Easter

40 days seems like a long time, 

Yet Lent is over soon.

And at Easter there is joy again.

How like life that seems. 

Deep sorrow and pain we encounter at various times

Which precede the times of great joy in our life

Reminding us that weeping may endure for a night but His joy comes with the morning. 

Yes Indeed! 

Keep hope alive and keep pressing. 

God is with you!

Happy Easter!

 

Angela Azumah Alu

Lord I believe; help my unbelief!-A meditation on Luke 9:14-29

When I feel like I’ve prayed and yet you have not heard,

When in spite of all your promises, it seems like you take better care of the sparrows,

When my heart is broken and my spirit is crushed and you seem not to care.

Lord I believe; help my unbelief!

When I have wrestled with the same challenges for only you know how long,

And almost seem to be wondering around in the wilderness,

And wonder if I will ever reach the promised land.

Lord I believe; help my unbelief!

When your prophets and messengers seem unable to help me,

And it almost feels there must be something wrong,

And you seem very very far away.

Lord I believe; help my unbelief!

You say nothing is impossible for the one who believes.

Stretch forth you hand in power.

Only you can do this. Have mercy Lord, and help me.

Lord I believe; help my unbelief!

Angela Azumah Alu, 22/2/17

image courtesy of: http://www.flyinginthespirit.cuttys.net/2016/07/10/help-my-unbelief/

Reflection on the Presentation of the Lord

Reflections on Malachi 3:1-4; Heb 2:14-18: Luke 2:22-40

 (2nd February 2014; Feast of the Presentation of the Lord)

Background:

The feast of the Presentation of the Lord is celebrated on the 2nd of February every year. This year, it fell on a Sunday. The Presentation celebrates baby Jesus being presented by his parents in the temple. This was in obedience to an ancient regulation where God asked all Israelite parents to 'redeem' their first born sons from Him. It was in remembrance of God saving the first born sons of the Israelites during the passover in Egypt.

The first reading is from Malachi and speaks of the Lord suddenly appearing in the temple and purifying His people so they make offerings in righteousness to the Lord.

The second reading, from Hebrews, speaks of Christ the High priest who became like us in every way to save us and thus is able to help us when we are tempted.

The Gospel presents the Presentation narrative.

Honestly, it was the first time I'd ever really thought of the Presentation. And it occurred to me that although God required a physical circumcision and purification in the past, He requires spiritual circumcision and purification of us. And He is the one to do it. That's where the prayer/poem came from. I pray it's a blessing. 

Purify me LORD!

Circumcise me,

through and through,

Cleanse me wholly,

that I may be yours 

and yours alone.

That, as your temple, 

I may offer

pleasing and acceptable sacrifices

to you.

Circumcise me, high priest,

Purify me; circumcise me

that I may be clean and reflect you only.

Angela Azumah Alu (February, 2014)

Image courtesy of: http://www.womenofgrace.com/blog/?p=19086

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/

You only live once

You only live once....how are you preparing for eternity?
You only live once.... why spend your time on what is not eternal?
You only live once ....choose to make every moment count....for Jesus.
You only live once.......surrender all to your creator

Money won't cut it.
School and academic laurels won't cut it.
Getting married and having kids won't cut it.
Becoming as famous as can be won't cut it.
None of that is worth anything without Christ.

In this day of media overload there's a lot of pressure to be and to do.
There's even a lot of the word that's preached that's not so true.
Same as has been happening for centuries unend.
But God's word remains true.

You only live once....it's not enough to go to church or to be active even, as hard and as important as that is.
It's not enough to preach the word or perform miracles if you can without knowing the giver of them
Question is: does God know you?
And if He's forgotten you or you have forgotten Him, are you ready to make up?

You only live once....pursue fruits of righteousness.
Dig deep into the word that you may be cleansed and be a true bride for Christ.
You only live once....work for that which is eternal
Whatever your state is in life.

God's word remains true; He does not change
Only those whose hearts have been changed and are obedient can see Him and be with him forever.
Heaven is a club with a password.
The time for mercy is now. Get your password before you become late.

You only live once.....righteousness is still the best garment you can wear.
It comes with the best of tags but it is freely given.
The saviour's agony paid for it.
Buy yours now....for free.

All you need to do is ask.....coz you only live once.
Ask Him if you've never asked before.
And if you have but like a child your garments are filthy,
Ask again for cleansing. He is ever faithful.

Obey! Trust! My brother, my sister!; there's no substitute.
Not giving, not preaching, not being a leader.
Nothing will suffice except your whole heart and self.
God really wants it all.....you only live once!

You only live once.....let nothing take you from your God.
Your heart is restless because it does not rest in Him.
Come to Jesus today....He is calling to you.
Come now..... because you only live once.

Angela Azumah Alu, Tema 
24/10/16

In memory of Emmanuel Quayson (Vybrant Faya).....may His soul rest in peace 

Tis Lent again

Tis another Lent Lord Jesus as you know,

With renewed focus on prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

You know it goes; sometimes I do it all.

Other times I flit and afore I know it’s holy week already and I’m wondering the Lent went.

So Lord, this Lent I ask for your mercy.

Restore to me the joy of salvation and sustain within me a willing spirit.

Show me the treasures in your word in this season.

Give me a renewed love for you and for my neighbor.

Teach me to wait on you and to trust you whate’er my lot is.

May I glimpse your glory as ne’er before that my focus may be transformed.

And Lord, when Lent is over, keep me praying, fasting and giving alms with as much fervor.

Abi you know dada.

Love, Angela

Angela Azumah Alu, 10/02/16

P.S. Help me to go through it not as usual but with the awareness of the moment of grace. Show me how to war and battle my soul’s enemies.

Let your glory be seen; may they never ask, “Where is her God?”

Image courtesy of :http://helpwiththetoughquestions.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/lent-prayer-fasting-giving-works-of-love.jpg

HOPE

Hopelessness sears my heart 
Despair descends on me like a swarm of locust on a green field 
Eating away all that has grown over the year's
I stare in awe and cannot recognise myself
The enemy has seemingly gained territory
Talk of your efficacy at my rescue frightens me
I am but a broken reed eaten away by despair and hopelessness
Through out all the drama there's one thing I try to convince myself about-"a broken reed you will not reject. "
Esther Afoley Laryea, 5/12/15

Response
A bruised reed He will not break; He was bruised for our transgressions.
On the day the LORD binds up the wounds of his people, he will heal the bruises left by his blows.
He who knows the stars by name and has counted every hair on my head.
He invites me to cast all my cares upon Him and reminds me I am worth more than the ravens and so should never worry.
Even though He seemed to have cast me away, He promises joy in the morning, the oil of gladness for mourning, beauty for ashes and praise instead of despair.
Wonder of wonders, He delights in me and rejoices over me with singing.
Through my pain, He tells me He knows the way that I take and when He has tried me I shall come forth as gold that has been refined.
Like Job, though He slay me, yet will I trust; for I know my redeemer lives and that at the last He will stand upon the earth.
So through my sorrow, pain and rejection, I will rejoice with all my being as daily He conforms me to His image.
I will be hopeful!
Angela Azumah Alu, 6/12/15

image from :catholicinasmalltown.wordpress.com