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.

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. 

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.

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.

... on Patience

To wait upon God is the perfection of activity. ~Oswald Chambers

Patience is the companion of wisdom. ~St. Augustine

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Immanuel! Immanuel! Immanuel!

I’m hoping for a different and unique Christmas season this year. I hope to spend time with my family and over good food, of course! : - ) I might visit a few friends as well.

I’ve been listening to Christmas carols. Sometimes I meditate on the words, especially those that speak of the coming Messiah’s birth and the salvation His has brought to all people. You should try it! I mean take out a hymn book or search the internet for Gospel centered Christmas carols and feast your heart and mind on them. Of all the songs, "O come, O come Emmanuel," has resonated with me this season.

The Israelites had been waiting, for a the King who would sit on David's throne. The King who would restore the Kingdom that had been destroyed through the sins of their forefathers. They were looking forward to the Prophet who would be greater than Moses. The Messiah who would be the Great Restorer and Deliverer. Isaiah, Jeremiah and others had prophesied about this King. And for a long time, there was no Word from the LORD. It seemed the prophets had padlocked lips for a season. And all of suddenly a young, unassuming lady was pregnant with that long anticipated King!

We don’t know what pleasant surprises or challenges may come our way in 2011 but these are bound to happen. Life is a roller coaster sometimes! However, God is ALWAYS with us in the midst of our joys, accomplishments, pain, sadness and all. We should feast on this Truth and more importantly at those trying times when it appears as if God has closed shop and gone to bed for good, lol! Remember.... His Name is Immanuel, God with us.

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” which means
“God with us”.
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife
Matthew 1:22-24

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.”
So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?”
Hebrews 13:5-6

To my bloggie friends and random visitors, I wish you God’s blessings & may You feel God’s loving embrace throughout the coming year!

God is with me & God is with you. Amen!

God bless ya,
Lady Akofa.

Trusting God: Some lessons will never end

A few things I’m learning about Trusting God:

• Nobody is born knowing to put our trust in another person. We learn it based on the reliability of the person as shown over time and through various experiences. A newborn knows to turn his/her head a particular way with an open searching mouth because the baby knows the direction of breast milk through an established pattern. And the baby also grows to know that s/he will get a response to his/her cries; often the louder, the more likely attention will be given to him/her.

• I’m never going to reach a stage in my life where I’m not required to choose to trust God. Indeed, I’m going to have to decide NOW to rely on God, whatever comes my way in the future.

• I’m required to trust God even though I don’t know what the next step will be. In fact, I’m to trust God for the next step! Proverbs 3:5-6.
  

• Choosing to trust God, in the face of the unknown increases my faith because I rely on the Unseen yet Dependable One.

• Periods of Trust- There will be different times at which each situation will require a deeper reliance on God.

• There will always be times of waiting before I see physically what I am hoping for. What or who I decide to believe and to decide to do during those seasons of waiting is up to me.

• Degree of Trust - There will different things for which I’ll have to trust God. Some will require greater faith, more inner wrestling with God than others. Others will require ‘blind faith,’ in the sense that you don’t see the future or the expected results but you know God and what He has said concerning you and the situation. But the point is, whatever degree to which I need to trust, I need to put my hopes in God, the LORD.

• Just as there will be different things for which I’ll have to trust God; so will everyone but the specifics will differ. Some will have to trust God for a child in the midst of fertility challenges, while others will have to trust God for a spouse after many years of waiting. There are others will have to trust God for the salvation of a lost daughter, another for spiritual deliverance and yet another for physical healing. Some for day to day meals or housing as they battle poverty, adoptive parents for a child, for a job in a shaky economy, for a marriage or a relationship to be restored, a teenager gone missing and needs to be found… the list is endless.

You get the picture? We all walk different life paths but it is the same One God who powerfully and lovingly works in, for and through us to display His Glory.

So… what are your needs, your desires or concerns? You can turn to God, who wants to be gracious to you.

And those who know your name put their trust in you,
for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 9:10- ESV

In that day they will say,
“Surely this is our God;
we trusted in him, and he saved us.
This is the LORD, we trusted in him;
let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”
Isaiah 25: 9- NIV

Digging deeper,
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.

Trusting ...

Trusting that what Jehovah says He will do, will be done.

Trusting God’s Sovereignty and His mysterious, unfathomable ways. I shouldn't question His ways, however foolish they may appear to me. Indeed, the foolishness of God far outweighs the highest wisdom of man.

Trusting my Papa God, that He is in control. He knows and does what is Best for me.

Trusting my Papa God doesn’t mean complete absence of questions from within or without. But rather choosing to listen to and uphold God’s WORD and His Faithfulness above those unanswered questions and daunting voices.

Trusting Him doesn’t mean I’ve finally figured out how things will work out or that I’ve figured out my future. Instead it requires admitting that I don’t know and don’t have the power while God KNOWS and HAS the POWER to do all things.

Trusting God doesn’t always mean that I am happy-go-lucky all the time. The choice to bank all my hopes on my God, who is Invisible yet OMNISCIENT and ALMIGHTY, accompanies tears, fighting fears of the unknown and frequent reaffirmations of my faith in Him.

Trusting that He is the Master and He knows what He is doing. I am just a mere servant. He, the Creator and I, the creature.

My times are in His Hands. He is the Beginning and the End.

May the God of Hope fill you will all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the Power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15: 13

June 3rd, 2009
©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.

Sun Up. Sun Down.

Sun Up. Sun Down. Every. Single. Day. Ever faithful. Ever Sure. HE is.

And I'm ever grateful for the anchor I have in God. So a new chapter begins for me.

A new decade. And I'm extremely excited about the future. Just as nobody knew in 2000 that nine years later the world would be facing a worldwide economic crisis, I don't know what will be tomorrow. But I'm not worried nor anxious.

HE is my Father, my Refuge, my Strength, my Provider, my Friend, my Deliverer, my Healer my All in All. HE simply IS. As sure as the sun rises each morning and sets each evening, I'm sure that my Papa God will take care of me and won't fail me.

This is my confession on this blessed day as I turn a year older.

And I'm extremely grateful for my family, friends and loved ones who have walked with me in this journey so far.

Anybody celebrating his/her birthday today or this month, April? Happy birthday to you too!

God RICHLY bless you,
Akofa.