Loving Jesus Everyday

Christian Living, Pan-African Thinking, and Flash Fiction

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Showing posts from June, 2016

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My Hero

My hero is nothing like those you see in the movies or comic books. She has no cape or fancy outfit. No quick and witty sidekick. Her superpowers are not what you would expect or even respect. Selfless, humble, and persevering she stands perfectly wrapped in bold dark skin. Skin baked and cracked by the relentless African sun. Skin that would glow if only she gave it a chance. If only she treated it the way she did me and my siblings. The way she did Father. Father who comes home every night to a beautiful smile and a warm meal, even though his response is almost always a tired grunt. Sitting on a stool in the backyard washing the vegetables, I discreetly watch Mother pounding away in the late morning sun. With the back of her hand, she pauses to wipe the sweat off her brow before continuing to plunge the pestle powerfully onto the content of the mortar. Again and again, she pounds away. Singing joyfully into the clear skies, you will never guess Father almost shouted the roof do...

Can We Please Get "Focus on the Family" in Africa?

I was talking to a good friend recently and she was sharing about a Togolese man who recently moved to the US and who has been greatly influenced by John Piper. He told her something that has been on my heart for years now. Something I first shared in the post I titled: The Paradox of African Christianity . My opinion is that Africans do not need more international missionaries to tell them about Jesus. Most African countries are already deeply religious. The many megachurches on the continent can afford to sponsor any additional evangelism efforts. What we need is DISCIPLESHIP. Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God . (NKJV) Many Africans confess Jesus as Lord, but have barely been transformed even after years of being saved. 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal,...

How to Effectively Manage Relationships

Matthew 22:36-40 (NKJV) “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” The second greatest commandment is all about relationships, but how many of us in church are intentional about managing our relationships properly? The Bible is very clear and redundant on the importance of living peacefully with each other, but unfortunately many of us are passive about it. Romans 13:8-10 (NKJV) Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are...

Do I Have to Tithe as a Christian?

It is sometimes shocking to see how much this subject causes division within the body of Christ. Tithing is a biblical principle that many Christians have a hard time accepting because it tests not only our generosity but also our faith. This post will attempt to shed some light on what the Bible has to say about tithing, and why it is still relevant in the life of today's Christian. When it comes to teaching on tithing, the most common passage referenced is Malachi 3:8-10 . Three things stand out to me from this passage: We as mere humans can steal from God... meaning He is ENTITLED to a portion of what we have. When we withhold it, we are holding on to what is not really ours in the first place. Tithing has purpose. It is God's provision for His house and for His work. Those who work in God's house have a right to live off tithes. Tithing is an opportunity to receive extraordinary blessing from God. It is an instruction with a reward directly attached to it. The argument ...

The Danger of a One-Sided Story

Years ago I watched this TED talk by Chimmamanda Ngozi Adichie that first introduced me to the idea that one can form strong opinions based on incomplete or inaccurate information. I am still baffled at how common it is to hear one side of a story and confidently pass judgement. Sometimes we even take action based on such flawed judgements. When King Solomon had to judge a case between two women ( 1 Kings 3:16-28 ), he heard two versions of the same story. He had to use wisdom to discern who was telling the truth. Wisdom is absolutely necessary for correct discernment. Stories can be crafted to elicit a specific response, therefore they are a powerful tool for manipulation, whether used intentionally or not. This can be seen clearly in three areas of life: RELATIONSHIPS - when there is conflict between two or more parties. MEDIA - for political, social or economic gain. RELIGION - for manipulation and control. In the relationship context, one-sided stories are usually proliferated by ...

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