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/

TO THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Sometimes, when I’ve wandered far from His grace and like a little lost lamb, feel very abandoned and lonely and almost wonder if my Shepherd still loves me and get scared because wolves are coming close and I know they want to devour me though they initially seemed even friendly.

I cry out, deep in my heart; I cry out with my little voice.

And He hears me, the Good Shepherd to whom I belong.

He comes over to rescue me; he breaks my legs so I have no choice but to rest in His arms for some part of the journey.

And He speaks words of comfort to me; He brings me fresh grass to eat and refreshes me with clear, clean water.

I bask in His love and I am at peace.

All is well, the Shepherd loves me.

Angela Azumah Alu, 20/4/2015, Airport

A psalm to the Lord

O Lord
Why are you so far away from me?
Why do you seem not to hear when I call?
When I cry till I can almost not speak
When my heart is so full of pain and sorrow that I wish I were dead
O Lord, hear me when I call
Answer when I cry
For you are my God and no other
For the sake of your name do not forsake me
Turn to me and heal me
Turn and hear your servant 
O God
From of old, you are God and there is none like you
For the sake of your name, turn and relent 
Do not look upon our sins 
But show us your mercy we implore

Angela Azumah Alu

On the stairs

On the stairs 

Confidences are shared

Deep thoughts are exchanged

Dreams are spoken

Life is lived

On the stairs

The sky's the limit

No problem is too great to be solved

God hears and He speaks

on the stairs

On the stairs

Hearts may be broken

Dreams may be shattered

Disappointments may happen

But life goes on

On the stairs

Friendship remains

When all else is gone

When all is said and done

Friendship is king

(The stairs are an actual location in Tema Community Two. This poem celebrates a friendship that survived a dating relationship.)

REPENTANCE-2/9/10

Full of joy, I come

Repentant

Knowing I’m forgiven

Yet hesitant

But

Mindful of your love

Overwhelmed by your love

Amazed and flabbergasted

Thinking about all I had failed to do

But hearing you tell me you love

Me all the same

That you understand

That you are here-you hear and see

As always

That your grace is sufficient

And that you know

That your desire is for me to live

Before you unashamed and not guilty

Because that is what you have declared me

That I am redeemed, holy and sanctified and consecrated in your sight already because of Jesus

That I should only walk in that path

And I come because you have called me to your banquet and have consecrated me. Without one plea, full of doubts I come-in faith

Because you have called and have held my hand

Your grace is sufficient