‪#‎Related_By_Blood_But_With_No_Fellowship‬

Nzaku Nashipae

2 mins · 

‪#‎Related_By_Blood_But_With_No_Fellowship‬
From the chronicles of a scribbler,
Mother’s Day was on Sunday and our social media accounts were awash with collages and awesome messages in honour of our mothers. Now, mother’s day is past and at the end of that day, a post by Gitonga George G G inspired me to write this note, I quote, “Ok. After all the updates of the mother’s day, please call your mothers now, send them airtime and mpesa and relax feeling fulfilled.” This post got me curious! Did we have time to fellowship with our mothers? It is very possible to be related by blood yet have no fellowship. It is possible that some of us posted great messages and beautiful collages in honour of our mothers on social media but never made an effort to practically fellowship with them. Gitonga called on us to be practical by calling our mothers and share something with them. I assume most of us did that.

I have close relatives who I do not have fellowship with. Some who will never call me unless I call them. Yesterday I had a conversation with a friend of mine and I found myself petulant about my blood relatives who won’t spend a dime to check up on me unless I call them. As I rant about this, I’m consciously aware that I have not made any initiative to call/fellowship with them either. What happened to family? When is the last time I had fellowship with my siblings? Okay, I usually call and sms my parents, brother and sister’s family at least weekly and frequently mama comes for bonding sleepover and of course I had wonderful fellowship with her just a day before mother’s day.

Alright, fast-forward, John 1:11-13 says, “11 He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him. 12 Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” For sure salvation is being accepted in the family of God through faith in Jesus. But fellowship is being in a relationship with God. Like I said earlier, it is possible to be related by blood yet be out of fellowship. In like manner, we can be in the family of God yet be out of fellowship with the heavenly Father. As a child of God, it is of paramount importance to build a constant fellowship with the Father through prayer, studying and meditating on the scriptures and worship. It is possible to be awash with mere words yet our relationship and fellowship with our heavenly Father is severed. It is true that some of us get to fellowship with our parents and siblings when there is an issue that bring us together-like end year family get-together; weddings; burials and other unavoidable circumstance. Our social media accounts can be awash with collages of happy moments with family, great messages in honour of our parents and siblings yet be without fellowship. The same way, we can easily talk about our relationship with God yet be out of fellowship with Him. It’s easy to quote the Bible and post messages of hope yet our relationship and fellowship with our heavenly Father is severed. It is also very possible to fellowship with God only when we have troubles and problems and in need of His help. We can find ourselves call on Him only when we have difficult issues or when we need some favour from Him. Other times our fellowship with God can be occasional-only on Sundays, over the Easter or during Christmas services.

One of the reason God created man was for fellowship. When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden of Eden God came looking for them for their usual fellowship but they were ashamed and his from Him. Since then our fellowship with God was disconnected but all for love God gave His son Jesus to die for us so that our relationship and fellowship with God could be restored. 1 John 1:1-10, our relationship and fellowship with the God is predicated on His character-Light. In Him there is no darkness. So to maintain our fellowship with our heavenly Father, we must walk in light. Sin disconnects us from fellowshipping with God but through repentance and confession, our relationship and fellowship will be restored (1 John 1:9).

My prayer is that our relationship vertically (with God) and horizontally (with our family and neighbour) will thrive in Jesus’ name. Purpose to make an effort to build the fellowship. Don’t just be related, fellowship is vital.

Regards,
Kachel Nzaku Nashipae

Does God really Love Me?

Nzaku Nashipae

15 hrs · 

From the heart of a scribbler:

I have realized that before I can love me and love my neighbor as myself, I first must learn to receive God's love for myself. I have had moments where I doubted God's love for me. I have found myself asking, "Does God really love me?" Jeremiah 31:3 speaks to me, "I (God) have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness." Through experience I know too well that the devil capitalizes on my doubts. It's worse especially when it's during some, painful and trying time. The devil tends to show up especially at the height of my weaknesses. He is savvy enough to know that his lies are less effective during times of prosperity, perfect health, and so on. He waits until life is hard and I am vulnerable then suggests that God doesn't love me and suddenly it sounds compelling and I end up drifting into questioning God for who He is-is He really good to me? Does He care? Well, let's just say that's my world. Lynda Randle sings, "Life is easy when you up on the mountain. You've got peace of mind like you've never known; but things change when you're down in the valley; don't lose faith for you're never alone. You talk of faith when you're up on the mountain; oh, but talk comes easy when life is at its best..." But she reminds me that the God of the good times is still God in the bad times and the God of the day still the God in the night. No matter the situation and circumstances God's love is real.

When I find myself down in the valley I seemingly doubt His love. However, deep inside I know He loves me. Let me say, His love for me is sophisticated. I cannot understand this irrefutable love that He displayed when Jesus Christ laid down His life for me at the cross. This love is relentless and sacrificial. All for love, the Father (God) gave His Son Jesus to die for me so that I'd have eternal life (John 3:16); While I was still a sinner Christ died for me (Romans 5:8); Love comes from God, He is love. He loved me first (1John 4:7-9).
"O God, teach me to receive your love and help me to love my neighbor as I love myself. As I exercise the Fruit of the Spirit-Love, may your Grace be sufficient."

With love,
Kachel Nzaku Nashipae

Inspired to inspire: Who can/will lift me if I fall?

Inspired to inspire: Who can/will lift me if I fall?: Nzaku Nashipae 10 hrs  ·  From the heart and the chronicles of a scribbler.... Today I saw an adult trip and fall, to...

Who can/will lift me if I fall?

Nzaku Nashipae

10 hrs · 

From the heart and the chronicles of a scribbler.... Today I saw an adult trip and fall, to my disappointment the typical Nairobians were unmoved. First, let me say that it is not funny to see an adult literally fall down. The thud of the fall depends on the weight of the individual, but that is not the subject matter today. As I was going about some errands today in the afternoon I saw a lady stumble and fall. She was carrying a baby on her back and some luggage on her hands. A few people were around her but no body dared lift her or assist her. I reached out to her and tried to pull her up and almost lost the grip and balance, her weight was overwhelming but I still managed to get her up and helped her to sit somewhere. I collected her stuff and gave them to her. The several people who were there started asking her those silly questions such as, "ni nini mbaya na wewe?" They saw her stumble, so why ask her questions before helping her to get up on her feet first? Oh sorry, am judging them harshly when I know too well I have witnessed people fall but was too afraid to help them! I have witnessed people fall in our streets some who were sick and others stumbled by something on their way but most of the time I see people crowd the person, give them a look and leave without a care! So what is the issue? Whenever that happens I feel guilty because I didn't help the person. So when every person doesn't want to be caught in the scene just in case something worse happens, as a Christian what can I do? I believe I should be the hands and the feet of Jesus in practice but has the society taught us, "Go about your business! It's never that serious! Someone else will save the situation?" Why are we so indifferent?

As I helped this lady up, I remembered the story of the "Good Samaritan" in Luke 10:25-37. A man had been beaten and left half dead. A priest and a Levite saw him and instead of helping him they passed on the other side. A Samaritan took pity on th man, went to him and bandaged his wounds, brought him into an inn and took care of him. Well, are there Good Samaritans in this generation? Am I one?

Let me look at it in a different perspective. When a brother or sister stumbles and falls in to sin, what am I (you) supposed to do? Help them to get up or condemn them?

For now let me chew on that!

Good night East Africans, and good morning/afternoon/evening to the rest of the world.
Kachel

Inspired to inspire: Whose opinions should matter?

Inspired to inspire: Whose opinions should matter?: From the heart of a scribbler, my earlier years weren't so rosy. I had become a product of public opinion. I used to get depressed o...

Whose opinions should matter?

From the heart of a scribbler, my earlier years weren't so rosy. I had become a product of public opinion. I used to get depressed over what people said of me. I was unhappy and always suspicious. As a result, my self esteem was poor in quality.

Is it important to measure yourself by the standards of other people? When everyone thinks ill of you, even if they are not necessarily people you admire, do you feel depressed? In psychology, I found this hierarchy of opinions worth pondering on:
--What matters most is the opinion of immediate family: a spouse, children, and parents.

--The opinion of a boss and of close friends should matter a lot, although not as much as family.

--The opinion of colleagues and of neighbors should matter somewhat less.

--The opinion of acquaintances should not matter very much.

--The opinion of people you encounter in the street or casually at a party should not matter at all.

For me the most important opinion is what God says. Remember, Sinach's popular song, I know who God say I am....?" That's what should matter most.
I remember one time I heard a sermon titled "Am not a Product of Public Opinion" and that became a turning point for me. Today I am selective about public opinion. I am choosy about criticism, I only take what's valuable; that which brings out the best in me. I no longer allow any garbage to poison me. I don't let toxic people rob me my confidence. I have had people who try to intimidate me by saying mean things to me and by calling me names. But I have refused to give such people the privilege of making me feel sad and depressed. Some years back I was a product of public opinion but not any more. I am a confident woman. I am precious and I am what the Lord says I am. The joy of the Lord is my strength.
Isaiah 43:1-5, "This is what the Lord says, He who created you, O Kachel, He who formed you, O Elizabeth: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine."
I am not afraid for the Lord is with me. That's the best opinion for me direct from the heart of my Creator.

Regards,
Precious Nzaku Nashipae

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Inspired to inspire: Do Kids Forget a Promise? Never!

Inspired to inspire: Do Kids Forget a Promise? Never!: From the heart of a scribbler, good evening/morning/afternoon to y'all. Do kids forget a promise? Never! God has blessed me with two ...

Do Kids Forget a Promise? Never!

From the heart of a scribbler, good evening/morning/afternoon to y'all.

Do kids forget a promise? Never! God has blessed me with two adorable nieces Mwende and Mutanu (I love these girls very much). This Mutanu girl calls me to remind me of every promise I make to her. Normally she calls me Kalekye but when she means business and needs my attention, she calls me Aunt Kachel. Last week she called me and went straight to the point, "Aunt Kachel, will you come for my second term visiting (at Kathonzweni)?" Before I answered, she went ahead to remind me the several times I made some promises to her but haven't fulfilled them."

I'm working hard to be a nice credible and trustworthy aunt. "Baby girl. I will come for the visit and I'll honor every promise I made to you, so help me God!"
"Aunt Kachel, that's a deal?"
"Yes Mutanu, it's a deal! I promise I'll visit you in school and I will will keep the promises." I expect that my niece will always keep reminding me of my promises to her and I know she will claim them boldly.

2 Corinthians 1:20, "For no matter how many promises God has made, they're 'Yes' in Christ. And so through Him the 'Amen' is spoken by us to th glory of God." Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, Nehemiah and other men of faith always reminded God of His promise/covenant; not because God had forgotten His promise but to acknowledge Him for who He is-Faithful, good, great and awesome. My niece reminds me because I forget but God's promises are Yes in Christ and Amen is spoken by us to the glory of God.

My friend, stand on God's word and remind Him of His promises. Have faith in Him for who He is-Yahweh, the Covenant -keeper, faithful and true to His word. Humbly and boldly claim His promises. Speak Amen to His glory. Kids don't forget promises. Do not forget the promises God has made to you. Alisema atakubariki? He is faithful. Alisema atakupa mtoto? Tulia na ujue yeye ni mwema. Alisema hatakuacha? usihofu ata wakati wa dhiki Yeye ni Mkuu.

Humbly, Boldly and in Faith Claim God's promises. His name is Yahweh, the Covenant-Keeper.

With Love,
Kachel Nashipae

Inspired to inspire: What was this thorn in the flesh?

Inspired to inspire: What was this thorn in the flesh?: 2 Cor 12:7-10, "...A thorn in the flesh.... but My grace is sufficient in your weakness." The above passage is the most abused/...

What was this thorn in the flesh?

2 Cor 12:7-10, "...A thorn in the flesh.... but My grace is sufficient in your weakness."

The above passage is the most abused/misused passage in the bible to justify submitting to nearly any problem that comes along. Satan gets this scripture twisted to deceive many.

What was this thorn in the flesh? Vs. 9-10, it implies that the thorn was an infirmity that was given to him because of the surpassing revelations given to him in order to keep him from being conceited (vs. 7). Does infirmity mean sickness? Why would Paul boast in this infirmity or thorn in the flesh? If it be a sickness is it that God couldn't heal Paul? Actually many preachers say that paul's infirmity was a rare ancient sickness, a dread eye disease etc but that's not so read the passages that talk about infirmities keenly you will see the context.

In my opinion, infirmity (thorn in the flesh) doesn't necessarily mean sickness. Numbers 33:55; Joshua 23:13 and Judges 2:3-which talks people as being thorns in ur eyes and sides. In addition, Rom 8:26; Hebrew 5:2; 7:2; 2 Cor 12:9-10; 11:16-30, Proverbs 18:14-talks of some glorifying infirmities that include- some sort of human weakness, reproaches, insults, sickness, hardships, persecutions, difficulties etc. Remember had even received 39lashes, was stoned, flogged, shipwrecked, spent sleepless nights, cold and naked? Paul referred to these persecutions as infirmities. So in Paul's context, I can say that the demon was constantly stirring persecution against him. The obvious question then, so could Paul have asked God to remove persecutions from him? I believe he did. The purpose of this thorn in the flesh was to keep Paul humble vs.7. Am just wandering and wondering, what if everything was rosy for Paul? What if my and your life were a bed of roses? Hehe, roses are beautiful and fragrant but they have thorns!

Paul's thorn was a demon sent to buffet (strike him repeatedly). 2 Cor 4:8-9, "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." As for this infirmity (persecution & hardships) it will continue to buffet us (Acts 14:22, through many tribulations we MUST enter the kingdom) but for sure, His grace is sufficient.

So let's not let the devil lie to us that God cannot redeem us from some sort of sickness. Jesus died on the cross to redeem us from sin and to heal our diseases and sicknesses. Scriptures say that by His stripes we are healed healed. When we go through various trials, infirmities let's count it all pure joy, because the testing of our faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, James 1:2-4.

That's my understanding, I welcome any comments, additions, thoughts and illuminations. Remember, iron sharpens iron, Proverbs 27:17.

Baraka
Kalekye Nzaku