PASTORBIRAI.COM

When you know that something is wrong

2012-05-24T12:51:07Z

You can pretend, try to ignore, or even try to defend it but the conscious will never give you the peace of mind. When you try to do something that you know to be wrong (stealing, cheating, using drugs, undermining others, being mean to others and many others) something in you will repeatedly remind you that you are on a wrong route.

I was reminded of this very fact just recently. It dawned on me that my car was in urgent need of new tires.Well, I tried to ignore this and somehow convinced my mind that I would still use the old tires even when there was every indication that they were about to give up on me. But every time I went to sleep or woke up, I found myself thinking of the tires and the possibility of them giving up on me in the middle of the major highway.

It wasn't until I bought new tires that I got the relieve. What's the point? Is there something that you are doing even when you are very much aware that its wrong and you do sure know of the immediate and/or long time consequences of your actions? What will it take you to stop?

Pastor Birai

32 years of service and going

2012-05-22T10:34:59Z

That which we love to do, we do it with passion and for many years without failure or complaining. Yesterday, I came a cross a woman @ Sears Auto Care (where I had gone to have new tires for my Toyota Sienna) who had been working on the same job for 32 years and still going. Unlike some employees, I was impressed to note that she not only understandstood and loved her job but also had excellent customer service tips. She treats all customers with great respect and without partiality. I was so impressed with her to appoint that I made a decision to always change my tires there.

The way she received me was so contrary to the way I had been received and treated at a Firestone auto care center the day before. How were you treated? Bad ! You see, wanting to change the tires of my care on a Sunday, I spent quite some time calling around to see who was open. With my very tight schedule, I managed to squeeze an appointment from 2:00 PM-3:00 PM. They promised to do the job in less than 30 minutes. I made sure that I was there on time.

At the garage, the reception was so poor that I wondered if at all they had any sense of custom service skills. I sat there for the whole one hour while the receptionist and the two mechanics kept on moving from point A to point B. A couple times I asked if any thing was going to be done. All they told me was to wait. At 3:05 PM, after one hour long of patiently waiting, I suggested that I should leave since they appeared to be so busy (doing nothing). I was shocked with their response. They pulled the car out immediately and told me to come back whenever I wanted the tires changed. I left determined never to return.

"Why do some people treat customers with disdain and lack of respect?" I wondered as I drove off. Back to Sears Auto care, I narrated to the lady receptionist how I had been treated the day before and congratulated her for a job well done.

While some people carry a very negative attitude at their place of work, others are always nice to every single customer regardless of race, gender, age or social status. How do you treat those that go by your desk every single day? The more you have been to the job, the more techniques you are expected to have learned . Has that been your case? I wonder on this Tuesday gorgeous day in Minnesota.

Pastor Birai

The amazing ministry of angels

2012-05-21T07:56:35Z

Of the angels of God, the Bible states, "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them." (Psalms 34:7)

I was reminded of this passage when together with two other fellow pastors we joined family friends and their son at a towing company to view the car turned junk that almost killed their son.

A very handsome second year college young man was driving home from church on the Sabbath of May 19th, 2012. For reasons he can not recall, he found himself driving at 80 miles per hour on a busy highway-highway 169. He lost control of the car, swayed off the road and knocked the fence. Thank God he not only survived but came out unhurt. Amazing !

Looking at the car, it was hard to imagine that someone came out of the accident alive. As we exchanged notes, we came up with our own human suggestions as to what saved the handsome young man. Even though we gave credit to the airbag, we repeatedly said that it was due to the ministry of God's angels that saved the young man.

Indeed the angels of God surround each one of us daily and saves us from so many daily dangers, some that are own caused. The young man was not only sorry but promised to use his experience to warn others to be careful with cars. We should avoid dealing with them as if they are friends. After all they have their own temperaments.

Oh, I thank the good Lord for the ministry of His angels that graciously saved the young man.

Pastor Birai
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Questions not to ask

2012-05-20T12:35:02Z

I have heard this said and believed that there are "no stupid questions." That said, I have come to believe that there are some questions that are very sensitive and ought to be left out. Such as?

What do you do?

Some people are not happy with the kind of work that they do and therefore will be very uncomfortable being asked what they do.

Are you going to school?

Some of those who are expected to be in school, chose for several reasons not to go that route.Its a decision that some of them are ashamed of and do regret Don't like anyone to remind them of it.

Is this your husband/wife?

Whenever some people see a man and woman together ,they immediately assume that they are husband and wife. That of course is not true and hence the need to be careful of the assumption

Were is so and so?

Any time you have been away from somewhere for years many things happen including the dead of loved ones. Its possible that you did not know of whatever happened. So, whenever you return, be careful what questions you engage in lest you are seen to be insensitive.

There are many others but I think you get the point. Pass it over to others. Will you?

Pastor Birai

Who should wait: A school bus or a student?

2012-05-17T12:49:49Z

In my walk this morning I witnessed a bizarre occurrence that left me with more questions than answers. A school bus pulled into a stage where some students were waiting. At a distant was this teenage girl who was moving at a speed of a tortoise and busy typing a text message totally unconcerned with the bus that was patiently waiting for her.

Unhappy with what I was seeing, I felt like telling the teenage girl to stop/drop what she was doing and hurry up lest the bus is late in picking other students and dropping them at school on time for their lessons. Afraid of being misunderstood, I decided to go about my business; but not without several questions on this issue of waiting. Here are some scenarios to reflect on: Who should wait for the other one?

1.A student or a teacher?
2.An employee or an employer?
3.A doctor or a patient?
4. A lawyer or a client?
5.A pastor or church members?
6. A bus/driver or a student?

What are your thoughts?

Pastor Birai
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Graduation season

2012-05-17T10:51:18Z

In the spirit and mood of the graduation season, my wife and I recently attended a graduation of a dear family friend and church member. Everything that I saw and heard impressed me greatly. Like?

1.I was thrilled to see the graduates receive their rightful award for the job well done.Their joy, excitement and sense of accomplishment was written all over. It was their day and they sure seemed to enjoy it
2.The speeches by the key speakers were very inspiring indeed. I was moved by some of them that I wouldn't help crying
3.The presence, support and cheering up by the family members, friends and well wishers of the graduates was so inspiring. Having supported these candidates before, it was good to see them to the very end
4.The mood after the ceremony was written in people faces. Each wanted to take pictures for remembrance

On my way home from the graduation ceremony, my mind left this world for a while and traveled to a world that the Bible describes and rightly so as the home for the saints. The great reunion with our loved ones and to see our God face to face is a thought so sweet to let go. This thought of a better world is what keeps some of us going amidst the daily many challenges.

Oh, it will be a graduation like no any other. I just can't wait. Will you be there?

Pastor Birai

In memory of my loving mother

2012-05-15T12:56:11Z

2012 mothers day has and come and gone. Those with surviving parents might not understand the pain and gap that comes with loosing she who played a great role in rearing and shaping her children.

It has been three years now since my loving mother died peacefully in her hospital bed looking forward to the resurrection morning. Since then, mother's day has come and gone by without mum. Even as we know and have accepted the fact that death is a reality that we all have to face, memories have a way of making it back whether we like it or not.

Mum will always be remembered for the great sacrifice she made amidst dire poverty to provide for the basic needs. I still recall her fervent prayers on behalf of us, her children. She pleaded with the living God to protect us and help us to succeed. Each day she and dad taught us to fear God and be kind and caring to all God's children..Those principles continue to guide me to this day.

As long as I will be a live, every mothers day will come and go without my mum. The good news though is that I look forward to the day when I will see her again never to part again. I will sure go about doing the Lord's work waiting for the fullness of time. Even so come soon Lord Jesus.

Pastor Birai

My daughter's induction into National Honor Society

2012-05-13T18:14:26Z

My wife and I had an opportunity today (Sunday, May 13,2012) to attend the induction service into National Honor Society of our youngest daughter. She was one of the seven high school students who were being inducted. Joining the National honor society is based on the four core components- Scholarship, Service, Leadership and Character.

I was impressed by the pledge of the inductees. It read:

I pledge myself to uphold the high purposes of the National Honor Society to which I have been selected;

To always seek the light of Truth,
To hold scholarly habits (To maintain a GPA of 3:5 and above)
To engage in worthy service
And to lead forward in all things that
Shall advance the welfare of the school

As the current members (5 boys and 7 girls) and the the 2012 inductees (2 boys and 5 girls) lighted the candles and stood before the faculty members , family members, and fellow students to take the pictures I was thrilled to appreciate and acknowledge their hard work.

As we left the academy headed home with our daughter's certificate in our possession, I thought of the joy and happiness that God's elect will receive as they go matching into Zion. Just to hear those touching words, "Well done thy faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful in the little things. Enter thou into a home prepared for you." will be excellent music into our ears. Oh what a day that will be! I just can't wait.

Pastor Birai

Same sex marriage?

2012-05-08T11:08:34Z

The issue of same sex marriage belongs to the realm of hot issues that has divided many.While some use the sure word of God to prove that God does not approve such, others use the same Bible to justify their actions.

Right from the book of Genesis and through all the books of the Bible its very clear that God's plan was
a relationship between a man and a woman, period. All other things are human inventions and have no Biblical back up.

Its interesting to note that those who have chosen to go for the same sex marriage turns around and wants to adopt children that re a by product of the relationship between a man and a woman. I wonder why they need children and what those children will turn out to be?

Well, the world can do all they want to do but as for me, I will stick with what the Bible teaches. How about you?

Pastor Birai

Do you have faith?

2012-05-08T10:56:16Z

Here is what faith is supposed to do:

1.Faith endures trials
2.Faith understands temptations
3.Faith obeys the word of God
4.Faith produces doers
5.Faith harbors no prejudice-Faith and prejudice can not coexist
6.Faith controls the tongue
7.Faith acts wisely

When you think of your faith, does it measure up to the above factors?

Pastor Birai

My respect for women

2012-05-04T12:42:55Z

Have always respected women and will do. Women play a very great role in any community. As a matter of fact, if asked, many children will tell you that they love/respect their mothers more than their fathers. Don't ask me why because I don't know. That said, there are certain things that I would rather women don't indulge in. Like?

1.Abusing drugs
2.Drinking alcohol
3.Using abusive words or street language

These three and many more does not augur well with women. Those involved in these three usually set a bad example and affect those that love them. Some women need to emulate the good example of the woman of proverbs 31.

Pastor Birai

How about tomorrow?

2012-05-03T09:58:20Z

No one knows what will happen tomorrow. All the human calculations and maneuvers amounts to nothing. The only one who knows all about tomorrow is the Lord of the universe. Any one who thinks otherwise is but a liar. Here is what the Bible says about tomorrow:

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34)

^"But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these; " (Daniel 2:28)^"Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.”Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them" (James 4:13-17)

So, as you plan for tomorrow, make sure that you don't count God out.

Pastor Birai

How about tomorrow?

2012-05-03T09:58:18Z

So, as you plan for tomorrow, make sure that you don't count God out.

Pastor Birai

How about tomorrow?

2012-05-03T09:57:22Z

So, as you plan for tomorrow, make sure that you don't count God out.

Pastor Birai

Returning to Africa

2012-05-03T09:28:27Z

Those anticipating returning to Africa after many years in Diaspora, need to remember the following

1.Life will never be the same again
2.Do not curse your present country of residence nor should you vow never to return
3.Make sure that you leave nothing but good records just in case you might return again
4.Make sure that you have projects in your native land that will sustain you
5.Once back to your native land, be humble,flexible, careful in your spending habits and connect well with the locals
6.Never say never to anything

Pastor Birai

Food for thought !

2012-05-03T09:14:21Z

Yesterday, I visited a friend in his office. While there, I saw a quote on his wall which I thought made a lot of sense. I decided to share it

Build a bridge, not a barrier;
Make a friend, not a fuss;
Find a cause, not a controversy;
Be a cheerleader, not a critic;
Seek a solution, not a standoff.

By William Arthur Ward

What's your take on this thought?

Pastor Birai

I lost a dear friend (Elder Samuel Ragira)

2012-05-02T03:54:37Z

Just received bad news from Kenya of the passing away of a dear friend (Elder Samuel Ragira) that I had accorded the respect of a father. If money and time would permit, I would have traveled to Kenya (Nyabite) to pay my last respect to he who helped me so much when I needed help.

There was a time that life was so hard for me. The years January 1973-November 1976 were very hard for me. Those were the years when I was in high school (secondary school) at Kisii progressive high school within Kisii town. My parents and siblings lived in dire poverty. Things were so bad that I was not allowed to go to my home during the holidays. My dear friend-Charles Ragira-introduced me to his parents who turned out to be my parents.

In my autobiography (Except for the Lord) I have mentioned the role that the Ragiras played in my life. I regarded the late Elder Samuel Ragira who succumbed to cancer and his dear wife as my parents. I will always remember them and thank them. Their children became my brothers and sisters.

Elder Samuel Ragira will truly be missed. I will do the little I can to contribute to the funds that will help transport his remains from Nairobi to his ancestral land at Nyabite , near Igare, where he will be laid to rest until the resurrection morning. Please join me in praying for the rest of the family members as they mourn He that they truly loved. He was such a nice man who had no querrels with anybody. How I wish that all people were like Elder Samuel Ragira and his dear wife. I will never forget them.

May he rest in peace. I look forward to meeting him again in the earth made new

Pastor Birai

Things we should/should not be afraid of

2012-04-29T10:12:20Z

There are things that we should not be afraid of. Like?

1.We should not be afraid of reading the Bible in fear that it might condemn us. Millions have found peace of mind and tips/gems of success there in
2.We should not be afraid of telling the truth but always in love
3.Don't waste too much time being afraid of those that hate you without course. Why not? There is nothing that you can do to appease them. Just remember that the good Lord will always protect you. Also remember that the Bible teaches that "When a man's ways please God, He maketh even his enemies at peace with him" (Proverbs 16:7). Hallelujah.

What about things that we should be afraid of?

1.You must be afraid of hanging around with the wrong people. They will succeed in destroying you. Do not by any means hang around with those who have failed in life.They will sure lead you into that path
2.You must be afraid of what you see, hear, taste,feel arid where your feet carries you to. Remember that bad company and evil communication always ruins good morals
3.You must be afraid of what kind of books you read. Some books are only good to confuse and mislead. Many in an attempt to search and explore more have succeeded in destroying themselves.It will be nice therefore to be careful of what you feed your mind

Yes, I totally agree that we are of age and have freedom to do anything that we want. No problem as long as you remember that anything that we undertake to do has got consequences. So, do what you want but do not forget the effects if you have not experienced them already. Life is what we make it. Choose your path today. If already in a dilemma or confused, its not too late to turn around. For this to happen, you must be willing to swallow your pride.

Pastor Birai

Why go to church anyway?

2012-04-28T12:38:04Z

People go to church for different reasons. Like?

1.To meet either new or old friends

2.Because of spouse, parents, siblings and ....

3.As a way of passing time

4.Because they like music, a certain preacher or...

5.To praise God and receive blessings from the ministry/testimony of others

Does the Bible encourage us to go to church or rest at all? Check out the following:

^"Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made." (Genesis 2:1-3)

^"He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read,^{" (Luke 4:16)}

"As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures," (Acts 17:2)

^"not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25)

"A Song of Ascents, of David. I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD."(Psalms 122:1)

So, when we go to church, we do so in response to God's wish/command and in the end, we receive the blessings that have been bestowed for those who love God and obey Him.

What are your reasons for not going to church every week? Are your reasons justified?

Pastor Birai
Read or subscribe to my blog www.pastorbirai.com

Any experience with debt collectors?

2012-04-27T18:29:02Z

Each one of us has at one time or the other did one of the following:

1.Borrowed money from someone (friend, workmate, school mate, church member, sibling, spouse and many others)
2.Bought something on credit
3.Took a loan for a certain project

At the time of doing this, you sign not one but several forms agreeing to pay back that which you borrowed.Unfortunately, as misfortune would have it, something happens (loose a job, sickness, make bad decisions, you are deceived or conned) that make it impossible to pay all or even part of the money borrowed.

An effort to compose oneself, accept reality, come up with the strategy to deal with the unfortunate situation is compounded with the many forces. Like?

1. House goes fore closure
2.Repossession takes place without mercy
3.You are reported to the debt collectors who handle you without mercy.
4.You are labeled a liar as no one takes you seriously any more

The more you think of solving this dilemma, the more life becomes unbearable. How so?

1.Telephone calls from the debt collectors
2.Mistrust by those you once called friends
3.Constant harassment from every corner

This more often than not leads to stomach ulcers, hypertension or one deciding to take own life .

How I wish that the debt collectors will at least remain humane. Harassment plus mistrust leads to some taking their own lives.

Let us be careful how we deal with our debtors.

Pastor Birai