"Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble" Prov 28:14; NIV
Last night I changed my approach of carrying out our family devotion. I was promted to do this as I felt that I did not have enough time, nor was I fully prepared to lead the devotion after along working day.
So it thought - hey - let everyone share with us a new verse learnt within the course of the week. My son Victor started and as I keenly listened, I was elated at how he could explain the word of God and what it really meant to him. I later gave my feedback emphasising on what God would really have us learn and do from the scripture.
I was yet to get excited, blessing the Lord all the more. Shaldan, my second born shared from Proverbs 28:14 and another verse I cannot remember right now. He read from the Good News Bible and the scripture if I could paraphrase was something like "Always obey the Lord and you will be happy but if you are stubborn your life will be ruined". As he read that, I asked him to repeat twice so I could be sure that it was actually the bible, and not his own words. I even read it thro just to confirm.
After reading, he also explained what he understood it to mean and what God would want us to learn and do. As I share this msg, I am more that excited to see that God has put it so explicitly that obedience to God (and all that he has given authority over our lives) is the underlying factor for joy, happiness and all that we look for in life. When we obey our rulers, parents, bosses, teachers, pastors - the end result is happiness. When the fear of God trembles our hearts, causes us to be fragile before God, then we are trully blessed. And this reminded According to verse 14, the contrary is also true - when we are stubborn, strong willed, cannot and do not want to listen to what others have to say, then we are destined for destruction. This struck me especially when as a parent, I have to tell the same boys who shared these verses to do something over and over again. Sometimes, they are stubborn, other times, pretty good. But besides, us - the grown ups - how many times are we stubborn with God. We want things done our way and not Gods way. And we stick on that. We are doomed to fail.
I was so humbled and really taught as Shaldan shared on that scripture, and this further reminded me of what the bible says in Ps 51:17 thus: "My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise". If we always allow ourselves to have this kind of spirit, then, we are assured of Victory in our christian lives. So obedience, brokenness are key... Be broken today before God, pour yourself out. Let him search you in and out as you surrender totally to him. Blessings.
Rose Kainda
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
BEYOND THE STORM
It was evening as I climbed aboard the jumbo jet. I was tired.
It had been a hectic, emotionally stormy week. I had endured more than the usual schedule changes, telephone calls, interruptions, children's activities, and arguments.
I settled into my seat, relieved to see the plane was nearly empty.
Maybe I could get some much needed rest. The giant plane took off and climbed up over the condominium complexes hugging the white stretch of beach bordering the deep blue sea of the Atlantic Ocean.
I settled down, grateful for the quiet. Suddenly I noticed dark, ominous clouds off the left side of the wing. Soon, bolts of lightning began to streak across the dark clouds.
I sat mesmerized by this vicious storm only a few miles away. It was frightening, yet fascinating. It brought to mind many of the tempests I had experienced in my life. Financial storms, physical storms, emotional storms, relational storms, So many different types of storms with varying degrees of intensity. Some had been as fearful and terrifying as this large thunderhead, others had been sudden. Some storms had resembled a weather front that moves in and won't go away.
As I sat there contemplating the severity of the weather outside the window, and the storm that had raged within my own life, I suddenly saw beyond the storm.
There, along the horizon, was one of the most magnificent sunsets I had ever been privileged to witness. Brilliant gold, blending with deep crimson, fading into multiple shades of yellow, peach, apricot, and rose. What absolute, breathtaking beauty. I watched with wonder and awe.
From the vantage point of 42,000 feet up, I knew that at any moment this formidable thunderstorm would probably hit our home. But I could also see beyond the storm, and knew that in just a short space of time, those who would be hit by the storm, would also experience incredible beauty.
I was suddenly aware of how God must look upon the storms that hit our lives.
Often I have been in the midst of a fearful squall, and like the disciples, cried out, "Lord don't you care? Don't you see that I can't take any more?" Of course He cares. In 1Peter, He reminds us that He cares for us, that we are His personal concern. But, from His vantage point, He also sees the glory that is to follow.
His message?
Don't be discouraged in the midst of life's storms.
Be assured that God cares and that His plans for us include a future and a hope.
--author unknown
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
A Child's Simple Prayer
My son Gilbert was eight years old and had been in Cub Scouts only a short time. During one of his meetings, he was handed a sheet of paper, a block of wood and four tires and told to return home and give all to "dad".
That was not an easy task for Gilbert to do. Dad was not receptive to doing things with his son. But Gilbert tried. Dad read the paper and scoffed at the idea of making a pine wood derby car with his young, eager son. The block of wood remained untouched as the weeks passed.
Finally, mom stepped in to see if I could figure this all out. The project began.
Having no carpentry skills, I decided it would be best if I simply read the directions and le Gilbert do the work. And he did. I read aloud the measurements, the rules of what we could do and what we couldn't do.
Within days his block of wood was turning into a pinewood derby car. A little lopsided, but looking great (at least through the eyes of mom). Gilbert had not seen any of the other kids cars and was feeling pretty proud of his "Blue Lightning", the pride that comes with knowing you did something on your own.
Then the big night came.
With his blue pinewood derby in his hand and pride in his heart we headed to the big race. Once there my little one's pride turned to humility. Gilbert's car was obviously the only car made entirely on his own. All the other cars were a father-son partnership, with cool paint jobs and sleek body styles made for speed.
A few of the boys giggled as they looked at Gilbert's, lopsided, wobbly, unattractive vehicle. To add to the humility, Gilbert was the only boy without a man at his side. A couple of the boys who were from single parent homes at least had an uncle or grandfather by their side. Gilbert had "mom".
As the race began, it was done in elimination fashion. You kept racing as long as you were the winner. One by one, the cars raced down the finely sanded ramp. Finally, it was between Gilbert and the sleekest, fastest
looking car there.
As the last race was about to begin, my wide eyed, shy eight year old ask if they could stop the race for a minute, because he wanted to pray. The race stopped.
Gilbert hit his knees clutching his funny looking block of wood between his hands. With a wrinkled brow he set to converse with his Father. He prayed in earnest for a very long minute and a half.
Then he stood, smile on his face and announced, 'Okay, I am ready."
As the crowd cheered, a boy named Tommy stood with his father as their car sped down the ramp. Gilbert stood with his Father within his heart and watched his block of wood wobble down the ramp with surprisingly great speed and rushed over the finish line a fraction of a second before Tommy's car.
Gilbert leaped into the air with a loud "Thank you" as the crowd roared in approval. The Scout Master came up to Gilbert with microphone in hand and asked the obvious question, "So you prayed to win, huh, Gilbert?"
To which my young son answered, "Oh, no sir. That wouldn't be fair to ask God to help you beat someone else. I just asked Him to make it so I don't cry when I lose."
Children seem to have a wisdom far beyond us. Gilbert didn't ask God to win the race, he didn't ask God to fix the outcome.
Gilbert asked God to give him strength in the outcome. When Gilbert first saw the other cars he didn't cry out to God, "No fair, they had a fathers help".
No, he went to his Father for strength. Perhaps we spend too much of our prayer time asking God to rig the race, to make us number one, or too much time asking God to remove us from the struggle, when we should be seeking God's strength to get through the struggle. "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
Gilbert's simple prayer spoke volumes to those present that night. He never doubted that God would indeed answer his request. He didn't pray to win, thus hurt someone else. He prayed that God supply the grace to lose with dignity. Gilbert, by his stopping the race to speak to his Father, also showed the crowd that he wasn't there without a "dad", but His Father was most definitely there with him.
Yes, Gilbert walked away a winner that night, with his Father at his side.
Courtesy - All Worship
That was not an easy task for Gilbert to do. Dad was not receptive to doing things with his son. But Gilbert tried. Dad read the paper and scoffed at the idea of making a pine wood derby car with his young, eager son. The block of wood remained untouched as the weeks passed.
Finally, mom stepped in to see if I could figure this all out. The project began.
Having no carpentry skills, I decided it would be best if I simply read the directions and le Gilbert do the work. And he did. I read aloud the measurements, the rules of what we could do and what we couldn't do.
Within days his block of wood was turning into a pinewood derby car. A little lopsided, but looking great (at least through the eyes of mom). Gilbert had not seen any of the other kids cars and was feeling pretty proud of his "Blue Lightning", the pride that comes with knowing you did something on your own.
Then the big night came.
With his blue pinewood derby in his hand and pride in his heart we headed to the big race. Once there my little one's pride turned to humility. Gilbert's car was obviously the only car made entirely on his own. All the other cars were a father-son partnership, with cool paint jobs and sleek body styles made for speed.
A few of the boys giggled as they looked at Gilbert's, lopsided, wobbly, unattractive vehicle. To add to the humility, Gilbert was the only boy without a man at his side. A couple of the boys who were from single parent homes at least had an uncle or grandfather by their side. Gilbert had "mom".
As the race began, it was done in elimination fashion. You kept racing as long as you were the winner. One by one, the cars raced down the finely sanded ramp. Finally, it was between Gilbert and the sleekest, fastest
looking car there.
As the last race was about to begin, my wide eyed, shy eight year old ask if they could stop the race for a minute, because he wanted to pray. The race stopped.
Gilbert hit his knees clutching his funny looking block of wood between his hands. With a wrinkled brow he set to converse with his Father. He prayed in earnest for a very long minute and a half.
Then he stood, smile on his face and announced, 'Okay, I am ready."
As the crowd cheered, a boy named Tommy stood with his father as their car sped down the ramp. Gilbert stood with his Father within his heart and watched his block of wood wobble down the ramp with surprisingly great speed and rushed over the finish line a fraction of a second before Tommy's car.
Gilbert leaped into the air with a loud "Thank you" as the crowd roared in approval. The Scout Master came up to Gilbert with microphone in hand and asked the obvious question, "So you prayed to win, huh, Gilbert?"
To which my young son answered, "Oh, no sir. That wouldn't be fair to ask God to help you beat someone else. I just asked Him to make it so I don't cry when I lose."
Children seem to have a wisdom far beyond us. Gilbert didn't ask God to win the race, he didn't ask God to fix the outcome.
Gilbert asked God to give him strength in the outcome. When Gilbert first saw the other cars he didn't cry out to God, "No fair, they had a fathers help".
No, he went to his Father for strength. Perhaps we spend too much of our prayer time asking God to rig the race, to make us number one, or too much time asking God to remove us from the struggle, when we should be seeking God's strength to get through the struggle. "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
Gilbert's simple prayer spoke volumes to those present that night. He never doubted that God would indeed answer his request. He didn't pray to win, thus hurt someone else. He prayed that God supply the grace to lose with dignity. Gilbert, by his stopping the race to speak to his Father, also showed the crowd that he wasn't there without a "dad", but His Father was most definitely there with him.
Yes, Gilbert walked away a winner that night, with his Father at his side.
Courtesy - All Worship
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Parenting
Discipline in growing up children!! Many a parent will bear me witness tht discipline is not easily achievable especially without consistency by the parent. But this is not more of a challenge as it is when as a parent you do all that it takes - all that you know, and yet according to you, you do not achieve your objective.
This last week, I have been struggling with an aspect of discipline with one of my boys. One week ago, I sat down with him and talked, counselled, prayed, laughed and cried together!!! And after that, I was so elated, deep settled in my heart that, that talk was trully penetrating to his heart and whatever he had done, he could not repeat. That he understood the consequences and besides, with Christ, he would have the strength, not to conform to the world, but be transformed by the word of God.
My excitement didnt last for two days. On the second day, not only did he repeate exactly what he had done, but also did something else different which was not completely acceptable. You can start imagining what I felt - down, almost broken, and I was wondering - my God, what and how do you want to deal with this young man. I felt like I could give him a thorough beat, and I resolved that would not do. I sat down with him and after another talk, forgave him. In two more days, something else was done, this time round, I denied him his best programme on tv - no anything thing could he watch and he could also not go out to play. After sometime, he cooled down and with his hyperactivity, I could see that he was struggling between obedience and throwing the towel.
After a number of observations, I decided (and since this is something I have learnt of him over a time now), that the best measure of discipline is to deny him a trip which was forthcoming. He did not seem to mind this, but the only question was, are you also doing this to bro? He however later one came and apologized, though I had made up my mind that he would not take up the trip.
As I write this piece, I know many parents out there have faced something like it or close. Where you feel you have varied all forms of discipline you know of. You even know the temperaments of your child and how he responds to different situations and circumstance and yet, you are trully caught off guard by the turn out of events.
It is upon this that I conclude that, besides all the measures we take, lets learn to surrender our children fully to God. Dedicate and re-dedicate them to God. God knows them better than we do. He has a good plan for them. As a parent, do the best you can and leave the rest in the arms of God. It can be discouraging but do not give up especially because children can very easily be used of the devil to torment you and bring you down. They use the spirit of manipulation and as a parent you might feel worn out. Do not give up. Discipline (character and virtues) are not acquaired in a day. This is a process. Be patient and ask the Lord for his divine guidance. Let me have your thoughts and experiences on the same.
Bless you.
Rose Kainda
This last week, I have been struggling with an aspect of discipline with one of my boys. One week ago, I sat down with him and talked, counselled, prayed, laughed and cried together!!! And after that, I was so elated, deep settled in my heart that, that talk was trully penetrating to his heart and whatever he had done, he could not repeat. That he understood the consequences and besides, with Christ, he would have the strength, not to conform to the world, but be transformed by the word of God.
My excitement didnt last for two days. On the second day, not only did he repeate exactly what he had done, but also did something else different which was not completely acceptable. You can start imagining what I felt - down, almost broken, and I was wondering - my God, what and how do you want to deal with this young man. I felt like I could give him a thorough beat, and I resolved that would not do. I sat down with him and after another talk, forgave him. In two more days, something else was done, this time round, I denied him his best programme on tv - no anything thing could he watch and he could also not go out to play. After sometime, he cooled down and with his hyperactivity, I could see that he was struggling between obedience and throwing the towel.
After a number of observations, I decided (and since this is something I have learnt of him over a time now), that the best measure of discipline is to deny him a trip which was forthcoming. He did not seem to mind this, but the only question was, are you also doing this to bro? He however later one came and apologized, though I had made up my mind that he would not take up the trip.
As I write this piece, I know many parents out there have faced something like it or close. Where you feel you have varied all forms of discipline you know of. You even know the temperaments of your child and how he responds to different situations and circumstance and yet, you are trully caught off guard by the turn out of events.
It is upon this that I conclude that, besides all the measures we take, lets learn to surrender our children fully to God. Dedicate and re-dedicate them to God. God knows them better than we do. He has a good plan for them. As a parent, do the best you can and leave the rest in the arms of God. It can be discouraging but do not give up especially because children can very easily be used of the devil to torment you and bring you down. They use the spirit of manipulation and as a parent you might feel worn out. Do not give up. Discipline (character and virtues) are not acquaired in a day. This is a process. Be patient and ask the Lord for his divine guidance. Let me have your thoughts and experiences on the same.
Bless you.
Rose Kainda
I HAVE VICTORY IN CHRIST
Bless the Lord for the weekend that is gone! And beyond his love endures for ever and Yes!!! His mercies are new today - for the week they are new, for the remaining part of the month and the year, they will be new too! You can hold on firmly to the new mercies of the Lord, and do not forget his faithfulness! Its your rampart and Protection. Wont you proclaim with me today of the faithfulness of God! Of the victory that lies ahead this day, week, month and year, and all the days of our lives.
Might there be anything that happened over the wkend and you feel discouraged and down trodden, lift up your eyes and your heart unto the Lord for he trully cares for you. Cast all your cares and burdens unto Him. Let him be the soother and lover of your soul. I am blessed for I am triumphant through the precious blood of Christ Jesus at Calvary. Amen.
Might there be anything that happened over the wkend and you feel discouraged and down trodden, lift up your eyes and your heart unto the Lord for he trully cares for you. Cast all your cares and burdens unto Him. Let him be the soother and lover of your soul. I am blessed for I am triumphant through the precious blood of Christ Jesus at Calvary. Amen.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Fish in a Flood
Where do fish go in a flood?
Are they swept away to sure destruction? How do they survive?
One conservation specialist says that many fish go deep into the river to sit on the bottom where the current is least strong--the muddy, opaque water concealing them.
Some simply adjust to go with the flow, enduring the stress but with only short-term storm effects.
While not everyone experiences a watery flood in his or her lifetime, similar devastation comes into the lives of everyone.
A previously healthy, active child is suddenly diagnosed with cancer. The well-planned career is snatched away without warning. An executive found helpless against a stroke attack. Divorce unexpectedly shatters a family.
Where does the Christian go in a flood?
Many of us have learned to go "deep into the river to sit on the bottom."
We cannot avoid the swirling tempest, but we get into the quiet space with God where we can hear His whispers.
Life demands that in one respect we "go with the flow," tending to the demands of everyday responsibilities, but because of that deep place with God, the storm only alters us, but does not destroy.
--author unknown
Courtesy - All Worship
__________________________
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
PARENTING IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Have you considered and wondered what the focus and direction of your child is?
What are your thoughts and plans for him/her as he grows up?
In a society that morality (values and virtues) erosion is the order of the day, what steps as a parent, have you taken to lay a firm foundation as well as safeguard it in your child?
So, “when the foundations of law and order have collapsed, what can the righteous do?” Ps 11:3.
This is an eye-opening and empowering parenting class aimed at cementing your parenting skills and ability.
For more details, please contact us on:
Blog: http://rokaja.blogspot.com
Email: fbm011@gmail.com
Tel. +254 723 710 552
+254 720 907 225
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
MOTIVATION/PASSION
"Recent surveys indicate unprecedented dissatisfaction with work. As many as 80 percent of employees at any given time are looking for a new job. Why? Maybe they need more money, or perhaps they don't like the location, their coworkers, or their bosses. For most, however, the discontent isn't a matter of location or benefits. It is a matter of meaning. If we don't find meaning in our jobs, we find motivation difficult. Lack of motivation gets us behind in our work, which leads to stress, which leads to less motivation. It's a vicious cycle.
God created work.
Somehow, we got the impression that it's a result of Adam and Eve's sin, but God has the couple tending the Garden of Eden long before they were tempted and cast out. Work became more difficult, but work had already been ordained. God means for his people to be productive and to enjoy the fruits of their labor. He wants us to be content in what we do, whether it's at home with children, in an office with coworkers, or elsewhere. Even when we know God's plan, we often miss out on His ultimate purposes.
The surveys that indicate massive job dissatisfaction invariably have Christians among their respondents. Believers can be as dissatisfied as the secular world.
How can we be more content in our work? There are two simple steps to meaningful labor.
(1) Ephesians tells us to work "as if you were serving the Lord, not men" (6:7). If we who love Jesus have it firmly fixed in our minds that our labor somehow honors Him, we will be more interested in our labor.
(2) We can pray. It's acceptable to pray for a new job or role, but it's even better to ask God to build meaning into your current work until His timing for something new is right. He can show you how your work relationships honor Him, or how your godly service reflects His character. That sort of satisfaction is a gift God longs to give". Courtesy: All Worship Mail.
God created work.
Somehow, we got the impression that it's a result of Adam and Eve's sin, but God has the couple tending the Garden of Eden long before they were tempted and cast out. Work became more difficult, but work had already been ordained. God means for his people to be productive and to enjoy the fruits of their labor. He wants us to be content in what we do, whether it's at home with children, in an office with coworkers, or elsewhere. Even when we know God's plan, we often miss out on His ultimate purposes.
The surveys that indicate massive job dissatisfaction invariably have Christians among their respondents. Believers can be as dissatisfied as the secular world.
How can we be more content in our work? There are two simple steps to meaningful labor.
(1) Ephesians tells us to work "as if you were serving the Lord, not men" (6:7). If we who love Jesus have it firmly fixed in our minds that our labor somehow honors Him, we will be more interested in our labor.
(2) We can pray. It's acceptable to pray for a new job or role, but it's even better to ask God to build meaning into your current work until His timing for something new is right. He can show you how your work relationships honor Him, or how your godly service reflects His character. That sort of satisfaction is a gift God longs to give". Courtesy: All Worship Mail.
In addition to the above, it is important to note that each individual is wired with a certain and very specific purpose in life. Unless in life one finds what this purpose is, all our toiling and moiling will never bring satisfaction. But by the grace of God, if you get to trully understand your purpose and concentrate all your efforts in this, you will not need to look for motivation anywhere, it will automatically be there. Internal motivation is what I am talking about - the drive "the inner gratification, not for success or winning, but for the fulfilment that comes from having accomplished your purpose" - your work. It is a lasting motivation.
To be continued.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
HOW DO YOU HANDLE ADVERSITY
I Just read this a while ago and thought, wow! What am I? A carrot, an egg or a coffee bean? How do you and I react to adversity? Read on and be blessed.
"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"
Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor.
If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate to another level?
How do you handle adversity?
Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
--author unknown
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her.
She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved a new one arose. Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water. In the first, she placed carrots; in the second, she placed eggs; and the last, she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word.
She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved a new one arose. Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water. In the first, she placed carrots; in the second, she placed eggs; and the last, she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes, she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a second bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a third bowl.
Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what do you see?" "Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied. She brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they soft. She then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, she asked her to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled, as she tasted its rich aroma.
The daughter then asked. "What's the point, mother?"
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity--boiling water--but each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water. The daughter then asked. "What's the point, mother?"
"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"
Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor.
If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate to another level?
How do you handle adversity?
Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
--author unknown
Monday, September 19, 2011
OBEDIENCE AND THE BLESSING THEREOF
“If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully keep all his commands that I am giving you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the world. 2 You will experience all these blessings if you obey the Lord your God: ("According to my child's teacher - obedience is doing what you are told to do when you are told to do" - in what areas does the Lord require obedience of us? Are we obedient in such areas ... if yes, read on, if not, ref to Isaiah 1: 18 thus: “Come now, let’s settle this,”says the Lord.“Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow.Though they are red like crimson,I will make them as white as wool ....Now, come with me and lets believe, declare and confess of the blessing of the Lord!! 3 Your towns and your fields will be blessed ...What has been happening to our towns and fields lately - fires, accidents resulting to horrifying deaths - loss of God's people, who may be did not even know the Lord? Are we obedient as a nation? This we need to ask of every blessing that is pronounced? 4 Your children and your crops will be blessed. The offspring of your herds and flocks will be blessed. 5 Your fruit baskets and breadboards will be blessed. 6 Wherever you go and whatever you do, you will be blessed. 7 “The Lord will conquer your enemies when they attack you. They will attack you from one direction, but they will scatter from you in seven! 8 “The Lord will guarantee a blessing on everything you do and will fill your storehouses with grain. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you.
9 “If you obey the commands of the Lord your God and walk in his ways, the Lord will establish you as his holy people as he swore he would do. 10 Then all the nations of the world will see that you are a people claimed by the Lord, and they will stand in awe of you. 11 “The Lord will give you prosperity in the land he swore to your ancestors to give you, blessing you with many children, numerous livestock, and abundant crops. 12 The Lord will send rain at the proper time from his rich treasury in the heavens and will bless all the work you do. You will lend to many nations, but you will never need to borrow from them. 13 If you listen to these commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today, and if you carefully obey them, the Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you will always be on top and never at the bottom. 14 You must not turn away from any of the commands I am giving you today, nor follow after other gods and worship them.
We are a special people, unique people, called by God to be his children! We have a rich inheritance and blessing from above. Do you believe this, do you live it? Besides being partakers of such an inheritance, the Lord requires us to OBEY him. In the passage above, the word obey is repeated 4 times! It is the only condition to all the blessings promised above. Will you chose to obey the Lord today? Will you "do what He tells you to do, when He tells you to do it?
Blessings.
9 “If you obey the commands of the Lord your God and walk in his ways, the Lord will establish you as his holy people as he swore he would do. 10 Then all the nations of the world will see that you are a people claimed by the Lord, and they will stand in awe of you. 11 “The Lord will give you prosperity in the land he swore to your ancestors to give you, blessing you with many children, numerous livestock, and abundant crops. 12 The Lord will send rain at the proper time from his rich treasury in the heavens and will bless all the work you do. You will lend to many nations, but you will never need to borrow from them. 13 If you listen to these commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today, and if you carefully obey them, the Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you will always be on top and never at the bottom. 14 You must not turn away from any of the commands I am giving you today, nor follow after other gods and worship them.
We are a special people, unique people, called by God to be his children! We have a rich inheritance and blessing from above. Do you believe this, do you live it? Besides being partakers of such an inheritance, the Lord requires us to OBEY him. In the passage above, the word obey is repeated 4 times! It is the only condition to all the blessings promised above. Will you chose to obey the Lord today? Will you "do what He tells you to do, when He tells you to do it?
Blessings.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
WAIT PATIENTLY, AGAIN I SAY WAIT!!
WAIT PATIENTLY, AGAIN I SAY WAIT!! These are not very easy words just to speak to someone! Waiting is already not so much a friendly action point especially in this day and era - where all seems to be happening just so fast. So when you tell someone, wait, and further you add ... patiently!!! Only a divine intervention can cause this to happen.
Halleluyah!!! thats what the Lord does when we wait patiently on him. He lifts u up. From that situation you feel that no one can take u out of, no one understands, but bless God because he perfectly understands, and he has a good plan for you. Not only does the Lord lift you up from whatever entanglement it might be, the zigzagged and meshed - muddy, mire, slimmy - you name it - he lifts you out of it and STEADIES YOU!!! Amen, he makes your legs support you - your system gets better, if it is your job, you get a better one, a better financial breakthrou, a better lifestyle, a better home! He steadies you! For his own glory, that this may draw many to him and worship him, and besides, put their trust in him.
Beloved, might you already be in a situation where you feel drowned, confused, neglected, lift up your eyes to Jesus, wait on him, ask him to give you patience and in His own time, and for his own glory, he will lift you up and steady you. God bless you.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
TOTAL QUALITY PEOPLE
I earlier today remembered TQP--TOTAL QUALITY PEOPLE as a result of a question posed by a friend on Facebook. As I read through, I focused on responsibility and the aspect of our world views, mind shifts and thus resulted to quoting Shiv Khera thus 'Having been exposed to a number of training programs, such as customer service, selling skills, and strategic planning, I have come to the conclusion that all these are great programs with one major challenge: None of them works unless they have the right foundation, and the right foundation is TQP. What is TQP? TQP is Total Quality People-- people with character, integrity, good values, and a positive attitude. Don't get me wrong. You do need all the other programs, but they will only work when you have the right foundation, and the foundation is TQP. For example, some customer service programs teach participants to say "please," and "thank-you," give smiles and handshakes. But how long can a person keep on a fake smile if he does not have the desire to serve? Besides, people can see through him. And if the smile is not sincere, it is irritating. My point is, there has to be substance over form, not form over substance. Without a doubt, one does need to remember "please" and "thank-you," the smiles, etc.--they are very important. But keep in mind that they come a lot easier when accompanied by a desire to serve. Someone once approached Blaise Pascal, the famous French philosopher and said, "If I had your brains, I would be a better person." Pascal replied, "Be a better person and you will have my brains."
Let someone challenge me and tell me that TQP is not about what I had discussed yesterday - transformation. And how does it come by? What we do, our associates, what we say - what preoccupies our minds. In a world that is so focused on all else but Christ the author and giver of life, the source of all transformation, how can we be able to impact any one else let alone us? As Shiv talks about character, integrity and good values as well as attitude - where else do we find this other than from Christ? Our value system outside Christ is meaningless and thus the bible warns us "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well:, Matt 6:33. What is this kingdom that we ought to seek - his character - what is God's character - peace, love, kindness, unchanging (not a liar), He is true to His word. These are virtues that ought to form our character and value system and as we seek them, he will then grant us contentment in all states. Further the bible admonishes in Phill 4: 8 thus "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things" and further that "set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things", Col 1-2.
If by the grace and the power of the holy spirit, we can allow God himself to transform us, we can live in a better world and change it for better for those yet to come. GBU.
If by the grace and the power of the holy spirit, we can allow God himself to transform us, we can live in a better world and change it for better for those yet to come. GBU.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
LEGACY
About 2 eves ago, we were doing devotion with my boys and we were discussing about transformation of our minds thro the holy spirit. As we digested on what the Lord wanted us to do in order to achieve total transformation (giving ourselves as a living sacrifice), my mind kept think of what kind of legacy (that is incorruptible) that I ought to leave behind for these dear ones. I leave houses and money and whatever else this world can offer - all these will come to pass away.
What a great responsibility that the Lord has given to us - to cement our children and their children's future with the word of God, to lay a foundation for them "so that as they grow up they will not depart from it. We have been commanded to impress the commandments of God into our children. To talk to them about them when we sit and when we walk along the road, when we lie down and when we get up! Basically at all time. Vs 8 above says that we tie them as symbols on our hands and bind them on our foreheads - write them on the door frames of our houses and gates!! How awesome!
As I reflected on this and even as I write it now, I feel so very challenged, when I look at the very fast-paced life that we live today. How often do we sit down with our children "to impress the word" of God on them. Do we have the time, and yet God has mandated us to do that. When we talk of our children and their children, we are looking at generations to come, meaning we have the power to determine how the next generation will look like. What their values will be, what they will be based on? Dear reader, you may not even be a parent now, but the mandate is in all our hands to determine the future of our children and their children, via the word of God. However tight our schedules might be, lets create time and share this lovely word of God with them. Lets build a foundation that can withstand the test of time.
God bless you as your reflect on this.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Be Ye Transformed
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will" - Romans 12:2. Are there any areas that Christians are conforming to today? What do the bible say in each of the different aspects of our lives? Talk of issues of class thus causing division in the church - I belong to this class, I cannot associate with so and so, what wld we be talking about? We have nothing in common - and yet the bible commands us to live in unity (Psm 133 ... for there the Lord commands his blessing, even life forever more). So do we complain when blessings bypass us! Brethren, lets be transformed by the power of the holy spirit! Its sometimes not easy, but when we yield to him, things are never the same. Be transformed today and do not conform to that which is not in favour for Christ Jesus!
Speaking of transformation, another term coming to my mind is liberation! I attended a Sunday service last Sunday in a congregation where according to me there was total liberation thus resulting to true worship. I was more than blessed to see the whole church engage in worship and adoration of the most high God in a way that showed true liberation and transformation! What holds us back when it comes to worship our God? Do we actually know and believe it and perceive it - that he owns us - all we have is from him, that were it not from him, we would not be what we are or where we are! Oh I long for total transformation in my life, I yearn for more of the spirit in me - thats its no longer about me, but about he who died on the cross for me. He took my shame that I may be blessed, what shall therefore hinder me from giving him my all! I surrender to you Jesus the Lord and master of my life! Mold me to fit in your holy will! May this be our earnest prayer day in day out, for besides the Lord, all else will pass away!! Amen.
Speaking of transformation, another term coming to my mind is liberation! I attended a Sunday service last Sunday in a congregation where according to me there was total liberation thus resulting to true worship. I was more than blessed to see the whole church engage in worship and adoration of the most high God in a way that showed true liberation and transformation! What holds us back when it comes to worship our God? Do we actually know and believe it and perceive it - that he owns us - all we have is from him, that were it not from him, we would not be what we are or where we are! Oh I long for total transformation in my life, I yearn for more of the spirit in me - thats its no longer about me, but about he who died on the cross for me. He took my shame that I may be blessed, what shall therefore hinder me from giving him my all! I surrender to you Jesus the Lord and master of my life! Mold me to fit in your holy will! May this be our earnest prayer day in day out, for besides the Lord, all else will pass away!! Amen.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Love of Money ... Greed ... A Dead Conscious!!!
Love of Money ... Greed ... A Dead Conscious!!! What do these have in common. Abt a week ago someone texted me that he was on the way to the port (Mombasa) from Dar and that he wanted me to assist him with checking his cargo which was arriving from Dubai. He wrote the cargo details. At first I ignored the text, but it came twice later. So i texted back and said - you have a wrong number. Thereafter the guy called and thanked me profusely for what he called "saving his cargo". I thot that was the end of the story until he called again and started texting me bible quotes etc. Of course I responded by saying asante, thank you or send a text back. Abt two days ago the guy says that he thro with his shugulis at the port and he's going back but would like to see me and thank me as well as give a gift. I thot abt this and kept wondering who this was.
Today, the same guy - speaking in coastal Kiswahili calls to say that he has had an accident ard Kibwezi and he needed me to help him with some cash which he would return. Before this, he had given my no. to a supposedly inspector of police to tell me that the guy has had an accident. In this process, I knew beyond doubts that this was a scheme. These are people who sit down and look for all avenues of getting money irrespective of what they do or say. This note is to caution us - its no longer about the nigerians with the Nira and being stuck in Uk or wherever, its happening amongst us! Dear people be cautions. let the Holy spirit lead you. As it is we are living in the last days where people will be lovers of money - they no longer care of their conscience, its all about money - greed!! Ref 1Tim 6:10; 2Tim 3:2. Brethren, lets learn to put on the whole armor of God so as to be secured from such occurences. Bless you.
Today, the same guy - speaking in coastal Kiswahili calls to say that he has had an accident ard Kibwezi and he needed me to help him with some cash which he would return. Before this, he had given my no. to a supposedly inspector of police to tell me that the guy has had an accident. In this process, I knew beyond doubts that this was a scheme. These are people who sit down and look for all avenues of getting money irrespective of what they do or say. This note is to caution us - its no longer about the nigerians with the Nira and being stuck in Uk or wherever, its happening amongst us! Dear people be cautions. let the Holy spirit lead you. As it is we are living in the last days where people will be lovers of money - they no longer care of their conscience, its all about money - greed!! Ref 1Tim 6:10; 2Tim 3:2. Brethren, lets learn to put on the whole armor of God so as to be secured from such occurences. Bless you.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
BITTERNESS: YOUR OWN POISON
It was such a timely message that came thro as I was having my breakfast and landed on this blessed pastor as he spoke on Family TV this morning. "Bitterness, he said, is poison brewed for someone but the brewer takes it himself/herself". As he finished that statement, I really thought about it. You take poison that you had brewed for someone else, how? As he continued to speak and as I thought about it, it came out very clearly. Your are bitter coz of someone who did a, b, c, d... or said a, b, c, d..., yet this person, does not even know that you are bitter. You are so angry you cannot concentrate on other issues as you ought to. When you talk or speak to others, and especially upon remembering this other person who said or did the a, b, c,d .... you almost (or actually) lose track of what you were saying/doing.
You are trully taking the poison brewed by yourself. It only hurts you, not the other person. The CURE! Forgiveness. Its not easy to forgive just like that leave alone issues of big magnitude. But remember what our Lord Jesus said 77 x 7. Yes, lets learn first and foremost not to harbour anger in ourselves as this is the root cause of bitterness - instant forgiveness will yield to peace and joy. Lets seek the Holy Spirit so that He can help us overcome this - coz its not as easy as you think, but when we surrender it to God, Oh, the weight, or burden it is, is all relieved. DONT BREW THAT POISON, LEST YOU TAKE IT YOURSELF. Bless you.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Children, Media and Peer Influence Ctd
As I sit down and watch my children interact with the TV - the movies and the music, I cannot stop wondering what happens to the children out there whose parents are absolutely unware of what's happening in their children's lives, and particularly the impact the media has on them. In most of the cases when I am some time, I sit down and watch my children's favourite movies, cartoons or music. This has taught me a lot as a parent - they young ones have all the lyrics which I may not even be able to get after listening to the song several times - after some time I ask, "so what do we learn from that song?", and forth the answer comes, sometimes very accurate, other times just leading.
And the programmes, for example, "Machachari" in Citizen - I bet some of us might not even be aware of this. The last episode was all abt facebook, twitter etc, and my goodness, the children involved here are as young as 6-7 years old. Tell me dear friends, are we taking a passive role as parents or are we proactive? Are we getting involved in our childrens lives or not? Are we guiding them - for example by setting principles, rules and guidelines when for example they access the internet or as they watch their programmes on TV. Parents, Guardians, friends, lets reconsider our God given place in the bringing up of the dear ones that the Lord has blessed us with. We are responsible for their upbringing. What we sow now will determine the fruits thereafter. Bless and c u baadaye.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Children, Media and Peer Influence
For a long time now since I became a mother about 10 years ago, I have been concerned about media and peer influence in children, especially those at the very formative ages of 4 -10. Most of our media houses and particularly the TV stations have children programmes airing early evenings between 3.30 pm and about 6.00 pm, something commendable. I however have issues with the programmes that follow thereafter. These are all ex-rated for the children of these ages. The greatest worry that I painfully habour in my heart is that during this time, most of the parents have not been able to return from their places of work or business and therefore are not able to monitor how the children spend this time just before meals and retiring for the next day. As a result child are left to watch and listen to "pornography".
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Identity
As I finished reading the message below, I could not stop to wonder how many people around us, people that we know – leave alone the people in Kenya or in the world at large that have lost meaning in life simply because one or two things happened to them. May be a broken relationship, a broken marriage, failure in exams, the death of a relative or a spouse, or just something else that they could not come into terms with. The message below brings it out clearly that the underlying factor, the core of our lives lies in “whom we belong to”, whom we identify with. So as you read this, I hope you can be able to clearly say that you know your identity in Christ – coz any other identity in this world is short-lived. Be it material, knowledge/intellect – all will pass away. Find your identity in Christ if you have not already. Read on…..
A well known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?" Hands started going up. He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this." He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill up. He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air. "Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty. "Now who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air. "My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. "Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value in God's eyes. "To Him, dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless."
Psalm 17:8 states that God will keep us, "as the apple of His eye." The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we are but by WHOSE we are!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Time Management
Last evening I had quite some interesting time with my children. We were discussing about time management and I found myself telling them that one's life is made up of the time they have here on earth and how they spend that time then translates to the value they add to their lives. We were discussing this in regard to their homework, play time as well as devotion or bible reading. As they listened and tried to understand, I realized that I was actually speaking to myself more than to them. How we basically spend our time really matters. For example if you spend 6hrs of sleep, you attain some rest (if it was really necessary), if you spend the same amount of time just having a meal, all you achieve is satisfaction (you are no longer hungry), but if you spend the 6 hrs in a professional skill may be at work or consulting somewhere, you end up achieving some financial as well as knowledge gains. Many are the ways we spend our time, sometimes in invaluable ways whereas other times we almost regret why we had to do this or the other. Its worthwhile evaluating what it is that we are spending out time on. What value does it add to us - remember, time and chance happens to all.
Lets be good time managers and look out for ways of spending time that will add more value to our lives.
Rose
Lets be good time managers and look out for ways of spending time that will add more value to our lives.
Rose
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Welcome!
Hi Everyone,
I am more than excited to have finally opened a blog for myself. I hope that we can share and interact herein with the aim of gaining more insights on various and diverse issues. More specifically, I have professional interests in Organizational Development. I would also like to have your views on a more subtle aspect - parenting. I am so passionate about this topic. This is because, as a parent, my children have not only brought so much joy into my life have have actually caused a paradigm shift in me in the way i view things. In this regard, I am doing a book on parenting which I trust will be out soon. Will keep you posted.
Welcome to share your views.
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