grew up with the monkeys and so never developed his speech cords, and
learnt their manners.  Would you throw back stones at him, ignore him
and walk away? Suppose as you try to woo your sibling who was raised
differently from you, the response you get is scratch, bite and kicks,
would you look for a gun to shoot him because he is not treating you
right? Just think about it.
What is normal to you is a result of God’s unexplainable mercies.  We
have
our brothers and sisters who share our genes, but have not as yet known
the grace of God as we do.  Is it ‘normal’ to react to their behaviour
as
if they had the same privilege that we have had?  Might the irritation
with the behaviour of our other brother, who do not see things the way
we
do, reflect that we have not understood our adopted status?  Is our
cursing and shielding of ourselves from them a sign of pride or
ignorance?
Remember ignorance brings death to God’s people (Hosea 4:6)

When you know,’ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While
we
were still sinners, Christ died for us’ (Romans 5:8), then you have no
reason to be proud.  God’s intention from the beginning is that his
creation lives within the cover of his blessing. His message to those
who
have known him is to go and befriend those who do not know him as a
father
so that they too can have the opportunity to experience that love.

DISTINGUISH BETWEEN CULTURAL AND GOD’S BLESSING

To bless is to have approval and backing by one who has authority and
power, I want to believe that there is a cultural ‘blessing’ which is
having a net of approval when one keeps the expected standards of the
culture. To be blessed may mean one has a piece of good fortune and has
general appreciation. The good expected has been realised.
To be blessed of God is to have a net thrown over us that keeps us
within
the boundaries of God’s goodness and warmth. God’s blessing may not
necessarily be similar to cultural blessing.    The blessing of God in
a
way is having God’s delight and that remains as protection. God’s
blessing
cause the blessed to honour him and value what he values. That covering
does not mean that we do not experience environmental changes that at
times cause famine. Famine may mean no job for some time, no promotion,
no
contract, and no expansion in business, etc.
Ø       Abraham had no child for a long time, he had challenging
moments
such as mentioned in Genesis chapter 20 when he was so afraid that he
allowed his wife to be taken away by another man yet he was blessed. 
When
God called Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3) he blessed him and told him that it
was through him that the nations of the earth will be blessed. ‘Gen
12:2
". . . I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will
make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those
who
bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on
earth
will be blessed through you." NIV

Ø       Change of location and zeal of the enemy cannot break the cover
that God puts over his people. The incident of Balaam and Balak in
Numbers
22-24 confirms that a person that is blessed of God cannot be cursed.

Ø       To try and fight people whom God has blessed is to call for
your
own destruction.  Think of Haman in the book of Esther, who thought
that
he could fight against the Jews. ‘His advisers and his wife Zeresh said
to
him, "Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of
Jewish
origin, you cannot stand against him-you will surely come to ruin!"
(Esther 6:13-14).  To assume that your advantaged position permits you
to
look down on those are blessed of God is courting embarrassment. To
determine to be good to all people may be wise caution.

All those who put their faith in the God of Abraham get the blessing of
Abraham. Galatians 3: 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are
Abraham's
seed, and heirs according to the promise.  Does that make you feel
secure
and at ease? Yes!  We have the cover of God over us at all times
whether
we are relaxing on ‘green pastures or walking through the shadow of
death’.    Isaac had the blessing of God yet he experienced famine.
However, God created an oasis for him in the foreign land (Gen 26:12)
Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a
hundredfold,
because the LORD blessed him.

SOME WAYS THAT A BLESSED PERSON CAN GET OUT OF THE BLESSING.

1. In ability to control the desires of the flesh- It is full obedient
and
careful walk (Deuteronomy 28:1).  Making choices that disregard the law
of
God.  Numbers 25 illustrates how people who had been so zealously
protected by God to the extent of having a donkey to man, they later on
willingly walked out of the cover. The men were enticed by the girls of
Moab and off they went. We have to make choices that are in line with
God’s promise to us. My brothers learn a lesson from Job who was
blessed
of God. Job 31:1"I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully
at a
girl”.
2. Failing to honour God  (Malachi 2:2). Our theology determines our
view
of God and is one of the very deep core issues. Lack of understanding
of
whom God is and his value for humanity. Human inclination is to wish
evil
those whose behaviour does not agree with our norm. Thieves, murderer,
rapists, oppressors, terrorist and all those whose thinking is warped
up
can provoke us to where we can be tempted to wish them evil. Somehow
these
are the people that Jesus came to seek and save.
3. Using cultural view to serve the purposes of God. We have been sent
to
be a witness of Gods unfailing love to the world whose view is
different.
To be born again is to choose to drink from the fountain of life. How
can
people who have being transformed by the word of God start reigning
curses
on those to whom they have been sent? Do you realise that when you give
in
to the desire to pronounce negative spell over those for whom Jesus
died
because they have stolen or destroyed what you consider to be your
property,  may be a reflection of ‘loving the world and the things of
the
world’?  What earthly property would equal to God’s value for man so
that
you can wish him closure from eternity because a building or car or
money
was taken? Have you treasured things to where they have blocked your
mind
from realising that you are a steward?   My friend when we equate
people
whose views differ from ours to property or even lower level, we get
ourselves out of God’s blessing.  Ps 109:17 ‘He loved to pronounce a
curse--may it come on him; he found no pleasure in blessing--may it be
far
from him’.
Do not take responsibility that is not yours. Jesus Christ message to
us
is to bless and not curse those who do not treat us right. No behaviour
of
God’s image bearers qualifies those who have received the mercy of God
to
shut off others.

BENEFITS OF BLESSING PEOPLE
1. The warmth of God’s love ‘paralyses’ people and so hinders
progression
of evil.  When you call upon God to bless those whose view is different
from yours, they become incapacitated from doing evil. People who are
blessed do not harm others. There is power in blessing others. Once
your
mind is inclined to see good in God’s people, you weaken their evil
resolve and multiply good. Throwing the net of God’s goodness over
others
demonstrates your appreciation of Christ’s’ love and that multiplies
the
good.
2. Increases you appreciation of God’s fatherhood. “Our father who art
in
heaven’. To develop a habit of blessing people increases you
possibility
of seeing good in others.  Since you are seeing things from God’s
perspective, you see the potential in others and so get concerned on
how
to win them over. You become an encourager to those whose thinking and
action makes them think of destroying others. If you think like them,
it
may mean that you are not sure of your status.
3. You become more confident in your walk with God. To bless those who
persecute you shows that you have confidence in God. It is God who will
avenge and so do not assist him.
4. You are on the Lord’s side. To fail to bless makes you be on the
same
side with the devil who accuses others before God. Your duty is to
plead
God’s mercy over those who are blind and not able to know the grace of
God. It is keeping the greatest commandment when you refuse to get
emotionally trapped and do to other as they do to you. It is when you
love
the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul that you do to
others
what you would love them do to you.  Do not let the world set the
standards for you.
5. Release from being a victim of other’s behaviour.  To start getting
irritated and reacting to their behaviour makes you a victim of their
actions. Once you are bound by behaviour of others you cannot be used
to
release them from their prison. You have entered the same person. To
bless
is to remain in God’s power and authority where you can light your
world.

To bless releases you to a life of productivity.  A Church management
got
concerned about sheep entering the sanctuary and so posted a  notice at
the door that read’ keep the doors firmly closed because sheep may come
in’. The church doors should be left open to welcome in the sheep. When
fear of the behaviour of the people make us close doors and burglar
proof,
we may seem active but may have lost our reason for being. Our mission
is
to be a light in the darkness. We are to go to the streets and by ways
to
call them. To give in to the natural man’s desire of wishing evil to
those
who are not good to us may be a pointer that we are off course.  It is
nullifying the power in the blood of Jesus.  Remember you have been
blessed so that you may bless and through you the blessing of God may
flow
through to others.  Africa needs blessed people who can pronounce God’s
blessing in the homes and institutions.
The dying lamp thy precious blood shall never lose its power
Till all the ransomed church of God be saved to sin no more.

DO NOT GIVE DOGS WHAT IS SACRED; DO NOT THROW YOUR PEARLS TO PIGS

2006-08-09T13:38:00.000-07:00

July 28, 2006

REFLECTIONS:
· If you walk on footsteps of others, no one will be able to trace your
track, for your footprints are not visible.
· A pessimist is a person who is always blowing out the light to see
how
dark it is.
· The art of life is using the shadows to emphasise the highlights.

TEXT: Matt 7:6 "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your
pearls
to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then
turn
and tear you to pieces. NIV
Proverbs 27:14 If a man loudly blesses his neighbour early in the
morning,
it will be taken as a curse. NIV

Jesus Christ who said, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of
mine
and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on
the
rock” (Matthew 7:24).  Some of the words he taught include recognising
what is sacred and precious that should be kept off people that he
portrayed as ‘dogs and pigs’. These truths dawned to me at a time a
‘friend’ acted in a way that hurt other friends and brought confusion
to
the church of Jesus Christ. As I contemplated taking the burden of
correcting the situation which would have meant exposing the errant
brother, the word of God came; that what is sacred is not to be given
to
dogs. In addition, if the dogs and pigs are given what is sacred and
precious can be disastrous because;
1. They will trample them under their feet – To trample is to crush,
flatten, walk on, stamp on, suppress, look down.
2. They will turn and tear you to pieces – Cause you to lose confidence
in
God and in your self, lose your vision and sense of purpose.

What is sacred? What are pearls? When do people qualify to be described
as
‘dogs and pigs’?

WHAT IS SACRED AND OF HIGH VALUE    Sacred – Holy, set apart,
consecrated,
hallowed.  Pearls are precious gems found in shell fish. They are items
of
high value.  Jesus compares the kingdom of God to merchant looking for
precious pearls (Matthew 13:45). What makes a person set apart?
1. Awareness and acceptance of God’s grace – “For it is by grace you
have
been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift
of
God- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). 
Those
who actively respond to the grace of God are given power to become the
children of God (John 1:12).  Your self concept, esteem, and dignity
are
based on your new birth in Christ Jesus and that makes you a priest of
God, an ambassador of the kingdom of God on earth, and a child of God.
You
are set apart as a full time servant of God wherever you are. That
means
whatever comes from you is sacred.
2. Awareness of your mission during your tenure on earth. "Before I
formed
you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart ;(
Jeremiah 1:5). There is a need that God knew you would be the answer to
and so has equipped you to respond to it. The God given ideas, when
implemented unlock opportunities for you and for others. Those ideas
may
come in form of a desire, a need, a vision, an irritation that makes
you
unfulfilled until you move towards its fulfilment. Moses was irritated
by
Pharaoh’s mishandling of his people, and God used him to deliver them
from
that oppressive situation. Paul mended tents in order to earn money to
enable him communicate the gospel to the Greeks. No beating, opposition
or
imprisonment would take away his vision.
3. Awareness of the power of mental diet in keeping the mission
effective.
‘. . . be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be
able
to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect
will
(Romans 12:2b).  What you feed your mind with determines the attitude
and
choices that you make. Time invested in the word of God, fellowship of
others who share your beliefs and prayer will strengthen your resolve.
Other resources that keep you in your call include the power of the
Holy
Spirit, who counsels, guides, leads you into the truth, ability to read
and select information that ‘grows’ you. Ability to think and express
ideas logically. Use of language to communicate ideas that are in your
mind. These are all very precious in lets of what separates you and
makes
you precious.

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE THAT JESUS CHRIST DESCRIBES AS DOGS AND PIGS

· People who have thinking that fails to acknowledge the presence of
God.
These are people who have selected to show contempt and belittle
anything
that does not agree with what they know. They look down on, reject,
oppose, and abuse what is consecrated to God.
· People who are wicked, troublemakers, and mockers (Psalm 1:1). People
who find pleasure in the television shows, video, books that make the
villain heroic. Like pigs, who cannot distinguish a piece of stone from
a
piece of diamond, so are people who have unsorted values.  Such people
find pleasure in being oppressive, manipulative, evil and hate any one
who
brings information that act as a mirror that reflect the truth that
they
despise. Anything that exposes the malpractices will be made fun of and
held in contempt.
· People who repeat the same mistakes for they do not review or reflect
on
their actions.  Like a dog that goes back to its vomit, these are
people
who will continue doing that which hurts, humiliate and disaffirms
others
without any consideration of the harm done to self and the others.
· People who are self seeking - These are self seeking people whose
interest is their stomach, their status and their security. Hear what
Apostle Paul says about such people; ‘. . . many live as enemies of the
cross of Christ. .9 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their
stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly
things (Phil 3:18-20). These are people whose mission is here and now.
· People who have retarded spiritual growth - Unfortunately some who
say
they know Christ, but have not allowed themselves to have their mind
renewed by the word of God and so continue to draw from their earthly,
carnal roots,  and over time they despise become enemies of the cross
of
Christ.

WHAT IT IS TO GIVE WHAT IS SACRED TO DOGS

Ø To share valuable information assuming that all people mean well -
Think
of Herod who acted as a person interested in knowing where the baby had
been born so that he could worship him while he actually wanted to kill
him. "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find
him,
report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."(Matthew 2:28)
There
are people who will squash your dream as soon as you share it with
them.
They want to hear more of that proposal you are presenting, your new
relationships and pretend to be really interested in you while they are
plotting on how to undercut and disable you. Watch out! Be careful in
sharing what the Lord is doing in your life with some hardened people
who
have lost their grip on the hand of God. These are people who return
wounding words and make you go out of their presence shrunk from
within.
Many dreams have been annihilated before they got born and the dreamers
are left like the eyeless Samson, grinding in prison and entertaining
the
enemy (Judges 16:21, 25).

Ø To ignore or give up your personal vision and mission in order to
serve
what seems to be generally acceptable - To give up who you are in order
to
become what others think you should be is a great loss. To be
‘curriculum
vitae’ driven or ‘eulogy’ driven person is to open your ears to hear
what
people are saying and then let that motivate you. While life is best
lived
with end in mind, that desired end should be what is in God’s mind for
you. Do you hear Christ say ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’ as
you
celebrate your 80 th or 90th birthday? Your story should be a result of
your excellent service to God’s people that comes from your response to
his leading.  In the meantime while you are struggling to be what you
think others will accept your mission is vacant as you are replacing
yourself as a human doing instead of human being.

Ø To be indiscriminately open – Do not expose either your poverty or
wealth to just anyone. In this our continent we seem to believe that
exposing our poverty and nakedness attracts help. As individuals,
nations,
churches and Para church organisations, exposure of all you are, leaves
you vulnerable and crippled. It is one sure path to slavery that we
have
kept open. King Hezekiah opened his stores for strangers to see what he
had (2 Kings 20:1ff)"They saw everything in my palace," Hezekiah said.
"There is nothing among my treasures that I did not show them."  The
trampling that Hezekiah had was, “ Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, "Hear
the
word of the LORD: 17 The time will surely come when everything in your
palace, and all that your fathers have stored up until this day, will
be
carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the LORD. 18 And
some
of your descendants, your own flesh and blood, that will be born to
you,
will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the
king
of Babylon."

Ø To eat and drink with all and sundry – To fail to know that we are in
the world but not of the world. Dinah the only named daughter of Jacob
went to visit the people of the land (Genesis 34) and she suffered
irrecoverable loss. Princes of the land have no patience and do not
know
what it means to wait.  You are special and you need to strategise and
calculate your move. To allow familiarity that can bring contempt, with
those who do not value your faith in way that they no longer can
identify
the difference between you and them is giving what is precious to pigs.
Our relationships should be strategic. You area soldier in the army of
the
Lord who must remain alert wherever you are and with whom ever you are.

CAUTION:  Because we know that every human being is created in the
image
of God and that the blood of Christ is able to cleanse from all
unrighteousness, we therefore should not be too quick to write off
God’s
people. Every one should be given a chance. I believe that Jesus Christ
is
warning us against persistence in sharing with people who are set to
destroy who we are and what we have.  We look for opportunities to
love,
expose the message of salvation and move on.
Even after we have done our best, some tramping will take place. Think
of
John the Baptist who lost his head because of exposing Herodias and
Herod
immoral relationship (Matthew 14).  Uriah and Naboth lost their lives
while protecting what was precious to them.
To be able to distinguish people who are destructive and not expose
ourselves to them while remaining light and salt in our world requires
wisdom from God. Our continent needs people who know that they are
precious and have I their custody what is very valuable. Wisdom that
enables one to know what to communicate to who when and for how long is
not obvious. We have to keep listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit
as
we move on.


Lord give us wisdom to know the right word at the right time for the
right people.

SHORT-TERM SOLUTIONS TO LONGTERM (CORPORATE) CHALLENGES PART 1

2006-07-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

July 7, 2006
REFLECTIONS

« Each of us holds a key to a door of change that can only be
opened from inside (Martin Luther).
« Everything in life has an expiry date on it including you and all
that God has bestowed on you.
« Aspire to inspire before you expire.
« Create a culture that catches people doing right instead of
constantly looking for what is wrong.
« Those people who think only of themselves are hopelessly
uneducated . . . no matter how instructed they may be (President Columbia
University).

TEXT:
Matt 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be
hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead
they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your
good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. NIV

Sometimes I find myself tongue tied and lacking confidence to respond to
the words in the last chapter of the Revelation. ¡¥Amen come, Lord
Jesus¡¦ (Revelation 22:20b). If Christ¡¦s second coming is today, what
would happen to those relatives, those neighbours, those good people who
have not yet known the saving grace of God?
There are people who have not known the fulfilment that comes as one
progress toward a desired destination that is motivated as one unveils
their purpose in life. Each of us has a purpose for which he was created
and failure to know that purpose make people settle for other activities
that occupy time and give temporary satisfaction. That became live when I
realised I could not send the emails with ease because some people had
stolen the telephone cables in our region. Thieves, who take many
different forms, can annoy for they just come from behind undoing what
people have sweat to put together. So much effort put into how to expand
the national cake are nullified by leaks that can be best explained by
those grandmother fables of girls who would spend the whole day fetching
water with leaking guards. Corruption and stealing negate human effort.
Are there beliefs that lead to value systems that encourage people to
devalue themselves and others by coming up with quick solutions to what
they see as their problems? Am thinking of what a friend told me that
seems to be one of the main causes of mindset that breeds and sustains
chronic poverty. My friend said that we people in tropical Africa tend not
to seek solutions to challenges we face instead we look for a way out.
Personal and short¡Vterm solutions to corporate challenges can be an
obstruction to growth of the community.
Some examples of short-term way of escape are;
When the roads are scarred, those with money, power, and authority buy
stronger shock absorbers for their vehicles, when there is water shortage,
the solution is not to seek to address the cause of the shortage but to
buy big tanks to cater for personal needs. While filling huge domestic
tanks with water, the neighbours downstream are having no water at all.
It is easier to search for green pastures than to make pastures green. Is
it not true that when a school is mismanaged and standards are falling,
the well to do parents look out for better schools for their children
instead of seeking to improve what they have? People would rather leave
the country, or move to another church/school/company than question the
status quo and so those not able to move are left to languish in the
dilapidating environment. Those who were not able to transfer to better
schools or communities or whatever the community defines as better develop
a thinking that they are lacking because those who had some light or
ability failed to come up with inclusive policies that would improve the
status of all. Those who feel like they are fenced in may respond by
getting sharper instruments to cut through the burglar proofed homes, cut
the water pipes and generally become a nuisance in the community. Selfish
and shallow personalised solutions only work for the few rich (lucky) and
strengthen beliefs that lead to corruption and poverty.

Focus on exit signals comes from desire to escape present circumstances.
Somehow when the controlling beliefs are bent on not seeking solutions by
escaping, even good messages that would anchor people in becoming
transformers of others can be used as a way of escape and avoidance of
others. People who are born again can be over concerned about their
security and so keep off the world. You need to start sensing danger
when more value is attached to group such as church activities and
gathering of believers rather than strategising on how to impact the
world. Church gathered can lose its saltiness when it becomes an escape
place from the world to which we have been sent to influence the systems
and structures in which people operate and the constitutions that govern
people. When the good people keep off the places that beliefs and values
are developed and fed they unconsciously give permission to whoever is
available to set the standards. Failing to be part of what goes on around
and having a running away leaning of mind is a way that good people
unconsciously feed beliefs that restrict others so that they accept defeat
without a fight. People find it hard to live with beliefs that are
inconsistent and so they relate what they consider to be the weaker belief
to align with the stronger belief. The message of saving grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ can be stooped so that it fits to the belief of short
term escape. This ¡¥peace keeping¡¦ belief that seems to be deeply
embedded in our philosophy of life has crippled many families,
institutions, churches, education institutions and countries. (Christ
said blessed are the peacemakers not peacekeepers Matthew 5:9).

Short-term solutions though deeply entrenched in some of our worldviews
tend to contradict what the bible says about Christian faith. Christ
coming on earth as a baby that took the process of growth instead of
appearing as an angel who could quickly explain issues, teaches us that
the process matters. Get -rich-quick-schemes such as lotteries,
sweepstakes, 'Harambees', grants, and so on, rob people of meaningful
fulfilment. Dependence on handouts meets people¡¦s desire for material
possessions but denies them the pride of gaining through effort.
Individuals who take advantage from the quick fix are robbed of personal
responsibility, gratification and pride that come from self-development
and self-deployment. Our salvation is meaningful when it makes us obey
Christ by going to the world, impacting the structures and the systems in
which people live in a way that opens up the paths for growth and
transformation.

THE ROLE OF CHRISTIANS IN A SOCIETY THAT HAS TENDENCY TO COME UP WITH
PERIPHERAL SHORT TERM RESPONSES AND SHORT CUTS TO CORPORATE CHALLENGES
THAT REQUIRE LONG-TERM VIEW.
1. While this world is not our final destination, we have a
mission that has an influence on our destination. The key issue that
should concern a Christian in a cross cultural situation is that of
Lordship. What is the source of information that the men and women use to
determine what is right or wrong? It is those who are secure because they
draw their daily strength from a dynamic relationship with the living God
who can have courage to make connections that would pull the fragments in
our societies that will make structures that enrich all earthly residents.
2. Prayerfully examine the root beliefs and values that
bring about the behaviour that leads to the shortage that leads to
unhealthy scramble for the dwindling resources. Giving one meal in week
or even seven days, giving some bursaries to a few children, giving some
old clothes, or coming up with orphanages, etc. is sure better than doing
nothing but is just like wiping the cobweb while the spider continues to
produce more. Sponsoring a child as some people do is a good idea but
active search for that which is causing parents not be able to take care
of their children should be addressed. What do you think happens to the
esteem of a man who has to compete with a sponsor over the discipline of
his son or daughter? Think of these words ¡¥We have mocked their important
people; we are taking and humiliating their fathers. What are the children
expected to do? Look elsewhere? . . . so what shall we have gained?¡¦
Whether it is the school teacher, the social community worker, the NGO
social worker, the administrator, or whoever mocks and makes people lose
their face and dignity is the real perpetrator of evil in the society.
Christians in the society should be on the look our of acts that make
people react by multiplying evil. Some punishments may cause temporary
discomfort and plant a seed of bitterness that becomes real bitter in the
community.
3. Encourage visionary transformational living. People that
are driven by a vision that is deep inside that appeal to the highest
ideals will not settle for gambling and lottery. No one has been known as
successful, who did not have an idea of what he wanted and where he was
going. Life is meaningful when one knows that he/she is significant and
that the choices they make are part of their success. Be an example by
being where people are acknowledging that they are great and very
important. What is your normal response when faced with unfamiliar
situation, fight or flee? The bible encourages us to resist the devil and
he will flee from us (James 4:7). We need to distinguish between evil, the
devil and God¡¦s image bearers. People learn best when they see others
like them going through the same experiences. Our being with the people
will make them secure to ask us questions of why we are hopeful even
though we are going through similar circumstance. If you found a tree has
fallen on the road, would you take time to remove it so that those who
come after you can pass, or would you go round it and hope that someone
else will do it?
4. Pursue knowledge about people and how they come up with
what they value. No community can live without a constitution. People come
up with rules that proscribe and prescribe some behaviour. Those rules of
do not eat, do not touch are what constitute traditions that make the
structure that determine how people live. Change that skews people toward
godliness has to start at the very basic belief level that takes the
structures into consideration. As a part of the community, get to
understand the need that given behaviour meets. How did people come up
with that which they consider to be normal and is that normal in line with
the bible normal? Are we emphasising the end product more than the process
as we evaluate success in our churches, institutions and community? Is
the final grade that a student gets in an examination more valued than the
process of learning? When the greater value is attached to the
achievement of end product more than the process or means of getting that
end, en environment that breeds corruption is set in place and all vices
come up. For people to change that need should be somehow provided for.
The bible has answers to our lives needs and it is those who meditate upon
it that can speak its truths so that people know how to meet their needs.
Hebrews 12:12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13
"Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled,
but rather healed. NIV
Short-term solutions such as would make intelligent people steal copper
telephones cables that affect connections of a whole region may give them
some money but how long will that money last? Do thieves expect other
thieves to steal from them? The culture that prevailed when Jesus Christ
was on earth had a way of solving the problem that thieves create, hung
them on a tree until they are fully dead (Any similarity with our culture
today?). As Jesus demonstrated on that Good Friday, that listening and
providing hope is the way out. ¡§Today you will be with me in paradise¡¦.
Hating and killing thieves does not get rid of the belief which make them
act the way they do.
Africa is in need of people who will listen, examine and think through the
issues and challenges that are facing her people everyday. Those who are
anchored in the Creator through willing obedience to Christ, who is the
way, are the best to provide the way. Time spent in reading,
understanding and meditating on the word of God, time spent in prayer, in
fellowship with other believers equip the Christian to go to have
influence in his world. A Christian who has no system of reading the word,
and probably waits for others to tell him/her what God is saying is
already trapped in the short-term mindset. You cannot lack excellence in
your private life and hope to escape mediocrity. To be an answer we must
be grounded individually and as groups in the living word. There are no
shortcuts in this life and each situation is different and must be
examined.

Would you like to see someone who God has appointed to make a difference
in the lives of people in your community and around the world, look in a
mirror?

SOURCE OF STRENGTH FOR BLEEDING ENCOURAGERS

2006-07-12T01:27:00.000-07:00

June 30, 2006

REFELECTIONS:
� Keep a green bough in thy heart and God will surely send thee a
singing
bird.  Chinese proverb.

� Because I looked to the world only through rose-coloured words I
became
rose coloured myself.

� Stop speaking peace to your situation and start speaking peace in you
situation

� How important it is, while doing the very best we can, to accept
ourselves, and to be ourselves.

TEXT:
1 Sam 30:3 When David and his men came to Ziklag, they found it
destroyed
by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. 4 So
David
and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. 5
David's
two wives had been captured-Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow
of
Nabal of Carmel. 6 David was greatly distressed because the men were
talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his
sons
and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God. NIV

2 Corinthians 12:7 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these
surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh,
a
messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the
Lord
to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient
for
you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast
all
the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on
me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in
insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am
weak, then I am strong. NIV

Gen 20:17 Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his
wife
and his slave girls so they could have children again, 18 for the LORD
had
closed up every womb in Abimelech's household because of Abraham's wife
Sarah.
Genesis 21: 1 Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and
the
LORD did for Sarah what he had promised. 2 Sarah became pregnant and
bore
a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him.
NIV

      A Christian psychologist, Lawrence Crabb says that �when
Christians
begin to experience the thrill of true acceptance, and taste
possibilities of deep fellowship both with the Lord and with each
other, it often happens long and deeply hidden problems begin to
surface�. As you come back from serving the Lord in the field, you
find your house where you hoped to rest is on fire and that which
is significant to you has been taken away. The fire may be in form
of financial needs escalating farther than your known resources,
assignments/proposal deadlines that are over due, failing health,
ungrateful neighbours and family/relatives who are not amused by
your achievements and multitude of other requirements that just
pull you from your mountain top experience to some kind of
underground.  In your time of ache you look up to your brothers and
sisters in the faith, who may then respond by showing doubt
regarding the quality of your spirituality.
       Disillusionment can set in as one wonders whether Christ is the
answer to spiritual issues only or he also answers the social
economic and interpersonal relationship challenges as well.  Is it
not oppressive to inform a down in the dumps believer /Christian,
who is disheartened that he has to stop living sinfully?  David
came back home to find his wives, sons and daughters taken away
and those with whom he was in the fields blamed threatened him as
they felt he was the one to blame for their losses.  What is the
meaning of life to a man who has lost his family, shelter and
friends?
Who encourages the encourager who finds the structures that formed the
moral fibre that held his valuables taken away by the enemy while he
faithfully and diligently was serving in the field?  To add insult to
injury, the colleagues with whom you have been in fellowship and
service
from whom you expected understanding, do not empathise but assign and
project their anger to you and blame you for their own calamities.
               Are there times when you find yourself encouraging
people
that promotion does not come from east or west but from
the Lord while you have been stuck at the point of
entrance in your own work station or you are encouraging
people on how to cultivate a bible based attitude that
makes them rely on the Lord as they study or do business
while the report cards or return on investment that you
are getting is lacking?
                Another challenge that faces us Christians as we serve
the Lord is that of having unmet needs while we are
helping others get that which we do not have and long to
have.  Do we have to wait until our needs are met before
we proclaim the goodness of the Lord? Can we confess
genuinely and honestly that God is good all the time even
when we have some gaping �holes�?   Think of Abraham who
was called by God, given very clear promise of becoming
father of nations and then his wife does not conceive. In
the meantime he is called upon to pray for the opening up
of the wombs of the women in Abimelech�s household while
his own wife�s womb remains closed up.
Christians who are diligent in their faith and have determined to love
the
Lord with all the heart, mind, and soul, and extend the same love to
their
neighbours, do experience moments when a thorn remains in the flesh and
will not go in spite of prayer.  Paul�s preaching and teaching was
bringing healing and miraculous move of God among the people yet he had
to
nurse his pain from whatever was the thorn in his flesh. There are deep
longings that do not seem to be getting fulfilled in spite of honest
and
genuine life of obedience and prayer.
           I believe these are some of the issues that slow our speed
and
if not addressed can reduce our joy in our walk of faith.  At
times desire to look good and consistent while masking deep
aches often lead to disillusionment that corrodes people from
inside as they struggle to deal with guilt, resentment, anger,
self pity, envy, lust, and as they tolerate insensitive system
of hard to keep rules. The problem becomes more intensified
for those who are placed in high ranked positions who feel
that they must safe the face of the whole group (and of God)
by bearing their pain in silence.
            Who counsels the counsellor who is nose diving?
            What can we learn from a few of those who loved and obeyed
God and had kept trusting in him against all odds?

7. Do not try to see God from your culturally coloured glasses � Know
that
you cannot visualise God.  Isaiah 55:8 �For my thoughts are not your
thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,� declares the LORD. 9 "As the
heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts�. Let God be God.   That is what
Abraham, Job, Paul and many others had to accept.
8. Do what seems right each day. Incline your heart to obey whatever he
tells you to do. When the spirit of the Lord impresses upon you to pray
for a friend to get that which you are longing for but do not have, go
ahead and obey.   Following Jesus Christ calls for total self
abandonment
and surrender to his will even when that may not be very clear. The
servant of Abraham confessed that,� I being on the way the Lord led me
(Genesis 24:27c KJV).  Keep doing what you know best how to do. Be sure
that you have heard God�s promise or word not just your own feeling
based
on cultural values.  Abraham called himself a wanderer that God had set
on
pace. If you are on God�s journey then have confidence that he knows
what
is happening. Your barrenness is fully known to him and that should be
comforting. The visionary proactive well to do woman of Shunem built a
house for God�s servant while she had no child of her own and her
husband
was old (2Kings 4:8- 37).
9. Do not assume that God is limited in any way. Isaiah 59:1 �Surely
the
arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to
hear.�
Assuming that the events in the bible are chronological, Abraham�s wife
conceived soon after Abraham prayed for the women in Abimelech�s house.
The Shunemite woman got a son that she had not asked for though she had
the need.  It seemed like she had accepted her condition and was
looking
out for opportunities to serve others. God who knows, cares and loves
you
will not with hold anything good from you. God also knows what is
urgent
for our times are in his hands (Psalm 31:15a).
10. Do not attempt to assist God in order to safe his face before the
people. The temptation to feign the miracle in order to make God
credible
is there but must be resisted.  Do not light your own fires, bribing
your
way and assuming that no one will get to know as you testify of how God
helped you. That can be disastrous. The word of God says that those who
light their fires will lie down in torment (Isaiah 50:10-11).  Sober up
and know that God is able to protect his name and just do what you can
do.
A God who needs you to support him so that he can be believed is not
Jehovah but your own self made image of God.
11. Be honest with yourself and let God know. David wept until he could
cry no more.  Admit that the mismatch between your expectations and the
reality hurts and then move on.  Abraham was concerned about his
continued
childless ness and he let God know it and he moved on. Gen 15:2-3 But
Abram said, "O Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain
childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of
Damascus?"
3 And Abram said, "You have given me no children; so a servant in my
household will be my heir."  Let God know your need and your feelings. 
Do
not make the mistake that God fearing Asa made �Though his disease was
severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the LORD, but
only
from the physicians� (2 Chronicles 16:12).  Asa who had devoted himself
to
the service of the Lord for many years died without talking about his
sickness to God whom he had relied on for many battles. Anything that
pulls you down and steals your joy in the Lord should not be considered
too awkward to be told to him and do not take the grace of God for
granted.
12. Determine to remain a prisoner of God�s promise.  Do not allow your
mind to wander to alternatives that make you lose your focus and doubts
start coming in. Do not start shaping God in your image by giving him
ultimatum such as �If you do not give me a spouse, job, promotion, a
million dollars by a given date I will not serve you�.  To allow such a
thought to rest in your mind is a very serious sign of being lost. Let
God
be God and know that outside of him you have no place. Job 13:15
�Though
he slay me, yet will I hope in him�; John 6:68 Simon Peter answered
him,
�Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life�.  Paul
got
the assurance of the knowledge of God of his problem and that it was
necessary to keep him conscious of his dependence on God�s grace.  Some
of
those issues whose resolve does not seem to come when and how we expect
may be God�s message that reminds us to remain conscious of our need
for
him. Zechariah 9:12 Return to your fortress, O prisoners of hope; even
now
I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.


Like the servants of God who have gone ahead of us, we need to find our
strength in the Lord so that we can strengthen others. The time we are
in
and the need of our witness as servants of the Most High God demand
that
we keep connected to the never failing source of hope that Abraham and
David depended on. As leaders (light) of our world we cannot afford to
give up, or turn inward to self pity or seek who to blame, or  be
subservient waiting for others to take notice of us. Like Abraham, we
pray
for those whose wombs need opening even when ours remain closed and
then
look up to that same God who knows our need. From David we learn of the
need to be honest and express ourselves, strengthen ourselves in the
Lord,
then inquire of the him of the next move. The Lord in whom we hope
promises to restore twice as much, to Abraham he gave the promised son,
led David to where his family was and gave Paul sufficient grace for
his
need.  Our people in Africa are looking for ways out of the milliard
unexplainable challenges that are at every level of the society and we
are
the ones to ask the Lord for direction.  We cannot light the world with
our own light but we have to go to Christ Jesus who says �I am the
light
of the world�. It is from Christ that we receive our healing,
replenishment, hope, and encouragement. However dark our path may be,
we
have to remind ourselves that there is no darkness to the one whose
hand
is holding our hand. Your self encouragement is a source of strength to
many that are lame and looking up to you.

Hebrews 12:12-13
12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 "Make
level
paths for your feet,"                                      so that the
lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

THE LIVING ONE WHO SEES ME –BEER LAHAI ROI

2006-06-29T12:59:00.000-07:00

June 23, 2006

REFLECTIONS:

· The safest place in the world is in the will of the Lord.

· You are most secure when following God’s will.

· Divine opportunities ride on the backs of relationship.

· If you focus on the sun you never struggle with shadows.

· When nature’s fury brings its worst, human beings bring out their best.

· Worry does not empty tomorrow of its troubles, it empties today of its strength.

TEXT:

Gen 16: :7 The angel of the LORD found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur. 8 And he said, "Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?""I'm running away from my mistress Sarai," she answered.9 Then the angel of the LORD told her, "Go back to your mistress and submit to her." 10 The angel added, "I will so increase your descendants that they will be too numerous to count." 11 The angel of the LORD also said to her:"You are now with child and you will have a son.You shall name him Ishmael, for the LORD has heard of your misery.

12 He will be a wild donkey of a man;his hand will be against everyone and everyone's hand against him,and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers."

13 She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me." 14 That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; it is still there, between Kadesh and Bered.

Gen 24:62 Now Isaac had come from Beer Lahai Roi, for he was living in the Negev. 63 He went out to the field one evening to meditate, and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching. NIV

Gen 25:11 After Abraham's death, God blessed his son Isaac, who then lived near Beer Lahai Roi. NIV

BEER-LAHAI-ROI (Some Greek/Hebrew)

BE'ER-LAHAI'-ROI (be'er-la-hi'roi; "the well of him that liveth and seeth me," or "the well of the vision of life"). The fountain between Kadesh and Bered, near which the Lord found Hagar (Gen 16:7,14). In 24:62; 25:11 the KJV has "the well Lahai-roi.

Don’t we all need to find that well of him that lives and sees me. To many of us there are times that come when we can no longer get satisfaction from the usual duties or when we have had to move from the familiar place or position only to find ourselves in some sort of wilderness where we have no sense of direction. The story of Hagar is for those who are shocked at the rate birthdays are coming sooner than expected and there is nothing to show for the passing time, just going through motions. Hagar found herself hungry, alone (except for the baby growing in her and so increasing her hunger), jobless, homeless in a wilderness. It may be noteworthy that she got inconvenienced while serving the servants of God. She must have been a diligent woman who did what she had to do until Sarah and Abraham decided to change her status. Her elevation led to loss of her old and the new status just like Jesus taught that new wine in old wineskin leads to loss of both, the wine and the container (Matt 9:17 Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.".

When people experience culture shock as a result of losing all the familiar signals and symbols they have several options that include going home. For Hagar she seems like she had not only lost familiar signs but also the compass that would give her sense of direction and so her ‘going home’ was the glaring imminent death. Do you know we have a father who does not sleep and knows where each one of us is at any time? That is what Hagar realised when a voice spoke to her. May I take this opportunity to remind you that you are not alone, there is an eye that is focused on you very specifically. Hagar’s testimony was that she had seen the one who sees her. May that be your testimony when the wilderness days come. Like Hagar may your eyes be opened to see that well that has been there all along but not visible to you. Hagar experienced the reality of Omni present God who says,’. . . "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)

At Beer Lahai Roi we get;

Individualised attention- The Living One who sees me. It is one thing to serve the Lord in the crowd and it is yet another thing to know that he not only knows us by name but also knows about our location and our direction. In Abraham’s house, Hagar must have been seeing God through the shadow as she eaves dropped the conversations of her bosses. It was Beer Lahai Roi that Hagar had the pleasant surprise of knowing that God knew her personally and her circumstances. Any time you find yourself lost and n longer sure of your status or direction remember Beer Lahai Roi. God knows you as an individual because he is ‘The Living one who sees me’. 2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

Provisions, and healing - While serving in the kingdom you can suffer casualty and not from the enemy but from the very people whom you were looking up to for direction. A word imprudently uttered that pollutes the minds of others by negatively inclining their perception of you so that opportunities of service in your area of giftedness are with held from you as seeds of mistrust are sown by those you have trusted. So many faithful servants of God have continued to bleed from stabs not from the enemy but from their own brothers and sisters in the faith. Some well placed people in the household of God are either ignorant of their responsibilities or like Abraham have a moment of lapse of faith, or are just ferocious wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15) and so they use their position to pull down and tear others behind closed curtains while masquerading as great men/women of faith who are experiencing miracles and so on. The clash comes when realities of genuine, trusting and sincere people coming into close contact with the carnal, cultural, highly placed but refined actors who like Pharisees do not want to experience the power and guidance of God and they do not want others to do so. That experience can leave one who had meant to serve God with a pure heart wandering in the wilderness, disillusioned and lost of direction because of the dichotomy. People who are struggling in their own walk with God while placed in positions of influence can project their unbelief onto others making them lose confidence, self esteem, ability to trust self , others and even God and that can result into some kind of spiritual electrocution leading to some wilderness experience. To such people Jesus Christ says "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). Do not give up and do not be discouraged, come to Beer Lahai Roi where you will find the Living one who sees you in particular.
Identity, affirmation and guidance - Changes are inevitable. As we experience change, that feeling of being alone can engulf us and incapacitate us from seeing water that is just nearby. It is good to know that there is no wilderness that is so wild that our God cannot see us. Having completed college and not sure of your status anymore, moving from formal employment or having children outgrow your home, or changing jobs or congregation and so on all create a gap that can make one feel alone. It is at that point that the Holy Spirit whispers into the mind words that affirm and remove the mental veil so that one is able to see opportunities that were not visible. When our strength and resources run out, the ‘Living One who sees me’ comes through for us. We have a God who cannot be hidden by the corners and curves of this life and that should make us have that deep sense of security because we are significant and that is what makes us security. When we focus on the one who is the sun then the shadows which are expectations that are not based on God’s promise disappear. Ps 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. At Beer Lahai Roi Hagar not only got identity, but she also got instructions on what to do and promise about her unborn son.
Clarity of theology – Our God is Omnipresent. One of the key assumptions that we need to clarify in our minds as messengers of the gospel is whether we can take God to people particularly those of cultures different from our culture or it is God who takes us to the people. Are there people without God? Did you find the Lord or he found you? It is humbling to realise that the Lord is able to do his work with or without us and it is an honour and priviledge when the Almighty one chooses to use us in any way. God did not have to pass through Abraham to minister to Hagar yet there are many times he chose to use him. Do not mistake priviledge for a right or stewardship for ownership. At Beer Lahai Roi we realise that we are who we are because of the grace of God not because of anything we do or did.
Freedom in service- Knowledge of the security we have in belonging to the Most high God should loosen us to serve him wherever he leads for no place is far from him. What and where is home? Is it a geographical location or a relationship? Once you realise that your Father in heaven can see you from anywhere, and your brothers are all over, then home is where your father and your siblings are. The concept of some places being remote is reflection of being ethnocentric and therefore not very suitable for ‘going into the world to make disciples of all nations’ (Matthew 28:19). To know Beer Lahai Roi releases you for the noble service to the Living one who sees you anywhere and anytime.
Well of the vision of life - At Beer Lahai Roi we find the well of the vision of life. No wonder Isaac knew the place while waiting for a wife that the Lord was to reveal. It is a good place to meditate while waiting for the realisation of the vision. It is good to live near that well where God makes you his focus.

No man made structures and hiding places can block the sight of God. Our God sees and hears as he told Moses regarding the children of Israel. The LORD said, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering (Exodus 3:7). It is comforting to know that the cries of that person who is dying somewhere in the continent of Africa of treatable disease but lacks money and access to medical facilities is being heard by the one who cares. The Lord knows the way through the wilderness, all we have to do is follow.

Can you like Hagar say, I have now seen the One who sees me."

A chorus we sung in high school and still remains a gem

I will just keep trusting my Lord, as I walk along. I will just keep trusting my Lord for he gives me a song.

Though storms, clouds darken the sky on the heavenly trail, I will just keep trusting my Lord, he will never fail

He is a faithful friend /(guide), such a faithful friend / (guide), I can count on him to the very end.

Though storms clouds darken the sky on the heavenly trail, I will just trust my Lord he will never fail.

ARE YOU PREGNANT? OR WHERE ARE YOU IN YOUR GESTATION?

2006-06-23T02:49:00.000-07:00

June 16,2006

Reflections:

· Be not disturbed at not being understood; be disturbed at not understanding. Chinese proverb

· He made the desert smile through friendship, service and thoughtfulness.

· Do not take refugee status as permanent, aspire to go home

· I like dreams of the future more than history of the past.

· The greatness of a person is determined by the cause he lives for and the price he is willing to pay to achieve it.

TEXT;

Genesis 30:1 "Give me children, or I'll die!" NIV

Joel 2:28 And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy,

your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. NIV

Phil 3:12 ‘. . . but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me’.NIV

Song 1:6 Do not stare at me because I am dark, because I am darkened by the sun. My mother's sons were angry with me and made me take care of the vineyards; my own vineyard I have neglected.

Luke 3:9, Matthew 3:10, The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. NIV

In higher learning institutions, a time comes when those who have successfully gone through the requirements move the tassel from one side to the other. Some institutions organise parties, chapels and many words are spoken in praise of the hard work and gratitude to all who facilitated the achievements. It is in such a gathering that one yearns from deep within that every one graduating, who may not be having a seed growing within them, get pregnant. The celebrations, rituals, and added certificates become meaningful when they are a reflection of rich fertile ground that brings newness and solutions to the many challenges that the societies face.

We can liken the dreams and visions to the foetus that develops progressively and comes out as a delight, a fresh sign of continuity of human race. What a lasting impression would be if each one of us allows conception of an idea that incubates, matures and becomes an answer to a need. I read a statement that said that you have not read a book until the book has read you. Pregnancy takes place when the knowledge gained becomes internalised, owned and new ideas germinate such that there is new knowledge created. The very first days of pregnancy, it is possible to have no visible evidence that a life is formed but as days go by there are signs that tell about the hidden story such as appetite change, fashion that is determined by the new image, walking style, friends and so many others. The young Mary went to look out for the older Elizabeth because there was something they had in common, new life hidden within. Please note that the choice of company is based on the vision not age. Similarly, the friends we keep are a reflection of whether we have a dream that is growing within or we are just taking care of other peoples’ babies. Many issues that seem to be caused by generational gap may actually be a sign of ‘barrenness’ that make people be driven by either their history, or opinions of others. Barrenness is reflected by dependence on the same old ideas, a feeling of being a victim of the environmental factors that make a person feel boxed in and so incapacitated from being productive, desire to be a marauder that victimises others to proof that you are successful, mediocrity, lack of accountability, desire for the events rather than the process and so get impressed by quick solutions that come in form of miracles or lottery, inability to distinguish between opportunities and problems, and so many others. Neither the church nor the country can grow when its members are barren.

Africa needs fertile people who allow God to inspire them with what is in his mind for those created in his own image and likeness but are now going through pangs of pain of hunger, lack, disease and general helplessness. You and I are born to make the desert smile as we answer the question that God has put in each one of us. There is a question that you can sense and your service is the response to it. It is not just knowledge and display of it. Those who teach may tell you of some students who as they respond to examination questions say that a given question should not have been what is on paper, they then proceed and determine what they think the question should have been, Unfortunately, information that does not respond to the question that the examiner set is not considered an answer. One needs to understand the question first so as to be able to select from the bulk of information they have, what constitute an adequate answer. Each one of is designed to be a response to a need that no one else can meet. There is a niche that God knows, and he also knows that we have what it takes to fill it. Spending quality time with our Teacher, listening and asking relevant questions will illumine is us what it is that will make the lame walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear and the dumb to talk. You are not in this life to just fulfil the agenda presented to you by other seekers. The Kikuyu people have a saying that a borrowed necklace makes the neck tired because the owner is likely to come for it just when the event (dance) for which it was borrowed starts and so is a borrowed vision. It is not reliable. (Mugathi wene ni munogia ngingo –the Kikuyu saying)

We live in a continent where every Tom, Dick and Harry think they know what the solution to the apparent myriad challenges that face African economies is; they have prescribed program that if followed all will be well. Like Jeremiah said, “The harvest is past, the summer has ended, and we are not saved (8:20)." In addition to more certificates, more sermons, more conferences, we need to pause and allow absorption that would lead to:

Clarity of identity – Know yourself. There is a person inside of you that is not the labels that are used to distinguish you from others. Each one of us is so important that Christ would have left heaven to come and search for us. The one lost sheep in a flock of 100 or the one lost coin that really counts. Remember what Jesus Christ taught about attitude and behaviour toward those who may be insignificant according to our societal structures being determinant of who inherits the kingdom of God. ‘The least of these brothers of mine’ (Matthew 25:40). You are a Prince/ Princess in whose veins flow the holy royal blood of Christ Jesus that was shed at Calvary.

Clarity of the source of seed - The source of pregnancy is major determinant of the unchangeable genetic characteristics that are passed on. Two important distinctions are;

Ø There are different sources of seed that can fertilise our minds. Ideas and opinions that come from fallen creation are like weeds that grow in a garden. The weeds hinder growth of the desired crop. Ideas that come from other people need very careful examination so that you not spend your energy on that which does not make you the answer to that very specific question

Ø Do not make assumptions, inquire. Mary the mother of Jesus Christ on learning that she was to get pregnant asked a very important question. “How shall this be now that I have no husband? (Luke 1:34). The response Mary got is still applicable to us. ‘The power of the Most high will overshadow you’. That is what Prophet Joel said, that in the last days the Holy Spirit will be poured and so visions and seeds of dreams will be from God (Joel 2:28). When the idea is from the Lord, what comes out becomes useful to mankind. It is not self serving vision of outdoing others or a nightmare that scares and paralyses the dreamer. In Africa we need the Power of the most high overshadowing us so that we can have newness that is from our Father in heaven. The ‘babies’ we get as we try to incorporate ideas from other sources are not helping us, we need to get the seed that makes us come up with what is honourable and adds value and dignity to God’s people.

3. Clarity of ownership of the vision. Ownership of a goal that is big enough to engulf every other petty objective. Once that one thing that is uniquely yours is discovered, all other things become less valuable. Matt 13:44-46"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. . . 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. It is with joy that one who has found that one thing gives up time spent listening to just any music, or chatting on issues that are of no value or registering for courses that are not relevant to the course or investing in projects that do not add value to the course. The hold of your vision grows as time passes and you find you cannot carry on a friendship, a conversation, without relating it to the force that guides your life that you meditate on in the day and dream of in the night. You cannot get a break from the growing seed and so your life, hobby, friends, personal self, are all dominated by that great overshadowing factor, the fulfilment of your dream. The kingdom vision makes you evaluate people, books, business opportunities, investments, employers, according to how they affect your cause and their attitude toward it. Allocation of activities around the time frame, and selection and feeding of ideas are all dependent on the seed that is growing in you. Your dress, speech, and habits all proclaim the message that is coming from with you. You no longer are motivated just climbing the ladder, for the ladder may be placed on the wrong wall. You are swelling with the desire to achieve predetermined objectives that make manifest your chosen value system that is based on a mind renewed by the word of God. The seed that is in you may make you do the same thing over and over again, like Noah of old, but when it is God’s idea, it is energising. A person who is carrying a vision cannot be bored for there are new developments that make one see opportunities everywhere.

4. Clarity of meaning of life. It is desperate- it is pregnancy or life has no meaning. Rachel understood the hopelessness of barrenness when she cried for the baby or death. Do not allow yourself to think that you have luxury of choice. You either produce fruit or you are cut off and thrown into fire. No excuses, baby or death are the only available options. Rachel was not satisfied by her sister Leah or the maid giving birth while she watched neither was Hannah who had to live with the cries of the co wife’s babies.

You can be a maid/house help or an employee or even a business owner, a pastor, teacher, who uses what you get to go and nurture what is yours. Your personal vision and mission should never be clouded by other people’s dreams. It is like a maid who assumes that the children of the mistress are hers and will then get rude shock when she realises that employment does not give you ownership. The word of God teaches us that Matt 7:7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened: In Africa, many of us have lost our texture, we have become the scum of the earth so that others use us to explain what misery is, yet we are so busy, working so hard listening to every one else’s idea of who we should be. We have neglected our own vineyard and no one else can take care of it (Song of Songs 1:6). You have to get in touch with your very deep personal self in a very intimate relationship with God in order to get that which is uniquely yours. For us to be light and salt in our world, we need moments of privacy where the agenda is not more money, promotion, members, or even a job but identification and nod from the Most high who alone knows us and wants us to bring out the best that he created us to be. As the seed from our Maker interacts with our inner naked being, then we can go serve others in order to nurture what is our own. Your pursuit of education, career, and business should be activities that help you achieve that for which Christ took hold of you. Paul was called to be witness of Christ to the Gentiles and so he made tents in order to finance his ‘baby’.

Jesus Christ said that if you do not give birth you are not fit for the kingdom. The axe is already at the root waiting to cut off any tree that does not bear fruit. Your life is not about survival but doing that for which you came, that which is original, fresh and new, that which will brighten the world in which we live

THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST AND THE ECONOMIES OF AFRICA ARE NOT DEPENDENT ON YOUTH OR OLD, OR FINANCIERS OR REFINED SYSTEMS AND STRATEGIES, BUT ON THOSE WHO ARE DESPERATE TO GET WHAT IS ON GOD’S MIND AND ALLOW THAT TO BECOME THEIR BASIC MOTIVATOR.

THE POWER DISTANCE PARADIGM

2006-06-15T02:22:00.000-07:00

09 June 2006

REFLECTIONS:

There never has been, there isn't now, and there never will be, any race of people on earth fit to serve as masters over their fellow men (Franklin Roosevelt).

Human history does not always unfold like a mathematical calculation on the principle of 2+2=4. Sometimes 2+2 =5 or -3 (Winston Churchill).

Sometimes our parents love us so much that they cripple us indirectly.

When you do for others what they can do for themselves, you make them emotional cripples.

TEXT:

Rom 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. NIV

The Creation story as explained in Genesis chapter one and two describes human beings that enjoyed freedom as they did not seem to have had power struggles. It seems one difficulty caused by the fall is our inability to find the roles suitable for each person. In roles where fewer environments in which everything is equal with no distinction that identifies how people relate to one another, chaos result as life becomes unpredictable. As happens, sometimes as we try to solve one problem we create another one, so the rules meant to clarify and ease life of togetherness can also stifle or suppress. It is a philosopher who said that man is born free but is everywhere bound up in chains. History tells us of a people that became extinct and even today there are tribes whose population has so much shrinked so that they cannot last another generation and all this is because of rules that they came up with. Any man-made rules, even when the people are religious, should be regularly examined against God's written word. It is wisdom to have opportunities to ask ourselves why we do what we do and whether what we are doing is bringing out of us the very best that God created us to be. This is particularly necessary for those of us who are Light and Salt of the world, a world that is multiplying vices at a very fast rate. We need to examine the hidden programs that govern our behaviour and influence how we interpret the occurrences of life.

One key concept that we need to critically examine is that of power. Geert Hofstede who has done some research on what he calls the "software of the mind and the inner programming" has described two extremes of usage of power among cultures and organisations. There are large power distance cultures and low power distance cultures. Power distance, according to Hofstede, is the extent to which members of institutions and organisations that do not have power expect and accept that power is not equally divided. Cultures where the distance between the most powerful and the rest is large are said to have high power distance. The powerful have power, wealth and status and they usually expect those who are subordinates to do nothing without prior permission from their superiors. In high power distance cultures people abide by rules of behaviour and use titles and forms of address that express the differences between the powerful and the powerless. In such cultures the employees/students/ congregants/family members are afraid to voice their view for that is considered disrespectful. In large power distance cultures the less powerful are not expected to have independent minds, they are looked after and not expected to experiment for themselves. The teacher/father/manager/pastor/prefect/aged is held in high esteem and is not expected to be questioned. Those with power tend to be poor listeners, evade responsibility, are petty and concerned about trivialities, demeaning, disrespectful, and not consistent. Keeping distance between the ruling and the ruled is considered respectful. Does this sound familiar? It is legal incubation of ignorance. Any creative idea or alternative view is regarded as disrespect of those in authority.

In communities where there is large power distance patterns people tend to be dependent on their seniors. The employees, the students, wives, children, members of a congregation, younger brothers and sisters and all the ordinary are considered good people when they do what they are told by those who by virtue of their status just happen to know. Large power distance is one of the root causes of stagnation to spiritual as well as social economic growth. People in power get deceived in thinking that people and programs are overwhelmingly dependent on them. They get a feeling that without them everything would disintegrate. Some arrogance that make the ones in power treat others like a bunch of babies. The tendency to manipulate, push, threaten, control while doing whatever it takes to boost the power image that pollutes the atmosphere with distrust, hatred, fear, mediocrity etc comes into vogue. That may explain the feuding among the believers, power politics, sarcasm and disappointments that are hidden behind a cover-up of holiness. The vision of the institution, family or church is lost because all attention is directed in observing power scales. People live by shallow, unexamined values and genuine fellowship is not possible. People depend on the program structure instead of focusing on the Lord or the reason for their existence.

In low distance cultures people respect one another, listen to each other and self discovery is encouraged. Discussions are held and the power lies with the people. Cultures' beliefs regarding power tend to sway on some direction. These external organisational structures get internalised and so become normal, legitimate or common sense beliefs. Once large power distance is accepted as normal, traversing the power gap upwards is defined as success while individual gifts and organisations/churches mission are lost. The tragedy is that people do not identify challenges created by large power distance because it is acceptable and therefore tolerable. That remains a hidden belief that impedes and slows down any possibility of change.

As Christians our view and usage of power should be like our Lord Jesus Christ who left heaven to come and live with the ordinary. Jesus Christ dignified people even those who had no defence or anything to cover their nakedness like the woman caught in the act (John 8). He touched children even though the culture in which he lived considered it as lowering himself (Matthew 19:13-15), walked on the paths where the blind were, saw mourners as they went to bury the only son of a widowed woman. Our example and the one we serve did not allow himself to be held up by cultural structures that separated the server from the served. Just as Christ taught that it is prudent to have new wine in new skin (Matthew 9:17), we cannot propagate the life saving faith using cultural forms that negate it. Structures that make people compare and devalue some functions of the members of the body of Christ reveals that we do not understand what it means to be one body. Every one of us is needed, the foot, the eye, the hand, etc. We have different functions but each one is very useful.1 Corinthians 12:12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body.

As a Christian in the position that God has given you, encourage structures that facilitate building up of the others to be who God made them to be. Make it your aim to deposit love, trust, and hope as you refill yourself from the one who gives living water. Our power should be from continued in-filling of the Holy spirit and cleansing of mind by the word of God and that we be pre-disposed to what we can do for others, not what they can do for us. Remember that to as many as received Jesus, those who believed in his name, he gave them power to become the children of God (John 1:12) and that the power of the Holy Spirit equips the recipients to be witnesses of Christ. If you have power to be a child of God and be his witness then you do not have to be riding on people, controlling God's image-bearers with the excuse that we have always done it this way. You are a new creation and so historical trends that are not motivated by the word of God should be handled with care. Bringing our beliefs regarding power to conscious minds, examining and replacing it with what the Bible teaches, facilitates us to prepare as the bride of Christ.

Africa is stagnated by large power distance leaders in the families, schools, churches and the institutions. We Christians should not blindly use cultural forms and structures that hinder us from being who we are meant to be. Power distance may be necessary for order and organisation but not for self definition and inner motivation. There is a lot of pressure and tension as people struggle to serve Christ identifying themselves with status symbols and titles which is a subtle way of keeping large power distance. Spirit-filled, Bible-believing Christians are dynamic, radiating warmth of Christ in genuine relationships with people, adding value to people so that serving Christ is natural. There is need to critically examine our view of power for that may be what is hindering the mind that was in Christ Jesus to be in us so that his kingdom can flow through us. Those whose concept of self has been mis-shaped need to examine their beliefs. Those who feel like they do not have what it takes to be all that God intended them to be should trace the root cause of that belief, examine it and replace it with what the Bible says. Those whose image is deformed because of their societal/cultural placements (even in Church and Church organisation), need to examine those beliefs, repent and replace them with Biblical truth. That is the beginning of being light in our nations as we get our power from the one who said that all authority in heaven and earth was given to him.

Think about what Maria Montessori says about servants and masters;

Our servants do not depend on us, rather we depend upon them . . . very often we believe that we are independent because no one commands us and we command others. But a master who has need for a servant by this very fact indicates his own inferiority. A paralytic who cannot raise his shoes because of his infirmities and a prince who cannot lift them because of social conventions are practically in the same condition.

MAY THE KINGDOM OF GOD FLOW INTO US AND THROUGH US INTO THE WORLD.

VALIANT, WELL EQUIPPED AND SKILLED SOLDIERS WHO RUN AWAY ON THE DAY OF BATTLE.

2006-06-06T13:46:00.000-07:00

June 2, 2006

Reflections:

Standing in the truth and looking to the world or looking into the truth from the world.

Conviction is worthless until it converts itself into conduct (Thomas Carlisle).

There is no lift to success; you have got to take the staircase (Sticker in a matatu).

No one person was ever honoured for what he received but for what he gave (Proverbs 21:26).

TEXT:

Psalm 78:9 -The men of Ephraim, though armed with bows, turned back on the day of battle;

10 they did not keep God's covenant and refused to live by his law. 11 They forgot what he had done,

the wonders he had shown them.

2 Kings 19:3 They told him, "This is what Hezekiah says: This day is a day of distress and rebuke and disgrace, as when children come to the point of birth and there is no strength to deliver them.

Luke 8:11-13

The seed is the word of God. 12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.14-The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. NIV

The men of Ephraim possessed both skill and supplies, but ran away on the day of the battle. What a tragedy to have warriors who have what it takes to enlarge their territory, yet when the opportunity arises, they show their backs as they run away. These are fair-weather soldiers who boast of the strength of their weapons and probably try to out-do one another as they demonstrate their skills, that is until the rubber meets the road. Soldiers with well-polished shoes and medals lined-up their shoulders to demonstrate their status; daring the enemies to attack them but they lack strength to deliver.

These are born-again, spirit-filled believers who could be choir members, deacons, pastors, elders, intercessors, bible-study leaders among others. On a Sunday morning in the church, they are great men and women of faith. On Monday when a vehicle overtakes them, they curse and burn with fury. They cannot stand a person who does not hold the same view as they hold and they do not give the benefit of the doubt. They are cultural, carnal people in the battle field but saints in the sanctuary. What is the point of being equipped, skilled and a soldier if it is not for the battle field where God's image-bearers rub you on the wrong side? Christian faith is not just for self consumption and protection but it is for service. When the ground on which roots should stretch is rocky, then the joy of Christian faith and walk is short lived.

What would have caused skilled men to become useless when they were most needed? Failing to be available on the day of the battle may be the same as failing to reach maturity. Lacking power to deliver a baby that is due is a deathly experience. We need more that just use of religious language. Not just being at our designated places of meeting or wearing the right attire as we have agreed among ourselves. We have to come face to face with those who have no respect for our faith, our God and our success. In the battlefield, it is when those who were opposed to our view become interested and are won over as disciples of Jesus Christ. To understand the challenge of the men of Ephraim, hear what Jesus Christ revealed as a secret of the kingdom of God. There are four categories of people who are exposed to the word of God (Luke 8:5-15). One category is of people whose mindset is likened to a path, people whose mental set-up does not allow for any new ideas and so the word of God has no impact. These we call non-believers who live by the cultural values even though they may be religious. The second and third categories are those who hear, receive and act on the word. They are excited about the faith. Like the men of Ephraim, these are believers that are equipped and happy in their status but they never reproduce because they do not get to maturity. Just like Ephraimites they do not serve the purpose for which they were equipped. They are choked by worries, riches and pleasures and so never get to maturity. There is no production without growth to maturity. Beliefs that cause rootlessness and choking include:

Ø A compelling desire to meet certain standards. That belief leads to fear of failure, desire to be perfect, manipulate others, and fear risk. Such a belief is like cement, making the ground rocky and not conducive for the Word. The fear paralyses and incapacitates a person from within leading to lack of resolve to serve the cause of Christ. One lives for self.

Ø A desire to be approved by others is what makes you feel good about yourself. That belief leads to fear of rejection. One attempts to please others at any cost. Being overly sensitive to criticism. Withdrawal from others to avoid disapproval. Selecting to hear what agrees with your faulty belief. Inner blockage from that which would bring growth.

Ø A belief that those who fail are unworthy of love, and desire punishment. That leads to fear for punishment and tendency to punish others for personal failure. You cannot walk on water because of fear of risk. Tend to be generally unhappy with a heavy cloud of gloom.

Ø A belief that I am what I am, I cannot change. I am hopeless. That belief leads to feeling of shame, hopelessness and inferiority. A belief that history has designed the future and so you are a victim. Loss of creativity. You isolate oneself from others. Think of the things that cause you anxiety and rob you of joy. The grid of your beliefs inclines you on what to see. You can go to a party and see people as cold and rejecting because you have internalised a belief that you will be rejected. Another person goes to the same party and finds the same people warm and friendly.

There is need to discover the root cause of the feelings that lie behind wrong behaviour. Hurts of the past stimulate bitterness, resentment, unforgiveness, or determination to protect the self at all costs. People who have had their emotions wounded see every situation as an attack on them. Deeply hidden hurts make people have misplaced value system where only what has direct benefit is seen as important and they can trample others underfoot in order to get that which is important to them.

Choice of what to place emphasis on from our past experiences is also vital. Through memory, the mind modifies and defines current events by connecting them with earlier thoughts, knowledge, cause or value. Wounded emotions erect a barrier to living making us see dilemmas at every corner. That is what I think Jesus referred to as When the light within you is darkness, how thick is that darkness (Matthew 6:22-23). Erroneous beliefs are sustained by recreating these memories. It is selection of what to recall. Continuing to deny the hurt feelings with the assumption that born-again, Spirit-filled Christians are not supposed to feel that way is a form of untruthfulness. While we are not responsible for the hurts, we have a responsibility regarding choice of response. Thoughtful choices based on trust in the saving grace and the healing power of our Lord is needed.

For us to be ready for the battles of life, changes must be sought at the deeper levels. Beliefs that lead to stagnation of the Church of Jesus Christ even though on the surface all seems to be well should be brought to surface so that they can be examined and reviewed. What the Bible says about the men of Ephraim;

They had selective memory. Psalm 78:11 They forgot what God had done for them, the miracles and the guidance. Might they have spent their time discussing the fearful scenarios in the desert instead of the deliverance of God? When we incline our minds to focus on the giants then it becomes difficult to see the greatness of God. To select to ignore God and fail to appreciate his goodness in our lives makes us run a great risk. Rom 1:21- For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools. To be ready for the day of battle, we need to predispose our minds to see the power of God. As a poster I used to have had the word that All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all that I have not seen. Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

They did not have faith in God's ability. Psalm 8:18-20;22. When the mind is focused on hurts and fears of a repeat, insecurity sets in and that leads to loss of trust. You cannot trust in your own abilities, be defensive and still be dependent on God. Can you trust God to take you through the changes ahead? Are you able to cast your cares on the Lord knowing that underneath are the everlasting arms?

They used God as search light (Psalm 78:34-35). Once there needs were met, they picked the generally accepted communal value system to live by. In the moment of need, they cried to God, repented but once they were on level ground they dumped him. Can you hold on to God even when you have no reason to do so? It is possible to trust God when all is well, until what we value starts to diminish. Habakkuk 3:17- Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour. 19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. That should be our attitude. There are people that Jesus Christ said that they followed him because of the food he had given them. Such people can get choked by the worries and cares of this life. Maturity is characterised by unconditional love of the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, body and soul, and that leads to trust and obedience. We must remove obstacles that harden us, making us mistrust God and so become poor witnesses of his power.

The Ephraimites just like those who had cares, riches and pleasures, had not taken time to reflect on their beliefs. Beliefs are hidden and sometimes we are not aware of them. It is our responses to life situations that show the values underneath. For example, do you feel fearful when another person is co-opted to the same committee with you or a person with whom you were in school is doing well? Such fears are symptoms of harboured faulty beliefs that choke and hinder growth. You go around feeling like others could easily dominate you and so you have to take care and unconsciously be defensive. We have to continually allow the Spirit of God to work in us, changing our deep held beliefs that negate our desire to serve and worship him. When we trace fears, jealousy, crave for approval, critical, judgemental attitude to others, comparisons with others saying that we are also human beings, and envious attitudes, boredom and lack of enthusiasm, all reflect beliefs that need to be brought to surface, repented, and confessed even when no one else knows about them. Be honest. 1 John 1:9 says that if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Healing of wounded emotions take time and right action. Transformation is a process not an event and we need to determine to be truthful to ourselves. Time alone does not heal emotions but keeps them in the distant memory like a wound that is unhealed inside though the skin cover is dry, pus develops and it becomes worse. Repentance and realisation of what the grace of God is to us keeps us humble and dependent on the Lord.

May the Lord heal us so that we are the good soil that yielded a hundredfold. In the day of the battle be encouraged by the words that a good friend who has been working for Uchumi until the sudden closure on May 31, 2006, told me; "The waters that drowned the people in the times of Noah are the same waters that kept Noahs ark afloat."

NOTHING CAN HINDER THE LORD FROM SAVING, WHETHER BY MANY OR BY FEW

2006-06-01T13:31:00.000-07:00

MAY 25, 2005

REFLECTIONS:

People who lack critical judgement are at the mercy of any point of view.

People who get used to a faulty system tend to zealously defend and protect it because they are entrenched in it.

It is easier to think outside the box when you are not staying in one. (Advert)

It is easy to be brave when you are in the presence of another; it is another thing to be brave when you are all by yourself. It is easy to be a Daniel in a land where there are no lions.

If you give in to opposition, you lose your position.

TEXT:

1 Sam 13:19 Not a blacksmith could be found in the whole land of Israel, because the Philistines had said, "Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears!" 20 So all Israel went down to the Philistines to have their plowshares, mattocks, axes and sickles sharpened. 21 The price was two thirds of a shekel for sharpening plowshares and mattocks, and a third of a shekel for sharpening forks and axes and for repointing goads.

1 Sam 13:22 So on the day of the battle not a soldier with Saul and Jonathan had a sword or spear in his hand; only Saul and his son Jonathan had them.

1 Sam 14:6 Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, "Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few."

As I try to figure out how the soldiers in Israel could give all their weapons to the enemy for sharpening without realising what disarmament can mean to people who have differing life view, am reminded of words Bertrand Russell who said Poverty, since industrial revolution, is only due to collective stupidity (no pun intended). Sensitiveness would make people want to abolish it, intelligence would show them the way . . . A timid person would rather remain miserable than do anything unusual. Herd mentality develops as people live and work together. People get used to certain ways of doing things and to certain level of trust that often make people have a 45 degree view instead of near 360 degree view. When people accept the goals that they have come up and the means of accomplishing those goals, creativity and novelty get killed. Christian leadership is ability to get out of that narrow view and which is referred to as the box and allow the Holy Spirit to show you possibilities. The church and the economies of Africa need men and women who like Jonathan know that our God is able to save whether by many of by few. Even when the Christians around us in ignorance have given their weapons to the enemy, there is hope we put on the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). Giving up of weapons is when people lose sight of who they are and start comparing themselves with those they need to be rescuing from the enemy, when prayer becomes less and the word of God remains in the bible rather than in the heart. There is hope for our people in as long as we have people like Jonathan who think differently because they know who their God is. Jonathan refused to cave in to the situational pressure and that saved his defenceless people from imminent attack.

What do you do when you realise that the people to whom you are accountable do not share your vision and viewpoint even though they officially say they do? How do you respond to the realisation that the driver/ pilot, CEO, pastor/bishop, president, chairperson, elder/deacon/counsellors, husband/wife, father/mother, etc are insecure, ignorant, lacking in confidence and clarity of vision? There are times you realise that while your warriors gave away their weapons, the enemies who did not give up their weapons are aware of your vulnerable state. Some symptoms that reflect warriors who have given up their weapons include erratic emotional outbursts, fire fighting management because of lack of planning and that makes everything an emergency, inconsistent behaviour, self-centredness, poor interpersonal relationships reflected by desire to control other human beings to the point where they lose confidence in themselves and so have to wait for another to think for them, generally suspicious of others actions, poor listening skills that close one from seeing other possibilities, and so on. The real threat is that the losses incurred because of the poor choices of the one in charge are borne by all including you who could see that you are facing the wrong direction. How many people have lost their lives and others maimed because of poor judgement of a driver yet there were passengers who could see the risk they were in? How many people have died without assurance of salvation and others have been deeply wounded because of poor choices of the believers?

The more you get to depend on the Lord and his word, the more you realise that dependence on man and his ability can be traumatic and imprisoning. What do you do when you found yourself closed in by choices of those to whom you have to submit? What do you do when you realise that you are among the few sighted in a land where blindness is so common that it is considered fashionable?

Some suggestions;

Know that you are not alone. Learn from those who have had to live through similar circumstances and yet lived to save their people. Such people include Jonathan, Joseph who had to endure the choices of his unsighted brothers and Portiphars wife. , David whose success was a thorn in the flesh of his boss Saul, had to live in caves, among Philistines and even pretend to be mad just because he knew his strength in the Lord God who have enabled him to kill Goliath. David did not ask the people to praise him and yet he suffered because of his good acts. Like David we can choose not to use opportunity to embarrass but instead do good and keep your distance. David respected Saul even though he did not deserve the respect. Elisha had to pray for his servant to have his eyes opened so that he could see that there was a heavenly army that was fighting for them. Apostle Paul was not very popular and endured some hardships because of not speaking what was generally acceptable. Jesus Christ had to wade through very heavy opposition from the social authority figures such as Pharisees/Saducees, High priests and even his family to some extent, his hometown, did not share his view point.

2. Do not lose your ground. Remember, you cannot live with change if there is not a changeless core inside of you. Review and reflect on your source of security, guidance, wisdom and motivation. External source of strength is shakeable and easily falls off.

3. Keep your mind renewed by the word of God so that you may know Gods acceptable will (Romans 12:2). That is removing the log from your eye so that it is not blocking your sight. Remember ignorance is no bliss. Be informed. Share with other believers who are growing towards maturity. Have balanced view of self (Romans12:3).

4. Do what is within your ability. Jonathan had his theology in place when he confessed that God is able to save whether by many or by few. God used Jonathan who had the weapon and consciousness to save the army of Saul. That same God is able to use you to bring the change that is needed in your situation. Do what you can do.

5. Look out for opportunities to shed light in the dark corners. 2 Samuel 20:16-22 is an example of a woman who watched as they mighty were about to shred her city to a rumble. 15 All the troops with Joab came and besieged Sheba in Abel Beth Maacah. They built a siege ramp up to the city, and it stood against the outer fortifications. While they were battering the wall to bring it down, 16 a wise woman called from the city, "Listen! Listen! Tell Joab to come here so I can speak to him. That wise woman saved her town from destruction which would have rendered her people homeless and helpless. Use the opportunities available to you. The woman may have used her gender, a story, logic to gain Joabs attention. Prayerfully, wisely, respectfully and in love, use any entry that would illumine the chief decision makers. Like Queen Esther you may be in that church, organisation, family, etc for such time as this. There is something you can do.

6. Look out for precious minerals when you realise you are locked in. when you cannot progress, no promotion, not many opportunities lie before you, that is opportune time to develop patience, perseverance, genuine love and other aspects of the fruit of the Holy Spirit that are best learned and ingrained during valley experiences. Skills are sharpened at such times. When David was alone with animals he learnt the use of slings and stones that he could have gathered in the valley and that became important in confronting Goliath. Precious jewels are not picked on the surface and it is in darkness that precious gems shine so that you take notice of them. Some of those valley experiences may turn out to be burning bush that the Lord wants to use to speak to you about his new mission for you as he did to Moses. Many who have been used of God to progress the cause of Christ have had their lessons in closed prisons of this life.

Warriors who have given up their weapons can be so scared of any one with a different opinion that they try to shut them off, but as long as you hold to your faith in God, no one can shut you from serving the purpose of God in your time and generation. Be encouraged.

A friend told me that even if you apply strong perfume on a person that does not bathe, in due time the stench will overpower the perfume. Continued, reflection, repentance, review and drinking from the fountain of life will keep us clean and effective in the battlefield.

MELT DOWN THE SAINTS AND PUT THEM IN CIRCULATION

2006-05-28T13:32:00.000-07:00

May 19, 2006

REFLECTIONS:

Life is a bridge do not build permanent structures.

Form follows purpose.

While Rome burned, her legions marched to battles they could not win.

TEXT:
Matt 10:7 As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give

Matt 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Matt 13:33 He told them still another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough." NIV

Human beings are created with a desire to be consistent and predictable. You attend one week seminar and the location that you chose the first day becomes your place for the period you are there. That must have been an issue that Jesus Christ had in mind when he repeatedly told the disciples to go to the world. Jesus Christ our Lord and saviour does not seem to have set up an office where those in need could go to consult and the sick could be taken for haling. In the early church the record we have is of the disciples moving particularly after the baptism in the Holy Spirit. When did the disciples of Jesus Christ settle down and start building and decorating the sanctuaries /cathedrals? Is the beckoning of sinners to come appropriate for the kind of influence we are expected to have? Are we still on course? Are we getting settled and establishing values that continue to encourage our settlement?
While we need to gather for strategic planning and encouragement of one another, we need to keep in mind that ushering, singing in the choir, preaching, etc are not the destination or the reason for our being. Our call and mission is to the world and we are full time labourers in as long as Christ is our Lord. We need to learn from the history of the church and realise that the whenever the form of gathering of those who are Christians became static, some paralysis set in that reduced the spread of the gospel. Communication is involvement and if we remain in our sanctuaries, we shall not be salt and light where that is needed.
Charles R. Swindoll in his book “Come before winter’ tells of the time when Lord Oliver Cromwell was reigning in Britain and the country run low of silver. Lord Cromwell sent his men to the cathedrals to see if they could find any precious metal. The report he got was that the only silver was the statues of the saints standing in the corners. He replied, “Good we’ll melt down the saints and put them in circulation”. Isn’t that what we need today? Saints are not as useful seated on pews in the church or passing the collection bag as they would be in the school PTA meeting, estate security meeting counsellors in the city council, in matatu reminding others to buckle the seat belt, etc. Saints need to be melt down so that they can be in the drier parts of the country listening to the voice of God as he directs them on how to harvest rain water.
Authentic Christianity calls for saints’ circulation through the mainstream of humanity where people are. The message that Christ sent us to communicate motivates people to examine their beliefs and assumptions. Saints in circulation are continuous diligent learners who constantly examine and reflect on their beliefs and values. Such saints become interested in structures in which basic values are inculcated such as schools and families. For example, saints in circulation review learning systems that place heavy emphasis on passing examination in place of learning, ranking students that replaces self discovery and building up of esteem, and ranking of schools that kills cooperation and puts principals in what is referred to as ‘rat race’. It is one thing to cast spirits of sleep and inattentiveness in the sanctuary, and yet another thing to communicate love to a neighbour who has never known that there such terms as gentleness, kindness, patience that facilitates interpersonal relationships. It is when we put the best effort but then we are bypassed as the opportunities for promotion open up that the fruit of the Holy Spirit becomes visible. Saints in circulation cannot wait to be told to read the bible because they know the importance of having information that helps explain the works and evidence of God in creation. Consciousness of the needs around the saints and the need for God makes them be people of prayer. 1 Peter 3:15 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have”. If you are in ‘morning glory’, lunch hour fellowship’, evening prayer meeting or fellowship’, etc, how will the people know your perseverance? Yes we need to be in fellowship with one another, but that should be for brief periods because we are needed in the field. As a mother or father, you are needed to bless your family in the morning as they go into the world and you also need to make time for the gathering for funeral arrangement in your estate where the neighbours do not know what to do. That gives you an opportunity to share the message of hope with the living. Freely you have received the grace of God freely give.
By the way these meetings are good but we need a balance that takes into consideration our reason for being disciples of Jesus Christ. Though not the best of examples, our Christian journey can be compared to vehicles that stop to take in fuel and then continue on their journey. It is only times of shortage that vehicles queue around petrol stations and if that continues for long other aspects of the economy start paralysing. Our time in the building that we gather otherwise referred to as church should be participatory as saints give report of their experiences and those with a word of encouragement do so.
We need to review whether we have come up with a form that predisposes us to a course that is not the one we need to be on. When we get distracted, and absorbed in our in-house affairs, the enemy troops are advancing toward our territory and like the Romans soldiers we may find that our headquarters have been burned down while we were concerned with not so important pursuits.
Are you in circulation or do you have to be melt down? We are soldiers in the army of the Lord and cannot afford to be entangled in civilian affairs or just remain in the barrack while the fight is on.

It is not wise to ask the Lord to be on your side, it is you who should be on the Lord’s side.
Remember the chorus
I’m a soldier in the army x3
I am a soldier in the army of the Lord.

IT IS NOT OUR CUSTOM HERE. . . BE A WINDOW RATHER THAN A MIRROR PERSON

2006-05-16T11:56:00.000-07:00

May 12, 2006

REFLECTIONS

· We shape our buildings, afterward our buildings shape us (Winston Churchill).

· Everything people identify as really important has to do with others . . . our greatest joy and our greatest pain comes in our relationship with others.

· If you want to go faster, go alone, but if you want to go further, go with another.

TEXT:

Gen 29:26

26 Laban replied, "It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one. NIV

Josh 1:14-15 .. .but all your fighting men, fully armed, must cross over ahead of your brothers. You are to help your brothers 15 until the LORD gives them rest, as he has done for you, and until they too have taken possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving them. After that, you may go back and occupy your own land,

Luke 10:27

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbour as yourself.'"

Human beings are knit together in a way that they cannot do without one another. That Godly aspect was demonstrated in my childhood when my mother would send me to a neighbour to borrow salt or ask for fire even when we had some or could go to the shops. The belief was that a neighbour from whom we got a spoonful of salt could come and ask for something from us. No human being can be self-made because our accomplishments are interdependent. People make up the ecology that determines our productivity. What may be seen as individual success is usually a result of actions of others who have cleared the paths, that lead the way; finding the things that did not work so that we could find the one thing that could work. To ignore the fate of those with whom we are could mar our path and hinder the possibility of achieving our desired goals. Success of our brother is what will build powerful teams that are based on the strengths of each other. Some Christian anthropologists say kinship is more than a network of biological relationships. . . It establishes social ties, patterns of behaviour, obligations and responsibilities, and patterns of authority. To be effective in a society as Christians we need to understand this roadmap or structure of interpersonal relationships.

We can learn some lessons from Jacob who must have been a purpose-driven and diligent person but missed out on some important details on the roadmap. While Jacob's twin brother Esau was having deep socialisation relationships that had led to marriage of two women he was wondering alone in an unknown land. What a joy it must have been for Jacob to meet the girl who beheld more than his dreams? He was willing to do whatever it took to have Rachel as his lawfully wedded wife. Seven years of work for a focused man were pleasant bride service. Like my people would say, "To a lover's home there are no hills." Everything from the time Jacob met Rachel was working well until after the wedding night. Was Jacob short-sighted or was he so much in love that he missed to take note of very important details? Was Jacob a mirror person who just saw that which concerned him only? Why did Jacob miss out on the customs of the people during the seven years he worked for Laban his uncle? As Jacob worked in order to marry Rachel, did it occur to him that Leah was older and she also needed a husband? For failing to take note of the custom, he had to live with the fruit of his ignorance for the rest of his life. Jacob needed a glass window that would help him realise that Laban's burden could end up being his burden.

Ignoring the structures and the customs within which one operates is like assuming there are no lanes while driving on a four-lane highway. At the round-about or turning point, one is likely to cause accidents or hinder other drivers or have to turn to a direction that was not intended. Customs are containers of beliefs, convictions and values that have been tested by a group of people over time. What people repeatedly do becomes their habit, habits become traditions and traditions become customs. Christian anthropologist Charles Kraft says, Human beings have produced and imposed upon us an incredible complex culture from which, to the end of our days, we cannot escape. People come up with beliefs and attach value to the beliefs, then the beliefs shape their thinking and determine how they view life. We reflect the image of God when we attach similar value to people and objects as God attaches. The discrepancy between what we value and what God values is what causes strife among human beings, the actual cause of our poverty. The closure of that discrepancy is what we who are Christians are called to do in our world. Jacob failed to realise that the customs that prevailed among his in-laws would affect him. As a Christian you cannot afford to be uninformed about the prevailing beliefs in your environment. Your determination, hard work, purposeful life can bring fulfilment if you have a window attitude that allows you to see outside otherwise you may find yourself intimately intertwined in the poverty, ignorance, disease which you have always tried to steer clear. The cleanliness of your compound does not stop rats from your neighbours house venturing into your compound. Our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ mandated us to go to the world, not just keep organising and cleaning our structures.

The children of Israel who got settled soon after crossing Jordan were advised not to settle down until their brothers were settled. That should be the same of you and me. You have gotten some education, you have a faith that is working for you and you have knowledge of how to make ends meet. Your purpose-driven life can be derailed if you are so absorbed in your achievements and accomplishments that you do not realise that your neighbour needs to settle. Individualised salvation and journey to heaven is actualised as the seed of salvation is spread to those with whom we share some customs. Our heavenly Father cares for all of us even when we do not reciprocate his love. Both the Old and the New Testament emphasise the need to love our neighbours as we love ourselves. The balance between loving your neighbour as you love yourself is important. You cannot love yourself unless you know who you are. To know who you are, you need to know whose you are and thus the need to love the Lord your God with all of yourself. It is not until you know the love of the Almighty God and acknowledge his fatherhood and grace that you are able to love your neighbour.

Jesus Christ described the neighbour as anyone who is incapacitated and marginalised by systems that encourage individualised selfish benefits without giving thought to the dignity of the people. The good neighbour is the one who thinks about the journey before the journey starts. He prepares oil, bandage and some money because he has thought through the possibilities on the journey (Luke 11:30-36). An aspect of knowing the customs is to know that there are thieves and robbers that destroy others and so think about them.

We who have accepted to be disciples of Jesus Christ in the continent of Africa are cross-cultural communicators in that we live in the world but we use Kingdom of God values that sometime do not agree with the ones used by our neighbours. We need to know the customs of the people with whom we live. Customs reveal accumulation of what has worked over the years and so has become acceptable. To be renewed in thinking means accepting to have those generally accepted ways of life examined against what the Scripture says and so select that which is in line with our faith and desired destiny. Those of our people who do not examine their beliefs against the Scripture are the ones we have been sent to and so cannot ignore what they consider to be their custom.

Suppose the gate to heaven is through you neighbours compound, would you pass with ease or would you be blocked?

CHARISMA WITHOUT CHARACTER IS A CATASTROPHY- ARE YOU PAST OR POST GROWING UP?

2006-05-10T11:59:00.000-07:00

May 5, 2006

Reflections:

The problem of youth is that it is wasted on young people. (A parent)

It seems like I did all the growing while I was waiting to grow up or have I actually grown up?

Values are caught not taught

How sharper than a serpen'ts tooth is a thankless child (William Shakespeare).

Is generation gap a reality or a way of masking ignorance?

TEXT:

Isaiah 40:28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. NIV

1 John 2:13 I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. . .

14 I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

Youth is the time that most major decisions in life are made. It is the time when people synchronise their philosophy of life that becomes their compass of life. Youth can be very elusive. We all have memories of dreams that we had of "when I grow up I will" . . . and then you realise that while you were waiting to grow you actually did most of the growing. That realisation can set in panic that leads to fear thus paralysing thinking abilities and in the mean time the aging process sets in rapidly. Frantic efforts to trace trails that others used, dislodging others in order to gain placement as national or church leaders, exaggerations and comparisons are signs of youth whose foundation is insecure and it leads to caricature of a people, not eagles who soar up.

In Africa a very major challenge that the Church has to address is having old minds inside young bodies. While we are hard-wired by genetics, our experiences, beliefs, values and attitudes make the bulk of who we are. It is possible to have a 20 year-old led by values very similar to the ones that were cherished by his great, great grandparents 200 years ago. Some old-time beliefs and values should be upheld but others need very careful scrutiny and examination against the word of God. Beliefs regarding who and what the value of man is, the difference and value between male and female, the meaning of life, the key factors that denote success, the destiny of those who die, etc. are core factors that cannot be taken for granted. An emotionally crippled youth, who has been denied and deprived of love and acceptance, may be eloquent and strong but lacks a moral base from which to draw strength. The shrivelled inner-person grows weary as the person keeps tapping strength and courage from what others feel, think and say about him or her. When the map of life that guides a person is placed externally, it can be shifted by strong winds and other external pressures. Youth is an asset when the key issues that act as compass of life are given careful attention and examined so that one is motivated by beliefs that are based on God's revealed truths, not unreliable sources.

Is the hope of Africa in her youth? Is the continuity of the Church of Jesus Christ in Africa assured if the present day youth take up their posts? Time and education do not change core beliefs. Charisma without character is a disaster. Godly character is what results when those who choose to be honest with themselves recognise their vulnerability and cry to God for help. Youth that is characterised by total dependence on God, reveals a trail of excellence despite environmental pollution.

Think of Joseph born in a chaotic family where there were two legal wives and two concubines. Partial love was the order of the family as Rachel was Jacob's preferred wife and Reuben the first-born was not known for high morals. Joseph was a victim of the family feuds and yet from his teenage he stands out as a person of excellence (Genesis 37, 38, 39) . In a sexually volatile and oppressive environment Joseph had this to say, Gen 39:9 How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?. Joseph's strength did not come from the warmth of a family or his working environment but from knowing God. The hope of Africa lies in those who know what it is to wait upon the Lord. Those who wait upon the Lord will get revelation of medical knowledge that is necessary and relevant, education systems that inspire and energise, political systems that create an environment for people to realise their potential, etc. It is those youth in whom the word of God dwells who are able to swim against the tide of ungodliness and evil that are needed in a world whose challenges continue to deprive human beings of their humanness.

What was it about Caleb and Joshua who as young people chose to have a different view from the majority? (Numbers 13:30; 14:6). Do you know the chorus?

Ten said no there are giants in the land, two said go, God will lead us by the hand,

Ten said no we are afraid as we can be, two said go, God will give us victory

What we need today are youth who know that it is not the voice of the majority or what we can see, but what God is saying that should determine our choices.

What made King Josiah at age 8/12 be so distinct in his choices? 2 Kings 22:1 Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother's name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath. 2 He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.

Who are youth? Anyone who has breath of life, is able to think and make choices. Youth is that period when one is able to select values to live by which should be earlier than 12 years. In a way youth ceases to be when people stop using their mind to seek the will of God and depend on others' will and guidance. A 90 years-old who is making decisions that impact other people and can select what to think and what to focus on is a youth with some experience. Youth is a state of mind. Youth is wasted when one goes through life believing that others are holding the key to his or her happiness. Others may be friends, employers, parents, government, Church, etc. and such an attitude makes one thankless and live a mediocre life.

How to maximise your youth

Choose to remain young. Have continuous renewal of your mind by the word of God. Test and examine why you do what you do, why do you get upset, frustrated and feel incapacitated even though to an outsider you seem well able? Trace the origins of those emotions and if your belief system is not working for you, examine it. What does the word of God say about those issues? Youth is a state of mind. An 85 year old like Caleb whose mind is refreshed by truths from Scripture has greater strength than many teenagers who have no sense of direction. Greater territories are for those who have streams of living water flowing from their bellies because they have drunk the water Jesus Christ gives (John 4:14).

Be open for learning. Youth that make a difference in the kingdom of God and in this life are those who want to know not just to have people think they know. Inculcate a spirit of inquiry. Ask questions. Character without content is like an empty well. The letter of John describes the youth as the strong, those in whom the word of God dwells and that is what makes them overcome the evil one. The moment you stop learning, you start aging irrespective of biological age.

Select your diet with your destiny in mind. Proverbs 15:14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. Select that which energises and inspires.

Know that the past is a bridge, not a barricade. Renewed youth is to let go of the past and embrace the future while allowing God to inspire new possibilities. You do not have to die where you were born, you do not have to be like your ancestors, your history does not have to imprison you, get your mind renewed with hope and move on. They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. . . Join them.

Love others genuinely. Your love for others is the proof that you are Jesus' disciple (John 13:35). It is as you love and serve others that you will discover the treasures that are hidden in God's people whom He has placed on earth. Let your philosophy include reaching out for others.

If you draw a small circle and shut me out, I will draw a bigger circle and close you in (Joel Osteen).

A FRIEND OF MY ENEMY IS MY ENEMY

2006-05-02T05:17:00.000-07:00

28 APRIL, 2006

REFLECTIONS:

(+)(+)= (+) A friend of my friend is my friend

(+)(-) = (-) A friend of my enemy is my enemy

(-)(+) = (-) An enemy of my friend is my enemy

(-)(-) = (+) An enemy of my enemy is my friend

Knowledge and appreciation of destiny is what should determine our type of relationship.

When am not near the one I love, I love the one am near. (American pop song)

You are either a missionary or a mission field.

Text:

Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners

or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.

Whatever he does prospers. NIV

2 Chronicles 19:1 When Jehoshaphat king of Judah returned safely to his palace in Jerusalem, 2 Jehu the seer, the son of Hanani, went out to meet him and said to the king, "Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you. NIV

Mathematics expresses relationships in a precise and concise manner. While in primary school our Mathematics teacher taught us a formula that has proved very useful in life. A friend of my enemy is likely to plot against me and so cannot be my friend. When we hate the same person, then we have some commonness and that makes us friends. Am suspicious of people who are friends of those who despise me and cannot risk having the as my friends (A friend of my enemy is my enemy).

Those mathematical expressions reflect how human beings are greatly influenced by those with whom they relate. Group pressure is a reality that none of us is too strong to escape. It is the obvious rewards such as "That was a very good presentation, O what a wonderful idea what do you think of party X" etc, that exert pressure that oils the wheels of determination. The core beliefs of the people with whom we interact rub on us and can help us climb to greater heights or put us in a box that is hidden underground. At the very centre of peoples' core is the value they attach to whoever they consider to be their God.

It is dangerous to be a friend of one who does not highly value what you value. It is deadly to have interpersonal relationship with one whose interests and values despise the one who is the source of inner light that guides you along. That is what happened to Jehoshaphat, a wealthy king who was highly esteemed, as he was a friend of King Ahab who hated God's demands of him. King Ahab's value system made him seek those who told him what he wanted to hear. In his committee meetings were those who agreed with him and told him how good he was. He must have been a very popular man whose many prophets not only told him what he wanted to hear but also dramatised messages and beat up those who contradicted their prophecies. Ahab is like any top leader today who is a Christian, with a very large following, who sidelines any one who would not tell him what he wants to hear. Any one who does not want to demonstrate how impressed they are by the wit of the man of God is sidelined for they seem to have nothing to offer.

Both Jehoshaphat and Ahab had a number of things in common; their history, culture, and social placement. The major difference between the two kings was in their core, the unseen inner beliefs that determine one's source of security and guidance. Jehoshaphat was totally dependent on God while Ahab appeared to be dependent on God by the number of prophets that he heard but deep within him, he despised Him. Jehoshaphat knew battles of this life are not won on numbers and might but on the word of God. He had a discerning mind that could tell that the many prophets of Ahab were not really directed by God but by popular views.

What are some key lessons?

1. However much you have in common with another like you, if the person despises what you deeply value then he cannot be your friend. Jehoshaphat almost lost his life while fighting Ahab's battles. Ahab knew that he was deceiving himself but wanted to enjoy the lie. He knew there was a prophet who was genuine but he did not like his message. Are the people with who you walk, sit and stand drawing you closer to God or enlighten you in worldly values? You know the truth. Self-deception leads to death.

2. Do not under-estimate the power of group pressure. However determined you are, you cannot be too strong to withstand friendly persuasion. Consciously choose the people with whom you sit, stand and walk for they could influence your productivity and destiny.

3. When the most important view in your life is that of God, you are likely to experience a lot of marginalisation, mental and physical abuse as happened to Micaiah the genuine prophet. Ahab knew Micaiah as the man who spoke God's message yet did not include him among those he consulted. In times of crisis and uncertainty, when the party is over and people want to know what is in God's mind, can they count on you? Can you as Micaiah say, "As surely as the LORD lives, I can tell him only what my God says."

Africa is in a very desperate need for kings and prophets that cannot but speak what God tells them. Kings who do not go to visit their in-laws who devalue their source of strength. In my view we seem to have many of Ahab's kind. Many Christians are placed in positions of influence but they cannot stand any reflective creative thinking except if it is going to enlarge their territory. Such people seem progressive and enlightened but as you carefully listen to them you realise that they are self-made people to whom God is only used for social purposes. The light of God cannot shine in our world when we are carrying our own torches that give temporary light. The extension of God's kingdom on earth (May Thy kingdom come) which includes eradication of poverty, disease, and ignorance is only possible when we know that no battle is too small to consult God. You and I are the people that God is counting on to be the light of the world.

Might there be need for you to ask yourself what you are doing in that project, committee, council, etc that you know clearly is run by people who regard God as irrelevant and so find pleasure in mocking and making fun of Him? Are you evangelising the unreached or seeking what benefits you can derive from them? You fellowship with those who value what you value and to the rest you are a missionary.

Are you in any way advancing the communication of beliefs and values of those who hate God and do not dignify His people?

What is God saying about you?

There is chorus based on the name of God as given to Moses that says,

If I AM says I am, then I am x2

If I AM says I am, then I am what He says,

If I AM says I am, then I am

READING:

2 Chron 18:1 Now Jehoshaphat had great wealth and honor, and he allied himself with Ahab by marriage. 2 Some years later he went down to visit Ahab in Samaria. Ahab slaughtered many sheep and cattle for him and the people with him and urged him to attack Ramoth Gilead. 3 Ahab king of Israel asked Jehoshaphat king of Judah, "Will you go with me against Ramoth Gilead?" Jehoshaphat replied, "I am as you are, and my people as your people; we will join you in the war." 4 But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, "First seek the counsel of the LORD." 5 So the king of Israel brought together the prophets-four hundred men-and asked them, "Shall we go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain?" "Go," they answered, "for God will give it into the king's hand." 6 But Jehoshaphat asked, "Is there not a prophet of the LORD here whom we can inquire of?" 7 The king of Israel answered Jehoshaphat, "There is still one man through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah."

"The king should not say that," Jehoshaphat replied. 8 So the king of Israel called one of his officials and said, "Bring Micaiah son of Imlah at once." 9 Dressed in their royal robes, the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah were sitting on their thrones at the threshing floor by the entrance to the gate of Samaria, with all the prophets prophesying before them. 10 Now Zedekiah son of Kenaanah had made iron horns, and he declared, "This is what the LORD says: 'With these you will gore the Arameans until they are destroyed.'" 11 All the other prophets were prophesying the same thing. "Attack Ramoth Gilead and be victorious," they said, "for the LORD will give it into the king's hand." 12 The messenger who had gone to summon Micaiah said to him, "Look, as one man the other prophets are predicting success for the king. Let your word agree with theirs, and speak favorably." 13 But Micaiah said, "As surely as the LORD lives, I can tell him only what my God says." 14 When he arrived, the king asked him, "Micaiah, shall we go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain?" "Attack and be victorious," he answered, "for they will be given into your hand." 15 The king said to him, "How many times must I make you swear to tell me nothing but the truth in the name of the LORD?" 16 Then Micaiah answered, "I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd, and the LORD said, 'These people have no master. Let each one go home in peace.'"

17 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "Didn't I tell you that he never prophesies anything good about me, but only bad?"

18 Micaiah continued, "Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne with all the host of heaven standing on his right and on his left. 19 And the LORD said, 'Who will entice Ahab king of Israel into attacking Ramoth Gilead and going to his death there?' "One suggested this, and another that. 20 Finally, a spirit came forward, stood before the LORD and said, 'I will entice him.' "'By what means?' the LORD asked. 21 "'I will go and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets,' he said. "'You will succeed in enticing him,' said the LORD. 'Go and do it.'

22 "So now the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouths of these prophets of yours. The LORD has decreed disaster for you." 23 Then Zedekiah son of Kenaanah went up and slapped Micaiah in the face. "Which way did the spirit from the LORD go when he went from me to speak to you?" he asked. 24 Micaiah replied, "You will find out on the day you go to hide in an inner room." 25 The king of Israel then ordered, "Take Micaiah and send him back to Amon the ruler of the city and to Joash the king's son, 26 and say, 'This is what the king says: Put this fellow in prison and give him nothing but bread and water until I return safely.'" 27 Micaiah declared, "If you ever return safely, the LORD has not spoken through me." Then he added, "Mark my words, all you people!" 28 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah went up to Ramoth Gilead. 29 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "I will enter the battle in disguise, but you wear your royal robes." So the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle. 30 Now the king of Aram had ordered his chariot commanders, "Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel." 31 When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they thought, "This is the king of Israel." So they turned to attack him, but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him. God drew them away from him, 32 for when the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel, they stopped pursuing him.

33 But someone drew his bow at random and hit the king of Israel between the sections of his armor. The king told the chariot driver, "Wheel around and get me out of the fighting. I've been wounded." 34 All day long the battle raged, and the king of Israel propped himself up in his chariot facing the Arameans until evening. Then at sunset he died. NIV

IT IS NOT A HUNDRED METRE DASH BUT A MARATHON; ARE YOU BECOMING CYNICAL OR MORE FAITHFUL?

2006-04-28T13:11:00.000-07:00

April 21, 2006

REFLECTIONS

As long as I am thinking of where I could be, I am making myself absent from where I am now which means I am nowhere.

It has been rightly said that before any fence is removed, one should always pause long enough to find out why it was placed there in the first place.

Never cut what can be untied.

TEXT

Ezek 3:20 "Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and does evil, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. Since you did not warn him, he will die for his sin. The righteous things he did will not be remembered and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 21 But if you do warn the righteous man not to sin and he does not sin, he will surely live because he took warning, and you will have saved yourself."

Ezek 18:24 "But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits sin and does the same detestable things the wicked man does, will he live? None of the righteous things he has done will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness he is guilty of and because of the sins he has committed, he will die. NIV

Rev 2:26 To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations- 27'He will rule them with an iron sceptre; he will dash them to pieces like pottery'-just as I have received authority from my Father. 28 I will also give him the morning star.

One of the things that give me pleasure is to say that I am a Kenyan, to a person who responds, "the country where there are runners?" Yes, we are the runners! (Even though am not a runner). To hear that beautiful national anthem as the whole world watches when our runners are getting the gold, silver or bronze medal during Olympic games, makes me a proud member of the winning team- Kenya.

Just visualise the feeling of watching a leading Kenyan runner losing strength and being overtaken by people who were behind. That is our devotion this week.

Severally the bible refers to our living as Christians as a race. Every decision we make keeps us either faster on the race or reduces our speed. There are several aspects of the race we could focus on, but let us look at a man who started so well yet had a very disappointing end.

The story of King Asa is very scaring as recorded in 2 Chronicles chapter 14, 15, 16. Asa was a man who knew what it means to depend on God's strength. He removed foreign altars, built fortified cities for Judah and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. King Asa was not a peace keeper but a peace maker who was not bound by family traditions and practises that did not honour the Lord. Many Christians would not bother with grandmother's practises for fear of offending and risking a curse. Asa was fully committed to the Lord and would not hesitate doing what he knew was God�s expectation of him. In his reign he created an environment that made God's people productive.

In the face of real threat and danger, Asa did not count on his strength, position or friends; he knew the sources of his strength. 2 Chron 14:11 Then Asa called to the LORD his God and said, "LORD, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. O LORD, you are our God; do not let man prevail against you�.

What happened that a man that knew the power of God started having confidence in himself? How could Asa seek allies in King Ben Hadad when he had personal testimony of God's presence and abilities? Why did Asa not call upon God when he got the foot disease?

Do you remember those days when you depended on the Lord to pass your CPE/K CPE, or get a job, a congregation of a few people? Do you remember praying to the Lord for spouse/children, and now you are turning to neighbours, counsellors, organizations, etc? How is your dependence on the Lord now? Might you now be counting on your popularity, experience, and organisational arrangement such as insurance, health diets and medical schemes with no reference to the one who took care of you when you did not know such arrangements existed?

Do you know anyone who had a walk with God and now has put his /her trust in man and products of man's hands? According to the word of God through Ezekiel, you are not safe if you do nothing about your slowing down brother of sister. The blood of those who used to be righteous is upon your head if you do nothing regarding their dependence on the grace of God.

If this devotion is making you uncomfortable considering that today you are man of class, even Asa got very angry when attention was called to him. 2 Chron 16:10 Asa was angry with the seer because of this; he was so enraged that he put him in prison. At the same time Asa brutally oppressed some of the people.

Anger, denial, and failure to respond to God does not stop destruction of a righteous man who turns to depend on organisations and systems. Excluding out of your group those who say what you do not want to hear may be a sign of a person that is no longer aware of the Lord who has put you in the position you are currently enjoying.

Our race is dependent on the grace of God. It is total dependence on God all the way. That is what one brother who has been on the race for the last 56 years reminded us recently (March 11, 2006). Professor George Kinoti, who got saved in his early teenage, talking to a group called "The Flame from the 70s" (Christians who were in Nairobi University in the decade of the 70s). Addressing the group on the topic, "Does longevity in the faith cause you to be more cynical or more faithful?" He said through the varying seasons of life, we need to;

1. Have a daily walk with the Lord. Have the word of God renew our thoughts so that we may know the pleasing perfect will of God. That which gives God pleasure is good for us.

2. Avoid extremes. Be balanced and fully biblical. Do not take one idea and run away with it thus risking being cultic. He shared an experience with a brother who was very active I the fellowship but lacked financial plan for his family. He only boiled "malenge" (pumpkin) late at night.

3. Read and study the word. Read good Christian literature. Prof shared of a time when he chose to do science in Makerere University. Some leaders of the fellowship at home were of the opinion that no Christian should do science and wanted him to do medicine. The brethren felt they had knowledge of what was best but he was convinced that God was leading him to do science. The issue was so serious that he was excommunicated from the only fellowship that existed those days. Christian race is not about conformity but transformation by the word of God.

4. Know whom you believe. Distinguish between systems and Christianity. George chose to remain in fellowship even though he was not welcome. He did not do anything offensive like sharing, arguing, but continued identifying with believers. Many years later the leaders of the fellowship realised that they were not fully informed of the courses and their implications.

5. Avoid compromise. Do not stay on the fence. You cannot be salt of the earth if you do not know where the earth is. Be knowledgeable.

6. Be an active witness of Jesus Christ. Learn to use scripture such as "love your enemies".

7. Keep your eyes on the Lord and pursue righteousness.

As we build our memory of God�s goodness to us, we need to remind ourselves of our vulnerability. To start entertaining the idea of outgrowing the bible study in our neighbourhoods or college, or reducing our time with the Lord in prayer because of duty such as examination pressure may be the start of your downward journey. Beware of the danger of becoming "god-man" in those colourful introductions of man/ woman of God that leaves one wondering who is man and who is God. Do not use shortcuts that make you read the heading of daily devotion rather than reading scripture. Do not remove those old landmarks that showed you the away in the past. Hold on, and we are going to rule nations with Christ. Far , far better than hearing the Kenya national anthem as the world watches ,is to hear "Well done good and faithful servant. . ." and the to receive the morning star.

Do not give in to the cultural discounts that seek to push people down by making them feel too old or too young. Like Caleb of old, ask for another mountain to conger. We have a responsibility over our neighbour. It is until the grave that we shall stop depending on the grace, forgiveness and the mercies of the Lord.

A stanza of one of those old time hymns that blesses me

O boundless grace divine, How shall this tongue of mine,

To wondering mortals tell, Of matchless grace divine,

That I a child of hell, should in his image shine.

The Comforter has come

THE STARTING POINT IS KEY THAT CAN CLOSE YOU IN OR OPEN THE DOOR TO TREASURES OF LIFE

2006-04-23T23:33:00.000-07:00

REFLECTIONS;

A man with conviction is hard to change. Tell him you disagree and he turns away.

Show him facts or figures and he questions your sources. Appeal to logic and he fails to see your point (Leon Festinger et. al).

People cant live with change if there is not a changeless core inside of them. The key to the ability to change is a changeless sense of who you are, and what you are about, and what you value (Stephen Covey).

TEXT TRIUMPHAL ENTRY

Luke 19:28-42; Mark 11:1-11, 15-19;Matthew 21:1-16

John 12:12-19

The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the King of Israel!" 14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written, 15 "Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey's colt." 16 At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him. 17 Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. 18 Many people, because they had heard that he had given this miraculous sign, went out to meet him. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, "See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!" NIV

Preparing a sermon for Palm Sunday, I thought of the most appropriate title as being committed to a cause or focused. Jesus Christ was committed to the purpose for which he came. It then dawn to me that even Pharisees were very committed to some cause. The Pharisees were exposed to what Jesus Christ was teaching and doing. They listened to him and witnessed the miracles he performed but instead of joining others in acknowledging him as blessed king of Israel, they were getting indignant, angry. The Pharisees, teachers of the law, chief priests were all disturbed when children acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord. Why was it so wrong for the whole world to go after a man who could raise the dead?

Being a crusader for eradication of ignorance in the continent of Africa, the Pharisees response brought out the awareness that it is not just exposure to knowledge that will bring change. It is not even experience of change because those teachers of the law and the Pharisees were exposed to people whose personal testimonies of what Christ had done for them could not be doubted. Why were Pharisees so committed to fighting knowledge that changed people and gave them pleasure, dignity and hope?

The fundamental processes of reasoning of all peoples are essentially the same, but the premises on which such reasoning rests and the basic categories that influence the judgement of different peoples are somewhat different. . . men differ not so much in their reasoning powers as in their starting points. E. Nida The assumptions that people have as they encounter new experiences and information play a big role in influencing their response. The first 12 years of life are critical in belief formation. Those beliefs are like inoculation that make people resistant to any signal that does not agree with what they know. The firm foundation is very important if people are to cope with change for people without a base are swept by any wind of teaching.

The initial perception tends strongly to shape and fix the meaning assigned. Once a meaning is assigned, other information has to fit in or else it is seen as threat. New meaning that would alter that meaning is filtered out or rejected. Learned response from childhood is a liability when it makes people develop elaborate defence mechanism to block pain, suppress emotions and become compulsive perfectionists. People have overwhelming desire to succeed or withdraw and become passive. Such people tend to attack those who do not fit in their pattern of thinking. Such were the Pharisees whose core beliefs locked them and chained them causing such are rot that Jesus Christ referred to them as empty tombs that were whitewashed. People who seem to have it all together but inwardly they are empty, dying for lack of self value and self acceptance. Such could be an eloquent preacher who speaks powerfully about Gods unconditional love and grace of God, yet he is rude, harsh to his family members because he feels that he does not deserve the same grace.

The early life experiences and models infirm people when they provide premise that is insecure. When one is made to believe that they have to perform in order to be acceptable. In such an environment there is lack of objective as the means are elevated in place of the goal. It is better to have a man dead than be raised on the wrong day. The cultural means are more valued than human life and dignity. Why was Jesus fame such a threat to the cultural leaders of his day? Was his teaching revealing pain and melting walls of defences? When light of love and honesty shines in our thoughts of hopelessness, it is often very painful and can make people do everything to block that light.

Christs death and resurrection will be meaningless unless we take some moment to review and reflect on our initial beliefs for we might be blocking ourselves from hearing life saving messages. We can be following Jesus and be in the crowd but we are insecure and lacking sense of purpose. Like Nicodemus who had to go at night and alone to try to understand the new teaching, we need individual reflection. We need to allow Jesus Christ to shine his spirits light on our thoughts, feelings and actions.

In this our continent, we have information that will make us act in ways that will dignify and speak to the infirmed spirits, but our basic assumptions that were formulated when we were young can fight every possibility of removing us from chains. We can continue, preaching, teaching, working, learning in ways that confirm and agree with our deeply embedded fears. Sincerity does not exempt people from being sincerely wrong. Am thinking of a Christian friend of mine who works in a medical institution. The other day she told me how she ensures that no one from her rural home or a fellow Christian needs to queue when she is working in the institution. She told me that she ensures that their files are taken in first. Is that not in teaching with Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers? On the surface that may seem a good act. It is a short term solution that causes more hurt than would have been the case. If we destroy structures the next time another person will be on duty, and we shall be needing the service but will be ignored because the person does not know us. To do good to others is not to use public funds to show favouritism to your relatives and friends. We must think in terms of humanity and the responsibility we have been given. If you think a queue is taking long, come up with solutions that help all those who come to be attended not just trying to appear generous using other peoples resources and at their expense. When Christians who are the light of the world use holy corruption in order to find security and acceptance, the whole country becomes dim. Then attaching blame to the devil and whoever is out there without realising that the map we are using is the problem. You can increase your faith, pray more and enjoy fellowship of others like you, but if the map you used to start the journey is wrong, you are lost.

The beliefs that we acquired when young should be reviewed if we are to say Hosanna to the coming King and be a blessing to one another. Can we join the singer who caught a glimpse of what it is to have basic beliefs renewed by Christ Jesus.

When I survey the wondrous cross, on which the Prince of glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.

Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small,

Love so amazing so divine, demands my life, my love, my all.

(If it does not rhyme it is because it is from memory)