My Scriptures for 2013

So these are my Scriptures for 2013, as given by the Holy Spirit in December (mostly paraphrased). As I meditate on them and read the Bible, I’m seeing more verses that relate to my current circumstances. I’ve been digging my nose or should I say my eyes (?) in the Bible these days. It’s like eating the Word in its raw state like one would eat raw, organic veggies. Salad, anyone? :-)

This was certainly, adulterated salad, lol! I was trying out a new salad cream and just had to splurge.

2 Peter 1:3-4 – God has given me everything I need that pertains to life and godliness through his very great and precious promises…

Ephesians 1:8 – God has already blessed me with wisdom and understanding in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 – God will provide ALL my needs according to His riches in GLORY in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:13 – I can do ALL THINGS through Christ Jesus, who strengthens (who gives me strength).

Philippians 4:6-7 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in EVERYTHING, by prayer, petition, with thanksgiving… peace of God will GUARD your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.  

Philippians 4:8 – Whatever is pure, lovely, admirable, true, noble, right, excellent or praiseworthy … think on those things.

Isaiah 54:17 – No weapon … shall prevail/prosper. 

Direction/Guidance – Psalm 32:8-9, Isaiah 48:17, Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 30:15, Isaiah 26:3

Psalm 23- the LORD is my SHEPHERD, I need no thing or I lack nothing. Goodness and mercy shall follow me – ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE.

Romans 8: 28-32 – All things work together for my good… to the glory of God.

Psalm 34: 17-19 – Promise of protection and deliverance

Psalm 91 

They may or may not make sense to you, my dear reader. Or some  or all may speak to you. But that’s okay because they are meant for me in the season of life that I’m in now. Some speak of protection (physical, mental and emotional), deliverance, direction/guidance, the certainty of my future, (which is good), empowerment to do what I’ve been called to do, provision (past, present and future), etc. In essence, my security and my future are good and assuredly granted in God through Christ Jesus. I need not fear or be concerned about the uncertainties of tomorrow. 

What I really want to encourage is the habit of asking God to speak to you about whatever is on your mind or whatever concerns you through His word and by His Spirit. The Holy Scriptures are solid and firm. You can, like a lawyer, always refer to the constitution (the Bible) to justify your petitions, requests or claims. Again, like a lawyer, you must have studied or prepared in the specific area before you stand before the Judge. But even if you are unable to, you can always start as a baby would in simple, imperfect language and the Holy Spirit will teach you to stand on God’s word. Step by step. It’s a process. Nobody grows to be an adult in a day.

Little by little, eat the Word,

Lady Akofa.

Please click here to read part 1 of this post.

... I walk with Him always

I have been meditating on Psalm 23 and I keep thinking, “Wow, David (the composer of the Psalm) really knew what he was talking about. He had such a deep relationship with the LORD and had so much revelation!” 

Talk about provision:  The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want

Talk about rest: He makes me lie down He leads me beside still waters  

Talk about calm & peace: He leads me beside still waters

Talk about emotional healing: He restores my soul

Talk about guidance: He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name sake

Talk about the glory/honour/reputation/character of God: for his name sake

Talk about discipline, comfort and guidance: your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Talk about protection and deliverance in the darkest hour and lowest valley:  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil

Talk about God’s guaranteed presence: for you are with me

Talk about a banquet/party (physical or spiritual feast): He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies

Talk about vindication: He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies

Talk about being consecrated/set apart by God for the banquet: you anoint my head with oil

Talk about overflowing joy or a generous pouring of drink: my cup overflows

Talk about continued abundance of good things (physical or spiritual) and mercy: Goodness and mercy shall follow me ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE

Talk about your own commitment to God for all eternity: and I shall dwell (live/abide) in the house of the LORD, forever. 

Lots of goodness in this famously recited Psalm! If it doesn’t blow your mind, then I don’t know what else to say...

May the LORD be your Shepherd, 

Lady Akofa.

Please click here to read the first part of this post.

God’s Word: My anchor in 2013

So I was at a friend’s wedding about 3 weeks ago. I arrived late because I got lost on my way, so I sat at the back. Fortunately for me though, I got in just in time for the vows. After the vows, the pastor preached the salvation message while sharing a few thoughts on marriage. 

As I sat there, I had several things on my mind, mostly major decision issues. I needed clarity and direction from God as the New Year was fast approaching. While I listened to the pastor and agreed with much of what he said, suddenly several Scriptures (not related to sermon at all!) started flashing through my mind in such a fast pace that I quickly took a notepad and wrote them down. As they came up in my mind’s eyes certain phrases and words jumped at me and flooded my soul with light and filled me with renewed purpose. 

God has spoken to me through these specific Bible verses over the years at different points and in different circumstances in my life. However, this time, it felt like God was giving me a cumulative collection of Scriptures for 2013. Each verse countered each anxiety or concern that I had. Indeed, I could add on more Bible verses to the list and create a little pamphlet out of them. 

I don’t know what 2013 holds for me, but I’m so comforted that God has already given me divine tools to work with in the days ahead. His words are my anchor for 2013. 

I pray that God will speak to you also and that you will hear Him speak to your soul. A new day has come!

Afienhyia pa!

Lady Akofa.

Please click here to read part 2 of this post.

I’m the ONE you’ve been waiting for!

I’m concluding my thoughts on my reading of the book of John. At my church, we have been studying the complex, ‘terrifying’ yet comforting book of Revelation. This coupled with my reading of John and the celebration of Palm Sunday and Easter has got me excited about many things: Jesus Christ Himself, the much anticipated full restoration of His Kingdom, the eternal joys and blessings of heaven which will forever cease the pains, tears and sufferings of the earth… I choose heaven! I’m an excited bride waiting for my Prince Charming, who is the triumphant and awesome King!

Imagine your father promises a gift but doesn’t tell you when he will give it you. So you’ve been waiting for the promised gift for a long time, watching out for the signs of when Daddy will unwrap this present. At the appointed time, Daddy he holds out his hands to give you the gift. Unfortunately, for some reason, you missed his open arms and questioned his Gift. How do you suppose he’ll feel?

I’m sure Jesus Christ must have been disappointed when the Pharisees and the Jews didn’t believe Him or His message. It must have been frustrating for Him to repeatedly try to convince them by His miracles and words that He was the Messiah, the ONE whom they had been waiting for all along (Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10). It’s like arguing with someone about your own identity. “I’m the One, don’t you get it?!” You say you are “Barbara” yet the person calls you, “Betty.” You would correct somebody who mispronounces your name, wouldn’t you? How much more fight to establish your identity!

I was amused to read the response the temple guards got when they returned to the chief priests and Pharisees having failed to arrest Jesus Christ (John 7:45-52) and were accused of being deceived. “You mean he has deceived you also?” the Pharisees retorted. “Has any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? No! …” John 7:47; NIV. I loved reading that part aloud, haha!

It is amazing that in John 12:12-16, a great crowd waved palm branches and sung, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!” Although they didn’t know they were fulfilling Scripture, a few days later, they shouted and condemned Jesus, “Crucify him!” Yes, he is Appointed One who was and is the Sacrificial Lamb, for the salvation of the whole world.

For me, I think the seminal Bible verses in John are John 17:2-3.

“For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent,” NIV.

1. Jesus Christ establishes His mission on earth: that God had (has) given him authority over all people and is the key to eternal life.
2. The definition of eternal life: knowing God and Jesus Christ. It’s a relationship not a set of rituals or of dos or don’ts.
3. Now, how do you know get to know somebody you’ve never met? It is by faith (Hebrews 11:6).

Choosing to believe,
How about you?
Lady Akofa.

Perspectives: New Eyes

I was driving down through a street that I normally use, but for some reason I looked at the street with different eyes. The lineup of mahogany trees on both sides of the road suddenly appeared beautiful to me and I thought, “This would make a beautiful landscape photo like the ones I see in calendars and on desktop screens.” The only thing that prevented me from attempting to capture what I saw was that I didn’t have my camera with me at that time. That’s what I call the “photographer’s eyes.”

I know an architect who says he watches movies with an eye to check out building designs that he can use in his work. And I’m sure an interior decorator will have a different perspective when watching the same movies as the architect.

I also remember seeing a rainbow a few years ago. Between my sister and I, we briefly took turns taking photos of the rainbow. While I focused on the rainbow itself (hey, you don’t get to see rainbows often, right?), my sister focused on the rainbow and the surroundings. Professional photographers call this “composition.” In the end, her pictures came out better than mine.

While perspectives are good, they can be limiting in the big scheme of things. We all have view points based on our backgrounds, experiences, professions, etc but that’s not all there is to life. There is the Big Picture that includes all generations and all people. Even historians sometimes get it wrong, either because of misinformation or because their experiences skew their perspectives. Only God, the Beginning and the End, the Eternal God, who is also the Creator and Designer, has the Big Picture.

My encouragement for you today is to ask God to gives you “new eyes” to see beauty in the mundane. Live with the expectation that God will show you new things, and He will.

With new eyes,
Lady Akofa.

Jobs, Lessons & Gratefulness

I haven’t worked long in the professional world. 6 years is not long or is it? As I move on to a new job this month, I’ve been reflecting on my career experiences and the lessons I have learnt since I started working. And guess what? I feel so blessed!

My new boss asked me during the interview, “What do you value in a work place?” I hadn’t really thought of it but somehow I had a ready answer, “Following laid down principles, working to meet expressed expectations and good work relationships.” Indeed, when a said expectation is not met or work ethics are not followed, it mars work relationships. However, being the peacemaker that I am, I’ll mostly take the initiative to work things out and bring back peace. I can take confrontations much better and I’m more assertive than I was, 5 years ago.

I remember a boss who mildly expressed his displeasure by shooing me away with a few words when I brought him my first document for perusal. Silly me! Didn’t I know to put the document in a file before handing it over to him? Then, I didn’t know. Now, I know, haha!

I also remember a “baptism of fire” that each employee went through in at least one project that he/she handled. Those are not my words, my former boss teasingly said those words to me; he knew I was really stressed out. No ill feelings towards him, I laughed at myself too in those miserable moments! Indeed, I went through the fire and rest assured, I survived intact with no burns (Isaiah 43:2).

There were work relationships in which a person’s action or attitude got me angry but I couldn’t express it or wouldn’t because I didn’t think it was necessary. Sometimes, it was because I was stuck with the person anyway (like one stuck with a spouse’s stubborn quirk), so I’d find a nice way of getting my assignment done through this person. I learnt to channel my anger and frustrations towards God, asking Him to come through for me. I have prayer journals to prove this. Writing my thoughts to God helped me processed my feelings and also created an avenue for God’s power to move in difficult situations and for His comfort and peace to calm my heart. And God did some pretty awesome things. At a farewell party in one workplace, one guy remarked, “I’ve never seen Akofa angry before or fight with anybody in this place. She should tell us how she does it.” Oh my, if only he knew!

I remember having to submit to a colleague who was the next to my boss. I was confronted with my insecurities and inadequacies because I wasn’t sure how to relate with this person. I brought it before God and this is what God gave me:

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6 & 7 (NIV)

I also remember God leading me to sow into this person’s life by presenting a sacrificial gift. Oh, how I laboured over the gesture! I didn’t know how it would be received. It will surprise you to know that my perspective changed and we got on well together. We both have left the same company yet we still in touch base with each other from time to time.

I remember quietly observing colleagues who were more focused and diligent than I was. They inspired me to do better because I could see the rewards of their efforts by the results they got.

Each workplace hold special memories for me and each person I met on the job has enriched my life in some way. And it includes those who didn’t wish me well because I learnt lessons through those unpleasant situations. I learnt to commit work relationships and work projects to God and got closer to God through those experiences.

As I’ve gotten to know people through each workplace, I often like to keep relationships long term as much as possible, but that’s often not the case. And that’s okay. I’m just grateful for the opportunity to use to my skills, training and talents to bless others through my work.

You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced wealth for me.” But remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.
Deuteronomy 8:17 & 18 (NIV)

May the favor of the LORD our God rest upon us;
Establish the work of our hands for us-
yes, establish the work of our hands.
Psalm 90:17(NIV)

May God bless the work of your hands today!
Lady Akofa.

Of Pleasant Dreams & Resurrection

I’ve forgotten how to play J.S. Bach’s “Jesu Joy of Man’s desiring.” However, I woke up remembering a dream in which I was effortlessly and skillfully playing it like I used to years ago before I fell out of practice.

And the words are so, oh, so... really, I can't find the right words!

It’s a New Year. Perhaps, resurrection is taking place. : )

Sorry, the photo is grainy.

Mr. Music Score, where art thou?
Lady Akofa.

“I can’t go on like this anymore!"

Promises to live by: “I can’t go on like this anymore! I’ve no strength left!”

Are there days in your life when it seems as if you have no strength to go on? Responsibilities overwhelms us, the state of important relationships are not as desired and we are unable to accomplish significant goals. These seasons come and go, but while we are in it, we wonder when it will be over.

I was fervently praying through some overwhelming responsibilities and expressed similar words, a few days ago. The Holy Spirit dropped 3 bible verses into my heart. These are verses I’ve memorized in the past. The Spirit inspired remembrance was like the resurrection of the verses… seemingly dead words coming back to life to me.

So I write these mostly for as reminder and in part, share with you. If you find yourself in a similar state now or sometime in the future, this could be starting point for prayer and assurance. God promises to give you strength and it shall be said of the situation, “… and it came to pass.”

“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you;
He will never let the righteous fall.”
Psalm 55:22; NIV

“The Son the is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things (including me!) by His powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”
Hebrew 1:3; NIV

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

Philippians 4:13; NIV

*All emphasis are definitely mine.

Without a doubt, there are more Bible verses that apply to overwhelming situations, but these are what God reminded me of at that time.

God’s sure word is this: He will sustaaaiiin you!
Lady Akofa.

Of my favourite Christmas carols

I have always loved Christmas carols; both listening and singing to them.

If you ask what my favourite Christmas song is, I doubt I’d be able to pin point a single one. I tried listing my favourite 5 on my facebook page and then remembered all the others that I love but didn’t list, haha!

In my childhood days, I listened to whatever carol was available and eagerly learnt those taught in our singing class at school. We had really good music teacher, Mr. Okine, who was passionate about each group (tenor, soprano, bass and alto) getting it right and on the beat. He had a bamboo cane with a cock head shaped tip to ensure that, haha! I remember Mr. Okine teaching us, “The Holly and the Ivy” and “In the Bleak Midwinter,” although most of us hadn’t seen snow before at that time in our lives, haha! May his soul rest in peace.

I remember often listening to Boney M.’s in one of my next door neighbour’s house when I went to play with them during this season. I often associate, Boney M.’s “Feliz Navidad,” and “Mary’s Boy Child/Oh my Lord,” with this family. Today, Boney M.'s Christmas carols are heard all over town.

At home, my dad often played Christmas country music; both the ‘blueish’ ones and the upbeat ones like, “Jingle Bells.”

And then when I got to secondary school, I joined the school choir and was part of the annual tradition in which we hosted the Nine Lessons and Carols Service for our school and for the alumni. To learn to sing Handel’s “Messiah,” was a heavenly experience.

Now, I’m more interested in the word content of the carols; those that speak of the advent of the Messiah, of waiting for His coming, of his Light and of His coming deliverance and of the establishment of His Kingdom. This is partly because of my own personal need and partly because I long to see God’s kingdom established in my family. We are beginning to see relatives give their lives to the LORD in recent years and I’m more than thrilled at what God is doing.

Also, ever since I took my first 90 day Bible reading challenge and followed the account of God’s chosen people and how non-Jewish have been called to be a part in our day, I’ve always looked forward to the day that Heaven (the New Kingdom) will be a reality. I was so enthralled by the temple design of Solomon’s day that by the time I got to Matthew in my reading challenge, I kept asking, “Ah! So where is the Kingdom? Where are God’s people – the 12 tribes?” Oh, blessed that John the Baptist came preaching the coming of the One, who would establish the Kingdom: Jesus Christ.

So in this season of my life, I will say, “O come, o come Emmanuel,” and “O Holy Night” are my favourite Christmas carols. I do more of quiet meditation on the words than sing them. And that has been meaningful to me. Some hymns books list all 8 stanzas, others 6, and some others 4 but I share the stanzas in no particular order from, “O come, o come Emmanuel,” that resonate with me:

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory over the grave.

Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.

Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.

Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Perhaps, next year or in 5 years, I might tell you of my new favourite Christmas song.

Have a Merry and Cheery Christmas!
Lady Akofa.

It wasn’t my turn: God’s voice in an unprepared teacher’s day

It wasn’t my turn. So I wasn’t prepared to teach. I was only prepared to assist my co-teacher by monitoring the sweet, often restless 7 to 9 year old kids and by guiding them through an activity, if need be.

Unexpectedly, I was called to teach an older class because as an assistant teacher wasn’t available to take his Sunday School class. “How do you teach 11 to 13 year old kids, unprepared?” I wondered. “These kids will skin me alive with their teenage inquisitiveness! I’m not even armed with grown up wisdom to tackle their questions,” I thought. I hadn’t even glanced through the bible lesson the night before.

Yet here was I, leading the bible lesson. We, together, went through Exodus 17, verse by verse as the Holy Spirit led me to ask questions so the study would be interactive.

We saw how God provided water for the Israelites out of a rock – beats my imagination- this my God.

We also saw how God delivered the Israelites from the Amalekites who attacked them in the wilderness.

What struck me was God’s promise to vindicate the Israelites for all eternity after the battle had been won through the praying, lifted hands of Moses. If you are familiar with the Old Testament, this was the command King Saul failed to obey, which cost him and his descendants the throne (1 Samuel 15). For me, I saw God’s powerful hand of protection over His chosen people. He was and is willing to go to all lengths to honour His Word.

The 2nd thing that struck me was what Moses said of God, “The LORD is my Banner.” Trust me, prior to the study, I hadn’t really considered what a banner stood for and didn’t know why God is called a Banner. Yes, we sing it in songs but God? A Banner? What’s the link? What was I to tell my little students, eh? But as I was leading the discussion, I suddenly remembered the Independence Day parades and lifted banners at war scenes I had seen on television over the years. BINGO! So I asked, “Have you ever seen on TV or participated in an Independence Day parade?” Heads bobbing up and down.

A banner is often lifted up ahead of an army when they are parading or going to war. Often the name of the group, its emblem and other identifying details are written or drawn on the banner. As God was for the Israelites, the LORD is also MY BANNER. He goes out before me in battle, fighting for me and giving me the strength and wisdom to fight. Just as God promised to fight for the Israelites from generation to generation, I can be sure He will fight for me and my descendants, whatever circumstances come our way in the future.

Yes, I wasn’t supposed to teach. It’s almost unthinkable to call an unprepared teacher to teach. But, I believe that God had a HAND in it. Although, the kids seemed to grasp the lesson and I sure hope they did, I suspect that the study was more for me than the kids. I probably would never have gone through the study after that Sunday.

While serving impromptu, God teaches me lessons. As I pray through God’s promise to lift up His standard over me and to fight for me, it makes me confident about the victory in store. See… the BANNER is Himself… the emblem on the BANNER is My All-Powerful, Unconquerable Father and all that He is, who can withstand Him?

JEHOVAH NISSI, He will forever be to me.

He will also fight for you, if you so believe Him,
Lady Akofa.

Lifting your heart to God in the wait

I have not read any of Elisabeth Elliot's books, not yet. But I have been to her website and read other books, blogs with quotes from her books and writings. From the little that I've read about her, I think Elisabeth Elliot is one wise, old lady impacting the younger generation for God's kingdom. Here is one of those profound quotes I found from a devotional:

I do know that waiting on God requires the willingness to bear uncertainty, to carry within oneself the unanswered question, lifting the heart to God about it whenever it intrudes upon one’s thoughts. It is easy to talk oneself into a decision that has no permanence, easier sometimes than to wait patiently.
~Elisabeth Elliot~

Hmmm... What do you think?
Lady Akofa.

You say...

You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’
But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire,
so you can become rich;
and white clothes to wear,
so you can cover your shameful nakedness;
and salve to put on your eyes,
so you can see.

Revelations 3: 17-18

Too much to take in?

The gold has been tested and all impurities have been taken out. Wouldn't you want true wealth?
The clothes are clean, white and without stains. Why would you prefer dirty clothes?
Who doesn't want to see clearly in the midst of all the darkness in this world?

Take up the offer!
Lady Akofa.

Hope whispers...

When the world says, “Give up,”
Hope whispers, “Try it one more time.”
~Author Unknown~

History like a weaved fabric

“... history is like a giant piece of fabric with very intricate and complex patterns. During the minted span of our lifetimes we see only a tiny fraction of the pattern. Furthermore, as been observed by others, we see the pattern from the underside. The underside of a weaving usually makes no sense. Even the upper side makes little sense if we view just a tiny piece. Only God sees the upper side, and only He sees the entire fabric with its complete pattern. Therefore, we must trust Him to work out all the details of history to His glory, knowing that His glory and out good are bound up together."

From Trusting God: Even when life hurts by Jerry Bridges, page 94; NavPress.

Your worth

Your worth is not defined by your success or failure
Your worth is not defined by your past mistakes
Your worth is not defined by your present achievements
Your worth is not defined by aspirations for the future
Your worth is not defined by your family
Your worth is not defined by your friends, marital status or social affiliations
Your worth is not defined by the town or village your live in
Your worth is not defined by the school you attend(ed) to or did not attend
Your worth is not defined by your facial beauty, muscles (6 pack figure) or curves (hour glass figure) or lack of these
Your worth is not defined by your ethnicity, race or nationality
Your worth is not defined by the job you have or do not have
Your worth is not defined by the achievements or mistakes of your children
STOP believing those lies!

♥ ♥ ♥

God defines you
He made you
His Word, which is the TRUTH defines you

♥ ♥ ♥

You are chosen by God, Himself (1 Peter 2:4)
You are precious to Him (1 Peter 2:4)
You are a living stone (1 Peter 2:5)
God’s special possession (1 Peter 2:9)
A royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9)
God love for you is eternal & even longer than your ‘Best Friend Forever’ (Jeremiah 31:3)
You’ve been marked with a Seal, who guarantees the fulfillment of The Promises
(Ephesians 1:11-14)

.... and on and on and on... the everlasting truth goes (Isaiah 40:8). His Word is forever, so is His Love!

♥ ♥ ♥

This is to encourage readers and myself as well to focus and live on what's true. There is so much more that God has to say about who we are and His love for us. You’ve got to search the Scriptures for more! :- )

God loves you,
Lady Akofa.

I will get there

I know I will get there,
But I don’t know how to get there.

So LORD, I need you to lead me
To guide me through this winding road
To the place called home.
For You are The Sure Way.

In this world theories abound
Lies and deception lead astray
But You are the Unshakable Truth
My Rock who keeps me sane.



I don’t know all the answers
But I know that You are the Answer
The only Answer I need for this life
What You say is final and good
I hold on to You.

I know I will get there.
Home is the place to be.

(No, SHE is not me but a kind student posing as a model. :-))

I will get there,
Lady Akofa.
© January, 2011.

GOD and me = Me and an ant.

I’ve always been fascinated by cartoons and animated films about the animal kingdom. In Monster Inc., it was ‘frightening’ to see monsters scaring kids at night for a living, lol! I think I was fascinated that one of the monster’s name was “Boo.” Boo? Yeah! And there was one called, “Fungus!” “Finding Nemo” was just as exciting for me, the day I watched it. And my favourite for all time has always been “The Lion King” 1. You wanna guess how many times, I have watched it?

Enter:

GOD and me = Me and an ant.

So when last Sunday my pastor tried to use the equation above to illustrate how precious my salvation is in his sermon, my mind went a-roaming in the animated animal kingdom, lol! I was reminded of “Antz” and “Chicken Run” that I had watched during the Christmas break last month. But that was an “Aha! moment” for me during church service.

God, soooooooooo big decided to come in human form in order to relate to small me, in the form of Jesus Christ. He really didn’t have to do that but for some lovey-dovey reason and to honour His word, you and me are so important and valuable to God that He did the most unthinkable thing in order to establish an everlasting relationship with His human creatures. Why is that unthinkable? Well, imagine you had the power to do so, would you want to be born and live as a ant in order to relate to ants? Even if it’s temporary, would you? If you ask me, a Big “No!” and “Yuck!” are my answers. Lol! But that’s how I got the message. God loves me and you soo much to do just that!

“What is man that you are mindful of him
the son of man that you care for him?”
Psalm 8:4 (NIV)

Yep, you are that precious.

BTW, wouldn’t it really be an interesting world if all animals could speak, like in those movies? God even let a donkey speak some eons ago. Think I lie? Check out Numbers 22:21-35. Awesome!

You’re loved and highly esteemed,
Lady Akofa.

A time to make New Year Resolutions 3

Goals can be set or resolutions can be made in different areas of one’s life. Here are 6 start-up categories but certainly not exhaustive.

Spiritual: Evangelism and Discipleship, Bible study (Personal, Corporate), Prayer (Personal, Corporate), etc.

Financial/Economic: Budgeting, Giving, Tithing, Saving, Investing, Acquiring a property, Repaying Debts, Building/Creating a business, etc.

Educational/Work-related or both: Study times, managing work/school relationships, being a faithful steward in school assignments and in handling tasks at work, etc.

Relationships: Marriage, Parenting, Family, Friends, Society-mission, mentoring. Relationships you’d like to start and relationships that need to be restored.

Health: Eating Healthy, Exercise, Medical Checkups, etc.

Passion, Hobby & Entertainment: to start new hobby a to sharpen skills, to turn a hobby into an income generating venture, etc.

A few questions to get you along in goal setting

1. What are 3 key things you’d like to achieve this year or that you’d like God to do this year? You can select from the suggested list above.

2. For each of 3 listed goals, what is the first necessary step you need to take to start the process? Here you’ll find out that you’ll need to break that lofty goal into smaller steps or redefined your goal to include timelines, measures for monitoring and evaluation, etc. Joan Esherick gives insights here.

3. Of the 3 goals that you’ve set, which one of them is most challenging to you?
b. Who would you like to consider as your accountability partner in this area. Anybody of your choice... but preferably someone who won’t sugar-coat the truth, who you can trust to poke their nose in your personal business from time to time and will support you in prayer. Let God lead you in this area too!

I do know one thing from past experience: the times that I’ve spent significant time and energy on pursuing spiritual things/goals or in making radically spiritual changes have often spilled over into other areas of my life. That, I can tell you and it's most profitable, (Matthew 6: 33-34). Don Whitney has a set of questions that you can sample from. Check them out here.

If you’re convinced that this New Year resolution business is still not for you, I sympathize. I’ve been there and done that.

May God lead you and may 2011 be a fulfilling year for all my readers!

God bless ya,
Lady Akofa.

A time to make New Year Resolutions 2

I’m sharing some articles this area. I’m not necessarily using all these ideas but depending on where you are in your walk with God or what you want God to do in your life... it may trigger something, bring clarity to your situation or lead you to consider new things. I really hope that this post blesses you in some way, even if it’s teeny-tiny, lol!

1. Annual resolutions and our daily habits seem not be aligned, no wonder we struggle with carrying them out! Check the Boundless article here.

2. Another article on Boundless on Goal Setting.

3. Here is a third article from Boundless. Can’t you see that I ♥ Boundless? Mwaah!

4. So you are busy. I understand. So what are you busy about anyway? Are they of value? No, I’m not talking to you, I’m talking to myself.

I’ve had this PDF file since last year... I downloaded it because I knew I needed to read it. I never got round to applying the recommend principles because I never finished reading it... because... you know... because... : - ) Sheepish smile. The title tells you why: Personal Productivity. I so, so, so need to finish reading it. From what I did read, I highly recommend it.

5. Five-a-month plan.... If you think the whole yearly thing is too long thus prefer monthly goals, maybe this will work. Plan to accomplish 5 major things (it could be more) per a month and report back to yourself or your accountability partner(s).

6. In her article, “Resolution Solution,” Joan Esherick gives pointers as to how to work through and streamline the goals you set. It’s not as simple as, “I want to be more patient in 2011.” That’s a lofty dream that is bound to fail.

7. You might want to try the challenge of reading the Bible in 90 days (3 months) if the short term thrill fascinates you. I did the 90 day challenge twice (in a little more than 90 days) & each experience was thrilling. Of course, the reading the bible in the year or in 6 months can be considered. But you definitely need make time for your readings each day. See the first article.

8. Or perhaps quantity is not your focus this year but quality in your bible reading. A motivation to chew the cud, meditate more can be found here. Get the plan in PDF here.

9. Carolyn McCulley has an interesting perspective on New Year Resolutions... our plans and well meaning efforts at self-control will not work unless we consider that Holiness of God and His Spirit’s enablement. I agree.

10. Your To-Do-List will never get done, CJ Mahaney asserts. Just so you don’t get smug about achieving all your daily goals if you manage to do so... hey, there will be more things to accomplish tomorrow. Or if you do get discouraged because you didn’t accomplish one of your daily goals, please know that we only live by the grace of God, step by step and day by day - only God does EVERYTHING He plans to do... that’s why He IS God.

11. Ralph Wilson buttresses the point about relying on the grace of God.

12. Crown Financial Ministries is a great resource for ideas on financial goals... Budgeting, Saving, Investing, Tithing (yes!), Giving (that too!), etc. You really have to check out their website to see.

13. While we set goals, we need to be mindful of the different life seasons we are in and special situations that God has allowed in our lives. Some goals may just not be useful or profitable for a mom with toddlers or for an empty nester. However, there are some goals that would be timely for younger people, for example saving towards a property purchase or acquiring a new skill. Even then, who says senior citizens are exempted from learning new things?! This blog article is specifically addressed to women but, men... you’ll get the point, when you read it.

14. Humour! This clock is heaven bent on waking you up! If you have goals that include waking up early in the morning or if ’re addicted to hitting your snooze button several times every morning, like I do, you need a wake up call, lol! Yes, it’s expensive. So either you wake up quickly at the first alarm, which is free BTW or you consider this pricey alternative, lol!

15. If all this stuff about goals and planning seem to be mumbo-jumbo to you, then try the “One Word” approach by Grit and Glory blogger. Just focus and meditate on the one word God gives you throughout the year. Let it permeate all your thoughts and activities.

Okey dokey, that’s a lot for now. More soon.

God bless ya!
Lady Akofa.

A time to make New Year Resolutions 1

“Tis the season to be jolly” is over for most of us around the world who celebrate Christmas and go by the Georgian calendar. Now is the season to be sober, to reflect and make resolutions, lol! For those still in the “New Year resolution mood,” this post is for you.

So last year, I said I wouldn’t make any resolutions. I didn’t and kept on with this life of mine. And then, mid-year 2010, I received an e-newsletter from a life-coach that I subscribe to asking how far I was getting along in my plans and resolutions for the year. I looked back over the previous 6-7 months and I saw that I wasn’t consciously pursuing any personal goals or spiritual goals thus I had nothing to show for it. It seemed that I was only helping to pursue other people’s goals, mostly work related and church related. I hit a state of panic... What about my personal growth? There seems to be neither significant change nor any indication of gradual progress in any specific area of my life! I’ve not really been working at anything! What a Bummer!

Lessons learnt:

1. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Duh!

2. You reap what you sow. The sober warning is that I cannot escape this truth, otherwise I will only be living in deception if I think so. Galatians 5: 7-9

3. If you don’t plant anything, what do you expect to harvest? Nada! At best, wind! Selah.

And since I hadn’t planned to sow much, there was little harvest in my life. To everyone else, it appeared life was going on smoothly but I knew that inner growth was lacking.

So since the end of 2010 and beginning of 2011, I have really been thinking about resolutions, goals and planning for the year. Not just these but actually acting on what I plan to do. There is a difference between planning and carrying out plans, you know. I’m recruiting an accountability partner to keep me in check in this area. I’ve been prayerfully skimming the Bible, e-articles and the like for ideas and motivation, for me.

It’s not so much the concept of ‘setting goals’ and ‘achieving goals’ so that I’ll have something to show for at the end of 2011. The point is to:

1. Lay these plans before God so that He directs my path. There have been times in the past that God has had to re-direct me to do something else or to simply wait, (Proverbs 3: 5-6 and Psalm 37: 5-7) This should be both a seasonal and daily activity of laying my plans before Him, who knows all things and controls everything.

2. So that I live a productive and fruitful life for Him.

You might want to consider these questions, “Why are you setting goals for the year, that is, if you are? Are you setting goals because ‘everybody is doing it’ or there is a stronger motivation for it? Who are you living for as you plan and make schedules? Or are you making goals to impress people?”

Selah.

Wrestling with these questions too,
Lady Akofa.

To be continued....