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.

90 days-Solomon's wealth

I completed my bible reading challenge in 106 days instead of 90 days. I admit that at some point I rushed in a bid to beat the deadline. But that was unrealistic looking at the number of days I had missed. I’m glad that I was able to continue the challenge over the Christmas break because it was for me the least feast Christmas break I’ve ever had. Not because there was no food, but I chose to set a few days apart for the LORD. The day after I completed the challenge, I thought, “Oh, what a pity! No bible reading challenge anymore?” You know challenges can be invigorating. For now, yes, but I’ll certainly do it again. So I’ll be sharing a few thoughts that I noted during the bible reading over a few days on this blog.

I was awesomely struck by the description of Solomon’s wealth during the bible reading. From the descriptions, I wonder if today’s Forbes’ assessed rich men and women can match Solomon’s wealth of those days, 1 Kings 10:14-29.

Solomon was, as some people will say ‘filthy rich.’ But this was a blessing from God in answer to a request, not ill-gotten gains. Solomon was so rich that silver was a common thing, of little value. Every utensil (goblet) in his palace was made of gold. Can you imagine seeing that shiny yellow metal all over the palace? And what does the bible say of silver? We herald gold, bronze and silver in our Olympic games but silver was as common as stones in Solomon's day. Stones? Yep, like the ones you step on in the ground. His throne was overlaid with gold with 12 lions, 6 on each side leading up to his throne.

Even with his vast wealth, people brought gifts to him. And I believe he also gave gifts as well.

Just a miniature demonstration of our God, who owns everything. His streets are made of gold. What is so valued today in the estimation of our financial analysts, someday I’ll walk on it. So will you when we get there. Isn’t He amazing?

Awed by God’s wealth,
Lady Akofa.

Happy New Year!- A mixed bag of thots

Afiehyia pa!*

Afi yi nkↄ ne afi pa bɛ to yɛn!**

Ghana has a new president, John Evans Atta Mills (Prof), after 2 rounds of elections, with his major opponent closely tailing him. The elections were not without some minor skirmishes here and there but all ends well. The date set for his swearing in is 7th January, 2009. I pray that he will be able to faithfully serve the people and lead with divine wisdom during his term of office.

Last year was the most challenging so far. Spiritually. And we all know that the spiritual has a profound effect on the physical, right? I can only say it's been by God's grace that I've gotten this far. It reached a point that I had to step back and pause. It seems I really didn't know how to pray. Thus it became a constant prayer, "LORD, teach me how to pray." There were other challenges of course, but this is how I'll describe 2008.

I really appreciate the wisdom of God when our new pastor preached on Isaiah 40:31 at our watch night service. Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength. It was a confirmation of my end of year/new year convictions after my spiritual challenges of 2008.

I also appreciate God's power and loving-kindness on New Year's day. It rained with peals of thunder, although we are in the dry season! It seemed God was saying, "My daughter, this is just a foretaste of my power. In the days ahead, I'll show you even more and you'll be awed. Then you shall give Me the glory due Me." I couldn't help but think, "Double blessings. Showers on New Year's day! I can't wait to see the all goods things God has in store for me, my family, my country and the world at large!" Aaah, how I love rain....

I've purposely not drawn up any new year resolutions. I seem to always fail at them anyway. :) Really, apart from my already existing commitment to love God passionately, to be faithful in prayer and personal study of His Word, to serve God faithfully and gladly through my job, family and ministries I'm involved in at church, I simply have no new year resolutions. All that I failed to do or wasn't consistent in doing last year, I'll seek to do this year, God willing. There is no point in getting worked up over new things while old things have been left undone. I'd like to live simply, focusing on the few things that matter most to me.

For some reason, these words from a song have stuck with me since last December. I've never had a personal theme for the year before, but I think this will be it:

Great things He has done, GREATER THINGS HE WILL DO.

Please read 1 Corinthians 2:9 and Isaiah 64:4 to understand why I know that God will do greater things in 2009. As already mentioned our watch night exhortation was on Isaiah 40:31, coupled with my personal convictions make me so excited for this year.

I wish all my readers nothing less than God's VERY BEST in 2009. May God equip you with everything good for pleasing Him and doing His will (Hebrews 13:20-21) through Christ Jesus and His Spirit.

God bless ya,
Lady Akofa.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Literal Translation from Akan to English:

*A good year meets you! or Happy New Year!

**This year should go and a good year should meet us!

Merry Christmas!!!

Wishing all my readers a Merry Christmas!!! Below is a poem I wrote a few days ago, based on Isaiah 53, while meditating on one of my recent quiet moments with God. This is truly the reason for His birth that we celebrate so joyously.

Title? I don't know whether, "Blue Christmas" or "Bloody Christmas" or "Red Christmas" will do. Still thinking about that. I share this for your enjoyment although it's lil' bit of a gloomy poem, I know. No worries! He's alive because He rose up!

A tender shoot

The tender shoot came up from dry ground.

How is that possible, farmers?

He was despised, rejected and held in low esteem.
When people saw him, they hid their faces from him.
Not worthy to look at?

He took the pain of others,
He bore the suffering of others,
He was afflicted
That's enough to get a person to the lowest of lows.

Because of my horrible sins, my wickedness
He, who knew no sin, didn't have to, didn't deserve to
took on my well-deserved punishment.
So that I may have peace
with God
with my fellow human beings.

A sheep gone astray.
Walking on the wrong path
How could I go back to the flock, my family?

But not without blood.
In His blood,
today I have peace.
The reason for Christ's birth.

©Lady Akofa

17th December, 2008

"Where is my Christmas present?"

"Where is my Christmas present?"

That's a question I hate sooooooooooooooo much!

Ever since childhood I've heard this question countless times, often from people that are not close friends, distant family members that I hardly know and simply put, strangers. It seems to me that the people that I don't have a relationship with expect me to give them something. It's usually said in a joking manner but it irks me. Sorry, I hardly know you and I wasn't thinking about you, goes my un-uttered thoughts. I don't mean you, my blog readers. : )

A few hours ago I dropped off a Christmas card to an much older woman at her workplace. I handed the card over to the receptionist, whom I have never met before. He took the card and said, "Where is mine?" I'm told I can be too blunt sometimes - and I'm working on being gracious in my speech- but I couldn't help but say, "But I don't know you," and smile.

It's different when out of the goodness of my heart I decide to bless a stranger or somebody I hardly know during Christmas or some other occasion or whenever. Or when God leads me to give to another. However, being cohered to give a present because a person demands it... that's not quite right.

So these days I respond something like this, "Well, you're asking me for your Christmas present, do you have something for me?" Rude? I don't know, but I won't be forced to give uncheerfully. :) The truth is, the very people who ask such questions don't have a present for me. And I'm not asking for anything, really. I'm well taken care of, more than I can ask for, thank you. I ask them this to draw their attention to the "me-demand" attitude that's really not fun.

There is also this tradition where Christmas boxes are placed in shops and salons for customers to put something in. It's never said where the money is going. Is it for charity? Or for some well-meaning cause? I've never asked. Maybe I should ask the next time I see one in a shop which I'm headed for over the weekend.

Note that I'm not advocating the "you give me then I give you" culture of gift giving. Far from it. I don't know why Christmas has become a 'must' give a present or must receive a present thing. The focus should be on the real gift to us from God=Jesus Christ.

I'm just wondering whether this 'joke' is said/played in other African countries or it's just Ghana? Apart from the United States, I've never spent Christmas in any other country and never heard that while I was in the US. Will somebody help me out? Hit the comment button and share your thoughts.

Am I going to give gifts this Christmas season? You bet I am. And to people I hardly know. In fact, it's my intention to do so that this year. Surprise them when they least expect it. :)

Grateful for the Grateful spirit

Hello! I've taken off the 'ask anything' blog post for reasons that I think it's best not to explain, for now. My sincere apologies. Below is a piece I wrote exactly a year ago in 2007 about how I felt in 2006. My outlook for 2009 is much brighter than then. It shows the power of God at work in my life and all over the world. It's always good to look back and reflect on the goodness of the LORD. Bless the LORD, oh my soul... and forget not His benefits. Psalm 103.

Grateful for the Grateful Spirit

Mid-December. In two weeks, we’ll see the end of 2007 and the beginning of 2008, God willing.

I’m grateful to God for many, many, many things. Indeed, were I to count all my blessings it would surprise me to see what the LORD has done. If I were ambitious to write about His goodness, love and faithfulness… I wonder…. How many books would I write? John was right when he concluded in his letter in John 21:25, “Jesus did many things as well. If everyone of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have enough room for the books that would be written.” That was then, in John’s day, what about can be said of Jesus' works today?

I’m grateful, first of all, for the fact that I am grateful, especially at this time of the year. Last year about this time, I was a mixed bag of emotions: self-pity, anxiety, distrust of God and sometimes, hard to admit, envious. I remember crying a lot at night, oftentimes beseeching my One and Only Father to change my circumstances overnight; after all, He has the power to do such things, doesn’t He?

But my Father chose to deal with my circumstances in unexpected ways and certainly didn’t change things overnight. The things for which I wanted or thought I needed that spiraled me into self-pity and anxiety mostly remain the same today, but for the most part I have peace within me. I have peace and hope about my future because my Father has taught me and is still teaching me to trust in Him wholeheartedly (Romans 15:13).

Thus I look at my present with joy and peace knowing that my Papa God has a greater and brighter future for me than I could ever plan for myself. I need not fear or worry (though I still waver sometimes :) ) because my Papa has assured me that He’s always with me (Hebrews 13:5b). So, I’m thankful for the grateful spirit that my Papa has given me in this season in spite of...

"The pain of disappointment is soothed by a heart of gratitude." Unknown

Written on December 15, 2007
Lady Akofa

GREATER things He will do

We are still counting are votes, manually. :) We don't have the resources to vote electronically so we go by the good old-fashioned voting process in Ghana. And people love to stand round tables and count together with the electoral commission officers and polling agents. Interested in following the proceedings? Follow me here and there (I'm not vouching for the accuracy of news published on these sites).

While the country is patiently waiting for the official results (I told you Ghanaians are generally a peaceful people), I'm ruminating on a popular chorus sung in Christendom in the country. I'm a word person so I'm touched by lyrics more than beats. But I love the beats too! What African bred person doesn't love the beats?

Anyhoo, the popular chorus goes this way:

Great things He has done
GREATER things He will do
Unto the LORD be the Glory
Great things He has done

Unto the LORD be the Glory
Great things He has done
Unto the LORD be the Glory
Great things He has done

Composer: I don't know. It's unfortunate that original composer has fizzled out of the limelight while his/her song has become a popular hit. But God knows and bless this person's heart.

It's easy to miss the essence of the song when it's sung, played over and over again. Here is the catch and don't miss it:

The LORD has done great things in the past and He will do even GREATER things in the future.

And that's what I'm looking forward to in 2009.... GREATER things!

Ephesians 3: 20-21

God bless ya,
Lady Akofa.