Joel Kwesi Baidoo

As we get ready to be ushered into the second half of the year 2023, it's a good time to pause and reflect. We must review our progress not only based on what we gained but also what we did not lose. Gratitude is closely linked to allegiance. For if we feel deeply grateful for what God is and does for us, we cannot conceive of any meaningful inkling to desert the Lord. We shall ask like the Apostle Paul, "What shall separate us from the love of God?" As the world gets darker, we must constantly review our own allegiance to God and spiritual fortitude. This will lead us to the place where we always declare like the songwriter, Dave Bilbrough, did in the following hymn, "Let me be Yours!" Abba Father, let me be Yours, and yours alone, May my will for ever be Evermore your own. Never let my heart grow cold Never let me go, Abba Father, let me be Yours and yours alone. "But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what gre

" You shall not commit adultery." (Exodus 20:14) The seventh commandment deals with our sexual lives. It is important to note that the ten commandments are highly condensed quick rules of life. In other words, for an expanded version of each of the commandments, consult the entire Bible. Although the seventh commandment mentions adultery as its focal point, the spirit of it addresses our sexuality in general. Just as Jesus gave an extended interpretation of the sixth commandment ("You shall not murder"), He did same with the seventh commandment as follows: "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matthew 5:27-28) By Jesus' interpretation, fornication (sex before marriage), adultery (sex outside marriage) pornography, and all other forms of sexually perverse lifestyles are infractions of equal weight in the light o

"All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss." (1 Corinthians 16:20) The biblical command to "Greet one another with a holy kiss" has elicited interesting reactions and controversial interpretations in our dispensation. Paul gives this instruction on four occasions: first to the Roman Church (Romans 16:16); twice to the Corinthian Church (1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12); and finally to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 5:26). Apostle Peter also instructs the church to greet one another with a kiss of love (1 Peter 5:14). It was culturally popular in those times to exchange kisses on the cheek as a form of greeting, just as much as handshakes are prevalent in most cultures today. It was a sign of love and acceptance. And here, the revered Apostles of those days were admonishing the church to apply this same expression of love in the church. Paul is careful, however, to qualify the kiss with "holy". A h

Prophecy comes for edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). Sometimes, prophecy comes in songs. The following is a Pentecostal hymn but also a prophetic song.  Rains symbolize the outpouring of God's grace and power. It is also a symbol of God's blessings and favour. Make this prophetic song your prayer and confession today and be blessed. 1 A greater rain is coming A greater rain is coming A greater rain is coming very soon The early and the latter rain  shall fall together at the time A greater rain is coming very soon 2. I see the signs are all around My ear has heard a certain sound A greater rain is coming very soon For Zion has travailed and shall bring forth The sons of God with a word in their mouth A greater rain is coming very soon "Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before." (Joel 2:23) Remain inspi

"You shall not murder." (Exodus 20:13) We are on the sixth commandment today. The import of this  commandment is deeper than it appears. There are different forms of murder. Some are literal, others are not. Life is a gift from God (Psalm 127:3). Taking it upon oneself to end a life, whether one's own life (suicide) or that of another (including life in the womb) constitute a sin against God. These are literal forms of murder. Jesus however explained it more deeply as follows: You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'  But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell. (Matthew 5:21-22) The Greek word for angry here means to become enraged or exasperated. It connotes  an unhealthy deg

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58) Here, in just one verse, Paul releases four success keys in quick succession. 1 Stand Firm. This talks of stability, being established, or being grounded. It is the quality of being deep in your field of endeavor. Those who make it far are those whose roots are deep in what they do. 2. Let nothing move you. This is about determination. Without it, you can hardly finish your race because setbacks are inevitable. Someone said, "You can't stop the tough times from happening, but you can be determined to move past them." 3. Give yourself fully. Here is all about passion. Halfheartedness is a canker to excellence. Why embark on an endeavour you cannot give yourself fully to? I find that the best career advice is to choose a path that ignites your passion. A

"For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet." (1 Corinthians 15:25) Sometimes, we understandably expect that if God is in control then all his enemies must instantly be subdued. Of course, God is Omnipotent. He is able to do all things, isn't He? Well, but as you study the doings of God in Scripture, you get to realize that God, in His infinite wisdom, prefers to execute His plans gradually. God does so for our own good. Instant, complete victory comes with its attendant challenges. This was what God told the Israelites before they entered the promised land: "I will send the hornet ahead of you to drive the Hivites, Canaanites and Hittites out of your way. But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals too numerous for you. Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land." (Exodus 23:28-30) The pride and pomposity

"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you." (Exodus 20:12) The first four commandments were vertical in nature. They had largely to do with one's relationship towards God. Now, after building a strong relationship with God, it's supposed to affect our relationship with our neighbor, and that's what the next six commandments are about. The first of these horizontal commandments is that we are to honor our fathers and mothers. It is also the first commandment with a promise. You don't need to be told that God is seriously interested in how we treat our parents. There's a direct blessing tied to honoring parents. There's also a direct curse associated with dishonoring parents. " If a man curses his father or mother, his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness." (Proverbs 20:20) "The eye that mocks a father, that scorns obedience to a mother, will be pecked out by the ravens

"Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand." (1 Corinthians 15:1) In our postmodern world today which is heavily plagued with secular humanism, new age philosophies and religious pluralism, not a few Christians are shying away from standing up for what they believe, or, perhaps I should say that they are losing their belief in what they used to stand for. According to findings published on evidenceandanswers.org, "53 percent of adults in church believe there is no absolute truth. Among youth in church, research shows that 57 percent do not believe an objective standard of truth exists." This is a frightening development indeed. But we must not be surprised as this is the direct fulfillment of Scripture. "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons." (1 Timothy 4:1) Christianity

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." (Proverbs 19:21) The Living Bible renders the above verse as follows: "Man proposes, but God disposes."  When we realize that God reigns in the affairs of men, and that it is His purpose that prevails, we will more eagerly court His favor rather than that of men. On this very day in 1964, Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life in prison in South Africa. The prevailing judicial system at the time adjudged him as deserving to spend the rest of his life in prison. Eventually, he spent 27 years in prison. Fast forward, on 10th May 1994, Nelson Mandela, the man who had been condemned to a lifetime in prison, was sworn in as South Africa's first black president. From a condemned prisoner to the first gentleman of the land! This is a contemporary testimony to prove that your destiny is not in the hands of men but God. Don't be utterly discouraged about men's shattering verd

There are moments when we are tempted to doubt God's power over our situation. We may even doubt His love for us when the going gets tough. This following song by Passion is a solemn reminder that God's compassion and power is bigger than we can ever imagine. 1 Speak to me when the silence steals my voice You understand me You understand me Come to me in the valley of unknowns You understand me You understand me You understand me God You understand me I throw all my cares before You My doubts and fears don't scare You You're bigger than I thought You were You're bigger than I thought So I stop all negotiations  With the God of all creation You're bigger than I thought You were You're bigger than I thought You were 2. I believe but help my unbelief You understand me You understand me Help me reach the faith that's underneath You understand me You understand me You understand me God You understand me I will rest in the Father's hands Leave the rest in

"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy." (Exodus 20:8) Today, we shall draw down the curtain on our study of the fourth commandment.  So far, we have looked at both the spiritual and physical implications of the Sabbath. Firstly, we have learnt that Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath - through Him we enter into the rest of God. Physically, we have also learnt that observing a seventh day of rest after every six days of work is more important than debating how superior a particular day is to the rest of the days of the week. We shall wrap up now with some advantages of observing a day of rest every week. 1 Spiritually, we become more receptive when we limit our stress levels. Too much pace hugely affects our ability to tap into divine inspiration and guidance. 2. Creativity heightens when we periodically take a break from the pressure of everyday work. 3. Observing a day of rest hugely reduces our stress levels and the likelihood of depression. 4. We are better positioned

"If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:2) If all you have is love, as far as God is concerned, you have something. But if you possess everything else but lack love, you have nothing. The pinnacle of Christian doctrine is love. It is the chief of all virtues and ranked above all spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul concluded his exposition on spiritual gifts by asking the church to desire for the greater spiritual gifts. The last verse of that chapter is very interesting because it is the introduction to his next subject which is love. "Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way." (1 Corinthians 12:31) After encouraging them to desire spiritual gifts, he then announces that the next subject he is moving to is the "most excellent way." What else can be better than the mo

"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1) Paul had every reason to be tempted to feel he had arrived in the faith. He had received many great revelations and had a firm grasp of the mysteries of the gospel. Having started several churches especially across Asia and Europe, and being the vessel used by God to pen about half of the New Testament books, he could well feel much accomplished. Here he was presenting himself to his followers as an example to emulate. Rightly so because he had reached far enough. But Paul was careful to add that he had not yet arrived. He was also aspiring to become more like Christ. He was still in the learning process, reaching for more of Christ everyday. This is the attitude of a life of constant victory in Christ. Not settling. Not packing. And not complacent about already being an example. But forgetting what is behind and reaching for what is ahead. "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken h

In this constant spiritual struggle of life, be resolved never to turn back. Fight on, for your victory is already assured. Be blessed by this inspiring hymn by Karen Wheaton. 1  It’s A Struggle For Survival, We Daily Meet The Foe. I’m Out There On The Battlefield, At Times I Stand Alone. That’s When Reach For My Holy Armor, I Take Up My Shield Of Faith. I March Onto The Battlefield, I Take Up My Sword And Say. And Though The Enemy Brings War Against My Soul, And Though A Host Of Evil Battles For Control. I Will Not Fear For The Lord He Is Near, And His Angels Encamp All Around Me. I Won’t Turn Back. I Won’t Turn Back. I Won’t Turn Back. 2 The Mountains High, But It’s Not Too Steep. The Battle Is Rough And I’m Not Too Weak. And I Won’t Turn Back, No I Won’t Turn Back The Road Is Hot, But It’s Not Too Long. The Enemy’s Near, But He’s Not Too Strong And I Won’t Turn Back, No I Won’t Turn Back. "For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the sh

"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy." (Exodus 20:8) We shall continue with our studies on the physical principle behind the fourth commandment. I am aware of the popular debate as to which day is to be observed as the Sabbath day. The two most popular schools of thought are the Saturday group and the Sunday group. In principle, I belong to none. The more we engage in this debate, the more we lose sight of the actual principle of the Sabbath. Remember that God took His rest on the seventh day after six straight days of work.  So if you start your working week on Sunday, then your seventh day of rest should be Saturday. And if you start work on Monday, then it will fall on Sunday. The one who starts his work on Tuesday, should observe his seventh day of rest on Monday, and so on. The most important principle here is that after every six straight days of work, pause on the seventh day and recharge. In Christ, we have secured our ultimate rest in God. Now, no particular