tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84194745180561709792024-03-05T18:46:05.033+02:00Over There...And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. ~Romans 8.23Mwindula Mbewehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215012646431406909noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419474518056170979.post-23693092078919134592017-10-10T17:24:00.001+02:002017-10-10T17:24:17.542+02:00The Curious Case of Stephen Paddock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuTJmZWu3SmTpYJYdVJjy-I4WCGh6ijOmAClDMXMH2lAISSPsMoKWrHMWCgh-FqhM_n-_jcIrHRbdOPrc-rg4hKTp89NCgJImEVbSlYhAXHZ8r0emZNR6BWwnNoP7eNE4Rp0Yg8yA_YY/s1600/2017_1002_las_vegas_shooting-stephen-paddock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="526" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuTJmZWu3SmTpYJYdVJjy-I4WCGh6ijOmAClDMXMH2lAISSPsMoKWrHMWCgh-FqhM_n-_jcIrHRbdOPrc-rg4hKTp89NCgJImEVbSlYhAXHZ8r0emZNR6BWwnNoP7eNE4Rp0Yg8yA_YY/s320/2017_1002_las_vegas_shooting-stephen-paddock.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ten (10) days ago, 20,000+ concert goers from across the
United States, gathered in Las Vegas for the Route 91 Harvest, an annual
country music festival.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the third and final day of the festival around 10pm as
the headlining country music artist was closing out the show a man opened fire
with automatic weapons upon the crowd indiscriminately from the 32<sup>nd</sup>
floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel that towers just 500 meters away from the
concert ground.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With all the excitement going on, it took a while for the
crowd to realize that bullets from an automatic weapon were being sprayed on
them. Jason Aldean, the country music singer on the stage, stopped his
performance to put his hand over his forehead to look past the glaring concert
lights and see where the distant yet ferocious noise was coming from. Videos of
the country musical star bolting to the back of the stage have since gone
viral.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxFSXgXacp8IGqRBOqEFHhmJSqH5qh9iuwwIx0TzyZlumMrH5Vb7sC8yYnsr-ohvBxR_9KeAr44Vpw57FHGmpAWD05YAxVRrN2MITbDRFKbnMdyMp6x6XFQPiVy2zTMEGnlwwfQwlmQo/s1600/las_vegas_shooting_01-e1507033122901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1600" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxFSXgXacp8IGqRBOqEFHhmJSqH5qh9iuwwIx0TzyZlumMrH5Vb7sC8yYnsr-ohvBxR_9KeAr44Vpw57FHGmpAWD05YAxVRrN2MITbDRFKbnMdyMp6x6XFQPiVy2zTMEGnlwwfQwlmQo/s320/las_vegas_shooting_01-e1507033122901.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What ensued was absolute chaos as thousands of concert
attendees scampered over each other in all directions to find safety and cover.
All the while, Stephen Paddock relentlessly fired his deadly weapons upon the
helpless crowd.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The shooting is the deadliest yet by a single person in U.S
history with 60 dead and 500 injured. Hospitals in Nevada were inundated with
people from the scene. A doctor described the difficulty of sorting through the
hundreds of people pouring in to separate those with mere blood spurts on their
clothes from those who were actually wounded from the bullets or the chaos.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who could possibly be responsible for such an inhumane crime?
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stephen Paddock, a 64 year old born and bred American
retiree. Stephen’s brother, girlfriend and mother are in complete shock and
have failed to marry this heinous act of violence with the man they knew and
loved.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5d1Vv4v7je1kv28zLOm0gKVlaf7trNh6qnms7zBStCFmU4w20nyKGRr1ABiMN1rMDRbfgvfMATASFdzY10MtKGtViZpd-1np1KhxYVZMMIDzKwG6bhHvPXfH-RimGbz2mhyphenhyphen_MPWHnCU/s1600/las-vegas-shooting-terror-country-concert-5-1506955011-e1506958830772-article-header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1440" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5d1Vv4v7je1kv28zLOm0gKVlaf7trNh6qnms7zBStCFmU4w20nyKGRr1ABiMN1rMDRbfgvfMATASFdzY10MtKGtViZpd-1np1KhxYVZMMIDzKwG6bhHvPXfH-RimGbz2mhyphenhyphen_MPWHnCU/s320/las-vegas-shooting-terror-country-concert-5-1506955011-e1506958830772-article-header.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Investigators have reached a dead end as far as motive is
concerned. Paddock was a wealthy man. In fact, he was a millionaire. Having
done well for himself and not needing to work anymore, Paddock spent much of his
time gambling. It was in a casino that he met his girlfriend of several years,
a Filipino lady. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Paddock’s brother describes him as a good but reserved man. Paddock
helped his brother retire early as well and was generous to his girlfriend. He
ensured that his mother lived comfortably. He wasn’t religious, nor was he an
extremist by any stretch.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In short, Paddock had no known religious, social or
financial motivation for his crime. Neither was he known to have any mental
problems. Paddock was really a regular guy who meticulously planned to smuggle
several semi-automatic modified firearms into an expensive hotel room, shooting
a guard in the process, breaking the suite’s windows with a hammer and firing several
rounds of bullets down on an unsuspecting concert crowd.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Worse off, Paddock embodies the “American Dream”. From a
family of four boys raised by a single mother abandoned by their father,
Paddock went from working as a Postman for the postal service to owning a
million dollar real-estate business that set him and his family up for life. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Paddock is indeed a curious case.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How do we understand this man in light of the bible?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkpNVQiYC4vCi9xowRbNw4RRL902m-kv5KdoPSLYoLJu5ruL-kzLOj2N4zM3yarLwCZxJ2DuvA3VP9k5B4ZwvT-ybIQcglxCp7_m4afEAmjU6Cs4O3KuO0n6vdJIISGsdC0WFnqC067E/s1600/636425577140746829-AP-Las-Vegas-Shooting.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="534" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkpNVQiYC4vCi9xowRbNw4RRL902m-kv5KdoPSLYoLJu5ruL-kzLOj2N4zM3yarLwCZxJ2DuvA3VP9k5B4ZwvT-ybIQcglxCp7_m4afEAmjU6Cs4O3KuO0n6vdJIISGsdC0WFnqC067E/s320/636425577140746829-AP-Las-Vegas-Shooting.1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, perhaps God is teaching America and the world,
something here. While we fight to get rid of many of the sources of violence and
crime namely, social and financial challenges and religious extremism, we need to
consider the bible’s assertions that even after we have solved these external
problems, we will still be left with the problem within, sinful hearts with
evil proclivities.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Investigators are puzzled because Paddock does not fit the mass
murderer’s profile. And investigators are working with the predominant world
view. That if you give a man a good upbringing and education, and if he attains
wealth and success, that man will be good and happy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Paddock was raised by a mother who loved him. Paddock graduated
with a degree at age 24. Paddock went on to achieve great success. And yet
after achieving all there was to achieve, Paddock went on to commit this
heinous crime. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Growing up loved and educated, achieving success and wealth
will solve myriad problems but it doesn’t get to the crux of things, it can’t
cure humanity’s sick heart. The only hope for this sin sick world, the only
hope for our sin sick hearts is Jesus. With everything he had Paddock was still
poor, he needed Jesus. Until we can accept the wisdom of that ancient book, the bible, we will never solve this curious case.<o:p></o:p></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Jeremiah 17.9, “The heart is deceitful about all things and
desperately wicked, who can understand it?” </blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Matthew 15.19, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts,
murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.”</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Mark 2.17, “When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy
people don’t need a doctor, sick people do. I have come to call not those who
think they are righteous, but sinners.”</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Ezekiel 36.25-27, “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and
you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your
idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a
new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone
from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit
within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to
obey my rules.”</blockquote>
Mwindula Mbewehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215012646431406909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419474518056170979.post-10922360905760910422014-09-22T06:00:00.000+02:002014-09-22T06:00:04.528+02:00An Interview With The Next President Of Zambia<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBAzjjdB9KZbhG4s5jQHcpxug0WXe36T5ogd-MyGaL_o6A6Ol_C9lmjhoYfOVhwODAWwozH3ceQYJkVX1asgFz6yGESjnK5nyC-BFEnCxhRK0_TNOfK3lWEyT-GdW9Hbp2OstgMc0Hoo/s1600/Henry+Chibutu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBAzjjdB9KZbhG4s5jQHcpxug0WXe36T5ogd-MyGaL_o6A6Ol_C9lmjhoYfOVhwODAWwozH3ceQYJkVX1asgFz6yGESjnK5nyC-BFEnCxhRK0_TNOfK3lWEyT-GdW9Hbp2OstgMc0Hoo/s1600/Henry+Chibutu.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry Chibutu Jnr.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><i>Hi Henry. You're good?</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Yes Boi (buddy),
niliche (I'm good). You're OK?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><i>I'm good too. Thanks for doing this. Let's start off with something
about yourself. Your family, education and background.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Henry Musenge Chibutu is my name, the first of 5 children, 3 girls and 2 boys.
I never considered myself a first born until I got saved and begun to see my
life in a different light. It was then that I took on the challenge of holding
it all together and inspiring my siblings. This was even more difficult as I
saw most of my friends ruin their lives but God has given me the grace to live
for him and he does the rest. I have been to more than 10 schools...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><i>Really, 10 schools?</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes, 10, all before
tertiary education so I know what it is like to learn both at a private and
public institution. My parents say they didn't know what school was really the
best for me since I was their first son. I should have never ended up studying
at the highest learning institution in the land. I was not the brightest in
class yet I found myself among the 12 or so students who made it from a school
with 700 pupils. The university system helped me see for myself the flaws in
our educational system along with the challenges educated people face, having
great ideas yet no one to implement them.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/t1.0-9/p480x480/560012_441208432556459_1920674815_n.jpg?oh=a05d317958315a57bb785f4f1208d18e&oe=54825B17" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/t1.0-9/p480x480/560012_441208432556459_1920674815_n.jpg?oh=a05d317958315a57bb785f4f1208d18e&oe=54825B17" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ORU Committee (Henry is furthest left, back row) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><i>You've just finished your undergraduate studies and are now looking
forward to a political career. Anyone who knows you knows about your passion
for politics and leadership. Where did it come from and how have you kept this
passion burning through your university years?</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Well, it begun subtly in
the school hall at my high school. As prefects, we were punished by the school
authorities after keeping quiet when other pupils were planning to riot. As we
were gathered together and taken to task, I sat there unable to respond or give
reason for what had happened. I had done my part but my tongue couldn't move. I
felt the helpless feeling of being in pain but being unable to speak out.
During my gap year, I travelled to Livingstone. As the bus moved on I saw vast
terrain, uncultivated and untapped resources yet people were living in poverty.
It was then that the seed was planted. Seeing children aged 10-16 selling
vegetables on the streets everyday till as late as 10pm only fuelled my passion
even more. It wasn't right. University life only made my lens more focused. I
participated in the student unions and begun a movement called ORU (Operation
Rebuilding UNZA). I'm sure you remember when I came to your home with branded
t-shirts and shared my dream with you. I also founded a YMCA student branch
there. These movements sharpened my skills and exposed my weaknesses.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<a href="https://scontent-b-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1234586_4555073534715_603503065_n.jpg?oh=dbbc358521715e07e71b825f97a8b0f7&oe=54D05EAD" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-b-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1234586_4555073534715_603503065_n.jpg?oh=dbbc358521715e07e71b825f97a8b0f7&oe=54D05EAD" width="212" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><i>I'd say that ORU is probably your greatest achievement as an up and
coming political leader, especially how you got people on board and got them
fired up for an organization you established. Tell us about it briefly,
particularly the greatest challenge you had in running it and how you overcame
the challenge.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Yes... It was a great feat indeed looking back now. I mean just the
aspect of putting together the constitution, getting it registered and earning
a name among so many other school associations was no easy task. I remember
sharing the idea with my room mate Caleb. It was a casual conversation, at
least so he thought. The following day I invited my classmates from the male
hostels to the room and shared the vision. This was in 2010. I asked them to
commit themselves if they felt burdened. Two responded and we begun as the interim
committee, and no, Caleb was not one of the two. In time the executive grew.
Our policy was to invite friends who shared the same passion and are Christians
with a testimony to show for it. My greatest challenge has been to complete my
university degree studies. I have had many falls. I will not mince with words
here. I've written several supplementary exams and once repeated a course. Amid
my academic pressure was this great desire to serve God in this social sphere. Anyway,
I persevered and here I am today. I could have quit school but had to finish
this task God gave me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><i>Just three more Questions my brother. First, do you believe you are
presidential material? What do you have to offer that many other candidates
lack? Why should people vote you, HMC (Henry Musenge Chibutu), when the time
comes?</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">(Laughs) Do you want a political answer to that one? I'm kidding. I have
actually never thought of myself being a president but have recently heard
confirmations from friends from all walks of life. Maybe God is saying
something. So while I would not answer that question adequately now, I do feel
I can lead this nation to greater heights of prosperity and self determination.
Politics is not a money making business though I know it can be very rewarding.
Many of my political friends are in it for the money. Members of Parliament (MPs)
are crying for salary increments. Politics should be a service, and that's my
mindset. I am going in not to make money but defend the cause of the poor and
weak as first priority. Secondly, I have different ideas. My current target is
to run for the MP seat for Kabwata Constituency in 2016. I have a vision for
Kabwata Constituency that none of my rivals have. I intend to invest in Kabwata
through recreational facilities, real life training and feasible loan schemes for
struggling families. This has not been done before. My track record shows that
I am able to turn tables, to dream and by God's grace, with little resources
bring to life that which was just a dream. It's time for a new candidate in
Kabwata. We recognize that Hon. Given Lubinda has done what he could but it's
time for ‘Tower Tower’. My slogan, ‘Tower Tower’, is born from a realization
that each man occupies a tower, an area of influence, an occupation. But no one
person can be recycled over and over again. It's time for youths to take on the
mantle and transform this land. So I speak not only for myself but for the
youth in N'gombe, Chibolya, e.t.c., having the vision yet lacking courage. It's
time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><i>What is your political ambition/target/goal and plan? Is it to form your
own party or rise up the ranks of one already established? Have you mapped out
a detailed plan?</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">My plan is to see youths take hold of key leadership positions, to see
them pursue their dreams in music, art, entertainment and whatever field it may
be, to see less men and women drinking but rather spend time in recreational
activities, to see many agricultural concerns I learnt about in my agricultural
studies being put into effect, provide policies that will see Zambians make a
decent livelihood no matter their position in society be it being a plumber or
a shoe repairer. Yes there's a plan. I believe that man should work with the
current systems obtaining unless they fail to meet standards. I will join a
party maybe one day. But I am contesting as an independent candidate for the
2016 MP seat. I reckon I will be very popular with the electorate before the
elections, and several parties will approach me. Then I will decide on whose
ticket to ride on depending on who shares the most values as myself. The highest
level for me now in terms of political ambition is Minister in government,
particularly Minister of Agriculture. We'll see where God leads.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><i>My last question is this. Politics is said to be a dirty game. How do
you marry God and politics in your life?</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-b-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/p180x540/564893_434179063296765_698144349_n.jpg?oh=8a65f3c8b5f704074407d5a13297b71f&oe=54893967" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://scontent-b-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/p180x540/564893_434179063296765_698144349_n.jpg?oh=8a65f3c8b5f704074407d5a13297b71f&oe=54893967" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry representing Zambia as YMCA Ambassador in Zimbabwe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Well, David was a politician and so was Solomon. We are all involved in
politics in one way or other. One man told me to always put myself in my rivals
shoes, would I want what I am dong or saying to my opponent to be done or said
to me? Another perspective that also helps me is that politicians also need the
gospel. If I deceive them or make a quick move on them, how will I go back and
tell them about Jesus Christ and his love for sinners? This will bridge the gap
between the two for me. All careers are dirty because we live in a sinful world
but that doesn't stop us from going to work every day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><i></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><i></i></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Alright, thanks man! Zambia needs Christian leaders in government and I'm excited just thinking about what God will do through you. May more Christian men and women in our country with a similar passion for our nation rise up!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px;"></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px;">Thanks for this man. I know one day we'll look back at this and see how good the Lord has been.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Mwindula Mbewehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215012646431406909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419474518056170979.post-63186529115659004222014-09-19T06:00:00.000+02:002014-09-19T06:00:07.979+02:00Not-so-grand-thing No. 3: Fame<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120229105230/disney/images/4/4d/Robin_Williams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120229105230/disney/images/4/4d/Robin_Williams.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
With the suicide by hanging of 62 year old iconic actor and comedian, Robin Williams, a few weeks ago, it seems pretty fitting to think about fame. Fame, celebrity status and popularity are thought to be grand things! Yet, this is one thing that doesn't require much to see for what it really is: something not grand at all.<br />
<br />
It's interesting that almost everyone wants to be famous but almost everyone famous deeply desires anonymity. It's one of those things that everyone is running towards while everyone who has found it is running away from. It's also interesting that, today, fame is an occupation. 'Socialites' are people who are really popular but not because of any particular achievement(s) or ability on their part. Many are born to extremely wealthy parents and find themselves in the company of the most elite of people and begin to develop reputations with the media. Needing no income in their lives and therefore needing no work, their occupation literally becomes being popular.<br />
<br />
Even those who are a little popular do crazy things and many times demeaning things to get even more popular. These acts of desperation to become popular are commonly referred to as 'publicity stunts'. Young ladies who want to become famous models often have to secure opportunities for themselves by sleeping with the powers that be.<br />
<br />
Of course there are advantages to being popular otherwise no one would bother to strive to become famous. We all want to walk into a room and be noticed or turn heads. It feels a little depressing to walk into a room and an hour later word reaches you that people are wondering if you're around. Apart from that fame brings with it great opportunities to make money, get promoted, get favours that otherwise would not come one's way. In Hollywood particularly, being famous will go a long way in propagating your career as an actor/actress. Fame however is certainly not as grand as it is made out to be.<br />
<br />
Hello Fame = Goodbye Anonymity<br />
<br />
One thing that I deeply treasure is anonymity. The ability to walk into a place and be just one of the faces in a crowd. In that sense, I feel sorry for popular people who simply need to walk into an eating place or parking lot and are immediately recognized by everyone. The trouble with this is of course the loss of privacy. We all want some privacy from time to time. There is no such thing when you are popular, that goes out the window. For as long as you are in a public place people will notice you. Also we don't always feel and look great and anonymity, i.e., being a mere face in a crowd, allows us to get away with being in a public place when we aren't really at our best. The pressure to look and be at your best for the famous on the other hand is huge since they need to keep their reputation afloat.<br />
<br />
Hello Fame = Hello Critics<br />
<br />
Fame always attracts criticism. When you're in the public eye, you will be criticized because, for starters, being a public figure is a responsibility. You will always represent something or some people and you will always be looked up to in one way or other and so the critical eyes on you do not spare you when you slip up. Some critics are malicious and simply want to bring you down. It's an occupational hazard that just doesn't go away. For some reason, critics always have an immerse effect on us. I'm always amazed at movie and music critics. They pounce on the work of award winning artists when they themselves have had no success or recognition in the area. I'd like to see movie critics make a movie and would certainly like to hear an album by a music critic. I don't think they'd do anything noteworthy but they readily eat the people they criticize alive without a second thought. Even though artists know this, they find it extremely upsetting to read critiques of their work. In fact, certain artists stay away from the press, newspapers and the internet completely to avoid reading the harsh criticism that so often is there found. Words hurt and critics know how to crush the famous, especially when the mess up.<br />
<br />
Hello Fame = Hello Pressure<br />
<br />
Fame comes with natural pressure. Doesn't matter whether you're a movie star of a popular preacher, when you meet people, you're under self imposed pressure to put up a bright face no matter how dull your life is. Somehow you feel that you have to keep up appearances and keep it all together even if it's all falling apart. The pressure only increases as you battle through the challenges of life with little support because only a few people know what you're really going through (if any) and before long you can't take it any longer and you're headline news after hanging yourself. This goes on all the time in popular media and Hollywood.<br />
<br />
So then, do you want to be famous? Careful what you wish for.Mwindula Mbewehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215012646431406909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419474518056170979.post-40228440508029046612014-09-15T06:00:00.000+02:002015-04-13T13:40:55.540+02:00God Is Not GreatIn writing, I have come to learn, a catching title is half the job done for a written piece. Seeing as my audience for this blog is predominantly Evangelical Christian and know me a such, I believe my work in writing what I hope will be a good and not-so-long piece is half complete.<br />
<br />
God <i>IS</i> great. My post title is borrowed. It is taken from the main title of a New York Times Best Seller List book written by Christopher Hitchens who my post is really about. The full title of his book is "God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything". Hitchens was - yes, he died of cancer in 2011 - a British acclaimed atheist and journalist. I need to state before I go any further that I am neither an expert on Hitchens' book or work nor on his views but have a pretty good idea from what I have seen of him on YouTube, particularly his interviews and debates.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://jrbenjamin.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/christopher-hitchens-salman.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://jrbenjamin.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/christopher-hitchens-salman.jpeg" height="300" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Hitchens was ferocious, feisty and fearless in his debates often putting the religious he debated to shame. He went after everyone, Catholics, Evangelicals, Muslims, Jews e.t.c. That's what made me take interest in him. Not only his high level of intelligence and thought provoking queries into religion but also how that he seemed to take his detest for both God and religion quite personally. Why would I find that 'attractive'? Because his attack on God and the religious was not so much malicious. It seems he sincerely believed that religion was poisonous and threw his time and energy into making people see it. So resolved was he that when his book came out he told his publishers that he did not want to promote his book in the big cities and arenas but he opted to tour the small cities and spread the 'truth' about God and religion there.<br />
<br />
Most of us Christians consider such men our enemies and avoid them at all costs, paying them no mind but I'm pretty sure that even among the most aggressive enemies of God and our faith, God has chosen some. Apart from that, I think men like Hitchens help us be thorough in our understanding of our faith and help us be better prepared to give an answer when what we believe is questioned. Furthermore, contending with men like Hitchens helps us see what in scripture and in our beliefs is absurd (humanly speaking) that might not be as apparent to us because we have become accustomed after all, a fish does not know that it is wet.<br />
<br />
I'd paraphrase Hitchens oft used punch lines as follows (you'll notice that he didn't have all the pieces quite right):<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"God doesn't exit. He certainly does not care about you. He neither knows what you ate last night or who you slept with. Scientists generally assert that humanity has been around for 100,000 years. If they are accurate then for the first 198,000 of those years, God watched human kind suffer through life without knowledge of technological development or self preservation, dying of all sorts of diseases and living such a poor quality of life due to ignorance. God watched all this sitting back with arms folded and finally arbitrarily decided to intervene 2,000 years ago by sending his son in human flesh to a corner of the earth so obscure and at a time so backward that it has taken his message of redemption so long to make its way around the earth that millions still remain ignorant of it today. Doesn't sound like a caring God to me let alone one intelligent enough to create the earth we live in."</blockquote>
Here's another one:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"You expect me to believe that I am born a sinner damned and headed for eternal punishment and there's nothing I could ever have done to prevent it? That I now live my life under the wrath of God who sent his son to die for my sins - divine child abuse - without ever consulting me and the only way out of my dilemma is to submit to this terrestrial dictator, a sort of big brother, who monitors my every deed, word and thought? I was never asked whether or not I wanted this, never consulted but was born under these conditions with no real choice in the matter? And now I should respond in thanks and praise for this 'great' salvation? Give me a break!"</blockquote>
And finally:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
God gives a set of rules, ten to be exact, deliberately leaving out slavery, child abuse and genocide because in the chapters following he provides room for his followers to do all three; that all slaves who cannot buy their freedom will get a chance at release every 49 years and that all disobedient children are to be stoned to death and that his chosen nation is to embark on military expeditions taking lands which have been in the hands of other nations for generations and killing every living and breathing thing including mothers, children and babies. Is this morality? Is this benevolence? Then count me out.</blockquote>
When I listen to Christopher Hitchens I often remember the question, "does a fish know it's wet?" There is so much merit (humanly speaking) or perhaps more appropriately, reasonableness, in his queries. In other words you can kind of understand why he would think what he thought. If you think about it, we as Christians don't see these issues because we have become so familiar with these things that their absurdity doesn't jump out at us. It's always good to see things through 'neutral' eyes and even eyes with an opposite bias because it opens our eyes to those things which are unusual about our beliefs and our faith and our God and forces us to wrestle with them, ask hard questions and search for answers. God does not call us to a blind faith. Sure at some point we must switch from the logic gear and get into the faith gear but until that point, God does invite us to explore these things and think through them.<br />
<br />
So then, how do you deal with such an individual? I'll try and answer this question in part two!<br />
<br />
To be continued...Mwindula Mbewehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215012646431406909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419474518056170979.post-20544597878467952012014-09-12T14:07:00.000+02:002014-09-12T14:07:00.211+02:00Miracle Life Family Church<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mlfc.org/files/Images/Bios/PWandPH%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.mlfc.org/files/Images/Bios/PWandPH%202.jpg" height="400" width="378" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Walkers (Senior Pastors of MLFC)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I could be wrong, but it is my opinion that MLFC has built something of a bad reputation with Reformed Baptist church leaders and enthusiasts in Lusaka for pilfering the young people in our churches. Last Sunday, I decided to go and see what the fuss is all about. What I found there was not what I expected.<br />
<br />
I, like my counterpart, had been to Miracle Life before but never on a Sunday to attend the service. I think it would be fair to say that we were both astounded at what we found there, and pleasantly so. Obviously attending one church service doesn’t offer the most comprehensive perspective of what a church is all about and there's more to a church than it's Sunday service. One thing is sure; Reformed Baptist church folk in Zambia can learn a thing or two from MLFC.<br />
<br />
A quick run through of our time there would go like this:<br />
<br />
We attended the second, 10.30am, service. Traffic thickened as we approached the building with a hoard of first-service attendees leaving as a whole other hoard, like us, were making our way to attend the service that followed. We quickly got parked and made our way in. Ushers showed us where we would find free seats. We didn’t want to miss anything so we opted for the middle column, third row from front where the pulpit would be directly in front of us. The praise team stood on some make shift ascending steps on the left. Directly in front of us and right behind the pulpit were three individuals who led the praise team. Directly behind them going towards the right hand side were the musicians. The praise team were already leading the worship with some vernacular selection, shifting left and right with the enthusiasm that would make a Reformed Zambian Baptist’s skin crawl. The rock n' roll concert coloured background lights which were flashing didn't really help in settling our reformed hearts though they were turned off from the point we took communion onwards.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Things settled down as they led us through several songs of worship. All words were projected and the congregation stood throughout the singing. A group of suited men walked in through a front side door to occupy the front row of the right column and quickly joined the rest of us in standing and raising hands in praise and worship.<br />
<br />
A relatively man young man who appeared to be one of the pastors came up and welcomed us all asking first time visitors to raise their hands so that we could be identified and given some cards and brochures for filling in. He invited the Senior Pastor, a white man named Walker, up front who explained that we would have communion after a song among other things. The praise team led us in another song and the bread and cup were passed around in a beautiful routine where as soon as you got yours, you stood up waiting for everyone to get theirs so that together, at the end, everyone ate together. When that was done there was a prayer and we were all seated. When we raised our heads at “Amen,” the stage which at first was filled had only the Pastor and two young ladies behind him on either side of the pulpit. The one holding a guitar gave their agenda away. The Pastor announced that the offering bags would be passed round and left the stage as the young ladies immediately broke into an extremely well presented song. When they were done, the young looking man, likely a pastor, returned to make announcements and invited Pastor Walker up to preach. The Pastor re-echoed a few announcements and opened to Proverbs 5 right after announcing that if any parents didn’t want their children to listen to the sermon on sexual purity, they could go to the exit where they would find ushers to take their kids to ‘Children’s Church’. He did however state that he wouldn’t say anything that would be thought explicit that the bible didn’t say. After an excellent sermon that would pass in any Reformed Baptist church, the Pastor asked us all to bow our heads. A musician rush up the pulpit area to begin playing the keyboard softly as the Pastor said a few stirring words and invited those who wished to give their lives to Christ to come forward. About six people came up and they were ushered through a side door on the opposite end of the one used by the Pastor and his team. As the Pastor invited anyone who needed help on any spiritual matter to come up front and see the people in front, about five individuals with name tags stepped up from the front row and walked towards the pulpit area and turned to face the people and we were dismissed.<br />
<br />
I'll be honest. I'm not sure what MLFC is all about yet but from what I saw, I could move there. The gospel was certainly preached and emphasised. The man pretty much sounded reformed to me with some pentecostal influence. I read through their core beliefs and saw things like their emphasis on scripture and family. Obviously, some elements would be taken with a pinch of salt, but from my brief visit, we are beating the same drum especially as far as the gospel in concerned.<br />
<br />
My preference is the Reformed Baptist churches because of our beliefs and gospel drive but I understand why we are losing our young people to MLFC. To put it in a word, I'd say "excellence". In fact, excellence, like the emphasis on scripture was mentioned among their core beliefs and values and boy did it show. I noticed it in at least two areas where we are, in my opinion, desperately lacking in our own churches.<br />
<br />
1. Aesthetics<br />
<br />
From the moment you drive/walk through the gate of MLFC you can't help but notice the aesthetic touch. The place is clean and beautiful. All the booths are well set up with labels. The pulpit area and pulpit itself is adequately lit and well set up and mapped out. Not too busy, not too plain. I have heard that they invested quite significantly to make sure the place ended up looking as good as it looks. The seats for the congregation are orderly and uniform, their floor is carpeted and well tiled. The paint on the walls looks fresh and void of markings or stains and even the placing of speakers and microphones is orderly and clearly thought through.<br />
<br />
2. Organization<br />
<br />
As soon as you drive through the gate, traffic control people in yellow traffic vests line the parking lot, directing you to where you should park. As you make your way to the doors of the building, all the exits and conveniences are well marked with signs to lead to them. There is something of an information desk for anyone needing any direction or information. There are several well marked booths for those who wish to register for certain seminars and courses announced during the service. For those interested in joining a midweek church group that meets for prayer and bible study, there is a well marked booth. All ushers are immediately identifiable and are eager to help and welcome. One is stationed at each exit and they line the aisles. Their sound and instruments are well balanced with no single microphone too loud or too low. The projector is well managed and used both during the singing and preaching. Each verse read appeared on screen in the version the preacher read it. Two or so times, a message appeared on the screen calling for the parents of so and so to make their way to the back. The musicians and praise team were in sync with no interruptions. Even the dressing of the choir and musicians is thought through. They are well placed on the pulpit area and well spread out. Even their exiting and getting onto the pulpit area is seamless and easily goes unnoticed. You cannot miss the work that they have put in to ensure that they are well prepared for the Sunday worship service. One may attempt to criticize them as maybe too prepared but at least they are organized and make an effort to ensure the best environment and aura for guest and member alike.<br />
<br />
We as reformed baptists sin in our failure to apply ourselves in preparing for the sabbath worship, especially those who play specific roles and oversee the worship service for God's people. The aesthetic element is altogether missing. Our pulpit areas generally look terrible. You certainly do not return to the church because of how well organized and laid out it is. Yes, many churches go to an extreme and overemphasize this at the expense of the message but the opposite is just as inexcusable. I looked around and saw the diversity of people around, even Indians, in the congregation and quite easily understand how they achieve such a high attendee retention rate. We need to improve, beauty must follow from truth!<br />
<br />
What MLFC does takes work and commitment to ensure that the people playing a role during the service are well prepared and set for the service. Everyone knows what they are doing and where they should be. Everyone has done their homework and is ready to play their part with excellence. Worshipping in a Reformed Baptist church can at times be a complete put off. We have settled for mediocrity and it is a shame on us because it is really treating the Lord's day with contempt. Because we do not apply ourselves, we don't even think of ways to make things better. One of the announcements the Pastor made at MLFC was the need to upgrade their projectors. Also, he spoke of a new system they would employ where all those who arrived for the 10.30am service before 10.30am would park in a special car park so that they had priority to leave first and not get caught up in traffic. That is excellence, that is a sign of people who take the Lord's day and worship of God's people seriously trying to always improve the systems and routines they employ. Perhaps we need to form "Excellence Ministries". Whatever the solution may be, I hope we reverse this unfortunate situation in our churches where we are content with mediocrity!</div>
Mwindula Mbewehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215012646431406909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419474518056170979.post-67444575645359741142014-09-08T06:00:00.000+02:002014-09-08T07:53:36.718+02:00When Saying Goodbye Becomes A Privilege<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/ba/Life_of_George_Washington,_Deathbed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/ba/Life_of_George_Washington,_Deathbed.jpg" height="276" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Exactly two weeks ago today, I was with a man who had just lost his father. He narrated to me how his dad died. I'll never forget his opening words. "Last night, my father died peacefully in my arms." I could see and feel the closure he had in getting to share in his father's final moments on earth. "What a privilege!" I thought to myself.<br />
<br />
How many people get to say goodbye to their loved ones right before they pass on? A huge part of the pain that the bereaved contend with is simply that they didn't get to say goodbye. Many think back to the very last time they got to speak with or spend time with the deceased. It is even less bearable when that last time spent together or that last conversation was wasted on hurtful words and anger.<br />
<br />
I remembered also an episode of a very popular comedy that I watched about five close friends. One lost his dad and that particular episode was all about their time together at the funeral being there for their best friend. As they all got together, the one who'd lost his father began to think back on what his father's last words were to him since he wasn't with him at his death. He made a big deal out of needing those last words from his father to be meaningful. Fortunately, he found a pending voice message on his phone left by his father not long before he died telling him how much he loved him and was proud of him. He broke down and wept at the closure that gave him. The episode ended with each of the other four friends calling home to speak to their own parents to tell them how much they loved them and committing themselves to always end conversations with loved ones by assuring them of their love and care for them just in case that conversation ended up being their last.<br />
<br />
For those of you who have gotten to say goodbye to that special someone you lost, take comfort in the opportunity God gave you to do so. It is a rarity! And since there's nothing we can do about our loved ones who have already gone without a proper goodbye and since we are not likely to have the privilege of saying goodbye to those who remain, we must not take life for granted but love our closest friends and family in such a way that when they die, even though we may not be there to assure them of our love for them, they will already know, even as they breath their last, that we truly did love them.Mwindula Mbewehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215012646431406909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419474518056170979.post-40556971153983848802014-09-04T16:00:00.000+02:002014-09-05T19:38:55.166+02:00Mali Music<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://truteenmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/mali-music-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://truteenmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/mali-music-2.jpg" height="148" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Mali+Music+BET+Music+Matters+Showcase+GRAMMY+TNPyCqgDDQFl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Mali+Music+BET+Music+Matters+Showcase+GRAMMY+TNPyCqgDDQFl.jpg" height="257" width="320" /></a>Jamaal Pollard professionally known as 'Mali Music' is an EXTREMELY talented, 26 year old American musician. He has released two independent albums but is now making waves with his new album titled, Mali Is..., having signed with record company, RCA. There is really nothing this guy can't do. He sings, he raps and he plays both the piano and guitars with a high level of proficiency. His studio release, 'Mali Is...' has a Soulful, RnB, HipHop, Jazzish feel but watching live performances by him will quickly make evident that he can really do any genre. He is certainly sure of himself and confident and brings great energy and feeling to all his performances.<br />
<br />
Jamaal has come under great criticism for his decision to take a different direction from what he has previously done with this new professional release, particularly by the Christian community. Before, his music was outright Christian but his new album, Mali Is..., while carrying several hints and undertones of Christianity is certainly one that is ambiguous (at best) as far as his faith is concerned.<br />
<br />
Jamaal has explained this departure as no departure at all. He has said that he is simply using the opportunity that he has been given with his record deal with the bigger audience, bigger production and bigger associations that come with it to take his faith to the world on this new platform.<br />
<br />
How are we to respond to this?<br />
<br />
This is not a first. Many talented people and groups that have grown up in the church and say they are Christians begin to release albums and songs that have a more subtle message of God and Christ to 'break into' what is popularly referred to as the mainstream. My mind immediately goes to the Christian rock band, Third Day, with their 2004 release entitled "Wire" which was so tailored to appeal to the mainstream that it is their most 'Christless' album to date.<br />
<br />
I love Third Day and I also love their Wire album and so when I call the Wire album their most 'Christless' album to date, I am not trying to be brutal or harsh but simply trying to hit the nail on the head. By making albums and music that lack Christian language apart from subtle hints to that effect, musicians hope to appeal to the wider audience out there and get air play on secular radio stations that would otherwise not play their music.<br />
<br />
There is a concern here. It maybe true that Jamaal and Third Day would preach the true gospel in their concerts if they managed to pull mainstream audiences to their concerts. It may be true as Jamaal said, that getting into the mainstream would also allow him to preach the true gospel to mainstream artists that are secular and know nothing of Christ but there are concerns here. It's worth mentioning that Third Day's attempt to break into the mainstream with Wire was unsuccessful and they quickly came back with an album which was outright Christian, Wherever You Are, with a lead single off the album titled "Cry out to Jesus" (talk about going from a most "Christless" album to a most "Christfull" one). I can't help but wonder whether they would ever have released any "Christfull" albums had Wire been successful. <br />
<br />
Well then, what is the concern? Is there room for the likes of Jamaal who want to reach the mainstream audiences and musicians by being more subtle and producing music which is only subtly Christian?<br />
<br />
I'll be honest. I'm skeptical.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You see, there's only two options here. Either Jamaal and all others make this shift sincerely to reach a larger audience who need to hear the gospel or insincerely, for their own hunger for success and recognition. The latter is wrong and needs no discussion. If it's selfish, it is sin.<br />
<br />
If, however, you make music that is less "Christfull" for the sake of getting God's message out there, I don't think God needs you to employ such measures to further his cause. Jesus Christ himself is a good example. While he associated with tax collectors and sinners, he did not attempt to make his message more subtle in order to break into the mainstream or to create opportunities to reach larger audiences. If he did, he, no doubt, would have reached a far greater audience. But he did not. He did not employ such measures to get his message out there. He spent time with sinners but never modified his message in any way either in quality or quantity. The message he preached to the churched is the exact same one he preached to the un-churched. The message he preached to the saints, he preached to sinners alike. A compromise of the message makes me a little uncomfortable. Does that mean all ones music must be littered with Jesus Christ? Not necessarily. I think there is room for a Christian musician to compose a 'love song' on his/her album. After all, who are we kidding? We all listen to secular music from time to time depending on what we are going through or what our preference is at that time. Obviously if we listen to more secular music than Christian or if our collection of music is more secular than Christian, it speaks volumes as to the condition of our hearts.<br />
<br />
So, Jamaal/Mali Music, brother, your music is fantastic. Your new release, Mali Is... is on repeat on my audio player at the moment just as Third Day's Wire is from time to time but it won't be long before it is relegated to the bottom of the playlist because it is spiritually bankrupt. The music that remains at the top of the playlist is that which speaks of my Lord and Saviour and what he has done for me. My only message to you is this. Jesus could have made his message more subtle for the very reasons that you have, i.e., to appeal to a larger audience and get the truth to them but he didn't. I don't see why you should. Speak the truth brother and don't dilute it. Don't make it easier on the ears of the non-believer. Preach it like it is. If the Lord and his holy word truly fills your heart, do not hold back from letting it fill your music as well for the sake of appealing to the mainstream, for from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Let your music say what your heart overflows with and let God worry about getting what he has filled your heart with to mainstream audiences and artists.</div>
Mwindula Mbewehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215012646431406909noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419474518056170979.post-92172119334838948282014-08-06T12:00:00.000+02:002014-08-06T12:00:01.772+02:00Not-so-grand thing No. 2: Wealth<div style="text-align: center;">
Click <a href="http://mwindulambewe.blogspot.com/2014/07/5-grand-things-that-arent-grand-at-all.html" target="_blank">here</a> to read <a href="http://mwindulambewe.blogspot.com/2014/07/5-grand-things-that-arent-grand-at-all.html" target="_blank">Not-so-grand thing No. 1: Patriotism</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://afterpartychat.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/wealth-addict.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://afterpartychat.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/wealth-addict.jpg" height="177" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Let's be honest, wealth is great, I mean, look at that face! It's great to fly in private jets, buy expensive homes with expensive cars parked outside, stay in the best hotels, buy expensive things and so on. Who wouldn't sign up for such a life? I certainly would. Our world makes much of wealth. The reality shows all have people competing for large sums of money and we all envy the people who get a chance to win the cash prize. The media certainly doesn't spare us. The most wealthy people in the world are put on billboards, talk shows, magazines and the Internet and we all think that once we have money, we won't need much else. Money does solve a lot of problems, that's for sure. You can get the best education, medical care, food, security, vacations, e.t.c., when you're wealthy. However, wealth is not as grand as it is made out to be. Believe it or not, there are times when the wealthy wish they were 'normal'.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The wealthy struggle with many things that the not so wealthy do not have to contend with. The wealthy have trouble finding genuine friends. No man is an island. Even the most extreme of introverts needs friends, someone to share struggles, hopes and dreams with, someone to be there during difficult and challenging times. The dilemma the wealthy find themselves in is how are they to differentiate between people who have genuine interest in them and people who merely want their wealth? Sure, they can pile their money into heaps and roll in them but a pile of money cannot be your companion, you need someone to talk to and someone to speak to you. Because of this, many people who are wealthy struggle with loneliness and even end up fighting depression because of it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Another natural problem with being wealthy is worry. Most people spend their entire life stressing and worrying. The first half of their lives are spent struggling with ulcers because of the stress involved in trying to get rich and the last half of their lives, again, struggling with ulcers only this time worrying about how to secure the wealth they spent the first half of their lives stressing to gain. Not that great a life, is it? If you put your money in the bank, the bank might go bankrupt, if you invest in real estate you'll need to consider natural disasters, if you invest in the stock market, it might crush, if you put your money in bags and store it in your house, the rodents might get it. And so wherever you turn, there are risks to contend with. The wise thing to do is probably spread all the money around, put your eggs in different baskets as it were. However, that will certainly cause you stress. It's a lot easier to carry eggs in one basket than in several. And then, of course, there are thieves and crooks everywhere who will try to rob you both at night and in broad daylight. In the end, the money that should have relieved you, is now the cause of your high blood pressure. Always looking over your shoulder and trying to be a step ahead could very well be an occupation in and of itself!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There are many other things that make wealth not so grand, perhaps one more. Many wealthy people die miserable. Wealth has a way of making you feel invincible. Since it solves 90% of the problems that the average human being on earth has to grapple with, the wealthy often begin to think that nothing can really bring them down. And then they get an incurable disease or age begins to catch up with them and it soon begins to dawn on them that all the money in the world cannot beat that final enemy we must all face: death. Life is short and not many wealthy people will feel they enjoyed their wealth enough, by the time their time is up and so they try all sorts of things to prolong their life. They spare no expense, paying for the best medical and health care. But death respects no man. Doesn't matter if your a prince or pauper, when you time is up, your time is up. In the end most wealthy people die miserable, failing to come to terms with the fact that their time was up. Jesus told a story about this, a farmer who had a great harvest. In fact, the story is often titled, "The Rich Fool". He begun to make plans for the future when death came knocking on his door.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, do you still want to become stinking rich? Be my guest. But as they say, "Careful what you wish for".</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
And [Jesus] told them this [story]: "The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' "Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry."' "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' "This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God."<br />
¬Luke 12:16-21</blockquote>
Mwindula Mbewehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215012646431406909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419474518056170979.post-38336952294148760662014-08-02T06:00:00.000+02:002014-08-04T21:28:15.586+02:00Pool - The Gentleman's Game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.memphisflyer.com/imager/best-place-to-shoot-pool-fox-and-hound-english-bar-and-grill/b/original/3512607/77f6/Nightlife_Fox_Hound-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.memphisflyer.com/imager/best-place-to-shoot-pool-fox-and-hound-english-bar-and-grill/b/original/3512607/77f6/Nightlife_Fox_Hound-w.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It has been said that women say about 7000 words a day but men only 3000. I don't find that very hard to believe having associated with both. Men generally don't talk a lot. And that's what I love about pool. Just last evening I played three games without saying anything more than 5 words to the two gentlemen I played total. You walk into the place, buy your tokens and place them in the queue of tokens at the corner of the table. You watch quietly, waiting for your turn to come up. When your turn comes up, the champion (as he is normally called), who won the previous game, removes the pool balls and sets them up. The challenger (who was waiting his turn) is the one who gets to play first. And the game begins. No how-are-you's, no what's-your-name's, no where-you-from's just straight up business.<br />
<br />
In fact, putting up wagers doesn't require any talking either. Yesterday, for instance, I won the first game pretty convincingly. When I looked up after setting the balls up I found that they guy who had come up to challenge me had placed K20 on the table. I shook my head and waved my hand indicating that I wasn't interested. "K10?", he asked, which I also declined and on the game went. Turns out I made the right call turning his wager down. He was superb. He won the next two games we played and I tapped out.<br />
<br />
That's not to say there's no room for conversation. If you feel chatty and are fortunate to find yourself playing an opponent who doesn't mind a little conversation, you go ahead and chat.<br />
<br />
I call it the gentleman's game because there's no arguing when playing pool. There's no need for a referee. And there's always a degree of mutual respect. Even the most pathetic player is not laughed at or scorned. Everyone just watches in silence. At the end of the game, courteous players offer a handshake saying, "Good game." And the great thing about it is, while it takes some level of ability to be really good at it, with sufficient practice, anyone can learn to play a decent game of pool! I do hate, though, the silent tension that sometimes accompanies the game. There are times when opponents kind of size each other up and have an attitude about them as they play but it never escalates beyond mere body language.<br />
<br />
The trouble with pool particularly in Zambia is that it is generally associated with drunkenness because it is typically found in bars. That's probably true almost all over the world but more so here. At least in other countries, pool tables are found in homes and there are pool parlours. Both of these are rare in Zambia. And it is quite perilous for young teenagers because they go into bars intrigued by the game and soon pick up a thirst for what everyone seems to really be enjoying around them as they play away. It isn't long before they begin to drink as well. It's quite unfortunate but the average individual you see who is good at the game probably drinks as well.<br />
<br />
Despite it's bad rep, I love the game. It's a great recreational game and surely is the gentleman's game!Mwindula Mbewehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215012646431406909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419474518056170979.post-89320590933936214962014-07-31T22:00:00.000+02:002014-08-07T09:58:16.547+02:005 Grand Things That Aren't Grand At All (Part 1)The year is 1914. The month, July. Yes, exactly 100 years ago. Austria-Hungary, now Czech Republic, attacks Serbia resulting in something of a domino effect; Russia retaliates, being allies of Serbia. Germany in turn invades France and are given an ultimatum by Britain to retreat which, of course, they do not. Several other countries join in the fracas due to alliances, such as Britain had to France, formed in preceding years. By 1917, the USA also join in. A war which most thought would last a mere few months at most, goes on for almost 4 and a half years. Then known as the Great War, today we call it "World War One".<br />
<br />
It grew into a war involving 32 countries. Casualties numbered under 40 million.<br />
<br />
Listening to the story of this war and reading about it has reminded me of one particular thing that is made much of and treasured but isn't really all that it's cracked up to be. In fact, there are several such things. For this particular piece of writing, I talk a little bit about the first.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Not-So-Grand Thing No. 1: Patriotism</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6d/A_World_War_1_Story,_Part_6._Hutt_Valley,_Wellington,_New_Zealand,_14_April_1916_(437353411).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6d/A_World_War_1_Story,_Part_6._Hutt_Valley,_Wellington,_New_Zealand,_14_April_1916_(437353411).jpg" height="230" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's interesting that when WWI begun, there was a real sense of enthusiasm from men in their respective countries. In Britain for instance, men were running over each other to sign up to fight in the war. When Britain gave Germany an ultimatum to retreat from France before 11pm that night, Britons lined the streets chanting slogans and marching patriotically. In the office of the Prime Minister however, you could hear a pin drop as the PM himself, his wife and several cabinet ministers sat hoping to get word of retreat from Germany. At around 11pm, the PM's wife gets up to go to bed asking her husband, in effect, "Is time up?" He replies in the affirmative. The war was on. It only took the first publication in the papers of names of soldiers who had died in the war (as was the custom to do) that first week to turn that patriotic mood and buzz of the people somber and pensive. It was then that they finally realized what their leaders understood that night in the PM's office as they hoped for word of retreat from Germany. That there was nothing grand about what was going on. It would be horrendous.<br />
<br />
Patriotism appears grand and honourable. Our blood boils to hear insults hurled or demeaning words spoken against our land and people. Our hearts just as readily leap when representatives of our nations at world wide athletics games and sporting competitions win and our national flags are raised and anthems played. There is a sense in which we love our land and country which is all well and good, but is patriotism all that it's cracked up to be? I do not think so. Sure, we have a responsibility to our land and people and we should take pride but does the fanatic-like tendencies that accompany patriotism really bring real returns? Men have given so much for their countries in the past but if they were to live in their countries today for only a week, I suspect they would weep at best and perhaps regret their sacrifices for their countries at worst, to see what has become of them. The ideologies to which they espoused aren't embraced anymore, they would find. In fact, for many they would find ideologies they despised obtaining. The evils that go on, the corruption, narrow mindedness, immorality and selfishness, even of those in leadership would likely have their stomachs turning in disgust asking, "Is this what I worked so hard and gave so much for?" Lord knows, they probably "turn in their graves" as they say.<br />
<br />
Loving our people and land surely has its place but patriotism sure isn't as grand as it is made out to be. Just ask those patriotic young men who ran towards WWI like a child runs towards candy, how grand it is. They'll be sure to tell you, that while it has it's place, it isn't grand at all.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"I hated all my toil in which I toil under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to the man who will come after me, and who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will be master
of all for which I toiled and used my wisdom under the sun. This also is
vanity.<span class="p">" ~Ecclesiastes 2.18-19.</span><span class="p"></span> </blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Click <a href="http://mwindulambewe.blogspot.com/2014/08/not-so-grand-thing-no-2-wealth.html" target="_blank">here</a> to view <a href="http://mwindulambewe.blogspot.com/2014/08/not-so-grand-thing-no-2-wealth.html" target="_blank">Not-so-grand thing No. 2: Wealth</a></div>
<br />
<br />Mwindula Mbewehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215012646431406909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419474518056170979.post-18433627863421810262014-01-14T06:00:00.000+02:002014-01-14T06:00:01.207+02:00The Father Of God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.morethings.com/god_and_country/jesus/jesus-nazareth-110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://www.morethings.com/god_and_country/jesus/jesus-nazareth-110.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
One of the greatest injustices of setting a day to represent the birth of Christ namely the 25th of December is that we have limited our celebration and reflection of it to that time of the year only. Most of us are guilty of remembering Christ’s birth as often as we remember our on – once a year. Honestly speaking, we only ever sing songs, listen to sermons and read and recount the story of Jesus’ birth at Christmas. I think that’s unfortunate because Christ’s birth was a milestone in the history of mankind. Bebo Norman, a contemporary Christian musician wrote:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
And the angels filled the sky<br />All of heaven wondered why<br />Why the King would choose to be<br />Be a baby born to die</blockquote>
It seems the Lord’s Supper has ‘rescued’ the event of Christ’s death from such a fate. I am convinced that is why Jesus actually instituted it – “Do this in remembrance of me” he said.<br /><br />In a bid to rebel against this unfortunate trend, I wish to reflect upon the oft overlooked role that one man played in the birth and life of Christ. His contribution is always mentioned at the very beginning of Christ’s earthly life but soon after that he is never mentioned again, neither by people who speak of Christ’s birth and life or even by the bible itself.<br /><br />This man is of course, Joseph. There is some disagreement about Joseph. Some suppose he was a middle to older aged man. Some traditional writings further suggest that he had already been married and was widowed with several children. In fact, most image representations of him show him grey haired and bald. But early writers had a bias. In a bid to defend the virgin birth which was in doubt they may have been inclined to stretch facts and depict Joseph as very old and Mary as very young to discourage people from thinking that Jesus was conceived by their coming together out of wedlock.<br />
<br />
We'll never know for sure how old Joseph was at Christ's birth while we're on earth. But I am more inclined to think that he was a younger man. I have a lot of respect for a young Joseph. I imagine a young Joseph to be focused rather than living life without any real intent. I imagine that he wanted to be successful and worked hard. I imagine that he, like any other young man, had plans. He certainly had his sights set on a young lady named Mary. He must have looked forward to marrying her and raising a family with her.<br /><br />But life is no fairy tale and like many real life stories, things soon came crumbling down. For Joseph, it was when he found out that the young lady he loved had fallen pregnant. I bet he was devastated. But young Joseph was a good man and sincerely loved Mary so much so that he decided that rather than soothe his pain by battering her reputation, telling everyone how terrible and how lacking in chastity Mary was, he opted to quietly end his relationship with her instead.<br /><br />I would imagine that a young Joseph soon picked himself up and begun to re-strategize but God had other plans. And this is where my respect for this man comes in.<br /><br />I don’t think the average fellow who is just starting out with a promising career, already earning some good money and rising up all the ladders that this life has on offer would agree to father the child of his pregnant fiancée. A child changes things. That powerful car, nice house in a prime location, big wedding or great vacation all have to be put aside to not only ensure the safe arrival of the child but prepare for its future. A child means goodbye to a lot of the time you looked forward to having with your new wife. It means dirty diapers and late nights. It means missing out on late nights and weekends away with friends or special events you would otherwise have attended. The damning thing about it is that raising a child is a long term endeavour, at least 18 years and many times much longer. That is why the average teenage girl who tells her boyfriend that she has gotten pregnant, sees the man, younger or older, run in the opposite direction. Not many guys, especially still youthful, would consider such a sacrifice for their own child conceived out of wedlock but Joseph embraced it for a child conceived that was not even his own.<br /><br />Joseph laid his hopes and dreams aside for a cause that was much bigger than him. I dare say he laid it aside for the greatest cause in mankind’s history – ever. God calls young men and women to do all sorts of things for him and many are willing until those callings begin to mess with their plans and comforts. And that’s why I am convinced that very few young men would agree to do what a young Joseph did because of how much it cost him. I’m not sure that I would.<br /><br />Consider how it all ends. Joseph is not mentioned again after Christ’s 12th birthday. Sure it cost Mary a lot too but at least she gets mentioned during and even after Christ’s death. So prevalent was her role that she is worshipped thousands of years later in the Catholic Church. But for Joseph, it’s like he never existed. He certainly doesn’t exist in the pages of scripture after the first few chapters of the gospels that narrate Christ’s birth. After Bethlehem we all pretty much forget him. After all he sacrificed he is forgotten in the early pages of the story of Christ. Which man would sign up to lose so much and gain so little in the end? Sure, the title “the Father of God” has a ring to it, but when it comes down to it, there’s not much else there on this side of eternity.<br /><br />I have no doubt though that Joseph will have many crowns for the humble, soon forgotten and life interrupting role he played in the grand story of redemption. Such sacrifice cannot go unnoticed by God in heaven. A man we may pity now on earth will be the envy of many in heaven. A young Joseph is a challenge to any young person with hopes and dreams and a promising future who God calls to take a road that ‘ruins’ all those things. How glorified and honoured God must feel when a man or woman makes such a sacrifice even though it costs them so much with so little earthly gain. I have a lot of respect for a young Joseph and I look forward to meeting him in heaven. He must have been quite a man!Mwindula Mbewehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215012646431406909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419474518056170979.post-66160838236928480392013-11-16T06:00:00.000+02:002013-11-16T06:00:01.081+02:00The Prime Danger Of Being Reformed<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Version>12.00</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.reformationstudycenter.com/reformsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="http://www.reformationstudycenter.com/reformsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m proud to be reformed. I’m proud to be a five pointer.
Don’t get me wrong. Being reformed doesn’t make me proud – at least I hope it doesn't – but rather, I am ready to wear my convictions on my sleeve. I am
not ashamed of them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, there are times when I find myself ashamed of wearing the reformed
colours. There are times I walk away from a discussion or meeting embarrassed to be associated with my own. The compelling convictions of the reformed faith have a tendency
to make one think they are more superior and knowledgeable than the rest. And
when I see this happening I, to some degree, despise myself and my own.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Paul, aware of this danger for those who espouse to the
truth, elevates love over knowledge in one
instance saying in effect, better an ignoramus who loves than a know-it-all who
doesn’t and again, in a different instance, elevates love over even faith and hope. In 1 Corinthians 8.1, he
says knowledge puffs up but love builds up going on to say in effect that the
minute you think you know it all is the very minute when you must realized that you’ve
missed it! It's not likely that you'll find a reformed person claiming to know it all but sometimes we behave like it! And do not be deceived, actions do, in fact, speak louder than words. In 2 Corinthians 15.2, Paul says, faith and hope are great but the
greatest thing is love. Knowledge is good. But without the endearing ingredient
of love, it can be an ugly, obnoxious and repugnant thing. Elsewhere, he encouraged that truth be shared
but with one qualification, that it be done ‘in love’ (Ephesians 4.15).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Too many times, the language, both audible and visible,
of reformed people is indicative of a people who look down and despise others
for their beliefs and convictions that are contrary to the teachings of
scripture.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I recently came across some reformed brethren saying in a rather public forum that the
belief that one can cover their houses and cars in the blood of Jesus, as many believe, was ‘silly’
and ‘rubbish’. And an individual who practiced this covering of property in the blood of Jesus witnessed it all. A few Sundays ago, someone called the catholic church 'unserious'
in a meeting where, unaware to them of course, at least one catholic person was present.
The response from the audience was laughter and I think I laughed too. No
doubt, that person won’t be visiting our church or any Reformed church
any time soon. That’s the kind of thing I am talking about.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The paradox
here is that the reformed faith emphasizes God and de-emphasizes us, that’s what
I find compelling about it in fact. It takes the man off the center of the stage removing the stage lights off him and
illuminates God, putting Him on center stage instead.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take limited atonement for instance. Christ died for some and
not all. And those for whom he died were chosen not because of anything good in
them but by his grace alone. How does one come away from such a doctrine and
bash other people for wrong beliefs and convictions? It’s a contradiction. What
about irresistible grace? You do not come to God by your own strength and
desire but by the irresistible call of the Spirit. It’s not you, it’s God. Yet
with that kind of knowledge we go on to look down on those who refute the
teachings of scripture. It doesn’t make any sense.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It could be that our knowledge ends in our heads but doesn’t
successfully make it down to our hearts to effect change in our lives. In which case, the
ignorant are better than us, at least they have an excuse.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For many though, it could be mere ignorance, a bashing of
people who hold on to wrong doctrine that happens unawares for them. Whether it’s the former or latter, we all need to repent and realize
that we embrace truths we hold on to simply because the Spirit has been pleased
to reveal them to us through His word. We are not smarter and we are certainly not
superior. Those who remain misled and misguided are not stupid. They are simply
what we were before God was pleased to open our eyes to the truth. Shame on us
if we think we’re any better, shame on us if we sit on the truth and shame on
us if we share it but fail to do so in love.</div>
Mwindula Mbewehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215012646431406909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419474518056170979.post-10939807218023230802013-11-15T12:00:00.000+02:002013-11-15T12:00:04.569+02:00Is Masturbation Sinful?<i>Often called a grey area or amoral, I've never really heard/read masturbation treated thoroughly and biblically. I think this note by Zuba is the most comprehensive and compelling treatment I have found and so I thought I should share it.</i><br />
<br />
By Zuba Mwanza<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii25fyDyA3yHCRcWUVd8d97eHAVERdYhRkDANOrEO_vRxdzArso7aqrz2nF2BNkK3S2i66LpT6pgaI221D_0WBiw9iZYTbZVmEII1cWpu7FgJln7UaUoTEO0GrzN54rsi-AW1P4RLFu_Q/s1600/Zuba+&+Mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii25fyDyA3yHCRcWUVd8d97eHAVERdYhRkDANOrEO_vRxdzArso7aqrz2nF2BNkK3S2i66LpT6pgaI221D_0WBiw9iZYTbZVmEII1cWpu7FgJln7UaUoTEO0GrzN54rsi-AW1P4RLFu_Q/s200/Zuba+&+Mom.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Before I begin, I would like to state that my writing of this note was
to a large extent motivated by an article I read on the Modern Ghana
page, entitled "Pastor Chris Oyakhilome's theory of Masturbation". In
this article, Pastor Chris is quoted saying the following,
<br />
<br />
"Masturbation in itself is not a sin against God. Satan simply uses
it in oppressing Christians and making them feel ineffective and
inefficient in God's sight. But, once u understand that it has nothing
to do with God, but its about you and your body..."
<br />
<br />
He said these words in a telecast when asked the question, "How can a
Christian overcome Masturbation?" And when his response clearly seemed
to have raised a lot of dust, he reinforced his position a few weeks
later in another telecast (which I happen to have a copy of, and is also
on Youtube) by clearly stating that, "It was not a slip of the
tongue.." (as many who hold him in high esteem had been saying).
<br />
<br />
Everything God created is good [Gen.1:31]. And part of what God
created is sex, our desire for it, as well our capacity to enjoy it. And
these too, are good. However, sexual intercourse was created to be
enjoyed ONLY in a marriage context.
<br />
<br />
By definition, Masturbation is "the act of giving yourself sexual pleasure by rubbing your sexual organs," (Oxford, 2010).<br />
<br />
The concept of masturbation is basically deriving sexual pleasure n'
satisfaction in a manner that is not ordained by God. If God is the one
that created sex, as well as our capacity to enjoy it, He therefore has
right to determine/ prescribe the manner & context in which it can
be enjoyed.<br />
<br />
Unlike the sexual desire God created, lust is a bodily passion. It
is a perversion of that which God intended for good. It is essentially a
strong sexual craving, aimed at that which God has forbidden (ie. Sex
outside marriage). Where as sexual desire is perfectly natural n'
enables a married man/ woman to enjoy sexual intercourse, lust develops
when "by one's sinful desires, a person is dragged away and enticed,"
(James1:14). Lust is normally fanned by what we watch (eg. Movies,
magazines), what we listen to (eg. Songs, erotic stories from peers), as
well as what we read (eg. Erotic novels and stories in online or
printed articles). Lust is sinful firstly becoz God says so (1Pet4:3,
Col3:5, 2Pet2:18, 1Corint7:9b, Prov6:25, Gal5:19-21). But secondly, it
is sinful because, it drives one to imagine him/ herself enjoyin that
which disgusts God. That for which Christ was crucified! Therefore, He
says, "Whoever looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery
with her in his heart." Matt5:28. This is becoz, when u are havin
lustful thots, the only thing keepin u from committing the sin
physically is circumstance. Otherwise, given the ideal environment n'
opportunity to do so, u wud seize it! However, God's will is that we
shud keep away from sin becoz of our LOVE for him, n' not our fear of
diseases, pregnancy or pipo walkin in on us. He wants us to hate sin for
what it is. To "learn to control our bodies in a manner that is holy n'
honorable, n' not in PASSIONATE LUST like the non-believer do.."
1Thessalon4:3-5.
<br />
<br />
One of the major reasons masturbation can NEVER be justified is
becoz, without doubt, it is a product of passionate lust. In the earlier
mentioned telecast n' article, Pastor Chris' underpinning argument is
that "the sin is LUST, & not the masturbation that results from it.
Because, masturbation is a habit like any other." This cannot be true
simply because, whereas the Bible clearly forbids us to ACT OUT OF
passionate lust as the non-believers do [1Thess4:5], that's exactly what
masturbation is. In the telecast, he further argues that, "we cannot
say that eating bread is wrong simply because we know someone who stole
bread and ate it. In the same way, masturbation is NOT sinful, but the
lust that leads to it is." This kind of reasoning is faulty because, if
we are to go by it, even stealing wud not be sinful, except for the
Covetousness or lack of contentment that leads to it. Therefore, if God
is disgusted by Lustful thots, how much more what they lead to and what
sustains them? Hence, not only is it improper for God's holy children
[as Eph5:3 puts it], but also it offends God, becoz your body is a
temple of the Holy Spirit [1Corinth6:18-20].
<br />
<br />
In addition, masturbation involves the arousal n' gratification of
ones sexual desires in an illegitimate manner. Illegitimate in that, God
the law giver does not approve. Masturbation is essentially sex with
yourself. And so, eventho we may have no control over certain things
that can arouse our sexual feelings, He requires that we "LEARN TO
CONTROL OUR BODIES in a manner that is holy and honorable."1Thess4:4.
<br />
<br />
Therefore my beloved friend, if u are in the habit of masturbating, I
wud like u to know that it is a SIN against God, and that He can enable
u quit it (Titus2:11-12). I also urge all who will read this to live
Self-controlled lives, becoz the ability to deny yourself that which u
desire, primarily becoz God does not approve, is one of the surest ways
of knowing that His Spirit lives in you!Mwindula Mbewehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215012646431406909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419474518056170979.post-40940149144042790772013-11-14T23:25:00.000+02:002013-11-14T23:25:23.330+02:00Directorial Debut!My brother has a passion and talent for performing as an actor. He's been writing scripts for quite a while. One of them, a stage play, was realized last year entitled "No Greater Love". It was superb. He got behind the camera for another script he wrote, a short film this time around and the following is the result. It's brilliant especially if you consider that it's his first, enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/AHZWepLgRoo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Mwindula Mbewehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215012646431406909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419474518056170979.post-58103954905457710812013-10-14T22:11:00.000+02:002013-10-14T22:11:54.032+02:00Your Own Jesus<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media.zondervan.com/images/product/original/9780310293323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media.zondervan.com/images/product/original/9780310293323.JPG" width="197" /></a></div>
<br />
Casting Crown's lead singer, Mark Hall, has a book to his name
entitled "Your Own Jesus". My brother has an excellent review of it on
his blog. To check it out, click <a href="http://journeyincyprus.blogspot.com/2013/10/could-have-been-birthday-post.html">here</a>!Mwindula Mbewehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215012646431406909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419474518056170979.post-30242726334878397732013-10-12T20:46:00.001+02:002013-10-13T20:30:35.355+02:00Envy<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Version>12.00</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/files/images/0608-the-upside-oe-0941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/files/images/0608-the-upside-oe-0941.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’d have never thought myself an envious person. But
recently, after hearing a sermon on the famous passage on love in the Apostle
Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians (the 13th chapter), I discovered that I suffered from an
acute problem of envy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It turned out that mine was at quite an advanced stage. I
was really envious of a lot of people who had things better than me by any
measure. For some reason I never realized it was a problem in my life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The thing that has stuck with me most from Haddon Robinson’s
words on love not being envious (though it was more of an aside point) was how unreasonable
envy is. The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">unreasonableness</b> of
envy is that it will not likely be willing to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">'swap clean'</b>.
Haddon said in his sermon that the envious person must be ready to ‘swap
clean’. If I’m envious of a friend who has a certain car, isn’t it unreasonable to
want the good he has in his life without having to contend with the bad? I mustn’t get
the car only, I must get everything else; his asthma, his broken family, his loneliness,
his undetected cancer, his few remaining years on the earth etc. When you think
about it that way, you stop and think twice before envying. It is unreasonable
to envy; you can’t want the good only. If you envy, you must swap clean. It
should be all or nothing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unfortunately, in my depravation, I used this to make myself
feel better. I opted to dwell, therefore, on the negative aspects of the lives
of those I envied which of course wasn’t Haddon’s point.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think the most <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">sinful</b>
thing about envy is that it is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">an
affront</b> to God. To be envious is to tell God that he isn’t doing his job
right and that you know better. It is to tell him that he should have given you
kids like that family has, a car like that person has, a wife who cooks as good
as that other guy’s wife, etc. It is to basically tell God that he made a bad
call. What can be more offensive? Wasn't that God's point in those several chapters in Job where he responds to Jobs complaints for the terrible circumstances he had found himself in, going from hero to zero. God was saying in all those chapters, are you sure? Are you sure you can sit on my throne and do a better job? Of course, all Job could do was repent. There is a delicate balance we must find
where we do our best and not be lazy while simultaneously accepting the place
God puts us, with the things and people that he gives us. We must work hard so that
we avail ourselves the best things of this life while being ready to live with
the things God causes us to end up with.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">heinous</b> thing
I’ve found with envy, especially in my life on a social level, is its <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">paralyzing effect</b>. I have found myself failing miserably and literally unable to genuinely
rejoice with those around me when they are blessed in some way or other. When you envy
the progress of others, it is not possible to truly be happy for them and with
them. This invariably results in a failure to mourn with them in their sorrow as
well since you’re happy to see them go down and lose out. It is a terrible
place to be. I've also found myself crippled; too focused on what I don't have that I fail to enjoy what I do have. How sad! Worse off, I end up robbing God of the thanks he deserves for what he has actually given me all because I'm so consumed by what he hasn't.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">trickery</b> of
envy is in its <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">perpetuity</b>. When does
it end? When will you ever have a life that is so great, no one else has
anything better than you? Sure, you’ll end up with a lot of money, but you’re not
likely to have the best spouse or kids as well. You can never envy enough. I
remember a song that used to be played a lot when I was in high school which
had a line, “Remember when you’re feeling blue, there’s always someone who has
it worse than you…” Well, they’ll always be someone who has it better than you
in one area or other. So envying won’t get you anywhere. Contentment really is
the better alternative.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">folly</b>
of envy is that it <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">works on assumptions</b>.
It assumes that having that thing that the other person has will finally make
you happy. It assumes that you deserve better than the person you’re envious
of. It assumes that the thing(s) you envy about the other person is/are the aspect(s) of
their lives that complete them. These assumptions are all faulty. That thing
you envy won’t make you happy; true happiness is not found in the things we
envy. No sir, no ma’am, you don’t deserve better than the person you’re envious
of; on your best day, you deserve nothing from God at the very least. And
finally, nothing temporal can complete a person; the people we perceive to be
happy and complete are often not and if they truly are, it has everything to do
with something permanent that cannot be corrupted or taken from them, something
which comes only from above.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Envy is a disease of the heart, and every time I find myself
with a wrong attitude i.e. a heart problem, I pray this little prayer I heard
sang as a child:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Change my heart, Oh God</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Make it ever true</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Change my heart, Oh God</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May I be like You</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You are the potter</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am the clay</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mold me and make me</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is what I pray</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am yet to be let down after praying this prayer sincerely!</div>
Mwindula Mbewehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215012646431406909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419474518056170979.post-30004620562874790902013-10-04T23:31:00.000+02:002013-10-04T23:31:43.047+02:00Faith – A Must for Any Relationship<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Version>12.00</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://greatleadersserve.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/iStock_000016097473XSmall1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://greatleadersserve.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/iStock_000016097473XSmall1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s the thing about faith. The bible says without it, it
is impossible to please God. The truth of the matter is that without faith, it
is impossible to please anyone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Any father would want his son to have a reasoning mind, to
think through actions before taking them and to decide whether an action is
profitable or not and not just do things blindly. However, no father would want
to have to explain the reasoning and benefit before issuing his every
instruction or conveying his every request. Why? First of all, because his son must
be obedient and seek to honour him but more so because he would like his son to
have a level of reverence and TRUST so that he can carry out instructions and
honour requests without first questioning them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is true of any relationship; parent-child,
boss-employee, sibling-sibling, friend-friend, etc. We rarely ever have to
explain the benefit or reasoning behind every request we make to people we relate
with from day to day. This is because, for most of them, they love and care for us and/or simply TRUST us and we them and
they carry out more of what we ask and believe more of what we say without
questioning it, even if it doesn’t make sense, than they do while requiring
proof and reasoning from us first.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is especially so with a romantic relationship. A man’s
chief puzzle is his woman and vice-versa. Women are always talking about how
they can never understand men and men say the same. Why then is it that a man
will carry out instructions and requests and do things for his
wife/fiancée/girlfriend even if they do not make sense to him? In fact, ask any
man who decided to have a “why” mentality towards his woman and find out how
long he was able to go on with that! You’ll discover that he couldn’t keep it
up because it displeased her, and rightly so.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spending hours shopping for the house when it could really all be done in 30 minutes? Going back to the shop to get a particular
kind of cheese when the one he brought home first works up to 99.9% as well? Celebrating
the baby’s first birthday even if the child will neither understand nor have
any recollection of it? These are things that an average man may not
appreciate and yet goes ahead to do anyway. Why? Because would like it and he loves her. And if he only
does things which make sense to him in his relationship then she will not be
PLEASED with him. Faith is necessary to please those we love.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why should it be any different with God?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How can God be pleased with us if we only accept him when
everything he has said and everything about him makes sense to us? How is our
trust in him demonstrated when we choose to believe him ONLY when all the
evolutionist’s questions are answered? What underlying message must God receive when we
refuse him until all questions are answered and everything makes perfect sense
in our heads? A belief in God on our own<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>terms is no belief at all.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I understand that God took away a person or people you loved
from you, but must he explain himself before you follow him? I understand that
so many of your questions remain unanswered, but must you require a file from
God containing answers to all your questions and before you come to him? No. We do
not hold those around us to such an insensible standard, why must we do it to
God?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just as we do not demand that everything we do for those we
love make sense, if we are to love God, we must believe in him and
exercise trust in him and do as he says even if it doesn’t all make sense.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is where atheists get it wrong. They have good
questions. They ask, among other things; If God exists, why does he allow evil? Why does he allow
suffering? Why doesn’t he speak in an audible voice and show the world that he
is real? Why am I unhappy and unfulfilled if God really loves me and cares for
me and wants the best for me? And so on. What I find illogical from people these people who claim to be
very logical is that they do not demand ALL the answers from those they love
and care for, and yet they demand this from God, who loves and cares for them.
Yes, God encourages us to bring our heads with us when enter into a relationship with him by believing and trusting in him
but to demand all our questions and queries answered before we yield to him is
unacceptable. He will not answer them all because he is pleased when we
exercise faith in him. When we submit to him even if it hasn’t all made sense,
he is well pleased with us. It is the ultimate sign of love for him when we
surrender to him with our questions and queries still unanswered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thankfully, as we grow in our relationship with him, through the study of his word and prayer, our questions and queries get answered along the way. Hence the good old song we sing, "We will understand it better by and by." And thankfully, he promises us that when all is said and done and history is wrapped up, all will be made plain and clear. He doesn't owe it to us but because he loves us, he will. Why did you lose your loved one who meant so much to you? Put your faith in him, you will understand it better by and by. Why did you lose your job/health/wealth? Why did that unfortunate circumstance befall you? Put your faith in him, you will understand it better by and by. Why doesn't the bible make a 100% clear, beyond shadow-of-doubt argument for God's existence? Put your faith in him, you will understand it better by and by.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Matthew 10:26 ~ So have no fear for them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be made known.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hebrews 11:6 ~ And without faith, it is impossible to please God.<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div>
</blockquote>
Mwindula Mbewehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215012646431406909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419474518056170979.post-19827553196774475272013-09-11T01:53:00.000+02:002013-09-11T01:53:57.879+02:00Girl Trouble<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://fc03.deviantart.net/images/large/indyart/indymisc/Sad_Sad_Sad_Girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://fc03.deviantart.net/images/large/indyart/indymisc/Sad_Sad_Sad_Girl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Here's how it goes. A guy likes a girl. Naturally, he gives her particular attention. He beings talking to her a lot. He sends her text messages and calls her regularly. He makes sure to buy her a present on her birthday and celebrate with her in her victories and mourns with her in her losses.<br />
<br />
Here's how it is. Today, the unfortunate thing is that if the girl likes the guy back, she 'lets him in'. She entertains him holding nothing back. It isn't long before the young fellow (who is helplessly 'in love' and cannot really help himself) is calling her sweet names, marking his territory for all other predators to see and stay away and really just taking her as his own.<br />
<br />
Here's how it ends. The girl falls for the guy but things soon begin to get complicated. In some cases, months go by and the guy isn't proposing. Or he isn't providing any direction for the 'relationship' or definition for it for that matter. Or, worst case scenario, as guys often do when they are not tied down, the fellow moves on leaving the girl heart broken. She cannot hold him down because, he has made no commitment to her. She let him in without requiring a commitment from him.<br />
<br />
Here's how it should be. A girl must realize that the only guys she must consider are serious guys. Guys who aren't around to merely have fun but guys who want one final and certain thing, to get married.<br />
<br />
The first problem is that most girls want to play around too. In such a case, I guess the pair is perfectly matched, two playful characters. The ruin will be bilateral.<br />
<br />
Some girls, however, are serious. They aren't looking to play around but they go about things the wrong way. Instead, they must be a delicate and wise balance of closing themselves up while at the same time keeping the guy interested until he makes the commitment by proposing. There must be a sense in which the guy is starved yet kept at the table. He must be kept in check. Communication must not be in excess. That is reserved for a boyfriend. Language of endearment e.g. "Sweetheart" or "I love you" must be none-existent and limited only to courtship. Gifts must be received with thanks but they too must be kept in check both in terms of quantity and quality lest he thinks he is owed something in return. Things like romantic walks, holding hands and generally time spent as a couple are all reserved for a boyfriend and girlfriend relationship. Anything short of such a relationship must be treated as mere friendship until the guy makes that bold decision to propose. <br />
<br />
If the guy is frustrated and leaves, well and good. As hard as it might be and unapparent, it is a better scenario than the possibilities if he is let in without making a commitment. That is why prayer is vital to seek guidance and counsel from the Lord himself.<br />
<br />
A girls greatest and most delicate treasure is her heart. She must only give it away to the guy who is ready to take care of it and is serious enough to do so for the rest of his life. Anyone who falls short of that standard must be cut out. Ladies, protect your heart.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Young women of Jerusalem, I charge you: do not stir up or awaken love until the appropriate time. ~Song of Solomon 8.4 (<span class="versiontext">Holman Christian Standard Bible)</span></blockquote>
Mwindula Mbewehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215012646431406909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419474518056170979.post-37643157437308928012013-09-05T21:36:00.002+02:002013-09-05T21:36:28.473+02:00Giving<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodgiftideasforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Give.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.goodgiftideasforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Give.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
It is not strange to hear someone speak of growth in grace, love, faith or holiness however, the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 8 introduces an idea of excelling in giving. During a bible study this very evening I asked myself whether I am excelling in giving. Am I becoming a better giver as the river of time keeps rolling on? How really does one excel in giving?<br />
<br />
We can excel in giving in the <i>quality</i> of our giving, the <i>quantity</i> of our giving and the <i>attitude</i> of our giving.<br />
<br />
If we are to excel in giving, we should discover, looking back over a particular period of time, that the quality of what we give is getting better and better. If a few years ago we gave only those things that were either of no use or no value to us, we must find that as the years have gone by we have found that we now give things that we value, things of high quality.<br />
<br />
If we are to excel in giving, we should increase the measure of what we give. If before we gave a few things we must give more. To be giving the same quantities of things we would give some two or three years ago is indicative of a stagnation in our giving.<br />
<br />
Finally and more broadly, higher degrees of excellence in our giving are attained by a betterment in out attitude when we give. We must:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Give Secretly:</b> Jesus spoke of this on His sermon on the mount, how that our right hand must not know what our left has given. This is hyperbole of course since this is hardly possible. Jesus was merely stressing the desirable characteristic of secret giving.</li>
<li><b>Give Joyfully/Cheerfully:</b> We've all had the experience of receiving a gift from one who has given it begrudgingly. You do not enjoy a gift that you know the giver did not want to give to you. It is no different with God, nor is it different with others. Everyone loves a cheerful giver.</li>
<li><b>Give Selflessly:</b> Our giving must be all about the other person taking deliberate effort to erase ourselves from the picture. The depth of human selfishness is an abyss. Just now I was watching a famous screen actor on a video clip on YouTube announcing to a church congregation that he had given a million dollars to a church project. I do not know whether he made the announcement to bring praise to himself but we can find ourselves giving to others and yet being selfish all at the same time.</li>
<li><b>Give & Forget:</b> This means that while we may be taken aback at the immorality of someone withholding something good from us who just the previous week we gave to, we must never give expecting anything in return. We mustn't end up with a mental creditors book filled with names of people who we gave this and that to that are yet to give us anything. You have heard it said, "forgive and forget" but I tell you now, "give and forget".</li>
<li><b>Give Consistently:</b> We must make giving to others a habit. It must be for us, as it were, a way of life. The Apostle Paul, in the same passage refers to our Lord Jesus Christ who could aptly be named "The Giver" as our supreme example and standard in the area of giving.</li>
<li><b>Give Sacrificially:</b> While there is nothing wrong in giving spare change and giving what we don't need, it would be erroneous to give only that. Our giving beings to excel when it beings to cost us something. When we give that last item or that last amount of money so that we become the needy to supply the one in need, we become more excellent in our giving.</li>
</ul>
To excel in giving, as is exhorted by the Apostle Paul, is to have these elements in greater measure in our lives. May it be so!Mwindula Mbewehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215012646431406909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419474518056170979.post-45403942543005834512013-09-04T22:41:00.000+02:002013-09-04T22:41:03.636+02:00Can You Pray To The Holy Spirit?About two years ago, I found myself in a bible study where this question arose. I was the only one who answered it in the affirmative and my position on the subject was met with vehement opposition. The general consensus seemed to be that we were only to pray to God the Father.<br />
<br />
I later discovered that such a conclusion was neither biblical nor logical.<br />
<br />
It is not biblical to say that we should only pray to God the Father. Scripture records for us the dying prayer of the martyr, Stephen, in the Acts of the Apostles when he looked up to heaven and prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" (Acts 7.59).<br />
<br />
I didn't have much that was significant to defend my answer in that bible study, but one thing I did ask those who answered the question with a definite 'no', was to approach the Elders of the church to have at least one song removed from our songbooks. "Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me." A song which is a prayer to God the Holy Spirit.<br />
<br />
What about the Lord's prayer in which the Lord presented the model of prayer for all to follow that addressed God the Father? Well, one must understand that there is only one God. When we pray, we pray to Him. Granted there are three persons in the Trinity. But while They are different in function, They remain one in essence. Therefore, it is not possible to pray to One without praying to All Three. Thus it is not logical to conclude that you cannot or must not pray to any of the persons in the Trinity other than the Father.<br />
<br />
When, then, are we to pray to the other two? One instance when it is appropriate is when we are praying with an emphasis on One's function. For instance, it is God the Holy Spirit who convicts men of sin. It is therefore only fitting that when we are praying for conviction of sin to take place, we pray to the Holy Spirit.Mwindula Mbewehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215012646431406909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419474518056170979.post-29817189004366366672013-04-11T22:00:00.000+02:002015-09-18T16:46:22.153+02:00Five Reasons Why Pompi, Abel And Whoever Else CAN'T Minister In Clubs<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEh5VYXC__0Fk7YvNN-nSh5qXTML8oohuch5IaMLJI49UpOnW_n_uDHAYLgu1eRwkyZcP-s0wMceXjtht-jlqWtQDB_42jSxgVrJ1fh5AiY8nFVnFekYxLaKYrjkOYFBBgJllzp_-l8NqwUjvzVI2AVUPNq5nssA3nkmPKKCe93o=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEh5VYXC__0Fk7YvNN-nSh5qXTML8oohuch5IaMLJI49UpOnW_n_uDHAYLgu1eRwkyZcP-s0wMceXjtht-jlqWtQDB_42jSxgVrJ1fh5AiY8nFVnFekYxLaKYrjkOYFBBgJllzp_-l8NqwUjvzVI2AVUPNq5nssA3nkmPKKCe93o=" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pompi is arguably Zambia's number one artist at the moment.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiE_RVvfb0hdDRQmYFJKivkp3W2GEJFF3GMiiJ_iLEBq2dzNxikHu-2ADNOkmjJ5836bhoRaGVd5eUQXUb_CQrrQ_e4kigkMR-oneWjZCUVzgMQV2T7lFRZ7GOiG9Mcvr5dKhKcQfKN97tLXLnhIB5aqVPH0OUi5_dl2xmyxrOwmpfNSsma2rkpQ1Ezz5lSmcb29t8=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiE_RVvfb0hdDRQmYFJKivkp3W2GEJFF3GMiiJ_iLEBq2dzNxikHu-2ADNOkmjJ5836bhoRaGVd5eUQXUb_CQrrQ_e4kigkMR-oneWjZCUVzgMQV2T7lFRZ7GOiG9Mcvr5dKhKcQfKN97tLXLnhIB5aqVPH0OUi5_dl2xmyxrOwmpfNSsma2rkpQ1Ezz5lSmcb29t8=" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If Pompi is number one, Abel is definitely number two!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i></i></div>
<br />
<i>Christian artists Pompi and Abel have caused quite a stir by performing at night clubs saying that they are using the opportunity for the promotion of the gospel. I'm skeptical.</i><br />
<br />
A few facts.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>FACT:</b> Jesus Christ commanded us to go into ALL the world and preach
the good news (Matthew 28:19). <b>FACT:</b>
We are to make the most of every opportunity to preach the gospel (Colossians
4:5). <b>Fact:</b> We must be like Jesus who spent his time with sinners (Mark 2:13-17). <b>FACT:</b> Even Paul said, he became all
things to all men for the sake of the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).<br />
<br />
Why then must these guys STOP ministering in clubs?<br />
<br />
1)
It is a contradiction.<br />
<br />
While it is <b>NOT</b> a contradiction for a Christian to be found among sinners,
after all how else will they share the gospel with them, it is a
contradiction for a Christian to be found in compromising acts, situations and
environments even if it is in a bid to win over the lost. Many people will begin to argue that if these Christians can go to clubs, why can't they? Furthermore, their testimony will be soiled. Anyone who points to them as examples of Christianity will be met with responses like, "You mean those guys who go and sing in clubs?"<br />
<br />
2)
It is dangerous.<br />
<br />
Like one preacher said, “The strongest,
wisest and most godly men who ever lived, all fell to sexual sin. I am not
stronger than Samson, wiser than Solomon or godlier than David...” These guys are human. They cannot go into a place where there
are loose and scantily dressed women who are dancing provocatively without feeling the pull of
temptation. And since the temptation is there to sin physically, despite all
the eyes on you, how much more mentally where you can wander off with no body ever knowing? Even in
their thoughts they will be tempted to play out encounters with the lewd women
they see. I don’t think God would have you spread his word at the expense of
your purity and testimony both of which will be compromised if you yield to the
temptation. When Joseph was grabbed by a lustful and half naked woman, he fled! He
could have taken that opportunity to show her the error of her ways. He could have used it as an opportunity to evangelize. He could
have said, “I’m not going to run because greater is he that is in me…” But he
literally <b>RAN</b> out. Why? He wasn’t going to give temptation a tenth of a chance.
To go into a club to do evangelism is to assume you are stronger than Samson,
wiser than Solomon and godlier than David. I would not be so bold!<br />
<br />
3)
It is not necessary.<br />
<br />
There are <b>ENOUGH</b> opportunities in less
compromising places. What about those who say, "clubs have one of the largest
assemblies of lost sinners?" They say, "It’s a golden opportunity to speak to so
many lost people at one time." Well, that may be true but there are infinitely less
compromising situations where you can minister to a descent crowd of people.
These guys are popular musicians who can pull crowds (that is why clubs are letting them in and having them over to begin with). Have they tried holding
open air concerts in the different neighborhoods of Lusaka? Have they tried
holding a concert at the Agricultural Show or Trade Fair? Have they
tried going to places such as Arcades where musicians can set up and sing? Have they tried schools, churches, restaurants, youth
groups, malls, community halls, parks, etc? It is just not necessary to go into
clubs; all the places I’ve mentioned are <b>TEEMING</b> with people and would do fine
and keep them quite busy in ministering that they’ll never have time to hit the
clubs.<br />
<br />
4)
It is ineffective.<br />
<br />
Granted someone can be saved after hearing Pompi or Abel or
whoever else minister in a club. It is possible and while I would be skeptical,
I wouldn’t out rightly refute someone who claimed to be saved through such an
endeavor. But we must be real. People in a club are <b>NOT</b> in the
sort of frame of
mind or overall state to be reasoned with. And gospel preaching (and
when I use preaching I mean all its forms, music included) wrestles with the mind (Romans 10:14-15, how will the believe if they haven't heard...?" If they can’t hear you
because
the environment is too noisy or too distracting or because they are not
in the
mood, or are drunk, you're wasting your time. Pack up and try another time. You may be
saying it's worth it for even one person who hears. Well, you're right,
but wouldn't it then be even more worth it to go and minister in a
place where people are level headed and able to listen? Clubs are
definitely not the place for speaking to people’s minds, apart from
their very nature;
the people themselves are there for fun. They want to have a good time,
not be
told to change their ways.<br />
<br />
5)
It is not feasible.<br />
<br />
If you preach the true <b>UNADULTERATED</b> gospel
of our Lord Jesus Christ in a club, you <b>WILL</b> be thrown out, If not by the
clubbers themselves then definitely by the owners of the club or function that invited
you. The people at the club have gone there to have a nice time. They’ve gone
there to drink, party, do drugs, crack unwholesome jokes, indulge in sexual
encounters and so on. If you are going to preach the gospel (and again I use preach generically)
you will condemn such behavior and call it sin and invite them to
amend their ways. They will not take it kindly and will send you out. If
you go
there and say, “Jesus loves you, accept him as your Lord and Saviour,”
then you
are not preaching the gospel. A gospel that does not condemn sin and call people to repent is no gospel at all. Let me put it this way, if you go and sing/preach the gospel at a club and they invite you back, either a revival would have begun or you are not sharing the gospel. The gospel is offensive because it calls sin sin and calls people to repent. The gospel empties clubs and bars so if you do it right, you will soon be very unpopular with the clubs and they'll never have you back.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading.
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "http://images-onepick-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?container=onepick&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lusakatimes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F08%2Fpompi.png" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEh5VYXC__0Fk7YvNN-nSh5qXTML8oohuch5IaMLJI49UpOnW_n_uDHAYLgu1eRwkyZcP-s0wMceXjtht-jlqWtQDB_42jSxgVrJ1fh5AiY8nFVnFekYxLaKYrjkOYFBBgJllzp_-l8NqwUjvzVI2AVUPNq5nssA3nkmPKKCe93o=" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "http://images-onepick-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?container=onepick&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*&url=http%3A%2F%2Fa0.twimg.com%2Fprofile_images%2F3133763617%2F88042b0fd04c00b402b0730b72d3c483.jpeg" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiE_RVvfb0hdDRQmYFJKivkp3W2GEJFF3GMiiJ_iLEBq2dzNxikHu-2ADNOkmjJ5836bhoRaGVd5eUQXUb_CQrrQ_e4kigkMR-oneWjZCUVzgMQV2T7lFRZ7GOiG9Mcvr5dKhKcQfKN97tLXLnhIB5aqVPH0OUi5_dl2xmyxrOwmpfNSsma2rkpQ1Ezz5lSmcb29t8=" -->Mwindula Mbewehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215012646431406909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419474518056170979.post-73334935019229628862013-02-25T06:00:00.000+02:002013-02-25T06:00:00.178+02:00Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://etherealwellness.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://etherealwellness.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/time.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." ~ Psalm 90:12.<br />
<br />
One thing Zambians are very poor at is keeping time. The average meeting in Zambia will start 30 minutes to an hour late. As far as I know, only exams start on time. It is actually a chronic problem. The reason why Zambians are poor with time is simply because they, or should I say 'we', do not value time. And the reason for that is we think we have a lot of it.<br />
<br />
Anything that you have in excess will not be valued. If you have plenty of money, generally, you will be reckless with it. A child with plenty of sweets will not keep track of (or as the bible passage above puts it, 'number') them. As long as you think you have a lot of something, you will not value it. After all, there's plenty of it.<br />
<br />
If a man is told that at this very moment tomorrow he will die i.e. He will die in exactly 24 hours, he will 'number' his hours. He won't be reckless with his time, he will put every minute to good use. Why? He no longer has 'all the time in the world'.<br />
<br />
That phrase, "All the time in the world", is actually one of the greatest lies on the earth as far as time is concerned. In fact, the bible is quite clear about how little time any given person has:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Job 7:7~ Remember, O God, that my life is but a breath; my eyes will never see happiness again.<br />
<br />
Psalm 144:4~ Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow.<br />
<br />
Proverbs 27:1~ Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.<br />
<br />
James 4:14~ yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you
are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.</blockquote>
<br />
There are a few more verse on top of these that hammer the same nail. Life is brief. The one thing that we do not have is time.<br />
<br />
Ask any parent who's child has gone off to college or gotten married, they'll tell you. "It feels like yesterday when he/she was just a little baby."<br />
<br />
One of the principles that can help with ones attitude towards time is to realize what a great resource time is. Isn't it amazing that two men will be given the same amount of time and yet one will achieve up to five times more than the other? Why? Because for the one, time is something that he uses to the full while for the other time is meant to be 'passed'. Isn't it amazing that one 21 old takes the gold medal at the Olympics in one of the swimming competitions while millions of others hold no achievement that can compare even slightly? They both had exactly the same amount of time only that one maximized on the resource.<br />
<br />
The people most blessed with the resource of time are young people. If there is one resource at the disposal of youths, it is time. Unfortunately, many squander away their youth doing nothing productive and at the end of their teen years discover, they don't really have anything to point to as an achievement. Some, however, do use their time wisely. Those are the young people who turn into the great sports men and women of our world, the great men and women of wealth, the great minds of the day and so on. People who picked up interests or recognized certain abilities in themselves and poured themselves wholly into them. They would never be where they are today if they never recognized the great resource of time that was at their disposal and used it to the full.<br />
<br />
A second principle that can help improve one's attitude towards time is simply to take seriously the brevity of life. To realize that they really don't have all the time in the world. When you realize how brief life is and that you are not guaranteed tomorrow, you will make the most of your time and therefore gain a heart of wisdom.<br />
<br />
That's what Psalm 90:12 is all about. When we number our days which simply means valuing our days, we will make the most of each day and therefore be wiser men and women.<br />
<br />
Notice however, that Moses, the writer of these words, asks the Lord to teach him. We would do well to make a similar request to our God.Mwindula Mbewehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215012646431406909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419474518056170979.post-3313132671513725832013-02-08T13:52:00.002+02:002013-02-08T13:53:15.169+02:00Zambian Culture: The Bride PriceIt's every young man's nightmare and every father of the bride's dream. The bride price. Most father's take it as an opportunity to make a little money, make a down payment on a vehicle, go for a holiday or renovate the house. Indeed one man's poison is another man's cup of tea. Here's how it typically works.<br />
<br />
A young man finds a girl and wants to marry her. He looks for a representative, another man who IS NOT his father. This man becomes the young man's intermediary between him and the girl's family. This is in keeping with African Culture. It would be disrespectful for a young man to approach the father of the girl he is eyeing to declare his interesting in taking her hand in marriage. Thus he elects a man to represent him. The young man then tells the young lady to inform her family that he wants to marry her and would like to declare interest in a gesture normally called "taking plates". These plates are a token perhaps of appreciation at being given an audience. A small sum of money is put on a plate and covered with another plate. If these plates are accepted, then the man has been approved of and negotiations may begin. If they have been rejected it is just that. His representative travels to a location where he has been told the plates must be brought. There, a meeting is held where, through his representative, his interest in the girl is declared. This process is then followed immediately or in another meeting by the pronouncement of the bride price by the older men of the bride's family, particularly the mother's and father's brothers. The father may attend but not participate actively. He leaves this to his brothers and brothers-in-law. He is not forbidden however, and may or may not choose to actively participate.<br />
<br />
Before the negotiations (which is the second process) may begin, the man is called into the meeting (until then he would have been present), and is asked to confirm whether or not the girl, who is also called in, is in fact the one who he wants. The girl is also asked to confirm if the man is indeed the one. After this process, both of them are excused and negotiations may begin.<br />
<br />
At this point the wisdom of the young man in his choice of a representative is put to the test. His representative must use his 'negotiation skills' to ensure that the bride price quoted is favourable to the young man. When a price is agreed upon, the young man is free to pay whenever he is ready. If at any point the girl's family change their mind about him or he about her, the plates are returned and negotiations are terminated. The price may be monetary or otherwise but mostly will be largely monetary with a few items such as a suit for the Dad, a chicken etc.<br />
<br />
Once the price is paid in full, traditionally, the girl is his wife. In reality, he may now marry her with her family's blessing.<br />
<br />
What then is the use or purpose of the bride price? The general assumption and understanding is that the man is buying the girl. Nothing could be further from the truth. The bride price has never been, even historically about purchasing the girl. Father's, unfortunately, have distorted the beauty and use of this important tradition.<br />
<br />
Even young ladies misunderstand the bride price. If they heard that their father had set the price at an amount so low, the question in their minds would be, "I'm I so cheap?" They don't realize that if they bride price was about buying and selling, they would die spinsters.<br />
<br />
What then is the use of the bride price?<br />
<br />
A lot of flings take place among young people in the world. A father may be aware that his daughter is in some kind of relationship. However, he will only rejoice when he hears that the young man wants to "bring plates". The only way a young man can really prove his seriousness is by offering to bring plates which as I have explained is indicative of a man's intention to marry a girl. Until then, that relationship is not guaranteed to culminate into marriage. That is the first function of the bride price. It is proof of seriousness intent.<br />
<br />
Secondly, the bride price plays a pivotal role in ensuring the young man can take care of the girl. Many instances, the man is completely new to the girl's family. They have no idea who he is, where he is from, etc. This only comes to light when the girl is privately questions. However, they cannot depend on the girl's testimony as proof that he can financially provide for her. What better way of finding out than giving him an amount for him to pay?<br />
<br />
The bride price is deliberately high. This serves a third function. The bride price is high to also see how resourceful the young man is. Will the young man be able to cope when there are financial demands in the home that he does not have the money to satisfy? If he was able to source the money for the bride price, he probably will manage to find money in tight situations to keep the family afloat.<br />
<br />
What if the man's family helps him pay the bride price? Surely his resourcefulness will not be put to the test. Well, if his family paid for his bride price then his family's assets are likely to pull them out of any tight situation they find themselves in when they are married. You may further probe, what if he borrows the money to pay the bride price? If he has the contacts to borrow enough money to pay the bride price before marriage, he probably will after marriage! What if he has a problem and lands the family in debt? Well, the bride price doesn't guarantee 100% that a man will be able to take care of the girl. There will obviously outlier cases where a man who cannot manage to take care of the girl finds the money however, as a general rule, if a man can find the money to pay the bride price, he is resourceful enough to take care of his family. If he can come forward and take the girl as his wife in the right way, following the traditions and the culture in a way that honours the girl's family, he is responsible enough to take care of his family and if he can pay the money, he will be able to take care of his family-as a general rule.<br />
<br />
A lot of young men hate having to pay the money. And many times they are required to pay unreasonable amounts of money. However, if men can look at this as an opportunity to prove their ability to take care of the girl, they would do it more cheerfully. They would send their representatives to the negotiation table with the words, "Tell them to bring it on."<br />
<br />
Many of our traditions do not go against God's law and will, particularly, and we keep them because they still hold value and meaning in our lives. I believe the bride price is one such tradition. It separates boys, who want to flirt with girls, from men who want to marry girls. And helps put confidence in the family that they are giving their daughter away to a man who will care for her in such a way that she never goes without and a man who loved her enough to go through the lengthy and often taxing process.<br />
<br />
One other thing you notice in Zambian culture is that the man is always held in high esteem by the girl's family post the wedding. This is because if he has married her then he has jumped through all the hoops and hurdles our culture puts between him and his beloved in order to finally get her and has been able to overcome the biggest hurdle of them all, the bride price!<br />
<br />
Long live the bride price!Mwindula Mbewehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215012646431406909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419474518056170979.post-54512497339031372032012-10-10T20:00:00.000+02:002012-10-10T20:22:40.455+02:00Fathers And Sons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://blog.daddyscrubs.com/wp-content/uploads/father-and-son.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://blog.daddyscrubs.com/wp-content/uploads/father-and-son.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<em>To my father, who has shown me that a real man is a man after God's own heart.</em><br />
<br />
When a boy is making the transition from boyhood to manhood, there is no book he can pick up, or magazine he can read, or website he can surf to find out all the intricate details of who a man really is. There is no universal, detailed description of what it means to be a man. How must a man look? How must he carry himself? How must he relate to those above or below him? How must he treat women? How is a boy, making that transition to manhood, to decide what route he will take on all these things?<br />
<br />
A boy who is making this inevitable transition is almost like a person making his way through a maze. He has no map and could take several routes to his destination. Which route will he take? What techniques and methods will he use to navigate his way so he makes it to the end intact? It would be so much easier to have footsteps in front of him that he could simply follow. Likewise, the boy does not have a detailed description of what he has to become. It's the little things that matter like how a man must talk, should he be loud or should he be quiet? Should he joke or should he be serious? What about the way a man must walk? Must a man bounce as he takes his strides? Must he walk briskly or take his time? It goes on and on, how should keep his hair or his beard? How should he sit? How should he relate to women? And so on and so forth.<br />
<br />
Because of all these variables, a father plays a pivotal role and very rarely are fathers conscious of this. If you take a moment to observe most sons who have had a father figure growing up you will soon see how much the son copies his father.<br />
<br />
The son does not do this consciously. He doesn't say "Ok, how must I walk? Let me see how dad walks." No, he simply imitates what he sees and before long it becomes who he is.<br />
<br />
I have two friends who shave their heads completely. I've often wondered why they should choose such a weird hair style at such a young age and then I noticed that their fathers both keep their hair that way. There's a young man I know who has a priceless smile but always wears a grave face. Again I wondered why, then I discovered his Dad smiles very rarely. There's another friend of mine who speaks exactly the way his father speaks, two in fact. There is a man at church who never makes a '4' or with his legs (crosses his legs) when he is sits. I have never seen his son make a '4' either. There's a man who is simply a clown, you guessed right, his son is always clowning around. There's another boy also who speaks very shyly, his father speaks exactly the same way. I could go on and on.<br />
<br />
Already, genetically, sons will have mannerisms and habits similar to their fathers but they become even more like their fathers because when they are growing up the definition of a man they have is the one of the man of the home, and consequently, many of those small details I mentioned are simply adopted from their fathers. This all happens with both father and son virtually unaware.<br />
<br />
That is why fathers are important to their sons. You are your son's definition of a man. Two of my friends complain incessantly about their fathers and I often wonder why they have taken so much of the way they look and carry themselves from their fathers if they aren't so fond of them. It is something they really can't help. And that is why many young men who grow up without fathers end up being criminals. Being at an impressionable age, they look to the 'stars' in society and in the media and take their cue from them much to their own peril.<br />
<br />
Fathers, believe it or not your son is watching. He sees how you sit, walk, talk, shave, drive, etc, and that is his view of what being a real man is. He sees how you treat your wife and your domestic workers. You are what he will become. Your son will rise or fall because of what you have portrayed manhood to be.<br />
<br />
I'm thankful for my father in whom I have seen that a real man must prioritize; God first, himself last and others in between and that the more you submit yourself to God, the bigger the man you are. Thanks Dad!Mwindula Mbewehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215012646431406909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419474518056170979.post-4918459535073066232012-09-15T06:00:00.000+02:002012-09-15T06:00:04.586+02:00If Anyone Thirsts...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5XN7AQq5_GeZDZC_arEDeLvBlYMO2_4zi4XL7czb4GGDr0TXvcqynHfectcpQwYU5qAS0TfWoatkD0r3MTCUxsMoV_TX0c1udPYkMo-stL-G33FYAWrm4OSQEO9xkWlYxpIvbJIgQL8/s1600/Water_Droplet_On_Grass_Blade_Wallpaper__yvt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5XN7AQq5_GeZDZC_arEDeLvBlYMO2_4zi4XL7czb4GGDr0TXvcqynHfectcpQwYU5qAS0TfWoatkD0r3MTCUxsMoV_TX0c1udPYkMo-stL-G33FYAWrm4OSQEO9xkWlYxpIvbJIgQL8/s400/Water_Droplet_On_Grass_Blade_Wallpaper__yvt2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I am to preach at an outing for children in their last year of primary school and the theme is taken from John 7:37-39:<br />
<br />
On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.<br /><br />(John 7:37-39 ESV)<br />
<br />
It's a text most would be familiar with and yet we may not see how Jesus' statement related to what was going on.<br />
<br />
A study of the context reveals that Jesus makes this proclamation during the Feast of Booths, a feast that has several names but that particular name is my favourite. It is probably best known as the Feast of Tabernacles. This was one of the three annual feast but was the most popular.<br />
<br />
This feast came at a joyful time of the year (around this very time actually, September into October, the seventh month on the Jewish calendar, the 15 day) when the last items to be harvested came in. It took just over a week and was lots of fun especially for children, I would imagine. During this time all the men journeyed to Jerusalem where they presented a portion of their harvest to thank God for the harvest and pray for the 'latter rain' that would prepare the earth for the next farming season. During the eight day feast, the families left their houses and set up tents or booths where they stayed, and that's why I say the children must have loved it. This was done to remember the way their ancestors lived in tents during their 40 year journey to the promised land from Egypt.<br />
<br />
During the eight days, one of the daily highlights would be the time that the Priest would get a golden jug and walk down to the pool of Siloam and fetch water followed by a large procession. He would then return through the same entrance, called the 'water gate' whose name was taken from this very ritual, and go to the alter where another Priest would be waiting with another golden jug holding some wine from the harvest. Together they would pour out the contents of the jugs into basins that would drain to the base of the altar. As they did this the audience would begin singing Psalm 118:25-26 which was a song related to the Messiah.<br />
<br />
Save us, we pray, O LORD!<br />O LORD, we pray, give us success!<br />Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!<br />We bless you from the house of the LORD.<br />
(Psalm 118:25-26 ESV)<br />
<br />
It is at this point on the last day of the feast, when all the people are gathered to see this spectacle for that last time till the passing of another year that Christ stands up and in a loud voice shouts that great proclamation. Jesus was trying to communicate something and he got his point across.<br />
<br />
Jesus was saying that he was the salvation of which they sang. Salvation had indeed come to Israel at last! Jesus was declaring that He was Messiah and that everyone who would believe in Him would receive the gift or indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the "living water," and would never be empty again. I am the reality that the water in this ceremony symbolizes-the true life giver through whom the Holy Spirit is also given as John interprets in the text.<br />
<br />
What a beautiful picture.<br />
<br />
The end of chapter 7 from the point of Jesus' proclamation shows that the people got the point. Even the officers who should have pounced on Jesus for interrupting such a solemn and beautiful occasion were stunned by Jesus' statement and had to come to grips with the thought that maybe this really was the Christ.<br />
<br />
Isaiah says:<br />
<br />
For I will pour water on the thirsty land,<br /> and streams on the dry ground;<br /> I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring,<br /> and my blessing on your descendants.<br /> They shall spring up among the grass<br /> like willows by flowing streams.<br /> This one will say, ‘I am the LORD's,’<br /> another will call on the name of Jacob,<br /> and another will write on his hand, ‘The LORD's,’<br /> and name himself by the name of Israel.”<br />
<br />(Isaiah 44:3-5 ESV)Mwindula Mbewehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215012646431406909noreply@blogger.com0