A former neighbor of mine used to be an ardent prayer warrior. Every evening, she would meet with her friends and chat then pray loudly and intensely that some of us felt we were ‘pagans’. These persisted and with time turned out that she was under going major struggle. On ordinary days prayers would be at normal level, quiet meditation and reading of the word. As human beings, we would wish life could be ALL perfect, no struggles, pains, trials, hassles etc but unfortunately its impossible. With all these things, to most God has become like a ‘bank’ where we present our requests and in turn we ‘serve’ Him. Pain serves as a wake-up call to man, that He is not complete in his own right but a creature of God on whose Earth he stands and life he breathes daily. We can never fully understand God and why bad things happen to good people because indeed our knowledge is limited.1st Corinthians 1:25 says For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
Its common to forget God when we are in the happy zone and times but run
again to Him when disaster smites our way. Like a Father who disciplines his
children so as to correct them with love, so does our heavenly father. He is
there when we have ran away from His Presence.
A story is told of a man who passed on and went to heaven. During his stay, an
angel called to him and showed him some marks on a paper. The marks were of
footsteps on the road-two pairs. He saw that one pair at one point diverted
while the other was still on course. puzzled, the man asked the angel for an
explanation and the angel told him that the one that strayed was of the man
and the other the Lord’s. At that time, the man had forsaken the kingdom
turned to worldly business. But God was and still is gracious enough to stick by
us when we’ve strayed. He even sent his son to die on the cross, What greater
love than this. Pain will always be there but blessed assurance, Jesus is Mine.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
WORK WORTH IT?
The society we’ve all grown in has encultured us into the grow-school-career-marriage-family-death cycle. A path we all must go through. Whether we got career counsel during our schooling days really matters upon entry into the corporate world. According to the Kenya National Youth Policy, young people form 60% of labor force but opportunities are very scarce to absorb them in the job market. Among those who are absorbed, 30% change their jobs annually for various reasons. From the friends I talk to, most end up doing what they didn’t train for or they do not feel fulfilled/passionate about it. Work refers to a means of earning your livelihood. The pay has also been a major factor in the market. If am paid little yet my labor load is more (which often is the case) then several things may concern. For example, was this my true calling? Do I need to reevaluate and pursue my interests?
Mrs. Carole Kiamah, now Director of Zinduka Africa (offers VCT, counseling) once had a lucrative job but quit to become a stay-at-home mom. Years later after her children grew a bit older say 7 years, she pursued her interests and calling in business. This is just one of the many examples of situations where the work frustrates you even with good pay and point in time comes when your own passion precedes anything else.
Imagine yourself having toiled for 55 years with a meager pay check at the end of every month, accrued loans and debts, no mortgage retiring and visualizing your survival on a peanut pension. Quite disappointing right?
Life is not about survival through the day but an enjoyment of the bountiful blessings that God has given us. He has equipped us with gifts and talents that through them people may come to His knowledge and glorify Him. Faith without deeds is dead.
How will people come to know Him, if we hid our gifts?
I am of the opinion that our calling and vocation may differ in some ways but are closely related. When God calls man to theatre and film as profession, it is that through the video productions or plays that His message maybe communicated. Further, that through the actings, His name may be glorified. Personal evaluation is very important in order to avoid taking the wrong routes of life. Well, not to mean that life should be smooth (because it has never been so).Talk to your heavenly father for the spirit of discernment to know what He wants you to do. In this way, even people around will notice that you are different in the way you do things-talk, walk, in business, workstations etc.
Mrs. Carole Kiamah, now Director of Zinduka Africa (offers VCT, counseling) once had a lucrative job but quit to become a stay-at-home mom. Years later after her children grew a bit older say 7 years, she pursued her interests and calling in business. This is just one of the many examples of situations where the work frustrates you even with good pay and point in time comes when your own passion precedes anything else.
Imagine yourself having toiled for 55 years with a meager pay check at the end of every month, accrued loans and debts, no mortgage retiring and visualizing your survival on a peanut pension. Quite disappointing right?
Life is not about survival through the day but an enjoyment of the bountiful blessings that God has given us. He has equipped us with gifts and talents that through them people may come to His knowledge and glorify Him. Faith without deeds is dead.
How will people come to know Him, if we hid our gifts?
I am of the opinion that our calling and vocation may differ in some ways but are closely related. When God calls man to theatre and film as profession, it is that through the video productions or plays that His message maybe communicated. Further, that through the actings, His name may be glorified. Personal evaluation is very important in order to avoid taking the wrong routes of life. Well, not to mean that life should be smooth (because it has never been so).Talk to your heavenly father for the spirit of discernment to know what He wants you to do. In this way, even people around will notice that you are different in the way you do things-talk, walk, in business, workstations etc.
GREY CHRISTIANITY
This week, Nairobians put aside the ‘Maize Scandal/Coalition Stalemate’, as virtually all media aired the story of Esther Arunga (former KTN news anchor).She was instructed by Pst. Joseph Hellon of Finger of God ministries to quit her job, leave her fiancée and family and join the ‘church’ cult. Several questions ran through my mind, Is this just a case of being the sinners who first cast stone on another sinner? The Pastor called a Press conference and bluntly stated that his church does not condemn alcoholism as long as you don’t get drunk. He further posed a weird question to the journalists…show me a Christian ugali, restaurant etc. To top it all, some months ago the two were right here in Daystar proclaiming their salvation and Infact Pst. Hellon lead several students to Christ!
The story made headlines for one main reason, the world is looking at the ‘born again believers’ for direction, the church for advice instead what have we done? Embarrassed Christ by being luke warm and confining to the patterns of the world that Paul in Romans 12:2 admonishes us not to. Esther Arunga was inarguably one of the few media personalities to whom the public held in awe in terms of morality and to some she was a role-model. She is human just as the rest of us and we have all fallen short of the glory of God through sins. But we have hope that through the death and resurrection of Christ, we are all redeemed.
Though written many years ago the bible is still relevant to today’s generation. It talks clearly about issues to do with morality, conduct and generally our spiritual walk. What has happened in the recent years is that Christianity has been relegated to ‘personal’ therefore relative terms. For example if I think alcohol is not bad, my ‘bible’ will literally say…a little wine for thy stomach’s sake. There is a new-age freedom from the West that has fast caught up the contemporary society-people living in urban towns, with busy lifestyles, making money being priority. As for basics in church-life, if the Sunday school teacher didn’t do his/her part, too bad.
My point is as young people ready to step out into the already confused world and acquired knowledge of the word, we need to radically impact the society. Islam for one has never been ‘ambiguous’ in terms of their belief and practices. Ask a young estate boy, which people blow themselves up with bombs? Who is their prophet? And you’ll know that Muslims are serious about their religion and willing to die for it.(even for wrong reasons).
The times of sitting in the fence are over. We are called the slat and light of the world, but if a light is hidden under the bed how will the room be lightened up?
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
The story made headlines for one main reason, the world is looking at the ‘born again believers’ for direction, the church for advice instead what have we done? Embarrassed Christ by being luke warm and confining to the patterns of the world that Paul in Romans 12:2 admonishes us not to. Esther Arunga was inarguably one of the few media personalities to whom the public held in awe in terms of morality and to some she was a role-model. She is human just as the rest of us and we have all fallen short of the glory of God through sins. But we have hope that through the death and resurrection of Christ, we are all redeemed.
Though written many years ago the bible is still relevant to today’s generation. It talks clearly about issues to do with morality, conduct and generally our spiritual walk. What has happened in the recent years is that Christianity has been relegated to ‘personal’ therefore relative terms. For example if I think alcohol is not bad, my ‘bible’ will literally say…a little wine for thy stomach’s sake. There is a new-age freedom from the West that has fast caught up the contemporary society-people living in urban towns, with busy lifestyles, making money being priority. As for basics in church-life, if the Sunday school teacher didn’t do his/her part, too bad.
My point is as young people ready to step out into the already confused world and acquired knowledge of the word, we need to radically impact the society. Islam for one has never been ‘ambiguous’ in terms of their belief and practices. Ask a young estate boy, which people blow themselves up with bombs? Who is their prophet? And you’ll know that Muslims are serious about their religion and willing to die for it.(even for wrong reasons).
The times of sitting in the fence are over. We are called the slat and light of the world, but if a light is hidden under the bed how will the room be lightened up?
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
RELIGION:OPIUM FOR THE POOR?
Many theologians concur that God sometimes punishes His people because He loves them and wouldn’t want them to go astray. Our African continent is plagued with many misfortunes majorly poverty, hunger and disease. This is despite the fact that we are endowed with diverse wildlife, exotic vegetation, numerous minerals including Gold and we are religious! Infact history has it that we had knowledge of God long before the missionaries stepped into the continent. So why all the suffering? I asked a friend of mine and all he said was, Religion is the opium for the poor. Really? It has a way of suggesting, ‘Suffer here, but you will enjoy life in eternity in heaven’. Am getting ahead of myself here.
Africa has a lot of talents especially the younger generation. People who have giftings in music, sports, arts, sciences, among others. What have we done? We have let the west exploit us with possibility of scholarships abroad. Young ‘geniuses’ from poor families have been ‘shipped’ to UK and United States of America, enrolled in universities and later get jobs and develop economies of the host country. Most end up not coming back home.
Since the European, Asian and North American nations have invested in Africa, they have a say on how our governments will run, they even decide what amount of aid(loan) we will get. Our politicians with all their greed have dutifully bowed to their demands just to get the money and later laud it in their pockets. They do not even pay taxes which every hardworking citizen does.
The Church has also adapted materialism concept, a walk to town will show you most if not all buildings in city centre have sprouting churches. The gospel has been turned into money making business with anointing oils being sold for ‘protection’ or ‘financial miracles’. This in turn has left the sheep hopeless and only come for services seeking to fill their spiritual void with enough ‘fuel’ to take them for another extra week till Sunday or Saturday. The result of all these, mixed theology where the sheep cannot tell which voice is calling out to them-The shepherd or the enemy. No wonder many have fallen into the traps of Islam. The fact is Islam has spread much in slum (poverty) areas. Religion may not take you to heaven but only through Jesus Christ as He is the way, the truth and the life.
Consider the story of the wayward son in Luke, he took his share of inheritance went into far away land and spent it all till he had no more. He had to survive by eating with the pigs. But once he had enough, he decided to return home.(and even become one of the father’s servants if he had to).What does His father do? He welcomes Him home and prepares a feast in His honor. God in the same way has set Africa apart, to impact the world with the gospel. We have forsaken Him and gone for priorities that are not worth our time-money, pleasure, politics etc. Yet He still calls and waits on us to turn back to Him before its too late. The question is, Will we hacken to His voice?
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me”.
Revelations 3:20(NIV)
Africa has a lot of talents especially the younger generation. People who have giftings in music, sports, arts, sciences, among others. What have we done? We have let the west exploit us with possibility of scholarships abroad. Young ‘geniuses’ from poor families have been ‘shipped’ to UK and United States of America, enrolled in universities and later get jobs and develop economies of the host country. Most end up not coming back home.
Since the European, Asian and North American nations have invested in Africa, they have a say on how our governments will run, they even decide what amount of aid(loan) we will get. Our politicians with all their greed have dutifully bowed to their demands just to get the money and later laud it in their pockets. They do not even pay taxes which every hardworking citizen does.
The Church has also adapted materialism concept, a walk to town will show you most if not all buildings in city centre have sprouting churches. The gospel has been turned into money making business with anointing oils being sold for ‘protection’ or ‘financial miracles’. This in turn has left the sheep hopeless and only come for services seeking to fill their spiritual void with enough ‘fuel’ to take them for another extra week till Sunday or Saturday. The result of all these, mixed theology where the sheep cannot tell which voice is calling out to them-The shepherd or the enemy. No wonder many have fallen into the traps of Islam. The fact is Islam has spread much in slum (poverty) areas. Religion may not take you to heaven but only through Jesus Christ as He is the way, the truth and the life.
Consider the story of the wayward son in Luke, he took his share of inheritance went into far away land and spent it all till he had no more. He had to survive by eating with the pigs. But once he had enough, he decided to return home.(and even become one of the father’s servants if he had to).What does His father do? He welcomes Him home and prepares a feast in His honor. God in the same way has set Africa apart, to impact the world with the gospel. We have forsaken Him and gone for priorities that are not worth our time-money, pleasure, politics etc. Yet He still calls and waits on us to turn back to Him before its too late. The question is, Will we hacken to His voice?
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me”.
Revelations 3:20(NIV)
RELIGION:OPIUM FOR THE POOR?
Many theologians concur that God sometimes punishes His people because He loves them and wouldn’t want them to go astray. Our African continent is plagued with many misfortunes majorly poverty, hunger and disease. This is despite the fact that we are endowed with diverse wildlife, exotic vegetation, numerous minerals including Gold and we are religious! Infact history has it that we had knowledge of God long before the missionaries stepped into the continent. So why all the suffering? I asked a friend of mine and all he said was, Religion is the opium for the poor. Really? It has a way of suggesting, ‘Suffer here, but you will enjoy life in eternity in heaven’. Am getting ahead of myself here.
Africa has a lot of talents especially the younger generation. People who have giftings in music, sports, arts, sciences, among others. What have we done? We have let the west exploit us with possibility of scholarships abroad. Young ‘geniuses’ from poor families have been ‘shipped’ to UK and United States of America, enrolled in universities and later get jobs and develop economies of the host country. Most end up not coming back home.
Since the European, Asian and North American nations have invested in Africa, they have a say on how our governments will run, they even decide what amount of aid(loan) we will get. Our politicians with all their greed have dutifully bowed to their demands just to get the money and later laud it in their pockets. They do not even pay taxes which every hardworking citizen does.
The Church has also adapted materialism concept, a walk to town will show you most if not all buildings in city centre have sprouting churches. The gospel has been turned into money making business with anointing oils being sold for ‘protection’ or ‘financial miracles’. This in turn has left the sheep hopeless and only come for services seeking to fill their spiritual void with enough ‘fuel’ to take them for another extra week till Sunday or Saturday. The result of all these, mixed theology where the sheep cannot tell which voice is calling out to them-The shepherd or the enemy. No wonder many have fallen into the traps of Islam. The fact is Islam has spread much in slum (poverty) areas. Religion may not take you to heaven but only through Jesus Christ as He is the way, the truth and the life.
Consider the story of the wayward son in Luke, he took his share of inheritance went into far away land and spent it all till he had no more. He had to survive by eating with the pigs. But once he had enough, he decided to return home.(and even become one of the father’s servants if he had to).What does His father do? He welcomes Him home and prepares a feast in His honor. God in the same way has set Africa apart, to impact the world with the gospel. We have forsaken Him and gone for priorities that are not worth our time-money, pleasure, politics etc. Yet He still calls and waits on us to turn back to Him before its too late. The question is, Will we hacken to His voice?
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me”.
Revelations 3:20(NIV)
Africa has a lot of talents especially the younger generation. People who have giftings in music, sports, arts, sciences, among others. What have we done? We have let the west exploit us with possibility of scholarships abroad. Young ‘geniuses’ from poor families have been ‘shipped’ to UK and United States of America, enrolled in universities and later get jobs and develop economies of the host country. Most end up not coming back home.
Since the European, Asian and North American nations have invested in Africa, they have a say on how our governments will run, they even decide what amount of aid(loan) we will get. Our politicians with all their greed have dutifully bowed to their demands just to get the money and later laud it in their pockets. They do not even pay taxes which every hardworking citizen does.
The Church has also adapted materialism concept, a walk to town will show you most if not all buildings in city centre have sprouting churches. The gospel has been turned into money making business with anointing oils being sold for ‘protection’ or ‘financial miracles’. This in turn has left the sheep hopeless and only come for services seeking to fill their spiritual void with enough ‘fuel’ to take them for another extra week till Sunday or Saturday. The result of all these, mixed theology where the sheep cannot tell which voice is calling out to them-The shepherd or the enemy. No wonder many have fallen into the traps of Islam. The fact is Islam has spread much in slum (poverty) areas. Religion may not take you to heaven but only through Jesus Christ as He is the way, the truth and the life.
Consider the story of the wayward son in Luke, he took his share of inheritance went into far away land and spent it all till he had no more. He had to survive by eating with the pigs. But once he had enough, he decided to return home.(and even become one of the father’s servants if he had to).What does His father do? He welcomes Him home and prepares a feast in His honor. God in the same way has set Africa apart, to impact the world with the gospel. We have forsaken Him and gone for priorities that are not worth our time-money, pleasure, politics etc. Yet He still calls and waits on us to turn back to Him before its too late. The question is, Will we hacken to His voice?
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me”.
Revelations 3:20(NIV)
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Who's the school's Principal?
I live in a beautiful eastern school, whose teachers can get away with any form of impunity.Sad as it is,the Co-principal yesterday decided to suspend three of the teachers for getting involved in money laundering...millions by the way.Apparently the funds that are to be used by needy students for the schooling somehow was diverted to either of the teacher's homes or just dissapeared mysteriously.I mean the twist of this story unfolds and changes everyday.Anyway back to the drama,so the co-principal(after consulting the other co-principal)comes out fire blazing and categorically states in front of live camera and radio microphones...I suspend the two teachers..Mr. Mahindi Kibet and Mr. Masaba Pesa for so and so..thats at lunchtime.
Evening comes and the cameras that ran the press conference at CBD are quickly rolled onto the public tv sets.After the bulletin,the presenter comes live again with a quick rejoinder that the co-principal has denied being consulted and thus affirms that he is the appointing authority of teachers in that school.
My oh my my minds quickly reads this is gonna look awkward on the other...The newsmen do their best.act as referee,they rush to the offices and home towns of the two teachers(who have also learnt of their suspension via tv sets).They vehemently deny any letter of suspe but they rejoin..HAVENT HEARD FROM THE APPOINTING AUTHORITY.
So what next....All these and more dramas unfold in this school.Will the two co-principals ever work together?Time will tell.
Evening comes and the cameras that ran the press conference at CBD are quickly rolled onto the public tv sets.After the bulletin,the presenter comes live again with a quick rejoinder that the co-principal has denied being consulted and thus affirms that he is the appointing authority of teachers in that school.
My oh my my minds quickly reads this is gonna look awkward on the other...The newsmen do their best.act as referee,they rush to the offices and home towns of the two teachers(who have also learnt of their suspension via tv sets).They vehemently deny any letter of suspe but they rejoin..HAVENT HEARD FROM THE APPOINTING AUTHORITY.
So what next....All these and more dramas unfold in this school.Will the two co-principals ever work together?Time will tell.
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