Joel Kwesi Baidoo

“For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge.” (Romans 10:2) Zeal without knowledge is a dangerous thing. It's just like speeding in the wrong direction. The renowned English Presbyterian Minister and Bible Commentator, Matthew Henry, once said, "Zeal without knowledge is like a sword in a madman's hand.” During Paul's time, many Jews were zealous for the law and traditions, but rejected Jesus as the Messiah. Paul argues that their zeal is misguided because it's not grounded in a correct understanding of God's plan. Paul is talking from experience. Before his conversion, he was a zealous Pharisee who persecuted early Christians, believing he was serving God (Acts 8:1-3, 9:1-2). His passion for his faith led him to commit terrible acts, but once he encountered Jesus and gained knowledge, he became a powerful apostle for the Gospel. As we read about Paul and the Israelites, we must bear in mind that we may

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:23) Today, we look at the concluding characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit which is self control. Self-control is the ability to regulate one's emotions, desires, and actions, aligning them with God's will and principles. It involves exercising moderation, restraint, personal discipline, perseverance, and wisdom in decision-making. Cultivating self-control leads to a more Christ-like character, enabling us to resist temptation, overcome sinful habits, demonstrate humility, show love and compassion, and ultimately glorify God in our lives. The opposite of self control is to allow our fleshly nature to run wild without any constraints. The end result of that is regrettable actions and decisions. This is a good conclusion to the lesson of the fruit of the Holy Spirit because we cannot possibly claim fullne

  "Who despises the day of small things?..." (Zechariah 4:10) Every great success has a beginning, often a small one. It's inspiring to see how small beginnings can lead to great outcomes!  The occasion of the bible verse above was the construction of the second temple. The project was ridiculed by Judah's enemies, and even underestimated by many Jews who had seen the grandeur of the previous temple. However, in God's eyes, it was a humble beginning of something great. Such is life. People often despise small beginnings because they hardly see the great future enveloped within. In 1998, Google's founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, started their search engine project in a friend's garage in Menlo Park, California. Initially, they named it "Backrub." Today, Google is a global technology giant, with a market value of over $1 trillion, and its search engine is the most widely used in the world. If you find yourself in a place where you are being ri

“For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” (1 Corinthians 15:9) One of the most indisputable demonstrations of God's power is when a hardened opponent to the gospel converts to become a promoter of the same message he used to oppose. That was the story of Apostle Paul. The good news is that God is still in the transformation business, turning people from opposition to devotion. A more contemporary example is Sundar Singh. Sundar Singh (1889-1929) was an Indian who was born into a Sikh family in Punjab, India. He was strongly opposed to Christianity and even burned a Bible in public. On December 18, 1904, Sundar had a dramatic vision of Jesus Christ, which changed his life forever. He was baptized in 1905 and began preaching the Gospel, facing persecution from his family and community. He traveled extensively, preaching in India, Tibet, and the Middle East, often in extreme conditions. Sundar's me

"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…" (Proverbs 23:7) Change begins in the mind. A transformation of your mental attitude invariably translates into a revolution of your life. Nick Vujicic, in his autobiography, "Life Without Limits" (2010), tells his amazing story! Nick, born without arms or legs, struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts. However, one day, he had an epiphany: "I realized that I had a choice: I could let my circumstances define me, or I could use them to inspire others." Nick decided to change his mindset and focus on what he could do, rather than what he couldn't. He learned to surf, play football, and even skydive using his feet. Today, Nick is a motivational speaker, inspiring millions worldwide with his message of hope and resilience. The point is, despite your circumstances, you can hardly rise above your own mental attitude. It was Henry Ford who once said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can't – yo

Manie Payne Ferguson wrote the hymn "That Man of Calvary" in 1911. Ferguson was an American hymn writer and musician from North Carolina. She was known for her poetic and heartfelt lyrics, which often focused on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The story behind "That Man of Calvary" is deeply personal. Ferguson wrote the hymn during a time of great sorrow and loss in her life. Her husband had passed away, leaving her a widow with several young children to care for. As she struggled to come to terms with her loss, Ferguson found comfort in her faith and in the story of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. She began to write the hymn as a way of expressing her feelings of grief, hope, and devotion. Be blessed as you ruminate on the hymn below. 1 Fairest of all the earth beside. Chiefest of all unto thy bride, Fullness divine in thee I see, Wonderful man of Calvary That man of Calvary Has won my heart from me, And died to set me free, Blest man of Calvary 2. Grant

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23) The penultimate characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit is gentleness. The Greek word for gentleness here is sometimes translated as meekness. It is the quality of showing humility, mildness, and modesty in one's behaviour and attitude.  A gentle person avoids boastfulness, loudness or seeking to draw attention to himself. Instead, he is considerate and compassionate towards others, ready to yield to and learn from everyone, whether small or great. The Holy Spirit is a gentle Spirit, symbolized by a dove. Doves are known for their gentle and peaceful nature. They are not typically aggressive and they avoid fighting with other birds. Jesus admonishes us to be as gentle/harmless/innocent as doves. “Listen carefully: I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; so be wise as serpents, and innocent as dov

  "...what the righteous desire will be granted." (Proverbs 10:24) On a day like this on August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The speech is considered one of the most powerful and influential speeches in American history. The speech called for an end to racism and segregation, and advocated for civil rights and equality for African Americans. It helped to galvanize the Civil Rights Movement and paved the way for landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This is a powerful contemporary reminder that godly dreams do come true, and that what the righteous desire will indeed be granted.  Someone once said, "Dreams are the seeds of change. Nothing ever grows without a seed, and nothing ever changes without a dream." A dream is a mental picture of a desirab

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.” (Acts 20:24) In her autobiography, "Unbowed" (2006), Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan environmentalist and women's rights activist, tells her powerful story. In the 1980s, Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement, which aimed to empower women and promote sustainable development. Despite facing harassment, intimidation, and imprisonment by the Kenyan government, Maathai continued her work, saying: "I was not going to be intimidated or deterred from my work... I was prepared to die for it." Maathai chose to prioritize her dignity and the well-being of her community over personal comfort and safety. Her determination and courage earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.  Like the Apostle Paul, we must find something of greater value that we can cherish more than our own sense of enjoymen

We all have this mental picture of a desirable future the attainment of which we expect to give us a sense of fulfillment or “arrival”.  Emma Gannon, in her book, “Success Myth” published in 2023, describes what she calls the “Arrival Fallacy”, an ideology which falsely suggests that reaching a certain milestone will bring enduring joy. In explaining her point she gave the following illustration.  Picture this. For years, you've dreamed about publishing your first book, and it's finally happened. The book launch is thrilling, full of celebration and a sense of accomplishment. And yet, a few months later, you feel deflated and unfulfilled, despite having achieved your goal. Achieving a long-awaited goal often leads to a surprising letdown, exposing the myth that success guarantees lasting happiness. This phenomenon isn't limited to publishing a book, but also applies to other major life events like landing a dream job, acquiring a new home, getting promoted, finishing a mara

When faced with challenges, setbacks, or discouragement, remember that success often lies just beyond the point of giving up. Don't lose heart or lose faith. Instead, draw strength from the Lord, and push forward with persistence and determination.  Every step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goals. So, take a deep breath, gather your courage, and keep moving forward. Don't give up yet – your breakthrough may be just around the corner! May you find encouragement from the following hymn written by Mrs. Grace Gakpetor, a Ghanaian songstress and wife of Apostle Samuel Gakpetor, an Apostle of the Church of Pentecost. 1. Don't give up yet, I’m in control Watching over you to the end Life may be dark, I’ll be your light In your weakness, my grace prevails Look up to me, rely on me Keep trusting Me, in all you do Surely My presence is with you  Surely victory will be your end 2. Life will be brigh-ter than noon day Darkness will be-come like morning If you d

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” (Galatians 5:22) Today, we shall explore the seventh characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit which is faithfulness. To be faithful is to be loyal, reliable, steadfast, true to one's word, committed, and trustworthy. Our faithfulness is both towards God and men. Hudson Taylor (1832-1905), a British missionary, is a shining example of a man who demonstrated remarkable faithfulness to God and his calling. He served in China for over 50 years, founding the China Inland Mission (now OMF International). Taylor adapted to Chinese culture, adopting local customs and dress. His faithfulness made him persevere through hardships, including the loss of his first wife and children. Ultimately, his ministry resulted in the establishment of over 20 mission stations in China, the translation of the Bible into several Chinese dialects, and the conversion of thousands of Chinese people to Christianity. T

“...Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” (Mark 10:43) Leading by serving, also known as servant leadership, is a leadership approach where leaders prioritize serving others, empowering them, and putting their needs first. Jesus led by serving others in many ways, demonstrating humility, compassion, and love. Here are some examples: 1. Washing the disciples' feet (John 13:1-17): Jesus showed humility and servanthood by washing his disciples' feet, teaching them to serve one another. 2. Healing and caring for the sick (Matthew 9:35, Mark 1:40-42): Jesus demonstrated compassion and empathy by healing and caring for those suffering physically and emotionally. 3. Feeding the hungry (Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44): Jesus showed concern for people's physical needs by feeding the hungry and providing for those in need. 4. Teaching and guiding (Matthew 5-7, Mark 10:1-31): Jesus taught valuable lessons and guided his followers, empowering them to grow and l

“In everything, set them an example by doing what is good…” (Titus 2:7) After all is said and done, leadership is about influence, and the best way to influence people is by setting them an example. Here are ten ways we can lead by example: 1. Model the behavior you want to see: Leaders set the tone by demonstrating the behavior, values, and work ethic they expect from others. 2. Lead with integrity: Be honest, transparent, and authentic in all your words and actions. 3. Take ownership and responsibility: Leaders take charge, admit mistakes, and learn from failures. 4. Show enthusiasm and passion: Demonstrate energy and commitment to the mission and vision. 5. Empower others: Delegate, provide resources, and support growth and development. 6. Communicate effectively: Listen actively, clarify expectations, and provide feedback. Encourage and rebuke when necessary.  7. Take Initiative: Be proactive. Try new approaches and solutions. Improve processes and systems. 8. Be approachabl

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” - John Quincy Adams Leadership is not just about titles or positions, but about the positive impact we have on others. When our actions inspire others to take action, or make a difference, we are leading by inspiration.  When we lead, we inspire others to dream bigger, work harder, believe in themselves, strive for excellence, and make a positive impact. Inspirational leaders awaken our true capacity, challenging us to heights we never dreamt of. They see beyond our present limitations and shortcomings. Inspiration is the spark that sets the fire of potential ablaze. It's the wind that fills the sails of progress. And it's the sunshine that nourishes the growth of individuals and teams. As a leader, when you inspire others, you unlock their potential, foster a sense of purpose, encourage creativity and innovation, build confidence and trust, create a culture of positivity and

"We Are Marching to Zion" is a classic Christian hymn written by Isaac Watts, an English Baptist minister and hymn writer in 1707. He drew inspiration particularly from the Psalms and the book of Hebrews. Over time, the hymn has been set to various melodies, but the most well-known tune is probably the one composed by Robert Lowry in the 19th century. Today, "We Are Marching to Zion" remains a beloved hymn in many Christian traditions, sung in churches, choirs, and gatherings around the world. As you ponder over the lyrics, may you be inspired to fix your gax on the heavenly goal! 1 Come, ye that love the Lord, And let your joys be known Join in a song with sweet accord And thus surround the throne,  We’re marching to Zion Beautiful, beautiful Zion; We’re marching upward to Zion, The beautiful city of God. 2. Let those refuse to sing Who never knew our God; But children of the heavenly King  Must speak their joys abroad  3. The hill of Zion yields A thousand sacred

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness…”(Galatians 5:22) The fruit of the Spirit is the result of allowing God to work in and through us. It is the manifestation of a Christian who has matured in character. Today, we shall explore the sixth characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit which is goodness. Goodness is an essential aspect of the fruit of the Spirit, representing moral excellence, generosity, and a desire to do good to others. It involves demonstrating God's character in our actions and decisions. The root word for goodness emphasizes generosity and philanthropy. This generosity must show in our thoughts, words, actions, and relationships.  It was Winston Churchill who made the profound statement that “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Samuel Johnson's statement is equally thought-provoking: “The measure of a man's real character is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.”