Fork on the Road

Sometimes in life, we stop enough to think about some decisions that we have made. Sometimes the decisions have clear consequences that we feel we can live with, and sometimes the decisions have consequences we feel are too heavy for us to deal with. There are other times when we are not sure whether to continue with the path we had earlier chosen or whether to return to a previous road that we had elected not to take. 

I find myself at such a state in my life. There are some decisions that I made recently and I am not sure I want to head in the direction I had earlier chosen. Yet there remains in me a desire to continue on this path. I am a man at the entrance to a forked road. There are many options available but there are only two methods to choose which direction to follow. The first method is to choose the path that gives me maximum benefit. If all goes well, this path will make me rich and hopefully happy. I would also feel that I did what I wanted to do as opposed to following another person’s vision. The second method is to completely abandon myself to the path that I feel is God’s perfect desire for my life.

It may seem an easy matter for a Christian to follow God’s path but what happens when any of several given paths may be God-ordained? This is a lovely opportunity to immerse oneself in prayer, to seek the face and guidance of God. Hopefully I will see His finger pointing me in the one direction, but until then, many thoughts flow through my mind.

Building Momentum

At first, it was terribly difficult to let go. I was used to a certain lifestyle, at my own pace doing my own thing. I mostly decided where to sleep, what to eat, and what to wear and when to wake up in the morning. I loved the life for it allowed my artistic side to flourish, although my body had begun to grow in indiscipline.

Then I started the internship at the Nairobi Chapel and everything in me started fighting back. I had to wake up at 5 in the morning; I had to dress formally in shirt, trousers and office shoes. At least I still don’t have to put on a tie, but I have a feeling that may change with time. I am equally grateful that Sunday attire for me still consists of jeans, t-shirts and sneakers.

The internship program is intensive in its demands on my time, energy and abilities. I am learning many things rapidly and also need to apply them just as fast. I am in charge of our (Nairobi Chapel Ongata Rongai) teens’ church and have the beautiful task of growing our numbers and coming up with relevant, Godly, impacting and fun content for this fellowship. Luckily, I find an already charged up and loving crew who have been taking care of this group since the year began and this can only get better.

I am slowly building momentum, and hope that once we start moving, nothing shall be able to stand in our way. Our aim is to reach Rongai’s teens for Jesus, one at a time. Our model is to evangelize, disciple, fellowship, discover and nurture talent, then use it for ministry. Looking forward to what’s ahead. 

Holy Noise

Sometimes we go to worship God with hearts that are not anywhere near his desired level of connection and sincerity. We look good on the outside, hands raised, eyes closed, and our lips move as though they were saying deep prayers. Others around us would look at us and think we are already connected to the very heart of heaven, seeing visions of things to come.

Inside our hearts, we know we are far from God. We know our lips are saying prayers we have said so many times that they might as well be secular, for there is nothing holy in them. Our hands stay lifted high but our minds are on other things, perhaps even on sinful things. We seem outwardly to be talking to God, but are instead taking a tour of evil. God looks beyond our façade. He sees right through our pretence to the very seat of our emotions and He knows the thoughts and intentions of our hearts. He is well aware of those who indeed worship Him truly and those who only put up a show.

The worship of God is a very serious matter. Instead of putting forth a semblance of piety, why don’t you take the time to sort yourself out as you come to the house of prayer? Why don’t you read His word and see His promise of forgiveness and grace? Why don’t you speak His word into your life, purifying yourself and preparing yourself for the service? Nothing is wasted when we spend time in repentance and prayer. Then we can boldly approach His throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.