Your integrity is more valuable than EVERYTHING you have ever done.

Why and What is it. 

By keeping your word you keep your integrity, by not keeping it you destroy it. Whatever you may have done and achieved in the past is coloured by the opinion of you others hold based purely on if you can be trusted. Well most Christian leaders would say that they can be trusted, but what does that mean? It means if you say you will do something, then you do it, if you say I will do it by tomorrow, then you do it by tomorrow because if it is not done by the day after tomorrow, you haven not kept your word, your integrity is is blown to pieces because you cannot be relied upon to fulfil that which you promised.

I can say that many times in a week I find people online, that will say to me they will do a certain thing by a certain time but the time elapses and there is no sign of its fulfilment. I am talking about pastors and a variety of Christian leaders. This ought not to be. Having spoken - you are bound to your word, If your word cannot be relied on, neither can you.

It is better for you to not promise anything than to promise something you may not fulfil (or worse - have no intention of fulfilling).

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed. Proverbs 10.9

... in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, Titus 2.7

When people lose trust in your word because you have not fulfilled it you have destroyed trust, without trust relationships are of no value.

Be a person who honours your word. Be trustworthy.

In this case, moreover, it is required [as essential and demanded] of stewards that one be found faithful and trustworthy. 1 Cor 4.2 AMP

As a pastor or leader, not everyone that you lead may meet this standard, judge a book by what is written in it, you are exhorted to lead, encourage, teach, and correct. You can love them, respect them, encourage them, give them opportunity but trust is earned not granted without performance. Choose wisely.

example, faithful, faithfulness, honor, honour, integrity, intent, trust, trustworthy, value, walk

What’s in a Seed?

Howard Sands (c) 2010

What’s in a Seed?
Great Oaks from Little Acorns Grow.

     Discover how this principle has, is, and will, apply in your life.

re discover the journey of your life, and how, where you are now is just a part of the journey to where you are going. Small beginnings, cold winters, hard times, refreshing rains and summer joys are all part ofg the journey to where you are going. 

Life is In Stages

Seeds

Genesis 1:12

The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:29

Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.

The right kind of seed – every seed produces

The seed of the Holy Spirit was planted in you – keep that seed only growing

Leviticus 19:19

" 'Keep my decrees. " 'Do not mate different kinds of animals. " 'Do not plant your field with two kinds of seed. " 'Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material.

Deuteronomy 22:9

Do not plant two kinds of seed in your vineyard; if you do, not only the crops you plant but also the fruit of the vineyard will be defiled.

Planting  - theres a death to self

John 12:24

I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.

Underground growth,  - the seasons –winter necessary

Genesis 8:22

"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease."

Shooting – there’s extreme joy with new birth – natural and spiritual -

Mark 4:27

Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.

Isaiah 61:11

For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.

Seedling

Young tree – beauty and strength in a growing young tree = this is just the early phase not its destiny. 

It is still has a valid ministry – provides shade and beauty,

Birds still rest on it and make nests in it

Leaves still exchange carbon di oxide for oxygen to give life

Binds the ground together with its roots so rains don‘t destroy & degrade the land

But this is not its destiny. 

Hosea 14:5-6

I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily. Like a cedar of   Lebanon he will send down his roots; his young shoots will grow. His splendor will be like an olive tree, his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon

Must survive the Weather/ elements – storms of life

Young trees are supple – know how to take the battering winds

Tall mature tree  

Matthew 13:32

Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."

Luke 13:19

It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches."

1 Corinthians 3:6

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.

Cut down

Isaiah 6:13

And though a tenth remains in the land, it will again be laid waste. But as the terebinth and oak leave stumps when they are cut down, so the holy seed will be the stump in the land."

1 Kings 5:6

"So give orders that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. My men will work with yours, and I will pay you for your men whatever wages you set. You know that we have no one so skilled in felling timber as the Sidonians."

To the saw mill to be cut to lengths

1 Kings 5:18

The craftsmen of Solomon and Hiram and the men of Gebal cut and prepared the timber and stone for the building of the temple.

Endure the pain – stay securely anchored in Him

Hebrews 6:19-20

19We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

2 Timothy 2:3

Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Stored in the timber yard

1 Chronicles 22:14

"I have taken great pains to provide for the temple of the LORD a hundred thousand talents of gold, a million talents of silver, quantities of bronze and iron too great to be weighed, and wood and stone. And you may add to them.

Sold to the builder

Cut shaved shaped nailed

2 Kings 22:6

the carpenters, the builders and the masons. Also have them purchase timber and dressed stone to repair the temple.

House – a great house – a palace – a temple – a city

This is the destiny of the seed

2 Chronicles 2:3

Solomon sent this message to Hiram king of Tyre: "Send me cedar logs as you did for my father David when you sent him cedar to build a palace to live in.

Hebrews 11:10

For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God

You’ve been working towards it

Don't lose heart in the winter. 

Don't stop growing through the storms of life. 

Don't give up when you're cut down.

Don't say I can't when you're being cut and shaped. 

Don't think your time will never come when you seem to be forgotten when you're lying in the timber yard,

because everything you do is determining

how your palace will work out.

The God of Provision

Thank God that He provides.
Today we have finalised the payment process and sent the money for the downpayment on the first BFTF Living Water Well for Kenya.

Through some difficulties of administration  earlier this year we have emerged with a new partner for the Living Water Well projects and are pleased to announce that the funds for the basic well to drill up to 110 metres at Gitugi, Muranga, Kenya have been received and sent. Over the next month or so we should be able to post some progress pictures.

We want to thank all those that have contributed, stood with us, believed in the ability to make a difference and been a part of this ministry and our lives. Today we begin a new chapter in changing lives for good in Kenya.

The village of Gitugi with a population of about 7000 has many needs, amongst them the need for fresh clean water. Let Bishop Gerishon tell the story of the need here in his own words.

Dear Pastor Howard,

I write to request you to consider digging a water well at our church in Gitugi, Muranga..

The Wings of Life Gospel Church International, Gitugi Branch is situated on Gitugi -Nyangiti, Road. It is in Muranga County, Gtugi Division. The population of this village is about 7,000 people translating to about 1330 families .

Kenya's people are, according to the United Nations, one of the most struggling populations in the world. With a population of approximately 36.6 million and an annual population growth of approximately 2.6%, the country's poverty index has also continued to steadily rise.

Water scarcity in Kenya has been an issue for decades, as only a small percentage of the country's land is optimal for agriculture, and the year-round climate is predominantly arid.

Water shortage in Gitugi,Muranga  means that a large population of women and children spend up to one-third of their day fetching water in the hot sun from the nearest fresh water source. This backbreaking work leaves roughly half of the  inhabitants vulnerable to serious dangers. In addition to exposure to the elements and risk of attack by predators, the primary water gatherers are also the most susceptible to water-borne diseases.

Water pathogens are a huge health problem here, as the people have been left unprotected against sporadic epidemics such as cholera and parasitic worms. The rate of exposure is extremely high because the water is not only contaminated at the basins and pumps where water is collected but the containers are almost always "found," second-hand objects, often previously used for oil, fertilizer or wastes.

Location of BFTF Living Water Well to be constructed on
Wings of Life Church at Gitugi ,Kenya

The land where the church stands wholly owned by Wings of Life Gospel Church International and has a freehold title deed. The property is solely use for church affairs.

This property is within a semi arid area where there is scarcity rainfall and getting clean water for human consumptions and for livestock is a tall order. Women and school going children walk for many miles to fact the rare commodity. The nearest clean water river is over 20km from this area Many families depend on harvested rain water which is do not last for long as many families can not afford to buy water tanks due to poverty levels. Women's, life in this area is defined by the burden of collecting water. For the old and the young, the sick and the healthy, it is a chore with no relief. Even when pregnant, women must trek over long distances in order to provide their families with water.

The strain of this arduous task has terrible health consequences for women. Often alone, some give birth on the journey to or from water points

It is women ’s duty to fetch water using their back even when pregnant

About 66 percent of Africa is arid or semi-arid dry lands like Gitugi, Muranga. More than 70 percent of people living in these dry lands suffer with water insecurity – meaning that they have less than 1,000 m3 per capita and do not have a reliable source of clean water close to home.

For women and children this mean walking up to 19 km carrying 20kg of water on their back each day. It is estimated that more than 152 million hours of women and girls’ time is consumed every day in the same way — collecting water to meet their families’ basic needs. Because of this, millions of women are inhibited from accomplishing little more than survival.

If by the grace of God this well is sunk here, l believe it will be a beg blessing to the surrounding community at large and mostly the church for the furtherance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Hoping this project will go through soon.

Bishop Gerishon K, Njoroge

WINGS OF LIFE GOSPEL CHURCH INTERNATIONAL

Other costs will be involved and if you would like to contribute to this project please consider
direct deposit to Beautiful Feet Task Force
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
BSB 062 614
Account number 0094 0442

Ps Howard Sands at official opening of
BFTF Living Water Well in Tanzania 2012


UPDATES ON THIS PROJECT

or by Paypal to assist BFTF International Director Ps Howard Sands to conduct an evangelistic crusade there with the opening of the well to share the message of the Living Water spoken about by Jesus, bringing life to those dry and thirsty souls.

For my thinking friends

For my thinking friends


INTERESTING CONVERSATION

An Atheist Professor of Philosophy was speaking to his Class on the Problem Science has with GOD, the ALMIGHTY. He asked one of his Students to stand and...

Professor: You are a Christian, aren't you, son?
Student    : Yes, sir.
Professor: So, you believe in GOD?
Student    : Absolutely, sir.
Professor: Is GOD Good?
Student    : Sure.
Professor: Is GOD ALL - POWERFUL?
Student    : Yes.
Professor: My Brother died of Cancer even though he prayed to GOD to Heal him. Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But GOD didn't. How is this GOD good then? Hmm?

(Student was silent)

Professor: You can't answer, can you?  Let's start again, Young Fella. Is GOD Good?
Student    : Yes...
Professor: Is Satan good?
Student    : No.
Professor: Where does Satan come from?
Student    : From. .. . GOD . . .
Professor: That's right.  Tell me son, is there evil in this World?
Student    : Yes.
Professor: Evil is everywhere, isn't it? And GOD did make everything. Correct?
Student    : Yes.
Professor: So who created evil?

(Student did not answer)

Professor: Is there Sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the World, don't they?
Student    : Yes, sir.
Professor: So, who Created them?

(Student had no answer)

Professor: Science says you have 5 Senses you use to Identify and Observe the World around you. Tell me, son . . . Have you ever Seen GOD?
Student    : No, sir.
Professor: Tell us if you have ever Heard your GOD?
Student    : No, sir.
Professor: Have you ever Felt your GOD, Tasted your GOD, Smelt your GOD? Have you ever had any Sensory Perception of GOD for that matter?
Student    : No, sir. I'm afraid I haven't.
Professor: Yet you still Believe in HIM?
Student    : Yes.
Professor: According to Empirical, Testable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says your GOD doesn't exist.  What do you say to that, son?
Student    : Nothing.  I only have my Faith.
Professor: Yes, Faith.  And that is the Problem Science has.

Student    :  Professor, is there such a thing as Heat?
Professor:  Yes.
Student    :  And is there such a thing as Cold?
Professor:  Yes.
Student   :   No, sir. There isn't.

(The Lecture Theatre became very quiet with this turn of events)

Student    :  Sir, you can have Lots of Heat, even More Heat, Superheat, Mega Heat, White Heat, a Little Heat or No Heat. But we don't have anything called Cold. We can hit 458 Degrees below Zero which is No
Heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as Cold. Cold is only a Word we use to describe the Absence of Heat. We cannot Measure Cold. Heat is Energy. Cold is Not the Opposite of Heat, sir, just the Absence of it.

(There was Pin-Drop Silence in the Lecture Theatre)

Student    : What about Darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as Darkness?
Professor: Yes. What is Night if there isn't Darkness?
Student    : You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is the Absence of Something. You can have Low Light, Normal Light, Bright Light, and Flashing Light . . . But if you have No Light constantly, you have nothing and
its called Darkness, isn't it? In reality, Darkness isn't. If it is, you would be able to make Darkness Darker, wouldn't you?
Professor:  So what is the point you are making, Young Man?
Student   :   Sir, my point is your Philosophical Premise is flawed.
Professor:  Flawed? Can you explain how?
Student    :  Sir, you are working on the Premise of Duality. You argue there is Life and then there is Death, a Good GOD and a Bad GOD. You are viewing the Concept of GOD as something finite, something we can
measure. Sir, Science can't even explain a Thought. It uses Electricity and Magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view Death as the Opposite of Life is to be ignorant of the fact
that Death cannot exist as a Substantive Thing. Death is Not the Opposite of Life: just the Absence of it. Now tell me, Professor, do you teach your Students that they evolved from a Monkey?
Professor: If you are referring to the Natural Evolutionary Process, yes, of course, I do.
Student    : Have you ever observed Evolution with your own eyes, sir?

(The Professor shook his head with a Smile, beginning to realize where the Argument was going)

Student    : Since no one has ever observed the Process of Evolution at work and cannot even prove that this Process is an On-Going Endeavor, are you not teaching your Opinion, sir? Are you not a Scientist but a
Preacher?

(The Class was in Uproar)

Student    : Is there anyone in the Class who has ever seen the Professor's Brain?

(The Class broke out into Laughter )

Student    : Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor's Brain, Felt it, touched or Smelt it? . . . No one appears to have done so.   So, according to the Established Rules of Empirical, Stable,
Demonstrable Protocol, Science says that You have No Brain, sir. With all due respect, sir, how do we then Trust your Lectures, sir?

(The Room was Silent. The Professor stared at the Student, his face unfathomable)

Professor:  I guess you'll have to take them on Faith, son.
Student    :  That is it sir . . .  Exactly! The Link between Man & GOD is FAITH. That is all that Keeps Things Alive and Moving.


NB:

I believe you have enjoyed the Conversation . . . and if so. .
You'll probably want your Friends / Colleagues to enjoy the same . . .
won't you?
Forward them  this link to them to Increase their Knowledge . . . or FAITH.
http://beautifulfeettaskforce.blogspot.com/2013/07/for-my-thinking-friends-interesting.html


The student was ALBERT EINSTEIN 

Faithfulness, a forgotten virtue

Hebrews 3.² He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. ³ Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. ⁴ For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. ⁵ Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be said in the future. ⁶ But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.

² He was faithful to the one who appointed him,

He did the job He was sent to do.

Even though in his humanity he said “let this cup pass from me”

Faithfulness is virtue that is fading in our society, but highly sought after, Why?

Because it’s a kingdom principle.

What is it?