Loving Shepherd: A meditation on Psalm 23

Loving shepherd,
I know that because you are my shepherd there is nothing I shall want.
Yet many times, I feel abandoned by you because I have so many unmet needs and wants.
Increase my faith in you and teach me to desire nothing as much as you yourself.

Loving shepherd,
You lead me in paths of righteousness for your names sake.
Teach me to be ever obedient to your word even when sin seems to overshadow your grace in my life.
You have clothed me with garments of righteousness. Help me stay clothed.

Loving shepherd,
Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I know you are with me.
Even when life feels overwhelming and I am hemmed in on every side, I know you are with me.
Teach me to hear you as you guide me and to trust that you will see me through.

Loving shepherd,
You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies!
Your radical ways are my delight!
You teach me to hand everything over to you because you are my recompense and my portion. You make the boundary lines fall for me in pleasant places and give me a goodly heritage.

Loving shepherd,
Dwelling in your house forever is my delight.
Your goodness and mercy follow me all the days of my life.
And I look forward to being with you forever in heaven.
My life with you on earth is only the beginning.

Thank you!

Angela Azumah Alu,  Good Shepherd Sunday
03/05/2020

Image from: https://www.catholicforlife.com/year-c-homily-reflection-for-the-good-shepherd-sunday-2/

Good Friday musings

Over 2000 years ago, long before I was thought of or before my parents even existed, He paid it all.

He took my sins upon himself and won my forgiveness and salvation.

He paid for my healing and my deliverance.

He rescued me from the plans of the enemy and made me an heir of righteousness.

He endured excruciating pain for my sake.

He was pierced for my transgressions; wounded for my sin.

My chastisement was laid upon him.

He bore it all for my sake.

No sin, no wrong, no transgression can take me from his hand.

As he did for Peter, he has made provision for me already in my weakness.

Here I am today, remembering his sacrifice on the cross.

My response is to recommit my life to him.

I’m letting go once more of any stain of sin that separates me from him.

I’m letting go and putting on the white garment his blood won for my sake.

He is my high priest who has been like me in every way but sin

and thus invites me to approach the throne of grace that I may receive mercy.

Jesus I come, letting go of my sins and failings.

Jesus I come, embracing your call upon my life.

Jesus I come, trusting in your mercy.

Jesus I come, ready to do your will.

Angela Azumah Alu, 10/04/2020

Good Friday

Image from: https://www.womansday.com/life/a26325366/when-is-good-friday/

Jesus, your love is better than wine

Jesus,

your love is better than the sweetest of wines,

your love is better than that of married couples,

your love is better than that of parents,

your love is better than that of family,

your love is better than that of friends,

your love is the best of all.

Wine would never die for me.

Spouses rarely die for one another.

Even parents don't usually do.

Family may betray me,

Friends may forget me,

Your love is the best of all.

Your love is the best of all.

When I think of the pain you endured,

the betrayal and all the suffering.

When I think of your agony and humiliation.

When I remember all that you went through for my sake.

I cannot help but exclaim; your love is the best of all.

Your love is the best of all.

Teach me to love like you do; day by day.

Teach me to trust you more.

Teach me to love your word.

Teach me to proclaim and to do the things you did.

But most importantly, let me rest in the best love of all.

Angela Azumah Alu, 26/3/18

Wishing you a fruitful and Spirit filled Holy Week. Tis the Week of all Weeks!

Christmas message

He is the restorer.
He gives beauty for ashes;gladness for mourning.
He clothes us in garments of salvation and gives us a robe of righteousness.
He gives us joy unspeakable!
He renews and revives us!
He is the Lord incarnate; Emmanuel-God with us.
He is redeemer, saviour friend.
He rolls away the reproach and makes all things new.
He fills our life with good things and renews our strength.
God has come to dwell among us.
To restore us to friendship with Him and with others.
Bringing peace on earth and good will to all men.
Tis the season, now and always...to restore sight to the blind, heal the broken hearted and free the captives.
Tis the season now and always to proclaim good news to the poor and afflicted.
Christ is with us;let us rejoice and be glad!
Merry Christmas!

Image from:http://hiltonchurch.org.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Emmanuel.jpg