How do we prepare for worship and/or access to God’s presence?

In Moses’ days it was dangerous to encounter God’s holy presence without appropriate cleansing and preparation. The preparation was detailed and meticulous. How about in the 21^st century? How do we prepare to access God’s presence?

First, I must mention that in Moses’ days, God’s presence was no always available for every person. The priests were the ones who had access to God’s presence, and their preparation to meet with God was literally a matter of life and death.

How was it? 1 Chronicles 15:

¹¹ Then David summoned Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel and Amminadab the Levites. ¹² He said to them, “You are the heads of the Levitical families; you and your fellow Levites are to consecrate yourselves and bring up the ark of the Lord, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it. ¹³ It was because you, the Levites, did not bring it up the first time that the Lord our God broke out in anger against us. We did not inquire of Him about how to do it in the prescribed way.” ¹⁴ So the priests and levites consecrated themselves in order to bring up the Ark of the Lord, the God of Israel. ¹⁵ And the Levites carried the ark of God with the poles on their shoulders, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the Lord.

Here are some things to note from the above passage: a place was prepared for the Ark of Covenant/God’s presence, (vs. 1); they had to seek the Lord (Prayer, vs 13); the levites and the priests were to consecrate (make holy) themselves vs.14. Barry Hall, “A technical definition of consecration means that you are to set yourself apart from evil, turn to the Lord, and be prepared to be used by God.” The Bible says, "You shall consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, for I am the Lord your God" (Leviticus 20:7).  2 Chron. 29:31, “Then Hezekiah said, ‘Now you have consecrated yourselves to the Lord; come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of the Lord....’”

To approach God’s presence the priests were required to be consecrated in a specific manner (Ex. 29:1-46; Lev 8:1-36); wear sacred garments (Ex. 30:7-8); burn fragrant incense on the altar every morning & evening (Ex. 30:7-8); wash their hands and feet with water from the sacred basin (Ex 30: 19-21); and make atonement annually with the blood of the sin offering for atonement (Ex. 30:10). There was stiff penalty for the priests if they did not comply with these regulations (eg. Aaron’s sons missed the mark, and God literally sent fire to consume them-Lev 10).

There are many times I have approached God’s presence with presumption. The holiness of God can be so familiar to us that we lose the respect of where we are and how we got there. There are times I have rushed into the throne room instead of waiting for His guidance.

In the 21^st century, every person has access to the throne room. God’s presence is available to every person. God expects us to approach His throne of grace with confidence (Heb 4:16) and at the same time in humility.

In his sermon no. 1024 delivered on November 19th, 1871, C. H. Spurgeon states that God is to be viewed in prayer as our Father; that is the aspect which is dearest to us; but still we are not to regard Him as though he were such as we are; He is infinitely greater than ourselves and is to be regarded as King, and in prayer we come, not only to our Father's feet, but we come also to the throne of the Great Monarch of the universe. The mercy-seat is a throne, and we must not forget this. He then suggests the following:  prayer should always be regarded by us as an entrance into the courts of the royalty of heaven; our spirit should, in the first place, be one of lowly reverence. It is expected that the subject in approaching to the king should pay him homage and honour. The king before whom we come is the highest of all monarchs, the King of kings, the Lord of lords. Emperors are but the shadows of His imperial power. “My soul be thou sure that when thou drawest nigh to the Omnipotent, who is as a consuming fire, thou put thy shoes from off thy feet, and worship Him with lowliest humility.” Secondly, the throne is to be approached with devout joyfulness. Whenever we approach the throne of grace, it should be with complete submission. We are called to the throne of grace, not to the throne of law. Rocky Sinai once was the throne of law, when God came to Paran with ten thousand of his holy ones. Who desired to draw near to that throne? Let us ask the Spirit of God to put us in a right frame, that every one of our prayers may be a reverential approach to the Infinite Majesty above.

The Missed Call & Faulty Phone Number!

Today I made two calls that went unanswered. I made another but the number was not in use. Later in the day, someone called me but I deliberately ignored his call because I new what he wanted and I didn't have a relevant answer at that moment; I said to myself, "I'll call him later" 

Now, how do u feel when you make a call or send a text message that goes unanswered for minutes,hours,days,weeks or months? Many times we feel ignored,frustrated,desperate or even we burn with anger & probably develop an attitude. I have been there...i felt ignored, bitter...etc. 

As I scribbled this experience on my journal God placed Jeremiah 33:3 in my heart "With God it's never a missed call or a faulty line." Jeremiah 33:3 says, "call to Me & I'll answer you & tell you great & unsearchable things you do not know." 

So friends keep calling... It's never a missed/ignored call or a faulty line with our God. Thank God for the answered prayer and even for theunanswered one. You don't have to be bitter with Him if He delayed returning your call.. Keep calling Him,He will hear and answer

Kachel

No Situation is Beyond God's Redemption

I just read Ezekiel 37:1-14-the Valley of Dry Bones.

As I picture the (very) dry bones, scattered all over the valley. I'm trying to get this... there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone.  I see the, tendons and flesh appearing on them and skin covering them and God's breath of life in them!

I cannot fathom this wonder. I am in awe! How could (very) dry bones live?

I hear the man of God Ezekiel prophesying God's word to the dry bones saying, "Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!" This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: 'I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life'." 

Looking at this situation there was no hope of life but imagining the sudden movement, the rattling sound, the restoration and reconstruction of bones to a skeleton and finally God breathing on them life.... That was Israel people! They were hopeless and felt cut off but thank the LORD (Covenant keeper), He had good plans for His people, Jeremiah 29:11.

Sometimes I feel like my life is there; on that valley of dryness but #AmHopeful.

When all hope is gone and God begins to reconstruct and restore your life, people will know He is LORD (Covenant Keeper). I'm a beneficiary of God's goodness. My life has taken shape courtesy of His unmerited grace. #GreaterThingsAreYetToCome.

Lot's o'luv,

Kachel

I’ve a confession to make, Please don’t judge or condemn me!

Dear Friend,

Several nights a week, I have invited strange and sometimes obscene people into my home. People I really don’t know and with whom I would normally not associate with. Mostly, they come around 5pm and leave late night. Oh, I can actually ask them to leave anytime but sometimes I don’t. I let them do whatever they want then they leave.

Now, this is a bit embarrassing but I have to tell you anyway. I have watched some of my guests kiss and have sex right there in my living room; some are those one night-stand instances. I have hosted heterosexuals, gay, lesbians name it all! I have listened to their explicit sexual conversations, songs and seen their sexual escapades which really make me uncomfortable but again, I do or say nothing to stop them.  I am actually ashamed to tell you this stufft, yet I sit there unmoved, passively taking it all in. I know you won’t like this but I must also confess that some of my guests have had the gut to ridicule my faith and my God right in front of me, in my own house; they mock but still I do nothing.

Now, the other day I went to church and while sitting there listening to the preacher, some of the images and conversations flooded my mind. I didn’t hear anything the preacher said because I was carried away by those images and conversations.  I am afraid I may never rid my mind of these negative, repugnant and damaging memories. Though it seems like a harmless entertainment, whenever my guests leave am left fantasizing and tempted to explore their world. 

Please don’t judge me! I wish I did something to keep these obscene things from happening under my roof.

The TV and some FM stations have impacted our lives big time. All of us have the control over what or who comes into our homes. Before watching that seemingly harmless entertainment, ask yourself, how is watching these kind of shows benefiting or harming me and my family? If Jesus came visiting your home, would you watch that entertainment show with Him?  

We have been blaming the media-esp. TV programmes, FM stations etc but...

You have your remote control, you know what to do!

KachelNashipae

Proverbs 3, Don't be fooled, prosperity or healing is not in "Sowing Seed"

Proverbs 3 can be divided into five sets as follows:

1. Actions and Consequences 3:1-12

2. The delights of wisdom 3:13-20.

3. The practical benefits of Wisdom 3:21-26.

4. Generosity and good neighbourliness 3:27-31
5. Concluding Summary

Today, I'll focus on #SetOne Proverbs 3:1-12
This part presents six pairs of specific actions and the corresponding consequences or outcome. Your healing or prosperity is in the following:
Being obedient to God's commands; Love and Faithfulnes; Trusting and relying on God; Reverence for God; Honoring God with what He's blessed you with; Gladly accepting the Lord's discipline.

Come with me, let's explore.

#1. Do not forget My teaching, keep My commands in your heart (obey and follow) vs.1.
Outcome: Prolonged life and prosperity vs. 2.

#2. Let love and faithfulness never leave youvs. 3.
Outcome: You will win favor and good name with God and man vs.4.

#3. Trust God and rely not on you own understanding vs.5
Outcome: Experience God's guidance-He'll make your paths straight vs. 6.

#4. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil vs.7
Outcome: It will bring health into your body and nourishment to your bones vs.8.

#5. honor the Lord with your wealth, with firstfruits of ALL your crops vs.9.
Outcome: Your bans will be filled to overflowing and your vats will brim over with new wine vs.10.

#6. Do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent His rebuke vs.11.
Reason: The Lord disciplines those He loves. what a privilege to disciplined by the one who loves me?


Read the scriptures for yourselves, Hear and know God's voice, obey and follow; then you will enjoy life to the fullest. 

Long time ago I was a Shepherd Girl!

Inspired to inspire: Long time ago I was a Shepherd Girl!: Every life experience has a lesson to learn. In Exodus Chapter 3, we meet Moses and the Burning Bush.   Verse 1 says, "Now Moses was ...

Long time ago I was a Shepherd Girl!

Every life experience has a lesson to learn.
In Exodus Chapter 3, we meet Moses and the Burning Bush. 
Verse 1 says, "Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, ... and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God .There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush...."

For forty years Moses was in the wilderness tending/shepherding the flock of his father in law. Clearly, mere education in Pharaoh's court was inadequate to EQUIP  Moses for God's work. The 40yrs of shepherding flock prepared him for his future task of Shepherding Israelites in the wilderness.

Somehow, I can imagine the experience Moses was going through. As I read through this chapter I remembered the days I was a shepherd girl tending my grandparents' livestock and I must say that was the most difficult season of my life. As a young girl below the age of 13years there were times I felt lonely, abandoned and forgotten in the fields; some seasons were tough and trying-dry, wet and muddy. During dry seasons I'd walk many kilometers away from home to find pasture and water for the cattle under the scorching sun. Sometime I'd cry and other times sing my heart out. Sometimes I'd get overwhelmed as the cattle strayed in neighbors' shamba. There were days I got home and was scolded apparently because the cattle strayed in other people's lands or because the cattle didn't get enough water/pasture. I felt unappreciated! There were other times my grandpa complimented me and bought me bananas or gave me honey. There were other times I got rained on while in the fields and only had a sack to put on my head. I shivered! There were some days I stayed in the fields from morning till evening with no food or water to drink! Interestingly, the cows were familiar with me and my voice (I believe so), I'd go closer to the cattle and touch them-I was confident the bulls couldn't kick me. There were days I loved being out there in the fields alone but other times I hated it. There were times I had to defend and carefully guide  the livestock using a rod. Sometimes I burned with anger and hit them badly, sometimes I'd even shout and insult the goats as if they'd understood the insults hehe! 

Well I believe it was not in vain! Love for my grandparents, patience, sense of responsibility and stewardship, humility and a sense of servanthood were tried and tested but God was and still is gracious to me!

My life's purpose and vision is to shepherd and disciple God's people-boys and girls, men and women that they mature in Christ. Thus I believe every experience I have to go through it is to prepare me for the above task. Just like Moses, I rest in the confidence that the "I Am" is with me (Ex. 3:12,14). 

In addition to the training, In Ex. 3:5 God revealed Himself to Moses as a Holy God (Holiness means separation from sin and commitment to righteousness). We've all had various experiences that have revealed God to us. There are times I've been rebellious and sometimes I've tried running away from God but I must say, God has dealt with me Graciously and Patiently! 
 
Do you know and understand your life's purpose? How is God preparing you for it?
It is not in vain! Stay strong,  the "I Am" is with you. Get to know Him and you will effectively be able to make Him known to others. 

With Love,
Kachel Nzaku

Building a Sustainable Youth Ministry

#Leadership Nuggets 

Borrowed from Sustainable Youth Ministry: Why Most Youth Ministry Doesn’t Last and What Your Church Can Do About It, copyright 2008 by Mark DeVries

You've got a passion to help young people grow spiritually, lots of creative ministry ideas, fun programs and events, and cutting-edge technology. Yet your church's youth ministry is still failing to attract many students? If so, don't despair. It is possible to build a lasting youth ministry that has a powerful impact on the lives of many students – if you lay down the right foundation first.

Here's how you can build a youth ministry that's strong enough to last:

1. Don't push the "easy button." There are no easy answers or quick fixes that will lead to a strong youth ministry. Be willing to put in lots of effort over a sustained period of time to invest in your church’s youth ministry for the long haul.

2. Think clearly about what your ministry needs. Too often, youth ministry plans are either too vague or filled with unrealistic expectations. Ask God to help you understand and communicate the ministry’s real needs well. Have specific and realistic expectations.

3. Ministry infrastructure. Build the kind of ministry infrastructure that will help any moderately gifted youth leaders/members to thrive in their role.

4. Develop key documents. Create a directory of youth members and people who have visited our youth ministry. Update these directories annually. Map out the ministry’s annual events on a calendar. Write ministry descriptions that clearly outline the scope of responsibilities. Then give people annual reviews. Create a curriculum template. Craft a mission statement for the ministry. List measurable goals to aim to achieve over three years. Write a statement of values. Develop an organizational chart for the ministry.

5. Consider a new initiative or trajectory in youth ministry bring key stakeholders together to cast a fresh vision for the ministry. Dream boldly and ask God to breathe new life into the ministry.

6. Change the culture. If the culture of your youth ministry isn’t healthy, change it before it changes the people working within it. First work to give stakeholders visible evidence that something good is actually happening in the ministry. Ask God to help you avoid anxiety and be joyful despite the problems around you. Your attitudes will help other people remain positive.

7. Build a constellation of people who are willing to invest their time and energy into the lives of others, with everyone working together to shine as brightly as possible. Write down the ministry’s needs to help you figure out what and who you will need. Develop a pool of potential personnel, regularly communicate with them. Give them job descriptions, behavioral covenants, and an accountability structure. Affirm and encourage them regularly by showing your appreciation in creative. Build friendships with each other, and encourage them to remain committed to volunteering with the youth ministry. Delegate responsibility to key volunteers by building a culture of apprenticeship.

8. Shift the focus from programs to friendships. If your youth ministry doesn’t give members the chance to be with the kind of friends they want, they won’t stick around to participate in the ministry’s programs – no matter how fun or creative they are. Studies have shown that what matters most to youths is finding a welcoming environment where they can be themselves and build quality friendships. Do all you can to help them feel wanted, accepted, and connected in your youth group.

9. Don’t wander down rabbit trails. Avoid pursuing activities that distract you from focusing properly on the ministry’s core vision.

10. Scale brick walls. Work to overcome challenges when you encounter them. Focus on one issue at a time. Have your team members share responsibility. Set aside time regularly for strategic thinking. Set expectations for problems to be solved gradually over the course of years instead of pursuing futile quick fixes. Avoid anxiety and remain focused on working on strategic plans.

God bless you.

Kachel

Lesson #1. Faith based on God’s Rhema (spoken word).

Hearing God’s voice necessitate us to have a personal intimate relationship and experience with God. Obedience to God’s word is our highest level of pleasing Him.

Has God really spoken to you about that thing you are pursuing? If it has not been spoken it cannot be believed. However, note that other times trusting God is generally on His immutable character.

Significance

In Genesis 1, God spoke words of Faith; words which had power to create. He spoke and it came to being. Romans 10:17, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the (spoken) word of God.” On the other hand, faith is released primarily by the words of our mouth. Mark 11:23-24 “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt ...but believes.., it will be done....” Romans 10:8-10 “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your hearts i.e. the word of faith...”

Taking God at His word

Genesis 12:1, “Now Yahweh said to Abram, leave your country...to the land I will show you.” Vs 4 says, “...so Abram went as the Lord had told him.” Truly, God blessed him Romans 4:18.

Genesis 26: ² The Lord appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. ³ Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you....” Isaac acted on God’s word; he stayed in the land and though there was famine, he planted crops and the same year reaped a hundredfold.

In Genesis 6, Noah acted on God’s word; built an ark just as the Lord had directed him and so he was saved from the flood.  

Caleb took God at His word. Joshua 14:12 “Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day (40yrs ago). You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.”

Joshua 6:3 “The Lord said to Joshua, ‘...march around the city (Jericho)....’” Joshua together with the people did as the Lord commanded and in vs. 20 we see that the walls of Jericho tumbled down.

Mathew 2: 13-23, God spoke to Joseph in a dream saying, “Get up, take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you...” ¹⁴ So he got up, took the child and his mother...left for Egypt, ¹⁵ where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” As Joseph acted on God’s word, scripture was fulfilled and also Jesus’ life was safe.

Dear child of God it’s of paramount important that you HEAR and OBEY God’s word. Before you endeavour to do anything, seek to hear the voice of God. Cultivate an intimate relationship with Him and let your heart and ears be inclined to hear Him give you direction.

With Luv,

Kachel

I am searching for God, but He seems to be hiding

When God seems distant..., how does He expect me to worship Him?
It's true, "The situations that will stretch your faith most will be those times when life falls apart and God is nowhere to be found."

Ever felt like God was a million miles away from you?

I wonder what Don Moen was going through when He wrote the lyrics of the song "I will sing." I also wonder what the other singer meant when he sung, "Tambarare kwa Yesu hakuna Milima..."

When is the last I (you) had an encounter with God that knocked me (you) off my (your) horse?

Yes, I believe it is God's pleasure to woo me to an intimate relationship with Him but I seem to be lost in my own vast world thinking, why is it that sometime He seems a million miles away? Why is that sometimes it's hard to see all the thoughts and plans He has for me?

In my darkest hour, through the sorrow and the pain does He expect me to pray, sing and praise Him? Does He expect me to lift my hands to honor and trust Him? Do I see His grace in my life?

Like me, have you found yourself asking, "Why am I searching for God? Is God pursuing me as much as I am pursuing Him?" May be you have or you have not.

Psalm 43:5; 42:11 says,  "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." (KJV)
Have you ever felt angry and resentful at God?

So if that how I (you) have been feeling, what then is the way forward?

1. It is likely that I need to confess some hidden anger and resentment at God for certain areas of my life where I have felt cheated or disappointed...
2. I'm making a deliberate decision to rekindle my intimate friendship with God
3. I will focus on who God is-His unchanging nature.
4. I will be honest with God-tell Him how exactly I feel not how I think I ought to feel.
5. I will remember what He has done for me in the past and continue to trust Him.

Does anyone understand what am talking about? If it makes sense, then  you know what to do.

With luv,
Kachel