Matatu v/s a Christian II

“Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” Psalms 86:11

After finishing writing the first post, I thought that I was done and I was relaxed that I had delivered God’s word and God had spoken to me and to many others that read the devotion write up and honestly, I was amazed by the overwhelming response through emails, calls, comments and I am humbled of what the Lord is doing. It’s not about me but its about him. I cannot boast of anything of my own but it’s all about Him (God) and may all the glory be unto him.

Yesterday evening, as I was going home, I entered this matatu on my way home and when I sat down, someone seated before me turned and said hi to me. And told me “Great to meet you. I do hope that I will get some inspiration too in this matatu as I go home” I asked if he had by any chance read the devotion and he told me yes. There, it dawned on me that there is a lot of influence that we cause around where we are. You may never think that you are influencing anyone but let me tell you - Whatever you do, whether seen or unseen has got impact. A saying goes “People may forget what you said, they may forget what you did to them but they will never forget what you made them feel.” Is there anything that you can be remembered for? if there is, I do hope its positive. May God help us t leave positive benchmarks in our lives.

Seated in the matatu again last night, God again spoke to me and I could not resist to keep this to myself and I had to let it. Here are few more insights that I got yesterday night and this morning:

|One| - This mathree (the slung name for matatu) I was in had passengers on board who were more than the capacity it is supposed to carry. In other words, we were excess in the vehicle. What this means is that, incase a policeman stopped the vehicle, the excess person would be arrested, charged or fines. On the other hand, incase of an accident, the excess persons would be hurt simple because they were not belted as the rest of us had. These are just but a few risks that the said persons had exposed themselves to. Jesus stood up and said in Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest…” You will realize that many of us as Christians we have overburdened ourselves and we are carrying more than we ought to be carrying. Jesus looking at the crowds that had come to listen to him knew that they had so much of a load they were carrying in their hearts.

Paul gives us a solutions to all our cares and worries but yet most of us (I have found myself here many times) seem to think that worrying for ourselves will help us. Paul told the Philippians in Philippians 4:6 “Never worry about anything. Instead, in every situation let your petitions be made known to God through prayers and requests, with thanksgiving.” I am very sure that even when we go to pray, we still come back and worry more wondering. Jesus asks a legitimate question that we all need to ask ourselves when we worry. In Matthew 6:27, Jesus asked “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”  Actually, you will realize that when you worry, you spend a lot of energy for nothing whereas you could have used it somewhere else. Peter urges us by saying “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” 1 Peter 5:7. David knew this secret and thus he could write and say “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Psalms 55:22. I dare you to try Him and He wont disappoint you.

|Two| - In this mathree, I found an interesting sticker. I have had seen it before but I didn’t take much thought of it. This is how it read “No calls, Texts only”. This simply means that you can’t make or pick up calls in the mathree simply because of the loud music that is playing. Such mathree’s are simply known as “Boom Twafs”. Most of the time, by the time you alight, its like your ears have turned deaf - you can hardly hear anything. Have you ever reached a point in life where you are hearing so many voices and all you you just want is to be alone in a silent and serene place? There comes a time when there are so many voices that are clogging your mind and you wonder which voice to listen to. At times, you can hear your own voice; the devil’s voice or even heed to some advice given to you by some friends and you may think that it is the voice of the Lord.

Like the loud music in the vehicle till you cannot even hear the person seated next to you, there are times when troubles and issues around us are like that. That’s the time we earnestly seek a voice of reason. Paul writes and says “We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side; we've been thrown down, but we haven't broken.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9. When the world is shouting at us, the bible tells us… “be still and know that I am God” Psalms 46:10. Above all, when you need guidance, Isaiah tells us “whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30:21. Always, learn to listen to God.

|Three| - Those who have travelled with Modern Coast buses or even Mash, you will realize that before the buses leave the terminus, they take a video of every person in the bus. This is basically to have a record of who travelled with which bus at what time incase of the bus being hijacked. They have put the security of the passenger at the forefront and they do not want to take risk. Did you realize that God cares and watches over you more than a man would do? David says in Psalms 121:7-8 “God guards you from every evil, He guards your very life. He guards you when you leave and when you return, he guards you now, he guards you always.” There is no need for you and I to fear because God cares for us and watches over us. Every move that we make is known unto Him and no harm can befall us.

God speaking to Abraham in Genesis 28:15 and He tells him “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.” This is the kind of God that we serve. He tells the house of Israel in Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” David said; unless the Lord watches over a city, those who watch it, they labour in vain (Psalms 127:1).

|Four| - Every vehicle has got an Insurance cover incase of an accident or anything that may happen to it. When you have an accident in a car, the insurance pays you back the car as well as any medical bills that you may have incurred after the accident. For us, we have an eternal cover in the Lord. The bible tells us “HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]… [Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler.” Psalms 91:1, 4. We are ensured of protection in God. No matter what comes upon us or against us, we are safe in his arms. The Message bible says this in verse 4 of Psalms 91; “he shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you - under them you're perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm.” The women of faith sang and said: “In The arms of His Love I find rest, in the arms of His love; There's sweet quietness; nothing can harm me, no reason to fear, safe in the arms of His love” Let’s learn to lean on the everlasting arms of his love where we are safe and secure from all alarms.

|Five| - Whenever you book for a flight or long distance travel, you are given a ticket. This ticket is what will enable you be allowed into the bus or plane when the day of travel comes and without the ticket, you can be assured that without the ticket, you can’t travel. This is the same in our journey of faith. Without Salvation which is the ticket to get to heaven, you can be assured that you will end up in hell. Jesus told Nicodemus "...I say to you, 'unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.... Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." John 3:3-6. After you get saved, you need to have Faith. The bible further tells us that without faith, no one will see God (Hebrew 11:6).

The latter is the most important of all. All the other benefits are all tagged to this last one. Salvation is the only guarantee for you to get the rest of the benefits and blessings that are mentioned. I do no know where you stand, but the truth of the matter is, Salvation is key. And that is the sole reason as to why Jesus came to the earth.  If you are not saved, make sure you do, else, there is nothing that will be beneficial to you.

Amen!!

Just like the Prof!!

^“19Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. ²⁰Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. ²¹The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. ²²News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. ²³When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. ²⁴He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. ²⁵Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, ²⁶and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” Acts 11:19-26

 

A story is told of a professor and his driver. He was a very learned prof and he used to be invited in many forums to teach and speak. His driver used to accompany him in all the forums, then he would sit at the back of the auditorium. When the prof was through, he would drive him off again. Through this, he got to know how the prof used to do his presentation. How he would start, the examples he gave, how he would answer some questions if asked and how he used to end. One day, he told the prof, “I can do the presentation that you do”. The prof asked him, “Really? Then he told him,  the next workshop, I will be the driver and you will be the Professor.

The d-day came and the Prof drove his driver to the auditorium. The ‘prof’ - who was actually the driver, started off his presentation the way his prof did and he did it perfectly to the end. People knew that he was actually the prof. Finally, he gave time for questions and one man asked a technical question that he couldn’t answer. After a quick thought, he told the person who asked, “you may think that you have asked a tough question but I want you to know it is not hard as you think. I will ask my driver to answer you… Little the people know that it was a hard question for him… but his ‘driver’ - the real prof, came and answered the question and then later they left.

We all look forward to and anticipate to be like someone that we look up to. The driver ultimately did not remain to be just a driver but he learnt from his boss the professor. This is the same thing that happened to the disciple of Jesus. Long after Jesus had ascended to heaven, they spread out to all parts of the earth spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. The bible tells us that it is in Antioch that they were called Christians. And why the name Christians? I do believe it is because they behave like Christ and also, they preached Christ in whom they believed. The driver delivered the presentation just like his boss the professor would have done.

Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:1 “THEREFORE BE imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father].” God is our father and a perfect example of how we should be. Jesus his son lived an exemplary life that his disciples emulated and later they were referred to as “Christ-like”. We are his children and thus He expects us to emulate him and be like him in each and every way, and everything that we do. Jesus speaking to his disciples, he told them, “if you abide in Me, and My words abide in you… By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” John 15:7-8. Like a father is proud when his daughter or son excels, so does our heavenly father. And that is what Paul urges the brethren in Ephesus to do. Same thing is expected if you and me. We ought to bring glory to our heavenly father and like Jesus, he can proudly say that “This is my son, in whom I am well pleased.

Paul continues and says this to the Corinthians “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1. Paul knew one thing was sure, Just like Jesus had told the disciples, “unless you abide in me, you cannot bear fruits” John 15:4; thus, unless he looked up to Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, then there is no way that he could be able to be imitated by the Corinthians. In other words, you need to realize that you cannot give what you do not have. And Paul realizing this, He had to make sure that he looked up to Jesus so as he could be able to be looked up to by others. This means that you need to be a mentor. The driver looked up to the professor and he learnt so much to a point that he could do what the professor was doing with ease.

You need to know that there are people who are looking up to you. Your children, siblings and relatives are all looking up to you for one thing or another. In one way or another, you will realize that there are people whom you are supposed to mentor. Who unto you if you do not realize this. This will be accounted of you on the judgment day. it is the prayer and cry of my heart this day that we will not only imitate Christ and be more like him; but we will go another mile and make him known. By this, I mean, help someone else to be able to know Jesus and be like him. This way, we will be imitating Christ and doing what he did.

On the other hand, let’s yearn to know him more. Like the driver, it wasn’t just enough for him to drive the professor and sit back at the back of the auditorium and learn nothing… like Paul, let’s make this prayer that he made and he said “[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]” Philippians 3:10 Let it be our desire, not just to know God (Jesus) but also we be acquainted with him and know him more deeply and at a personal level.

Amen!!

A Matatu v/s A Christian!!

“Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” Proverbs 30:5

A couple of weeks ago, I was at my lowest point and I was in one of the darkest valleys of life and I thought that I had hit my rock bottom and all I needed was something/a word or someone just to speak to my heart and situation. Nothing seemed to make sense to me and the only place or person I could turn to was God. It is at this point in time that I made a simple prayer unto God and I have seen him fulfill and answer my prayer each and everyday. All I did was to make a simple prayer that was more of a risk to me because I wasn’t sure how God would do it but I knew that He is a God who is not deterred by anything and He can use anything and anyway to fulfill his word and the prayers that we make unto him. It is so surprising, amazing and awesome at the same time the way and means that God chose to speak to me.

Many times, I know you have found yourself at such a point and you really wonder what is happening and where God is at that moment in time. David, the man of God who conquered many kings and won many battles too had such moments. And at one point he writes and says “I will lift up my eyes to the hills [around Jerusalem, to sacred Mount Zion and Mount Moriah] - From whence shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” Psalms 121:1-2. David understood that when he was surrounded and encompassed by his enemies, God was his only refuge and source of help. Where do you run to and turn to when you are at such a moment? When you are low and discouraged; when your soul and countenance is low, where do you seek your help from? When David was low in his spirit and he needed encouragement, this is what he told his soul; “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you…” Psalms 42:5-6^a. May we teach our hearts to hope and wait on God even when the circumstances do not favour us.

For the last two weeks, God has been speaking to me through the Matatus (PSVs) as they are commonly called here in Kenya. And many of my friends on Facebook have been asking me why I have been so attached to the matatus and where they have touched my heart. Even this morning, one of my friends told me that it seems like we have become ‘bossom buddies’  but God has been speaking to me using them. And this morning, I want to share with you some of the insights that God has given me and challenged me with from these vehicles.

|One| You will realize that very early in the morning between 4:30 am - 5:00 am, you will hear matatu’s hooting on the road to alert you that if you want to travel early, they are already operating. You will realize that many of the drivers and the conductors sleep late in the night and yet they are up very early the next day to get the vehicles ready for you and me to travel in. This challenges me - These are people who are employed and others drive their own matatu’s and they sacrifice so much of their sleep daily so that they can be up to start working. How many of us sacrifice their sleep or even their time to wake up early or even sleep late just because they want to spend time with God? Many of us (I included), we get home when we are so tired from the busy schedule that we had in the day. Those who work in the corporate world will say that I spent many hours seated in meetings and my back is tired thus I need to sleep and rest.

David knew the secret of seeking God in the morning. In Psalms 5:3, he says “In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." Not only did David knew that, Jesus too knew the best time to talk to his father was in the dawn of the morning and thus, the bible tells us "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed." Mark 1:35. There is one thing that I realize when I was young. Whenever we had the family alter after we had eaten, most of the times, we ended up sleeping in between the session. When my dad realized that, he made it a rule that we would be having the family altar then eat. I challenge you, Rise up early in the morning and seek God and get the direction for the day. (Read Isaiah 50:4^b; Psalms 63:1)

|Two| The matatus are always in a rush. They are rushing not only to beat the traffic jam but also other matatu's so as to make most profit at the end of the day! I know most of the Kenyan people like a matatu which they know will take the shortest time to get to where they are going. At times, you will realize that they will overlap and drive on the wrong side of the road. They break traffic rules but they reach their destination. Am reminded that I am also in a race every day! Am running against the temptations of the world!! Like Paul said; Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…” Hebrews 12:1. We need to know that each and everyday, we are in a race and there are people around us who are looking at us to see if we are running this race as per the rules.

Our actions speak more than our words do. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 5:13-16 that we are the salt and the light of this world. We cannot be hidden and whatever we do is seen by everyone. you need to know that your actions preach more than you do. Do not preach water and take wine or vice versa; walk the talk. Paul speaking to the Corinthians reminds us that “… Your very lives are a letter that anyone can read by just looking at you. Christ himself wrote it—not with ink, but with God's living Spirit; not chiseled into stone, but carved into human lives—and we publish it.” 2 Corinthians 3:2-3. My sister my brother, know that in whatever you do,  you are a letter.

|Three| I have observed that many times, the matatu drivers n conductors have to bear with moody, uncooperative & unreasonable passengers and policemen too. As we run this race, you will realize that the terrain is not the best. Paul said, "and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us..." Hebrews 12:1 I can guarantee you that in this race/journey of faith, not everything/one will be on your side. You will meet with obstacles, hindrances, stumbling blocks but if you persevere, you will come out victorious. Just as the athletes have to jump over huddles and the water pool in the in the 3000 meters Steeplechase race, you also need to overcome the hurdles that you meet on the way.

Paul encourages us and tells un “Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God” Hebrews 12:2 When temptations come, opposition comes, do not sit back and start complaining, instead thank God because He is with you and above all, remember, it is the test of perseverance! and if you hold on, you will come out refined and you will pass the test. If you fail, I guarantee you that you will keep on repeating the same till the day you will pass.

|Four| Did you realize that Matatu drivers know almost every route in town? When a certain route has traffic Jam, the quickly change routes and you arrive to your destination. Paul said to the Corinthians... "No temptation has you in its power but such as is common to human nature; and God is faithful and will not allow you to be tempted beyond your strength. But, when the temptation comes, He will also provide the way of escape; that you may be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13. Many times when we come to or pass through a rough patch, you will realize that many people will cry foul and think that God has left them,but I want to assure you this day that it is is the promise of his word that He (God) will never leave us nor will he forsake us (Romans 8:5). Solomon says that He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). What else would we want?

|Five| You see many buses in a bus station lining up waiting for their turn for people to enter in. I was seated in this bus that was ½ full. As per the rules here, it can only leave when its is full thus the driver has to be patient and here I thought to myself: How many times have we(I) walked out on God before He was thru' with me? How many times have we(I) grown impatient with God simple because He hasn't answered my prayer? Many of us are never patient with God or even other people. We are a generation that wants instant things, instant answers to our prayers and yet we know God doesn’t operate in such principles.

God told the children of Israel in Jeremiah 18:5-6 “… the word of the LORD came to me. He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the LORD. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.” We are so in a hurry to do our own things at the expense of God’s purposes for our lives. One thing that I have learnt about God over the time is that God is never in a hurry. If you are in a hurry, He will leave you and then later you will catch up with him or circumstances will corner you and you will have no option but allow Him work on you and make you into the kind of a vessel that He wants from you! Would you love to be cornered like Jonah or Jacob was? Moral thought: Let's learn to be patient both with God & Man!

At times, our fellow brethren wrong us and we are never patient with them! We cause tantrums and we reach a point that we are not even willing to forgive. Paul urges us in Ephesians 4:2-3 and says “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” How I pray that we will learn to exercise patience and bearing with one another in everything that we do. We need to realize that the same way that we are not perfect, so are others!! Just as the matatu people bear with our moods and uncooperativeness; and above all, God bears with us, we also need to bear with each other!!

This is my prayer this day for everyone - That God will teach us, mould us and make us into the kind of people that He wants us to be!! For us, Let us be readily available, willing and patient for the Lord to deal with us. The process will not be easy but I promise you that the fruits and the out come is worth!!

Amen!!

 

 

Our God of Restoration!!

¹⁵ When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” ¹⁶ Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” ¹⁷ The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” John 21:15-17

I am seated in my office desk and there is this one thought that is really disturbing me. If God Loves us, and He truly does, He knows that there are some of us who will love him and others won’t; yet He still loves us unconditionally. I am reminded of this scripture that says “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” 1 John 3:1. I love the way the Amplified Bible puts it across… it says “SEE WHAT [an incredible] quality of love the Father has given (shown, bestowed on) us, that we should [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are! I am still in awe of why God would choose to love a disobedient, unfaithful and sinful person like me. Mention of any form of sin and tell me if you and I are not guilty of. It is for this sole reason of Love that He (Jesus) agreed to leave his throne in heaven, come and take a human form just like you and me, identify with us and die on the cross paying the penalty of death that you and I ought to have paid.

Last month, I wrote this devotion that has been popping on my mind each and every day. Will the cock crow was the title of the devotion. [If you missed, click here to read] and every time at the end of the day when I sit down and evaluate my day, I am reminded of this. Will I wait till the cock crows for me to action on something that I have not taken an action on? It may be spiritually related or even in terms of my work – and this has been a great challenge to me. Jesus was speaking to Peter after He had had the last super with the disciples. he turns to Peter and warns him that the devil will sift him but Christ had prayed for him. Peter with his ego, he told Jesus that he wouldn’t deny him… but later we see how it went. He denied him 3 times as Jesus had told him.

In the scripture above, you realize that Jesus is speaking to Peter again after they had finished having breakfast with him at the shore of the Sea of Galilee. This is after Jesus had died and resurrected but Peter hadn’t seen Jesus yet. At this point in time, remember that after denying Jesus three times, he might have thought that Jesus would have no trust in him again and thus, he decided to go back to career that Jesus called him from – Fishing. Apparently, this is the thought line that many of us have. The minute we fall into sin, we think that God is so annoyed with us and He might not take us back and thus, instead of coming back to God and repenting, we delve ourselves deeper into sin. But this is not so; Jesus died so that we could be redeemed from our sins and his blood that was shed on the cross was for our forgiveness of sins. John reminds us that if only we REPENT our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us (1 John 1:9-10). If the prodigal son was accepted back, you and I can be accepted back too as we are all prodigals in the kingdom of God.

In real sense and putting this in a layman's language, we can easily conclude that Peter had backslid when he went back fishing and he had his 6 friends alongside him. This is the time that Jesus comes and reveals himself to them. We further know that Peter had backslid by the fact that he was naked and when eh realized that it was Jesus, he dashed to cover himself (John 21:7). Him removing his clothes does not only signify his physical nakedness but also his spiritual nakedness too. You need to discover that once you have fallen back, you do not see any shame of whatever you do; you are not conscious of yourself; simply because the spirit of God departs from you and you are left alone. And this is the state at which Peter was. The bible says it clearly that the flesh and the Spirit are always in conflict to control you (Galatians 5:17) and one cannot be where the other is. If you walk in the flesh, the spirit departs and if you walk in the Spirit, the flesh is suppressed.

Secondly, you will realize that he influenced others to go back fishing with him. With him, he had 6 of the 12 disciples. Thomas, Nathaniel, the two sons of Zebedee and two others not mentioned had gone back fishing with Peter. You need to know that you are an icon of influence wherever you are and there are many people that you influence. The question that you and I need to ask ourselves: – Is the influence that I give others positive or negative? For someone like Peter in this case and scenario, it was negative influence. One thing and I bet Peter knew this is that he knew that he had leadership qualities in him and thus, when he suggested the others that they go back fishing, they agreed with him simply because he was an icon of leadership. Same to you and me. Jesus said that “you are the salt of the earth; … you are the light of the world, a city set on a hill; Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16

You need to realize that in whatever you do, someone is watching you and listening to what you say. In any case, they will do the same simply because they saw you do it – and you will be their reference when they are asked why they did so. Listening to Pastor Oscar Muriu of Nairobi Chapel, he said, and I quote “The higher you rise in leadership, the more mess you make when you fall” This is clearly evident with Peter in this context. The minute we fall, it doesn’t matter how high we had risen in authority or leadership, the people we hurt down the line are many more than we have influenced. You and I have a great calling and a leader leads by influence and not just by knowledge. Jesus called us to be fishers of men (Matthew 4:19). We are called to be world changers - but once we neglect our calling and go back, we fail in fulfilling our mandate. Imagine, Peter influenced half of the disciples of Jesus to leave the calling that they had for three and half years and go back to the fishing business that they were in earlier on simply because Christ had died.

This is what the devil does to us. He comes and speaks to us and we compromise and go back to our old life of sin and bondage and eternal destruction while we forfeit a life of freedom and eternal life given by God through the death of his son Jesus Christ on the cross. Thank God that He loves us and is willing to restore us back to himself. There is always a second chance and not only a second chance with God to come back - but we are not to take this for granted. Paul asks the Romans whether we shall continue sinning so that the grace of God will abound - and he says No!! (Romans 6:1). Let’s learn not to take the grace of god for granted.

You will realize that when Jesus was speaking to Peter after the breakfast, He asked him three times whether He (Peter) loved Jesus. The bible records that Peter got hurt because he thought that Jesus didn’t believe him because he had earlier denied him; but in the real sense, Jesus asked him three times so that He could counter the three times that he (Peter) had denied him. This is what God did. Jesus became the sacrifice that you and I would have offered for atonement to counter all the sacrifices that we would have made for all the sins that we made and thus paying our ransom for us so that we could be reconciled and restored back to God. What else do we need when Jesus did this for us? All we need to do is trust in him and live a life that will glorify him all the time as Jesus said in Matthew 5:16.

How I pray this day that the Lord will help us to live as per our calling and above all, restore us back to him where we have fallen.

Amen!!

Preparing for Blessing!

"And he said, “This is what the LORD says: Make this valley full of ditches.  For this is what the LORD says: You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle and your other animals will drink." 2 Kings 3:16-17 (NIV)

The armies of Judah and Israel were out in the middle of the desert with no water and they were getting scared.  They were on their way to Moab but now they were concerned that they were not even going to make it to the battle.  They inquired of Elisha the prophet and this was the word passed to them from God through Elisha. Obediently, they dug the trenches and one morning they looked and mysteriously saw water coming from Edom and filling up their trenches such that they and their animals had plenty of water to drink.

And just what does this verse have to do our personal issues, you ask?  It’s a verse about “blessings and Supply”. The armies needed to be blessed by God and they were, miraculously.  I’d venture that each of us would welcome a blessing from God (I know I would) whether it be in the area of finances or whatever.  So, let’s examine this passage in more detail.

First we see that the armies were concerned.  They had a big problem and didn’t know how to solve it.  Plus this problem was spilling over into other areas of their lives as they were worried they would be unsuccessful in their battle with their enemy.  Are they any big problems in your life that you don’t know how to solve? Where do you turn to seek help as the armies of Israel did? Psalms 121:1 says "I will lift up mine eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? MY help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth" It's so unfortunate that some of us seek help from the wrong places. When Saul was in battle, instead of inquiring of the Lord, he went to a medium to inquire of the dead spirit of Samuel (1 Samuel 28:3-11). but these guys knew where to go!

Let’s look at the steps they followed in this story:

1. Go to God: Note what they did with their problem – they went down to a prophet of God, Elisha, to find out what God was going to do in this situation.  I think that was definitely the correct decision.  If you’re facing a giant of a problem, remember that God is the biggest giant of them all.

2. Prepare for the blessing: Now the prophet told them to do something strange; he told them to dig a bunch of ditches in the middle of the desert.  This might seem like a pointless exercise to you and it might have seen pointless to them, too….but they did it.  They were obedient to God and dug the ditches.  They had to believe that God was going to give them the blessing and they had to put in some hard work to prepare for it. Sometimes God will ask you to do some strange things that you do not even understand yourself, but be obedient.

The armies dug the ditches and the water came.  There is a bit more to the story though.  When the Moabites woke up they saw reflections off of the water from the early morning sun.  It reflected red so they thought they armies of Judah and Israel and Edom had attacked and killed each other.  The Moabites then rushed out to take the spoil only to be surprised and quickly defeated by the armies.

If you think about it, their biggest concern of having no water and thus losing the battle to Moab actually led to their victory!  They went to God and were obedient to Him.  As a result, their immediate need for water was taken care of and their ultimate need for victory was facilitated through the blessing.  Amazing!

So what exactly does this mean for each of us?  How exactly should we prepare for the blessing from God?  Well, that’s a hard question to answer.  I would guess it would be a very individualized answer for each one of us.  What I do know is that we need to take our concerns to God with the assurance that he cares for us and will bless us. Peter reminds us that we should cast all our cares and worries to him who cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7). Where do you take your cares and worries? Learn to trust Him (God) who never fails and He will release blessings for you if and only if you are prepared for the same. 

God bless (prepare for it! - The Blessing)...

There is Restoration!

Return to me, I will return to you:

3 Therefore tell the people: This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Return to me,' declares the LORD Almighty, 'and I will return to you,' says the LORD Almighty. 4 Do not be like your forefathers…” Zechariah 1:3-4

It’s another year and the lord has graced us to see the same. Looking back at the past year, I see many things that God has done for me and helped me to accomplish as well. I can’t say that it’s my own making or strength but I know it’s the Lord’s doing and I am grateful to him for that. As I start this New Year, I choose to give God all the glory, honour and praise because He deserves it all. I know many of you can stand and testify of the same. Nevertheless, there were also challenges along the way that might have challenged us, made us grow in one way or another and also helped us learn important lessons in life as well. We also have our brothers and sisters whom we lost along the way to sin and other issues of life brought them down. It is not right for us to neglect them – It is time for us to remind them that the Lord still loves them and cares for them despite them having left the faith.

The worst thing that could happen to the people of God is turning away from their God. This is a very unfortunate situation because one who is backsliding puts himself in a very dangerous position. A backslider is like a sheep that strays away from the fold and is vulnerable to many dangers. Those who turn away from God may encounter many dangers and misfortunes in life. Instead of blessings there will be curse and sickness in place of health. They will experience trouble and sorrow; and finally they pass on the curse to the future generations. The history of Israel reveals there were times when people turned away from God and as a result they went through bondage and oppression. It is not a wise thing to turn one’s back on God. One who rebel against God will never find a refuge anywhere. There is no place to hide from God. Prophet Jonah was running away from God and the storm was a result of his disobedience. Finally he was found out even though he was sleeping in the lower deck of the ship. His attempt to run away from God’s presence did not work out. God brought a storm and frustrated his plan.

Whenever the children of Israel strayed away from God, God sent them message through the prophets for them to repent and to return. Even though the Bible says “it is impossible to renew to repentance those who were once enlightened and then fallen away” Hebrews 6:4, it is better to try than to give up completely because it is very terrible thing to bear the wrath of God. God is merciful and might still have some compassion left. Repentance has caused God’s mercies to come upon those who turned back to him and it saved them from their destructions. Jeremiah 6:3 says, “Return, unfaithful Israel. I will not look on you with anger. For I am unfailing in my love; I will not be angry forever”. Isaiah 55:7 says, “Let the wicked one abandon his way, and the sinful one his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, so He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will freely forgive”. Hosea 14:1, says like this, “Israel, return to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled in your sin. Take words in [Psalms 145:17 [of repentance] with you and return”. Micah also says, “He does not hold on to His anger forever, because He delights in faithful love He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities.” Micah 7:13.

When we read the bible, we get to see that there is hope for those who have gone astray. This is the main reason why God had to send his only son Jesus Christ to the earth so that He could reconcile us with God our father. The bible says that, “He brings back the captives of Jacob and restores their fortunes.” The Lord will once more comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem”. Zechariah 1:17. The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem; He gathers together the outcasts of Israel” Psalms 147:2. “Israel will [again] blossom and bud” Isaiah 27:6. When considering the works of the Lord, the scriptures reveal that He is the God of restoration. He always has mercy on His people. "The Redeemer will come to Zion, And to those who turn from transgression in Jacob," Isaiah 59:20 He is a loving God and thus he is always ready to take us back. In Isaiah 1:18, the bible says “Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool.” If you have strayed away from God and want to come back repent of your backslidings and turn to God with all your heart.

Asking how to Return? The first and most important thing about returning to God is that one should do it with his/her whole heart. “Return to me, I will return to you” Malachi 3:7 It is a promise of God that if you return to God, He will also return to you. Turning away from God is a great sin. Not returning is a greater sin altogether. Hosea 7:10; returning to God is impossible if one doesn’t do it intentionally with the whole of their hearts. The book of Revelation 2:5 tells us to “remember where you have fallen from; Repent and go back to the first love that you have forsaken” David says in Psalms 65:3 that “When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions”. Moses the servant of the Lord prayed for the Israelites “Return O Lord! How long? Have compassion on your servants. Make us glad according to the days in which you have afflicted us. The years in which we have seen evil” Psalms 90:13, 15 There is the promise of God hearing you and listening to the cry of your heart if you do call upon his name. 1 John 1:9-10 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” The problem with us is that we make ourselves holy and sinless and thus, we miss the mark.

David reminds us in Psalms 86:5 that God is ready to forgive us. He says “For you, Lord, are good and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those that call upon you.” He continues in Psalms 130:7 and says “O Israel, hope in the Lord; for in the Lord there is mercy, and with him is abundant redemption” When one/we return to God with our whole hearts, God will repent/withdraw the evil he brought upon us. We will receive pardon from God. David says that we will find Hope, mercy and redemption." The Lord is calling us to be the stepping stones to revival that he is about to bring upon this nation (Kenya) and the world at large. It will take our initiative to bring back the lost souls and the hearts that are turned away from God back to him and thus, God will start his work amongst us. 2 Chronicles 7:14-15 says “…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers…”

Is it hard for us to humble ourselves before God and allow him to work on our lives and change the situations around us? It is said, “If you want to see change, then, be the change that you want to see.” I have purposed to allow God to have his own way this year. May the Lord help us this year to be instruments of change in our respective societies and touch many lives all for his glory. We Must Decide to Return to God and Reaffirm Our Commitment to Him.

Amen!!