Battle at the Gate by ‘the litmus arrow’

I had been up for about three hours or more earlier today. I was reading, thinking, praying as I also waited subconsciously for a text from Leroy to confirm that God had granted him another safe trip to his now daily destination. Suddenly I it occurred to me that I had not heard the usual morning sounds of one member of my household. Aunty Njoki should have been in about half an hour ago. I dialed her number hoping that all was well, and that she was simply running late.

She answered warmly and then her voice got frantic as she explained to me that the guards at the gate were adamant that she would not get in today. My phone disconnected and I looked at it frustrated. I didn’t have any more credit etc. I seethed quietly as I contemplated what was ‘really happening’…the ‘real story’. She had been coming to this house daily for over a year…and no one had ever demanded her particulars after her first month. Somehow, as I found out much later, her ID card had slipped out of her bag in the kitchen just yesterday. She called me back and asked me to speak to the guard who was initially rude. I firmly but gently asked him what the real issue was. The phone disconnected again, adding fuel to my fires. I got up and marched in ‘full combat’ (i.e. a lesso (a wrapper), house dress, hair bonnet and phone) all the way to the main estate gate. I was livid. I could hear though, the soft gentle Voice of The Holy Spirit counsel me above the fires of rage and calmed down before I run into Aunty Njoki on her way home. We greeted each other warmly and I asked pointedly if the guards had asked her for a bribe. She said no and I calmed down. Sufficiently to have a cohesive conversation a.k.a. do battle with the hostile at the gate.

Back home, much later – (oh I did get to the gate and have that conversation with the guards which effectively calmed both parties. I am not one that leaves my battles un-fought. If am still quiet – I am probably just bidding my time and gathering arsenal 😁🙂😉) I thought about the incident and something a friend of God and I were chatting about yesterday. When he referred to Daddy a.k.a. Baba Vip as an elder at the gates of Gem Ahono, my mind’s eye saw my father dressed as a warrior with a quiver full of arrows strapped to his back. In this vision, he reached back and removed all five of his and fiercely unleashed them at intruders at the gate of our rural home. It took my breath away, that vision. Then ‘the warrior was escalated’, and we were being launched from the quiver of none other than The Almighty God, El Gibor Himself. Oh…my entire being, bowed in worship at this beautiful vision.

I thought about being an arrow. That at the gate, my father and Father did not stand unarmed because they had us. For my earthly father we would either be his weapons of offence or defense. I smiled as a cheeky thought came to me; ‘no wonder I have had so many bumps and bruises in life – I am his first arrow. The litmus.’ The smile receded as I thought of the seriousness of my role, the role of Daddy’s children…it was imperative that we ensure, no hostile passed through that gate…and if they did, that we be the cause of their emphatic retreat. Or extinction. I stopped then and prayed. My Daddy had sired arrow-heads designed by God for the battles he would face at that gate. We needed to submit to the aim and hit the mark for his Good. Because I was also of The Hosts of YHWH, there was a special codding there that ensured that I not only honored Daddy as I flew free towards the enemies, but my True Maker Himself. I recommitted myself to that role. For, I am after all, a soldier in The Army of The LORD. Come what may.

“Behold, children are a heritage from The LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;
They shall not be ashamed,
But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.”

Psalm 127:3-5 NKJV

Shalom.

vipadhiambo@gmail.com

Pulling Tents, Pulling Teeth…Again

So its happening again. What I thought was behind me. And the devil has tried to define me by names that he crafted to set me for an eternity as his companion in the pit. But God. I can already tell that he – the devil – is going to be very lonely without me. Because God has not lost His reach over me. He still is LORD, even if it’s happening again.

It’s happening again and I seem to have lost my foothold. To be falling – But I sense Him hold me. He shields me against the swaying chants of a coven that was created to do me wrong; to delight in the whirlwind against my life, to desire my destruction, despair and death, though it would not profit them at all. God laughs, and speaks, and I emerge from the blur, IN HIS ARMS.

It’s happening again, and He reminds me about last time. That even then, even when He manifested through help He sent, He was then my Help then and will be today. He calls me to avail myself in covenant with Him, He speaks and I fall asleep in His Arms – learning that a storm does not have to rob me of rest. That He is The Storm. He is IN The storm. He LORD OVER the storm. And that this storm is a test. Not for Him Who Already knows incomparably more and is Himself, Knowledge and Wisdom; but that I too, His Beloved, would understand just how much He has increased in me, as The Word of God.

It’s happening again, and I am at rest. He reminds me of the beginning; that even BEFORE He made man, He had spoken and made everything else. Even though like Mary I wonder out loud in His Presence, how this could be – since I am without human help, I surrender to The Power of His Word – let it be unto me LORD, ONLY in accordance to Your Word and Will. I take my cross, and take a walk with The Author of The Universe, The Living God, The Commander of Heaven’s hosts, My Groom, My Home Eternal. The One Who Speaks and His Word cannot be resisted by the absence of what is tangible. I rest. I rest. I rest. I rest. No matter what.

“For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.”

James 1:23-24

#IamaTentofTheLivingGod#ComeandSee#EvenSoComeLORDJESUS#MyHomeMyLifeMyLove#MyFriend#MyHelp#MyDefense#ThePilgrimProgresses#TheDayGodMadeForMe#GodsDay#MySonginTheNight

“I will be glad and rejoice in Your Love, for You saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have not given me into the hands of the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.”

Psalm 31:7–8

vipadhiambo@gmail.com

Prayer and Plea

God’s Penchant for Excellence

JUDGES 1 on my mind.

(a) When we face issues, it is always a key to excellence to seek God for His Winning strategy. He has one – as well as THE EXACT PERSONELL FOR HIS STRATEGIC PLAN. If we stick to these, in faith, victory is guaranteed. (vv1-2]

(b) When we allow human power to lead us into decadent violation of other people’s rights to live as God created them to be, when we are unnecessarily cruel (hmmm…is cruelty ever necessary?) to those we believe are ‘beneath us’, it comes back to us. There is The Avenger Who never forgets presumptuous and un-repented sins against His Image in creation. (vv 6-7)

(c) This one I learnt from my son Leroy: God in His wisdom knows how to begin and expand families. His ways of doing these are often…supernatural, different from the norm. (vv 12-13)

(d) God is GENEROUS. He is not tightfisted. He does not think it offensive for us to ask Him for more – in Him of cause. He demands excellence so He gives excellence and excellently. (vv 13-14)

(e) Its important that when we ask of God to keep His promises to us, and He gives us instructions on our involvement in making these manifest – if any, that we perform excellently. This theme for me is key to this chapter. Don’t leave something undone, don’t settle for the status quo, just because its too hard…just because ‘its always been done a certain way’, of because ‘others there are too strong’…God knew all these before He made that promise, and sent in His troops – you and I. His Hosts – you and 1 in faith – are ALWAYS MORE than that of the adversary. He is INDOMITABLE, UNDEFEATABLE and WHENEVER we limit HIM to OUR limitations, we live lives that are piteously less than He desires for us to. And there are consequences to this…lapses in our faith in His Ability to see us through – to be Faithful to…even us. Consequences to us, and the generations that flow from us. When we decide to just live with it, or with them…and not DIRECTLY from HIS Counsel to us…people pay… (vv 19, 21, 27, 29-33). God’s Wisdom is Alpha and Omega…The Beginning and The End. He sees beyond our desire for immediate comfort – when an issue has not been perfected before Him…in Him.

Shalom.

vipslit@yahoo.ca

A Ground Broken

I heard Him say softly, with ALL Authority, ‘break up the fallow ground.’ I had become accustomed to the way things were; the tightness, the pain of rejection, the feeling of uselessness, bareness even, of being passed over so I had remained coiled in at His approach – but no other ground around me was fallow, so I knew He was referring to me.

I had seen it before, so I flinched. The workers came in first. Hoes, ‘slashers’ and pitchforks at hand. I flinched again as I watched them march resolutely onto my back, or was it my belly. Their hard boots pounded at at me, then their instruments begun to cut deeply into me. It hurt at first. Probably because I expected it to. But they were unrelenting in their obedience. Each at their post. I then begun to sense a relief, something akin to what they feel, when a boil is laced. Oh the liberty as they turned over my dust, my soil, removing what should not be there, unrelenting still. At the end of they day, they carted these away, and burnt it in a pit not too far off. I was surprised, but then again not, at the rubbish they had found in me, but glad they had it all out now. I rested better that evening.

The next day, the heavy artillery rode over me, cutting, pressing, I was sure I would die from it…they dug deeper and wider. It was faster and they were gone by mid-day. I wasn’t really a large piece of ground, one that was easy to walk over, forget even. Then I sensed His bare Feet walk over me. I knew they were His for there was a hole in both of them. He stepped in gently, scattering seed that fell gently on me. My open pores swallowed hungrily these promises of Resurrection and Life. I couldn’t wait to see what it was He had decided I was good for. But whatever it was, I knew He could only be Kind, Wise; He knew Eternity from Eternity – I was certain that whatever He made of me, would be ultimately pleasing to His Eyes. And wasn’t that the ultimate goal of all creation?

I cannot wait to lay my fruits at His Precious Feet – for this Life I bear, carries His image: I owe it ALL to Him.

Shalom.

vipslit@yahoo.ca

FOCUSING ON GOD’S POWER

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His Right Hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way.”

Ephesians 1:18-23

Ok… I could live on the AMAZEMENT of Ephesians 1, but let me focus. God’s Power. The Power of The Living God that He HAS SET ASIDE/APART/IN TRUST/FOR US BECAUSE WE DARE BELIEVE HIM . And that POWER makes POWERLESS any other power or conglomerations of powers that try to come against The imprint of His in us.

From the very beginning and constantly through Scripture, and in His direct relationship with those that were caught up in Faith in Him, even for a moment, The Almighty God – do we even understand what that Name of His implies – ALL POWER IS HIS. EVERYTHING ELSE THAT PARADES ITSELF AS POWER IS A SHAM IN COMPARISON, BECAUSE THERE IS NO COMPARISON #HALLELUJAH .

Ok back to the thought I was on…The Almighty God, from the beginning, has promised and given those that believed, elevated them into dominion over every thing that’s sets itself up to mock His power in them. Even when they don’t know that this Power is available to them. The demonic trick is to disable your ability to connect with GOD’S POWER SO THAT YOU ALWAYS SUBMIT TO THAT WHICH IS INFERIOR and live a life that is mediocre in that it isn’t what God created you to live.

Another is to EQUATE GOD’S POWER WITH OTHER POWERS SO IT MANIFESTS AS A CONTINUAM OF OTHERS NOT AS A SEPARATE INCOMPARABLE PHENOMENA. And that’s where we are often trapped… power manifests for someone a certain way, and suddenly that’s the ONLY way we think God can operate for us. And everyone else. I can think of several examples but one or two that people use within their own dictionaries is ‘what do you have in your hand/house?’ ‘those who don’t work should starve to death’ – while defining work as something akin to their hustle, or that of anyone else’s that is in conformity to theirs. i.e. what God called the ones who believe Him to do is not work but errrr…a hobby, entertainment… So what happens to the ones without hands and houses? Is God limited to creating something from ONLY that which is already in existence? And WHO GETS TO LIMIT HIM TO THAT? Me? You? Bosses? Kings? Others? God forbid!!!!

He has done things that way before, may be doing things that way and will probably do so in the future, but that’s NOT HIS ONLY WAY. He remains UNCHANGEABLY ALPHA AND OMEGA – THE BEGINNING AND THE END. MEANING, what He did in the beginning, speak order and excellence into that which was dark and formless, He HAS NOT LOST THE ABILITY TO DO NOW… IN ANY PLACE WHERE DARKNESS, FORMLESSNESS AND DISORDER EXISTS. And beyond these boundaries.

Back to the scripture quoted above – am asking myself this question this morning, what/who of mine, is in hell literally and symbolically today? What battle have I lost to darkness, that seems sealed and settled there? God, in His Fullness, in that Might/Power that He makes available to you WHEN YOU BELIEVE – not when you dare Him , we are not His equals/superiors to dare Him – is able, and had already removed someone from Hell to Heaven. Oh as I write this I hear in my spirit a rumbling that terrifies and yet comforts and settles. #HalleluJah .

What of yours is in Hell that you can believe Him to relocate to Himself? Oh God forbid that you and I would then go back to thinking that anyone/anything else could determine anything over us in Faith. Don’t go back into perdition – let’s march into our salvation.

Shalom

“God has spoken once,

Twice I have heard this:

That POWER belongs to God.”

Psalm 62:11

vipslit@yahoo.ca

One of Us has a Need that One of Us Can Meet

Two weeks ago I was at a meeting somewhere in Kiambu, as has been the case a lot lately. For these meetings, I need to be out of the house by 4:30am so as not to meet with the ‘dreaded’ Nairobi traffic on OuterRing and Thika Roads. Am basically a nocturnal person – meaning am more awake and productive in the night when its quiet, than in the day when I am most likely to be distracted by the diverse energies emitted by us humans. I am fascinated by people. This had been as winter a week as it could get in Nairobi and its immediate environs – especially the greener neighbors. That particular day was cold but in a warmer way than lets say, the day before it.

So I get to the meeting point and the staff greet me warmly, carry my HUGE bag (don’t even ask…) to the meeting room and I proceed to rearrange it (the room) in my mind then ask them to rearrange it to conform to the expected dynamics for the day. That day I hadn’t spend time with God in the morning because I was again rushing to wakefulness from barely two hours of rest into a day that would be dense with listening. I was therefore somewhat more than a little grouchy (ask Leroy who lovingly got up to help me get ready -as usual – and carry the afore-mentioned bag to the conveyor) so I didn’t even like myself. But this particular place I was headed to has become like home to me, and the staff received with patient warmth. Anyway, mission accomplished I settled into my own assignment. It WAS cold .

One of my team-leaders (the one for the 15-year laptop conversation whose everything has an exclamation mark, remember?) walks in, hugs me, catches up with how my week has been and orders a cup of tea for both of us. I thought he had ordered just one for himself. When the delicious looking cup of mixed-tea – as can only be made in Kenya – is served, I look at it and remember ‘doctors’ orders’. I had been extremely anemic in the recent past so my whole spirit, soul and body resisted it. Too many hospital visits lately for ‘eating politeness’ and the trauma of being subjected to needle after needle have taught me a new default: No POLITE EATING.

I knew I was holding the tea for someone. He came shortly after, warmly said hello with cold hands. I smiled and asked if he would mind having a cup of tea. He smiles and reaches out then asks ‘What about you?” “I will be okay sir. This one is for you.” One cannot have what Heaven has not given them right? So I rub my hands, and wonder again why I did not fold in a big duvet into my big bag that is otherwise filled with ‘impractical perhapses’. Anyway, I thought to myself, as soon as the room was full and I started typing, I would forget that I was cold and hungry – very hungry. And that tea break was in three short hours .

Suddenly, a slim figure draped in black and white materialized next to me and with a quiet and understanding smile, placed the most beautiful cup of hot chocolate I had ever seen on ‘my’ table and slipped away like a mirage. Ohhhhh Heaven had heard my wordless prayer. It took just one thought, one person, who could do something to do it. Ohh The Grace of God. I bowed bowed my head and talked to The Love of my Life – He was busy divinely romancing me even when I felt too busy for Him. O LOVE THAT WILL NOT LET ME GO. What has that Love led you to do today? How has He caused you to receive His Love today? Remember, ONE OF US HAS A NEED, THAT JUST ONE OF US CAN MEET.

Shalom.

vipslit@yahoo.ca

Betrayed Betrayer

Have you ever been betrayed? It is, many times, by someone you had absolute faith in for it to be even considered a betrayal right? [“If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshippers.” Psalm 55:12-14] Ok…let’s go a bit deeper into this thought… Who has had faith in you, that you keep excusing your betrayal of. So we are all on the same page over what this means, lets go to what the Oxford Dictionary says (then we may see what Cambridge says just in case its different.

Oxford defines the word ‘betray’ in four ways:

1. to give information about somebody/something to an enemy

2. to hurt somebody who trusts you, especially by lying to or about them or telling their secrets to other people

3. betray something – to ignore your principles or beliefs in order to achieve something or gain an advantage for yourself

4. to tell somebody or make them aware of a piece of information, a feeling, etc., usually without meaning to e.g. to give away/reveal an emotion without meaning to.

Cambridge says:

1.to be not loyal to your country or to someone who believes you are loyal, often by doing something harmful (a)treacherously reveal (information) (b)be gravely disloyal to

2. to show your feelings or thoughts without intending to

We all understand what betrayal feels like, because only a lucky few can testify that they have never been betrayed. Ever. We know ‘the spirit’ that goes beyond the definitions of the word in English, to maybe capture them in mother-tongue and often only in divine Tongues. Its a befuddling experience to say the least. It often captures all six definitions above plus others, right?

Today I was meditating on Mark 14. And just thinking about the awesome time Jesus Christ was having before his own ultimate betrayal, and the consequence of this for Him, and all His friends. His closest friends. The breaking of promises, the denials…and then the naked of escape of a man previously dressed in linen (a stupefying account to say the least – am even afraid…slightly of finding out…why write this even…heralds of social media kinda…)

I kept thinking that we are often set up for resulting dismembering effect – at various levels – of betrayal preceded by a seeming honeymoon season, where people are loving you, explicitly, publicly (which is why I tend to tense up when people start saying how much you mean to them publically – I understand why Jesus Christ often told people not to share what He had done to radically change their lives while He walked the earth.) Then BANG from the periphery you are assaulted by strangers who suddenly know your ‘deep-duskies’ – or mire your light with fabricated lies.

And you pay for it. ALL THE WAY. Before they find the facts…too late.

Many people love a good scandal – and they will be loud in their comments and actions towards the one being betrayed, before they have a chance of understanding what is really happening. Especially if this person is not of ‘their WhatsApp Group’ as it were. Or a recent ‘Expellee’ of the same.

If you have gone through betrayal, you understand this. But think, now, about the one you have betrayed? What about the one you are thinking of betraying because the prize would assuage some of your immediate appetites? What about the one you WILL betray presently? Are these as worthy of the empathy and compassion and JUSTICE you desire for yourself?

What about God – The Trust He has placed on you, and your tendency (and mine Heartbreakingly) to excuse your betrayal of Him. He will forgive you right? He is God, right? He understands, right?

Hun, He takes it seriously. Just like you.

Shalom.

“The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.’”

Jesus Christ in Mark 14:21

“Doom to you, Destroyer,

not yet destroyed;

And doom to you, Betrayer,

not yet betrayed.

When you finish destroying,

your turn will come—destroyed!

When you quit betraying,

your turn will come—betrayed!”

Isaiah 33:1

A Sacrifice and His Father

“And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together.” Genesis 22:8 NKJV

#JehovahJireh

It just strikes me today, that from the very beginning, declaring the ability of God to provide, is a painful thing. In Abraham’s case, it was not that he lacked lambs…he probably left a herd or two or three of livestock in his homestead. It was just in response to what God had asked of him…his truest treasure, his only son. So he went. And they walked together, the two of them. A Sacrifice and his father – and yet that walk…they were BOTH sacrifices. I tend to think that Abraham died more as they went along – the thought that God wanted The Gift back…a Gift that in waiting for, had literally ‘scrapped, skinned and scalped’ him to newness. A gift that pushed everything God had given him as he faithfully sought Him, and obeyed Him to the shadows, comparatively.

This sacrifice that far surpassed the first – that of leaving the place he had known as home – Babylon – and going to an unknown location – one to which he had to relate deeply with God to get to. One to which he must have had to numb his own knowledge and understanding and cling desperately to God’s. And oooo the reward of this. Put simply – ABRAHAM WAS BLESSED. It was not easy…but God had not failed him. He had grown ENOUGH in Him to know, He NEVER WOULD, NOT MATTER WHAT HE DEMANDED OF HIM.

In this season, its been difficult to declare the ability of God to provide, when the earth and the heavens seem unyielding. And yet many times, I have had no other answer for myself and those that asked from me. There are seasons when a widow’s mite, or last meal seem like a mountain of hidden treasure – and to some, as though you are hiding something from them. Tis true. And yet for me, this is yet another of those seasons that God demands ‘death-like’ trusting in Him. I believe that when Abraham and his son a.k.a. the sacrifice came down that mountain, that the father had died more than the son would ever have – and therefore received, even when as it is said his marriage to his pilgrim-mate and love of his life ended, an unmatchable legacy – until God. Until Jesus.

What is God asking you to give today, that is killing you to? Trust in Him. You and I together, CANNOT OUTMATCH HIS GIVING.

Shalom.

vipslit@yahoo.ca

#LegaciesLikeThese#TheLordIsMyShepherd#DeadMustardSeed#PlantingofYHWH

” I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies,”

God to Abraham in Genesis 22:17

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”

Jesus Christ in John 12:24-25

“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.”

Hebrews 11:17-19

“The LORD your God has multiplied you, and behold, you are today as numerous as the stars of heaven.” Deuteronomy 1:10

My Journey to the Seventh Day – To the Eigth

‘…But you, friend of God, CONTINUE in MY PURPOSES for YOUR LIFE. Fret not when the waves are high and the flames hotter: for I AM. I Am LORD over all these and more.” Conversations with ABBA-My Eternal Father

It has not all been painful, some of it has – but its broken me in ways I never expected. Brokenness is not always a bad thing. Earlier today, I came across a harsh tag by brother Chandler Moore the worshiper from Maverick City. It simply pointed to the trauma of saying ‘Yes’ to the call of God in one’s life. Its a Joy-Traumatic. The most delicious recipe – combined with the best of Life’s sweetness and bitterness. If you know, you know.

This was on my mind yesterday, as I sleepily walked from Kenyatta National Hospital’s Morgue, where I had just seen off family and friends who were on their way to lay a close friend, Dishon, to rest in Kano. That walk took me back to what I now consider ‘lighter days’ but were themselves traumatic for the young girl I was then. But these were joyful steps to a sanctuary that had meant (and still does) much to me in those formative years of my faith – that of CITAM Valley Road.

That path, walked many times alone or along with quiet or joyful and noisy company: from prayer meetings; from Sunday services; from work assignments in organizations around there; from get-togethers with dear friends now in Glory; strolled on with one or two beloved ones that evaded the label of ‘forever’ ; restaurants I visited with loved ones and work colleagues; of leaving wedding ceremonies and wondering when/if mine would be next; of being in ambulances, or hearses with those I loved that I never associated with death even when hospital visits could have prepared me for this; for coming from visiting someone gravely sick and discharged never to look back at sickness again – for a season at least. That path, before it was ‘interrupted’ by a fly-over to my destination, held so many precious memories. Lessons. For me at least.

It has not all been bad. I knew deep in me, it was important that I walk that path early yesterday. I still don’t know God’s reason for leading me thus, but that He led, was enough reason for me. I climbed the stairs of the flyover – and I must add here that my knees cooperated quietly – and walked right in the middle of that very high bridge trying to forget gory sights from long ago of accidents right under it, in the days before it was built: and the ‘knowing’ that if I stood at its edges, I may just be pulled over and down…anyway…

I got to the sanctuary at around 8:15am, to find the cleaners dedicatedly preparing it for a Memorial Service scheduled for 9am. Memories of this sanctuary, of the tears of joy and sorrow that I personally have shed within its walls threated to distract me from the purpose of my walk there. My friend Patrick called me just then, to say he was around the area and could give me a ride back to Eastlands where we live. Ahem, separately. I invited him to join me in the sanctuary as I prayed. I had no prayer agenda so I allowed The Holy Spirit to lead. He led me to reaffirm my Love for Him, to rededicate my life back to Him as my True Owner, and just to raise up songs of thanksgiving and adoration. Somehow this ‘little old lady’ kneeling at the front of the sanctuary was still that ‘little searching girl’, still determined to find and follow Love Eternal.

I got up and convinced Patrick to take me for a short visit to my friends’ apartment in Kileleshwa. We loved on God in our conversation as we went. I am glad we did. Kileleshwa too is a key part of my growing up years. Its different now…and I wont go into whether or not I like the changes. The poignant memories there: of many a book closed that I never thought would be. Many others still open, pending future unfinished business, grief, healing, love…God, again. I thought to myself, that many of the reasons that used to bring me here were no longer there to receive me. It was a sad thought. Deeply so.

At around10:30am, Patrick drove me to Embakasi, to my current location for much of the business that God is CURRENTLY working in and through me. I was exhausted on this 7th day of the new year. So I slept soundly throughout that ride. And more so when I got to the house. I was tired. Grateful, sad, encouraged, exhausted from all the remembering. But still had this breath…and the Love in my heart to share…and the Life loaned to me of God to live. To Live for His Smile. Yesterday is gone, but it was a platform that God used for much of today. Possibly for tomorrow. And for this I am grateful.

So back to the call of God on my life – I cannot pretend to understand it all yet. Most times, I am in shock over what He asks for me, on a moment to moment basis, but enthused by the opportunity to catalyze His smile. And that for me is enough. That He smiles at me. Not in the understanding or acceptability of it – to myself mainly – but that He Who KNOWS the full plot, smiles that I have sought to hear Him, heard Him, and then obeyed Him. He is Worthy. He is Enough. Shalom.

#Emmanuel#TheLORDISmyShepherd#ThePilgrimProgresses#GodLovesMelancholicSanguinesToo

“Make a joyful shout to The LORD, all you lands! Serve The LORD with gladness; Come before His Presence with singing. KNOW that The Lord, HE IS GOD; It is He WHO HAS MADE US, AND NOT WE OURSELVES; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture .Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. FOR THE LORD IS GOOD; His mercy is everlasting, And His Truth ENDURES TO ALL GENERATIONS.” Psalm 100 (NKJV)

Feet of a Pilgrim

vipslit@yahoo.ca