I am a worried man!! Illicite sex is becoming too rampant, even in the church. Worse still is that its like our conscience has been seared as with a hot iron, even getting to the point of justifying the same.
In my own small way, I am hoping to be able to address this issue. Before then, I thought this Bible Study could be an interesting place to start off:
How can we avoid the landmine of sexual immorality? The world around us bombards us with sensual images. Movies and novels depict pre-martial sex and adulterous affairs as acceptable and even romantic. Although we might not physically violate God’s laws about sexual purity, few of us could say we never entertain thoughts that displease Him. Read more ...
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Maintaining The Proper Relationships:: By Oswald Chambers
I read this article just after a conversation I had with one of my many daughters!!
---
. . . the friend of the bridegroom . . . — John 3:29
Goodness and purity should never be traits that draw attention to themselves, but should simply be magnets that draw people to Jesus Christ. If my holiness is not drawing others to Him, it is not the right kind of holiness; it is only an influence which awakens undue emotions and evil desires in people and diverts them from heading in the right direction. A person who is a beautiful saint can be a hindrance in leading people to the Lord by presenting only what Christ has done for him, instead of presenting Jesus Christ Himself. Others will be left with this thought— "What a fine person that man is!" That is not being a true "friend of the bridegroom"— I am increasing all the time; He is not.
To maintain this friendship and faithfulness to the Bridegroom, we have to be more careful to have the moral and vital relationship to Him above everything else, including obedience. Sometimes there is nothing to obey and our only task is to maintain a vital connection with Jesus Christ, seeing that nothing interferes with it. Only occasionally is it a matter of obedience. At those times when a crisis arises, we have to find out what God’s will is. Yet most of our life is not spent in trying to be consciously obedient, but in maintaining this relationship— being the "friend of the bridegroom." Christian work can actually be a means of diverting a person’s focus away from Jesus Christ. Instead of being friends "of the bridegroom," we may become amateur providences of God to someone else, working against Him while we use His weapons.
From My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers
---
. . . the friend of the bridegroom . . . — John 3:29
Goodness and purity should never be traits that draw attention to themselves, but should simply be magnets that draw people to Jesus Christ. If my holiness is not drawing others to Him, it is not the right kind of holiness; it is only an influence which awakens undue emotions and evil desires in people and diverts them from heading in the right direction. A person who is a beautiful saint can be a hindrance in leading people to the Lord by presenting only what Christ has done for him, instead of presenting Jesus Christ Himself. Others will be left with this thought— "What a fine person that man is!" That is not being a true "friend of the bridegroom"— I am increasing all the time; He is not.
To maintain this friendship and faithfulness to the Bridegroom, we have to be more careful to have the moral and vital relationship to Him above everything else, including obedience. Sometimes there is nothing to obey and our only task is to maintain a vital connection with Jesus Christ, seeing that nothing interferes with it. Only occasionally is it a matter of obedience. At those times when a crisis arises, we have to find out what God’s will is. Yet most of our life is not spent in trying to be consciously obedient, but in maintaining this relationship— being the "friend of the bridegroom." Christian work can actually be a means of diverting a person’s focus away from Jesus Christ. Instead of being friends "of the bridegroom," we may become amateur providences of God to someone else, working against Him while we use His weapons.
From My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers
Akili Na Pesa :: Iko Uhusiano?
Economists treat money as a place holder, simply a tool to make exchange function more smoothly, but as real life and the current economic crisis indicate, money actually has a profound effect on our thinking, driving people to make decisions they would otherwise regard as slightly to completely insane.
Scientists are on the trail of understanding money’s effect on the brain and have found that for some peoples’ brains handling cash is like taking drugs, for others it’s like seeing a friend. Outlining a raft of research the article offers a run-down of money’s effects summarizing,
Simply thinking about words associated with money seems to makes us more self-reliant and less inclined to help others. And it gets weirder: just handling cash can take the sting out of social rejection and even diminish physical pain.
One researcher mentioned discusses the two separate social norms people operate under – social and market norms – and argues that “even a passing contact with concepts linked to money puts us into a market-oriented mentality” which effects our behavior and makes us more self-reliant and less trusting. Another scientist’s experiment revealed that study subjects who heard words associated with commerce were slower to ask for help, and a third showed money affecting some brains the same way drugs affect addicts.
For much more on the ways money warps our thinking, check out the lengthy but reader-friendly article. It also offers tips from the scientists on how to handle your irrational responses to cash.
Scientists are on the trail of understanding money’s effect on the brain and have found that for some peoples’ brains handling cash is like taking drugs, for others it’s like seeing a friend. Outlining a raft of research the article offers a run-down of money’s effects summarizing,
Simply thinking about words associated with money seems to makes us more self-reliant and less inclined to help others. And it gets weirder: just handling cash can take the sting out of social rejection and even diminish physical pain.
One researcher mentioned discusses the two separate social norms people operate under – social and market norms – and argues that “even a passing contact with concepts linked to money puts us into a market-oriented mentality” which effects our behavior and makes us more self-reliant and less trusting. Another scientist’s experiment revealed that study subjects who heard words associated with commerce were slower to ask for help, and a third showed money affecting some brains the same way drugs affect addicts.
For much more on the ways money warps our thinking, check out the lengthy but reader-friendly article. It also offers tips from the scientists on how to handle your irrational responses to cash.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Step-by-step guide to building an emergency fund
It seems that, in this economy, a lot of people are thinking seriously about their emergency funds. Frankly, I think that’s a very good thing —emergency funds are a key part of a healthy personal finance situation. The biggest problem, though, is that it’s intimidating —eight months? That’s a lot of savings.
Trust me, it’s not as hard as it sounds. Three years ago, my wife and I were nearly bankrupt. Today, we have an emergency fund and we’d be fine easily through the end of the year if things fell apart. You can do this. Here’s how. ...read more...
Trust me, it’s not as hard as it sounds. Three years ago, my wife and I were nearly bankrupt. Today, we have an emergency fund and we’d be fine easily through the end of the year if things fell apart. You can do this. Here’s how. ...read more...
Monday, March 2, 2009
Where To Start
I have said this before, will say it again... its been a long time since my last post and the monthly briefings have been virtually gone!
There are several thing that I could blame including the more use of Facebook, events in my life since the last post bla bla bla ... but I won't, ama I already have?
I'll make this simple... I will share the highs, the lows, the lessons and the victories of the last few months and we move from there...
October 08:
-I finally called it quits and moved on from my previous employer. After months trying to integrate the two businesses, the cultural differences were night and day and I moved on.
- The house construction slowly ebbs to a pause with finances running low and no new applications expected, its time to quit the site.
- PhD Prais-athon both editions are a resounding success ... Yaani, Mungu anajitukuza kabisa!! See recap here ...
November 08:
- I sign off a brand new contract in a brand new company offering a brand new concept in virtually untested ground. The company has been newly registered but is part of bigger group from Denmark with an amazing concept ... see www.grundfoslifelink.com for details.
- The total returns from Operation 25 hit the 220,000/- mark and that is a major achievement! I feel personally proud that the effort has now moved on and become a huge contributor to StAY Alive campaign against drugs through the KATAA Initiative.
- The biggest (by reach & budget) KATAA AntiDrugs roadshow happens running from Kahawa West, Githurai 44, 45, Kasarani, Zimmerman.... WOW!!! See a recap here ...
- I start my new contract a week early to assist in the setup formalities!
December 08:
- It feels like starting all over again... all registrations VAT, PAYE, NSFF, NHIF et al... wacha tu!!
- De ja vu ... applications for VISA to go to Denmark in January!!
- Participating in the planning and execution of the first ever Christmas Comes To Zimmer Cantata. It was personally gratifying, a long cherished dream finally fulfilled, thank you LORD. See recap here ...
- Its Christmas, and two long held traditions - visiting a church and no long distance travel are broken!! We make a cameo appearance at St Andrews and shortly hit a traffic filled road to Murinduko to visit with my wife's in-laws. Going by the menu, it was not a bad idea at all!!
- New years, and we are spoilt for choice on how and where to cross over from. An attempt at taking the kingdom for TSO hits a snag due to the sheer traffic (both human and otherwise) and so we move on to Sifa Car Park! The All Star Unity Party is on. Could only last until the fireworks are over!!
January 09:
- The highlight definately!!! Europe for the first time ever! Day one of landing and its minus 10 degress!! Culture shock!! The sunlight is never out until 9AM and hurriedly takes off at 4:30!! I never got to see what happened or what there was between my hotel room and the office (traveled when it was DARK!! This could take a whole page ... wacha hio itoshe for now! But the bottom line even with all the excitement, I LOVE KENYA!!
- More setups!
- With a clear voice God says its your Year of Jubilee... and so my family and I embark on a new road to discover our next mission ground ... I will cover this extensively under a separate post!
- And so the above journey starts ... first its the Patrons Breakfast and Kamukunji (see recap here...)
February 09:
- Its back to basics ... setting up new systems from srcatch!!
- Construction restarts at our future home and what a flurry of activity
- Discover I am a celeb... the hard way!! The firm that took over the firm I left in October publishes my image among others in the local press in a general public announcement about no longer being with them! Amazing how people (mis)understand some of this things!! Interesting stares by the neighbours, parishioners and other acquitances, cannot help but hear some voices. Its about time to know your true friends! Since I am a preacher, elder and crusader it gets even more interesting!!
- Its the queens birthday ... Happy Birthday My Lady, my Lover my Friend!! Still discovering who you are more than 16years since I met you and more than 13 since you came to live with me!!
- At the kingdom, we are taken through the Prayer of Jabez step by step by the queen in a four week series!! This is powerful!
March 09:
These is what I am looking forward to:
- A journey of new discovery starts this month after my family and I have been officially released by the Church
- LIFELINK hits the ground with the maiden installation
- Seeing through my two outstanding assignments with the Praise Team & StAY Alive Fellowship.
My guiding theme is Healing and the reference is Matt 8:1-13!!
Praise The LORD!!
There are several thing that I could blame including the more use of Facebook, events in my life since the last post bla bla bla ... but I won't, ama I already have?
I'll make this simple... I will share the highs, the lows, the lessons and the victories of the last few months and we move from there...
October 08:
-I finally called it quits and moved on from my previous employer. After months trying to integrate the two businesses, the cultural differences were night and day and I moved on.
- The house construction slowly ebbs to a pause with finances running low and no new applications expected, its time to quit the site.
- PhD Prais-athon both editions are a resounding success ... Yaani, Mungu anajitukuza kabisa!! See recap here ...
November 08:
- I sign off a brand new contract in a brand new company offering a brand new concept in virtually untested ground. The company has been newly registered but is part of bigger group from Denmark with an amazing concept ... see www.grundfoslifelink.com for details.
- The total returns from Operation 25 hit the 220,000/- mark and that is a major achievement! I feel personally proud that the effort has now moved on and become a huge contributor to StAY Alive campaign against drugs through the KATAA Initiative.
- The biggest (by reach & budget) KATAA AntiDrugs roadshow happens running from Kahawa West, Githurai 44, 45, Kasarani, Zimmerman.... WOW!!! See a recap here ...
- I start my new contract a week early to assist in the setup formalities!
December 08:
- It feels like starting all over again... all registrations VAT, PAYE, NSFF, NHIF et al... wacha tu!!
- De ja vu ... applications for VISA to go to Denmark in January!!
- Participating in the planning and execution of the first ever Christmas Comes To Zimmer Cantata. It was personally gratifying, a long cherished dream finally fulfilled, thank you LORD. See recap here ...
- Its Christmas, and two long held traditions - visiting a church and no long distance travel are broken!! We make a cameo appearance at St Andrews and shortly hit a traffic filled road to Murinduko to visit with my wife's in-laws. Going by the menu, it was not a bad idea at all!!
- New years, and we are spoilt for choice on how and where to cross over from. An attempt at taking the kingdom for TSO hits a snag due to the sheer traffic (both human and otherwise) and so we move on to Sifa Car Park! The All Star Unity Party is on. Could only last until the fireworks are over!!
January 09:
- The highlight definately!!! Europe for the first time ever! Day one of landing and its minus 10 degress!! Culture shock!! The sunlight is never out until 9AM and hurriedly takes off at 4:30!! I never got to see what happened or what there was between my hotel room and the office (traveled when it was DARK!! This could take a whole page ... wacha hio itoshe for now! But the bottom line even with all the excitement, I LOVE KENYA!!
- More setups!
- With a clear voice God says its your Year of Jubilee... and so my family and I embark on a new road to discover our next mission ground ... I will cover this extensively under a separate post!
- And so the above journey starts ... first its the Patrons Breakfast and Kamukunji (see recap here...)
February 09:
- Its back to basics ... setting up new systems from srcatch!!
- Construction restarts at our future home and what a flurry of activity
- Discover I am a celeb... the hard way!! The firm that took over the firm I left in October publishes my image among others in the local press in a general public announcement about no longer being with them! Amazing how people (mis)understand some of this things!! Interesting stares by the neighbours, parishioners and other acquitances, cannot help but hear some voices. Its about time to know your true friends! Since I am a preacher, elder and crusader it gets even more interesting!!
- Its the queens birthday ... Happy Birthday My Lady, my Lover my Friend!! Still discovering who you are more than 16years since I met you and more than 13 since you came to live with me!!
- At the kingdom, we are taken through the Prayer of Jabez step by step by the queen in a four week series!! This is powerful!
March 09:
These is what I am looking forward to:
- A journey of new discovery starts this month after my family and I have been officially released by the Church
- LIFELINK hits the ground with the maiden installation
- Seeing through my two outstanding assignments with the Praise Team & StAY Alive Fellowship.
My guiding theme is Healing and the reference is Matt 8:1-13!!
Praise The LORD!!
Global Financial Meltdown
Wanna understand where it all started? I found this article by Carol Musyoki which was published in the Business Daily of Monday March 2, 2009 interesting and easily dissects the chronology of the melt down ...
Forty-year-old David Thomson, a librarian at the Fort Lauderdale Public Library, slowly shuts the door of his three-bedroom bungalow for the last time. The house, in a largely middle class suburb of Fort Lauderdale City, has been home to him, his wife and two children for the last five years. Behind him, the CTS Bank official is nailing a Foreclosed sign on the front lawn.
The Thomson family immediately becomes a statistic: one family out of the 1.2 million residential home foreclosures so far in 2008. 3,000 miles away on Wall Street, Bryant Weill, a hedge fund manager at Bear Stearns, shuts the door to his corner office for the last time following the financial collapse of the 80- year -old firm. He drives back to his $1 million mortgage-free home in his S-Class Mercedes Benz to tell his wife that he is now jobless. David and Bryant have never met each other in their lifetimes and probably never will, but their lives are inextricably intertwined in a financial web that has almost brought the global financial wheels to a halt.
Let us work out what happened here. Read More
Forty-year-old David Thomson, a librarian at the Fort Lauderdale Public Library, slowly shuts the door of his three-bedroom bungalow for the last time. The house, in a largely middle class suburb of Fort Lauderdale City, has been home to him, his wife and two children for the last five years. Behind him, the CTS Bank official is nailing a Foreclosed sign on the front lawn.
The Thomson family immediately becomes a statistic: one family out of the 1.2 million residential home foreclosures so far in 2008. 3,000 miles away on Wall Street, Bryant Weill, a hedge fund manager at Bear Stearns, shuts the door to his corner office for the last time following the financial collapse of the 80- year -old firm. He drives back to his $1 million mortgage-free home in his S-Class Mercedes Benz to tell his wife that he is now jobless. David and Bryant have never met each other in their lifetimes and probably never will, but their lives are inextricably intertwined in a financial web that has almost brought the global financial wheels to a halt.
Let us work out what happened here. Read More
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Iko Nini - Mbona Kimya?
Its amazing how time flies! It is more than two months since my last update and even more since my monthly brief!!
To sum it up... my life has been one huge unrehearsed circus! Spiritually, I have soo grown! But more of this has been occasioned by uncertainties and upheavals rather than positive experience! Remember my job situation (see previous posts), it changed from great opportunities (even across boarders) to turned down offers. As I blog, nothing is clear and I am now living by the minute rather than by the day (LOL).
But that's not all there is! From this, I have heard God's voice on patience, studied with my family on love and had interesting revelation on gifts! Further, my personal commitment to raise funds through Operation 25 for StAY Alive Fellowship and the related anti-drugs campaign received a major boost by being embraced by the wider St Andrews community. Result? I not only achieved my personal target, but the total collection at blog time stood at 216,025/-, just above what we thought was an ambitious target of 210,000/-. The good news is that we should be able to collect a few more from willing sponsors. Further, Operation 25 is now beyond, Pappa, beyond StAY Alive and is a community baby meaning it now has a life of its own. My prayer is that it will be one long life filled with great growth and success.
Me again! What does the future portend? Its bright, not because its clear now but because I serve a God of miracles, a God who never fails and I join the Psalmist in my theme of the season:
Psalm 37:
25 I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.
The present? Very uncertain, very risky and very daunting. Let alone tomorrow, I do not know about the next minute. But in all the joy of the Lord is my strength.
To sum it up... my life has been one huge unrehearsed circus! Spiritually, I have soo grown! But more of this has been occasioned by uncertainties and upheavals rather than positive experience! Remember my job situation (see previous posts), it changed from great opportunities (even across boarders) to turned down offers. As I blog, nothing is clear and I am now living by the minute rather than by the day (LOL).
But that's not all there is! From this, I have heard God's voice on patience, studied with my family on love and had interesting revelation on gifts! Further, my personal commitment to raise funds through Operation 25 for StAY Alive Fellowship and the related anti-drugs campaign received a major boost by being embraced by the wider St Andrews community. Result? I not only achieved my personal target, but the total collection at blog time stood at 216,025/-, just above what we thought was an ambitious target of 210,000/-. The good news is that we should be able to collect a few more from willing sponsors. Further, Operation 25 is now beyond, Pappa, beyond StAY Alive and is a community baby meaning it now has a life of its own. My prayer is that it will be one long life filled with great growth and success.
Me again! What does the future portend? Its bright, not because its clear now but because I serve a God of miracles, a God who never fails and I join the Psalmist in my theme of the season:
Psalm 37:
25 I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.
The present? Very uncertain, very risky and very daunting. Let alone tomorrow, I do not know about the next minute. But in all the joy of the Lord is my strength.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
