Father, Oh Father, Please Bless Me Indeed!

Dear Diary,

#Do_You_Know_Your_Own_Need_Intimately?

Here's a question Jesus asked the people He ministered, "What do you want (Me to do for you)?" Mark 10:51; John 1:38; Matt. 20:32; Lk 18:41. Do you know your own need intimately? Now, if it were you, how'd you answer Jesus?

1 Chronicles 4:10, so Jabez cried out to God saying, "Oh that You would bless me!" Before audaciously asking God to bless you, what really does it mean to be blessed? What's your definition of blessing? What do you suppose is God's definition of blessing?

Proverbs 10:22 (GNT) says, "It is the LORD'S blessing that makes you wealthy. Hard work can make you no richer." So, what really is Blessing?

Matthew 7:7 says, "Ask and it shall be given to you." What exactly are you or am I to ask God for? Should I entirely leave it up to God to decide how and when He should bless me or should I be specific how and when I want Him to bless me?

Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: Be Thankful

KACHELBELA: Be Thankful: Dear Diary, 10/1/2019, 10:03pm #Be_Thankful #Nara_Ekele_Mo Lest you forget, everyday have a gratitude list. Forget not all o...

Be Thankful

Dear Diary,

10/1/2019, 10:03pm

#Be_Thankful

#Nara_Ekele_Mo

Lest you forget, everyday have a gratitude list. Forget not all of His benefits, Psalm 103:2. Yesterday, God reminded me how much I have to thank Him for and my song was Travis Greene and Tim Godfrey’s, “Nara nara e, Nara ekele (Take, take, take thanksgiving) Nara ekele mo (Take my thanksgiving)” Indeed, what shall I render to Jehovah? Hasn’t He done so very much for me! Thanksgiving it is!

Dr. Luke tells us of an incidence where ten lepers were healed and only one of them, a Samaritan went back to give thanks to Jesus. As Jesus entered into a village along the border between Samaritan and Galilee, ten lepers met him and from a distance they cried out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” v. 13. When Jesus saw them, surely He had pity on them. He said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.”  As they went, they were cleansed, v.14. When the foreigner-a Samaritan saw that he was healed, he went back praising God, “In a loud voice, he threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him,” v.16. Jesus was impressed by the faith and the attitude of the Samaritan, on the flip side he was disappointed that the rest didn’t come back to give thanks, v.18.

What have you asked God for? Has He done it? Have you thanked Him? In case you feel like God hasn’t done anything for you, consider 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks to God in ALL circumstances for it the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” In addition, Psalm 103:2, “Forget not all His benefits.” What are they? Forgiveness of sins, v. 3, 12; Healing of diseases and sickness, v. 3; Redemption, v.4; love and compassion, v. 4,11,13,17. In fact, “Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for His compassion never fail,” Lamentations 3:22; God satisfies your hearts desires with good things, Ps. 103:5; grants justice, v.6; He has been and is gracious, v.6; He has revealed His ways and deeds to you, v.7; He doesn’t treat you as your sin deserve or repay you according to your iniquity, v. 10. You see, there are billions of things to thank God for!

Resolve to create a list of things to thank God for each day. Thank Him for what He has done in the past. Thank Him for what He is doing now. Thank Him even for what He will do tomorrow.

Have a thankful weekend.

Yours faithful scribbler,

NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: The Ultimate Surrender

KACHELBELA: The Ultimate Surrender: Dear diary, 9/1/2019, 12:46pm #The_Ultimate_Surrender We sing McDowell’s song, “I surrender all to you; Everything I give to you...

The Ultimate Surrender

Dear diary,

9/1/2019, 12:46pm

#The_Ultimate_Surrender

We sing McDowell’s song, “I surrender all to you; Everything I give to you; Withholding nothing; Withholding nothing,” or Damita Hadon’s, “My heart, my mind, my soul belongs to You; My love, my life, it all belongs to You; Belongs to You, belongs to You.

Yes, I surrender it all; Yes, I turn it all over; Yes, it all belongs to You.” Are you sure you are surrendering all? Are you sure you are not withhold anything? Does your life, you whole being belong to Him?

Most times parents’ hopes are bound up with their children. And so the loss of a child hits them with greater force than perhaps any other loss. Because of this, God’s command to Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac is one of the most moving stories in the Bible. Abraham’s unquestioning response staggers me! Gen 21:11-14, God asked Abraham to give up his son Ishmael, “The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son,” v. 11.  In another incidence, God said to Abraham, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love Isaac and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you,” genesis 22:2. How can God make such demands? Ah, He is Sovereign, I remember! Without a hint of hesitation, Abraham rose early the next morning to go do what God commanded Him, v.3. He trustingly and obediently went to the place, the very spot God directed him, v. 3, 9. Full of faith he spoke to his servants, “We will worship then we will come back,” v. 5. And when Isaac asked, “Where is the lamb?” v.7 He said, “God will provide,” v. 8. After preparing the altar, he bound his son, and stretched his hand and took a knife ready to slay him, v. 9-10. Wow! As scary as it is, Abraham was willing and ready to sacrifice his son believing in God’s ability. Abraham didn’t withhold his son from God, v.12.

As soon as Abraham revealed the intent of his heart, God called to him and prevented him from carrying out the sacrifice of Isaac. He showed him the ram caught in the bushes as the substitute, v.11-14. God then repeated His promised blessings and even intensified matters with an oath. Abraham joyfully returned to Beersheba with Isaac.

When God asked Abraham for the ultimate demonstration of love and commitment, He asked for Abraham's son. Do you resolve to surrender your life, your being to God?

Yours faithful scribbler,

NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: God is Sovereign

KACHELBELA: God is Sovereign: Dear diary, 6/1/2019, 9:46pm #God_Is_Sovereign #I_Am_Responsible It’s the 6th day of the year. We all have resolution(s) and a list...

God is Sovereign

Dear diary,

6/1/2019, 9:46pm

#God_Is_Sovereign
#I_Am_Responsible

It’s the 6th day of the year. We all have resolution(s) and a list of things we’d want God to do for us in the course of the year, don’t we! As I was praying about my plans and resolutions, God reminded me that He is Sovereign. Previously, I wrote about asking God for audacious faith and having an audacity to ask. Sometimes, what we audaciously ask and believe God for is not necessarily what He wants for us. It is therefore important to always pray, “Not my will but Yours be done.”

Come with me to Genesis 17, thirteen years after the birth of Ishmael and 24yrs after the initial encounter with God; He appeared to Abraham, “I am God Almighty (El-Shaddai),” Genesis 17:1. Undoubtedly, Yahweh is the One who has infinite Power. He is limitless. In His sovereignty: He commanded Abraham, “…walk before Me and be blameless, v.1; “As for you, you must keep my covenant,” v. 9; He initiated, followed through and fulfilled His purposes in His time and way, v.2-8; He spelled out what He’d do with and for Abraham, v.2-8; He even changed Abram and Sarai’s names to Abraham and Sarah respectively, v. 5, 15.  When Abraham asked God that Ishmael, his son by Hagar, be God’s chosen one, God denied his request. Instead, He sovereignly chose to establish His covenant with Isaac, v. 18, 20-21. Ishmael represents man’s effort helping God out. God’s sovereignty means that He gets all the glory and man gets none.
Friends, though God is sovereign, you and I have a real responsibility and freedom in the choices we make. These choices are ours and they will affect and modify the rest of our lives and we cannot blame God for them. You and I are responsible to submit to God’s sovereignty and to walk before Him in obedience, holiness, trust, submission and humility no matter the difficulties.

Resolve to submit to God’s sovereignty and to walk before Him in humility, holiness, trust, and submissive obedience.

Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: Before Making that Decision Have You Inquired of t...

KACHELBELA: Before Making that Decision Have You Inquired of t...: Dear Diary, 4/1/2019, 6:33pm. #Wacha_Kiforwardforwad, #Before_Making_that_Decision_Have_You_Inquired_of_the_Lord? When you have issues...

Before Making that Decision Have You Inquired of the Lord?

Dear Diary,

4/1/2019, 6:33pm.

#Wacha_Kiforwardforwad, #Before_Making_that_Decision_Have_You_Inquired_of_the_Lord?

When you have issues in your life, what's your first step?
God never turns a deaf ear to any of our inquiries. Do you. have intent to know God's will? Cultivate a habit of always inquiring of the Lord and waiting for His direction.

One of the characteristic features of King David's biography is that whenever he had an enemy or a trial to face, he frequently sought for God's counsel and direction, and each time he inquired, the LORD gave him a clear and definite answer. How about you?

In 1 Chronicles 23:1-3, we are told that the Philistines besieged one of Judah's fortified cities, Keilah. Fear paralized David's troop but David inquired of the Lord, "Shall I go and attack the Philistines?" God gave him a definite answer, "Go, I will give the Philistines into your hand," v.4. Shortly, King Saul heard that David was in Keilah. He plotted to besiege him and his men, once again David inquired of the Lord, "Will the citizens of Keilah deliver me and my men to Saul?" v. 12. And the Lord said, "They will" So, David and his men left Keilah, v.13. You see, David had a justifiable reason to assume that because he delivered Keilah from the Philistines, its citizens would be loyal. He didn't put his confidence in them but sought the counsel of the Lord.

In yet another incidence, David and his men came to Ziklag and found that the Amalekites had raided it and destroyed it  by fire; their wives and children taken captive. I tell you, they wept until there was no more strength in them to weep, 1 Sam 30:3-6. Once again, David inquired of the Lord, Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them and succeed in the rescue?" v. 8. So David and his men pursued the  raiding party, fought them and recovered everything they had taken, v. 19.

In the course of time, David inquired of the Lord, "Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?" The Lord said, "Go up" David asked, "Where shall I go?" "To Hebron," the Lord answered, 2 Sam 2:1. So, David went up there with his wives and the men who were with him each with his family. Then the men of Judah came to Hebron and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah, v.4.

When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, David heard about it and again inquired of the Lord, "Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?" 2 Sam 5:17-19. The Lord answered him, "Go, for I will surely hand the Philistines over to you," v.19. So, David went and he defeated them, v.20. Once more, the Philistines spread out in the valley of Raphaim, so David inquired of the Lord and He answered, "Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam tree," v. 22-24. David did as the Lord directed him and he struck down the Philistines, v.25.

Purpose that this year you will inquire of the Lord for counsel and direction.

Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae
© Jesus loves you

KACHELBELA: Ask and Do Not Doubt

KACHELBELA: Ask and Do Not Doubt: Dear Diary, 3/1/2019, 6:23pm. #Ask_and_Do_Not_Doubt #Audacious_Faith Early in the morning Jesus and His disciples were making their w...

Ask and Do Not Doubt

Dear Diary,

3/1/2019, 6:23pm.

#Ask_and_Do_Not_Doubt
#Audacious_Faith

Early in the morning Jesus and His disciples were making their way back to the city from Bethany. Famished, He expected to find some fruit in a fig tree by the road. Unfortunately He found nothing on it except leaves. What a disappointment! Then He said to it, "May you never bear fruit again!" Immediately, the tree withered. When the disciples saw that, they were amazed, "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" Jesus seized the moment to teach them that faith produces results. "If you have faith and do not doubt,  not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer,"  Matt. 21:18-22. When you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. If you doubt, do not think you will receive anything from the Lord, James 1:6-7.

Wow! Don't I want this audacious Faith! Matt. 17:20 affirms, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed you can say to this mountain, 'move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Cheeei!

In 1 Chronicles1:7, God appeared to Solomon and said to him, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you." You well know what he asked for, Wisdom and knowledge! v. 10. (Woi, aki Mungu si anitoklezee tu aniulize nataka anipee nini! :-)). While at it, true faith is in God, Mark 11:22; it is a work of God in our hearts, "Jesus, help me overcome my unbelief," Mark 9:24. True faith is created in us by the Holy Spirit, we can't produces it in our minds! It is a gift imparted to us. True faith is under the control of God, it is not to be used for selfish ambitions, James 4:3.

What are you audaciously asking God for tonight? For me, "Oh, Lord, that you would give me such an audacious Faith!"

Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae
© Jesus loves you

KACHELBELA: Audacity to Ask

KACHELBELA: Audacity to Ask: Dear Diary, 2/1/2019 #Audacity_to_Ask So, it's that time of the year, some people call it Njaanuary especially because of the just...

KACHELBELA: A Paradigm Breaker

KACHELBELA: A Paradigm Breaker: Dear Diary, 1/1/2019, 10:56am #A_Paradigm_Breaker Yaaaas and hurrraaay! It's the first day of 2019. I scribbled this note at 10:56...

A Paradigm Breaker

Dear Diary,

1/1/2019, 10:56am

#A_Paradigm_Breaker

Yaaaas and hurrraaay! It's the first day of 2019. I scribbled this note at 10:56am. I must confess that am super excited about 2019.

Straight to the point, in 2019 I will dare ASK God for greatness. I have been inspired by the prayer of Jabez and God's invitation to call to Him in Jeremiah 33:3. Guys, if you see things happening in and through my life this year, don't ask me what the secret is. The secret is PRAYER of faith, I have already told you! You know, sio uchawi. Ata sio illuminati. Ni Maombi ya imani kwa Jina la Yesu!

Let me tell you, 1 Chronicles chapters 1-9 is quite boring. It's a roll call of official family tree of the Hebrews, starting from Adam to Israel's tribes. In fact many of us jump the chapters and start off on chapter 10. In chapter 4 vs 9, there's a paradigm breaker then the chapter picks up the roll call like nothing happened. It's Jabez! This man, "He was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named Him Jabez, saying, "I gave birth to him in pain." Jabez cried out to the God of Israel,"Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request, v.9-10. Wow, what a paradigm breaker!  That was a simple and direct prayer with remarkable results.

Why not ask?

While in detention, the word of the Lord (the Lord who formed the earth and established it; the God whose name is LORD (Yahweh/Jehovah/the Great I Am/the Covenant Keeper) came to Jeremiah, saying, "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know," Jer 33:3.

How can a man borne in pain be honorable? What made the difference? How can a man in detention receive great mysteries of God?

Here's an invitation that will make a difference, cry out to the God of Israel, the One who formed the earth and established it; His name is #LORD #Yahweh #Jehovah #The_Great I_Am. Year 2019, don't assume, instead, Ask/Pray/CallToGod! It doesn't matter the pain you have been through or have caused; it doesn't matter your condition or the prison you might be in, just Ask God to enlarge your sphere of influence; ask Him for favor; ask Him to keep you from harm so that you'll be free from pain; ask Him to reveal His unsearchable mysteries to you!

Voila! Request granted!

Feliz Año Nuevo!

Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae
© Jesus loves you

Audacity to Ask

Dear Diary,

2/1/2019

#Audacity_to_Ask

So, it's that time of the year, some people call it Njaanuary especially because of the just ended festivities. It's that time when you ask someone to give you fifty shillings and they remind you that it's Njaanuary, there's school fees and other utility bills to be paid! However, some people don't know it is Njaanuary, they have an audacity to ask!

The other day, I called my mom. I asked her to send me some money for lunch (I was hungry but didn't have any money). She LOL'd. Shortly she sent me MPESA. Well, I had the audacity to ask her for it!

Asking implies consciousness of need and the belief that God hears when we ask and answers. Matthew 7:7-11, Jesus Christ gave us an assurance that everyone who asks receives. James 4:2 tells us that we do not have because we do not ask and sometimes we ask but we do not receive because we ask with wrong motives. Where do you/I fall?

If you have the audacity to ask for something from your earthly father or guardian and he gives you, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him! Matt 7:11. Recognize God's fatherly goodness and love; He knows what you need before you even ask, Matt 6:8. This 2019, keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking. In other words persevere! Sometimes, God does not respond quickly but keep on and while at it, see to it that your motives are right and be obedient to His will.

Be Audacious, won't you! :-)

Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae
© Jesus loves you