3 years ago.......Now

Some where around this time 3 years ago, my whole life revolved around organizing my wedding to the love of my life. The petty tiny details were getting to me and every single cedi of my salary had been accounted for. The invitations were already out and loads of congratulatory messages were pouring in. It was all a mixture of joy and anxiety as I prayed everything would go on well. I could hardly go for thirty minutes without thinking about that final day.

Soon the Farmers day (holiday) for 2010 arrived with my mum in charge of everything. Making sure the decor (which was arranged late was in order), the food arrived on time, gift parcels were enough concluding with a beautiful and happy traditional wedding. Unfortunately we had no time to rest.

My maid-of-honor and I had to rush to add the finishing touches for the next day. We got home late and tired only to get to bed around 11.30 m. As I talked with 'my husband' before bed, he exclaimed with surprise how he left some of the items for the traditional ceremony at his end. Apparently, it had gone UN-noticed by both families.

The fun and fatigue continued the next day with the church blessing and lots of laughter and joy. My brothers wife lost her phone later that day but besides that, it was all joy and happiness. 

My husband and I were happy to be together despite the challenges we had to face at some time. We were ready to test our love in marriage. 

Three years down the road of marriage and..... The Lord has been good to us. We have been there for each other, supported each other and loved each other. We haven't had a smooth journey, we haven't had everything we wanted at the time we wanted it, we lost some and gained some. We made new friends and joined new families. We now no much more about each other than we did during the two years of dating. We have sacrificed for each other and learned to complement each other.

We still have our differences and we are still learning about each other. We also learnt new things from each other and still learning.

You may not see the many love notes to each other on Facebook, or the cuddling pictures either. We may not be at the fancy restaurants often or be seen together in public often but what we share is special. We do what we know how to do best, that is understanding each other.

We couldn't have survived there 3 years based on love alone, but the grace and wisdom of God continues to abound. It is more of these we desire as we continue the journey of marriage with a very exciting new passenger (Wendy). We pray that she gives us all the strength and vim to keep the flame of love still burning.

Jesus Understands

A Devotion via host2.bevio.com

                       Jesus Understands

HEBREWS 4:15 NKJ
15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with
our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet
without sin.

Whatever you face, Jesus Christ has already faced it.

Jesus knows what it is like:

to be hungry
to be tired
to be lonely
to be hurt
to be hated
to be beaten
to be persecuted
to be misunderstood
to be mistreated
to be mocked and laughed at
to be betrayed by a friend
to be tempted to sin                          
to be responsible for employees
to feel forsaken
to feel hopeless
to have no spouse
to have no earthly father there to help
to have lost a loved one
to have to pay taxes
to have money stolen from you
to have the responsibility to provide for a family
to live under an oppressive government
to experience extreme pain

HEBREWS 4:16 NKJ
16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we
may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Don't be afraid to talk to Jesus about anything. Not only does
He understand, but He knows how to help you so you can overcome
and have victory.

Remember, Jesus loves you -- enough to die for you. And He also
ever lives to intercede for you.

So Jesus not only understands what you face, but He is able and
willing to help you.

SAY THIS: Jesus understands what I am going through and is
leading me to victory.

Make Room For Jesus....Todays Devotion

                    

LUKE 2:7 KJV
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in
swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was
no room for them in the inn.

You probably think it was terrible that there was "no room in
the inn" and the baby Jesus had to be born in a stable and lay
in a manger.

If the people then truly understood who Jesus was, no doubt
they would have gladly opened their homes and provided much
better for Him. But do we not often make the same mistake?

The situation for Jesus today must be even more sad. Most of us
still do not make room for Jesus in our lives.

For some the reason is busyness, just being so caught up in
making a living and trying to take care of things that they
feel they just don't have time. (The truth is that with Jesus'
help, life will be better and easier.)

For others, it is fear: fear of what Jesus might think, or say,
or do, if He were invited, or even allowed access, into their
lives. (This fear is baseless because Jesus does not wreck
things but improves them. They need to know Jesus truly loves
them and desires the best for them, which He does.)

For some the reason is just lack of knowledge: they don't know
about Jesus and His love. (For these people, you are the
answer. You can share the wonderful story of God's love for
mankind.)

REVELATION 3:20 LB
20 "Look! I have been standing at the door, and I am constantly
knocking. If anyone hears me calling him and opens the door, I
will come in and fellowship with him and he with me.

Jesus is persistent and still reaches out in love, expecting
that someday people will see Him as He truly is, overcome their
busyness and fear and ignorance, and enthusiastically invite
Him into the center of their lives.

Jesus does not enjoy being ignored, or being put in an inferior
place. Surely Jesus would like for us to accept and appreciate
Him for what He truly is: the Central One, Creator and
Sustainer of all, who knows more and can do more than we can
even imagine.

You may acknowledge Jesus and claim He is your Lord and Savior,
but do you neglect Him, or give Him a central place?

Do you talk to Him about everything? Do you thank Him for
everything good? You should.

Jesus does not want you to feel guilty about neglecting Him. He
loves you and just wants you to return His love. Jesus desires
a central place in your life so He can bless you more.

Don't ignore Jesus.

SAY THIS: I will always make room for Jesus in my life.

Have you ever asked yourself why you are not mad and roaming the streets?
Have you ever asked yourself why you are not a fetish priest?
Have you ever asked yourself?

Now that you are asking these questions, do you have any answers?

Who chooses to be mad? There are those who have abused drugs and alchohol, but have you ever wondered what drove them to that extent?

The good news is you are not in that bracket of people. You have a clear head to take decisions for your self. The better news is you were able to withstand the most difficult and heartbreaking moments of your life. The best news is THE GRACE OF GOD ABOUNDS.

If not for the grace of God....... we could have ended up in the worst of places. 
Because of His love that comforts us in sadness, his wisdom that helps us out of trouble and his light that leads the way when we are lost, we can boldly say, YES!! WE ARE HIS by GRACE.

I dont know what you may be going through that has you messed up or confused, just know that Christ is reaching out to you. He is waiting with out stretched arms to receive you in his arms. Are you accepting his invitation?

Remember he died so you can live. Cry out to him and he will hear and share you pains.

 For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that who so ever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 

When is He coming?

I remember some two years ago when the whole world looked forward to a particular date. It was a date in May cant remember which, but the information circulating was that the world was going to end that day. 

 A friend of mine told me a few days before that day that, he had had enough of this world and that Jesus should come quickly. He went on to add that,  Jesus said he was going to prepare rooms for us in heaven (John 14:2-3) and that the number of rooms he has so far is enough we can perch when we get there after all, they had perched for so long in Legon.

I was at work that Saturday Jesus was supposed to come and we all talked about the rumors of people chilling for the last, spending their money, etc. A colleague said she had prayed the acceptance/sinners prayer (not sure of the name but its a prayer said when giving your life to Christ) just in case. Some were also not of the opinion that his coming to end our suffering now was a good idea.

Two years on we continue to await the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ. I do not doubt his coming in anyway but i believe the time is nearer than ever. Natural disasters, wars, decaying moral standards, false prophets, etc go on to emphasize his coming. The question is 'Are You Ready?'.  

1 Thessalonians 5: 1-3 tells us that that day will come like a thief in the night. We will not have time to say our last prayer, chill for the last, forgive that friend who betrayed you, close that business deal or tell that pretty girl you admire her. Neither will you have the time to give your life to him for good.

The time to prepare to meet him is now. For those already on his side, stand firm, times are hard and we may be pushed down by pressures of this immoral world. For those on the fence, take a step. Ignore the pleasures that this life has to offer you because Christ gives Everlasting Life. Those who have heard and ignored, those who have not heard and those yearning for the Correct answers, I pray that his grace continues to abound in your lives. For we are saved by Grace. (Ephesians 2:5,8)

Christians let us get to work. I was on evangelism with some church members and I approached a man selling some drugs and I asked him if he knows Jesus. His answer was he didn't live in the area so he didn't know Jesus. I was a funny yet shocking answer. I told him a few things about The Son of God and gave him some leaflets hoping he could read them later.

This is the sad reality. The harvest is ready but the laborers are really few. Lets hold hand and get to work for we know not when he is coming.

authority

Authority comes with a lot of responsibility to carry out a task. Public offices expose you to the public as a whole for constant cross examination.

When one is put in authority, he/she is to have all the respect that comes with the office. Unfortunately, it is not so in my country. The Higher your office, the higher your chances of being disrespected. in the name of freedom of speech.  Our radio stations are usually characterized by degrading messages and calls to officials in high places by people who I believe know very little about what goes on in the running of the country.

Issues on the ground suddenly turn political and persons are attacked instead of the office. People from differing political sides personalize the issue and personalities are belittled  in the name of democracy. Sad to say the President and father of the nation is not spared. He seems to bear the weight of the wrong deeds of his ministers and MP's.

Have these people ever thought about what the families of the affected go through when they hear such comments. If you would not dare call your biological father a liar, why call the President a liar? Is it because he would not slap you like your father would? Why insult the Policeman protecting you? Is it because you know the law better or because your taxes pay him?

I am not supporting the wrong that people in authority do. All I demand is some respect for public offices. Before you call a radio station to criticize, check your facts and get them right. To every situation, there are two or more sides, weigh both sides and put yourself in the persons shoes. Did you do that?

Now I am sure you can give a constructive criticism to help the office /person and not to degrade them.

If the men are being treated this way, then how would we treat our Heavenly Father who has all authority in Heaven and on earth. 

Romans 13:1-7
[ Submission to Governing Authorities ] Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. ...

Peace...

the extra mile

In life it is so easy to be to adore and love what we see and come into contact with but I feel there is the need for us to go the extra mile. I find myself in this situation as well and I really want to get out of it. We are fond of doing what we are comfortable with. What about the uncomfortable things?

It is simple to write a cheque at a church fund raising than to devote 3-4 days a week evangelising to win souls for Christ. Why don't we all get active in the work of the kingdom.
It is easier to give a coin to a beggar on the road than to give him a hug. Is it because he is all dirty and smelly?
It is easier to spend money lavishly on a dead person who will never come back, than to walk into an orphanage and make a donation.
It is our nature to rebuke children on the streets for being ignorant and not going to school than to ask of their parents.

It is quite disturbing the way we turn deaf ears and blind eyes to certain issues because of the package they come in. 

Of course, the world wont know your status  if you quietly make a donation, but they would once you throw a banquet. The beggar would get food with your money but lives in isolation and sadness. Children from broken homes, needing love and correction will get their woes worsened with your insults.
Besides, no one will pay you for the evangelism program. Think though about the number of souls that would have heard the message.

The rewards that come with going the extra mile to do uncomfortable things are immeasurable. For Jehovah is a God of love. Remember, He sacrificed his only son (imagine how uncomfortable that would be) so we can get close to him and be saved. Why?  Because of His love for us. He went the extra mile for us.

Keep it down!!

There are times you set off for work and trotro (public bus) is the most convenient mode of transportation; usually due to the cost. Unfortunately, you don't always have the peace and quiet you may desire to enjoy the ride.
There is the bumpy roads to toss u about and dusty roads to give your clothes and hair a new shade. As well as the local radio stations providing exaggerated reports. Some drivers play the sweetest gospel music to liven up the morning. As a passenger there is very little you can do about these.
But why do some passengers have conversations to the hearing of everyone in the bus? I find this very disturbing as they don't seem to care about informing strangers about what is going on in their lives. Is it that they are naturally loud or simply cant be bothered. In my immediate surroundings, you will even be scared to prompt someone to lower his or her voice( though the women are worst culprits).
Are we to lose our privacy the moment we get in a public bus? And if so why dont we try to maintain some amount of discretion in the amount of information given out.
Someone like me doesn't care a bit about the problems between you and your landlord, or about what your sister did at the funeral, or about your itenary for the day. But a thief, or scammer or a brother of the person you are slandering may be in the car as well.
My advice?
Keep phone calls short
Conversations between two passengers should be in very low voices
If your contribution will escalate aroused emotions....SHUT UP!! u will cause a fight
If you are having a hangover or drunk,...SHUT UP! u have bad breath
The only ones permitted to talk loud enough to the hearing of all are pastors preaching Gods word and the mate.
No matter how public a bus may be...respect the privacy of the person next to you.

Being Thankful

Its my first day here and what am I going to write about.....?

BEING THANKFUL

I read a devotion this morning on my way to work and it opened my eyes, my mind and my heart about how ungrateful I am. It took only the first line after the bible text(col 3:15) to get me thinking?

If you are reading this, there are literally millions of people
who would trade places with you.

After reading this line i stopped to think and suddenly I felt sad. God has been so good to me over time. I admit i have had my fair share of challenges and wahala but seriously, it cant be compared to the tragedies we hear and read about.

I have a wonderful husband and a pretty daughter who is always full of smiles. My parent and siblings are all well.

I wake up every morning strong and healthy. I goto work and come back safely. My husband and little girl are healthy and happy.

so many good things I cant list here so why do I always feel that I lack something? Why do i always wish I could be happier if I had this or that. Why do I feel sorry for myself at times?

"Usually the more someone has, the less thankful they become".

I dont know how you feel about this simple sentence but it speaks volumes to me. I remember fasting and praying about my wedding. God was good and it was beautiful. I remember fasting and praying for a baby and God gave me one. I prayed for a job and here I am now. At my office desk praying for something else. Is it ingratitude? Is it greed or selfishness? or to console ourselves we would say its human nature.

the devotion continues to tell me that we need to change our beliefs. If we believe we can get more (which we can) and focus on that desire, we forget about what is present. We all need to develop a heart of gratitude for what we have.

Remember, you deserved punishment. Instead, God gave you what
He deserved, and EVERYTHING you have -- every breath -- is a
gift. Keep this in focus and you will become a thankful person.

A thankful heart would make us much happier people.

LUKE 12:15 LB
15 Beware! Don't always be wishing for what you don't have. For
real life and real living are not related to how rich we are."