KACHELBELA: Timing is Everything!

KACHELBELA: Timing is Everything!: Dear Diary, # Pleasant_and_Timely_Words # Shut_Down_the_Motor_Mouth On my Day 16 of the  # 40Day_Zip_it_Challenge  I learned about th...

Timing is Everything!

Dear Diary,

#Pleasant_and_Timely_Words
#Shut_Down_the_Motor_Mouth

On my Day 16 of the #40Day_Zip_it_Challenge I learned about the power and the value of a pleasant and timely word.

Friends, timing is everything! Have you ever said something, and people were like, "Wow! You're God sent. We needed to hear that!" Or have you ever said something but then the timing spoilt everything? Ecclesiastes 3:7 tells us there is an appropriate time to speak. Proverbs 15:23, "A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a timely word spoken in due season, how delightful it is?" Whether hey are words of rebuke or encouragement, if the words are timely and appropriate, they'll be like honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16: 24, "Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,sweetness to the soul and health to the bones." Properly timed and well-spoken words are compared with golden apples in baskets of silver. Proverbs 25:11-15, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver."

Sometimes it is hard to know what so say and when to say it, ask the Lord for discernment; for appropriate words and timely moment. O myself, like the Psalmist I pray, "Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord, keep watch over the door of my lips so that I will speak pleasant and timely words," Psalm 141:3.

Regards,
NzakuNashipae
© Jesus loves you

KACHELBELA: Dear Diary,#The_Value_of_Soft_Answer#Shut_Down_th...

KACHELBELA: Dear Diary,#The_Value_of_Soft_Answer
#Shut_Down_th...: Dear Diary, # The_Value_of_Soft_Answer # Shut_Down_the_Motor_Mouth On my Day 15 of the  # 40Day_Zip_it_Challenge  I learned about the ...

Dear Diary,

#The_Value_of_Soft_Answer
#Shut_Down_the_Motor_Mouth

On my Day 15 of the #40Day_Zip_it_Challenge I learned about the value of a soft answer from Judges 8:1-3; 12:1-16; 1 Kings 12:1-6 & Proverbs 15:1. To be very honest, whenever someone comes to me in wrath, am usually tempted to respond harshly. Wisdom shows us the value of a soft answer.

Judges 8:1-3, the men of Ephraim sharply reprimanded Gideon for not calling them when he went to fight with the Midianites.See, huu si ni uchokozi tu! Instead of responding to them harshly, he handled the matter adroitly by praising Ephraim. Upon hearing the favorable response, their anger toward Gideon subsided. Wuuuuueeh, mtu anakuja kwako na ubaya alafu unakuwa mpole! That was not enough, in a similar scenario, these men of Ephraim picked up an issue with Jephthah for not calling them to fight against the people of Ammon. They even threatened to burn down his house. Aaaaiii, kwani who do these Ephraimites think they are! Jephthah gave them a piece of his mind. Eeer, I nearly gave a round of applause for Jephthah but held my peace when I read the consequences that followed. He gathered together all the men of Gilead and fought against Ephraim, Judges 12:1-6.

Another case in point, 1Kings 12-1-16, King Rehoboam harsh answer to the people of Israel when they requested him to lighten up the burdensome taxes King Solomon had imposed on the people made him lose the 10 tribes of Israel. At first, King Rehoboam consulted the elders who told him to speak to the people good words (v. 7) but he rejected their advice and sought the advice of his agemates who advised him to exercise his authority by threatening the people with harsher treatment than before. He said, " My little finger shall be thicker than my father's waist! v.10-11. Enyewe hapo King Rehoboam answered the people roughly and harshly. His choice of words inflamed the people; they rebelled and ultimately the kingdom divided.

Surely, wrath can be avoided if we give a soft answer. Proverbs 15:1 says, "A soft answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger!" Eeer, I have been there, inflamed by words, resulting in severed relationships.

Now that I understand the power of words, I repent and pray for God to "Set a guard over mouth, o Lord, keep watch over the door of my lips," Psalm 141:3.

Regards,
NzakuNashipae
© Jesus loves you

KACHELBELA: Unguarded Lips

KACHELBELA: Unguarded Lips: Dear Diary, # Unguarded_Lips # Tyranny_of_the_Moment On my 14th day of the  # 40Day_Zip_it_Challenge  I learned about being proactive ...

Unguarded Lips

Dear Diary,

#Unguarded_Lips
#Tyranny_of_the_Moment

On my 14th day of the #40Day_Zip_it_Challenge I learned about being proactive instead of reactive with my words. “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin,” Proverbs 13:3.

I don’t know about your experience but I know that the tyranny of the urgent and the tyranny of the moment can make a person be out of control with words! Well, scripture shows us that everyone and anyone is called to speak in a way that brings life not death. Anyone who wants to enjoy the good fruit of their lips must protect his/her words with utmost care. He must purpose to be strategic and intentional with words because words are creative. Words have power to create or tear down. You can hire watchmen to guard your prized possessions but the responsibility of guarding the mouth is solely on you. You are responsible for your words; no one can guard them for you. If your mouth is unguarded destruction is certain. Scripture implores us to be quick to listen and slow to speak, James 1:19.

The moment you realize that the right words literally preserve life then you will pray as the Psalmist did, “Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips,” Ps. 141:3.

Don't let the tyranny or the heat of the moment make you speak rashly.

Regards,
NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: Trapped By Words

KACHELBELA: Trapped By Words: Dear Diary, #Trapped_By_Words On my day 13 of #40Day_Zip_it_Challenge I learned that words can be ensnaring. I don’t know about yo...

Trapped By Words

Dear Diary,

#Trapped_By_Words

On my day 13 of #40Day_Zip_it_Challenge I learned that words can be ensnaring. I don’t know about your experience but there are times I have said some things that eventually got me trapped. I have also observed that there are some sweet talkers who engage you in conversations with the intentions of trapping you in your words. Woe to you if you ain’t smart and economical with words!

Matthew 22:15 says, “Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap Jesus in His words.” Actually, Luke 11:53-54 tells us that the Scribes and the Pharisees resorted to intense interrogation with many hostile questions; their   sole purpose was to trap Jesus into saying something they could use against Him. Surely, as Proverbs 12:6 says, “The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood…” You’ll agree with me, with fiery darts Satan tries to provoke us to say something that will give him access into our lives.

How can words trap you?

• When you tell a lie, it will get you trapped. Remember, “God detests lying lips but He delights in people who are trustworthy,” Prov 12:22. Keep off white lies.

• When you can’t shut down the motor mouth, remember, “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is prudent,” Prov. 10:19.

• Sometimes being nice to people-you know, wanting to help them (well-meaning). By giving a surety in their behalf can be ensnaring, Prov. 6:1-2.

• When vexed you end up saying words that will make Satan put a noose around your necks. Remember, “The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent man ignores an insult,” Prov 12:16

So many scenarios in which we can end up saying things which ultimately ensnare us.

Look here, “Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk….” Proverbs 12:13. Not only the evildoors who’re trapped by their evil words, even the well-meaning Christian can fall into the trap, “You have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth,” Proverbs 6:2.

Moving on…

Now, if you find yourself trapped by your words, how can you free yourself? The best answers I have: first, CONFESS and REPENT your sin! Secondly, once you become aware of how important words are, PRAY as the Psalmist did, “Set a guard over my mouth, O lord, keep watch over the door of my lips,” Psalm 141:3. Remember, “From the fruit of his words a man is satisfied with good,” Prov. 12:14. As long as we keep a watch over our mouths, Satan doesn’t have a booby trap to tighten around our necks.

Regards,

NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: Whose Mouth, Whose Words!

KACHELBELA: Whose Mouth, Whose Words!: Dear Diary, #Whose_Mouth_Whose_Words?  #Shut_Down_the_Motormouth On my day 11 of the #40Day_Zip_it_Challenge I learned that the God w...

Whose Mouth, Whose Words!

Dear Diary,

#Whose_Mouth_Whose_Words? 

#Shut_Down_the_Motormouth

On my day 12 of the #40Day_Zip_it_Challenge I learned that the God who made the mouth is able to to put in it the appropriate words to speak in every circumstance.Whether a stutterer or diffident, God is sufficient for us, no matter what real or imagined inadequacies we have.

In Exodus 4:10-12, Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue. The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” 

God told Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations,” Jeremiah 1:5. But Jeremiah, had a different opinion, “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” Jeremiah said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young,” v.6. I love the LORD’s response, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.  Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth,” v.6-9.

Now, how many of us feel like Moses and/or Jeremiah? Probably you feel you can’t speak up because you’re not eloquent. Maybe the situation you’re supposed to speak to frightens you. Well, thing is, God made your mouth and if He says you can do it, He means it. Maybe, you’re bankrupt of the appropriate words to speak, I just want to tell you that He who made the most eloquent mouths is able to give you the right words; He is also able to make your words authoritative so just depend on Him.

Regards,

NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: Toxic Mouth

KACHELBELA: Toxic Mouth: Dear Diary, #Shut_Down_the_Motormouth On my Day 11 of the #40Day_Zip_it_Challenge, I learned that one of the marks of the godles...

Toxic Mouth

Dear Diary,

#Shut_Down_the_Motormouth

On my Day 11 of the #40Day_Zip_it_Challenge, I learned that one of the marks of the godless (hypocrite) is that they destroy people and/or lead to overthrow of a nation with their words, Proverbs 11:9, 11-13.

How do the godless destroy their neighbours? How do salacious gossips spread? Consider gutter press, social media, newsrooms, radio stations. What be the effect? Nasty scars, damaged character! Maybe, you’re saying, “He/she deserves it!” Well, give the benefit of doubt; some of those people are lampooned and pierced mercilessly for no reason. Without thinking through or even listening to the other side of the story, some of us as soon as we see /read/hear of a scandalous gossip we hit the share/forward button. Actually, as you hit forward/share button, you don’t consider yourself godless, do you? See your life! Verse 13 tells us, “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” The thing about gossip is that some of us, Christians, we share it as a sly prayer item in our prayer meetings or use it in the pulpit as a cunning sermon illustration. What we don’t realize is that it is character assassination at times!  In addition, the mouth of the godless destroys a neighbour through disparaging, perverting and corrupting them. “Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue,” v. 12.

In our country, every electioneering period is marked with viciously bitter hate speech that stirs up tribal clashes. While the mouth of the righteous is a well of life, the mouth of the godless leads to the overthrow of a nation. “Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed,” v.11.  Some of us, during our elections year- political campaigns our mouths are destructive, if you know, you know! Sitasema mengi.

Now, next time when you hear/read or see a scandalous gossip, pause and think through before you hit forward/share button. Before you disparage someone for whatever reason, think about the scars you might leave in them. You know, 2022 politics are gaining momentum; the famous handshake has kept us guessing but just before you open your mouth to speak, think through your words-don’t spread, incite, promote or justify tribal hatred. Careless words can destroy our nation.

Regards,

NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: A Well of Life

KACHELBELA: A Well of Life: Dear Diary, Day 10 of  # 40Day_Zip_it_Challenge # A_Well_of_Life # Shut_Down_the_Motormouth A week ago I had a conversation wi...

A Well of Life

Dear Diary,

Day 10 of #40Day_Zip_it_Challenge

#A_Well_of_Life
#Shut_Down_the_Motormouth

A week ago I had a conversation with someone. One of us said, “You don’t know my heart!” Coming to think of it, you can say that but I think it is easy to know someone’s heart by the kind of words that come from the mouth. Actually you can measure a person’s character by their speech.

Come with me to Proverbs 10:11. It says, “The mouth of the righteous is a well of life.” A well/fountain is the source from which something proceeds or is supplied. It is a spring of water issuing from the earth. The mouth as such, is an overflow of what’s in the heart and in effect of its flow, it refreshes and impregnates the surrounding desolateness. 

The same way a well nourishes and refreshes its surrounding so is the mouth of the righteous. The mouth of the righteous blesses and enhances lives; it carries Good News and feeds many, “The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense,” v. 21. Additionally, “From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be silenced,” v. 31. A righteous man knows acceptable words and speaks them appropriately-at the right time and at the right place. “The lips of the righteous know what finds favor, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse,” v.32.

Now, RIGHTEOUSNESS is what makes the mouth a fountain/well of life; in addition, what is STORED up in the heart, “The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin,” v. 14.

You see, God cares so much about my mouth.

Is your mouth a well of life? "Help me God!"

Regards,
NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: The Great Know it All

KACHELBELA: The Great Know it All: Dear Diary, Last week was quite busy I wasn’t able to do much write up, but my 40 Day #Zip_It_Challenge continues. Here is what I learned l...

The Great Know it All

Dear Diary,

Last week was quite busy I wasn’t able to do much write up, but my 40 Day #Zip_It_Challenge continues. Here is what I learned last week on my Day 9.

#The_Great_Know_it_All

#Shut_Down_the_Motormouth

Know-it-all! Ha ha ha, I know in your mind you might have someone you consider a know-it-all. I can sense the annoyance.

Know-it-alls are those irritating human beings who behave like they are authorities on every topic. When engaging in a conversation with a know it all, you are likely to find yourself deeply frustrated and helpless. Most times know-it-alls are unteachable. I know most people can’t stand a know-it-all. Well, don’t work yourself up #BoraUhai.

Well, I’d like to introduce you to a different Know-it-All. Actually a conversation with Him is life changing not frustrating. Psalm 139:1-4 tells us about the Great Know-it-All. He knows us perfectly well. He knows when we sit down and when we rise. He perceives our thoughts from a far; He discerns our going out and laying down. He is familiar with all our ways and before a word is on our tongues He knows it completely!

How do I even begin to express this! Yaani, God not only knows my outward habits and actions, He’s familiar with my inward thoughts, motives, desires, and fears. He is acquainted with my day to day hustles and bustles. He knows the thoughts am mulling in my mind. He completely knows the words that have formed in my mind long before they leak out from my lips and/or fingers.

So what? Because the Great Know-it-All knows me well, I pray that He’ll set a guard over my mouth and keep watch over the door of my lips, Psalm 141:3. I will intentionally align my thoughts with God’s word for a better chance to have a wholesome and humble speech.

Regards,


NzakuNashipae

Suretyship

Dear Diary,

Day 8 of #Zip_It_40_Day_Challenge

#Shut_Down_the_Motormouth

Have you ever become a surety/guarantor for someone then the whole deal turned bad on you? Did you figure out the best way to extricate yourself from the deal? I don’t know about your experience but if you know you know, giving surety or guaranteeing performance of a financial obligation for someone can turn bad on you. Proverbs 17:18 says, “It's poor judgment to guarantee another person's debt or put up security for a friend,” (NLT).

I love the Bible because it has answers for all the issues of life. In my zip it challenge I came across this passage about giving suretyship, Proverbs 6:1-5. Note, the Bible doesn’t tell us not to help out a friend in need but it gives us a warning against imprudent and spontaneous commitments; we must be careful what we agree to and/or what we promise.

What are the consequences of becoming a surety/guarantor? If you are in a SACCO am certain a friend has approached you requesting you to be his/her guarantor for a loan. I have done that and I thank God my friends so far haven’t defaulted. I once took a loan from my SACCO and had two friends co-sign for me. I paid my loan without default. My mom did the same and she ended up paying tens of thousands because the friend defaulted. I saw the pain and distress she went through!

Prov. 6:1 warns us not to put up security for our neighbour. Surety/ Guarantor mean becoming legally responsible for the debts or default of another person. By becoming surety, you legally obligate yourself to pay the debt if the person proves unable or unwilling to do so. You simply become trapped by your words; the vow of promise you took; you agreed to be responsible; you made yourself accountable to his/her financial obligation.

Now, if you find yourself in this situation, what do you do? Look at the advice the wise man gives in v.3-4. For the sake of your well-being: with urgency go and humble yourself before your friend; plead with him/her; don’t delay until you do everything possible and appropriate to extricate yourself from the financial obligation. For my mom, unfortunately she had to pay to free herself from the debt. Her savings were swallowed just like that!

In future, consider these passages before you put a security for someone’s debt, “He who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but the one who hates indebtedness is secure,” Proverbs 11:15; “Do not be one who gives pledges, who puts up security for debts,” Proverbs 22:26. Si mimi nimesema, ni Bibilia!

Regards,

NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: The Honey-Lipped Woman

KACHELBELA: The Honey-Lipped Woman: Dear Diary, Day 7 of the  # Zip_it_40_Day_Challenge # Shut_Down_the_Motormouth Proverbs 5:3, “For the lips of a loose woman drip hon...

The Honey-Lipped Woman

Dear Diary,

Day 7 of the #Zip_it_40_Day_Challenge
#Shut_Down_the_Motormouth

Proverbs 5:3, “For the lips of a loose woman drip honey as a honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil.” Now, what gives an immoral woman power over a decent man? It’s the power of her words! Her lips drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil! How now? Yaani, she is filled with compliments and sweet words!

This is what I know, and if I know I know! From a personal experience, I have learned that a man longs to hear his woman say nice things to and about him! Now, when he misses to hear those nice things, an adulteress comes into his life. Her lips drip honey. Her speech is smoother than oil. She uses her lips and speech to reel a man in for a kill. Just like a Tilapia bites bait, the innocent man bites the honey-lipped compliments. Without realizing it, he gets hooked!

Granted! Her lips drip honey and her speech smoother than oil. Verses 4-6 tell us, “But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged and devouring sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold of Sheol (Hades, the place of the dead). She loses sight of and walks not in the path of life; her ways wind about aimlessly, and you cannot know them.”

My lady, don’t let a strange woman be the one to shower your knight with compliments! Don’t let your man get accustomed to your angry, hateful, mean and resentful speech. There are plenty of slay queens who will compliment him if you don’t! And you dear brother, please run away from that slay queen who is so generous with her compliments, it is no good thing!

Regards,

NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: A Rule for Conversations

KACHELBELA: A Rule for Conversations: Dear Diary, Day 6 of the #Zip_it_40_Day_Challenge #Shut_Down_the_Motomouth My speech will never be the same after these 40 Day C...

A Rule for Conversations

Dear Diary,

Day 6 of the #Zip_it_40_Day_Challenge

#Shut_Down_the_Motomouth

My speech will never be the same after these 40 Day Challenge so help me God!

Proverbs 4:24 says, “Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.” “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen,” Ephesians 4:29.

As human beings, whether a chatterbox or an introvert, our daily garrulity and banter conversations might have some profane, perfidious, arrogant, flattery, vain and trifling, contemptuous, railing and abusive words. Both the writer of Proverbs and Ephesians give us a doable rule for our conversations, i.e. to keep our mouths free of perversity and our lips from corrupt and unwholesome talk.

Merriam Webster defines these key words as follows: 1. Unwholesome, “Detrimental to physical, mental or moral well-being.” 2. Corrupt, “Morally degenerated, adulterated or debased speech.” 3. Perversity, “Turned away from what is right or good contrary to accepted standards.” So, perverse, corrupt and unwholesome talk is detrimental to physical, mental and/or moral well-being of a person. It could be an idle tale, a joke, and an irrelevant word. Such unwholesome and corrupt talk defiles people, injures souls and leaves fatal scars in people’s hearts. Besides, it grieves the Holy Spirit!

Words act in two ways: 1. Words are results, i.e. they come forth and show what’s inward; 2. Words are acts, i.e. they cause something beyond. Therefore it is prudent to double the guard over our mouths. Observe the rule: keep your mouth free of perversity and your lips from corrupt and unwholesome talk. Let only that which is helpful for building others up according to their needs proceed out of our mouths; only that which will benefit your listeners!

#Resolve

Psalm 141:3 is my earnest prayer, “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord, keep watch over the door of my lips, that no perverse, corrupt and unwholesome talk will come from my mouth. Amen!”

R,

NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: Mastering The Art of Listening

KACHELBELA: Mastering The Art of Listening: Dear Diary, Day 5 of the  #Zip_it_40_Day_Challenge #Shut_Down_the_Motormouth Here is a quotable quote, “Most people...

Mastering The Art of Listening

Dear Diary,

Day 5 of the #Zip_it_40_Day_Challenge

#Shut_Down_the_Motormouth

Here is a quotable quote, “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply,” Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change. Besides, the Holy Book teaches, “To answer before listening, that is folly and shame,” Proverbs 18:13. “Everyone should be quick to listen; slow to speak and slow to become angry…,” James 1:19.

Last week I had a confrontation with someone. Honestly, I was well-meaning, but when I said the first word, the person interjected me sharply! Considering there were people around, I shut up and went home. Few minutes later the person send me some short messages. I returned the text, “I wish ungeniskiza kwanza!” What followed were insults and condemnation but for once I behaved and restrained myself from texting back angrily. I apologized but was met with hostility and my apology trashed, so because I didn’t want the matter to escalate, I blocked the number! The next day, this person sought audience with me but honestly, I had shut down and didn’t want to listen! I regretted starting the conversation; I should have minded my own business!

I love what am learning on my Day 5, the challenge is to learn to listen. Hearing is not necessarily listening. Ouch! You see, I have some traits of a typical sanguine-I dominate conversations; sometimes am not so patient enough with slow talkers so I do them a favour; sorry, I interrupt the conversation and help them complete what I think they needed to say. Eeer, I love spontaneity and long talks make me slip into wonderland and a time into dystopia. To the introvert, kieleweke, just because you’re quiet and you let others do 99% of the talking, doesn’t mean you’re a good listener. 

Today’s world is high-tech, high speed, and the art of listening has become a rare gift. How then do I even master the art of listening? They say a good listener makes eye contact; doesn’t interrupt; listens without judgement; observes non-verbal signals; creates a suitable environment, makes it easy. Am not anywhere close to this kind of maturity!  To be a good listener, I know I need patience, love and insight. Listening prepares a person to speak well. I won’t add any more word; I repent for being a poor listener. I resolve to be an intentional listener, so help me God! “God, you know she talketh! Please help her to be quick to listen. Amen.”

R,

NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: Know, Understand, Be wise

KACHELBELA: Know, Understand, Be wise: Dear Diary, Day 4  # 40Day_Zip_it_Challenge # Shut_the_Motormouth # Know_Understand_be_Wise Proverbs 18:2 says, “A fool takes ...

Know, Understand, Be wise

Dear Diary,

Day 4 #40Day_Zip_it_Challenge

#Shut_the_Motormouth
#Know_Understand_be_Wise

Proverbs 18:2 says, “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding but only in expressing his opinion,” Ouch!

I remember sometime last year after our August General elections, I saw a post on Facebook which I instantaneously shared in a huff. Shortly, two facebookers namely, Kanini June and Risper Mrembo sent me a DM. I remember Risper telling me how the Holy Spirit nudged her to repent because of the malicious propaganda and lies that were being peddled through social media. June wrote to me, “Don’t be caught up in the politicians’ gibberish…” That day I learned a valuable lesson. (You girls are good people, true sister keepers.) Some people will delay speech and judgment until they are conversant with facts and situation. Others are prone to broadcast the alleged information, data or facts instantaneously whether they know or are ill-informed of the circumstances.

When you receive facts, data or information how do you respond there and then? Well, now you know, only a fool “takes no pleasure in understanding,” Proverbs 18:2.

Next time before you express your opinion, make sure you are well-versed; be aware and have understanding of the facts and circumstances and be wise how you respond. Knowledge is the facts, data, information, awareness or familiarity about a situation. Understanding is ability to decode meaning from the facts. Wisdom is the ability to discern inner qualities; insight; good sense or judgment.

Proverbs 24:3-4 says, “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” Surely, it takes wisdom, knowledge and understanding to build, maintain and appreciate healthy and meaningful relationships. Only a fool “takes no pleasure in understanding,” and by so doing relationships are destroyed!

R,
Nzaku Nashipae

KACHELBELA: The Heart Tongue Connection

KACHELBELA: The Heart Tongue Connection: Dear Diary, On day 3 of the #Zip_it_40Day_Challenge #Shut_Down_the_Motomouth Yesterday I learned that nobody can tame the tong...

KACHELBELA: The Heart Tongue Connection

KACHELBELA: The Heart Tongue Connection: Dear Diary, On day 3 of the #Zip_it_40Day_Challenge #Shut_Down_the_Motomouth Yesterday I learned that nobody can tame the tong...

The Heart Tongue Connection

Dear Diary,

On day 3 of the #Zip_it_40Day_Challenge

#Shut_Down_the_Motomouth

Yesterday I learned that nobody can tame the tongue on his/her own will power; only with the help of the Holy Spirit. As prophet Zechariah declared, “It is not by power nor by might but by My Spirit,” says the Lord, Zech 4:6.

Both Matthew 12:33-34 and Luke 6:43-45, demonstrates a heart-tongue connection. “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good; or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad for a tree is recognized by its fruit,” Matt 12:33. In addition, “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him…, for the mouth speaks what the heart is full of,” Matt:12:35; Luke 6:45. Further, “But the things that come out of a person's mouth come from the heart, and these defile them,” Matt 15:18. When evil resides in the heart, it will be exposed in perverse speech.

Proverbs 4:23 says, “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” There are times we let unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, a critical spirit dock in our hearts! As a consequence, we let out unwholesome talk from our mouths, instead of what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.

The battle for verbal holiness starts in the heart. What have you stored up in your heart?

Now, I repent and resolve to allow the Holy Spirit to control my tongue. In addition, I resolve to fill my heart with “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,” Phil 4:8.

Dear reader, I don’t know about your experience but make sure what you store up in your heart is the right stuff-pure, lovely, true, noble, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.

R,

NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: Taming the Tongue

KACHELBELA: Taming the Tongue: Dear Diary, # 40_Day_Zip_It_Challenge So, I am more like a  # Motormouth ; an incessant talker! Am taking this journey because I am con...

KACHELBELA: Shut Down the Motormouth

KACHELBELA: Shut Down the Motormouth: On a  # 40_Day_Zip_it_Challenge Day 1 Motormouth is a person who talks quickly and incessantly. Proverbs 10:19, tells us that ...

Taming the Tongue

Dear Diary,

#40_Day_Zip_It_Challenge

So, I am more like a #Motormouth; an incessant talker! Am taking this journey because I am consciously aware that life and death are in the power of my tongue.

Day 2

#The_Battle_of_Verbal_Holiness
#Taming_the_Tongue

James 3:1-12 is an extensive and single most sustained discussion about the use of the tongue. Surprisingly, “Not many of you should become teachers my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness,” v.1. Why is it so? Well, what a teacher says has weight and potential influence and thus requires canon judgment and accountability. James tells us that mastery of tongue is a sign of maturity. He doesn’t talk like a perfect man though, “We all stumble in many ways. …and if anyone does not offend in speech, he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature,” v.2. Eer, am not anywhere close to this level of maturity!

The Disproportionate Power of the Tongue
• The tongue is like a bit in the mouth of a horse, v.3. The tiny object is able to control the massive muscle and energy of the horse and to give it a sense of direction.
• The tongue is like a rudder in a boat/ship, v. 4. Such a capacious and heavy vessel is directed by a small steering apparatus wherever the helmsman determines.
• Even so the tongue is a little member, and it can boast of great things. See how great a forest a tiny spark can set ablaze! The tongue is powerful indeed!

An unregenerate tongue is a crater of death
- Consider these vivid pictures. The tongue is:
1. A Fire, v. 6. A small uncontrolled spark can destroy a vast forest, so it is with a callous word and/or a loose phrase/sentence, it can consume and destroy a life! The energy source for such destruction is itself ignited from hell! Ouch!
2. A world of unrighteousness, v. 6.
3. A restless evil, v.8. The unregenerate tongue roves around and is swift to attack.
4. A deadly poison, v. 8. Suddenly or gradually, the venom of snakes, asps, scorpions eats away or destroys life, that’s so with the unregenerate tongue!
5. Contradictory in nature, v.10-12. The unregenerate tongue is the most contradictory thing in nature. With it we bless God and at the same time we curse people who are made in the image of God, v. 10. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. But this should not be so! “Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? … can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water,” v.11-12.

Resolution
“But no man can tame the tongue, v. 8?” Yes, no man can tame the tongue on his own will power. It takes the power of the Holy Spirit within me to control the tongue! As I cleave to Him and yield to Him in obedience, He controls my tongue. As I begin this 40-Day Challenge of learning to zip it, I pray that the Holy Spirit will control my tongue; I pray that He will convict me of any sinful/offensive word and will enable me to repent.

R,

Nzakunashipae

Shut Down the Motormouth

On a #40_Day_Zip_it_Challenge

Day 1

Motormouth is a person who talks quickly and incessantly.

Proverbs 10:19, tells us that when there are many words, sin and offense are unavoidable. But he who can muzzle his lips and maintain a thoughtful silence is wise.

Are you talkative? Well, learn to give your lips a break and perfect the art of wise and thoughtful silence.

This is my prayer and resolve, Psalm 39:1, I said, "I will watch my ways so that I will not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are present."

#Talk_Quality_not_Quantity

R,

NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: Life Worthy of the Gospel of Christ

KACHELBELA: Life Worthy of the Gospel of Christ: Dear Diary, It’s heart-breaking that in this generation many people are dissing the church because of ostensible living that is not wo...

Life Worthy of the Gospel of Christ

Dear Diary,

It’s heart-breaking that in this generation many people are dissing the church because of ostensible living that is not worthy the gospel of Christ. As a part of the body of Christ, I must admit there are times I have been a let-down. It is discouraging but I have good news, there is a remnant and hope because Christ promised, “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this Rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven,” Matthew 16:18-20.

To the remnants, here’s what God wants you to know, Philippians 1:27-30. Whatever happens, you are to live in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ, v.27. If you live sinning the message of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ is dishonored and shamed. The cause of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is served when people see and/or hear about your Christlike character, action and attitude.

Here are three areas Paul wants the contemporary church to demonstrate a manner of life worthy the Gospel of Christ:

1. Standing firm in one Spirit, v. 27. Whatever happens, the church must remain united in the body of Christ, firmly rooted in Biblical truth, beliefs and principles.
2. Having a unity of purpose-the Faith of the Gospel, v.27. Whatever happens, the church must have a unity of purpose and that is to strive together for the faith of the gospel.
3. In the face of difficulties and opposition, the church must remain audacious, v.28. Whatever happens, our conduct must be bold. When Christians refuse to be intimidated, it is an evidence of their own salvation as well as a proof that the enemy’s ultimate destruction is certain.
4. Whatever happens, the church must count it as a privilege to be granted to believe in Christ as well as to suffer for His sake, v.29-30.

In the face of trials, challenges and even successes, the church must remain steadfast in the Spirit, united in the body of Christ, striving together for the faith of the gospel, bold and joyful knowing it is a privilege to believe in Christ and to suffer for His sake.

So help me God to live a life worthy of the Gospel of Christ

Yours faithful Scribbler,

NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: Can’t we Get Along?

KACHELBELA: Can’t we Get Along?: Dear Diary, So, two women, Euodia and Syntyche were loyal and faithful followers of Christ; they had labored together in the ministr...

Can’t we Get Along?

Dear Diary,

So, two women, Euodia and Syntyche were loyal and faithful followers of Christ; they had labored together in the ministry; they were both heirs of eternal life; but they couldn’t see eye to eye! Why do I feel like Philippians 4:2 got me trapped! I have a friend I’ve been in constant, back-to-back conflicts with. It feels frustrating and gives me depressing moods, feelings and emotions. So, yester night it weighed heavily on me and I began praying for forgiveness and also for God to show me what I have be doing to fuel the conflict and help me take responsibility.

Certainly unity is critical for the spread of the gospel, besides, getting along is inevitable since we’d be seeing each other forever-in eternity. I believe that there is no broken relationship that is beyond the hope of God’s goodness. Conflicts can be resolved; sometimes we might need to seek the counsel of godly and wise friends to help us resolve our unending squabbles.

Facts and practical things to do in a situation of conflict

It is human to rub each other the wrong way at times, to feel irritable, angry, anxious and disappointed. Our approaches to problem solving will determine if the conflict will be destructive or constructive.

1. For the sake of the Lord, we must be intentional about getting along. If we don’t, we harm the Lord’s reputation; we hamper fellowship and worship; we handicap the body of Christ and our peace is affected.
2. God wants us to learn and be willing to get along. In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ taught that if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift, Matt 5:23-24.
3. It is also clear that as much as we have conflicts with each other, we do not have to parade it to everyone. Seek to work thing out with each other, and if necessary, seek an arbitrator in church, 1 Cor 6:1-8.
4. Take responsibility for your own behaviour. Do not always act the victim and others villains. Pride, stubbornness, defensiveness, aggressive tactics, unrealistic expectations, pettiness, insensitivity, judgmental spirit, twisting the reality, concluding that you know the other person’s motives without giving him/her benefit of doubt, bitterness, unforgiveness, using hurtful words, waiting for the other person to make the first move contribute to and fuel conflicts. Admit your responsibilities and take a step towards reconciliation.
5. Turn the searchlights of prayer on your own heart, attitudes and actions and choose your battles wisely; go on your knees and pray about the relationships involved and for wisdom to settle the squabbles. Pray for and expect God’s peace to fill you.
6. Lower the temperatures by speaking gently and calmly. Aggressiveness and harshness are destructive. When there is a need to confront a problem it is always good to:

·         Assert the positive, with sincerity and unambiguously

·         Confess your own responsibility in fuelling the conflict;

·         Explain the issue rather than attacking the person;

·         Focus on the main issue don’t go to ancient Timbuktu and back unnecessarily;

·         Avoid blaming and judging the other person;

·         Finally, extend grace to the other person.

Yours faithful scribbler,

NzakuNashipae