GOD’S GENERALS: WOULD YOU HAVE MADE THE LIST?

Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed. Luke 1:1-4 KJV

When Roberts Liardon authored, the “God’s Generals” around 1996, he attempted to recapture God’s glory with compelling spiritual biographies of some of the most powerful ministries to ever ignite the fires of revival. Simply he was bringing to our attention a term often used in Christian circles to refer to influential and charismatic Christian leaders and preachers who have had a significant impact on the Christian faith and its history.

Some of the names of the God’s Generals will sound through eternity.

• William J. Seymour (1870 –1922) was the son of ex-slave, who turned a tiny horse table on Azusa Street, Los Angeles, into an internationally famous center of revival.
• Smith Wigglesworth (1859-1947) was known for his powerful healing ministry and dynamic preaching, and is considered one of the pioneers of the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements.
• Aimee Semple McPherson (1890-1944) was a famous evangelist and founder of the Foursquare Church. She was known for her innovative use of media and her large tent revivals.
•  Kathryn Kuhlman (1907-1976) who was a healing evangelist known for her miracle services and for drawing large crowds. She had a significant influence on the Charismatic movement.
• Oral Roberts (1918-2009) a prominent televangelist, faith healer, and founder of Oral Roberts University. He played a pivotal role in the growth of the Charismatic and Pentecostal movements
• Benny Hinn (born 1952) a controversial televangelist known for his faith healing crusades and Prosperity Gospel teachings.
• Billy Graham (1918-2018) widely considered one of the most influential evangelists of the 20th century, with a worldwide ministry that spanned several decades.

God has weaved out remarkable stories of how the Gospel has taken route, these stories often have been drenched in the blood of these saints, some have carried the pangs of pain, some have been carried on the unenviable labors of saints, like Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 6:5 KJV, "In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings;:" our ministration is not devoid of troubles.

This was the tale of the early preachers, apostles and ministers, or so you think? That which was will be, there is nothing new under the sun, the same things will happen in this and the next generation if Jesus would not have returned.

When you study, and looking at the testimony of the people around the Generals, some never held them in high esteem, some never considered them of repute, it is many years earlier that we consider them to be remarkable men and women of God after they had gone to be with the Lord.

Wherever you are serving, when the time comes? will you be considered a God's General or you are simply passing through the world quietly. Would you have made the list? If yes, congratulations, you probably have a glorious seat around the pearly gates, but if your answer is no? seek the Holy Spirit to assign you beyond the giftings.

 

TITHE 2: BLESSINGS OF NATIONS - THE STORY OF COLGATE

And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts. Malachi 3:12 KJV

William Colgate, the founder of the Colgate-Palmolive Company, was a devout Christian who believed in the principles of tithing and giving. Born into a humble family in England in 1783, Colgate grew up in a household where faith and frugality were valued. At the age of 16, he immigrated to the United States and began working as an apprentice to a soap maker in New York City. Through hard work and determination, he eventually established his own soap manufacturing business, which would later evolve into the multinational corporation known as Colgate-Palmolive.

It is impossible for you to be a tither and you don’t see a manifestation of God’s divine provision. As Colgate's business grew and prospered, so did his commitment to tithing.

Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, he remained faithful in his practice of giving back to God. He gave not merely one-tenth of the earnings of Colgate's soap products; but he gave two-tenths, then three-tenths, and finally five-tenths of all his income to the work of God, he once revealed that the origin of his devotion to the idea of tithing was when as a sixteen-year-old, he left home to find employment in New York City having previously worked in a soap manufacturing shop. When he told the captain of the canal boat upon which he was traveling that he planned to make soap in New York City the man gave him this advice: 

‘Someone will soon be the leading soap maker in New York. You can be that person. But you must never lose sight of the fact that the soap you make has been given to you by God. Honor Him by sharing what you earn. Begin by tithing all you receive.’ 

William Colgate felt the urge to tithe because he recognized that God was the giver of all that he possessed, not only of opportunity but even of the elements that were used in the manufacture of his products.

Today Colgate-Palmolive the company he founded is one of the leading manufacturers of household and personal care products in the world, with products in nearly two out of every three households in the world, No wonder, when we were younger, every toothpaste was a Colgate. 

Truth be told, 166 years after William Colgate’s death, his name is still sounding throughout the whole world, You can contest it but that is what it means when God says your name shall sound throughout the whole earth because you are blessed.

TITHE 1: THE DOOR TO FINANCIAL BREAKTHROUGH

In the ancient biblical narrative, there is a captivating account of Abraham's encounter with Melchizedek, the enigmatic king of Salem and a priest of the Most High God. This story is a vivid picture of Abraham's act of giving a tithe to Melchizedek and the significance it holds. It is here that the word tithe is first mentioned in the bible.

And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. Genesis 14:20 KJV.

But what is this tithe?

Almost all Christians on the face of the earth have at some point heard about tithe, some have been practicing it, and some have even ridiculed those doing it.

Once a non-believer blasted me for enriching a pastor every time I brought my tithe, it is one of the most uncomfortable things to speak about in poor communities yet one of the most significant principles God has put down for us to launch into financial prosperity, but what does tithing actually mean?

Tithe refers to the practice of giving a portion of one's income or possessions, typically a tenth (10%), to a religious institution or as an act of worship. The concept of tithing has a long history and is found in various religious traditions. The word derives from the Old English word “teogothian” which means "to give a tenth part".

In Christianity, tithing is often seen as a way to honor God, acknowledge His provision, and support the work of the church. It is considered a form of worship and an expression of faith, obedience, and gratitude.

The tithe is typically given to the church and is used to fund ministry activities, support the clergy, assist those in need, and maintain the church's operations. Ever since I learned this secret and the promises of God, my earnings have always been dynamic and progressive, literally I have been going up and never down, in fact, I am persuaded that as long as I stay true to these principles, I can never regress, after all, it is God’s word, “...let God be true, but every man a liar...” Romans 3:4.

God formally instituted tithing to draw the hearts of men to him and not their possessions as well as a means of support to the priests and Levites. 

I was introduced to the concept of tithing when I was young, my mother would painstakingly put away decima, a tenth part of what would be my income that she would allot to the clergy for their support, the only issue is that she would give less than what I had earned, the parishioners in her local catholic church had zeroed down on 3,000 Uganda shillings (eighty-one pennies) as annual decima collected usually at the end of the year.  Since then, I have been an ardent tither, in the days earlier, I used to tithe on my net earnings until I realized that God has blessed me on the gross and not on the net, progressively I have matured into tithing and as much as three years I have been tithing on the gross.

Tithing has been my quickest principle to obtain financial breakthrough, some of the most amazing promises of God touching prosperity are linked to tithing.

Will you today, take hold of God on the account of the integrity of his word?

BREAKING THE ICE: MENTAL HEALTH THE SILENT KILLER

May 13 2022 was no ordinary day, one of Uganda’s leading newspapers flashed on its front pages a headline “14 million Ugandans have mental disorders”, the headline cast a shadow across the day, its words heavy with sorrow and disbelief. The news item stood as a stark reminder that even in a world bustling with life, there were moments that could plunge everything into a cold, unforgiving darkness.

Ink-black and red letters etched against a stark white background, the words seemed to weigh down the air itself, the headline echoed with the somber toll of a funeral bell. The story beneath told of lives that would be cut short, dreams that would be shuttered and community left reeling in shock.

The details in the news item emerged like a mosaic of pain, the air filled with a palpable sense of grief that seemed to transcend the confines of the words. According to the article written by Cecilia Okoth for the New Vision Newspaper, 35 out of every Uganda may be battling with a mental health problem. One senior ministry of health official retorted “If each of the 14 million people interacts with atleast two other individuals, then almost the entire population (42 million) Ugandans are affected by mental health directly or indirectly.” 

In the end, the news item left a lingering ache in the heart. It was a reminder of the fragility of life, the unpredictability of fate, and the way tragedy could shatter the ordinary in an instant. It was a story that would fade from headlines, but its impact would remain, a scar etched into the collective memory, a reminder to hold tight to sanity and cherish the joy of a sound mind. 

Sometime in August 2012, in a dimly lit room, Joan (not real name) was trapped in some sort of chaos, a sense of heaviness hung in the air like a fog that refused to lift. Her once vibrant eyes now dulled, sat huddled on the edge of her bed. Shadows danced across the walls, mirroring the turmoil within her mind. The silence was broken only by the faint ticking of a clock, a constant reminder of the passage of time she wished would stand still.

Her parents house in Namasuba, Entebbe had many rooms and her room stood at the very end of the walkaway, what was once a sanctuary of comfort, now felt like a prison. The sunlight struggled to penetrate through the curtains, casting an eerie half-light that failed to warm her spirit. Her tangled hair framed her face like a veil, concealing the battles that raged within me. The lines on her face told stories of sleepless nights and tear-stained cheeks. Her trembling fingers traced invisible patterns on the bed she was seated on, two things made sense that day, the light in the room and her old childhood picture that hang around in the room, the rest was a storm that brewed within – a chaotic and fragmented, a maze of thoughts that led nowhere.

Joan had attempted to stare at her reflection in the old mirror that stood at the corner of the room, the reflections she saw were as though she was staring at a stranger. All she could see where hollow eyes staring back at her, a reflection of the emptiness that had taken root in her soul. She longed for escape, for release from the grip of her own mind, but the chains of her thoughts bound her tight.

Outside, the world continued its rhythm, unaware of the tempest that raged within her. Birds chirped, cars passed by, and laughter echoed from afar. But these sounds were distant and muffled, like a symphony she couldn't quite grasp. Her isolation was not only physical but emotional, a chasm between her and the life she once knew.

It was clear that she needed a memory of connection amidst this turbulence in thoughts, perhaps the embrace of her brother Peter or the soft-spoken words of her grandmother Goretti or better still the genuine smile that had once graced her elder Peace’s lips. Her heartbeat in her chest was scary, she was staring at a killer, the silent killer that mental health is.

Diagnosed with bipolar disorder - a mental disorder characterized by periods of depression and periods of abnormally elevated mood that each last from days to weeks. She was troubled. This series of the ice breaker unearths some of the challenges that individuals with mental disorders experience.

GOD WANTS YOU TO WORK

“And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.” Genesis 2:15 (KJV)

The Greek word used for “dress” in this theme scripture is the word pronounced ‘aw-bad' which means to work, serve or to labour. Long before man would figure out why he was on earth, God has designed a system of work. In the bible are numerous examples of men and women who understood and exemplified hard work. These biblical characters serve as inspiring examples of hard work, faithfulness, and dedication in their respective callings and circumstances. Take a look!

Elisha’s Farm Enterprise

Elijah found Elisha plowing in the field when the two prophets of old met, Elisha was very busy working when God placed the call of service upon him[1]. Elisha seemed to be running a busy farming enterprise. He was busy overseeing twelve men who were plowing with twelve yoke of oxen and he himself was plowing with the twelfth pair! God calls busy, engaged and hardworking folks, not lazy people.

Noah’s ark

Noah arguably had one of the hardest jobs, he had to build an unprecedented boat, his family was only a handful, the world was in opposition to him, he definitely had no volunteers on this job, but he built one of the greatest architectural marvels of his time, so big that an elephant couple, two whales, and hippopotamus duo would fit in comfortably, the ark was estimated to be 137 meters, its breadth or width, 23 meters and height 14 meters[2], this massive wooden vessel took him years to construct, some scientists argue that building such a structure would pose several engineering challenges and highly implausible considering the technology and resources available during Noah's time, but with God all things are possible.

David a master of all trades

King David was a jack of all trades and a master of all, he was a multi-talented. He was firstly a skilled shepherd who tended to his father's flock, a talented musician and poet, known for playing the harp and composing Psalms, warrior who demonstrated exceptional courage and military prowess in his encounters with enemies such as Goliath, King of Israel with strong leadership abilities and spiritual leader whose strong faith and devotion to God played a significant role in his life. He is often referred to as a man after God's own heart. He was a hard worker, so should you be. His legacy has left a profound impact on religious and historical narratives, making him one of the most renowned figures in biblical history.

Further to these, Old Testament leader, Nehemiah played a crucial role in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after they had been destroyed. He faced opposition and challenges but persevered with hard work and determination, rallying the people to complete the task, The apostle Paul's tireless efforts in spreading the Gospel across different regions demonstrate his hard work and dedication to his calling, Bezalel and Oholiab, the skilled craftsmen chosen by God to lead the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings. Their hard work and craftsmanship played a crucial role in creating a place of worship for the Israelites.

Do you have a burning desire to be used by God in any capacity? Then ask yourself if you are willing to work hard to accomplish God's Kingdom agenda. God uses hard working people, not slothful people.

THE WILDEBEEST MIGRATION, HUNGRY CROCODILES AND TEAM DYNAMICS.

 “Cross the river in a crowd and the crocodile won't eat you.”

This an old west African proverb that idealizes teamwork, emphasizing how people can accomplish greater things collectively rather than as individuals. In this proverb, the crocodile typifies any challenge or obstacle that people may face, and the river represents the pathway to overcoming those obstacles.

One of the greatest demonstrations of teamwork happens in the animal kingdom, somewhere in Serengeti in Tanzania at the annual wildebeest migration.

Every year over 1.5 million wildebeest, some 800,000 zebras, elands, and Thomson’s gazelles trek over 800 kilometers clockwise in a circle through from southern Serengeti to the Masai Mara in search of greener, mineral rich pastures and water. This search for greener pastures does not come without danger, as the herds enter the Masai Mara they are met by more than their fair share of lethal predators, the big cats and as they blindly jump from riverbank ledges and into the river waters, they are met with over 3000 crocodiles lurking in the murky waters of the Mara River. The spectacular river is filled with drama, death, and endeavor.

As the throngs of wildebeests gather on ledges above the river, they organize themselves, each animal vying for a position that gives the safest and surest path to the opposite river- bank, in an apparent display of teamwork. The few animals that rush toward the water are the herd leaders, with thousands following close behind. The crocodiles too start to move toward the slower and smaller wildebeests, surprisingly when the crocodiles interrupt the river crossing, the crossing herds are put in a disarray, the wildebeests scatter, in the commotion, the Mara River in its unrelenting ferocity, does so much in ending the lives of the younger calves that are simply too tired and inexperienced to survive the gantlet. In equal measure the hungry crocodiles at the smell of blood and meat, frantically start tearing at each other’s catch, in the chaos that ensues, the strongest and most determined herd reach the other side while some become history thanks to the crocodiles’ snapping jaws.

This is typical of a previously functional team becoming dysfunctional. Have you ever seen a team fall apart because of bickering, infighting, or a failure of accountability? Not only is it frustrating to watch, it's also incredibly disheartening. Many years ago, I was part of a church where everyone was baying for each other’s blood, the pastor was not in talking terms to the treasurer, the deacons would often gossip one against the other, the women leader wanted to control the church, striving and gossip were a common thing, the mess was evident, soon we discovered what David meant in Psalms 23: “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters” that sheep cannot drink unless the waters are calm, the  membership started dwindling, finances were going south, I presume even the church mouse at that time would not hang around the church premise anymore.

In his book, “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team”, Patrick Lencioni examines why effective teams are rare and provides specific recommendations for eliminating barriers that lead to dysfunctional teams. Lencioni's work outlines the causes of team dysfunctionality as an absence of trust, a fear of conflict, a lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results.

Absence of trust where team members are unwilling to admit their mistakes, weaknesses, or need for help, fear of conflict such that the teams lacking trust are incapable of engaging about key issues thereby creating team conflicts, lack of commitment where it is difficult for team members to commit to decisions, fostering an environment where ambiguity prevails, avoidance of accountability arising from the need to avoid interpersonal discomfort and inattention to results where team members naturally tend to put their own needs (such as ego and recognition) ahead of the collective goals of the team.

As a leader what are you going to do about this conundrum?

DON'T GIVE UP!

 Andrew Carnegie’s story is arguably the greatest “rags to riches” tale of all time, the story of 18th century American steel magnate Andrew Carnegie’s ascendancy begins on November 25, 1835, in a small one roomed home in Dunfermline, Scotland. Born into a family of destitute laborers, Carnegie received little schooling before his family emigrated to America in 1848. Arriving in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the 13-year-old soon got a job as a bobbin boy in a cotton factory, earning a mere $1.20 (less than 5,000 Uganda shillings) per week.

Carnegie went on to labor as a messenger boy and then a factory worker before eventually getting a job as a secretary and telegraph operator at the Pennsylvania Railroad. By 1859, the enterprising young worker had become superintendent of the railroad’s western division. Carnegie invested his newfound wealth in a variety of businesses including a bridgework company, a telegraph operation and most famously, a steel mill.

By the turn of the century, his Carnegie Steel Company had blossomed into an industrial empire, he later sold the steel company to financier J.P. Morgan for $480 million in 1901, making him one of the richest individuals of his time. The deal was instrumental in the creation of U.S. Steel, which became the first billion-dollar corporation.

After his retirement from the steel industry, Carnegie dedicated himself to philanthropy. He funded the establishment of numerous public libraries, educational institutions, and charitable organizations, leaving a lasting impact on society even after his death on August 11, 1919. Carnegie spent his later years donating his fortune to charitable causes, eventually giving away some $350 million.

I first heard about Andrew Carnegie and his revolutionary leadership credentials in Dale Carnegie's “How to win friends & influence people”.

How did Carnegie progress from working 12 hours a day, six days a week, for $4.80 a month to reigning as the preeminent figure in American industry?

At the turn of the 18th century, in the United States, poverty was a significant issue affecting a substantial portion of the population. During this time, the country was undergoing industrialization and rapid urbanization, which brought about both economic growth and social challenges. Poverty rates were as high as 25%, particularly in urban areas, where most of the population was concentrated. Many individuals and families struggled to meet their basic needs and faced harsh living conditions. Industrialization led to the growth of factories and the rise of the working class. However, wages were often low, and working conditions were often harsh and unsafe. Many workers faced long hours, limited job security, and inadequate compensation. This resulted in a significant portion of the population living in poverty or near the poverty line.

Andrew Carnegie's journey from poverty to immense wealth is an inspiration to generations. Poverty can sometimes be an incentive for hard work and pursuit for success.

But how would a poor emigrant boy become the world’s richest man? What kind of breakthrough is this? 

One thing he had in his mind, was not to give up, it doesn't matter what you are going through, the bottom line is that giving up should not be an option.