Lifegroup Bible Study

27/02/2025

YOU ARE WORTHY OUR LORD AND GOD TO RECEIVE GLORY, HONOUR AND POWER

When I woke up today and found this verse as the verse of the day, I feel like I can go to the mountain alone to pray.

This is because I feel where I am at, there are a lot of distractions and I need privacy to go pour out my heart to THE GREAT I AM.

I love the "YouVersion Bible App" because it has enabled me to read the word of God on a daily basis.

Considering that, the verses of the day, reminds me that, as much as I am busy I need to spare a little more time with God.

For that reason, my daily encounters with God when I read the verse of the day, my eyes have opened even more because, not only do I read the verse alone, but read the whole chapter and get other verses to enlarge my understanding; especially on what contest the Lord is speaking to me; in relation to my current life, situations, environment among others.

The verse of today talks about reverencing God, which is

Revelation 4:11 NIV
[11] “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

https://bible.com/bible/111/rev.4.11.NIV

It amazes me when I go deeper to worship God in Spirit especially when the Holy Spirit falls on me. I shout to my highest voice ( respectfully ) reverencing Him as He leads me.

Most of the time it looks weird especially when I am in church or at the office. At home they are used to me erupting in prayer. 😃 "That's why we need to know people before we call them mad." That scenario confuses majority to madness. 1 Corinthians 2:14 NIV
[14] The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.

https://bible.com/bible/111/1co.2.14.NIV

This has happened to me on several occasions in church when the Spirit of God falls on me as the worship team is leading worship .

Am usually led to the realm of worship, where I don't care what people say about me and in that process I reach the throne of grace through my adoration lifting my eyes up to the Lord, crying to the great I am showing my surrender to Him, honouring Him, thanking Him, pleading with Him and in the process I receive my healing and pass the message I need to pass as led by the Holly Spirit.

The more I lead others to the same realm, I hear them calling their God in the background and the more I reach the throne of grace and it's an awesome place to be while in prayer as you get lost in His presence. They call it the Holy of Holies.

If the worship leader is in tandem with the move of the Holy Spirit then they are not controlled by the time as they release themselves to Him to take lead and control as his people are ushered to the Holies. What a beautiful experience!

Such worship thrives in Pentecost churches and no wonder the majority love such churches.

Needless to say, it is also being embraced in reserved churches. Which is a beautiful aspect in relation to worshipping God.

By the time I come down because most of the time it is cut short by the timed worship session, I feel like walking out to go to a secluded place to continue with the prayer.

I know the majority of us feel deprived of having that time because of the set times when in church or during our businesses in life and find little time.

In this regard, we have failed to reverence God as it is ought to be and consequently, I am now trying to see how I can create time to worship God without being timed by anyone or my businesses.

How do you revere God, if I may ask?

Well there are many ways of doing that.

According to Google, I found several ways that I totally agreed with that I practice, that I felt joy sharing with you.

1. Use God's name with reverence. By treasuring it. Only use God's name to praise, proclaim, or pray to God.

When I was growing up, I didn't love how people used the name of God to swear especially when they were lying. Someone would say, "Haki ya ..." Where I have put the three dots put the name of God. That aspect offended me so much. We have people today who are using the name of God even when they are wrong and I am sure, if it offends me, how much does he offend God? Just think about it.

Exodus 20:7 NIV
[7] “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

https://bible.com/bible/111/exo.20.7.NIV

2.Treat yourself and others respectfully. We are the temples of God and therefore as the disciples of Christ we host the Holy Spirit who helps us to live a worthy holy life. Therefore we should respect our bodies in relation to what we eat, and how we treat our bodies. We also revere God by keeping our s*xual encounters by giving our bodies only to our spouse within the contest of marriage.

I know the majority of us, that is where we are tempted the most thus not having the reverence of God entirely, because of guilt that we carry with us. Don't be lied to by the devil because there is a window or way out in repentance and forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 NIV
[9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

https://bible.com/bible/111/1jn.1.9.NIV

If you confess your sins God will forgive you and you can start a new relationship with Him. Don't be imprisoned by your wrong decision that landed you to fornicate and adultly.

1 Corinthians 6:19 NIV
[19] Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;

https://bible.com/bible/111/1co.6.19.NIV

We also serve God by treating others well Just the way we treat ourselves. Ephesians 5:21 NIV
[21] Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

https://bible.com/bible/111/eph.5.21.NIV

3. Live Holy and Blameless Lives As followers of Christ we are the light of the world. Let our actions be our testimony that we are faithful servants of God, Matthew 5:14 NIV
[14] “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.5.14.NIV

God expects us to live blameless and innocent lives. I know how this command is hard for us because of the challenges that don't help us especially because of corruption, lies, poor leadership among others that act as catalysts to lead us to sinfulness.

But even in that state of affairs, God wants us to try our level best to live blameless lives and be innocent in this evil world. Philippians 2:15 NIV
[15] so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

https://bible.com/bible/111/php.2.15.NIV

4.Be grateful. Do not be obsessed with wanting too much, forgetting there are those who do not have. Stop complaining always. Thank God for what you have. If you want more ask God to give you accordingly; in His riches in glory. Philippians 4:19 NIV
[19] And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

https://bible.com/bible/111/php.4.19.NIV

5. Be mindful of your words. Choose your words carefully so that no one will interpret you wrong and look bad. Nowadays there is a lot of gossip in church and even in work places where people tarnish other people's names by speaking ill words that are not right and bringing a lot of contention, hate, frustrations, intimidation and all manner of evil. When you make follow ups you are shocked it's brethren attacking each other at home, church and even at work places/ market places.

Revering God is not only done during worship on Sunday or any other day set for worship. We revere God in all ways of our lives as I have just shared there above.

There are many ways of reverencing God and for us to honour God we need to be obedient.

It's also important to note that when revering God in relation to his word, name and worship we can also:-

a. Kneel for confession.
b. Stand when scripture is being read.
c. Open or hold hands when reciting the Lord's Prayer
d. Raise your hands when the Pastor/ Reverend says "Lift up your hearts" or "Holy, holy, holy."
e. Dress for the occasion
f. Arrive early to worship
g. Pray silently before and after worship.

Let us understand that, reverence is a complex emotion that includes feelings of respect, love, and honour. It can be cultivated in thought, life and outward attitude.

In thought you can read and meditate on the word of God to remind you what you are called to do in obedience.

In life it can be seen by the way you live by actions in obedience by being a good example; by not preaching water but drinking wine.

And by outside attitude you can express it by being kind and merciful to others; and do it practically.

Today's word of God is helping or reminding us to revere Him even at a place where we do not have that small time to praise and worship him in silence and tranquility.

When you get an opportunity to spare good time by getting off duty or seeking people to stand for us in our businesses then that time will be awesome.

Even the children of God "Israelites,' set aside dates to worship their God and observed them occasionally to be a reminder so that they do not forget their God in their busy lives.

God bless you as you continue reverencing God in our way of life. I love ❣️ you all and thank you for reading to the end.

You can also join the WhatsApp Channel so that you do not misout when I have not shared on the status.

Adios amigo 🙌

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

18/02/2025

.OKAY, WHAT DO YOU WANT?

As an Office Administrator you will find yourself working for different Bosses especially in the Civil Service where I have worked for more than one Boss in the last twenty seven years.

It's unfortunate or fortunate, Bosses are not the same. Some are good, kind, caring and my list is long. And others are the opposite.

There is one Boss who at one point corrected me on something I have always called petty and for reasons known to him, he used that petty reason to seek for a better secretary and that action broke my heart.😭💔

Am also reminded of another one who used another petty reason to put me down only to understand she wanted to place her favourite staff in my position.

The former used the same petty reason to remove me in his office to get a secretary of his preference.

Well, I am not here to complain or pen my disappointments. Am here to condemn those who use petty things about others and use them as weaknesses to put others down; because of their personal agendas.

Today's verse of the day is from 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

[9] But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

https://bible.com/bible/111/2co.12.9.NIV

This verse has given me some insights that have given me hope in relation to my weaknesses. Paul is like he is okay with his weakness because he had struggled with it many times. And as he records he says three times he pleaded with the Lord to help him deal with the thorn

2 Corinthians 12:8 NIV
[8] Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.

https://bible.com/bible/111/2co.12.8.NIV

We are not told if finally Paul dealt with his thorn, but what we know God still used him mightily for his glory in his Kingdom.

Similarly, we all have our weaknesses, and someone may think their weaknesses are always meant for evil not understanding that your weakness is a reminder that, God becomes strong in you in that weakness. Amen 🙌

" What are you saying Rose, you are beating about the bush."

I understand what you mean in relation to my above explanation. But just read on to get my point.

When people pin you down because of your weakness especially when you are a child of God who does what you are called to do, many people will try to point out what they see in you as a flaw to show that you are not as good as you say or put.

People will use that weakness to rate you poorly.

Therefore, be aware that, God understands your weaknesses and you don't need to sugar coat them. He blesses you with both your good and bad and therefore it is in your weakness he is made strong as Paul says.

God defends you when the evil one wants to embarrass or put you down because of that weakness. Paul is therefore telling us, it is okay to have that weakness because it reminds you of the unconditional love for God to you and also your dependence on him as your helper at all times especially in your weakest point.

I have severally pointed out that sometimes I struggle with anger especially when I am provoked wrongly.

My prayer partner and confidant had a quarrel after service one Sunday, and for him to justify his holiness was to put a remark that; "I don't understand how someone would come from church and be as angered as you are."

From that remark, you could tell he was judging me from my action and not picking the pain behind the anger.

Because, according to him, I am holier than thou, just like people looked at Paul to be that holy because of the visions and revelations he got from the Lord that made him to be the great Apostle he was yet he had a thorn.

That's what he says or calls a thorn. A thorn that has never been explained to us, what exactly it was.

What is your thorn?

In relation to my today's story my problem with my Boss was the word advice. According to her, I was supposed to type advise and not advice in relation to the letter which brought problems where she claimed I had become so careless to a point I can't even notice the difference between the two. To be honest, that allegation made me go crazy because she embarrassed me in the presence of my colleagues and the pain was so real I couldn't control my anger. In that scenario I remember, I took my bags and left the office only to be charged for insurbodination; and that action cost my life.

Though I don't regret it, the Lord used that weakness to face other challenging issues that brought victories and courage in relation to being assertive in what I do.

The second Boss used "font" as an excuse to say I couldn't work for him because as a professional I should have known that "font" which was his favourite, as the best and all qualified secretaries should know that. What a petty argument?🫤 Really, a font?😩

Anyway I had to face my wrath because of their allegations that were flimsy; but we should all understand that, even Professors misspell or use a word wrong yet they are so qualified.

My two Bosses used those two petty allegations to win their case because they had all the power to let me go, though they didn't have good reasons to get me out of their offices.

Well, I never wished them anything bad, but because they are public figures, their lives have not been a bed of roses because they have equally paid the prices as I have seen on social media how it has not been easy for them too.

What am I talking about? Every one has a thorn just like Paul.

2 Corinthians 12:7 NIV
[7] or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.

https://bible.com/bible/111/2co.12.7.NIV

Yes! That thorn will always be with you or it will be created to torment you. Remember, the one who knows and understands you will fight for you in your strengths and in your weakness.

Therefore, no one should pin you down or don't allow yourself to be pinned down to a point of making you not do what you were called to do because of a thorn that you are aware of and working on it.

When God called Paul he knew he had that thorn and didn't hinder him as the great Apostle he became. Rather he made himself strong in his weakness and used him greatly for his Kingdom; which we are all beneficiaries.

Glory be to God. 🙌

I searched two words from the verses that I had not really understood in relation to weaknesses and realized debauchery means excessive indulgence in s*x, alcohol or drugs.

Conceited means excessive, proud or oneself, vain.

Chapter twelve of 2 Corinthians mentions the two words. Check the chapter and see how they come out as sins so that you deal with that weakness of pride and debauchery.

2 Corinthians 12:21 NIV
[21] I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, s*xual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged.

https://bible.com/bible/111/2co.12.21.NIV

Before you judge others be aware of your weaknesses and understand we are all living by the grace of God. But that doesn't give us permission to walk in sin. We are called to repent and work our salvation in fear and trembling.

Have a great week. 👍

Ciao 👋 👋 👋

10/02/2025

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08/02/2025

DO NO LET ANYONE DESPISE YOU

In the world of today, many people are really despising others without apparent reasons, especially when you want to live a godly life without fights and all these competitions that people are engaging in, in all aspects.

But do not allow anyone to despise you if you are doing the right things. Many people like pulling others down so that they can always be up there. But the Lord never taught us that. Jesus was very humble and that humbleness is what he ...

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For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this prese

11/12/2024

They were both old, emaciated, hungry and weary. Walking down the street they minded their own business. One of them was walking bend looked like over eighty years the other one similarly the same age bracket.

I had not seen them earlier, but something (Holy Spirit) reminded me of such people around my community. With pity i looked at them dwindling from my sight and something kept on telling me, "Rose you ought to do something about them." And i was like, "Lord, what do i do for them? I don't have money to give them nor food and my car is full i can't give them a ride!"

And the voice nudged me again and again and a thought came into my mind and i rushed to my purse - picked my one hundred and fifty Kenya Shillings that i had spared for my family's food.

I couldn't run and thus called my elder son and told him to follow the two old men walking away from our site and give each one a note of 50/= and 100/= respectively. The one bend i told him to give him the one hundred note and the one with walking sticks i told him to give the fifty shillings note.

My son with his melancholic personality looked at me with those eyes of "Mum, are you serious you want to do this?" and with my Sanguine personality i told him, "Run the guys are dwindling away." My voice couldn't allow him to dilly dally because he knows when i raise my voice i mean business. Shyly he went after them and got to the men whom he handed over the notes and in amazement they gazed him back intently wanting to know if he was a person or an angle sent from heaven. I could tell from afar with their body languages.

I could tell they were happy with no words to express their feeling after receiving the small token received by a stranger. One of them actually stopped to look at my son disappear without a word but with a respectful wave that said it all, how grateful he was.

I am sure he wanted to know where he had come from. But because my son did not stay for long with them, the old man was left gazing at his back as he came straight to me and said,

"Mum, you are such a kind person. I have always wanted to be like you and i will always be like you. When i get my job, i will for sure support your cause because you are touching lives. Not only for Orphans and less privileged persons. God bless you. I felt very nice serving them with your token. God bless you!"

That's the feeling I am talking about friends. Are you such kind of a person who feels you can't sleep or save that little for the less privileged, you are the person i am looking for to support Rose Gatobu Foundation with your gifts of love to reach out to the less privileged.

When you spare that little to the less privileged people around you. You feel fulfilled, happy and enjoy life because it tells you, you care about others around you. Putting a smile on someone's face is a therapy that gives you positive energy and thus live a happy and fruitful life making other peoples lives to be of joy too and thus create a happy community.

Thank you for choosing to fellowship with this article. You are blessed continue interacting with our social handles to learn more for the inspirational articles.

Lets partner!

13/06/2024

CARRYING EACH OTHERS BURDENS

Our reading comes from Galatians 6:2
'Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. '
Galatians 6:2
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/GAL.6.2

Many a times when we ready such scripture, we get tired even before we finish reading it. This is because no one wants to sacrifice and let go what they have as it is meant to be theirs and theirs alone. In this world where we are facing crisis of inflation, no one wants to share because life has become very expensive and things are not bearable in relation to money; where you find majority are struggling to make ends meet and weighed down by debts and other financial crisis.

Even in that state of affairs we are called to carry each others burden. Not only are we supposed to carry each other burdens by giving money, but in other ways of doing good and being kind and merciful to others. In the book of Luke 10:27 we read this:

'He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ ; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” '

Luke 10:27
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/LUK.10.27

How many people are able to love their neigbours as they love themselves. Just look around and see how people are so selfish and mean. That is not what God is calling us to do. He wants we stand with each other and help one another in whatever way we can help.

Naturally i do not struggle being selfless. This is because it is out of it that the Lord has really blessed me. Being selfless is not easy it takes a heart of humility, kindness and mercy. It is purely a calling from God that everyone should ask for. When i say that, I do not mean i am hundred percent. Sometimes i struggle carrying others burdens because majority of people around me need money which i also struggle with sometimes. But that is not the only way i can help. I can give a word of comfort by giving hope or council on what i see can help them out even leading them to help through sharing contacts of help.

One day i was walking to town to meet a friend who had asked to training me so that i can start making money online; as i was really struggling financially. I remember the money i had between me and poverty was the training money. I was supposed to meet the guy around 10.00 a.m. I took my lap top and i hit the road towards our meeting point. As a good student, i was there thirty minutes earlier. I tried to call him but he was not picking the calls. I decided to give him more time but he kept on not picking my calls. I would have gotten very mad because he never responded to my calls until one hour later after our appointment time that i decided to give up. In that scenario i had to change plans quickly so that i don't look silly and wasted. The Lord reminded me of a friend of mine, who had shared with me that he needed some money to pay for a certain debt that weighed him down. Since the money i had was to pay for the training i decided to give this friend of mine the money and train later. Believe me or not till today, i do not know what happened to the lad who was to train me; as he has never called me to explain what happened. As for me i did not bother to look for him because he failed me terribly though i chose to forgive him but decided not to do business with him as i didn’t want to be treated the same way again and thus i closed that chapter for a future training. He is not the only one who has failed me in such arrangements but that is a story of another day.

One may think i am not normal when i diverted the money to help my friend because i had the option of saving it for a future training. But i felt instead of saving the money, i should stand with this friend of mine by sharing the burden with him. His burden had kept on disturbing me; and this particular day when i missed my training class i told God i would want to help this brother. I called to ask him if he could meet me in town not mentioning to him what i really wanted. He took like an hour to meet me, but before we met, i sat somewhere public in town to wait for him and i saw this young woman sat on some benches outside Hilton Hotel in Nairobi where i also took to rest as i waited. This lady looked tired and very hungry. Her lips were dry and looked very dehydrated. I went and sat next to her and i said greeted her fearing she may not even answer me from her look of face. She did not look fierce, but looked disturbed and confused. Her answer was very reluctant may be because of what she was going through. But i really understood her from the face value; because at one point i was in her shoes. I took Two hundred shillings note that i had and folded it in my hand and gave it to her. I did it in wisdom as i gave it while greeting her so that she doesn’t refuse to pick it. She looked at me in awe and i am sure she was shocked who was i and why i gave her the little alms i had. The feeling was so nice; i felt like crying that i touched someone’s heart. I may not have known what she was going through but i am sure i put a smile on her face and made her know there is a God in heaven just because a stranger offered to give her something small. Maybe she called me an Angel - i don’t know. What i remember after the act, I went praying for her; asking God to bless her and open doors for her so that she can come out of her situation.

Not long my friend appeared and we relocated to another venue at a hotel that he had never been before and i bought him some lunch. We did a catch up since we had not seen each other for quite sometime and the meeting was awesome. I was able to hand over the money and i could see how happy he was as he was not expecting i would really be there for him in relation to the debt that really weighed him down. Days later, the Lord rewarded me with an offer that earned me more than twenty thousand shillings. That amazed me as God gave me four times what i had given. God rewards those who obey his commands and he is always very faithful.

In life we are called to carry each others burdens because that is the law of Jesus. I will give you five points that you will practice in relation to carrying other peoples’ burdens. One: be patient with quirks. People with peculiar behaviours will not be the kind of people to help or stand with. But we are called to help anyway. Its very hard to be patient with people who seem not to be understood. Ignore that and offer a hand of help where it is needed. Two: Help anyone hurting around you. People need positive energy around them especially those hurting so that they can receive healing and hope. This can be done through your comforting words of encouraging, inspiring and even comforting. Whatever way you can assist please do. Three: Do good to those who hurt you. I know this is the hardest but try your level best. Currently i am struggling understanding a colleague who is not easy to please and hurts me on a daily basis. I do not know how to show her goodness while she is hurting me this deep, but i have chosen to ignore all what she does to me as a way of keeping myself at peace; though it is one of my hardest situations to cope with currently. Four: Be kind to those who offend you. This is also not easy as those that offend you most of the time are the people you relate with on a daily basis at home, church, work and even at the market place. The other day, i was offended by someone very special to me. He really wanted to extend his disappointment by keeping quiet towards me by giving me a lot of negative energy. I chose to be good to him; and do you know what? He was able to tell me what was hurting him and realized it was nothing to do with me. But because of his personality being depressed was his way of hurting and wanted my comfort. If i did not read his mind right, i would have really taken offence. It was not easy to understand him in the first place as I really wondered what wrong did i do to him. This is a character of many melancholics and therefore it is good to understand people that offend us and understand where they are coming from. Five: Build bridge of love to the overlooked. Be a defender of those who can not defend themselves. Make sure those that are around you are well treated and are happy in their endeavours. Be a peace maker and someone who brings positivity around people so that we can all enjoy life together by serving each other.

I hope with those few tips will help you carry other peoples’ burdens because well all need support and care.

Have a wonderful time. God bless you.