How I spent my Christmas Holidays

I know Christmas is long over (although we Catholics just ended Christmas last Sunday) but I will take advantage of the fact that schools just reopened considering my title heading and share my Christmas experience. It is a long one and so will take several posts.

Back in primary school this was always the very first composition we would write when we resumed  from vacation. I am sure how my Christmas went would be one essay which would have merited much attention from my teacher of my many travels. This season of  Christmas has been one of the best I have had in a long while and probably the best since I 'grew up'.

The normal accepted trend is to celebrate Christmas with family, yet as Christmas and the end of the year drew near, I longed for a retreat to reconnect with my maker since 2013 had been a trying and eventful year.

I quickly jumped at the opportunity when it came through a two week break from work. I dared therefore to defy social norm and planned a three-day retreat encompassing Christmas.

I began my trip with my first destination to Kumasi leaving Accra on the 24th of December. 

My 3-day retreat began on 25th December, each day with a theme and so I will begin with Day one.

25th December 2013   

Day one

New Beginnings - Time with Jesus

In the morning of the day which my Saviour was born, I went for mass at the KNUST Catholic Chaplaincy after which I spent time with the Lord under the trees at Queens. As I read Luke's account of the birth of the Lord, I took note of a few things which I will like to share.

Luke 1

Zechariah belonged to the priestly division of the tribe of Abijah and as it was custom, there was a rotation, 

in which a member of each of the ten tribes was to perform the priestly duties therefore it was possible that

it is just once in the lifetime of a person that one would perform that duty. It was no coincidence therefore 

that the angel appeared to Zechariah when it was his time to perform his duty. It was purposely planned that way to fulfill God's plan.

Both Elizabeth and Zechariah were described as righteous in the sight of God; not in the sight of men but in the sight of God. They observed all and not some of the Lord's commands and decrees. 

These were people set apart for the Lord and so when the time came for the Lord to choose people to care for he who was to prepare the way for the Messiah, they were chosen. 

When the angel appeared before Zechariah, he told him the name of their son and his purpose  on earth, 'he will be a delight and joy to them. Many will rejoice because of his birth. He will be filled with the Spirit. He will bring back many of the people of Israel. He will turn the hearts of parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of righteous'. Before their son was born, Zechariah knew who he was to become.

As parents, the role of parenting does not just end with providing chromosomes or love but when we pray and seek the Lord's face, before they are born, it shall be revealed the purpose and plan of the child according to the will of God. It is in this way that we may fulfill exactly 'bring up the child the way he should 

go and he will never depart from it'.

When Zechariah doubted the angel, he was made dumb. Maybe this was to give Zechariah an opportunity to reflect on his life and on the life of the one he would help bring into this world, for for 9 months he remained silent. Sometimes we go through certain situations to help increase our faith in God. Sometimes the Lord through some experiences can silence us so we can reflect on our lives and appreciate His awesomeness.

 

After this time of reflection with Luke, I spent some time at the Royal Parade grounds, and took in nature around me. I watched as leaves from a tree fell to the ground and  it struck me that the Lord knew the exact second each leaf fell to the ground. He knew how long each leaf had been on the branches and I began to marvel at the omniscience of the one whom I serve.

That ended my short time with the Lord on Christmas Day.

to be continued...

Let us remain.

I wonder how Saul felt when he was anointed to be king over Israel. Once more God had made an interesting choice, far outwitting the so called apt judgement of man. He chose from the smallest clan and narrowed it even further, to the smallest tribe- all to His good pleasure. Saul began his journey, to search for his father's donkey as a commoner, but returned home as an anointed king. He was God's chosen one and that was the bottom line. 

We also have been chosen by God. We are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people set apart for Him, we are the righteousness of God... This list is not exhaustive. The bottom line is, like Saul, we have been chosen and set apart for the Lord by His flowing blood, so far as you believe in Him. However, unlike Saul, we must make it a point to remain connected to our source of anointing so that our relationship will not take a downward spirl, leading to a premature end of our "kingship".

Yes Jesus has separated us to Himself, but we also need to remain within His grace through a consistent relationship with Him.

Faith with action

Today the Lord is teaching us about the strength and power of corporate faith. The friends of the paralytic in Mark 2 "contributed " to his healing by collectively expressing their faith in Jesus and carrying their friend to the master through a creative way. 

It brings to mind, the text which says that faith without action is dead. We need to express our faith through what we do; if we believe God will see us through our studies, then we have to study and work hard. If we believe God for a promotion at work, then we have to be diligent and meticulous at work.

As we express our faith individually, we can then express it together as a community of believers in our church, Bible groups or even as a group of believing friends. Indeed, faith without action is dead.

Imagine this....

The fever left her and she waited on them. (Mark 1:31)

Imagine Simon’s mother-in-law and her friend chatting over tea. “What happened at your house the other day?” the friend asked.

Simon’s mother-in-law said, “Well, I was pretty sick. I had a high fever, my whole body ached, and all I wanted to do was rest. But Jesus came into my room anyway and held my hand. Moments later, I felt so good that I began to make lunch for Simon and his friends. I was so excited by what happened that I had to get out and tell other people about it.

“I’ve discovered—both from my experience and from talking to other people—that when you meet Jesus, something happens inside of you. You can’t help but act. That day, I did what I know how to do best. I didn’t feel obligated; I could have kept lying in bed, but when you feel that kind of love, you just want to find ways to love people in return.

“I think that the love just starts to spill over. At least that’s what happened that day. Word got out that Jesus had come to visit, and by nightfall the house was filled with sick or unhappy people, and he touched them all.

“What was unusual for me was that I didn’t mind all these strangers at my door. Normally, I would be cautious, but something changed in me that day, and I felt a new kinship with these people whom I had never met. Some of them I may not have even liked before then, but it didn’t matter. We were all looking for the same thing. We had all been brought together by a desire to be with Jesus. They felt like long-lost brothers and sisters, and I had no problem welcoming them.”

“So that’s all?” her friend asked. “You felt his love when he healed you, and that made you open your door to other people, and they were healed as well?”

“Yes. I know it sounds silly, but that’s what happened. And it’s happened for so many other people. You should try to find Jesus yourself. It’s amazing what he can do!”

“I’ve got to find him! There are so many things I need help with.”

“Lord, touch every heart with your healing love. Move us all to serve one another.”

taken from wau.org

"Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!"

Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid! (Mark 6:50)

Even those who love entertaining know the relief of the door closing behind the last guest. You can finally begin to clean up, unwind, and get some sleep.

Jesus must have felt something like this after having miraculously fed more than five thousand people on a deserted hillside. He just had to get away and pray. So he sent his disciples ahead of him in a boat, dismissed the crowds, and headed for the hills to spend time alone with his Father.

As he was praying, he could see his disciples struggling against the wind, making little progress. Perhaps he saw in this image a metaphor for their understanding of his messiahship. They had witnessed so many of his miracles, but they still struggled to understand who he really was. 

If only these disciples could learn to come to Jesus the way he had just gone to his Father! If only they could see him as their Redeemer! Perhaps these occasional glimpses into his glory would help them trust him more. He knew it would take a while, but Jesus was committed to them, so he didn’t mind. So he interrupted his prayer to give them a clearer vision. He came to them on the water, in the midst of the storm, and told them, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid” (Mark 6:50).

We too can have a hard time seeing Jesus as our Messiah and grasping our need for him. Are there ways you seem to be rowing against the wind? Is something gnawing at the back of your mind? Bring it before him now. Perhaps in his wisdom he will wait, keeping his eyes on you for a more opportune moment. Or maybe he will reveal himself to you more deeply. He may even climb into your boat and still the wind. Whatever happens, try your best to trust in Jesus’ power and provision. Quiet your heart so that you can hear him tell you, “It is I, do not be afraid.” Surrender your concerns to Jesus. Let him meet your needs in the way he knows best.

“Lord Jesus, help me to find my courage in you, no matter my circumstances. Right now, I set aside fear and doubt. Lord, I trust you.”

taken from wau.org

Your Epipahny

An epiphany (from the ancient Greek ἐπιφάνεια, epiphaneia, "manifestation, striking appearance") is an experience of a sudden and a striking realization. Generally the term is used to describe scientific breakthroughs, religious or philosophical discoveries, but it could also apply  to any situation in which an enlightening realization allows a problem or situation to be understood from a new and deeper perspective.

Today the universal church celebrates the solemnity of the epiphany of the Lord. We reflect on the manifestation of God made man lying in a manger. Today we reflect on the manifestation of the King of the universe, who even though is the creator of silver and  gold and all the riches one could possibly think of, is revealed to the world not wearing royal robes but ordinary swaddling clothes. We see the King of Kings choosing to be revealed in Bethlehem among sheep rather than in Jerusalem the city of David. The circumstances surrounding the revelation of God to the world is such that one needs to look at things beyond the physical to come to a full appreciation of the presence of God among us. 

Five Kings are mentioned in the gospel reading given for our reflection today. First of all there is Jesus the King of Kings whose unique star had been spotted by the Magi (3 Kings) from the East and also there is Herod who was King of Israel at the time. While the Magi rejoiced upon spotting the star of the King of the Jews, Herod was troubled upon hearing that the King of Kings had been born. The 3 Kings from the East recognized that just as the moon needed light from the sun to be able to shine, they could not shine on their own unless in the light of a greater King.

They realized that it is only upon submitting totally to the sovereignty of the King whose star they had seen will there be a true meaning to their own lives as Kings. Before Jesus the King of the Jews, they laid down their crowns as earthly Kings so the King of Kings could rule in their lives eternally. Isaiah prophesied to the entire nation of Israel in these words "arise and shine for your light has come", it is important to take notice of the fact that it is impossible for one to shine if one does not allow the light of Christ to permeate every sphere of one's life. The light indeed had come but while the magi sought to yield to the light so they could shine in his light, Herod sought to quench the light.

When Christ Jesus the light of all lights and the King of all Kings is among us, it is important to arise from any throne we may have made for ourselves, lay down our crowns like the magi and pay him homage in adoration.

The magi had fame, wealth and power; all of which they laid down, considering them as nothing compared to Jesus the King. The hidden meaning in all this is that it is in our total submission to the Lord that we shine. 

The magi traveled from afar with the hope of seeing the King they had heard so much about, they followed the star which first appeared in the East. I have no doubt they were expecting the star to stop in one of the great cities. The first surprise was when the star stopped in Bethlehem a small town which is not noted for being the birthplace of Kings; the second was when they realized that, the house the star was pointing to was not a palace, then came the biggest surprise when they realized that the baby on account of whom they had journeyed for so long was not lying in an expensive baby's cot but lying in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes. What I consider deeply revealing is that the Magi were not deceived by the appearance of the baby but recognized in him one worthy of all worship and adoration.

As the Magi bowed in adoration I am certain Joseph and Mary understood the gesture and cherished the moment in their hearts but I have no doubt that some onlookers seeing the Kings bow to the baby could not believe their eyes and concluded that the Kings probably had gone crazy.

As you take a decision on the feast of epiphany to submit your life totally to the King who is revealed to us today; I will not be surprised if friends and close relatives discourage you and make you feel as though you have lost your mind by choosing Jesus as your Lord and savior, your messiah and your King. The truth is that it is only in his light that we can shine. Take a step of faith, arise from any earthly throne and submit in adoration to the King. Isaiah's prophecy about Jesus took hundreds of years before it came to pass, and when Herod rose against Jesus thinking he was just a little child and wanted to kill him before he grew to become a threat to his reign God stood in defense of his son. There is a prophecy about your life and as long as you walk in the light of Christ you will live to fulfill that word about your life no matter what your enemies plan against you. 

Just as the magi were not deceived by the appearance and surroundings of the baby, it is important that we do not give up on the face of our current circumstances. The world may see a failure in you but God sees a champion in you. The world may have given up on you, but I stand to exhort you that what you are to become is without limit. Make a firm resolution to walk in God's divine plan no matter what the world thinks. 

In Is 60:6a the prophet declares " Herds of camel will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah". Camel as I know them to be, carry goods, and the picture of camels covering ones land indicate that upon arising to shine in the light of Christ, one stands to receive so much such that there will not even be a place to stand because the entire land will be full of goods.

It is my deepest prayer that God will grant us an epiphany of who we truly are, that we may recognize that we are only "stars" when every activity of ours is done in the light of Christ. 

May God grant us the grace to truly submit to the sovereignty of Christ

May He rule in our lives so that we may fulfill our true purpose on earth

May our homes be places where the person of Jesus will be revealed to our children and the rest of the world

God bless us all.

By: Jerry Kponyo.

Your Presence

Happy new year folks. This year I pray that :

‘May the Lord bless you
  and keep you.May the Lord smile down on you
  and show you his kindness. May the Lord answer your prayers
  and give you peace.

Today, I just wanted to share the message the Lord laid on my heart for this year. HE is asking us to cherish His presence, that His presence would be all that we need and desire every single day, as we journey through out these 365 days. God bless you all.

As usual I found a song that expresses this message so explicitly, written by Israel Houghton. I pray that you listen and meditate on the lyrics: