2 Popular myths that appear as if they are from the Bible…

… BUT are not. 

1.  Myth:  “God helps those who help themselves.”

Truth: God helps those who are helpless.  Throughout the Bible, it is evident that God has a special heart for the helpless and the vulnerable such as the poor, the widow, the orphan, the foreigner, etc. In the Old Testament days, God gave specific instructions for the care of such people. See Scriptural examples of God’s zealousness for the care and protection of the poor, orphans, widows and the foreigner below. The first example has really strong words of warning from God to the advantaged group.

Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless. If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children fatherless. Exodus 22:22-24 (NIV). 

He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. Deuteronomy 10:18 (NIV)

At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year’s produce and store it in your towns, so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. Deuteronomy 14:28- 29 (NIV)

Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge.  Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this. Deuteronomy 24:17-22 (NIV)

When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat the olives from your trees, do not go over the branches a second time. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt. That is why I command you to do this.
Deuteronomy 24:19-22 (NIV).

If Boaz and his farm servants had not practiced the command to leave some of the barley sheaves behind them, do you think Ruth would have gotten food for Naomi and herself? (Ruth 2:1-23).

Under the New Testament covenant, Christians are expected to continue to care for the needy. To share is one Bible quote which for me, sums up the subject: 

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27 (NIV).

I believe this principle is different from fighting for or claiming what belongs to you as most people interpret the statement above. Even then, when one is at the receiving end of a twisted deal that goes against the person, God will come through for this person when he/she calls on Him. Read the example of the widow and her persistent petition to a godless judge, from Luke 18:1-8. 

2. Myth: “Money is the root of all evil”

Truth: For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, (1 Timothy 6: 10: NIV). Some Bible versions say, “a root” while other say, “the root”. Discussions about money seem to be a thorny issue for most people. Is it because there is never enough? I don’t know. There are many pastors who would rather not talk about money or preach about money in their congregations; they often condemn their follow pastors who preach the “prosperity gospel”. The “prosperity gospel” pastors seem to excessively preach about money and wealth to the point of disregarding the message of first import: the salvation of lost souls. These are the two extremes. But whatever position one stands for or whether a person does not have any position at all, money is a necessity that one can’t live without. Just know this… it is the love (greediness) of money which is the problem, not the money itself.  

May the LORD bless as all as we confound myths with the truth of God’s Word. 

Blessings,
Lady Akofa.

... 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.

The LORD is my Shepherd...

The LORD is my Shepherd,

I walk with Him always.

He leads by still waters, 

I walk with Him always.

Always, always

I walk with Him always.

Always, always

I walk with Him always.

I woke up in morning with this song (above) in my heart sometime last week. I let it play in my mind as I relished the memories of the times I sung it at Sunday School and with my sister and cousins at home when we were kids. Then I took out the electronic keyboard and managed to find the rights keys and played it. Worship mode: activated.

This is a song that I haven’t sung or heard in years.  No, we don’t sing it (not this version) in church these days. And I don’t recall hearing it sung in Sunday School in the past five or so years, now that I teach Sunday School. Lesson preparation in this song: activated.

The song is based on Psalm 23. It is one of the Scriptures God gave to me at a friend’s wedding. And it’s one of the most recited prayers in churches, Christian gatherings and schools (even public schools) in Ghana. It is usually learnt in KJV. I figure, most kids can recite it in their sleep, lol! : - ) I remember, a lady in our church gave a testimony  of how God led her sister to pray aloud the Psalm while she was in labour. Wow!

Interestingly, there are many musical renditions of Psalm 23, check out youtube.com and you will see.

to be continued...

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

Be careful what you ask for

Throughout the year, Ghanaians have been praying for peace before, during and after our December elections, Christians, Muslims and traditional believers alike. Many persons and groups have campaigned in various ways to advocate for peace; celebrities, school children, religious leaders, etc. It was overwhelming to hear of the many churches/denominations and Christian organisations who organised prayer-fests or prayer marathons, for the peace of the nation during this critical time and how Christians eagerly responded to the call for prayer for the nation. And there were peace concerts, peace walks and other events organised as well. I was amazed to watch a documentary in which grandmothers were admonishing the youth not to undermine the peace that Ghana had enjoyed over the years. In the unlikely case there is war, it’s usually old folks, children and the vulnerable who suffer the most, so I get the drift. 

In spite of a few skirmishes here and there, overall, I believe God has answered our prayers. We asked for peace. God has given it. So everywhere you turn, this or that person is saying, “peace that” and “peace this.” To say that I’m grateful for this peace is an understatement. But note what is being said, “... for the sake of the peace of the nation” and NOT “... for the sake of the people of the nation.” Who or what is more important: the peace or the people? Maybe I need a teacher to take me into another level of learning, haha!

So, I’ve been wondering, what if Ghana had prayed for say, “transparent, free and fair elections”? Wouldn't that have prevented claims of election rigging?  While, I’m not for or against any of the major political parties, I think that any persons or parties that have  evidence to prove in court that the election process or results were manipulated should freely do so. That is a true test of our democracy; people should be able to seek redress in the constitutionally viable manner, without hindrance from any opposing person or group.

Ghanaians, particularly Christians, should realise that this same God, to whom they fervently prayed for peace, is a holy, righteous and just God. I do not suppose He will overlook the injustice and sweep it under the carpet like human beings do. But then, I don’t know how God will work justice out for those who seek redress except through Jesus Christ; He is such a big God for my small mind. Hear me well: Be careful what you ask for. More importantly, know the Person to whom you are making your requests.

Peace!

Lady Akofa.:-)

Not-so-Happy Mother's Day

I love Mother’s Day because it gives me the opportunity to celebrate my mom …and me: a future mama. : -)

But this season tends to remind others of their unfulfilled dreams. Arms that never carried their own baby. Full hearts that ache to pour out love into children they can call their own.

“Why does she get pregnant and have a baby within 9 months of her wedding and I don’t?”
“Oh, God… what more prayers do I have to say before You’ll let me carry my own child? Just one baby will do, that’s all!”

It gets very uncomfortable in church settings when a baby is brought up to be dedicated to the LORD by parents.  “But what about me, God?” At family gatherings, your name is left out when grandchildren are being introduced.

And there are those who had children out of wedlock, who have had to struggle and are struggling to cater for their child(ren). The other half who contributed to the conception of the child is nowhere to be found, even if he’s around, he doesn’t care… or so it seems.

And there are those who are single parents because their marriage broke down. But the children still need to be cared for.

And there is yet another category of mothers who are widows; the ill-timed enemy called death came and took away their husbands.

How about those unmarried women who long to be mothers?

For some strange reason, I’m burdened for those who are yet to be mothers (married or unmarried) and those who are mothers but in less than ideal circumstances, this Mother’s day.

There is a Bible chapter that I want to share, with those who find what is supposed to be a joyous occasion, a reminder of what is yet to be or what could  or would have been. I’m not going to offer my thoughts on it but I’d say… prayerfully read, Isaiah 54, and let God speak to you.

Sharing in the pain, yet standing in faith that God does impossible things (Matthew 19:26).

Blessings,
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.

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.

Peace when all goes haywire

So prices for fuel and major commodities have gone up all over the world. Everybody is digging deeper into their pockets. Investors are worried. Next door Cote D’Ivoire is in a state of political unrest. The sudden uprising in Tunisia feels like, “Wow! Where did this one come from?” For the largest country in Africa, Sudan, the question is, “To split or not to split?” Australia and Brazil are recovering from loss of lives and property due to floods. The random shootings in schools and public gatherings in the US is just insane. Haiti is still recovering from that big earthquake last year. And the Middle East? Let’s not go there.

What is the world coming to? Are we safe or what?

But Jesus never promised a life free from pain and suffering. And it’s interesting that he reiterates this in one of his last words to the disciples before he went to Calvary.

“I have told you these things, so that IN ME you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV).

So while all these are taking place, you can have peace... I can have peace... But only in JESUS CHRIST. And that’s comforting!

Peace in Christ Jesus,
Lady Akofa.

Service is the call for all leaders; not squabbles!

Ah! Who am I that I should even stand before these big, big people, eh? I recently had a bit of epiphany and I just had to share to our African leaders, specifically these 3 groups of people: politicians, traditional chiefs and religious leaders, especially Christian leaders who should know better!

There is a deep sense of pride and power that potentially comes with “rising to the top.” There is a lot at stake, lots of people looking up to you as a leader and lots to be done. May God grant our leaders grace.

When leaders are blinded by long-drawn out disagreements, they seem to lose sight of the very character traits that got them to the “top,” --- humility, teachablity and accountability. They forget the inherent call of a leader is SERVICE.

Such blinded leaders hold on to their pride, unrealistic expectations and hurts in their squabbles. It’s a shame that some of our leaders have been so blinded by “self-rights” that they cannot serve the people they had promised/pledged to serve when they took up “post.” No wonder development, growth and success so often eludes us in Africa.

It’s time to pray for these leaders to uproot bitterness from their hearts and lives, to completely forgive and reconcile so that they can really focus on what really matters.

Jesus Christ refused to be entangled by the traps of the Pharisees and Sadducees because He wanted to accomplish His ONE GOAL: the salvation of people like me! Amen!

Praying for African leaders,
Lady Akofa.

In the News!

I don’t know whether it is because Ghana now has a Domestic Violence Act/ Law thus more people are reporting gender based violence than before or whether it seems we have a few insightful journalists or it’s just an increase in gender based violence in general but about 3 weeks ago I was going through December ‘09 and January ‘10 newspapers for work related purposes and was heartbroken over the reports. Too many gender-based violence reports.

There was a woman seeking justice for having been falsely accused of witchcraft- what her husband's family put her through is quite unimaginable. I dare not repeat the horrific things the report claims this woman went through.

Stories of jealous husbands/boyfriends who had allegedly killed their wives/girlfriends on suspicion of being unfaithful. Some in turn committed suicide… Romeo and Juliet saga, you’d say.

There was a story of a depressed woman who was alleged to have poisoned and killed all her 5 kids. She committed suicide a few days later. In response to the report, an elderly colleague was aghast, “There are many women looking for just one child to claim as their own! Look at this woman, she killed all her five kids like chickens!” The woman was alleged to have left a journal chronicling her sad thoughts.

And of a 9 year old girl raped by a much older man who could be her grandfather.

What did the 9 year old girl do to merits such unspeakable treatment? It is not the old man’s unbridled sexual desire and evil intent that caused this girl’s innocence to be taken rather rudely? If not because of lack of trust, unbridled anger and jealousy, why would a man choose to end the life of the one he claims to love? If only that depressed woman had known that God is the lifter of our heads and could deliver her from the pit then perhaps, at least those innocent 5 kids would have been alive today.

Interestingly, my dad had stopped by my office to look for a specific article in one of the newspapers and as he was going through them, he made a comment, “Look at these” he pointed to several pages in an issue, “there are a lot of rape stories in the papers these days.” He independently made the same observation that I’d made a few days earlier!

This is just Ghana. I know there are all kinds of things happening the world over. And it's depressing to get to read or hear about them. Yet there are many more untold stories that don’t make it to the newspapers, radio, television or the internet. Maybe you have an untold story of a similar nature.

Despite the doom and gloom of such news reports... I do know this: There is HOPE. Where you say? In JESUS CHRIST. That’s the only person I know who offers hope. He can redeem us from self and sin that manifest in such ugly acts and incidents.

While sin and Satan's plans lead to destruction, God's business through Jesus Christ is restoration and life. His business is salvation. His business is complete deliverance and healing. His business is freedom from sin and Satan so that one can live an abundant, Christ-glorifying life. And most of all, his business is making victorious survivors of victims and even perpetrators of such rather unfortunate incidents. (Every italicized word, phrase in this paragraph is a Hope-FULL link, for your encouragement, so check the links out! :-))

As you read the newspapers or listen to the news from now on, see them as tidbits, as it were, for prayer for the people involved and for God to redeem the situation. It doesn’t have to be a big thing as Haiti’s earthquake in January or celebrity gossip that we often hear about. Even if the details of the reports are fuzzy, even so, pray for the people involved so that the Truth will stand out.

Yes, food for thought! Pray for somebody's soul!

God bless ya,
Lady Akofa.

"No-no!"

Earlier this year in response to a suggestion, I started praying about a venture. After all, it seemed a good idea. But as weeks turned into months with no kick off, I continued seeking the LORD’s face about this issue until I hit a revelation jackpot.

Interestingly, when I started praying early this year, God laid Proverbs 3:5-6 on my heart. Oftentimes, that Scripture would literally cut off doubts and anxieties whenever they tried to take a foothold in my mind. As I was gearing up for another bout of fervent prayer several weeks ago, I sensed My Father tenderly tell me, “It’s okaaaay, enough of this prayer. Just let it go.” Although I couldn’t explain it, I had peace about this “no-no” answer from God. Within 2, 3 weeks of perceiving the ‘No’ yet comforting and liberating response, I got to know why.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

I’m truly grateful that God has been faithful to His own promise that He will lead and instruct. That’s the blessing of The Father who loves His children. Do all earthly fathers say, “Yes” to every whim and request of their kids all the time? Nope. Just as most earthly fathers have their kids’ best in mind, so does Papa God, who has much better plans in store for His children.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.
Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you.

Psalm 32:8-9

I pray that you’ll find God, who delights in giving good gifts… including making those crooked paths straight as we walk this life’s journey. He is Faithful to lead if we seek His direction.

God bless ya,
Lady Akofa.

Adventures in Nkↄm Nkyere 2

First of all, let me reiterate that I don’t know all there is to fasting. So I consider this to be a journey.

Secondly, I fast not because I think it works per say. I fast because I have faith in God. Faith that if God chooses to work in this manner and has commanded that I do so, then it’s for His Glory. Of course, there are some things that simple prayer will not be enough. Granted. Make sure you check the bible passage I've linked.

Stephanie asks in response to my previous post, "What have you found in fasting? Answered prayer? A closer connection with God? Great Sensitivity to the Spirit?” I actually think she has already taken words out of my response, to some extent in her comment.

Admittedly there are days I fast amiss; it almost seems like a hunger strike. However, on days that I purposefully fast, I’ve found that I’m much more alert and unusually eager and open to hear from God. My prayer times are often richer during those times even if few minutes are spent in prayer.

I’ve seen God loosen the grips of a besetting sin as I combined fasting with accountability, searching God’s Word and other spiritual disciplines. I’m also experiencing gradual deliverance in a long-standing spiritual issue and won’t back down till I see the promised victory with my two eyes and live liberated as God intended.

It's possible that if you've never had any long standing issue like an unsaved family member, or a wayward child, or a marriage that is falling apart before your very eyes, etc you may not be motivated to seek such drastic measures as sacrificing your meals for focused prayer at all. After all, what's there to labouriously pray for? I used to think like that. Read on. There is a bigger reason for such an endeavour.

I remember one time in my BA days when I fasted with the fellowship group. I didn’t have a class that day and my roommate had gone out, so I was alone in the room. There was nothing pressing to pray about; I was just seeking God’s face, talking to Him as I slowly walked back and forth in my room. As God drew me to His rich, loving presence, I felt drawn to kneel and bow down. But it wasn’t enough. After a while, the Holy Spirit drew me further down to lie prostrate before the Almighty Jehovah. How could I not? Like Isaiah, I am unworthy to stand before the Lord.

I’ve never gone on a long fast, I prefer the once or twice per week discipline unless the LORD calls me to do otherwise someday. I actually have such a profound respect for those who have gone on long fasts at some point in their lives and are living the fruit of what they prayed for.

I would encourage that anybody willing to explore this to first of all dig the Bible asking that God direct the search. See how the practice started in the Old Testament, when and why God commanded it, how it was done and is supposed to be done up to the New Testament days. It could be a whole new adventure! That’s why my post title is “Adventures in Nkↄm Nkyere.”

Finally, fasting like other disciplines of grace, such as prayer, personal Bible Study, Evangelism, Solitude, Fellowship, etc are all means to an end. Some disciplines are for healing, deliverance, telling others about Jesus Christ, growth in character, unity in the Church... the list is endless. They all work together for an Ultimate End and Treasure.

But what’s the Ultimate Treasure in my opinion?

Intimately knowing God through Jesus Christ, His Son. A deeper and richer experience of God. Can anything or anybody be of more worth than knowing Him?

God bless ya,
Lady Akofa.

Book review: Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough

Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough: A Guide to Nine Biblical Fasts by Elmer L. Towns, Regal Books, CA, US; 1996

I repeat my disclaimer: I’m not an expert in fasting and I think I would pass away if I ever tried Moses and Jesus’ 40-day fast. Leave it to the fast-perts!

I’ve read several books on prayer and fasting, most of them borrowed from friends. I was searching for something new and different sometime last year and I found Elmer L. Towns’ book at the bookshop. I’m glad I bought it even though I’d never heard of Elmer Towns at that time.

Towns gives several definitions of fasting, with insightful historical backgrounds to fasts. Based on Isaiah 58 he classifies fasts using 9 biblical characters and their aims for going on a fast. So there is the Saint Paul fast for major decisions, the Widow’s Fast for helping the needy, etc. This categorization was refreshingly new to me. At the end of each fast chapter, Towns gives helpful guidelines to steer the reader to make definite decisions and take purposeful notes. This has been useful for me, although I must say that I still have a looong way to go.

I know this is such a brief book review... but that's the point. To get you to buy or borrow and read the book! :)

I highly recommend reading Towns’ Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough: A Guide to Nine Biblical Fasts, if you’re seeking to enrich your experience in this discipline of grace.

Now I leave you with a quote from the book:

“If you say you will fast when God lays it on me, you will never fast. You’re too cold and indifferent. Take the yoke upon you.” –Dwight L. Moody ----Page 212.

God bless ya,
Lady Akofa.

Note: I hope to answer Stephanie's question in my next post.

Adventures in “Nkↄm Kyere”

As a kid, I was a skinny, underweight girl who had to be coaxed, scolded and beaten to eat her food. I simply didn’t like to eat. Not until I went to the boarding house in secondary school. The food often consisted of two ladles of rice or less, to my dismay. There was no food to waste like I did back at home those days. I remember the first vacation, I came home and savored the homemade groundnut soup and like Oliver Twist, asked for more. It’s said that you sometimes don’t value some things until you’re deprived of it for sometime. It was then that I began to appreciate and value meals. And today I do enjoy my meals, although my friends still think I’m a bit picky about what I eat. Ahem... let’s just say, I’ve improved?

But I do want to discuss another perspective: abstaining from meals for spiritual purposes. Yep, I’m talking about the ‘glorious’ spiritual discipline known in English as ‘fasting’. Before I go any further: I make a disclaimer, I’m no expert in fasting, I’m just sharing a few thoughts on my experiences so far.

I like the way “fasting” is expressed in my mother tongue. We call it, “Nkↄm Kyere,” transliterated as “hunger engage.” Pronounced, "N-korm chI-rI." One engages hunger as a discipline for a higher purpose. I remember a friend used the expression, “putting my stomach down; sacrificing my stomach for prayer.” These expressions in no way suggest passivity; one has to take on this activity. See the image above? At the time of taking the picture, I was... uurm... heavily pregnant with mangoes. Hehehe! :) But there is a reason to periodically "put my tummy down".

When I started fasting, it wasn’t out of a personal conviction rather I fasted along with my Hall (Dormitory) fellowship group. It was a once in a month call to fast mid-week and meet at lunch time in the Hall Chapel to pray. Those were incredible times of student corporate prayer as God showed up in power and we, in exchange, were spiritually nourished.

I remember the terrible ways of breaking my fasts; sometimes eating roasted peanuts and banana, other times eating too much solid food to break the fast as if to make up for all the food I didn’t eat during the day. Pathetic wasn’t it? Oftentimes, I woke up the next day with stomach aches knowing very well I would have been better off had I broken my fast with juices or porridges instead of solid food. If the advice from the great Christian authors didn’t deter me from such foolishness, experience has definitely taught me better.

It was more difficult to keep on with this discipline on my own when I left school. Since then fasting hasn’t been a steady practice but a seasonal spurt. I remember one work day, I purposed to “put my stomach down.” I had to go for an impromptu meeting out of the office and there was this secretary bringing in trays, tea cups and lovely pastries. I simply forgot when I saw all the goodies and helped myself. Oops! And this is not the only time I’ve slipped. But the fallen toddler always rises up again to walk, isn’t it so? So do I, grace being on my side.

I’m wondering, do Christians really fast at all as a personal discipline? Or are they just silent (Matthew 6: 16-18) about it when they fast? What has your experience been? I don't want to start a bragging discussion about who has fasted longest and what not, so just think about it, you don’t have to comment.

God bless ya,
Lady Akofa.

New life is here!

Hope you all had a lovely Resurrection Weekend? I hope so.

On Easter Monday morning, I was in another room in my house simply relaxing. I looked out to see the nearest mango tree. If you’ve visited me here for a while, you know that I loooove mangoes. Hmmm… Most of the mangoes are still green. We haven’t had rain in a while… I wonder if the late rains have affected the ripening of the mangoes? Oooh, that You’d send us rain today... is it possible, Papa God? I’d love to smell rain soon. Probably not to disrupt those out there picnicking, but how about rain tonight, Papa God? Missy’s heartfelt thoughts.

And you know what happened? Within 3-4 hours of such thoughts, clouds started forming, and my, it rained heavily, with strong winds. I was pleasantly surprised. Co-incidence? I don’t know. Weather forecasts are quite unreliable in my country and I rarely watch television or listen to radio, these days. I’d like to think that it was a Spirit-led prayer. God knew He was going to send rain, but He wanted me to share in the delights of the rainfall!

So while it’s spring for the Northern-most hemisphere of the earth, rainy season begins… our own special kind of spring in the equatorial/tropical lands. Flowers are blooming, seeds are germinating, what was then almost lifeless, without hope is now budding, fresh and tender. New life is here!

Aaah… see what He says:

"Ask the LORD for rain in the springtime; it is the LORD who makes the storm clouds. He gives showers of rain to men, and plants of the field to everyone," Zechariah 10:1 (NIV).

Indeed, new life is here… in Christ Jesus.

May He bring life to that which is lifeless in your life,
Akofa.

Getting Freaked out by God

I missed real Christian fellowship while I was in Egypt for a work-related trip for about 2 weeks. So I was pretty excited to be back home in Ghana and particularly in church last Sunday, 1st Feb. Somehow God decided to freak me out on my return! Alrigh-dee, not it a negative way but you read on and see why.

During the service, just at the beginning of worship fleeting, potentially distracting and depressing thoughts came to mind. They weren’t things I wanted to think about because I was all geared up for corporate worship after missing two services. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I redirected my thoughts as the congregation worshipped God. At the end of the worship session I watched the worship leader for a signal so the congregation would sit down but she was silent and stood still as if she was waiting for something to happen. I somehow knew a rhema word was coming.

Suddenly a woman at the back of the church started speaking and I strained my ears to hear, only to realize that she was speaking in tongues. Tada! “There had better be an interpretation, Papa God! Nobody understood that,” 1 Corinthians 14.

And our God good knows what he doing… He doesn’t need me, Akofa, the clay to tell Him, the potter, what to do. The worship leader who had earlier paused translated the strange language in English. Although I didn’t get the 1st few words, the part that I heard was enough for me,

“…I am the God of all flesh,
Is anything too hard for me?”

You see, those earlier thoughts questioned God’s ability and revealed my fickle trust in Him, “Ooooh, God if only You’d do such and such. It seems Big and Impossible to me now, but if only You’d intervene.”

So a new day comes and it’s Monday 2nd February. I got to work and while checking my e-mails, I saw a familiar weekly newsletter from Life Coach, Valorie Burton, with the title, "It's not too hard!" Curious, I opened it. In this edition, she talked about her own experience of asking God for humanly impossible but divinely possible things and encouraged her readers to step out of their comfort zones and believe God for such. I read on and she had quoted the very Word that we received in church the previous day citing the Scripture reference as well- Jeremiah 32:26-27.

I almost freaked out! I had been frantically looking for the Scripture reference Sunday night to no avail. Although I was close, I just couldn’t find it. So here is Valorie’s newsletter with what I need. God must be up to something, I said to myself.

Then late Monday afternoon, I’m reading a lady’s God-glorifying testimony on the internet and one of God’s words to her during a trying, baffling period in her life was , guess... you already know it- Jer. 32: 26-27!

And this time, I freaked out! Yes but in a comforting way. God is really up to something and I’ve got to pay attention! Three times within 2 days? On top of it, God and I have a thing about the number 3. My birth date is a third and was born on the 3rd day of the week, if Sunday is considered the 1st. God has also done some cute, interesting things using the number 3 in my life. And by the way, He is 3 in One, right?

Okay-dokey, enough about me. Do you have a far-fetched dream that seem an impossible reality? Are you willing to stretch your faith and bank your hope on God, His Word and Power to do it? Take those baby steps now in honest prayer about your fears, inadequacies (He’s gonna do it not you!) and all. You might want to read the entire Jeremiah 32 to understand the contextual basis for which God made that statement. God is much Bigger than we have made Him out to be.


Don’t get freaked out like I was! :)
God bless ya!
Lady Akofa.




90 turned 106 days-What would you ask God for?

Let me be upfront and ask you a question. Can I? If God were to come down to earth physically and asked you, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you,” what would you say? Pause and think about this. I figure this might be a way to fast-track a long-standing request, right? Smart move. Or ask for big purchase items such as a house, a car or something glamorous like that? Good stuff to own. Or maybe ask God to get that thorn-in-the-flesh enemy off your back… urgh! Wouldn't that be cool?

We all know about Solomon’s fabulous request for wisdom when God asked him that question in a dream, 1 Kings 3: 5-15. Solomon’s request was so unique and touching that God decided to utterly bless him such that he would be known today as the wisest and richest man ever lived.

Some preachers, Sunday School teachers have taught that wisdom be the ultimate request a Christian could ever ask for if God asked a similar question. I humbly beg to differ. With all his wisdom, Solomon allowed himself to be strayed by the idolatrous practices of his non-Israelite wives such that he wasn’t wholeheartedly devoted to God to the end, 1 Kings 11:1-13, especially verses 3-6. This is not to say that wisdom is not important, it is.

I don’t know whether I’ll change my mind in a year or two but I hope not. I’ve soberly thought through this for quite sometime now. I’ll ask for a humble heart so that I’ll be able to stay faithful to God, to love and serve Him all my life.

Are you crazy? You say. Of all the good things God could offer why would you ask for something that is spurned by the world as a ‘weak’ virtue?

When you love God wholeheartedly, He blesses you in the good times and the not-so-good times, right? That’s a fact. God loves to give good gifts to His children.

“I travelled to China and won the business bid, then got another contract in Kuwait. Canada is next!”
“See the degrees, publications and conferences to my name! You sure don’t know how hard I worked to become Very Reverend Prof...”
“Can you believe that I’m 75 years old? The other day, somebody saw me and thought I was in my 50s! By the way, did I tell you our youngest son and his wife had twins last week? I’m a twinie grand-mom!”

Sounds vaguely familiar? Certainly you probably are not as old as the 75 year granny or probably have never stepped beyond the shores of your country before. But in other ways we may have reasoned along similar lines. I know my own human tendency to get swollen-headed by accomplishments to that point that I think that I don’t need God. That was one thing God warned Israel against in Deuteronomy 8:10-18, linger a while at verses 13-14.

You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this 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

Selah.

I’ve read how quick Israel was to turn away from God to their own ways and idol worship time and time again. I’ve seen this in myself too, especially when all goes on well.

The greatest command is to love God unreservedly, Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and the first commandment is to serve Him only, Exodus 20:1-4. Jesus Christ confirmed it Himself, Mark 12:28-34. Loving God with actions does not come easy for me but John says it’s important too, 1 John 3:18. I believe true love is proved by faithful service, so the two go hand in hand. Although sometimes service can be provided without love.... but I digress. I hope you're not lost. :) So back to the point:

What’s the ultimate thing you’d ask God for?

Selah,
Lady Akofa.

Note: As I have already mentioned it took me quite sometime to come to this point. Don't get me wrong, there are days that I'm not particularly humble, loving or enthusiastic in serving God or others. But this is an ongoing prayer and I'm hoping that I walk the talk everyday.

Lady Akofa’s Prayer for Ghana

I thank You Papa God for today. This is not a superficial thank you, but a THANK YOU from the very bottom of my heart. Thank You for the great things You have done and for the Greater things You will do.

Thank You for Ghana o! Thank You for seeing us through 2008. There were whirlwinds here and there but You were with us as a people. The campaigns, meetings, rallies and all… yE da W’ase. Such a critical time in the life of any country… you saw Ghana through.

What if we had become like Kenya, Congo, Angola or Sierra Leone? Ooooh, LORD! Thank You for sparing us

the tears and fears,
the bloodshed and bombshell,
the victimization and rapes,
the war-driven poverty and hunger,
the torture and betrayal,
unrestrained youth-driven gangs and the guns.

Thank You that we, Ghanaians, are alive to see this day in peace. You are not called Asomdwehene (Prince of Peace) for nothing.

We have a new president, John Evans Atta Mills (Prof.) and I say thank You. He has given himself up for such high service. I want to believe that he’s sincere. You know the intentions and affections of a man’s heart. I pray that You’ll enable him to discharge the duties of his office with Vision, Bridled Zeal and Faithfulness… to the Very End. He cannot do it alone. May Your Holy Spirit lead him to make decisions that will establish Ghana in Righteousness. Aaah, Papa God.

Righteousness exalts a nations,
but sin is a disgrace to any people.
Proverbs 14:34

When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;
When the wicked rule, the people groan.
Proverbs 29:2

Have we not heard groans under leaders such as Idi Amin, Adolf Hitler and Mobutu Sese Seko? Let not groans be our portion, Papa God.

Thanks for our vice president, our first female speaker, the MPs and the yet to be appointed ministers who have also given themselves up for this service. I pray for wisdom and strength for each one of them through Christ Jesus, the Wisdom and Power of God. May they be faithful to their vision and promises of serving the people. May they not be found wanting when it’s time to render account. Indeed, he who has been given a trust must prove faithful, 1 Cor. 4:2.

Now LORD, I pray for all Ghanaians, including and especially me that we’ll submit to the authorities, whether we voted for them or not, whether they were appointed or promoted, according to Your Word-Romans 13:1-7. Help us to obey the laws and simply do what is right so that we’ll not live in fear of being ‘caught’ by the police, our bosses or some other authority figure.

Where the authorities go wrong, help us to refrain from finger pointing, gossiping and slandering. Instead, help us to earnestly pray and seek the best procedure or channel to humbly draw their attention to the perceived wrong.

Papa God, thank You that I can say today that ‘Ghana is Sweet,’ for You have made it so! LORD, when I recall, Hotel Rwanda and Sometimes in April, movies giving me a glimpse of ethnic and political strife that led to unimaginable atrocities and painful loss in Rwanda in 1994, I can only say, “THANK YOU for sparing us,” in sober reflection.

May Christians in Ghana be faithful to pray for the country so that we can continue to live holy and godly lives daily, drawing others to the richness of the Kingdom by word and deed, 1 Tim. 2:1-6. Then we’ll continue to enjoy abundant peace and security. Then we’ll continue to hear sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, the voices of thanksgiving in the house of the LORD, Jer. 33: 6-11.

I say THANK YOU, Papa God for Ghana. Amen.

Lady Akofa.