KACHELBELA: Dear Diary,#The_Unsung_Heroine_Yael#Courage #Faith...

KACHELBELA: Dear Diary,#The_Unsung_Heroine_Yael#Courage #Faith...: Dear Diary, # The_Unsung_Heroine_Yael # Courage   # Faith Yael, was she a treacherous woman and an assassin or a godly warrior? By f...

Dear Diary,

#The_Unsung_Heroine_Yael

#Courage #Faith

Yael, was she a treacherous woman and an assassin or a godly warrior? By faith, Yael killed one of God's enemies and she is called blessed of the women, Judges 5:24.

We know heroines of faith namely Deborah, Sarah and Rahab, (Hebrews 11). What about Yael (Jael)? Here's a quick background. In Judges 4, Israel did evil in the eyes of the Lord so He sold them into the hands of Jabin king of Canaan. Sisera the commander of Jabin's army had 900 chariots and had cruelly oppressed the Israelites for 20yrs, then they cried to God for help, v.1-3.

At this time Deborah was leading Israel as a judge and a prophetess. One time, she send for Barak saying, "The LORD, the God of Israel commands you, 'Go, take with you 10,000 men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mt. Tabor. I'll lead Sisera and his troops to the Kishon River and give him to your hands."

For some reason, Barak was hesitant so he asked Deborah to go with him. She then said to him, "Because of the course you are taking, the honor will not be yours, for the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman," v. 9.

In the course of time, Sisera was told that Barak was in Mt. Tabor. He summoned his troops and went to attack. That day, the Lord routed Sisera and his troops. Actually, Sisera had to run for his dear life to the tent of Yael whose household had an alliance with Jabin king of Canaan. He ordered her to lie to protect his life. Yael played the perfect hostess and led Sisera into her tent. She gave him some milk and swaddled him with a blanket. While he lay fast asleep, she picked up a tent peg and a hammer and drove the peg through his temple into the ground, and boom! He died. On that day, God subdued Jabin king of Canaan before the Israelites.

Now, when a general came into her domestic space, Yael made use of a domestic weapon and became a heroine. What could have informed her actions? I checked the passage but didn't see it but whatever her motives, the story considers her actions the will of God. In her song, Deborah celebrates and acknowledges that Yael is most blessed of the women (chap 5).

She is a heroine because she courageously did the will of God, she snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Well, I don't neither does God condone murder but his is a story of courage and trust in God for victorious living no matter how circumstances in our lives may seem insurmountable.

Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: Dear Diary,#The_Unsung_Heroines#God_Fearing_Midw...

KACHELBELA: Dear Diary,
#The_Unsung_Heroines
#God_Fearing_Midw...: Dear Diary, # The_Unsung_Heroines # God_Fearing_Midwives # Shiphrah   # Puah Ah, wahenga walisema, "Usimtukane Mkunga uzazi ungalip...

#The_Unsung_Heroines #God_Fearing_Midwives

Dear Diary,

#The_Unsung_Heroines
#God_Fearing_Midwives
#Shiphrah #Puah

Ah, wahenga walisema, "Usimtukane Mkunga uzazi ungalipo." Hao wahenga wiliweza sana.

Imagine life without a midwife! Mine was an out-of-hospital birth, back then access to antenatal and institutional deliveries attended by trained health workers were a distant reality; mama didn't have the luxury of hospital delivery. Banana leaves were my first bed, thanks to the loyal community midwife. By the way, who remembers to thank their midwife! Some women don't even remember the face of their midwife leave alone their name.

In Exodus 1:15, Moses introduces us to two God-fearing midwives: Shiphrah and Puah. They are probably the ones who delivered him and saved his life! The Pharaoh and Egyptians were threatened by the growing Hebrew population. In fact they planned to deal shrewdly with them by oppressing them but even that didn't stop the Hebrew from multiplying and growing. So, the pharaoh called for the Hebrew midwives and instructed them to kill the baby boys while their mothers were on the birth-stools, v. 16. But these women were God-fearing, they saved the boys and because of that, God dealt well with them and blessed them with posterity, v.21. When Israelites left Egypt, there were about 600,000 men, besides children, Ex. 12:37. I imagine that most of those men were probably delivered and saved by the midwives.

The midwives were righteous women who understood the value of life and it's importance in God's eternal plan. They recognized that male or female, life is sacred. Without their courage and sacrifice certainly there wouldn't be present and future hope. Before the the sung heroes such as Moses and David could deliver Israel, these two women were the first deliverers.

Midwives deserve some recognition, they're truly heroines.

Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: Dear Diary,#The_Unsung_Heroes#A_Friend_in_Deed#S...

KACHELBELA: Dear Diary,#The_Unsung_Heroes
#A_Friend_in_Deed
#S...: Dear Diary, # The_Unsung_Heroes # A_Friend_in_Deed # Shobi   # Makir   # Barzillai It's that month of the year hapa Kenya, in 18day...

Dear Diary,

#The_Unsung_Heroes
#A_Friend_in_Deed
#Shobi #Makir #Barzillai

It's that month of the year hapa Kenya, in 18days we'll have our Mashujaa Celebrations. It's that time when we collectively honor outstanding men and women who fought for our independence. Initially, it was branded Kenyatta Day which commemorated the Kapenguria Six freedom fighters ( Achieng Oneko, Bildad Kaggia, Jomo Kenyatta, Kung'u Karumba and Paul Ngei). Certainly there are other unsung heroes who contribute(d) positively to the country's history yet they are scarcely mentioned and honored.

Likewise, there are unsung heroes who have left indelible marks in our individual lives. People whose lives and ministry significantly impacted our lives through our formative childhood and adulthood; shaped our thinking; spoke affirming words; saw our God-given potential, purpose and believed in us to the point they even gave us opportunities to explore the potential. The faithful and fervent prayer warriors who kept praying for us through our developing years. Probably, we are not even consciously aware of their influence. Some of those we are consciously aware of, may be we don't even say much about them yet those indelible marks dot our lives.

The Bible is also dotted with unsung heroes, men and women who put their lives on the line; protected, affirmed, prayed for and identified potential in those God had set apart, yet not much is said about them. In 2 Samuel 17, we meet David running away from his son Absalom. In v.17-20, a wife to a certain man of Bahurim protected Jonathan and Ahimaaz who were going to warn David about his son's plot to assassinate him. So the two men and David's lives were saved. That was heroic! Later on when David and his men came to Mahanaim wilderness, Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Makir son of Ammiel from Lo Debar and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim brought bedding, owls, pottery articles, wheat, barley, flour, roasted grains, beans, lentils, honey, curds, sheep, cheese and milk for David and his people to eat for they said, " The people have become exhausted, hungry and thirsty in the wilderness," v. 27-29. These heroes helped David in his time of great need

Look here, your acts of kindness and influence may get obscure or no recognition but be encouraged, though an unsung hero, seek to leave a postive indelible mark in someone's life. Don't be weary of doing good even when nobody notices.

Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: #The_Bees_Plague_of_Exodus23_Kenyan_version

KACHELBELA: #The_Bees_Plague_of_Exodus23_Kenyan_version: #Canaan_Bound #Do_Not_Pervert_Justice #Kindness-and_Civil_Conduct #Conditional_Assurance_of_Gods_Presence_Help_and_Blessing #Obedience ...

#The_Bees_Plague_of_Exodus23_Kenyan_version

#Canaan_Bound

#Do_Not_Pervert_Justice #Kindness-and_Civil_Conduct #Conditional_Assurance_of_Gods_Presence_Help_and_Blessing #Obedience

So, Canaan is overflowing with honey hadi some honeybees from Canaan got impatient making honey so they decided to come hiving here in our Capital in order to rescue the Canaan-bound Kenyans from those blocking their way to Canaan! By the way, rumour has it that the bees attacked Jubilee protesters? Only-really? Just asking was that beggar a Jubileenite or was he just a poor Kenyan doing his daily business and just happened to be around the #SCOK premises?

Well, the #Canaan_bound Kenyans have decided that the drama was a Biblical plague relating to their journey to Canaan, “I will send the hornet (stinging insect-say bee) ahead of you to drive the Hivites, Canaanites and Hittites out of your way,” (Exodus 23:28). KOT’s reactions are quite hilarious especially now that it seems Pharaoh refuses to let the Caanan-bound go. Curiosity, so who send the bees around SCOK premises? Before someone tells me God did it, I heard a nduthii guy around Kencom say that the bees have been hiving around the premises for some months now. I guess I saw a trending ‘Supreme Court High School CAT’ with the question, “Where do you think these bees came from? A). Northern Kenya. B). Western Kenya. C). Southern Kenya. D). Eastern Kenya or, E). Central Kenya.” Surely, Kenyans don’t disappoint!

As KOTían what’s my take? First, let’s examine Exodus 23 in summary: v.1-9 are laws directed to judges-laws promoting justice, v.1-3 and laws promoting kindness and righteous civil conduct, v. 4-9; v.10-19, are laws concerning ceremonial devotion-the Sabbath principle, v.10-13, national feasts, v. 14-17 and sacrifice and firstfruit offerings, v. 18-19; v. 20-33 is about the promise of God’s presence (an angel who has God’s name in him), help and blessing. In fact the assurance of this presence, help and blessing is conditional, v.22.

Now here is my take as a patriotic Kenyan, scheming through Exodus chapter 20-23, I see God’s legal stipulations to regulate the social and religious behaviour of the redeemed people (take time to read). Dear Kenyan, whether Canaan-bound or not, from the context of Exodus 23, how do the principles of this passage apply in our lives? First, perversion of justice, v.1-3. The scene here focuses upon judicial decisions resolved by the citizens in assembly. It seems that the aim of these regulations was to protect the accused persons against false witnesses, and against tyranny of majorities that perverted and denied justice. Second, promoting kindness and righteous civil conduct, v. 4-9. I am impressed by the KBC News reporter; he risked his life to rescue a helpless man. Was he a NASA or Jubileeán? It doesn’t matter! We should not allow political inclinations, tribe, and/or personal animosity to destroy our willingness to help someone in a time of need.  Third, in regards to Sabbath, sacrifices and offerings, v. 10-19, all I can say is let’s dedicate ourselves, our time and resources to the service of God. Fourth, the conditions of the promise of God’s presence, help and blessing, v. 20-33. Ultimately, God’s provision and protection is determined by the obedience of the Canaan-bound Israelites to God’s covenant.

Whether #Canaan-bound or in #Kenya_Milele, you and I have a responsibility-to maintain justice, be kind and sustain civil conduct, honor God and be obedient to His laws.

Baraka yáll.

Yours faithful scribbler,

Nzaku Nashipae

KACHELBELA: Dear Diary,#Miscellaneous_Exhortations_for_chris...

KACHELBELA: Dear Diary,

#Miscellaneous_Exhortations_for_chris...: Dear Diary, #Miscellaneous_Exhortations_for_christian_Living, James 5:7-20 #PatientEndurance #Confession_and_Prayer-of_Faith #No_Swea...

Dear Diary,

#Miscellaneous_Exhortations_for_christian_Living, James 5:7-20

#PatientEndurance #Confession_and_Prayer-of_Faith #No_Swearing_Frivolously_and_Falsely #Bring_Back_theWanderer

James gives believers some commendable exhortations: The first exhortation is on Patience, v. 7-11; the second exhortation concerns oaths, v. 12; the third and fourth exhortation concerns Prayer and the wanderer, v. 13-18 and v. 19-20 respectively.
The first exhortation concerns patient endurance, v. 7-11. James brought the issue of the ultimate judgment in regards to the wicked rich and their destiny in v. 1. Now he calls the oppressed Christians to patiently endure until the Lord’s coming. He illustrates patience by building around three illustrations namely the farmer, the prophets and job. The farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop; he patiently waits for the autumn and spring rains, v.7. “You too, be patient and stand firm because the Lord’s coming is near. Do not grumble against each other,” v. 8-9. James reminds us that the prophets of the Old Testament endured hardship, yet practiced patient endurance. We are reminded of Job as an example of patient endurance, v. 10-11.

The second exhortation is on taking oaths, v. 12. What kinds of oaths or swearing is James talking about here? Witnesses in court of law and elected officials take an oath of office, are they violating Scripture? I see them place their hand on a Bible and take the oath of office. What really is the purpose of taking oaths? The Bible teaches that there are certain occasions requiring taking an oath but forbids both frivolous and false oaths. In Matthew 23:16-22, Jesus confronts the Jews who said that if you swore using God’s name in your oath, you had to keep your word, but if you swore by some lesser thing-temple, altar, Jerusalem among other lesser things, you were not bound. The need to swear or make oaths, beyond a simple and clear yes or no betrays the weakness of your word. Swearing demonstrates that there is not enough weight in your own character to confirm your words. As a believer in Christ Jesus your word ought to be your bond. Let your yes be yes and no be no! Purpose to speak truthfully, with integrity failure to which you will be condemned.

The third exhortation concerns prayer, v.13-18. In all circumstance, we are called to a life of prayer, v. 13-16. The effectiveness of sincere prayer is illustrated in v.17-18. So, what are some specific circumstances that call for prayer? When in trouble as well as when in merry spirit, v.13; when sick, v. 14. Note that anointing with oil is secondary. The primary action here is prayer! A paramount assurance is given, that confession of sin and prayer offered in faith effects healing and forgiveness, i.e. if the sickness was occasioned by sin, v. 15-16.. V.17-18, offers illustrative proof  that a righteous (wo)/man’s prayer is powerful and effective. Elijah was by nature a human being but he prayed that it would not rain and it didn’t rain in the land for three and a half. Again he prayed and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops, v. 17-18; 1 Kings 17:1; 18:42-45. The answer to prayer of faith is within the reach of the believer.

The fourth exhortation concerns the wanderer, v. 19-20. It is possible that a believer can wander from the saving truth of the gospel. Fellow believers are o make intentional effort to bring the wanderer back to the fold. Such an accomplishment is infinitely worthwhile-the wanderer is saved from eternal death and a multitude of sin is covered.

Dear friends, am hopeful you journeyed with me through this life-changing gospel according to James. Having looked at the source and consequence of trials and temptations, the problem of faith without action, the problem of the tongue, things that wrack relationships and woes of wealth without God it is important to see ourselves in the mirror of God’s word and apply it in the above areas of our lives. Learn patient endurance, let your word be your bond, i.e. speak with integrity, devote yourself to seek the Lord in all circumstances and make every effort to bring back the wanderer back to God.

Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae