Sunday 18 December 2016

LET'S GIVE THANKS!

LET'S GIVE THANKS!

Finally, the year is ending. Many things may have happened to you this year, both good and bad.  Some of us have accomplished much in the course of the year, while others may not have done much.  In spite of how the year went, it is important to be thankful. Many people longed to see the end of 2016 but were not able to do so.  Those of us who have gotten to the end of 2016 need to give thanks to God for giving us the grace and strength to make it all through the year.

I will now share a few verses below to get you into the thanksgiving mood.

Psalm 107:1 "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever." (NLT)

His faithful love – what a beautiful description. Regardless of what we may do that displeases him, he loves us faithfully. Faithful love (loving kindness) is part of his nature.

Psalm 107:8 "Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind." (NIV)

Psalm 9:1 "I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of your wonderful deeds." (NIV)

Is there anything that God has done for you this year? If so, be thankful and praise him. As you declare what God has done for you, you are encouraging someone out there to put his or her trust in him.

1 Chronicles 16:8 "Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. "(NLT)

The world needs to know that the God we serve is faithful and that he does great things for us. Do not be afraid to share!

Lastly, if you are anxious about what next year has in store for you, you need to know that just as God sorted you out in 2016, he will sort you out in 2017! Put your trust in him.

Philippians 4:6 "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." (NLT)

Talk to the Lord about what you desire for the coming year, as you thank him for what he did for you this year.

I wish you a happy and blessed Christmas, full of thanksgiving to the Lord!

PS. Please take a minute and comment at the bottom of this post, sharing what you are thankful for. Blessings.


Wednesday 14 December 2016

MAKING THE GRADE

MAKING THE GRADE

For many children, the final examination results of primary and secondary school are a big deal. Many of our children are asking themselves the following questions.

  • ·         If I fail these exams, what will I do?
  • ·         What happens if I do not get into my favorite school?
  • ·         What will my parents say if I do not get the marks that they are expecting?
  • ·         If I had studied harder, would I have gotten better results?


Although these questions are valid, they are also a sign of desperation. What is the cause of this sense of desperation? Our grading system!

Grading is not necessarily a bad thing. The problem, however, is that our children have been led to believe that they will not succeed in life they do not attain a particular exam grade. Below are some the disadvantages of our current grading system.

1.      It gives those who are not up to scratch low self-esteem. A child who is constantly at the bottom of the class will feel discouraged and worthless.

2.      The system puts more focus on academic prowess rather than character building. Think about this – there are very few schools that give prizes for kindness, cleanliness, leadership, etc. Character building should be an important part of the educational process.

3.      There is no room for the development of an individual's gifts and talents. Many children struggle to attain the required grades while in reality if they had the chance to explore their talents, they would excel in those areas.

4.      Parents have also been led to believe that grades are everything. Have you heard how your friends boast when their kids attain good marks and go silent when the grades are bad? What message are they communicating to their children through these reactions?

What is the way forward?

Not much can be done about the grading in schools. There are, however, several things that parents can do to counteract any adverse effects of this classification system. Here are a few tips on how to handle a child who is not making the grade.

a)      Find out what your child's gifts are.
Is there a particular thing your child loves to do? Have you taken the time to observe your child and see where his or her interests lie? You never know that hobby or pastime could lead them to a successful career path.

b)     Encourage your child.
Some kids just need a little push from Mum and Dad to help them improve their grades. Sit down with your child and help with the difficult subjects. Study together for exams. Go out for a walk together as you both take a break and chat. Parents must, however, maintain a healthy balance between pushing and encouraging. Clear expectations should accompany every dose of loving encouragement.

c)      Explore other options.
If your child is not an academic, find a school that has a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Avoid the schools that do lots of drilling, or where the children spend long hours in class. Not all children can cope with such a strict regimen. You could also opt to have your children explore their creative side on the weekends through sport, art or music classes.

d)     Love your child.
This child is God's gift to you. It is, therefore, your responsibility to point this child in the right direction. If you are very harsh and demanding, you will find that your child confides less in you, and this will affect schoolwork. Accept your child and give guidance. Help your child find his role in society. 

Making the grade will not guarantee your child success in life. If you desire the best for your kids, begin to instill values that will help them cope with the world out there. Teach them the values that you learnt as a child. Equip them for the challenges they will face in future. Love and encourage them. Most importantly, pray for them. That way, even if your child does not make the grade, he or she will be a confident and well-rounded individual.

Monday 12 December 2016

EVEN IF YOU'RE DIFFERENT, GOD STILL HAS A PLAN FOR YOU

EVEN IF YOU'RE DIFFERENT, GOD STILL HAS A PLAN FOR YOU

Yesterday I attended a unique wedding. Apart from the fact that it was a Sunday wedding, what stood out was that both the bride and groom were born with albinism.

Look back to your childhood. What perception did the society have towards albinism? The way I remember it, society looked down on people with albinism, simply because they were different. After yesterday's wedding, however, it dawned on me that although this young couple looked different from most people, God's plan for them still came to pass. They have been to school, have good jobs, are active in church, and now they are married. In spite of all the negative vibes society may have had towards this couple, they have succeeded.

What am I driving at? We are all different, yes, but for some people, the differences can be a challenge. Below I will share some scriptures that will encourage you, your children and your friends who may differ from society's expectations.

Psalm 37:23-24 "The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand." (NLT)

The Lord delights in EVERY DETAIL! Nothing about you surprises him. After all, he created you! Parents with children who have learning difficulties or social challenges need to remind themselves that God delights in their children because he created them.

Note, also, that the Lord knows we are bound to stumble as we walk through life. He promises to be right there to hold our hands.

Psalm 139:16 "You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed." (NLT)

This verse encourages me when I can't figure out what is happening in my life. God saw every moment of my life before I was born. He knew that the present challenges would come along, and I would conquer each one.

The above verse from Psalm 139 reminds us that each one of us has a different path to follow. For example, my path is different from that of my brothers, my husband, and my children. Does that make us different? Yes! Do our differences exclude us from the plan of God? NO!

Sadly, society today exerts pressure on people who are different, making them feel like second-class citizens. Interestingly, most of us do not realize that we are all different in some way; it is just that some differences are more obvious than others.

This post is to encourage anyone who is feeling like they will never measure up to the standards of society. Remember that God created you, and if you take the time to seek his will concerning your life, his purpose for you will slowly become apparent. It doesn't matter what people say – God loves you and he has a purpose for your life.

Let me end with two of my favorite verses.

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (NLT)

Romans 8:28 "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."(NLT)


Have a great week!

Sunday 4 December 2016

WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL, 4TH DECEMBER. WORDS FOR MOMS AND DADS - PART 1

WORDS FOR MOMS AND DADS

This week I would like to have a chat with parents. The responsibility of being a parent is quite overwhelming for most of us, and as such, I thought to share a few pointers on the role of a parent.

First, who made you a parent? God made you a parent, by giving you children. Did you know, however, that every child is a reward from the Lord?

Psalm 127:3 "Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him."(NLT)

How do you handle a gift that you receive from someone you love? Do you treat it with care, or you do you throw it in the dustbin? You treat the gift with care because you love the person who gave it to you. In the same way, we should value our children because they are gifts from the Lord.

What are the duties of a parent? We will look at two key responsibilities of parents below.

1. Love your children

God gives us the perfect example of how to love our children.

Psalm 103:13 "The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him." (NLT)

We need to show tenderness and compassion (love) to our children all the time. Our love for our children should not be dependent on their behavior, performance in school or achievements in life. Love your children because they are yours.

Note that loving your child does not mean ignoring negative behavior. Correct your child lovingly, and he or she will return to the right path.

2. Provide for your children

As parents, we must also provide for our children. Children are very dependent on their parents until they reach the age of 18. Until then, parents need to provide food, shelter, clothing and access to education. These are the basic things necessary for the healthy growth and development of any child.

As the children grow older, they will need to learn the basics of financial management. Teach them to manage  household supplies well. Do not just give the children what they need and assume that they will know how to manage their homes in future.

Proverbs 13:22a "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children." (AMP)

What kind of legacy do you plan to leave for your kids? Will it benefit future generations?

As you invest with your children in mind, make sure that you prepare them to manage the investments so that they will also be able to provide for their children. Teach them how to manage their money early. As soon as you introduce pocket money, introduce the principles of saving. That way, you will not only have provided for your children's present needs but also their future needs.

Dear parents, this may seem like a difficult task. With God's help, however, you will be a great parent. If you ever feel like you are running short on strength for the task, meditate on the words below.

Psalms 29:11 "The LORD gives his people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace." (NLT)

Have a great week as you enjoy the parenting journey!


Tuesday 29 November 2016

HOW TO KEEP YOUR CHILDREN BUSY DURING THE LONG HOLIDAYS

HOW TO KEEP YOUR CHILDREN BUSY DURING THE LONG HOLIDAYS

The long-awaited November and December holidays are finally here with us. The children are excited about sleeping, resting, watching TV and eating. Parents are however at a loss as to how to keep their kids busy. How do you keep them occupied and out of mischief for two months?

Below are a few tips on how to manage this extended holiday period.

1. Come up with a program for your children.
A simple program outlines what to do at specific times. Remember, kids love predictability. Sit down with your children and decide what is important. Set aside time for revision, play, TV, and chores. Older children can make their own programs. Sit down with your kids every evening and do a review of the day. Learning to stick to a program is the first lesson in time management, a critical skill that our children will need when they are older.

2. Holiday Camps
There are several holiday camps around for children of all ages. These camps offer classes in cookery, gardening, music, drama, art, and crafts. Some schools are also offering sports camps. For the older children, some camps focus on preparing them for high school. Rites of passage camps are also very popular this season. Churches also offer Bible camps.
Make sure you get the details of the camp that you choose. Is it well organized? Are the charges reasonable? How will your kids get home after the sessions? What age groups does the camp cater for? Are there snacks provided?
Discuss the details of the holiday camp with your children, so that they know what it involves. Ask them what new skill they would like to learn. That way they are more likely to enjoy themselves, and you will get value for your money.

3. Involve your children in household chores
Your kids have grown considerably in the past year. Each one should be able to handle simple household chores. Give each child simple age-appropriate chores to do daily. For example, a 5-year-old boy should be able to make his bed when he wakes up, and help to fold and store clothes. An 8-year-old child can help with washing dishes and cleaning the house. These two months are also a good time to teach your older children to cook and do laundry. Use this long holiday to teach your kids survival skills. They will enjoy learning from you.

4. Revision
As much as our kids are tired of school and anything related to books, a little studying in the first few weeks will not hurt. You can get revision booklets and ask them to do one test paper daily. You can also get storybooks and ask the children to read a chapter or two daily.  Reading storybooks will help to develop your child's vocabulary and reasoning skills. Good storybooks are available in local bookshops, supermarkets and from some secondhand dealers.

5. Time with Extended Family
The grandparents of your children need to spend time with your kids and get to know them better. You also need a little break. Why not send the kids to spend a few days with your parents? They will learn a lot from them and will enjoy being spoilt. They can also go and visit other members of the extended family, or close family friends. The long holiday gives the perfect opportunity for bonding time with family and friends.

6.  Time with Parents and Siblings
Do you ever feel like you rarely get to see your children? This long holiday gives you the opportunity to hang out with them and get to know them better. Take some days off work and spend time with them at home. Show them how to cook, to change a flat tire, to weed the garden, to do simple errands, etc. Take time to talk about school and life issues. Your children will consider that the highlight of their holiday.

Children in boarding schools hardly get to interact with their siblings. This long holiday will give them time to catch up on each other's lives.

7. Rest
Our children need a break. They have been in school all year. Our current educational system is very demanding and involving. Let them stay at home and relax. After all, within no time they will be back to school again!

Keeping your children busy during holidays does not need to be an expensive affair.  Give them the basics – food, shelter, clothing and love, and they will be okay.

I wish you an enjoyable and fruitful holiday!


Sunday 27 November 2016

WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL, 27TH NOVEMBER. "SETTING A GOOD EXAMPLE"

SETTING A GOOD EXAMPLE

One Sunday, as our pastor was preaching, he mentioned the words "Setting a good example" in passing. Those four words got me thinking. Why is it necessary to set a good example? Simple. There is always someone looking up to you, even if you do not want to admit it. It may be your co-worker, children, family members or even the attendants in your favorite supermarket.

 For the Christian, setting a good example draws people to Christ.

Titus 2:7 "And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching." (NLT)
Paul encouraged Titus to set a good example for the people around him so that they would take his words seriously. People are always drawn to individuals who practice what they preach.

Christ set the perfect example for us to follow. He had no sin; he lived a righteous life and practised what he preached. Do you remember the instance where he washed the disciples' feet?  Jesus was setting an example of servanthood for them. After washing all their feet, he had this to say.

John 13:15 "I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you." (NLT)
A person who serves others with a genuine motive always gains the respect of men. That is the message Jesus was putting across.

Earlier on in his ministry, Jesus encouraged his followers to use their good deeds as a form of evangelism. Not many people are aware of the impact of a simple good deed. Did you know that a simple act of kindness and compassion could draw somebody to Christ?

Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your good deeds shine for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." (NLT)

The apostle Paul was given a great responsibility by God – to mentor thousands of Christians. Paul had no choice – he had to live a life that would draw these young believers closer to Christ. How did he manage that? Paul had the best example, Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:1 "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." (NIV)

Paul also had this to add.

Ephesians 5:1 "Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children." (NLT)

Children imitate their parents. If you do not believe this, watch your kids as they have ‘pretend' phone conversations. Don't they sound just like you? In the same way, we as children of God should imitate him.

As a Christian, you need to remember that there is always someone watching you, observing how you live your life. It is, therefore, important to live a life that is consistent with what you believe in, as that is what God expects of you. God expects you to be different from the world, and more like him. The verse below gives us a good idea of God's expectations.

Romans 12:2a "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think." (NLT)

If you imitate God and let him transform you into his likeness, you will be well equipped to be a good example to others.

Have a great week!


Sunday 20 November 2016

THE IMPORTANCE OF EXCELLENCE

Do you remember in primary school seeing your teacher writing the word ‘excellent' in some children's books? Did you ever ask yourself what this word meant?  Well, excellence means being outstanding or extremely good.

Achieving excellence is not an easy thing to do. It is, however, a value that we should all seek to cultivate. God has given us specific tasks to do, and he requires that we do them well. To find an excellent employee in our country today is rare, as not many people realize the importance of doing things to the best of our ability.

God has called the Christian to a life of excellence. The perfect nature of our Father would require nothing less.  Let us look at why a life of excellence is important.

1.      Excellence pleases God.

God's perfect nature is a good example for us. Everything he does portrays excellence. Think about the creation process. When he finished, he looked at his work and was pleased with the outcome.

Genesis 1:31 "Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!" (NLT)

If we strive to perform all tasks he has given us to the best of our ability, he will be pleased. Remember, we are his servants. Our aim should be to please him in all that we do.

2 Corinthians 5:9 "So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him." (NLT)

2.      Excellence earns a reward.

Most companies have a reward system. If you do a great job during the year, you get a bonus at the end of it. God also has a reward system. His rewards may not always be monetary, or immediate. You can, however, be sure that he will reward you for doing your best.

Galatians 6:9 "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." (NLT)
Excellent work always receives a blessing. The blessing may not come immediately, but if we are patient, we will receive it. That is how God's reward system works.

Colossians 3:23-24 "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ." (NLT)

We need to work with willing hearts, to please both our earthly employers and Christ. If we work in a way that pleases God, we will receive an inheritance.

3.      Excellence earns the recognition of people in authority.

Proverbs 22:29 "Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people."  (NLT)

Who would you rather work for, a king or an ordinary person? Working for a king would be better. We can compare working for kings to working for well-established companies, or people in high leadership positions in society. To get there, one has to do whatever little tasks they have perfectly so that God can open the door to bigger ones. In Luke 16:10, Jesus had this to say on the topic.

"If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities." (NLT)

If you are aspiring to rise in your career or get a better job, work with excellence at your present job. God will see your faithfulness and reward you. Remember, people in positions of authority are always looking for people to mentor. Let the excellent nature of your work stand out, and you will get the opportunities you deserve.

4.      Excellence leads to leadership roles.

The way we do our work has a direct impact on how society views us. The person who works hard and does his job well always receives praise and the lazy person receives ridicule. Note that you cannot be lazy and work with excellence; the two do not go hand in hand. The following verse describes the results of working hard.

Proverbs 12:24 "Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave."  (NLT)

Doing your work well and with excellence will put you ahead of everyone else, making you a leader. Your peers will look up to you and even seek your advice. They will view you as their leader and mentor. Your employer will take note of how well you do your work and give you more leadership roles and responsibilities. Being lazy, however, puts you at the bottom of the pack, making you a slave.

5.      Excellence gives you personal satisfaction.

When God finished the creation process, he was pleased with his work.  The same should apply to all of us. When you do a GREAT job, to be the best of your ability, don't you feel good? It is always exciting when you achieve your personal goals. We should all have the goal of doing everything with excellence.

Gal 6:4 "Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else." (NLT)

Personal satisfaction in your work will build your confidence and give you the drive to keep excelling in all that you do.

6.      Excellence brings glory to God.

To bring glory to God is to bring honor, credit, and praise to him. When people look at how you do your tasks with excellence, they give credit to God.

1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (NLT)

Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." (NLT)

People will want to know more about the God who motivates you to do your best. An individual who does things with excellence will always attract people. As a result, you will have a perfect opportunity to share your faith in Christ with your peers and colleagues, having already won their respect and admiration.

Titus 2:7 "And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching." (NLT)

Excellence is a virtue that each one of us should practise in our daily lives. Every little task needs to be done well because that is what God requires and expects of us. Excellence should be part of our lifestyle.

In conclusion, on those days when you need a little push to do your best, meditate on these words.

Philippians 4:13 "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." (NLT)


WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL, NOVEMBER 20. "THE NAMES OF GOD, PART 5"

JEHOVAH M'KADDESH

Jehovah M'Kaddesh means, "The Lord who sanctifies, makes holy."

I have noticed that this is one of the least known names of God. Could this be because it refers to a topic that many of us do not want to discuss – holiness?

What does it mean to be holy?

Generally speaking, being holy means being set apart for a religious purpose. For us Christians, to be holy means to be set apart for God's purposes. 

God, through Jesus Christ, has paid the price for our salvation and thus expects us to live in a way that pleases him. He requires that we follow his example of holiness. 

Leviticus 20:7-8 "So set yourselves apart to be holy, for I am the LORD your God. Keep all my decrees by putting them into practice, for I am the LORD who makes you holy." (NLT)

Leviticus 11:45 "For I, the LORD, am the one who brought you up from the land of Egypt, that I might be your God. Therefore, you must be holy because I am holy. "(NLT)

The Lord declares that he is our God. He is the one who makes us holy. 

1 Peter 1:5 "But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy." (NLT)

The Lord who chose us and set us free is holy. We must, therefore, be holy like him.

Did you know, however,  that if we are not holy, we will not see God? 

Hebrews 12:14 "Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord." (NLT)

The Lord takes holiness very seriously. The text above implies that if you do not live a holy life, you will not get the chance to live with him in eternity. 

Let us conclude with the following verses from Psalms. 

Psalm 24: 3-5 "Who may climb the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols, and never tell lies. They will receive the LORD's blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior. ‘(NLT)

Have a blessed week, as you contemplate on the importance of living a holy life.

Sunday 13 November 2016

WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL, 13 NOVEMBER. "THE NAMES OF GOD (PART 4)"

JEHOVAH SHAMMAH

Hi, everyone. I hope you had a superb week and that you saw Jehovah Jireh work in your life. This week we will look at Jehovah Shammah.

Jehovah Shammah means, "The Lord is There."

Ezekiel 48:35 "The distance around the entire city will be 6 miles. And from that day the name of the city will be ‘The Lord is There' ".  (NLT)

This scripture was written right at the end of Ezekiel's prophecy. In essence, the Lord was reassuring the people that his presence would be in the New Jerusalem forever.

Let us narrow this down to our Christian lives. When we accept Christ, he changes our hearts. He takes over our lives and dwells within us. We become ’new’.

Galatians 2:20 "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. " (NLT)

If Christ lives in you, does it mean his presence is with you? Of course! He is constantly there with you.

Below are some verses from the Old Testament that speak of the Lord’s presence.

Exodus 33:14 "The Lord replied, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." (NIV)

The Lord said these words to Moses just before the Israelites left Egypt for the promised land. Moses was faced with a difficult task and needed to know that God would be with him all through.

Genesis 28:15 "What's more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you." (NLT)

God spoke the words above to Jacob just after being sent away by his father, Isaac. How encouraging.

As a Christian, remember that because Christ lives in you, his presence goes with you wherever you go.

Deuteronomy 31:8 "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will  be with you, he will neither fail you nor abandon you."(NLT)

Let us conclude with these beautiful words from Psalm 139.

Psalm 139:7-10 "I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me." (NLT)


Have a great week ahead. May Jehovah Shammah be with you.  

Monday 7 November 2016

WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL, 7TH NOVEMBER. "THE NAMES OF GOD (PART 3)"

Hello, everyone!

In the past two weeks, we have looked at five names of God. Yahweh, Jehovah Rohi, Jehovah Shalom, Jehovah Rapha and Jehovah Nissi.

This week we will look at Jehovah Jireh.

Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide)

Note the future tense used. The Lord Will provide. The Lord guarantees that he will provide for us. The Lord's nature does not allow him to make promises he cannot keep, as he is a faithful God. As his name says, he will provide for us.

Genesis 22:14a 'Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means "The Lord will provide")'. (NLT)

God told Abraham to sacrifice his precious son Isaac. Abraham was ready to obey God. He also knew, however, that God would provide a sacrifice when the time to kill Isaac came. Just when he was about to thrust the knife into his son, an angel appeared and told him to stop. At this point, Abraham looked up and saw a ram trapped in a bush. God had provided the sacrifice. 

Abraham was ready to sacrifice his son out of obedience to God. He knew, however, that the God he served was a righteous and faithful God. He would not let Isaac die.

God requires that we trust in him as our provider even when things are not going as we planned. He knows us by name, and his plans are for our good. God's plans for us are always in line with his loving and faithful nature. 

Deuteronomy 2:7 "For the Lord has blessed you in everything you have done. He has watched your every step through this great wilderness. During these forty years, the Lord your God has been with you, and you have lacked nothing." (NLT)

For forty long years, the Israelites had been in the wilderness. That is a long time to live in the desert! The interesting thing is that despite being in the desert, they always had food to eat and water to drink. Who provided for them? Jehovah Jireh. Are you in a desert right now? The Lord will provide.

Matthew 6:26 "Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your Heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are?" (NLT)

Our Father takes care of the birds you see flying in the air. We are more precious to God than these birds. He has promised to take care of us. The Lord will provide.

Psalm 34:10 "Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing." (NLT)

This verse is self-explanatory. Put your faith in the Lord, and you won't lack. Note that trusting in the Lord doesn't mean you come up with a plan and ask him to approve it. You need to let him take full control of your life.

Just in case you doubt God's ability to handle your issues, read the verse below.

1 Chronicles 29:12 "Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all. In Your hand is power and might; and it is in Your hands to make great and to give strength to everyone." (AMP)

Jehovah Jireh has promised to meet all our needs. Your needs may be material, physical or spiritual. If you put your faith in him, he will provide for you at his perfect time. 

Let me add this final verse as an encouragement for everyone who is looking to God for divine provision.

Philippians 4:19 "And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (AMP)

Have a blessed week!

Monday 31 October 2016

WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL, 31ST OCTOBER. "THE NAMES OF GOD (PART 2)"

Hello, everyone!

Do you remember the names of God that we looked at last week? Yahweh, Jehovah Rohi and Jehovah Shalom.

This week we will look at two more, Jehovah Rapha and Jehovah Nissi.

Jehovah Rapha  (The Lord who heals)

As the name suggests, the Lord is our healer. 

Exodus 15:26 'He said, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his sight, obeying his commands and keeping all his decrees, then I will not make you suffer any of the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the Lord who heals you.”' (NLT)

The Lord when speaking to the Israelites identified himself as the Lord who heals from all diseases. 

Psalm 103:3 "He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.(NLT)

The Lord has the power to heal all diseases that afflict us.

Isaiah 53:5 " But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed." (NLT)

Isaiah was talking about Jesus here, and the suffering he would endure so that we would be free from the power of sin. Note the order and reasons for his suffering. First was piercing for our rebellion or transgressions (acts of wrongdoing). Next was the crushing for sin, sin that was not his, but ours. After that, he received a beating so we could be whole and at peace with God. Finally, he received a whipping so that we would, in turn, receive healing.

Jesus came to deal with the issue of sin and its effects on our lives. Sin is like a disease that eats each one of us stealthily and silently. Once sin is dealt with in somebody's life, the result is wholeness and peace with God. 

The Lord, therefore, promises us not just physical healing, but spiritual healing as well. Spiritual healing comes through the sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross. 

1 Peter 2:24 "He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed." (NLT)

Jehovah Nissi (The Lord Our Banner)

Exodus 17:15 "Moses built an altar and  called it The Lord is my Banner." (NLT)

A banner is a flag that hoisted on a pole by an army. This banner bears symbols that show who the army belongs to, and what the army stands for.

What does it mean, therefore, to have the Lord as your banner? Remember we Christians are all part of the Lord's army.

1. The Lord is in complete control of his army.
2. The Lord leads us into battle and subsequently guides us to success.
3. If the army is under pressure, the Lord sends reinforcements.
4. The army upholds godly values and uses them in the battle.
5. When the army wins the battle, all glory goes to the Lord.
6. The Lord equips and encourages his soldiers.

The next time you're faced with a battle-like situation, remember that the Lord is your banner and has given you victory.

Have a victorious week, and remember you are physically and spiritually healed through Christ!

Monday 24 October 2016

WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL, 24TH OCTOBER - " THE NAMES OF GOD"

Hello, friends.

I hope you had a blessed week, rejoicing in the redemption that comes through Christ.

This week we deal with the names of God. Did you know that the Bible has several names for God that describe his character, attributes, and power?

This week we will look at a few of these names.

1. Yahweh (YHWH, Jehovah)
Yahweh is the proper name for God. In the Bible times, the Israelites were afraid to say this name because of what it signified. Yahweh refers to presence and immediacy. Yahweh is accessible, present and near to those who call on him for help and deliverance. How do we react to such a holy presence? With awe, fear and adoration.

Exodus 3:14 "God replied to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." Say this to the people of Israel, I AM has sent me to you."

Moses was afraid to speak to the Israelites, so he asked God, "Who should I say has sent me?" God sent Moses to tell the Israelites that Yahweh had sent him and that his presence would be with them.

Are you facing a challenge that appears too hard to handle? Don't be afraid. Call on Yahweh. He will send his presence to be with you.

2. Jehovah Rohi
Jehovah Rohi means The Lord is my Shepherd. The job of a Shepherd is to tend his sheep or his master's sheep. The shepherd takes them to good feeding places, fetches water for them and protects them from danger. They become like his family because he spends most of his time with them.

Jacob referred to God as his shepherd in the verses below.

Genesis 48:15 "May the God before whom my grandfather Abraham and my father, Isaac, walked - the God who has been my shepherd all my life, to this very day..." (NLT)

Jacob acknowledged that God had taken care of him all his life. As our shepherd, God makes sure that we are cared for physically and spiritually.

Psalm 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need." (NLT)

David wrote these words as he reflected on his relationship with the Lord. He noted that just as he would do anything for his sheep, God would, in turn, do anything for him.

In John chapter 10 Jesus describes himself as the good shepherd. 

John 10:11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep." (NLT)

Jesus gave his life for us, his beloved sheep. He also promises to protect us from danger because we belong to him.

3. Jehovah Shalom
Jehovah-Shalom means the Lord is Peace.  These words first appeared in Old Testament. Gideon saw the Lord's angel face to face, and was sure that he was going to die. He asked the Lord for help. 

Judges 6:23-24a "It is all right," the Lord replied."Do not be afraid. You will not die." And Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and named it Yahweh-Shalom (which means 'the LORD is peace') (NLT)

Gideon was so comforted by this reassurance from the Lord that he built an altar as a reminder that Jehovah was his peace.

Peace is not just the absence of confusion and turmoil. Peace is also the feeling of wholeness and harmony with oneself and others. Ultimate peace comes from God.  

John 14:27 "I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid." (NLT)

When you face difficulties, focus on God. His peace will carry you through.

Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" (NLT)

2 Thessalonians 3:16 "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all." (NLT)

Let the God of peace give you HIS peace. 

May God be Yahweh (accessible and present), Rohi (your shepherd) and Shalom ( your peace) all through this week. Amen.


Wednesday 19 October 2016

10 IMPORTANT POINTS THAT SHOULD INFLUENCE YOUR CHOICE OF A PRESCHOOL

The increased population in Thika town has led to an increase in demand for essential services. Top on this list is the demand for good schools. Most parents of young children are wondering where to take their kids, and how to choose the right preschool. Do you fall into this category? Below are some tips that can help you make your decision.

1.       Location of the School
A 3-year-old child should not be travelling long distances to and from school daily. Make sure the preschool you choose is close to home, or easily accessible by car or public transport.

2.       Student Population
Young children need attention, especially those who are still perfecting their social and life skills. Introverted children tend to get lost in a crowd when the numbers are large. Visit the school and see how many children there are in each class, and how many teachers are available to attend to them.

3.       Facilities
The school should have appropriate facilities to deal with its targeted age group. There should be a playground with proper play equipment. The toilets should not be too high or too low. The washbasins should be of an appropriate height. Each class should also have a play area with toys, as young children learn through play.

4.       Staff
There should be trained teachers who have experience in dealing with younger children. They should also be compassionate and caring towards the children. Visit the school and see what the teacher-student ratio is. The school should also have support staff to handle the cleaning, cooking, and other issues related to the running of the school.

5.       Cleanliness
When you walk into the school, does the smell coming from the toilets hit you hard? Health standards of a preschool are a priority. Younger children are yet to master the basics of good hygiene, and are thus more susceptible to infections. Every area of the school, therefore, has to be spotless.

6.       School Hours
Your 3-year-old who is transitioning from home to school should not spend too many hours at school. Parents must clarify the school hours before they enrol their child. Long hours spent in school can be counter-productive for the young child.

7.       Curriculum
Most preschools will use the 8-4-4 system, but the method of delivery in each is different. Get reviews from other parents on how their children are coping at the school. Note that play is an important part of learning at that age. Playtime must be part of the daily timetable.

8.       Transport
Once your child is used to school routine, you may opt to use either school transport or private transport. Make sure that the transporter is reliable and responsible. Get precise details of pick-up and drop-off times and location. Get the phone number of the driver and the caretaker. Note that young children need close supervision when in a bus or van. There must be a caretaker or minder present at all times.

9.       School Fees
Parents want value for their money. If the school you choose costs you an arm and a leg, find out why. Do they have superior services compared to other schools? Do they deliver on their promises? Once again, get reviews from other parents.

10.   Communication
A good school will make sure that the channels of communication are always open to parents. As a parent, you need to feel that if you need to talk to the head of the school or the teachers, they will be ready to listen. Parents need to receive information about term dates and school events promptly. You also need to know that if your child is unwell, or is injured, you will get the information immediately.

Take your time as you hunt for a good preschool. Visit the schools that attract you. Get reviews from other parents. Remember that the first few school years of your child's life are the most important, as they form the foundation of your child's educational journey.


All the best as you make your decision!