Memories worth treasuring...

Laughter is the best medicine.
Memories are made of this!
Am writing this because it makes me laugh...
It was Saturday. Weekends were the most eagarly awaited days back then. This was because rising up at the wee hours of the morning on weekdays, to avoid lateness in school, were the order of the day. ( mind you if you got late one would get what they called "kichapo cha mbwa" by a teacher who whacked you not for the matter at hand but for a ridiculous reason like why your dad swallowed three bottles of beer that previous night.
Saturday.
I hurriedly took my true tea... (milk less tea) accompanied by a leftover of ugali that had luckily survived the night. Barefooted, I ran as fast as my legs could carry me so as I could join the other boys on time. Actually we were a gang of mischievous boys!
Saturday; mmmm
This particular Saturday was beautiful from the start. One tall boy(the gang leader) two years older than me had "Taken" his mom's twenty shilling note on top of their kitchen roof where it had been laid to dry after accidentally been washed in the laundry. We had now started feasting on it like a pack of hungry hyenas. The sizzling aroma of hot mandazis was irresistible.
It's Saturday! 
Why don't we go for bicycle swimming? 
I Will never ever forget that feeling that engulfed me at the thought of swimming as the gang leader articulately explained how hilarious it would be. I was pointed to go and steal my cousin's bicycle that supposedly was to be used in the swimming ordeal. I couldn't resist the urge to go and steal the bike. However the beating I received that evening only I know. (That's a story for another day )
The bike had no chain. 
One was to go uphill and let the bike roll carelessly at its own volution till one fell into the dirty waters of the Thigirie river. We enjoyed our blissful moments as all we happily swam not to mention the deafening noises made by six boys.
Thirty minutes later.
Hell broke loose.
There in front of us stood three strong boys who had our clothes in their hands. They were like five or six years older than our gang leader. We panicked. They told us that whoever wanted their clothes back was to be whipped three lashes of the renowned "Mutathi"
Am laughing because I got six.
Am laughing because I took my three lashes and bailed our gang leader too.
Am laughing because every thing has a price and even getting in the circle of friends that time came with a price tag. 
Am laughing because I met the gang leader last month and we laughed at those memories that are so emblazoned in our minds.
Am laughing because I told him to cultivate a friendship with one man who doesn't need any favours to be in His circle. The man Jesus. 
Am laughing because we prayed together. 
Am laughing still. I want you to laugh too because we are fearfully and wonderfully made. 
Laughter is the best medicine

THE ONE WHO STANDS AT THE CENTRE

Straight to the point, hold or flip the coin.
See, its either this or that. Here or there.
"So, because you are lukewarm.... " tik tok the time bomb waits...
As the minutes drag by, blur into hours, days and even months,
Be wary of God's anger, wrath. Or off His mouth, SPAT!

nothing comes easy,
Toil, rejection,, burn out effect and worn out enthusiasm,
Are just but some to fit in the essay.
Others seem petty, like sleepless nights in gatherings(kesha) all to seek Him.
Its a walk, but not without its share of turmoils.
Nevertheless, with each strive, a new level of greatness unfolds.

With the world screaming for attention,
The holy spirit is always there whispering for direction.
You aware of branded vices? Stuff disguised as virtues yet they are far from the factual meaning?
If it doesn't line up with God's word, BE AFRAID.
Take your stand, internalize His word... Go back to the makers manual.

Truth is, many will want you to show up in their occasions.
" can you join us in this project?,
" let's do this together..."
"I have a birthday party this weekend, will you please come?
Questions,  ①what kind of people do you attract?
                       ②What and who stands in your centre?

❇

jeers and sneers will be so rife,
Believe it or not from close friends and peers,
Stand your ground and be proud.
It's enough you have Him who endured scorn.
The one you believed in and again, you were born.
The one who was crucified, died and conquered the grave.
The one who sits at the right hand of the father.
The one who was, is and is to come!!!!!!!

"11
Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.
12
In a loud voice they were saying:

“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
    to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
    and honor and glory and praise!”

13
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
    be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!”

14
The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped... (New International Version, Rev. 5.11)

To what advantage? They may wonder.
Who will come to your rescue? They may ask.
Is there hope for you?they gaze in bewilderment.
Whatever the case, DO NOT BOW TO THE PATTERNS OF THIS WORLD NO MATTER HOW  HIGHTHE TIDES ARE TOSSING.
Because you and I know that He have promised to them that love Him, eternal life.

All said and done,
" let's keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (New International Version, Hebrews 12.2)

#BeEncouraged.
#ConsiderSharing.

ENJOYING SALVATION - FULL METAMORPHOSIS

       Some few years ago, I experienced a tough season in my life. I had just finished schooling and I was of the idea that life after school is "fun". The reality was absolutely different! Everything needed cash! From my phone's credit, my outfit, my bus fare, my upkeep; I bet many can relate to the hustles and bustles of life. Christmas was around the corner and I was running on a very low budget. Actually, I had nothing planned. I remember one of my close  friend, out of the blues,paying me a visit and what he imparted in me was far more precious than the pair of new shoes he brought along! His words still ring in my head. He told me  "be thankful for lacking, it teaches one to be always grateful!" I was lost for words!
        Most people would be flabbergasted by the thought of being grateful for lacking. Besides, no one wants to go through a tough season. My fellow prayer partner reminded us in one of our prayer meetings that if we had everything we ever needed within our vicinity, we wouldn't feel the need to pray and seek God as we ought to. Yes, God is the giver of everything and He knows when we need it. His timing is the best.
        When I read about Job I see a man who was so focussed on God in that even in his misfortunes and lack, He still praised God. What a perfect example!
"Job 1:20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,
21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. 22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
         God loves focussed people. People who are not swayed by the storms. He wants our relationship with Him not to be based on what He can give, but for who He is. He want us to learn that trials are a part of our growth. In James 1, the word of God reminds us that blessed are they that persevere under trial because when they stand the test, they will receive the crown of life that He promised to those who love Him.
          Life is not a bed of roses. Trials, tribulations, lack, loss, temptations and misfortunes are so rife. We as born Christians have a dire need to be mature in our walk of salvation. Let us put more effort in equipping ourselves with the word of God. As Peter says " Make every effort to add to your faith, goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, Godliness; and to Godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
          I urge you my brother, my sister, to continually seek the face of the Lord and have intimacy with Him. Let us rest secure under His mighty arms. By doing so, we will be equipped to face the wiles of the devil and every dart that he throws our way will be in vain. Let us ask wisdom from God who gives generously to all without finding fault. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, the fellowship of the holy spirit be with you now and forever, Amen.
          

Are you equipped with the full armour of God???

     Recently I came through a story online about an eighteen year old girl from Equador who apparently had an opportunity to witness and experience heaven and hell for 23 hours. Angelica Zambrano explains of how Jesus Christ wept as He overlooked  multiple of souls lost forever, a world that has rejected Him, a church that is mostly unprepared for Him. As I read through, shocked as I was, one question clicked on my mind - Are we equipped for the second coming of Jesus Christ the son of the living God??
    I vividly recalled of Jesus encounter with the devil in the desert. This was right after He had finished His fourty day fast. Satan was very much conversant with the word of God which he used to tempt Jesus with since he told Him, "throw yourself down for it is written - He will command His angels concerning, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." (#Mathew 4:6).
Jesus thwarted every effort of the devil by simply referring him to the word of God "it is written!!"
    This called to my attention the need for us believers to be fully equipped with  word of God hidden in our hearts and march like trained soldiers with utmost accuracy power n clarity. This is because the one we are up against (Satan) is so much cunning and will continue to brainwash the world system in attempts to share God's glory. As apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians, we need to be armed with the full armour of God. Contrary to this, the desire and the will to reach heaven will only be an illusion; a mirage the closer we think we are, the further we actually are...
#Ephesians6:10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
May God give us strength to overcome the wicked plans and temptations of the enemy, the devil and give us the will to seek Him intimately so as to be always hidden under His wings...
#BeInspired
#BeBlessed.

What room does fear have?

I used to be afraid at night - afraid of the dark. Afraid that just beyond that point my eyesight allowed me to see that there would be something lurking. Afraid that the darkness itself would somehow surround me and swallow me up. As if darkness were anything more than just simple the absence of light.

I used to be afraid of tomorrow, afraid that who I was would continually dictate who I am and that who I would be would be might be someone who I didn’t like very much at all- as if that there was no such thing as being made new.

I used to be afraid of opinions - afraid that words would not break my bones they certainly would shatter my dreams. As if I started doing this for the approval of many rather than the glory of one.

I used to be afraid of failure, afraid of losing, afraid of falling, afraid of being wrong, creating buzz and looking absolutely stupid because who am I to think that I could ever actually make a difference.

As if those setbacks or anything more than stepping stones on the path to success.

I used to be afraid. I used to.

But then I did a little research. And by that I mean  – I researched and I researched and I researched over and over gain. And through all my researching I keep coming up with the same exact question.

What room does fear have? What room does fear have when I cling to trust? What room does fear have when I lean on hope?

What room does fear have when I search for something more, when I discover what’s good and when I stand in awe, when I run for perseverance, when I walk by faith and when I rest in comfort.

What room does fear when I sing with praise? When I take hold of inspiration, explore the possibilities and step in to freedom? What room does fear have when I discover strength, embrace courage, remember peace, declare truth, choose joy, experience life and conquer death?

What room does fear have when I find perfection in the one place I never thought to look? In weakness, when I’m saved by the most unlikely of heroes.

By grace. when I’m invited into a relationship more loving and intimate than I could ever imagine as a child of God.

I’ll ask you again, what room does fear have when I step out of the darkness and I’ll bask in the light. When I let the past be the past and the future has no limits, when they can talk all they want but their opinion doesn’t matter. And when failure is nothing more and nothing less than the road by which I walk my path to success.

I'll ask you one last time - what room does fear have when in His words He tells me 365 times, (depending on the translation) DO NOT BE AFRAID. As if I needed to hear that every single day. And as if that's how many times I needed to hear it before I finally believe.

What room does fear have - when I make room for LOVE.

Ps: Excerpt from The Anima series.

APPEALING OR REPELLENT???

#Mathew5:14… “you are the light of the world, a city on a hill cannot be hidden.”
When Jesus walked on the face of the earth, He was in constant conflict with the Pharisees and the sadducees.Reason being they were so adamant with the law that they failed to acknowledge Jesus’s teachings.

Are some christians loosing it when it comes to winning souls for Christ?
A few days back, I was scrollin. My facebook wall and noticed that three different born again christians had updated their status that they were on the verge of blocking some people because of how rude they were.

This got me thinking, should we as born again christians be quick to turn our back to people who are moving against the grains with our doctrines and stand?
Are we justified to write them off?
Consequently, these people end up not finding their way since noone shone bright to show them the way. When we were not born again, we oftentimes admired those who walked upright I faith and wished to be like them. This went a long way to appease our hearts and accepted the gift of salvation.

Easier said than done, it takes a considerable amount of effort to swallow our pride and be humble enough to accept people regardless of how they are.

proverbs 16:18-19… 18)”Pride goes before a destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. 19) better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.”

*So, what is humility?
Humility is the attitude or quality of mind where a person holds low-esteem or opinion of his own goodness and importance.( it is the opposite of pride, haughtiness and self-exaltation)
Humility is all about suppressing everything with “self” and embracing efforts to win souls for Christ. Blessed are the meek…

When we follow Christ’s doctrines and teachings, we will be less concerned about who hurt us or who talked to us rudely. If we constantly study the word of God, we will be equipped with the best esteem ever and we will be able to accept people however they are.

Non-believers need our patience, our understanding, our humility, our Christ-like example and above all our love.
Some people never read the bible, be a bible to them. Let the life you and me lead everyday appeal people to love Christ and admire a close walk with Him. On our own we cant, but through Him who strengthens us, we can.

With regards Murish.

Keep running, keep learning..

As going gets rough gets tough n tougher, you think about your life and your heart runs pitter patter.
Well, you gotta keep your head up n glorify the granter...
If the devil close your path that doesn't matter.
With Jesus on your way turning point discover.
Take position, keep running keep learning...

So many a times you feel you wanna loose your calm,
When even praying seems a hard task,
The cunning voice of the enemy takes the upper hand,
With memories of past mistakes blinding your path,
Take position, keep running keep learning.

Take all you troubles n cares to the right direction.
Run, run from Satan's snares and manipulation.
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.
The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.
Take position, keep running keep learning.