KACHELBELA: Nurturing Faith That Lasts

KACHELBELA: Nurturing Faith That Lasts: Dear Diary, # Nurturing_Faith_That_Lasts Last Saturday I was training Sunday School Leaders from PEFA Naivasha Central District at Na...

KACHELBELA: Does God Use Children to Accomplish His Strategic ...

KACHELBELA: Does God Use Children to Accomplish His Strategic ...: Hey y'all, SO, nimecome home abit bored & lazy, I picked this book, "Too Small to Ignore: Why Children Are the Next Big Th...

Does God Use Children to Accomplish His Strategic Goals in the Current Era?

Hey y'all,

SO, nimecome home abit bored & lazy, I picked this book, "Too Small to Ignore: Why Children Are the Next Big Thing," by Dr. Wess Stafford. I got myself warmly tucked in bed and schemed through the book. Chapter 13 caught my eyes, " When 'Follow the Leader' Isn't Child's Play" and I decided to read. I came across this story...enjoy :)

"During the Communist period in Albania, this little Balkan country was isolated from nearly everyone except its one ally, faraway North Korea. Travel was next to impossible. Radio and television broadcast signals from the Western world were jammed all across the country.

A little group of children in that dismal society was playing in an attic one day and found an old radio covered in dust and cobwebs. They somehow got it to work again, and lo and behold, it could pick up a Christian radio station! How this signal missed being jammed, nobody ever learned. The kids began to gather secretly in the attic and listen, with the volume turned way down low, whenever an Albanian-language program would come on.

In the time the gospel message got through to them, affecting their fertile hearts with great power. One by one they prayed to accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Now the secret programs became discipleship lessons as they learned to pray and slowly grew in their walk with Christ. This remained a strictly “No Adults Allowed” club, because the children knew their parents, in great fear of the authorities, would take away their precious radio and probably destroy it if they knew.

One day as they were listening to the speaker, they learned a new thing about God — that he was the Great Physician. Jesus had healed the sick, the man said, and apparently could still do it today. Looking at one another, the kids said simply, “Well, we know where the sick people are. Let’s go!”

This little band of courageous and compassionate children found their way down the city street and into the state-run hospital. They decided to start at the top floor, the third floor. Peeking inside the first room, they saw a very sick man. “Lord Jesus,” they prayed in the hallway, “here’s one. Please heal him.”

They shuffled off to the second room and, discovering yet another sick person, repeated their childlike prayer: “Jesus, you can do this. Please heal her,” they said quietly.

At the third doorway, their hearts were touched by the sight of a child about their age. “Oh, Jesus,” they prayed, “please heal that little boy. He needs you very much.”

As they worked their way down the hallway, door by door, a commotion began to build up behind them. Starting back at room one, patients were discovering that they had been healed and were getting out of bed in wonder. Oblivious to the distraction they were creating, the children continued their prayer trek down the hallway. Door by door they prayed, and miracles kept happening.

The bewildered nursing staff was too consumed with trying to get rejoicing people back into their beds to notice the little prayer band of children. They got to the end of the third floor and then disappeared. As the patients kept telling a common story of a little group of children in their doorways for a moment followed by healing, a search was launched for the kids. But they were nowhere to be found.

Besa Shapalo, the wonderful Albanian child worker who told me about this, said she eventually got word of the miracles at the hospital, recognized the description of the children, and caught up with the little band.

“Do you know what was happening back there at the hospital?” She asked them with excitement and wonder in her voice.

“What?” replied the children.

“People were getting healed! God was answering your prayers. Many people were healed that day. Did you know that?”

The children looked at her with innocent eyes and said, “Yes, Jesus is the Great Doctor. He can do that."" (224-226).

Wow!

Yours faithful scribbler,

NzakuNashipae

Nurturing Faith That Lasts

Dear Diary,

#Nurturing_Faith_That_Lasts

Last Saturday I was training Sunday School Leaders from PEFA Naivasha Central District at Naivasha Central Church on Servant Leadership and Commitment. During the break a lil' girl, Gloria came to me and effortlessly we picked a conversation. She introduced herself as Gloria; a pre-unit pupil. So, I ask her, "Gloria, do you go to Sunday School? She tells me yes and confirms she goes to this church we are gathered in for the training. Again I ask her, "Are you saved?" Her innocent answers inspired me. She didn't answer my question of course, but she went ahead to explain to me how God is powerful. She said, "Watu wanaombewa alafu wanaanguka huko kwa kanisa ju Mungu ako na nguvu alafu wanapona." Hahaa, curiosity led me to probe further, "Ati wanaanguka, juu Mungu ako na Nguvu? Aaaiii Gloria, ulijuaje?" "Si mama yangu alikuwa mgonjwa jana alafu daktari akamdunga (showing cubital fossa/inside of the elbow part)!" So, I press on her, " Kama daktari alidunga mom sindano, Mungu alimponyaje?" Oh, my little Gloria, her faith and conviction gave me a challenge. She said, "Eh, lakini Mungu ndio ako na nguvu ya kuponya."

Wow! Sounds naive? I don't know about you, but me, I want faith like that of my little Gloria. Faith is one of the three qualities (Faith, Hope and Love) that remain, 1 Corinthians 13:13. Hebrews 11:6 says, "Without Faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." I think of the boy David who defied might and logic; a lad full of faith slayed a giant, Goliath, 1 Samuel 17:1-54.

Faith triumphs over might, intellect, strategies, experience, logic, education and so on. Sadly the older we get, the more experience and education we acquire; we kind-a loose the greatest value-Faith. "Oh, Lord help me overcome my unbelief."

Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: Terms and Conditions Apply

KACHELBELA: Terms and Conditions Apply: Dear Diary, #Terms_and_Conditions_Apply #Are_the_Blessings_of_God_Unconditional? Every service provider gives terms and conditions ...

Terms and Conditions Apply

Dear Diary,

#Terms_and_Conditions_Apply
#Are_the_Blessings_of_God_Unconditional?

Every service provider gives terms and conditions for their services. Hakuna vitu vya "bwerere." The other day I saw a friend's post on FB that read (paraphrased), "Is God's love Unconditional really?" I thought about it critically and my conclusion is a YES and NO.

If not all of us, some of us love and like sensational preachers and/or preachings. You know, the feel good  #I_Decree_and_Declare" oratory.

Last week but one we had revival dubbed "Obtaining Favor" in our church, it was full house and we had a seasoned preacher, Bish. S. Munai of South B PEFA Church ministering to us. (A sneak-peek into what he shared: Psalm 5:12, the Lord will bless the righteous; with favor He will surround Him as with a shield. He defined favor, gave practical experiences and examples from the scripture. He also spoke about being established with favor and hindrances to favor. Certainly, no one can obtain, be established with and operate under the favor of God unconditionally. As we came to the close of the week, I realized that for every blessing there are terms and conditions. Some of the hindrances to favor that Bish. Munai spoke about are as follows: 1. Disobedience. You can't operate under God's favor when you're disobedient. "Obedience is better than sacrifice," 1 Samuel 15:19-24; 2. Sexual sin; 3. Pride; 4. Prayerlessness; 5. Miserly/stingyness.)

I have been revisiting my notes and thinking about the theme of our revival week. Surely, I want to obtain God's favor. I really do want His countless blessings to overtake me. I want to be established with favor. Well, here are some timeless terms and conditions gleaned from Deuteronomy 28:1-14 & 1 Chronicles 28:1-9 some of which Bish. Munai delved into:

1. Fully OBEY the Lord, Deut 28:1, 2, 9
2. Carefully FOLLOW & KEEP all His commands, v.1, 9,13
3. WALK in His ways, v. 9
4. Pay ATTENTION to the Commands of the Lord, v. 13
5. Do not TURN ASIDE FROM any of the Commands, v.14.
6. Do not FOLLOW or SERVE other gods, v.14
7. UNSWERVINGLY and CAREFULLY carry out and follow  God's commands, Deuteronomy 28:4
8. ACKNOWLEDGE the God, v.9
9. SERVE God with a loyal heart and a willing mind, v.9.
10. SEEK the Lord, v.9.

For a long time I have observed that there are terms and conditions that our tele-prosperity-gospel-preachers don't tell us. In my morning devotion today I was awed by Deuteronomy chapter 28. The first 14 verses speak of the blessings GOD wants to overtake us if we obey His commands and walk in His ways; the next 54 verses speak of terrifying curses if we don't obey and walk in God's ways. 

Dear sensational preacher, I know you preach to some credulous people; I know you want them to feel good; but for a moment can you stop decreeing and declaring and give us the principles? Can you honestly tell us God's blessings are not really for free? Can you humbly tell your followers the simple yet effective terms and conditions?

Dear excited audience, for a moment, can you stop yelling AMEN if you not ready to pay the price? Can you stop jumping and shouting, "Preach it Pastor (dad/mom)!" If you not intentional about the terms and conditions?

Watch out for the terms and conditions.

Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae
© Jesus loves you

KACHELBELA: CONSIDER THE RAVENS

KACHELBELA: CONSIDER THE RAVENS: Dear Diary, #Consider_the_Ravens #Unlimited_Supply #Nourishing_Sap I know from experience how it feels to be broke. I believe my reade...

CONSIDER THE RAVENS

Dear Diary,

#Consider_the_Ravens
#Unlimited_Supply
#Nourishing_Sap

I know from experience how it feels to be broke. I believe my readers too can identify with me.

In God's Kingdom there's enough; actually unlimited supply that you and I can activate on demand. Now, "Consider the Ravens.: they don't sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds?" Luke 12:24. How does God feed ravens if they really don't sow or reap? Well, my friend don't run with this verse thinking that you can sleep all day long and expect that God will feed you like the ravens. Consider the ravens, they are not unemployed or idle. God provides plenty of food for them but they have to FLY to FETCH it. Certainly if the raven isn't willing to fly to fetch the food it will die of hunger.

Dear child of God, your Heavenly Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom. Yeah, toil and sweat are the price we pay to get our provision but I want you to know that at Calvary God has given you dominion and authority; the ability to make wealth, Deuteronomy 8:18; He wants to bless the work of your hands. He wants enormous blessings to overtake you, Deuteronomy 28:1-14. In fact His blessing makes one rich and He adds no sorrow with it, Proverbs 10:22. However, you must Love Him, walk in His ways and obey His commands.

Consider the ravens! God has made unlimited supply but you must FLY and FETCH it; you must activate it. How? Take the right action- wake up and find work (stop idling expecting Manna and Quail from heaven); God wants to BLESS THE WORK OF YOUR HANDS; HE WANTS TO GIVE YOU THE ABILITY TO MAKE WEALTH. Importantly, God wants you to stay CONNECTED TO THE OLIVE TREE (JESUS CHRIST) to share in the nourishing sap from the Olive Root, Romans 11:17.

Ah, lest you forget! As you enter into the unlimited supply, do not forget the SUPPLIER. He want you to devote your wealth to fund His testimony on earth.

Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae
© Jesus loves you

KACHELBELA: #Annihilate-The_Enemy_Completely

KACHELBELA: #Annihilate-The_Enemy_Completely: Dear Diary, #Crush_Your_Enemy_Completely #No_Pitty_Party_For_The_Enemy This is one of those amusing, telltale and scandalous stories I ...

#Annihilate-The_Enemy_Completely

Dear Diary,

#Crush_Your_Enemy_Completely
#No_Pitty_Party_For_The_Enemy

This is one of those amusing, telltale and scandalous stories I have heard today. So, today on my way to work, I caught up with 3of my workmates and I joined in their chit-chat. So this one guy told us how he caught a rat swimming in his basin full of water he intended to do laundry yesterday. The rat was drowning and trying hard to stay afloat. It was desperately gasping for breath. He said to himself, "Haka kapanya kameniangaisha sana acha kakufe kwa maji." He went on with his errands but then another thought came to him. Probably you're thinking he caught it and flashed it in the toilet or killed it heinously. Actually, he didn't kill it. He rescued it and put it outside his house. Damn this guy! Okay. There are animal rights activists and NzakuNashipae ain't one of rat activist. Well, if it were me, I'd have killed it like a mosquito, with no mercy then later I'd probably be booked in at KNH with a heart complication. This guy mentioned that the rat has been giving him depression for a while but he just rescued it? Eish, who does that?

Anyhu, as I settled in the office, I thought about the scenario and I have this to say. Law 15 of the 48 Laws of Power states, "Crush Your Enemy Totally." All great leaders since the days of Moses, David, Gideon,Saul and other great leaders know that a potential enemy must be annihilated without mercy. Look here, if one small ember is left alight, certainly the smoldering remains of a fire will break out and eventually it will be destructive. That half dead viper you're nursing will give you a fatal bite. You and I have a chief enemy whose intentional mission is to steal, kill and destroy, John 10:10. Do not sympathize with the enemy, give him no foothold to maneuver. Annihilate him completely in the name of Jesus.

Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: The Day I Discovered My Purpose in Life

KACHELBELA: The Day I Discovered My Purpose in Life: Back in 2002-2007, I didn’t know or understand my purpose in life. I kept jumping from one wagon to another. I tried acting, dancing, sing...

The Day I Discovered My Purpose in Life

Back in 2002-2007, I didn’t know or understand my purpose in life. I kept jumping from one wagon to another. I tried acting, dancing, singing, writing (actually I even became a news and feature reporter for "Keep The Candle burning Magazine,"btw, Mshillah Mwakughu iliendaje?; Later became an editor for Pass-a-Magazine; and even the Diary of a faithful Scribbler saw the light of the day at https://kachelinspiredtoinspire.blogspot.com).

In 2006 I did a diploma in Community Development & Social Work and a Certificate course in HIV & AIDS Training & Counselling. I volunteered in several CBOs as a counsellor and trainer, even in some IDP camp during the 2007/8 PEV. But still, I wasn’t fulfilled inside.

Early 2007, I remember attending a kesha in our church then answered an altar call where my passie told me teaching ministry is what he was seeing. Well, I didn’t like the idea! Nah, teaching kidoz wasn’t glamorous like being a songbird at the pulpit on a Sunday morn. Sorry, teacher? I went on praying God to reveal to me what Kingdom business He wanted me to transact in. By the way my mama wanted me to pursue a teaching career but hey, me and chalk? Nah! Months later, one Sunday, after our 1st Service I was just roaming around church then saw kids all over (as if I hadn’t seen them before), and felt a nudge to get involved in Sunday school. I pushed the voice away and told myself, #I_Cant_be_Good_With_Kids. The poke was too much; too loud and too conspicuous, I couldn’t resist. There and then I got in one class and began to organize the kids. I do not remember the rest of the details but one thing I can confidently say is that children’s ministry has been sheer bliss. I feel thrilled there. Well, I’ll be honest, I’m not good with the toddlers though. I wish my heart can be won with love for those little munchkins but meanwhile am game with 8yrs-12yr olds. They stole my heart and there’s no turning back. Am hopeful when I’ll turn 65yrs, I’ll still be thrilled. If God allows me to taste my first bonus year, at 71yrs, I’d still be thrilled and relevant, so help me God!

#Building_Kingdom_Kids

NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: Get Ready to Teach Sunday Schoolers

KACHELBELA: Get Ready to Teach Sunday Schoolers: Dear Diary, # A_Sneak_Peek_Into_the__Life_of_a_Sunday_School_Teacher Lesson Planning Tips Being a Sunday school teacher is one of the b...

Get Ready to Teach Sunday Schoolers

Dear Diary,

#A_Sneak_Peek_Into_the__Life_of_a_Sunday_School_Teacher
Lesson Planning Tips

Being a Sunday school teacher is one of the best opportunities of life. It is an opportunity that demands a sense of responsibility. It’s an opportunity that attempts to change the eternal destiny of boys and girls. Being a Sunday school teacher is exciting but also a hard work. In fact Sunday School is more like a construction site.

#Getting_Ready_to_Teach
Teaching children about God is service to God. Only He knows the degree of your commitment and faithfulness to the task.

The following preparations will determine the quality of your teaching:

A. Prayer preparation
- A teacher must prepare himself through prayer.
- As you prepare to teach children about God, pray for a teachable spirit (for yourself and the children you are teaching).
- Ask God to help you see wondrous things in His word, Psalm 119:18.
- Pray for the teaching help of the Master Teacher-the Holy Spirit, John 14:26. Only He can teach us the whole truth; the same way you pray for/bless food before partaking it, pray for the guidance in your leson study preparation. Spiritual truths cannot be understood apart from the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Finally, pray for the conviction of sin, John 16:7-11; for the impact of the word and for empowerment of the Holy Spirit upon the children you’re teaching.

B. Long range planning
- Try visualizing the bigger picture. Make proper plans for presentation of the word of God. Planning helps you to gather the necessary teaching aids/materials.

C. Evaluate your previous lesson
- Before preparing lesson for your next class session, do an evaluation of your weaknesses and strengths, this is an indication of professional growth and a pursuit of excellence. If possible, you can ask your colleagues for honest constructive criticism.

D. Write the lesson plan/outline
- Each day set a side time and special place to do your bible and lesson study. It is better than cramming things on Sunday morning. Here are some helpful and indispensable steps to make a lesson outline:

Step 1. Write the lesson aim
Teaching is not a hit or miss endeavour. It is not just communicating content, it is aimed at making a decision. So, what decision do you have in mind for the children to make?. State your aim clearly and determine what you want the children to know (mind), to feel (emotions) and to do (will). A lesson aim gives direction, unity, order, and efficiency to your study.

Step 2. Study the Bible passage
Ask yourself what’s the context, central idea, problem, and practical application of the passage.
You can use commentaries, dictionaries, concordance etc.

Step 3. Arrange the lesson outline
Develop an organized content. Build an outline by using either a series of factual/opinion/discussion/exploration/interpretive questions or proposition statements.

Step 4: Write the Conclusion
Imagine going fishing without a hook, can you catch any fish? No! The aim of the lesson forms the basis of your conclusion. Summarize your main ideas, refresh the minds of your audience and invite them for decision. Loose ends can be allowed especially if they’ll drive the child to discover/seek answers and resolve issues for themselves.

Step 5: Write the lesson introduction
This is the second last part of lesson preparation. It should catch the attention of the child, inspire action, create a desire/interest to learn; and promise result(s).

Step 6: Choose the Teaching Method
What method(s) can you use with your class to present the truth of the gospel? Have a variety. Choose a method that is:
- Best suited for your lesson aim
- Age appropriate
- Best suited for class environment and size
- Within your budget
- Best gets the children involved

Enjoy your Teaching Ministry.

Regards,
NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: SERVING WITH A LOYAL HEART AND WILLING MIND

KACHELBELA: SERVING WITH A LOYAL HEART AND WILLING MIND: Dear Diary, #Serving_With_a_Loyal_Heart_and_Willing_Mind Have you ever found yourself serving someone, maybe your mother, father, child,...

SERVING WITH A LOYAL HEART AND WILLING MIND

Dear Diary,

#Serving_With_a_Loyal_Heart_and_Willing_Mind

Have you ever found yourself serving someone, maybe your mother, father, child, sibling, friend, guest, stranger but your heart was not sincere neither was your mind willing, but you served anyway? Imagine you wake up one day and discover that the person who has been serving you in one way or the other didn't have a sincere heart and willing mind while serving you, how'd you feel? 

Dear heart and mind, if your motives for serving are to be refined through fire, do you think your works will survive the test of the fire?

When serving God and His people, in big and small ways, what's the attitude of your heart; how is the state of your mind? What be your motivation? Writing to the Collosae church, Apostle Paul instructs the Christian servants to do whatever they do, with all their heart, as working for the Lord. Be it cooking, cleaning utensils, shoe-shining, mopping etc do it as unto the Lord, not for men. Whether you're serving God or men in big and in small ways, do so with a loyal heart and a willing mind. Serve with sincerity of heart and and reverence for the Lord, Colossians 3:22-24.

There's a reward you'll receive for serving God and his people with a sincere/loyal heart and willing mind, v. 24. Don't complain. Be excellent. Be intentional in your service. The attitude of you heart matters. Don't pretend you enjoy serving when deep inside you're not loyal. If the service isn't from a willing mind, stop! Examine your heart and mind and ask the Holy Spirit to help you.

Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae

© Jesus loves you