Counting my Blessings

1. Literally rolling on the floor with laughter, repeatedly shouting and clapping, “He has done it!” at a retreat. You’d think for a while yours truly had gone mad. But that was a confirmation of things I had been looking to God for. Even before it’s in my hands, the proclamation had been made, “It’s done!” Amen; So be it!
2. Vinesong, UK ministering at my church. Love, love, love their music and ministration.
3. The sweet presence of the Holy Spirit drawing me to lie flat on the ground before God during worship time at a prayer meeting.  How I wished that I could be in His Awesome Presence all day!
4. My Bible Study Group and what God is teaching us about the Glory of God, the character of God.
5. Seeing a mustard seed once again. I always marvel when I look at it.
6. What God is teaching me about faith in Him, the Hebrew 11 kind of faith and receiving from Him.
7. The people I work with and for. It’s a blessing to get to serve each one of them, including my diligent boss.
8. My family and …
9. … friends and…
10. ...my church family. Each one of them is a blessing to me.

What will you remember Prof. J.E.A. Mills for?

I first got to know the late Prof. John Atta Mills as a secondary school girl at my church (yeah, I’m that old). We were in the same Bible study group, he and his wife, along with some lecturers and university students. I was the youngest in the group at that time. Those days, he hadn’t gotten heavily involved in politics and hadn’t yet been nominated as Vice-President to former president Jerry John Rawlings.

It may sound cliché because just about everybody is saying the same things, but I knew him to be a humble, modest and... very intelligent. I say intelligent because my church Bible study is structured in the group discussion format, so I get to rub shoulders with sharp minds as we grapple theological issues and how they apply to our modern, everyday life. He was one of those who would offer insightful comments during our study times.

Even after he became Vice-President, Pres. Mills was still the same simple man. He attended church services with an unmarked car and a casually dressed bodyguard, not an entourage, and sometimes would “hide” in the congregation so as not to draw attention to himself.

When He became president, he was always honest about his challenges as leader of the country the few times he visited (he wasn’t regular in the past 5 years or so) and was sincere in his request for prayer support. However, I disliked how the presidential entourage took up our parking space and how the security team were a source of distraction as they did their work before and during church service.

I believe his wife and close family members will have deeper things to say about him, however, humility, simplicity and sincerity are the 3 things I will remember him for. 

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints, (Psalm 116:15; NIV).

Rest in God’s strong, loving arms, Prof. Atta Mills. That’s where you belong.

Amen,
Lady Akofa.

Prof. Atta Mills! Damirifa due!!!

You may have heard Ghana’s sitting president, Prof. John Atta Mills, died 2 days ago.

I was in the office when my boss walked in with two of our workplace drivers talking about the announcement of the death of somebody. I didn’t catch the name but I already knew who they were referring to. I had seen President Mills on television news a few days prior to his departure and passed on a comment to my mother, “It seems Atta Mills has lost some more weight.” My mother agreed with my assessment. Whatever it was, we knew this was the reason he sought medical attention prior to his 68^th birthday.   

While Ghana is in grief, President Mills’ death has brought a sense of unity among Ghanaians. The voices of his loudest critics and ‘haters’ have turned into a mournful, “Oooh!”  There is nothing more to say, is there?  Political parties have suspended their campaigns as a mark of respect for him. Lots of Ghanaians were seen clothed in black or black and red as a sign of mourning the day after the announcement. Flags were flown half-mast as directed by the newly sworn in President, John Mahama. 

Conversations and news seem to revolve on two things:

     1. How good, humble and modest President Mills was, as tributes and condolences pour in, of course, not without tears. 

2   2.  Who killed him?  The sickness? Work? NDC, his party? Himself via self-sacrifice? Ghana? Or the devil?

The day I heard the news, I was so sure that God had revealed President Mills' death beforehand to one (or more) of His prophets but I didn't know who. As of the time of writing this blog post, I know of one young man who says he had dreamt of Pres. Mills’ death about 2 months ago. The dream made him depressed but the good thing though is that he prayed and shared the dream with a few others to pray along.

So here is my take on the issue number 2:

1. Sometimes God reveals a person's death so that it can be prevented.

2. Other times, God reveals a person's death so that we (the person and his/her loved ones) can be prepared for the heavenly homecoming when it happens.

3. Sometimes, when God wants to save an unbeliever prior to his/her death, He may choose to reveal it to a Christian so that the Christian will pray or even evangelize to the dying person. 

God alone holds the keys to life and death, I strongly believe this. Since President Mills is gone, I believe it was God's will to call him home. Even through the sickness, God could have kept him alive but He didn't. It's not sickness, or work, or the devil that took Pres Mills home, IT IS GOD who took him home. He was a dedicated Child of God and as such ONLY God could say, "Come home, my son."

I figure, if he had been alive till the elections, I suspect people would have kept on saying, "Atta Mills didn't achieve his Better Ghana Agenda" and all the negative things they used to say. I think God has preserved Atta Mills' reputation in his death. And I will attribute that to Atta Mills being a Christian, who truly loved the LORD. And that is a really good thing because God gets all the Glory. 

We do not know who our next Vice-President will be, although a few names are being tossed about in the airwaves. And we don’t know who our next President will be after the December 2012 elections, but I would encourage Christians in Ghana to keep on praying for leaders after God's heart to rule this nation. That’s the way to go.

Rest assured that good will come out of this (Romans 8:28) and God’s glory will be shown in the days ahead.

*** The photo was NOT taken by me. It's a public image being circulated in his memory.

Let God’s glory be seen in this loss,

Lady Akofa.

How come you've NOT read the whole Bible before?

This quarter, my church has been focusing on the theme,  Renewal in the Church. Yesterday, a visiting preacher, Rev. JFK Mensah preached on the theme, Renewal in the Church: Emphasis on the Word. He is such a fiery preacher, who has such an undying passion for the study of God’s Word and wholehearted commitment to God. You cannot expect to leave his presence without critically making some life-changing decisions. He doesn’t mince his words.

So he did little exercise in the beginning and requested the whole congregation to close their eyes. With our eyes closed, he asked, “Raise your hands, if you’ve read the whole Bible from Genesis to Revelations before.” Hands went up and he counted.

Next, he asked one of his sons and his wife to each give a 5-minute talk on what the Word of God meant to them and what it had done for them before he preached his sermon.  His son talked about his indifference to the Word of God as a child. However, he has recently come to love the Word for himself (I think, he’s in his late teens or early 20s now). He talked about being set free from sin through the Word.

His wife talked about how God’s word (book of Job) comforted her when they lost their first daughter.  She also said her reading of the whole Bible had given her an appreciation of the Old Testament (OT) and a deeper understanding of concepts in the New Testament (NT) that had its foundation in the OT.

I was intrigued, because I have experienced some of what they both mentioned.

Bible Reading: Cover to Cover
Now back to point one. He expressed disappointment that in my church, he counted about 30-35 hands who indicated they had read the Bible, cover to cover.

In his estimation, we are the “most literate church in Ghana” so he was expecting more from us. I was surprised that he would think that my church family was the “most literate church in Ghana.” Yet on reflection, he may be right because:
1. My church family is made up of mainly academics or children of academics, professionals in the formal sector, many adults who have at least a tertiary degree (university, polytechnic, some professional training, etc). And we are based on one of the university campuses in Accra.
2. He frequently preaches in other congregations and would be able to give a fair assessment of our ‘literacy level.’

I was also surprised that only a few people had read the whole Bible in my church. What happened to the initial hunger of the Word of God when one becomes born-again? Wouldn’t that compel new Christians to read the Bible and say, “I can’t get enough of this, I want more!” Ever since my first and second Bible 90-day reading challenge, I’ve been telling friends about it and encouraging them to read the Bible and to take it as a challenge. I even e-mailed and distributed printed copies of the 90-day reading schedule to these friends. I don’t know whether any of them has actually taken up the challenge yet… maybe I should make a few phone calls to find out. I won’t be surprised if none of these friends bothered to take up the challenge. But, it amazes me, this apathy to the God’s Word.

I do know that people easily lose track of reading the Bible in 1 year, I’m a typical example. However, reading the Bible in 3 short months and seeing it as a personal challenge is highly motivating.

“You say, 3 months/90 days? Why not?! Dude, I'm up for it!" 12 months sounds long and dragging… in my opinion. But hey, if you choose to do it that way and will be committed to such a pursuit, do so.

What the Bible has meant to me
Just like Mrs. Mensah, I also have come to appreciate the Old Testament more. In fact, I’m always looking out for connections between the OT and the NT in my Bible reading.

Before I became a born-again Christian, I didn’t know how unhappy and depressed I was until I tasted joy from God’s word. I would constantly read the Psalms –I love the Psalms!- whenever I felt unease in my heart. And I’d often beam with joy and peace after a reading session.

God’s word has often pulled me out of anxiety about "this and that", things I’ve no control over (Phil. 4:6).

God has broken the cords of habitual sin in my life through His Word and He continues to do so.

I’ve been transformed in my thinking through God’s word and it continues to today.

I’ve seen God’s faithfulness: As have I obeyed His instructions from the Bible even when it was difficult and God has responded accordingly, just as His promised.

I have come to understand this world better and do not take world news as seriously as a news junkie or an atheist would. I have a different perspective of life. The ‘little skirmishes’ as God has called it in a prophetic word all over the world, do have a divine purpose.

There are many more things that God’s word has done in my life, but these are just a few that immediately come to mind.

I just can’t live without the Word of God. It’s my lifeline.

My conclusion
*If you can read and write, You’re blessed. Don’t take it for granted.

*If you can read and write and you’re a Christian, what’s stopping you from reading the Bible from cover to cover, if you haven’t done so already? You have no idea, how illiterate Christians yearn to read and write so that they can read just one verse for themselves!

*There are some things you won’t know for sure till you practice it. Reading the Bible is not enough but it will facilitate your rich experience of life as a Christian. And that’s how you’ll be able to testify how good and faithful God's Word is. 

*If you’re up for a challenge, click here to explore the website.  A pdf schedule can be found here.  Don’t wait till January 2013, you and I know it won’t work :- )

*Finally, people... if you're going to do life as a Christian, you must as well do it well. (Note: I did not say, "perfectly.") The Bible is the guide to that life.

What is worth doing, is worth doing well.

Start now! Let me know, I'll cheer you on,
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.

... 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.

Perspectives: New Eyes

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

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

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

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

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

With new eyes,
Lady Akofa.

I AM HE!

I’ve been chronologically reading the book of John of the Bible since 7th March and so far I’ve enjoyed the reading. My initial purpose was to take note of as many names or titles of Jesus Christ as I could get from my reading. This is a Bible study project I intended doing a few years ago but never really did.

Although I started reading with this intention, I didn’t take out a notebook to jot down the names of Jesus Christ because I wanted to enjoy the reading in itself without the interruption of jotting down the names. It’s not a competition, I thought.

Along the way, I completely forgot about my goal and got so intrigued by the dialogue between Jesus Christ and the Pharisees and the other Jews who didn’t believe that He was (is) the MESSIAH. At some point, I’d read aloud to myself the conversation as if I were an actor preparing for a stage production.

It’s amazing. I wonder… if I had been a Jewish in Jesus’ day, what would I have thought of the man who performed lots of miracles and claimed to be the Messiah that everyone was patiently waiting for? Would I have been like the Pharisees or would have believed Jesus’ message? I’m sure I’d have argued with Jesus too, if women were allowed in those days to speak in public and have Him establish why He was THE ONE.

I’m also sure I’d have been frustrated to hear Jesus talk about eating His flesh, being able to build the temple within 3 days, the Father being in Him, and He being much older than Abraham. Whaaat?! No wonder the Jews accused Him of being demon possessed.

The disciples and those who believed must have been so blessed to have the ability to believe Jesus Christ’s words. Perhaps it’s a good thing that I wasn’t born in those days that I’m a Ghanaian and not a Jew. Even if I were a modern day Jew, I’m sure I’d have been an orthodox Jew, who currently don’t believe in the Jesus Christ who came over 2000 years ago and are still waiting for His birth.

I’m in the final 5 to 6 chapters and hope to finish in a week. I’m so glad for the WORD and for the insights I’m getting.

Thank you Father, Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit. Amen...

...and Amen!
Lady Akofa.

Lady Akofa’s 3 Creative ways to read the Bible

1. Act it out, with all the theatrical antics.

2. Sing it like a musician.

3. Read it aloud, making use of tonal variations.


The Word, food for the soul,
Lady Akofa.