Joel Kwesi Baidoo

“And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.” (Psalms 78:72) Yesterday, we emphasized the supreme quality of leadership which is integrity. Today, we shall look at the other leg of the equation which is leading with skill. Effective leadership goes beyond character, it also involves skill.  Skill refers to the ability to perform a specific task or function with expertise, efficiency, and effectiveness. It involves a combination of knowledge, experience, and practice, which enables individuals to accomplish tasks with precision and accuracy.  Some of the skills essential for effective leadership are communication skills, strategic thinking, emotional Intelligence, decision-making, collaboration, coaching and development, and problem-solving.  Developing our skills comes by deliberate effort. The word of God encourages us to add knowledge to our faith. “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to good...

“And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.” (Psalms 78:72) Psalm 78 is a historical and prophetic psalm, attributed to Asaph, a Levite and leader of worship in King David's time (1 Chronicles 16:5-7). It's a psalm that recounts Israel's history from the Exodus to the reign of King David. The psalmist attributed the successful leadership of King David to two factors: integrity and skill. But he was careful to bring integrity first, thereby projecting it as the supreme quality of leadership. On this day in 1952, Dwight Eisenhower was elected the 34th President of the United States of America. One of his most famous quotes doesn't fall far from the biblical principle above. Dwight said, “The supreme quality of leadership is integrity.” Integrity is a vital trait that encompasses honesty, strong moral principles, and consistency in actions and values, whether or not anyone is watching.  Successful leadership prioritizes integrity, a...

“Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong.” (Joel 3:10) The Prophet Joel made this prophetic declaration after the southern kingdom of Israel (Judah) had suffered a locust plague as well as several incursions from foreign nations around them. It was also a time that the people of Israel had deeply fallen into spiritual decay, idolatry and all sorts of vices against the law of God. The people of God had therefore been weakened spiritually, economically, and politically. The Prophet was calling upon them to repent lest a great calamity looms. To those who return to their God, there is hope for restoration.  Prophet Joel, thus, emphasizes God’s ability to turn weakness into strength. The weak and feeble are encouraged to declare their strength, not based on physical ability, but on God's power. Saying “I am strong” is an act of faith, trusting God’s promise to restore and empower. It does not matter what makes you feel weak tod...

“...The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16) Prayer works in mysterious ways. Even the prayers we think are not answered are answered in ways we do not recognize. Heather Nicholson, a 20-year-old college student, was in a devastating car accident in 2002. She suffered severe head injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, and was left in a coma. The Doctors' verdict was that Heather's chances of recovery were slim, and she might remain in a vegetative state. Heather's family, friends, and community rallied together to pray for her recovery, including her church. Against medical expectations, Heather awakened from her coma after 3 weeks. She underwent extensive rehabilitation and made a remarkable recovery. Heather gave this testimony: "I know that prayer played a huge role in my recovery... I felt the presence of God and the prayers of others lifting me up." Dr. R. Armour Forse, Heather's neurosurgeon, stated: "Heather...

Mary Slessor (1848-1915) was a Scottish missionary who dedicated her life to spreading Christianity in Africa. She braved the dangers of the African terrain to share the Gospel. She learned local languages and cultural customs to connect with the people; and established missions, schools, and hospitals. She once said, "The sole objective of my life is to serve God and do His will." Mary Slessor's selfless work brought Christianity to thousands in Calabar, Nigeria; improved education, healthcare, and living conditions; and inspired generations of missionaries and Africans. Mary Slessor's unwavering commitment to doing the work of the Lord challenges us to surrender to God's will and brave challenges for the Gospel. May you be inspired by the lyrics of the following hymn written by Eunice Addison, a notable historical figure and songstress of the Church of Pentecost, to also do your best for the Lord whilst you're still alive. Doing the work of the Lord, Publish...

“The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him--the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.” (Isaiah 11:2) Today, we look at the Holy Spirit's function as the Spirit of understanding. To have understanding is to have a deep knowledge of something. It goes beyond knowing the facts about something. It entails knowing why things are the way they are. Binah (בינה) is the Hebrew word for understanding. It also means discernment, insight, and comprehension. It involves the ability to distinguish, separate, and perceive the relationship between things. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, He gives us understanding into the issues of life. A good part of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives is to affect the way we think. The Spirit accomplishes this most of the time while we meditate on God's Word. “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130) By ...

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13) Whether you realize it or not, there are mental barriers that impede our performance in life. Some of these barriers are self-erected, others are imposed on us by society. History has however given us countless examples that with determination and the right attitude, God can use us to break barriers. It was Henry Ford who once said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right.” Theodore Roosevelt also said, “Believe you can and you're halfway there.” The mental attitude which makes you believe that you can accomplish whatever you have set out to do with the help of God is a very powerful factor in the success equation. Let's pick some inspiration from the life of the late Kofi Annan. Born in Ghana on April 8, 1938, Annan defied the odds by rising through the ranks of the UN to become the first black UN Secretary-General from 1997 to 2006. He earned the Nobel Peace Prize, one ...

“The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him--the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.” (Isaiah 11:2) The second of the seven Spirits of God is the Spirit of wisdom. Charles Spurgeon defined wisdom as “the right use of knowledge.” As the Spirit of wisdom, the Holy Spirit endows us with discernment, insight, revelation, prudence and guidance. Thus, the Holy Spirit influences the way we think and process issues.  When we are filled with the Spirit of wisdom, we have clarity of thought, sound judgment, creative solutions, effective decision making, and godly counsel. It was by wisdom that King Solomon judged rightly between the two prostitutes (1 Kings 3:16-28). It was by wisdom that Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dream and offered practical guidance to avert a pending famine (Genesis 41:15-41). This was what Pharaoh said in response to Joseph’s direction: So Pharaoh asked them, "Can we find anyo...

“The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him--the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.” (Isaiah 11:2) From the Scripture above, we can list the seven Spirits of God as follows: The Spirit of the LORD The Spirit of wisdom The Spirit of understanding  The Spirit of counsel The Spirit of power The Spirit of knowledge  The Spirit of the fear of God The first of the Seven Spirits of God is the Spirit of the Lord. This is an emphasis on the lordship or supremacy of the Spirit in the life of a believer. It is no accident that the lordship of the Spirit is highlighted as a matter of priority. This is pregnant with many important concepts. First of all, the Holy Spirit is a person, representing the presence of the Godhead in us. We must recognise Him as Lord. He is not in us to be remote controlled by us to suit our whims and caprices. Instead, we are to yield to His leading and guidance. This must b...

Albert Einstein, the renowned physicist, was visiting the University of Oxford in 1930. Upon arrival, he asked his host, physicist Sir Frederick Lindemann, to arrange a meeting with the university's most brilliant mind. Lindemann introduced Einstein to a humble porter, Bertrand Russell's philosophical opponent, and Oxford's unassuming moral philosophy professor, William David Ross. Einstein was surprised, asking, "Why did you choose him?" Lindemann replied, "Ross is the wisest man in Oxford. His humility and openness make him a genius." Einstein spent hours discussing philosophy and ethics with Ross, acknowledging Ross's profound insights. St. Augustine once said, “Humility is the foundation of all other virtues,” and John C. Maxwell also said, “the humblest people are often the wisest.” Humility is the quality of being modest, unassuming, and receptive. It is the quality that fosters healthy relationships, encourages learning and growth, promotes em...

“Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers-not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve.” (1 Peter 5:2) Here are five habits of great leaders, backed by research and expert sources: * 1. Effective Communication * Great leaders communicate clearly, and persuasively. They do this through active listening, giving and taking regular feedback, and being adaptable to diverse audiences. * 2. Strategic Vision* Leadership is about developing and articulating a clear, inspiring vision. A leader must be able to define the organizational goals and align his team in a shared direction. It is this sense of focus that spins the wheels of progress.  * 3. Emotional Intelligence* Great leaders are able to understand and manage their emotions. They are able to forgive and apologize. They resolve conflicts and build strong relationships. *4. Decisive Action* A leader calls the shots. Great leaders ma...

"Don't advise a fool, for he will not appreciate your words or recognize their value." (Proverbs 23:9, GNT) The book of Proverbs is replete with many characteristics of a fool. One of such traits is a fool's unwillingness or inability to take advice. There are two sides of this coin: the one trying to advise a fool, and the fool who cannot take advice. The wise in heart will avoid both states. Fools do not take advice because they despise wisdom. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” (Proverbs 1:7) The ability to heed rebuke and correction separates the wise from a fool. “A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool.” (Proverbs 17:10) The fool cannot take advice because they are only full of their own ideas and opinions.  “A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.” (Proverbs 18:2) The one who is bent on their old, wrong ways and find it diffic...

The following hymn which I commonly sung during children's services is attributed to Richard of Chichester.  Day by day, dear Lord For these three things I pray To see thee more clearly Love thee more dearly Follow thee more nearly Day by day. The hymn is a prayer in which the writer asks for three things: To see God more clearly. This is a prayer to know God better. A clearer revelation of God revolutionizes our spiritual and moral life.  “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” (Philippians 3:10) To love God more dearly. This is a great prayer point because the ultimate is to love God. Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. (Matthew 22:37-38) To follow God more nearly. Jesus has charged us to take up our cross and follow Him. “ Then he said to them all: "...

“The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him--the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.” (Isaiah 11:2) “From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God.” (Revelation 4:5) We shall begin a new series today on the seven spirits of God and continue on Thursdays. Prophet Isaiah, in his Messianic prophecy enumerates seven Spirits that will be operational in the Messiah. Apostle John also describes his vision of the seven blazing lamps which are before the throne of God, pointing out that they represent the seven spirits of God. The Seven Spirits of God must not be understood in terms of a quantitative count of seven (different) spirits of God. Instead, it must be seen as a representation of the multifaceted nature of the Holy Spirit's work in the life of a believer. Just as the fruit of the Spirit...

“His work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work.” (1 Corinthians 3:13) The life we are living can be likened to building, and as Christians, this building must be founded upon the Lord Jesus Christ. Whatever we do will be tested and revealed - nothing shall be hidden. Therefore, we need to be careful how we build. The revelation of the quality of our work takes place both in this life and in the hereafter. In order for our work to stand the test of time, we must prioritize eternal values over temporary gains. We must strive for excellence, motivated by love and obedience. We must not hide behind the cloak of mediocrity thinking that we can get away with it because the quality of our work will always show.  If your excellent work doesn't seem to be noticed or appreciated today, do not be discouraged because time will bring it to light and you will be greatly rewar...

The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." Saul said to David, "Go, and the LORD be with you." (1 Samuel 17:37) David, a young shepherd, faced Goliath, a giant Philistine warrior, who challenged the armies of Israel. While others cowered in fear, David trusted in God. David's trust in God gave him courage. He didn't allow his size and age to limit his potential. Eventually, David's victory showed God's strength surpasses human ability. What "giants" are you facing today? Your giants may come in the form of fear and anxiety, self-doubt and insecurity, addiction and temptation, financial struggles and debt, relationship conflicts and isolation, health challenges and chronic pain, or career uncertainty and stagnation. Just like David conquered Goliath, we can also draw on the following strategy to overcome our giants: 1. *Trust in God*: Recognize His presence and pow...

“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...