Serving God’s purpose in your generation – Part 2

Diverse means by which you serve God’s purpose in your generation

1.      Spread the gospel of the kingdom of God

The primary reason for our existence today is to present Christ to the unbelieving world. God chose the Israelites so that in their lifestyle, other nations will see the difference and desire to have Christ as their God and leader. Unfortunately, Israel did not do the needful. God picked all of us who believe in Christ and he wants to use us to propagate the gospel.

Christ told His disciples before he ascended to heaven;

“Go ye therefore and make disciples of all the nations (Africans, Americans, Europeans, Asians et cetera), baptizing them in the name of the father, son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you, and surely I am with you always to the very end of the age (Mathew 28:28)

Jesus wants us to preach the kingdom of God, depopulate hell and populate heaven. The church must be willing to support the missionaries who are going out to propagate the gospel. Every believer should be ready to provide financial support for the Paul and Barnabas of today who risk their lives to take Christ to the unbelievers.

Many heroes of faith in the body of Christ have risked their lives and went out of their way to preach in the last generation. People like martin Luther, John and Charles Wesley, John Knox, and Jonathan Edward; all the way from first century to twenty first century.

Men and women have burned the midnight oil to proclaim the love of Jesus who loved the world and gave his life for them. Those of us who live in this generation and in this time must be willing to pass the baton to the next generation serve God’s purpose in your generation.

2.      Serving and helping the needy amongst us

Christ would want us to serve our neighbors. Those who are sick, in prison and in hospitals, need our help. Jesus once said;

Mathew 25:35-40

³⁵ for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; ³⁶ I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and take you in, or naked and clothe you? ³⁹ Or when did we see you sick, or in prison, and come to you?’ ⁴⁰ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’

Let us feed the hungry. If you had an extra cloth, give it to your needy friends and neighbors. The church of today has many open doors to serve God in their generation. The street children who are homeless need a helping hand to build a shelter over their heads and also provide to them foods and drinks. The aged too effectively succumb with general body weaknesses as the vagaries of years take a toll on them. Do not let the elderly who live in your vicinity die of hunger.

We are also expected to serve in the house of God. We need to equip the church with the relevant items and is why God has given us our finances. We are supposed to buy Public Address systems, modern chairs…the list of such articles being too numerous to enumerate. There is a young man, a member of a certain church known to me, whose entire family decided to regularly facelift the church with colorful décor. The family ensures the facelift is done monthly, effectively ensuring the house of God is always glaringly colorful.

3.      Giving our money into the house of God

Serving God with our finances is yet another way of serving God’s purpose. There is not a doubt that God needs your money in His service. He doesn’t force us to give but he rewards such obedience. Listen;

Deuteronomy 8:18

And you shall remember the LORD your God for he is the one who gives you power to make wealth that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers.

God is telling His people to never forget that He indeed is the one who blesses, especially after experiencing showers of blessings.

David makes an astonishing statement when he met Araunah in his threshing house. He (David) wanted to build an altar in the threshing site because a plague had afflicted God’s people. Without hesitating, Araunah told David to take it.

1 Chronicles 21:23

Araunah said to David, "Take it! Let my lord the king do whatever pleases him. Look, I will give the oxen for the burnt offerings, the threshing sledges for the wood, and the wheat for the grain offering. I will give all this."

This was David’s response;

1 Chronicles 21:24

²⁴ Then King David said to Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy it for the full price, for I will not take what is yours for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings with that which costs me nothing.”

David is today’s model that depicts just how much we need to sacrifice to God. Such sacrifice, however, must cost us something. Our tithing in the house of God is one such sacrifice as contemplated in the Holy Scripture. Besides the mandatory tithes, there are people who go out of their way to feed street children, the old and the vulnerable in orphanage homes. Our God is a giving God. He offered his only son to die for the sins of mankind. God has also given different gifts to people as an expression of His love to them.

This is your generation. You will not serve in another generation. Our forefathers served faithfully and are gone to rest with the LORD. Serve God’s purpose with your money now.

Raise your children to serve in their generation at a time when you no longer will be able to work again.  One among God’s purposes in marriage is to raise a God fearing generation that will serve Him in the next generation so that the preaching of the gospel will continue.

I was brought up by a God fearing family. My mother always reminded us to pray every night. I remember many are times my mother prayed that God would accord to us a hedge of protection all around. I was very young and we had just relocated to Nyandarua after Independence which effectively ushered the demarcation of the land in the white highland. Consequently, there were no fences in most homes. Hence there was a general sense of insecurity that hovered all over. My mother taught us to read a portion of scripture every night before we went to bed. She was preparing the next generation. The outcome was indisputably sure; today, my mother’s household has produced a bishop, a pastor, two church elders, and elders’ wives. There is not a doubt; my mother raised a generation that will serve God in her absence.

Most parents of the previous generation were not ashamed to ready their children for church. They would give them a coin each to offer in the house of God. Other times, we carried eggs and maize as our offering unto God. We could not go to God’s house empty handed. Though we went to church wearing pathetic shorts and barefoot, most of us are bishops of today overseeing big churches in Kenya and the entire East Africa. Parents of the contemporary church and society should stand up to be counted and raise sons and daughters who will serve God’s purpose in their generation.

Conclusion

According to the Apostle Paul, David served God’s purpose in 40 years as the king of Israel. He died and saw decay. Let us be reminded that this world is not our home. We are sojourners and strangers and are looking for a city of our own. But what we do for the kingdom of God in our generation will never be forgotten or forsaken. God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the demonstrable as you continually goes around helping His people. I encourage everyone to serve God’s purpose

COURTESY OF ACH.DR. H.K

I cannot forget her

That day you saluted me last,

As you entered in the bus,

Going home to see  them.

That red handbag,

Which you liked most,

Accompanied with cloak color,

You looked beautiful.

Your last smile,

Shinning lips,

Jovial facial,

Byeee you said.

I never knew,

I never knew it was last,

It was a gift of goodbye,

I never knew dear.

It was on TV,

All over print,

Radio news,

News of accident.

Death snatched you,

Death had no mercy,

Death made a life scar,

Permanent wound in my heart.

My love,

You have gone too soon,

Darling I cannot believe,

Dear is it true you are dead?

Oh !death why her now?

Death why my beautiful soul?

Death why us now?

Death please answer me.

She was the one,

My love and joy,

She had love,

We had true love.

Truly am not a man,

I should have protected her,

I promised her defense,

Death has defeated me, why?

How do I tell the world?

How do I make decisions?

How will I solve this now?

She was my teacher, counselor.

She was my friend,

She was my brother,

She was my mother,

She was everything to me.

My Queen,

Honey,

Sweetheart,

My soul mate tell me please.

Darling what happened?

My dear how did it happen?

My love star who did this?

Don’t be silent like death tell me?

These words,

Last memoirs of you,

True picture of you,

My love.

Last my dear,

Special love is in you,

Hope we will meet there,

I still love dearly,

R.I.P MY HEROINE BY HENRY

Photographers challenge

mswahilihenry: Revival and reformation of first loveWhen I triedt...

mswahilihenry: Revival and reformation of first loveWhen I triedt...: Revival and reformation of first love When I tried to reach her several times on my arrival in the city, she was offline. I got worried....

Revival and reformation of first love

When I tried to reach her several times on my arrival in the city, she was offline. I got worried. What might have happened to her? Did she change her mind on our friendship? This is the continuation of First love feelings story.

I had almost given up on Lucia. She called me one of the evenings. I was in a coffee shop. It was drizzling outside and I was enjoying a cup of hot coffee along Moi Avenue.

‘Hello’

‘Yes’

‘I’m coming to the city the day after tomorrow.’

‘Karibu sana. Kindy remind me your name.’

She laughed in a soft tone. There was a moment of silence. I apologized for having a forgetful memory. My apology was accepted because I heard this voice four years ago.

My soul revived from loneliness slumber. I saw in mind her presence though she was far. I felt I was in new planet discovered. Planet of love. Planet with paths of revival and reformation. I gave her a free dream ride, Teka to love nest world…

By the time I finished fore shadowing her visit to the city, It was around 9 O’ clock. The waitress informed it was late and they were closing.

In hurry, I switched my laptop and unplugged the phone from charging. I was packing while singing the song, Malaika.

Days changed to hours. Minutes got the command from hours. Tick, tick Lucia will arrive any minute from now. Remember today I arrived early in town than usually. Finally I received her call. Straight my legs followed my forehead upto Easy Coach bus station.

She was shining from a distance. I found myself around her shoulders. She held me tight reminding me how I’ve grown. The hug lasted for ten to those who counted though I believed it was more than that.

We went to Highlands Hotel and took lunch. She was so happy that I can’t explain her happiness here may be in the next issue!

She informed me that she had come to work. Professionally she is a teacher- Literature. I was happy for her progress. So she was waiting for her sister to come and pick her from Kencom.

This time round she promised not to be offline. During our chat, I asked her why she was silent for that long.

‘I had dreams when we met and I needed to get there so worry less.’

‘I’m here for you and also went through missing moment as you did,’ she added.

Nodding my head was my response as my career demands during the conversation. We took selfies as this technology anxieties.

She assured me that we will be meeting but during weekends. Even this weekend not all of them since she was staying with her sister. On top of that those were church days, Saturday.

At least I was sure now that this is a dream come true. No more stress of distance. No more wishful thinking. Everything was ok. Back in mind, I wanted to revive this friendly- hood to family- hood.

Her sister called and I escorted her to the bus stop. She introduced me to her sister as a longtime friend and I felt jealous because in my heart we were more than pals.

This time round, I felt my longtime friendship energy is back. That day I slept like a child in the arms of the mother.

By Nyabuto Henry

First love feelings

I hark back to how I used to go to bed late. I admired her voice via mobile phone. She was like a small goddess in me. She meant a lot in my small world. It could be better I slept hungry and talk to her. When I recall those days, I find pinching my skin and having a monologue, I was a fool.

It was during December holiday that I met her. Around evening I went to Teka to fetch water. I had already filled my container and ready to leave when my eyes paid attention to her.

‘She is beautiful, ’  I told my soul. Well molded Eve generation creature. Long natural hair. White and sharp eyes. Brown skin. Dimples visibility. She was not tall nor short in height. Her dress matched with her shape.

‘Jambo,’ I greeted her. My voice was so deep and soft when I said that.

‘Excuse me, am in hurry and I don’t have time with idle village boys.’ She responded as she took her bucket full of water.

She balanced the bucket on head and vanished through one the village paths. I felt like I was day dreaming. Since I started visiting my aunt here, I’ve never seen such beauty.

I took my container and went home. It was almost late evening. My aunt started cautioning me about the current trend of insecurity in the village.

‘Don’t stay out till late, this is not the city where you walk day and night,’ my aunt said.

When we went to sleep, I told one of my cousins about the occurrences of that day. She asked me about the details of the girl who charmed my soul for few minute; I was able to do so. She is inquisitive.  After her close examination, she managed to know the person I was referring to.

‘She is the iron girl here, no man jokes with her,’ she uttered.

I believed my cousin, she always told me whatever I want I will get there if we worked together. She reminded me always, together we stand, divided we fall. That was our slogan.

On Sundays it’s a market day in the village. People go to market in the evening. So went to market with different agenda; not buying nor selling anything but to at least see Lucia, the girl I met at Teka.

She was coming from the market. My cousin called from a distance and she obeyed her call. They were best girlfriends. I was following my cousin from a distance.

As they were chatting she introduced me to her as we were walking. She said that she had seen me in village but not aware that I’m related to her best friend.

My cousin had to hit the nail on the head that I was interested in her. She was shocked as she laughed loud. She asked her to give me time to talk.

‘Let the gent talk for himself what he needs from me.’

I introduced myself and responded that she was happy to meet me but other conversations will continue the following day. She had reached her home.

That’s the day I felt my day was sanctified. I visualized the conversions and felt happy like any other man though I had not been given details of our relationship.

That day we met with her. My cousin was not around. So I had all the time with the lady I was longing to spend time with. She was jovial throughout the communication. She was taking me around the village as she grilled me with question on city fellas’ behaviors. I proved to her my intensions and my virtue.

We walked for four hours. She sawed me some of the plant names and there functions. The village names and what it means. This includes children identities and how they inherit names. It was a day which made me see the irony of her character. I felt that holiday was short.

Every time I went to sleep, I made sure we met. The connection was strong. Her words of every moment are still fresh till now. Her laughter can’t match with any being. Her singing made me to see her talent- angelic melody.

When I left the village, I gave her my contact. She only called me after a day on my arrival. I tried to reach her through the digit she called with, she was offline.

By Nyabuto Henry

mswahilihenry: A letter to my wifeMy dearwife,I know it’slong sin...

mswahilihenry: A letter to my wifeMy dearwife,I know it’slong sin...: A letter to my wife My dear wife, I know it’s long since we communicated dear. What I did that Saturday night was not good. Making you...

Why my marriage failed

Part 3

By Henry

A letter to my wife

My dear wife,

I know it’s long since we communicated dear. What I did that Saturday night was not good. Making you look like a fool in front of my friends that night is something am regretting until now.

Uttering irresponsible words my dear was not my will. Remember our son John. For the love of son and the sake of wedding oath, I do, please forgive me.

We got married during our youthful age. That was after college, my dear. Also, we pledged to our parents that we will love each other till death separates us. We assured our church priest that my God is your God. To our best couples, we promised them that, this will be a blessed marriage forever. Our classmates back then called us doves of hope.

My dear, I recall our celebration of our firstborn, John. The villagers celebrated for 7 days. They danced to the new tune of giving them the true fruit, our son. Do you remember mama's gift to John and you? I even felt jealous of only getting advice while you two were pampered with scarfs, dressings, shoes…

My soulmate, during our honeymoon you said, “I stand by you always, no matter the circumstance.”

You kneeled down, kissed my palm, took a deep breath then I took your left hand as I repeated your words. It was that night that we held each other more than any night. Night of calmness. No word. Finally, we said the moon is our witness as we went for dinner. It was almost midnight.

Mama John, before we went out that night, we had taken our meal. We ensured our son was safe with the house girl. The boy slept while smiling as is the norm. Normally when he wakes up, he asks, wapi dad?(Where is my father?) That was my last sight with you and him.

When we arrived at the party, we were received warmly. We were given refreshments as guests arrived. Then time for giving speeches started. We were fifth on the as per the program.

Before I spoke, I give you the microphone. You said few words. The words were accompanied by your sweet smiling face and dimples which I admire most till now as I write. It was my turn to speak. Honestly, the devil is a liar as they say. I found myself saying how you charmed me. You forced me to do a wedding. You forced me to give you a son. You forced yourself to walk with me wherever I go. You made me see you as the only beautiful creature on earth. That the only well molded feminine being was you.

That was neither my intention dear nor the theme of my speech. I saw you lastly screaming as you walked out of the auditorium. I saw you cursing the day you stepped into my life… that is how you left till now.

When I came home, the gate was wide open; the lights in the house were on. The place was quiet. The main door was open too. I called you, there was no response as usual. Going to the kitchen, you were not there, bedroom, guest room… our son also nowhere. The house girl is also absent. Checking your wardrobe everything was intact. Your mobile phone was mteja, (off service).

It's ten years now since you left. I am only left with these beautiful pictures of our wedding around the wall. Before I go to sleep today on Saturday night, the same day and date you left this house, come and forgive me. Forgive me before I get the second punishment from heaven. Pass my regards to John. Tell him dad penda wewe (Your father loves you).

Your loving husband

                Photo Courtesy; Google

mswahilihenry: The importance of falling in love

mswahilihenry: The importance of falling in love: The importance of falling in love Before I got married, I used to hate house chores. After long day of work, energy for washing utensils...

The importance of falling in love

The importance of falling in love

Before I got married, I used to hate house chores. After long day of work, energy for washing utensils and cleaning the house was not there. Instead of cleaning the utensils, I opted to go a hotel. During weekend, I visited my friends. This was the only solution of saving energy for the house hold tasks. The only thing I would do if need arises, is preparing black tea and wash immediately.

For clothes, I took to the laundry or wait for cleaner for hire in the estate. At times, I would repeat wearing other clothes, trousers and braziers. At times I paid KES 500 to women who clean clothes around the estate. With polishing shoes, shoe cleaners were always around. I believed the short cuts were good and I’ll use them forever.

Things changed when I started dating Mama John. We used to meet in town. It was not daily because she was so strict. I’ve never known why she was so strict; meeting twice in a month. Other communications were done over the mobile phone and it was as night. This communication lasted for the last five years.

On our fifth year she decided to come over the weekends to do some cleaning in the house. I gave her my key spare. She Cooked. That scent of chapati ruled the house the whole weekend. Fried meat was perfectly done by her blessed hand. The house was well arranged. Also, she gave me company to church. She is the person who made me buy a bible and place it on our sitting room table. It’s there up to date.

I bought an iron machine for my clothes. She did it perfectly. I felt like a king whenever I was wore those attires. The smelling was good. The posture from a distance made my colleagues make compliments; you’re looking cool nowadays. This was directed to my ears but deep in my heart, this was Mama John praise. She made me look so.

I cannot remember the last time I went to the hotel to eat or drink since she stepped into my life. Going to job, she gives me a lunch box and a thermos during tea break. Walking up late over the weekend is history now. Weekdays am reporting to work. Weekends after church, we take our John out for children funny. This renews our bond; from single to life partner.

Doing shopping is a norm. We go together to the supermarket. We make a shopping list as we do this; including the shoe polish and match stick. Oh!

There is much respect between me and my parents. This is after I got married. The respect even increased when we gave them a grandson… To my friends nowadays am baba John.

Where I work, there was a salary benefit after my resume status changed married. Also there is that paternity leave. That’s the importance of being married. By Nyabuto Henry

A letter to my wife

My dear wife,

I know it’s long since we communicated dear. What I did that Saturday night was not good. Making you look like a fool in front of my friends that night is something am regretting until now.

Uttering words that were irresponsible my dear was not my will. Remember our son John. For the love of son and the sake of wedding oath, I do, please forgive me.

We got married during our youthful age. That was after college my dear. Also we pledged to our parents that we will love each other till death separates us. We assured our church priest that my God is your God. To our best couples we promised them that, this will be the blessed marriage forever. Our classmates back then called us doves of hope.

My dear I recall our celebration of our firstborn, John. The villagers celebrated for 7 days. They danced to the new tune of giving them the true fruit, our son. Do you remember mama gift to John and you? I even felt jealous of only getting advice while you two were pampered with scarfs, dressings, shoes…

My soulmate, during our honeymoon you said, “I stand by you always, no matter the circumstance.”

You kneeled down, kissed my palm, took a deep breath then I took your left hand as I repeated your words. It was that night that we held each other than any night. Night of calmness. No word. Finally we said the moon is our witness as we went for dinner. It was almost mid night.

Mama John, before we went out that night, we had taken our meal. We ensured our son was safe with the house girl. The boy slept while smiling as is norm. Normally when he wakes up, he asks, wapi dad?(Where is my father?) That was my last sight with you and him.

When we arrived at the party, we were received warmly. We were given refreshments as guests arrived. Then time for giving speeches started. We were fifth on the as per the program.

Before I spoke, I give you the microphone. You said few words. The words were accompanied with your sweet smiling face and dimples which I admire most till now as I write. It was my turn to speak. Honestly the devil is a liar as they say. I found myself saying how you charmed me. You forced me to do a wedding. You forced me to give you a son. You forced yourself to walk with me wherever I go. You made me to see you as the only beautiful creature on earth. That the only well moulded feminine being was you.

That was neither my intension dear nor the theme of my speech. I saw you lastly screaming as you walked out of the auditorium. I saw you cursing the day you stepped into my life… that is how you left till now.

When I came home, the gate was wide open; the lights in the house were on. The place was quiet. The main door was open too. I called you, there was no response as usually. Going to kitchen, you were not there, bedroom, guest room… our son also nowhere. The house girl also absent. Checking your wardrobe everything was intact. Your mobile phone was mteja, (off service).

Its ten years now since you left. I am only left with these beautiful pictures of our wedding around the wall. Before I go to sleep today on Saturday night, the same day and date you left this house, come and forgive me. Forgive me before I get the second punishment from heaven. Pass my regards to John. Tell him dad penda wewe (Your father loves you).

Your loving husband

How to have a successful relationship

Every moment I send a short message (SMS) to her, that day I normally get her attention. It’s a message of love. Reminding her on how we meet. Telling her how she used to be shy whenever we meet. She used to like down. Plucking near by leaves or flowers during our conversation.

That is the only way to get her attention whenever there is a moment of silence of SMS. I do this during my tea break at work or lunch hour. With this kind of communication via mobile phone, we are able to discuss our menu that night.

Once we get in touch through this technology, she finalizes by saying, good day my dear. This message will make my day to be full of blessings. If I had an assignment in office, I will take few minutes to cover it. In the evening I will pass through the supermarket and get some chocolate for my wife and our son, John.

What I want to put in place is that, communication strengthens any affiliation. If well applied, we will have a long lasting relationship on earth before we get to new the heaven that Christ promised us. 

This modern gadgets we have, their purpose is communication. Therefore our mobile phones fill the gap of physical presence by texts. It makes life easy by exchanging words with your loved ones at far.

Also ensure you set time for family affair discussion. Family issues should be at the top priorities in any marriage. This will kill the enemy of blame game. Where you have come from, the current situation and the future of your generation lies at the palm of your hand, husband and wife. This is well explained in the book Fighting For Your Marriage by Howard J. Markman states that being there and standing for one another is very important in marriage.

You began with a single rental room, now you are in your own apartment. You have moved from paying rent to owning a home. In deed getting married is good. It comes with blessings. Blessings of moving to somewhere with someone you call your destiny.

She made you work hard during you singlehood till now you are a father. Now you praise God as you even chat recalling those days when you were rained on as you were waiting her from noon till late night. Truly you have come a long way.

Opening an account for your child is what you are putting in place now. Getting him insurance in your son’s education is the debate now. Getting a new piece of land for agribusiness is the second agenda. What are we going to plant? Who should we employ to our farm? Those are some of the questions which need answers from you, dad and mum.

Another serious issue which needs the intelligence of you people is money matters. Any coin earned and spent should be taken into account. Men might laugh at this issue but it is serious. Having record books during this inflation season is what will solve the problem of spending more than you get.

People may see you crazy when carrying a shopping list, asking receipts on every cent spent in buying match sticks…That’s the answer of how did you spend that money I left with you.

When doing this basic family arithmetic’s, your family will never lack anything. They will not be beggars but advisors to beggars in marriage. Remember to take record of cash.

Having fall out is in any successful couples. Though it’s a serious challenge but it should not be a barrier to your sweet family dream. One of the preacher’s in a matatu I was travelling in said; as couples when you have a problem in marriage, put the problem on the table, step aside as couple then discussing this problem you are steering at. If we all solve this marriage conflicts like our preacher’s teaching, conflict will not have a room in your matrimonial home. A family divided will not stand. Reclaim your marriage with action steps as Nancy J. Wasson says in the book Keep Your Marriage

Play games. Let your child watch who will win. Play that Temple Run game in your personal computer’s. Let the spectator, child celebrate the winner. It arouses the love sensory. It creates that atmosphere of laugh. The laughter will make the neighbors admire your living standards. It’s simple things which adds some meaning to life. Play any game of choice.

Reading right books as a family will make your mind young. Books for families, investment and other motivational books will keep you going. Kill that saying of if you want to hide something from an African, put it in a book. Attend family conferences. Get the right speakers who are role models in your family. Buy the cassette discs, CD. Watch as a couple during dinner in your own family sitting room. Upload your lessons and achievements on you tube- tell the world what you have done.

Finally, visit your family up country. Those people took care of you while you had nothing. You ate their ugali and sukuma wiki. They took you to school. Appreciate them with your visit. They saw this planet before you. Don’t forget the African proverb; burying an old man is like burying gold. Appreciate them in any way you couples can. Their advice is what makes you going.

By Nyabuto Henry

TREES PROJECT