THERE IS A WAY THAT SEEMS RIGHT.....?

ON THE 12TH DECEMBER 2015 Harare's 'CHRONICLE' reported    Zimbabwe's Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku  with the headline

CHIEF JUSTICE SLAMS ANTI

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT ADVOCATES!

I found this interesting - if only because no one else seems to have been saying what he has, and also because of an article that appeared on Page 8 of our Kenyan Daily Nation on Friday 22nd January this year.

BOY DIES AFTER TEACHER CANES HIM FOR LATENESS 

'14 year old boy, in Standard 6, died after being caned by a teacher for coming to school late.  Caning is banned in Kenyan Schools..'     The boy was caned with nine strokes.   He collapsed while he was being caned.    This was excessive punishment to my mind.   

There is no doubt in my mind that children are still being caned by teachers, even though they are well aware of the Ministry's directive New teachers joining our own private school are often found to be using the cane even against clear instruction not to do so.    There are, no doubt, clear dangers to the child - or anyone - where corporal punishment is allowed without proper restraint and supervision, but should it still be on the statute book anyway?

In the 1950s teachers and parents could be arrested and sued for improper and excessive corporal punishment.    But at that time International Law still permitted and accepted corporal punishment, as had been the custom and practice for more than time remembers. The change in thought came suddenly - within a very few years, and ever since we have seen mankind slowly protecting himself from hurt or pain of any description - from a headache to correction of any kind.    Where this has been related to punishment for anti social behaviour it has not been seen to produce a drop in anti social behaviour as a whole.     Our prisons are still as full as before - if not more so, and our educational institutions continue to riot, and discipline is increasingly more difficult to enforce.

Chief Justice Chidyausiku lifted the BAN on Caning in Zimbabwe on 15th June 2015 whilst requesting a careful and balanced consideration of caning as a disciplinary measure in his Country.

Later in the year, in November he was to challenge the Lawyers and other legalists by asking them 'to explain the impact of such an action on the behaviour of children in Zimbabwe.'    He again 'asked the lawyers if it was prudent that Zimbabwe simply adopts the decisions of other countries ........in other Countries that don't allow corporal punishment, how do the children behave?   Do you think it will be acceptable in Zimbabwe to have children going to school with knives and guns in their jackets?   We hear of Zimbabwean teachers who have gone to teach in such countries, who have had to abandon the profession because the children are uncontrollable.'           

It is interesting that recently the Chinese Government have found no reason to ban the cane in Schools, and that parents are quite happy to use it at home as well.

My personal opinion remains that Corporal Punishment should be established and permitted as part and parcel of criminal and anti social behaviour of all kinds, and that where improper implementation of this is discovered then it should individually be dealt with as it has been in the past.

Many like to quote the old adage 'Spare the Rod and Spoil the Child', and others deride this as from God.   Actually these exact words are not found in the Bible as such.    BUT the Bible does uphold, as necessary,corporal punishment, and the principles found in the Bible have their root in distant antiquity and have been found relevant and true.     For example in Proverbs 13v24 it is written -

'He who spares his rod, hates his son,

but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.'

And again in Proverbs 19v18 -

'Chasten your son while there is hope,

and do not set your heart on his destruction.'

I see no lack of wisdom in these words - all embraced by Solomon who is believed to have been the one most endowed with wisdom ever to have lived.    His Wisdom came from experience, and is confirmed and backed up by GOD, as His Word for our life.       I can only personally remember being caned twice in my life - once by my parent for a serious misdemeanour in our home - and the other was at school for a fault mistakenly committed.    I did not enjoy either occasion, but I was grateful for both, and I believe a lesson was learned which affected the rest of my life.    I have never resented it, but instead have profited from it with thanksgiving.      

I believe that King Solomon was also prophetic when he also wrote in Proverbs 16v25 -

'There is a way that seems right to a man,

but its end is the way of death.'

ONLY GOD knows and is able to communicate the Way that leads to LIFE - a healthy life spiritually and physically.      MAN is not always right in the way he thinks, and is easily deceived into believing that he is even more intelligent that the One who Created him.     GOD warns and exhorts us when He says

TRUST IN THE LORD with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding.

IN ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM, and He will direct your paths.

Do NOT be wise in your own eyes - fear the LORD.  Provers 3v5-7

FINALLY for today, I feel truly ENCOURAGED by the words of the Hon. Chidyausiku;  so refreshing to find at least one person who doesn't jest swallow what the rest of the world is saying, but examines everything in the light of his own culture and faith.   Very refreshing.     The Chief Justice actually deferred final judgement, but I hope he is finally courageous enough to stand with God rather than with Man.

A GREAT FALLING AWAY - FIRST!

IS THIS THE END OF CHRISTIAN BRITAIN, 

asks the Daily Mail Newspaper?  

The majority of white adults say they have no religion, and the number is set to rise.?  46% of adults have NO religion, while 42% are Christian but generally non religious.  Churches are emptying, and only a small number with a hyped up presentation of the Gospel appear to be filled with young people.   The Roman Catholics and the Church of England are both experiencing a reduction in numbers of worshippers in their churches.    Yet when His Holiness the Pope visited England he was given a rapturous welcome by vast numbers - as was the case here in Kenya last year when he visited us.   WHY should this be so?    There are a number of reasons I believe....

BUT in Kenya ALL churches still seem to be filled, and well patronised, from the Traditional to the freer, and more varied Protestant and Evangelical Churches.   This could be due to the fact that here there is a greater liberty in how Church Worship is organised and expressed.     However I would say that in Kenya people generally accept the existence of God, and feel the need of His help and interest in their lives.   Indeed although the western nations still moan a lot about their hardships socially, it is in Africa and much of the Third World, that people suffer and struggle to live.     Might I put it too bluntly when I suggest that the First World has less to discomfort it than the rest?      On the other hand even the majority of those attending church in Kenya have little real knowledge of the Saviour who came to deliver and save us from sin, and instead of seeking God's forgiveness and then giving back to Him their life in love and service, they run to seek profit and pleasure.    I do a fair amount of interviewing for potential staff and an astonishing few, when questioned about their religion, though accepting they are 'Christian' have hardly any understanding of WHY they are, or WHAT Christ has to do with their life - apart from protecting them from trouble and paying their bills and other financial needs through prayer.    The truly 'spiritual'aspect is missing.    Religious they may be but there is no NEW LIFE about them.       All want a more comfortable life, from the poorest (the majority) to the richest!     Man has travelled far from the Garden in which he first knew happiness with God.
Esther and I travel in Europe and the UK occasionally - say once every ten years.   Each time we go we see diminishing returns in the churches -  smaller congregations, and less interest in the Word of God.
The Christianity of today, compared to the days of our fathers, lacks LIFE!     It lacks the manifestation of Christ's commitment and dedication to God the Father.     And, to an extent, this is the cause of a progressively lost VITALITY in Christians generally.      Not much that would make one AWARE of him; he is is just as others are with hardly any visible difference.     Jesus did not come to Earth with the intention of inventing a new Religion called Christianity.   Jesus came to introduce and GIVE us a NEW life - a WAY of living that would be in startling contrast to the way we were first born into at birth.         When we believe in Jesus, we are told, ALL things become NEW, including ourselves.     Adventure, Challenge, and Power lay before us.     BUT INSTEAD we find ourselves attending Centres hoping for Free Offers; and also Bargain Hunters, and Fund Raisers for those finding themselves in need to build houses, buy cars, or travel abroad.      WHERE is the NEW LIFE focused on giving to and loving those who have nothing; The new SINLESS life that is no longer corrupt?
Again, in England we found churches being built and even renovated to provide the greatest comfort - plush seating, lavish furnishing and decoration,  and it is being introduced here in Kenya as well.

The'atmosphere' is changing within the Church and her places of worship.     In a way this, to me, is not the worst change.     Buildings alone are nothing these days.    A thousand years ago they built the old cathedrals and churches with a regard for the OWNER of the house; with love, care and sacrifice. You can feel it when you walk in - that this house is God's.     But more often today we just throw up a church cheaply without much attention to beauty,,but rather to how many it will hold, or how much of a sensation it will cause.     JESUS said in John 4v20, 23-24  ' Believe me, the hour comes when you shall neither worship the Father in this mountain or even in Jerusalem ---- The hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the father looks for such to worship him.    God is a Spirit; and those who worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth..,     TRUE worship for God will be in the heart!    

BUT, how many hearts are reaching out to God in fact.    How many even BELIEVE in God?   More and more of our Teachers, Lawmakers, and others live and talk as if He is and always has been a myth.
We could be on the way to a world WITHOUT any Religion,     In fact we are being told that NO RELIGION is the new norm in society as a whole - yes I know we can point out exceptions but even these are feeling the effect of a changing world unaware of God generally.      And this has an effect on our humanity as a whole, for without GOD consciousness where is the CONSCIENCE OF ANY NATION?     If the Christian is leaving the church where is he going to if Christ is not in his life and heart?    He is being sucked out and away into a 'black hole' of unbelief that has no bottom.

St. PAUL says that the END of the world will be be preceded by a 'falling away first - AND then the Man of Sin will be revealed (2. Thessalonians 2v3).    AND Jesus said in Matthew 24v12 - 'Because iniquity / sin / corruption shall abound the love of many shall grow cold.'     These words are a commentary on our world society as it is today.    People do not love God, do not honour, respect, or put him first  BECAUSE of  love of their own way more.     Look at 2. Timothy 3v1-5 as a back up to this.
THINGS ARE CHANGING.     Be sure it is not for the better.     Do not be abandoned by God.   Do not tempt Him to break the thing that He lovingly made and in which He had such good intentions.

SENSITIVE ISSUES

WILL THIS BE A HOLY CONVOCATION, or a rather UNHOLY huddle of Anglican Bishops? 

Hard to tell from a photo like his one.   There will be Bishops from Kenya attending this year's Conference in Lambeth Palace in London. Bishops from all over the World who belong to the Anglican Communion of Christians.
Reading in this week's Daily Nation, here in Kenya, I found it interesting to read the comment included, relative to this 'Bench' or 'Psalter' of Bishops!     They are the Leaders, the Shepherds of their Flocks; those looked upon as the Guides and Teachers that hold up the Word of God, rightly dividing and defining that WORD as the ONLY Truth and Way of Life that will bring a Believer to GOD, and to the Kingdom of God.     Millions look to them for the correct 'example' and advice on how to respond to the 'Darkness' of this World.
BUT being a follower of Jesus Christ in this present world is no Fancy Dress affair.    It is not partying and revelling but a rather challenging and awesome affair.     For more than two thousand years it has needed that 'believers' COME OUT of the World; out from AGREEMENT with what the world holds to be righteousness.    A Believer is separate from the unbeliever, and does not accept what the world accepts.   And although he lives IN the world,  it becomes clear that he cannot identify with it, its ambitions or its pleasures.  
SEVENTY years ago in England, there were still fewer Believing Christians than unbelieving sinners - yet generally the population, like the little demons, accepted the FACT of God, and 'trusted' in the Bible that it WAS God's Word.       Even today they Swear by Almighty God in the Law Courts, holding the Bible in their Hand as confirmation that they will 'Tell the Truth'.     BUT there IS a change sweeping through the land.     Perhaps in Kenya also?     LESS are READING the Bible, and even LESS are BELIEVING in what it actually SAYS.     The majority never open it, and its importance and relevance - even as literature - is fading fast.        We cannot today rely upon the uplifted hand declaring THE TRUTH, even with the Bible held up firmly with it!   AND IF, the BIBLE can be put aside, even ridiculed; if it can be re-interpreted, and even scorned, how should we be surprised that the world is seeing the disintegration of Christian Opinion and religious thought and morals universally?    YES the world is moving on, and perhaps in this age, it is actually leaving the spiritual knowledge and respect and belief in ANY God BEHIND it.    It this is so then indeed we all together face a depth and quality of DARKNESS worse than the Dark Ages;   A darkness more totally terrifying than the darkness within the stomach of Jonah's Whale, or the thick, powerful, blackness of  the stalking Panther.    The WORLD has always lain in 'darkness' since the beginning, and its government is still -for the moment- in the hands of a Dark Lord, even Satan, but not for long.

The BIBLE says Satan, through his governance and evil influence, has deceived, and will continue to DECEIVE the world, and the people of the world in particular!      We are likely all being led in the direction that will find WHITE is believed to be BLACK and vice verce.        In the days of Jesus, his Roman Judge, Pilate, asked the question 'What IS Truth!'      Today it is  billions of times more difficult to find the answer - especially if you cannot accept God's answer which He gave through Christ   'I AM the Truth, the Way and the LIFE.'
There IS no other truth - everything can only be measured up against Jesus, His Words, His Life.

Well in the Nation article in this Tuesday's addition page 6 the writer says -

'Sensitive issues like gay rights and same sex marriages

are expected to dominate discussion in the meeting

convened by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.

He, Welby 'said a split in the communion over homosexuality

would not be disaster but a failure'

''These disagreements over sexuality could lead to a walkout

by conservative bishops'.

A SHARP division of the ONE Christian denomination could spell even great disaster for the whole of the Christian World.      The argument above is not merely one of moral opinion and interpretation, it is one which willfully holds the BIBLE, God's WORD, open to new values and understanding.   

The thing that seems to offend is the idea that Gays should be held to be wrong in the eyes of God, as far as their style of living is concerned.   The Bible clearly states that those who are practising Homosexuals will not be able to enter the Kingdom of God on their death.      They can sit in Christian Churches but they will not be able to become priests or bishops as long as their life style remains unchanged.     It is the outworking of having to be BORN AGAIN.     After all, would it be right to put a murderer who was unrepentant and likely to murder again into the church leadership?

It is sad when people seem to be, and sometimes are shut out or shunned in society.    We should accept ALL as men and women worthy of our compassion and consideration, but even if we do so, we still have an obligation, if we are Believing in the Word of God, not to encourage or accept what others do or say, if it might hurt society or confuse, and also may be prevent them from pleasing the God who is our Final Judge. 

St. Paul says of himself that he was 'not a man pleaser'.    He did not live to please MEN, but GOD. 

In this corrupt and self pleasing world society, his testimony would be a little, if not completely, considered foolishness.     BECAUSE of this corruption flourishes.      Because there is not a hard and fast bottom line - to base our life upon - firmly in place, we can all exchange and barter away our morals and integrity in a bid to grab whatever we can in whatever way we can from this deceitful world.

All men and women, gays and others, are free to choose their way, and to expound upon it.     Thus also those who may disagree are free to say so, and give a reason why.     I value, myself, all men and women just as they are.     In my heart I may be cast down because their lives seem to court the judgment of God, finally, at their end, but I cannot find it in my heart, either, to judge 'them' but to still reach out to those who are ready to be my friend - just as I am - and just as they are.   WHY all this LOUD, despicable and self righteous clamour.   Love each other; do good to each other; forgive each other - pray for each other - and take care of each other.   Remembering, as a duty, to warn one another, and to exhort rebuke and encourage one another away from spiritual death,,,,,,,to Eternal Live and the commendation of God.      Recently I lost an employee of many years.  He came to me confessing he was Gay, and I took him on.    He did his work well and honestly, never showing any sign of trying to encourage others in his lifestyle.   He was a friend - a good friend - to all, and will be greatly missed.      He knew how I felt and never showed resentment for it; we were also good workers together.    He will be missed.     I am glad I let him in.    But I do still think his choice was a wrong one, and it would be tragic for him to find himself in front of God, only to hear he missed his way in life - missed the TRUTH about himself.  And I pray for him that he will one day, before it is too late, come to know it.  

In allowing this freedom I have myself been blessed.      But I could not have done any of it without knowing and trusting in God's Word - a Word of Love, but also a Word of Justice.

When God says something is wrong, nothing and no one can change it.    It IS wrong.
How we deal with this wrong, how we permit Mercy, Compassion to work with Justice, Forgiveness, will depend largely on our own spiritual disposition.        What a man SOWS in his life and body he WILL reap the reward from - good or bad.     The fact remains God will not LIVE with in Eternity, what he has declared on earth He cannot accept or approve of.       Our decisions in life in regard to everything will evolve on who we want please and to put first - ourselves, people we live with, or GOD.    

God Bless the bishops!     God help them with strength and courage to stand for HIM, and for HIS declared and revealed Will through His written, and LIVING  Word.

EMPTY TEAPOTS

WHEN I FIRST ARRIVED IN KENYA, I found myself living on a windy hilltop in a very rural and poor area of the country.    I had been given an old and derelict Chief's Camp comprising a number of rather decayed and neglected colonial brick buildings.    I was using them to take care of some 39 destitute boys.    I had little money and no support for this venture, and as the only one of distinctive colour and little cultural knowledge I often found myself getting into problems with the local community.     THEY welcomed us with open arms, and were really very charming, but they thought I had come to develop their area, and in particular the Old Chief's Camp by providing a hoped for Medical Centre, School, and even more!    This stemmed from their own private assumptions and dreams  -    I, meanwhile, just thought their interest and friendliness was due to an inborn kindness and charitableness, that was appreciative that I had come to use the run down centre to help homeless children.     One day after I had been there about three months, I was approached by the Chief of the area who asked if I would mind holding a Barazza (a Meeting) with the local people and leaders.     Again I thought this was a good thing that interest was growing, and I happily agreed.     The Day arrived and my compound of some 5 acres was half filled with folk from all around.          After some little polite pre-amble, the elderly Chief stood up and commenced his Speech.     He said.    "We have come today to complain.     When we saw you come into our midst we thought you would lift us up and prosper us, in our long struggle against poverty.  But instead you take our water, and import children who are not from this place to mingle with our own to bring bad manners.         Bwana Green, you are a 'Teapot without any Tea'" and he sat down amidst considerable applause.   I was very much taken aback; in fact I did not immediately see what he was saying   =-   But of course I quickly realised that I had disappointed the whole community by not coming up to their expectations.     They had seen a hopeful source of comfort and provision.  It looked good on the outside - a white man always has money, influence contacts.   Surely one adventuring into the undeveloped countryside MUST have MORE money and plans to build, expand and develop.   Soon the shillings would be poured out, signs of building commence - but NO, we just sat and did nothing.     The Teapot looked enticing and profitable but when it came to it, there was no Tea inside it.    It was EMPTY!     And so we had to be informed and warned that we were not welcomed any longer unless we could fill the Teapot with Tea that could be enjoyed by all.    WOW!
Soon after that we moved to Elgonview in Eldoret.

Are YOU a Teapot without Tea?    Does you outward 'image' promote hope where there is NO hope?
Do you encourage Faith in your ability to make a difference when in fact you lack the ability to make that difference.     Isn't this very often at the bottom of getting elected to a Board of Management, or even to Government.     Elect me and I will.............       BUT will you in fact do so...are you ABLE to do so.....do you INTEND to do so?     Are you a man or woman of your word?       Are doing what you do in order to attract attention to yourself, or are you doing it solely to put YOUR shoulder toward helping the community as a whole. WHEN I took Testimony Faith Homes to the rural area I imagined they would sympathise with my small effort to help the homeless - even their own homeless.    I thought they would encourage me AND the children with me.   I though WE would encourage them by demonstrating how to overcome misfortune and human hurt,   It just did not work out that way.      Everyone was looking at US to improve themselves, without any thought of joining hands with us to help reclaim broken lives.       I suppose this is the same with the People and the Government.      The People WANT assistance.  They look at the Government to BRING and PROVIDE the assistance - immediately, overnight and without delay.  The government knows this, all those vying for election to some post or other know it.    They say "Elect me, I will build you a road, a school, a medical centre!    I will bring industry and provide jobs........"      And if they don't ? Well then there must be a Barazza and a confrontation of dissatisfaction.

I was a Teapot without TEA.       Sure I WAS in fact a Teapot, but the Tea was not made.   The tea leaves were there,  and maybe even the milk and sugar were to hand, but there was NO HOT WATER yet; it had not come to the boil..........and those who were thirsty were lacking in patience because their need as for NOW, and they would not wait.      PERHAPS, if they had, then Testimony Faith Homes and School would be THERE, and not in Eldoret.      Their impatience LOST them what they needed - at least for that time, and from us.       Voters and Governments often suffer the same way.     The People think 'heaven' will come the day after the Elections, and governments forget to explain BEFORE Elections, that it takes time to produce and supply what has been promised.   Much is often lost in the process.

I have a lady friend in England.   A married lady with family.   Since she was a teenager she was fascinated with Teapots and she began to collect different shapes, colours, sizes that she came across. She had hundreds of them now, and they are stacked up shelves in her home in a kind of display.They are quite interesting to look at - BUT they are ALL empty!     NONE of them them has ever had tea leaves or even hot water inside them - they have always been and always will be empty, and thus of little practical USE.       Just ornaments?     Well, yes I suppose so - but can really admire what is of no use.

God made us all to be Teapots; teapots with a high potential to be of use and benefit  to the world around us.    How goes it with us?   Do we live to be admired?   Or are we constantly being filled in order to be poured out to satisfy the NEED of those around us.     Think about it.

WAIT FOR ONE ANOTHER!

I LIKE THIS PHOTO; it says so much in a world that has so little time for the people living in it.     Just the caring aspect of the 'Father' toward his tiny son.    He has the longer legs, the stronger body providing, him with speed and endurance - things his son still has to grow into.      The son needs the exercise and the time to grow, but he also needs the patience and protection of others whilst he does so.    In the photo this little boy looks like he has a long way to go before he reaches his father's stature and strength - he also looks as if he has walked enough, BUT dad is waiting for him to catch up.    YES I like it.    We all need time to catch up with each other.

Most of us take our own time to get to where we need to be.   Some are more punctual than others which means, obviously, that some are slower whilst others more prompt and faster than others.     Prompt, time conscious people, can often be out of patience with those who take their time, and rather laid back in their attitude to life and living.     They are often unwilling to WAIT, and just run on ahead to do their thing, regardless of others, their happiness, well being, or peace of mind.
THIS IMPATIENCE is often the cause of a kind of selfishness that pushes others out of the way in order to make quicker progress and satisfaction for themselves...... I can't wait, I have not the time; I have other things to do, appointments to keep - excuse me (or more often we just push) and instead of WAITING in the queue we barge and shove our way to the front.     When I first arrived in Kenya in 1968 it was something I noticed first (with loathing) that when I joined a queue (say to buy stamps at the post office, or some other shop) I would actually be beckoned to the front in order not to wait - NOT because I was old ( I was then just 28) or crippled or ill, but because I was WHITE.   I was at times even 'manhandled' to that 'front' under protest.      I could not understand it, and could not approve of it.      I asked myself, HOW could a FREE Kenya still bow to colour?   How could she need to bow to anyone or anything over and above her own citizens.     Politeness is good, but it is NOT good when ONLY applied to a particular section of society, EXCLUSIVE  of all others; THEN it can become odious!      I felt offended on behalf of the REST of the people in the queue.        I would react in the same way wherever I am.    I was always taught to 'Wait your turn'  and to do so patiently and meekly.     It can be tiresome and even annoying BUT to show the proper care and protection of each others expectations it should be done.
I have seen people fight and even injure each other due to 'queue jumping' as it is called.

Regretfully quite a number of white people were the culprits, as well as the African citizen    They also found waiting to receive parcels and other goods through the usual channels time consuming, and would 'oil' the procedure with a few shillings (a bribe) to speed things up.     Bribery is another outworking of refusal to WAIT our turn.      I have heard people in these latter days more and more say that 'you get nowhere without a bribe."  That is SO sad.     Of course it is going two ways.     The one to impatiently do away with waiting for due process, and the other to make due process longer in order to be offered a 'bribe' to speed things up.       Evil upon evil encouraging more evil.       My own attitude to this is that I would rather do without the 'parcel' the 'favour' than pay out any INDUCEMENT other than the legal charge in order to receive.

But I am anxious not to stray to far from where I began.   In the New Testament of the Bible in the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians chapter 11 v21 Paul criticises the Church saying 'For as you eat, each of you goes ahead, without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk.'
Paul is specifically talking about how they celebrate the Lord's Supper.     It is difficult to say whether he sees people coming in late whilst others coming before are already eating and drinking - even to excess~ or whether they may have all sat down together, but not been served at the same time so that some have to WAIT whilst others are already eating.       Either way he finds it offensive and uncaring.     In the Amplified Bible v.21 says 'For in eating each one (hurries) to get his supper first..'
and then finally in v33 he says 'So my brethren, when you gather together to eat (the Lord's Supper) WAIT FOR ONE ANOTHER.'       So that, no doubt, they can be seen to act as one family, one body, one brotherhood together.        This was apparently far from the image created on such occasions when, instead, everyone seems to have struggled noisily for themselves, even greedily and without regard to others.      No sign of CARE, or consideration for another - just get, and swallow, as much and as fast as one could.    No matter if others remain hungry, and no matter if in the process you yourself disgrace yourself in eating and drinking too much - all in front of God.      Yet it was at a time when God was supposed to be uppermost in their minds.     So much for the Christian Church in Paul's day!   Is it any better two thousand years later - and not merely in the observation of Communion or Breaking of Bread, but in all the other facets of living in love of one another; in the care of each other?     Where is the 'watcfulness toward one another to note each others need?   Where, the patient attitude that will WAIT for one to 'catch up' to where you are.?     We all need to be loving, caring fathers and elder brothers and sisters toward those younger and growing up behind us.

IN PAUL'S LETTER TO THE GALATIANS he opens his heart differently but in a similar frame of mind when he writes and says to the Christians there -

BRETHREN, if any person is overtaken in misconduct or sin of any sort,

you who are spiritual (who are responsive to and controlled by the Spirit)

should set him right, and restore and reinstate him, without any sense of superiority

and with all gentleness, keeping an attentive eye on yourself, lest you should be tempted also.

BEAR, (endure, carry) one another's burdens and troublesome moral faults,

and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (The Messiah)

and complete what is lacking (in your obedience to it)

FOR, if any person thinks himself to be somebody (too important to condescend

to shoulder another's load)

then he is nobody (of superiority except in his own estimation),

he deceives and deludes and cheats himself.

THE EVIL THAT MEN DO...!

ON PAGE 30 (Africa News) of December 8th Daily Nation a small article from Kampala was included in which a minor Presidential candidate for next years Election was reported as saying - I WILL RETURN AMIN'S REMAINS.

Well let me say right away ALL mankind are made in the likeness of their Creator, God.    This does not mean we LOOK like God or that we are like him in shape or texture. No but we are like (similar to) HIM spiritually, and in our ability to imagine in our mind, and then bring into existence what we have imagined.    We can create.    We can perceive what is godly, pure and holy - and we are able also to discern EVIL, understanding, that it is not like God, and not to be pursued.      But I can appreciate the worth of the sinner, the evil man or woman;   I can love him or her. as a person made to BE like God - but I do not have to agree with the EVIL that he or she might do.    I will not support that evil. It is against all that God IS, and to support it I must become the Enemy of God.      Well I think we should all, regardless of who we are, or where we originated,  think twice before making ourselves enemies of the God Who made us to be like HIM, loving, compassionate, merciful and just.  a Forgiving God.     This is my God.     There are other gods in our world who are NOT like this in practice, and we should remember that it matters that our words are fully backed up by our actions when talking about God, or OUR likeness to Him.

The man who made the promise to Return Idi Amin's remains to the land of his fathers suggests that this would please those people - maybe even MORE of the people than those of Amin's own clan or tribe. After all it often said of a man ' he is not all bad '.    TRUE, but it is only the evil that men do that lives after them -(THE GOOD is oft interred with their bones.    how much good can we remember of this monumental figure of a president? Is it MORE than the evil?    What will this man in Uganda, want to put in his Amin Museum?   And who will want to travel there to SEE what is there?     Shall we make yet another shrine to the errors of men and women.    A place to come without sorrow or regret?


One of the Anglican Bishops in Uganda during Amin's Presidency wrote a book entitled "I love Idi Amin".   His name was Festo Kivengere, and he wrote in order to declare to all the Love, Mercy, and Forgiveness of God Almighty.     He loves us all, the good AND the bad!     BUT he does not love the EVIL that we do - and we all commit evil to some extent.      God LOVES what He has made, but he cannot and will not CONDONE the evil that we do. Kivengere once told a story of a little girl who asked her mummy, saying "Mummy what does God do all day long?"   Her mother, a little surprised by the question, none the less immediately responded, and said "Darling, He spends His whole time mending broken things."    Yes he spends His whole compassionate time on ALL of us, both great and small, to see who will be mended.      BUT God will not leave us gummed up and dirtied by the grime of SIN in our lives - that must be removed and washed away before we can sit down with Him in Heaven.     God loves you, and longs to have you with Him where He is, but He will not welcome the EVIL that is with you in our life and living.    That must be left behind, and washed away in the atoning blood of Christ.

The people, if only some of them, might welcome the idea of their son coming home to be buried in his ancestral land - but will they also welcome the memory of the EVIL that he did as the Ugandan Butcher, the murderer of almost an entire Tribe, as well as many others come to roost there with them?      He made Uganda to be NOTORIOUS for its brutality.     He also made himself and his Country to be humiliated.    YET there were many that stood with him; he was even elected Chairman of the Organisation of African Unity in 1975 whilst at the height of his power in Uganda.   Yet all his power stood on an evil base and practice.     To REMEMBER such a life might surely relight a fire once more; and rather than any good he may have done, a revival of that EVIL instead flare up again.   The Nazi Party is now reviving in Europe as Hitler is being remembered and even re-instated as a 'good' Leader in certain areas!    Some people like to remember him, and even hang his picture in their home.   BUT it is hard to bring the man to mind without the EVIL that surrounded his life.      To put up portraits, and notable memorials of an EVIL person or celebrity might lead to idol worship of a most ungodly kind.    Worship that might turn us into a copy of the very evil we should avoid.

To let Amin's body lay in the earth from which he was taken is one thing.     To make a mound over it, and draw undue attention to it may be more than unwise.     It is interesting to note that even when he was buried in Jeddah his family made no fanfare, nor built any ornate memorial.     There Idi lies almost forgotten, invisible and alone.     Yes, we might all do best, as Bishop Kivengere encourages us, to love the man without letting the evil he did cling to us or to our memory.         When the Day comes and all the DEAD arise, it matters little where we might have been buried, or how we was interred. This Earth is not my home or yours - we are just passing through - on the way to our true home or other designated end.    Nothing that I might have, clinging to me here, of earth or stone will accompany my spirit, or be allowed to be part of that NEW body we all hope for.     For me I would leave Idi Amin where he is in the hallowed ground of Ruwais Cemetary, in Jeddah.   Pray for his soul!  Ask the Living God to be merciful to him - and to you - when the Great Day Comes - as it will, and that very soon.

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MARRY IN GOD'S SIGHT, AND DO NOT DEVALUE IT IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS

MARRIAGE IS NOT FOR 

      EVERYONE, Thank you!!

I found this minor Article in the NATION of 30th November - the DN2 Relationships supplement.     No sign of who may have written it.

Whilst grudgingly admitting that Marriage may have recommendable qualities, the writer then says " I think human marriage (is there any other kind?) has been an ongoing symbol of oppression, and brought a lot of misery to a lot of women."

I cannot disagree with him entirely on that. But many cultures traditionally (without any help from the Christianised and other nations) have seemingly taken it for granted that the woman is there to be used as a servant, if not slave.     Perhaps because it is assumed that women are 'weaker' sex, emotionally and temperamentally, men have taken advantage of her.    The REAL oppression I feel has come from the chauvinistic spirit and the natural disposition in men to rule and take a superior position.     Certainly many women, even today, suffer a life of drudgery and tyranny. I don't think Religion (except when incorrectly and even ignorantly) interpreted, has had anything to do with it.      The Bible does not teach such a view of women that devalues or degrades them.   JESUS did not teach this.

The Writer continues to point out (again quite rightly) that 'close to 40 per cent of women are murdered by their partners, and close to a third of women report sexual violence from their partners.'     And he goes on to suggest that those married in Kenya ran the risk of contracting HIV from their spouses!      However to use these facts to suggest we should be wary of, and even to keep away from Marriage, is not a strong enough argument for us to do so.        After 44 years of marriage I feel I can say this for sure, and even to add that it has done us both good as husband and wife.     But no doubt part of this has been that I am not addicted to alcohol, nor spending my nights with other women! Faithfulness had to be in a Marriage; both sides learning to trust each other's faithfulness to each other.      Additionally Esther and I have been able to converse and share our life and thought together on an equal basis, honouring each others intellect and giving place to each others opinion and ideas.    The Writer of the Article rightly points out that this is not always the case.   WHY?
We have grown to value each other, and not to desire the other's hurt or injury in any way.    In the doing of all this we have generally accepted that Marriage has been good for us, and that we can strongly recommend it to everyone - provided they are willing to honour each other as equals.   We are not special people, as people go.  We have tried to be sensible, caring, understanding, and appreciable of each other's person, willing to suffer and forgive each other in love.

Jesus said in the Gospel of Mathew, chapter 19 verse 12 - 'There are some eunuchs (men unable to perform sexual intercourse) which were so born from their mother's womb (born impotent or with some other physical complication); and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs by men; and there are eunuchs which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake...'
SOME may not be able to take on Marriage, for the simple fact of physical deformity, physical injury or mutilation by others, and even because they have felt in their spirit that they need to give up the entire idea of sexual intercourse and matrimonial responsibility in order to devote all their time and energy to serving God.        From this aspect and point of view I have to be willing to see, with the writer of the Nation article, that Marriage may NOT be for everyone.   But I cannot but think that the first two reasons given for being a eunuch generally result in a deep sense of sadness that marriage is out of the question for them sexually.        I think many others in the third category, who have decided to remain unmarried as part of their entire dedication and giving of themselves to God, may also end up regretting that decision, leading them into temptations some cannot resist.     They are to be pitied.     But they also tend to make me feel that even they, many of them if they were permitted, would Marry rather burn in their hidden lusts.      They made their choice, no doubt sincerely and purely - but not always because GOD wanted them to do so...........HE does not need  that everyone who wants to serve and please Him should be alone.     It has never been GOOD for a man to be alone, and it was for THIS reason that God performed the miracle of giving Man a 'purpose made companion' to fulfil his every need physically and spiritually as his equal.      Marriage IS GOOD for all, but it must be one man + one woman only.      There is NO scriptural or any other evidence that there is any other kind of marriage that can work as intended by the Inventor and Creator.       Do not be tempted  to use the words of Jesus against Him / or me;     Gay men and women are NOT born gay!     This is a misnomer repudiated by the best and most accepted of this world's Geneticists.     Jesus was talking, in Matthew 19, of Marriage, relative to the matter of physical intercourse within that marriage.       He was not referring to those who can only be comfortable with the same sex.     He NEVER did reverse any statement or previous Biblical commentary relative to being homosexual or to the homosexual persuasion.

Of course I am not referring to loose connections or relationships of the old 'Come we Stay' category; such do not constitute a true 'marriage' done in the sight of, and with the Blessing of God.  Take care that you understand what you do, and what you approve of.       But it is written in the Book of Hebrews chapter 13 verse 4 - 'Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled....'    The Amplified Translation of this verse puts it plainer and in full -

Let MARRIAGE be held in honour

(esteemed worthy, precious, of great price, and especially dear) in all things.

And so let the marriage bed be undefiled

(kept undishonoured)

For God will judge and punish the unchaste

(all guilty of sexual vice) and adulterous'