Entry 28- Tuning in to God in the Midst of the "Noise"

Living close to a church in Accra often feels like an exercise in patience. The spirited singing, the overly loud preaching and let’s not forget the all-night vigils—these can all seem a little disruptive to the peace we crave at home. Yet, in moments of reflection (While listening to the praise session from the church down my street), I’ve come to see these very “disruptions” as God’s way of positioning me exactly where I need to be.

Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Sometimes, the places where we feel the most discomfort are the very places where God is working the most in us. It is in these spaces of inconvenience that He draws us nearer to Him, shaping us for His glory- Read that again, HIS GLORY, not your, not mine, HIS GLORY!

Take living close to a church, for example. What might seem like an endless parade of noise can actually be seen as God placing us in a constant state of worship. The sounds of praise can become the backdrop to our spiritual lives, especially when our spirits are down. Instead of viewing it as a nuisance, it becomes a daily invitation to reconnect with God, to praise, to pray, and to worship.

Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

When I’m feeling down, those moments when the sounds of worship seep into my home become precious opportunities to enter into God’s peace. It’s as if He’s saying, “Here I am, come to me.” And as I respond, I find that my burdens become lighter, and my connection with Him grows stronger.

What may seem like an inconvenience could be God’s divine arrangement. Living close to a church, with all its noise and activity, can become a blessing in disguise—a constant reminder of God’s presence and an ever-present call to worship and draw near to Him. So, let’s embrace where God has positioned us, knowing that He is always working for our good—even if it means investing in some good earplugs!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for placing me exactly where I need to be, even when it feels inconvenient or downright noisy. I’m learning to appreciate the early morning ‘wake-up calls’ from the church next door—though a little more sleep wouldn’t hurt, Lord, if You’re taking requests! Help me to see Your purpose in every situation, and to embrace the places where You have positioned me, even if it’s right next to the loudest choir in Accra.

When my spirit is down, remind me that the joyful noise outside is an invitation to connect with You. Give me the grace to find humor in the early morning praises and the strength to join in when my energy is low. May the sounds of worship that surround me be a constant reminder of Your presence and Your unfailing love—especially when they start at 4 a.m.!

Teach me to praise You in all circumstances, to find peace in Your presence, and to trust in Your perfect plan. And if it’s not too much to ask, maybe just a little quieter after work?

In Jesus’ name, I pray.

Amen

Entry 27- When Love Visits Again

After a couple of men came my way, I came to the realization that each relationship came with a side of juice I never ordered- this was literally every time love knocked at my door. 

I used to joke with my friends that I had a Ph.D. in relationship anxiety.  At the end of each relationship, there was always disappointment, or a red flag waving so hard it could start a parade. By the time I reached my last breakup, I was ready to swear off love altogether (technically, I did)—like, “Let’s just skip to the part where I get a cat and name him Mr. Whiskers.” Like in the cartoon "Brandi and Mr. Whiskers" remember that one?

But despite all that, I knew I still wanted love- (I LOVE LOVE). Not just any love, though. I started praying for a love that was different—a love that came with peace, security, and none of the emotional acrobatics I had become so used to. I wanted the kind of love described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7— “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud…” You know, the kind of love that actually feels like a warm cup of tea on a cold day.

So, I prayed. And waited. And prayed some more.

And guess what? Love hasn’t visited yet. But you know what has? Hope. I’ve learned to trust God’s timing (even though I’ve definitely asked Him to speed it up a few times—no shame). In this season of waiting, I’m reminded of Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Instead of worrying about when love will arrive, I’m focusing on becoming the woman God is shaping me to be.

Some days, I catch myself wondering if I’ll be single forever, and then I laugh at how my imagination spirals—like, "Well, maybe Mr. Whiskers and I can start a cozy tea shop and call it ‘Whiskers and Waffles.’” But then I remember that God knows my heart better than I do. He knows the love I need, and as Jeremiah 29:11 reminds me, He has “plans to prosper [me] and not to harm [me], plans to give [me] hope and a future.” I’m holding onto that hope, believing that when love visits again, it will be God-sent—a safe space filled with grace, joy, and maybe even a little humor.

For now, I wait with hope, trusting that love will come in Gods perfect timing. Until then, I’m keeping my sense of humor handy—and Mr. Whiskers on standby, just in case. (just kidding)

Father,  

I know you’ve got a plan; I can see it and I am excited to manifest it. While I wait for the love You have for me, help me to keep my heart hopeful and my spirit light. Guide me to become the person You’ve called me to be. Remind me that as I trust you, my heart is in good hands. And when love visits again, it will reflect Your peace, joy, and safety. Amen.

Entry 26- Our Red Flags Don’t Define Us; God’s Grace Does.

Society has taught us that once we hear the word RED FLAG, we should run for the hills—in dating, that is.

But after going through a series of noticing red flags in myself (shocker, a woman admitting she was in the wrong), I spoke to my pastor and then to a therapist. They both helped me realize the importance of noticing red flags early and how these signs are actually opportunities to become a better person, not just for others but for me.

We often think of red flags as signals to avoid others, but how often do we recognize them within ourselves? Society tells us to flee at the sight of these warning signs in others, but what if we shifted our perspective? What if, instead of running, we paused, reflected, and allowed God to work through these moments?

In Matthew 7:3-5 (NIV), Jesus asks, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." This passage reminds us to look inward first, to acknowledge and address our own shortcomings before we point fingers at others.

Red flags within ourselves are not meant to condemn us, but to guide us towards growth and transformation. They are like spiritual warning lights, prompting us to examine areas in our lives where we need to seek God’s grace and wisdom. Instead of running from these revelations, we should embrace them, asking God to refine us and mold us into the people He has called us to be.

In Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV), David prays, "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting." This should be our prayer as well. When we notice red flags in ourselves—whether it’s pride, anger, selfishness, or any other area where we fall short—we should invite God to search our hearts, to reveal what needs to change, and to lead us on the path of righteousness.

Recognizing red flags in ourselves is not a moment of defeat but a powerful opportunity for growth. It’s an invitation to humble ourselves before God, to seek His forgiveness, and to allow His Spirit to work in us. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) reminds us, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" We have the promise of transformation in Christ. Our red flags don’t define us; God’s grace does.

So, instead of running for the hills when we spot a red flag, let’s run to God. Let’s ask Him to help us become better versions of ourselves—more loving, patient, kind, and Christ-like.

Embrace the journey of self-reflection, and remember, God is with you every step of the way. Red flags are not the end; they are the beginning of a new chapter in your walk with Him.

Lord, thank You for Your patience with me. Help me to recognize the red flags within myself and see them as opportunities for growth. Search my heart, reveal what needs to change, and guide me in Your ways. 

May I become more like Christ each day, reflecting Your love and grace to those around me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Entry 25- When is Your Devotional Coming Out?

It’s a question I’ve been asked more times than I can count: “So, when is your devotional coming out?” Each time it comes up, it stirs something deep within me. I’ve known for a while that I’m supposed to write a book. But the content? That’s where I find myself stuck. 

I often find myself asking, is this desire from God, or is it from within me? Am I doing this to receive praise, or am I truly seeking to glorify God through my work? Do I want to be seen, or do I want God to be seen through what I create? These are the questions that flood my mind, keeping me up at night as I wrestle with my calling.

But the most important question I’ve learned to ask—one that I often ask others when they come to me for advice—is this: “What is God saying regarding this situation?”

When I turn to Scripture, I’m reminded of the profound difference between our ways and God’s ways. Isaiah 55:8-9 tells us, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” 

This verse has a way of humbling us, doesn’t it? It reminds us that God’s plans and purposes are far beyond our understanding. His ways are infinitely higher, His thoughts immeasurably greater. We may have ideas and desires that seem good to us, but without His guidance, they can lead us astray. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 offers further wisdom, encouraging us to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” It’s a call to surrender, to lay down our own understanding and trust that God will lead us in the right direction.

So, how do we discern if a desire or calling is from God? It starts with prayer and seeking His will above all else. It’s about laying our plans before Him and asking Him to make our paths straight. It’s about being open to His leading, even when it takes us in directions we didn’t anticipate.

For me, that means continually asking God to purify my intentions. Lord, am I doing this for You, or am I seeking validation? Is this project about glorifying Your name or am I trying to make a name for myself? These are difficult questions, but they’re necessary if we want to walk in alignment with God’s will.

I may not have all the answers yet, but I’m learning to trust in God’s timing and direction. I don’t know when or how my devotional will come together, but I trust that God will reveal it in His time. Until then, I’ll keep seeking His guidance, trusting that as I submit my ways to Him, He will make my path straight.

So, when is my devotional coming out? I can’t say for certain. But what I do know is that, when it does, it will be because God has led me every step of the way. And that’s more than enough for me.

If you’re in a similar place, wondering if your dreams and desires are from God, I invite you to join me in this prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of questions. I desire to serve You and glorify Your name, but I often find myself unsure of the path You want me to take. Help me to discern Your voice clearly. Guide my thoughts and actions so that they align with Your will. Let my work be a reflection of Your glory, and not my own. Teach me to trust in Your ways, even when they are beyond my understanding. I surrender my plans to You, knowing that Your ways are higher, and Your thoughts are greater. 

May everything, I do be for Your praise and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Entry 24- Waiting for a Sunny Day

It's a new month, and JULY was everything she promised to be. If you disagree, go and argue with your grandfather. LOL.

Anyway, how have your "new year resolutions" been going? Has the sarcasm used in relation to new year resolutions given you an idea of what I am writing about yet?

Let's get straight into it.

We always hear people say that they are waiting for a sunny day to get things done. They are waiting for a new month to start working out. They are waiting for a new week to start putting their proposals together for that new business. And by the time they realize it, the rainy days lasted so long that they forgot their pledges to themselves. Have you been there? I know I have and decided yesterday I wasn't going to wait any longer to start working out. I can't say the same with my art, but I will be starting real soon.

What does God say about procrastinating though? What does He say about leaving things to start at a later date?

Procrastination is a challenge we all face. The Bible addresses this with wisdom and guidance. Proverbs 6:6-8 (NIV) says, "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest." This passage highlights the importance of diligence and taking action without delay.

In James 4:13-15 (NIV), it says, "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.'" This reminds us that our time is not guaranteed, and we should not put off what we can do today.

God calls us to live purposefully and take action in the present. Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NIV) warns, "Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap." If we wait for perfect conditions, we may never accomplish what we set out to do.

So, let's stop waiting for the perfect moment. The time to act is now. Start that workout, begin that project, pick up that hobby. Let's honor God with our diligence and commitment to make the most of the time we have.

Remember, you don't have to do it all at once. Small, consistent steps lead to great progress. Let's break free from procrastination and embrace the present with determination and faith.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of today. Help us to break free from procrastination and embrace the tasks before us with diligence and enthusiasm. Guide us to act with purpose, making the most of the time You have given us. May our efforts honor You and bring glory to Your name. 

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.