Small Things Are Great

I can bet a thousand shillings that no one in Kenya has ever named their child E paphroditus . I wanted to say in Africa, but our brethren from the West are known to be... let’s just say, creative when it comes to naming their own. In my childhood, I once heard a story that stayed with me. During a fellowship gathering, the offering basket went around the congregation. People gave money—notes and coins—one after the other. But when it reached a certain young boy, he had nothing to give. He looked at the basket for a moment, placed it gently on the floor, and stepped into it. When asked what he was doing, he said, “ I’m giving myself to the Lord. ” That was all he had. Epaphroditus was one such boy—though grown. A brother in the fellowship at Philippi, whose heart was full of the same spirit of surrender. News had reached Philippi that Paul, now aged and under house arrest in Rome, needed help. The church gathered supplies for him—food, clothing, perhaps scrolls—and they decided to sen...

In my reading of Galatians, I’m realizing that Paul had a tight relationship with these fellowships. He really loved and respected them. His love is seen in how he calls them “my little children” and in the tone of his writing. Although he uses tough words like “Who bewitched you,” ^LKM, you can still sense affection behind every line. He reminds them of the time when they received him warmly even in his sickness — so warmly that they would have traded their own healthy eyes for his unhealthy ones. That might explain why he says, “See with what large letters I write to you” — That tells you something about their bond. It also explains why Paul, though struggling with poor eyesight, had to personally write this letter—in large letters—rather than dictating it. He wanted them to see his handwriting, to know he still cared and that he was improving. That’s a mark of a true shepherd: love expressed even in weakness. Not as a flex, but as proof that he was improving and still deeply connect...

 If you ask Jesus, “What must I do to enter the Kingdom of God?” His answer is simple and profound: > “ You must be born again. ” That’s it. No long list. No add-ons. Just a new birth — from above. But when you ask religious buddies the same question, you might get a different story. Somehow, “you must be born again” never seems to be enough. They start adding layers: > “You must dress in a certain way.” > “You must speak a certain way.” > “You must follow this ritual, belong to that group, or carry this name.” And before you know it, the simplicity of faith has been buried under the weight of man-made requirements. Laws. Religion has a way of taking what God made light and making it heavy. We no longer are inviting people under the Lordship of Jesus, but rather under our lordship — our rules, our culture, our comfort zones. We call it leadership, but if it can't fit in another fellowship, then it's lordship. This was exactly what was happening in the Galatian fello...

Today, if someone calls you, “Woman!” in English or “mwanamke!” in Swahili, it often lands with sharpness. It sounds like a command or insult — especially in a culture where respect is wrapped in titles: “Madam,” “Teacher,” “Mama So-and-so,” “Doctor,” “Secretary,” “Mwalimu.” We show honor by naming the role or relationship, not merely the person’s gender. Or at least we call them by their preferred name if we know it. As I read the gospels, I noticed how Jesus referred to women as "woman!" including his mother. I felt it was disrespectful but I was wrong. So I went on research mode to find out what was going on back then. I discovered that in the Bible’s world, “woman” was not reduction — it was recognition. It was not “you there!” but more like “ma'am.” In modern ears, the word “woman” often sounds blunt, even disrespectful. Yet in Scripture, it carries layers of beauty, purpose, and dignity — if only we pause long enough to trace its journey from Genesis to the Gospels....

According to the Good News Bible, James concludes his letter with a weighty reminder. He writes, “ Remember this: whoever turns a sinner back from the wrong way will save that sinner’s soul from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins. ” (James 5:20) That verse lingered in my mind longer than most. The word “ REMEMBER ” stood out. It made me wonder — what else did James ask his readers to remember? A little search brought up two others. The first comes earlier in chapter 1: “ Remember this, my dear friends! Everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. ” The second appears much later, in chapter 5: “ My friends, remember the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Take them as examples of patient endurance under suffering. ” So there we have it — three memories worth keeping alive. One points inward, the other backwards, and the last outward. The first — “Remember this: be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger” — deals with self. ...

At the tail end of Acts 14, we witness a subtle but significant shift in the early Church’s story — the stage begins to tilt toward the writing of James. This shift is occasioned by a report delivered to the fellowship in Antioch (vs27-28). Antioch was no ordinary town. It was a field both fruitful and fiery — the first place believers were nicknamed Christians (Acts 11:26). It was here that Gentiles were first admitted into the fold of Christ, a move so bold it sparked a council in Jerusalem to discuss what many then saw as a monstrosity. To verify this surprising development, the Jerusalem church sent Barnabas, who would later become a close companion of Paul. Traveling from Jerusalem to Antioch took about 15–20 days(with stops every night) — roughly the same as going from Nairobi to Lodwar on foot or by caravan. It was no casual trip. In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas report back to Antioch, sharing the fruits and trials of their missionary work. Word of this report reached Jerusalem, a...

Back in 2021, we had a wonderful teaching on The Three Hebrew Boys. Seven lessons stood out from that moment: 1. We should not forget who we are. We are in this world but not of it. (John 17) 2. We should not become like those who are of the world. We are a holy nation and a royal priesthood. (1 Peter 2) 3. God is able to help us at every point in our lives — don’t involve Him at the last minute. 4. Sometimes we actually suffer for doing the right thing. 5. We should be a positive influence to our friends. It was Daniel who decided and influenced his three friends. 6. We need friends who can encourage and pray with us — it might just save our lives. 7. We should not take credit for things others contributed to. It was one of those teachings that felt simple yet solid — one that stays with you quietly. This year, I shared those notes with Mwai, the brother who had taught that lesson back then, and his response opened my eyes even more. He said: “ I’ve never forgotten that sermon because...

For many years, I thought Paul was called and appointed by Christ to preach the gospel only to the Gentiles which was occasioned by hearing that he's the one who took the gospel to the uttermost. But this year, it stands out to me that his scope covered the Jews as well. In Acts 9, when God speaks to Ananias concerning Paul, He says: “ This Man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the GENTILES and THEIR KINGS and to the PEOPLE OF ISRAEL. ” These are not just poetic words — they are God’s mission statement for Paul. And as we read through Acts, we see each part of it fulfilled. Paul indeed reaches the Gentiles, their kings, and the people of Israel. It didn’t happen because Paul was extraordinary. No. It all came to pass because God said it, and Paul obeyed . The same applies to every believer — our lives and our kingdom mission unfold because of what God has spoken, not what we try to invent. As we journey through Acts, the thread of God’s faithfulness runs strong. After ...

The book of Acts is the second report from our brother Luke. Inasmuch as others wrote ahead of him, he felt it necessary to put the report in order. Now, what order is this? Were the others disorderly? I wrote about this order a while back — you can read it here : (https://mapstage.blogspot.com/2024/10/lukes-orderliness.html). Luke’s language throughout Luke and Acts leans heavily on legal lingua — he’s building a case, presenting evidence, and drawing conclusions. His goal is to highlight what Jesus presented and what Paul was preaching. That’s why in his opening statement, Luke writes this about Jesus: > “ After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about THE KINGDOM OF GOD .” Acts 1:3 And in his closing statement, he writes this about Paul: > “ For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed THE K...

Whenever we have a court case, we try our level best to get the best lawyer to defend us — one with a proven track record, fair fees (from the heart, not just the hand), and a good report among peers. But sometimes, even the best lawyers can disappoint: showing up late, unprepared, or worse — asking the wrong questions in court. In Luke 10, we witness such a moment when a lawyer asks the ultimate Judge a misplaced question. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus replied, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 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.’” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” But wanting to justify himself, he asked, “And who is my neighbor?” That moment set off one of Jesus’ most famous parables — the Good Samaritan. In this ‘courtroom’ exchange, we see five questions...

Of the five ministry offices Christ established for the advancement of His Church, the office of the teacher is perhaps the most neglected. When the early Church began, teaching wasn’t just part of the program—it was central. Dr. Luke recorded that “they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” But when was the last time you heard of someone being recognized simply as “Teacher”? We hear of apostles, prophets, pastors, and evangelists quite often—but the teacher seems to have quietly slipped into the background. Are they still there? Absolutely. Christ promised five, and I know He’s still delivering five. In truth, the body of Christ needs teachers more than ever, for it is through sound teaching that the saints are equipped for the work of ministry. So why have teachers faded from the spotlight? First, the title doesn’t sound deep or demure enough. “Teacher” feels ordinary—something for children’s ministry—while the other ...

The meeting between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well in Sychar is both historical and futuristic. It’s a conversation packed with revelation, and if we’re not careful, we might read right past the treasure hidden within it. First, there’s a hungry man and a thirsty woman. Yet by the end of the story, the hungry man doesn’t eat, and the thirsty woman doesn’t drink. It’s a funny tale with a faithful lesson. Then the conversation shifts to matters of worship — men seeking a place to worship from, versus a God seeking a people to worship Him. This begins in the past but stretches into the present-future in one powerful statement from Jesus. He said, “Yet a time is coming (future) and has now come (present) when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” In simple terms, it’s not about the place of worship but the posture of worship. It’s not about structures but about Spirit. The Samaritans fel...

Recently, our media was flooded with reports from Kilifi about a school where our Hindu cousins checked in with a sizeable donation and promises that turned the eyes and hearts of the faculty and students toward Hare Krishna as their god. The news caused quite a stir among believers in Christian circles. Conversations flared, condemnations flew, and opinions overflowed. But as I reflected on that story, I saw something deeper—and more troubling. I realized that we, the Christian community, had made certain assumptions before condemning. First , we assumed that the staff and students of that school were Christians. Second , we assumed that they turned away from the true God to worship an idol. Third , we assumed that because the school is in Kenya, it must be a Christian school. All three assumptions were wrong . If there had been true believers among them, the story would have sounded different. We would have heard of teachers who turned down the donation because it compromised their...

On the onset, this is disturbing. Luke 3:7–8 John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “YOU BROOD OF VIPERS! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.” After John proclaimed a baptism of repentance and people responded by coming out to be baptized, he turned to them and thundered, “You brood of vipers!”😂 Ningekua kwa huo umati, ningerudi home nioge na maji ya karai. 😅 Kwani iko nini! But look closer—John was pointing to something even more important than baptism. Something that, just like baptism, can be seen. He said, “Produce fruits in keeping with repentance.” In other words, don’t just get baptized— show us evidence that you’ve truly repented. I think John was sending them away not in rejection, but in redirection: to go to God, not just come to him. Sometimes the excite...

We’re in the book of Luke, and I love how it begins—with the birth of two boys. First, their births are announced by angels, then they’re forced (pun intended) into this world by their angelic mothers. 😄 "Puuuuuush!" Luke said. 😂 Ghafla bin vu, they’re both in their 30s as we get to chapters 3 and 4. The key phrase that covers all those missing years is simply, “ and the child grew… ” Today as I was reading, something profound stood out to me about my own walk of faith—and maybe yours too. It’s about baptism and what follows after. In Luke 3:22 we read: > “... the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘YOU ARE MY SON, whom I love; with you I am well pleased. ’” Take note of the words “ You are my Son .” Those words must have been heavy and heartfelt. Sounds like “Come here, boy,” or “That’s my son,” followed by a warm hug from Dad. No boy on earth can resist the warmth of such words from a loving father. Maemotions, mafeel...

The book (or rather, the writings) of Luke mark the beginning of Scripture written with a single reader in mind. Matthew, Mark, and John each wrote their gospels targeting groups of people, but Luke addressed his work to one man, a certain Theophilus. Luke never imagined that centuries later, you would be reading his writings—but here you are. 🤦 Don’t worry, you’re not intruding! By reading this document, you’re actually standing with Luke in his mission. In both his writings, Luke and Acts, we see him defending who Jesus was and who Paul truly was alongside their mission and purpose. Theophilus is believed to have possibly been a lawyer defending Paul in the Roman courts after Paul was falsely accused of advocating for another king besides Caesar. So Luke writes a brief—to help a lawyer and an outsider understand what was really going on. In this first account, we witness the birth and boyhood of Jesus Christ from an angle the other writers didn’t capture. Luke also records Jesus’ as...

A friend reached out today with a concern. Let’s call her Billionaire. She asked through sharing a clip she had seen for me to share my maoni on the same. In the clip, the speaker was highlighting the need for men to step up and lead their families in the place of prayer by covering them as a priest would. This was occasioned by hearing people say often that it’s their mothers’ prayers that have kept them and brought them however far in life—a common statement among testifiers when they speak of their reasons for success. As I was listening to the clip, the words of Paul to Timothy came to mind: “ Therefore I want the MEN everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. I also want the WOMEN to dress modestly, with decency and propriety… ” (1 Timothy 2:8–9). Notice how Paul is specific here: men and women. The men in Ephesus had abandoned prayer and instead picked up disputes and anger. Paul tells them: put your hands up in prayer, not in fights. The women, on the ...

Historians tell us that Mark was a ministry companion to Peter, and early church tradition even records that his main role was to help Peter as an interpreter. Papias, one of the earliest church fathers (as quoted by Eusebius in Church History 3.39), wrote that Mark “became Peter’s interpreter” and wrote down what he remembered of the things Peter preached. Some understand this to mean he literally translated Peter’s words into Greek, while others take it to mean he captured and explained Peter’s sermons in writing. In essence, the Gospel could almost be called the Gospel according to Peter, but since he never bothered to write, Mark gets the applause. You can however tell that this is Peter’s story by how Peter stands out. His name was changed, his speeches captured, his actions clearly told and his personality well articulated. Peter himself even refers to Mark affectionately as “my son” (1 Peter 5:13), showing just how close their relationship was. One of the best ways to get the mo...