We arise in haste...Lisbon 2023

 We arise in haste in spite of everything...

It is not for nothing that we do so; for there is always much to do that if we counted the cost, we would never move.

We arise in haste to go and serve when have so much to do already.

We say yes, knowing it comes with more responsibility and sacrifices.

We arise in haste, because our very profession of faith demands it.

We leave everything to go off and serve no matter how brief or how long, because the love of God compels us to go on.

We arise in haste; there is a rush in the air.

We say yes to love; over and over again.

Angela Azumah Alu 

15/07/2023

Image from: https://vocationnetwork.org/en/articles/show/730-join-vision-in-lisbon-for-world-youth-day-2023

Casting it all to Jesus-no expectations

It’s been a long time coming

I’ve wept many tears;

Cried over things I couldn’t control

Been frustrated at what seemed to be your neglect.

Failed to smile or count my blessings because everything seemed so wrong

Felt my expectations were not met and really felt like a failure

And my heart was just so broken about everything.

But here I am today

Reaffirming my love and trust in you.

Saying that no matter what the enemy, the world or my flesh bring my way, it’s you and you alone I trust.

Praying for grace to be faithful and saying that yes, I do know that all things work together for my good because I love you.

I’m trusting you to bring all my pieces together. You are faithful.

My expectations have been high and they have oft left me disappointed and sad.

I have expected things to fall in place for me and that has not happened.

I have expected life to be easy and that has just not happened.

But all that I have needed, not expected, your hands have provided.

So great is your faithfulness, I say.

Morning by morning new mercies I see.

Great is your faithfulness, my father.

I cast all my expectations unto you.

May I have no expectations of anyone but only trust in you.

Angela Azumah Alu, UG Doctoral Academy 24/1/17

image courtesy of: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/94716398392961323/

I find my worth in you O God

There are times dear Lord when i try to find my worth in what I do and in what I have and end up feeling like crap and like the scum of the earth because I do not have as much as others do or because I have not achieved as much.

Teach me Lord daily to find my worth in you alone; in who I am, your beloved child whom you died on the cross for.

Teach me not to compare, lest I become bitter or vain; but always look to you.

Teach me to run everyday to you, who art my strength and shield, my glory and the lifter up of my head.

To rest in you, who alone art my sufficiency.

So that whether I am a PhD twice over or struggle to write my name, my worth is found in you.

So that whether I have built mansions or struggle to pay my rent each month, my worth is found in you.

So that whether I have been happily married and even have grandchildren or I struggle with one divorce after another, my worth is found in you.

So that whether I have had a successful career or I am struggling to find a job, my worth is found in you.

So that whatever my lot in life, I will say it is well with my soul because my worth is found in you.

Teach me to love you above all else and to live each day as a sojourner on earth, eagerly anticipating my heavenly home. 
Holding on to nothing but my faith.

Jesus, I trust in You!

Angela Azumah Alu, 03/08/15, Airport

Reflections on 1 Cor 5:1-8, Luke 6 :6-11

Bread of life, sent down from heaven

Manna, provider and sustainer

Jesus, our Passover,

Here we are , called to be unleavened bread before you,

Yet full of yeast, which defiles us

And makes our bread leavened-

Polluting us and our church.

Jesus, our Passover, by your sacrifice, you took away our yeast,

Cleanse us then, wash us anew

That we’ll be as unleavened as you,

A perfect sacrifice to the Almighty provider.

Cleanse us, cleanse us, we pray

Angela Azumah Alu

Wisdom of God; bread of life-Reflections on the readings 19/8/12

Proverbs 9:1-6/Ps 34/Eph 5:15-20/Jn 6:51-58

1.      Word of God who bidst me come

Wisdom of God who calls out to me, here I am

No longer to roam searching

But come to you-that my soul may live

Wisdom of God, here I am

To eat your food and drink your wine

T o dwell in your house forever

T o live for you and you alone

To live wisely, forsaking foolishness

To make use of every opportunity in these evil days

To sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs in your house and out of it

To walk with you always

      Word of God, here I am I have come to you, the Bread of Life

      Feed me and fill me, that I may live forever

2.      Bread of life, as I receive you

May I remain in you,

Living as you did,

Loving as you do,

Take my thoughts, words, actions and emotions

Use them for your glory

May all I am and do be for your praise

You who are my Lord and the vine that is my source

Angela Azumah Alu

 

28th November 2010-1st Sunday of Advent

Sometimes, I wonder, dear LORD, where you are within the hustle and bustle of life

In my daily goings and comings, do I really see you in everything, do I live as if I would give an account of my life?

Well LORD, I have to admit that sometimes I live like there’s no tomorrow;like I’d never have to give an account of my life

And when I hear or read your word talking about end times and about judgement, I have to confess I get pretty scared coz there’s so much I’d love to do for you LORD but can’t seem to get round to it. And it’s worse than a student who’s not preparing for the most important exam of his/her life.

And LORD, it gets pretty scary coz LORD, what would life be worth if you are not at the end of it?

LORD do I make nonsense of your words and your laws by my inactions and inertia

Well, right now, I’m getting pretty despondent coz it seems I’m not preparing for you and I’ll probably end up like the householder whose house was burgled coz he didn’t know when the thief was coming; or like the woman who was left behind or like the people o f Noah’s day

Well LORD, right now, before I lose all hope, I remember your word-I delight myself in you my King and I rededicate my life to you.

I say of you LORD that yes I could never earn my salvation by my works-it’s impossible!

But LORD Jesus, that was why you came to die for me on the cross and called me to you and consecrated me even before I was born

It’s so amazing that all the days allotted me were written in your book before they ever came to be.

So LORD, what can I say; King of my heart all I can say is, on my own I could never do it all.

So LORD of my heart, finish the good work you have started in my life.

Keep me close to you and in the shadow of your wings.

Send forth your grace and see me through each day-May I walk with you each day like the day I first met you

Keep your fire burning in my heart daily that LORD I may never never grow cold

May I LORD, love what you love and do what thou wouldst do

Souls for you by my every action

King of my life, make me a good testimony for you that as the only bible some may ever read, I do great marketing for you

A servant’s heart that I never see my gifts sas my own but as a good steward use them for the service of your body

Pernicketyness, if need be, about all that concerns you rather than carelessness

A heart of service that I never tire of serving

But most importantly, love for you-surpassing all and love for your people that love may be my motivation

 Ancient of Days, hide your word in my heart that I walk with you on this earth and heaven only the rightful continuation of that relationship

Thanks for hearing and answering,LORD Jesus

In your name I’ve prayed. Amen

Angela Azumah Alu, Tema, 2010