Scripture Reflection #2

Scripture: “One thing I ask from the Lord,
this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” -Psalm 27:4

You and I have been given a wonderful privilege to seek the heart of the Father. In seeking, we make room in our hearts to know our Heavenly Father. Seeking the face of God gives us access to experience Heaven right here on Earth. To seek is a choice but unto those who make an intentional decision to knock on the doors of Heaven, they discover treasures that only true seekers can find. Spending time with God is not a chore. It is a joyful act of worship. It should be every believers hearts cry to know their Maker. When we make the doors of our hearts available to God, we experience life in abundance; the gift of life that Jesus laid down His life for us to experience fully.

Worship Song : Kari Jobe// The More I Seek You

In our key scripture today, we are given a glimpse of David’s heart; his deep longing to dwell in the presence of God. David’s only request and heart’s cry was to “dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of his life,
and to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” Like David, we have requests but for so many of us our requests are only linked to inheriting earthly treasures. Our quest to seeking God is not to know Him but to offer Him our bucket list of prayer requests. Don’t get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with having prayer requests. God longs for us His children to lay down all their burdens. He patiently awaits for us to present our requests unto Him. For as it is written in Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”. In presenting our requests to God, the posture of our hearts matters.

In Psalm 51, David models unto us His need for God. Like David, we also need God but we must learn to humbly come before His presence. In a world where we are so caught up in the business of life, we must learn to take the time to REST. To rest is not to sleep. Resting is not for lazy people. Resting is necessary for every child of God. From the beginning of time, God exemplified to us the importance of resting. (See Genesis 2:3). When we prioritize making money and chasing after earthly things over spending time with God, we clearly show what sits on the throne of our hearts. God doesn’t need a competitor. He is God and His desire for us is to worship Him in spirit and in truth. (See John 4:24)

With every season, there is a test. Whether you are currently facing a storm or enjoying the sunshine, recognizing the season you are in makes all the difference. In knowing your season, you are able to open your heart to all that God is teaching you. Every season presents unto us afresh opportunities that centers our hearts and makes room for us to experience new things in life. As believers, we must continually learn the act of giving thanks unto God in every season of our lives.

With everything being said, what are seeking of the Lord in this season of your life? Is to know Him and gaze upon His beauty and seek His face or is to receive all the blessings He can offer unto you in this season of famine? For as it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

May we make time each day, to abide in the presence of the Lord. Dwelling in the presence of God is not only designed for encamping in the days of trouble. God is inviting you and I to come and experience all that His presence has to offer unto us. Will you accept the invitation or reserve it for another day? The Lord is waiting on you!

Yours truly,

Karen ✨

Poem| The Overflow

There will come a day

when the light will shine

and darkness will not give way

because on that day,

we will all know that the Lord reigns.

Right here and now,

we will gaze

at the flow of the river,

whose streams make glad

the city of God.

For as it is written,

if anyone is thirsty,

let him come to me

and drink.”

Daughter,

come and drink

from the well

that never runs dry.

Let this open invitation

become your heart’s cry.

For to know the Father

and to abide in His Vineyard

each day is a beautiful mystery

and a treasure that

so many have not found.

But you,

come and taste and see

that the Lord is Good.

Dine, my child.

Sit at the table

of the One who

created you.

Dwell in the presence

of the One who cares

and who first loved you.

Like a tree,

stay deeply rooted

my child,

at the feet

of the One

who saved your soul.

©️ Karen Owusu

The Check-Up

There comes a time in one’s life where one has to take the time to sit and reflect. With everything going on in our nation, it is so easy for one to become sidetracked and fixated on the storm. Everyone is either afraid and unsettled about the pandemic that has drastically caused a shift in our nation. The people around me are pretty calm, washing their hands, praying and trusting God. Indeed, we are in a difficult time as a nation. No one was prepared for a virus outbreak that would take the lives of so many innocent beings. In spite of everything, I’m sure that there are lessons that we can all take from this experience.

I am coming to you live from my bedroom. It’s been a productive day by far. Just stopping by to see how you are all doing amidst the chaos going on. With that in mind, let’s do some reflection. Are you ready? Let’s go.

Reflection Questions

1. How are you doing?

2. How is your family and loved ones doing?

3. Are you currently working from home or still physically going to work?

4. If you can describe your life right now in three words, what would you say?

5. What is the state of your finances right now? Did you have anything saved up? If so, is it enough to sustain you for a couple of months?

6. What are some of the thoughts running through your head?

7. How have you been spending your time amidst the crisis?

8. If you are a parent, how has it been having your children around you all day? How has homeschooling been for you?

9. What are some of the ways you are staying in contact with your loved ones?

10. For many church attendees, services are now held online? How has the sudden changes impacted you?

11. Do you find yourself eating more or less lately?

12. What are three things you have learned about yourself now that you are at the four corners of your home?

13. Have you checked up on your friends? How are they doing?

14. In which ways, have the pandemic affected you?

15. What are three life lessons you can say that you have learned during this crisis?

16. Have you watched any sermons? If so, which one (s)? What were some of the takeaways?

17. Are you praying or living in fear?

18. What does your everyday life look like right now or you? Has anything changed? Did you have to implement some new routines into your schedule?

19. What are some Bible verses you are clinging unto amidst the storm?

20. Are you making room in your schedule for God?

21. When it’s all said and done, what advice will you give to yourself after the storm is over? Do you need to save and spend less? Do you need to check on your family and friends more often? Do you need to get your priorities straight? Do you need to rededicate your life to God? Do you need to spend more time with God?

I hope you found these reflective questions helpful. Though we are in a trying time globally, it is my prayer that we will take the time to pray more instead of live in fear. May we take the time daily to spend time with God. Abide and be found in the Vine. Take time to praise and worship the Lord. Read a book. Spend time with your family. Cook a meal. Create memories with your loved ones. Get started on that project you have postponed time and time again. Take a shower. Drink water. Be refreshed. Stop checking the statistics every minute. Stay at home if you don’t have anywhere to go. The virus is not a joke but the Lord isn’t either. Take heed to instructions about staying home. Shine your eyes bright. Smile. Laugh. It’s okay. Don’t be uptight. Cast your cares to the Lord. Fix your eyes on the One who is in Control of everything.

©️Karen Owusu

A Cry For Mercy!

Happy Wednesday everyone. I trust that you are all doing well. It’s a new day and by God’s grace we are alive. I’m sure by now, we are all aware of what this nation is currently facing but as believers of Christ Jesus, we know that we have the Victory. Instead of pointing fingers at China, we should be praying. The virus may have began in China, but it has taken territory all around the world. Everyone has been affected in one way or the other. Though the numbers are rising each day, we can only put our hope and trust in God. We are not hopeless people without a God. The One we serve is the Alpha and Omega. He is the Lord Almighty who reigns and triumphs every battle.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

Psalm 20:7

Who we choose to put our trust in makes a difference. As believers, we will not make room for fear in our homes. Much rather, we will rise and pray. We will be silent, while fixing our eyes on the statistics of Coronavirus. We will cry out for mercy to our God, who neither sleeps or slumbers. The Lord hears us. Yes, we are aware of the virus but we must choose to believe in the report of the Lord. The Lord has the final say. No one expects a storm to come until it comes with its whirlwinds but in spite of everything going on, we will continue to pray for the nation, those who have been affected, our healthcare workers and etc. Sometimes, a storm comes to us as a test and an awakening. As of now, there is no solution. The scientists don’t have the answers. Everything is Corona this and Corona that but we know the answer is Jesus. There are so many things we can all learn amidst a storm.

Things we can learn from the storm ⛈

1. No one is in Control. As humans, we want to be in control. We demand for answers for everything but amidst the storm, the best thing we can do is be still and know that God is in Control. Amidst our uncertainties, we know one thing that is sure, God is alive. Everything may look impossible, but we know that God can do that which is impossible unto man. He can turns things around with one breath and His outstretched hands.

2. There is someone greater whether we choose to believe or not. As believers, we know that God is the one who sits on the throne. He reigns forevermore.

3. You never know when death will knock on your door. You may have many keys but no one can control time. No one knows the time and hour. So many lives have been lost due to this virus. Who would have taught that so many people will perish because of a virus?

4. You must take heed to instructions because when you don’t it can only lead to destruction. I don’t know how many times, we have been told to keep safe and stay home if we don’t have anywhere to go. Yet still, there are people who don’t listen. People are stepping out because they are bored. They are tired of staying home 🏡 but this not the time and season for reckless decisions to be made. When you go to the store, buy what you need. Going back every two days to get water and cereal will only put you in a predicament you might regret. The virus 🦠 is spreading so fast 💨 that it’s not the time to be careless.

5. As a people, we must depend on God. It’s quite interesting how on the U.S. bill “In God we trust” is written. So many times, I wonder which god? We must continually pray for our nation. We must repent of our sins. National day of prayer is great but it’s time that we need a National day of repentance. Imagine a nation who depends on God for everything, I wonder how things will be like when we learn to join hands and intercede for our nation as a whole.

6. We must seek God. We must not take seeking the face of God lightly. The Lord awaits His people. As believers, we have a huge responsibility. This is not the time cower and be binging on shows. It’s time for God’s people to seek His face. For it is written

If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14

Although, the world may just be sitting around fishing for answers in the laboratory, we will fix our eyes on the Lord. Scientists of all people don’t have the answers up till now, this should open the eyes of people. So many of us, seek the things of the world to bring us solution. This is not to say that God doesn’t give us resources to use but many times, we become so reliant on the resources instead of the giver himself. Who is to say that God cannot not give wisdom to someone who isn’t in the laboratory 🔬 the answer to the virus? God can use anyone He wants so that His power will be manifested in such a time as this. The world is in need of a solution but we know that the answer derived from God.

7. Check up on your friend and loved ones. For some of us, we have friends who are in the healthcare field. Their lives are on the line. It’s so easy to focus on yourself amidst a storm but it is very important that we learn to reach out to our loved ones. Pray for them. Plead the blood 🩸 of Jesus over their lives. Ask God for wisdom concerning every decision that they will have to make. Amidst the storm, it’s also time for their light to shine. I am praying that each hand will bring forth healing in Jesus name.

8. We must continue to pray. Prayer is the key that unlocks and tears down walls. The wall of Jericho must fall down. We have been given the power and authority. We must begin to speak over Covid-19. We must pray for those who have been affected, and for those families who have lost their loved ones to this deadly virus. It’s easy to Netflix and chill when the virus hasn’t touched your household. Too many people are silent and just so comfortable with the news. For so many, it’s a time to start creating business ideas, boo loving 🥰, and booking the cheapest airlines. Yes, flight tickets are so amazing right now is this the time to be going to Italy? The last time I checked, the answer is NO. It’s time to rather pray. The only conversation is surrounded around the statistics. It’s to the point that people just want to the live “their best lives” right now. As believers, it is our time to pray despite how dry the land is right now. We want to see the land flowing with milk and honey but everyone is sleeping. It’s time for the sleepers to awake. Where are the people that God has raised for such a time as this? The Lord didn’t prepare Esther, Moses, Joseph and David for them to be dining with the world. It’s time for us to arise and shine! Get down on your knees and pray. Cry out for mercy! The battle belongs to the Lord but we His people must pray and raise a banner of praise. The Victory is ours in Jesus name 🙌🏿😊

As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.

Genesis 50:20

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. May we continue to fix our eyes on the Lord! May our faith increase as doubts and fears decrease. God is with us. The One the waves obey is still in control of the storm. Find rest in knowing that God has won the Victory.

Where Is God?

In the midst of a crisis, it’s quite interesting how the question “Where is God?” arises like a wave trying to find its center for calm. As of right now, the Coronavirus pandemic has heightened drastically and fear levels are beyond the horizon in this nation like never before. Universities, restaurants, malls, movie theaters and churches have been closed for a few days due to the outbreak. The nation will soon be on lockdown. There’s so much commotion going on that even believers belonging to the body are starting to lose their faith in Christ. Without a doubt, this is a difficult time in our nation. So many countries have been affected by this outbreak. There are no answers just active and death statistics. Currently, the number of cases for the Coronavirus in the U.S. is 14,439 with a total of 218 deaths and 125 recoveries.

According to CNN, the possibility of the Coronavirus pandemic can last up to approximately 18 months. Tests are being conducted across the nation every day. Healthcare workers are running out of masks and equipments. Just yesterday, a friend of mine who is a nurse shared with me how a patient of hers was tested positive for Coronavirus. She stated how scary it has been working during such a time as this with the pandemic.

In spite of everything that is going on around us, may we reminded the truth which is God is in the midst of us. In Ezekiel 48:35, we are reminded that “The Lord Is There”. Where you may ask? Well, the Lord is present amidst the pandemic. He is God who is in Control. As humans, we are so used to being in control and wanting to know what is next? Right now, we don’t know what is next in line. No one has the answers including the scientists we put our trust in to have all the answers. We are like babies in an incubator. We need God more than ever before. He is our only lifeline. May we continue to encourage and pray for one another. May we take the time to check up on our loved ones in this time. Please don’t lose hope. Have faith! Continue to do the necessary and take precautions. If you don’t need to be somewhere, stay home. It baffles me that during this crisis, there are still people going to the malls to shop for clothes while people are still circling around with large groups of people. For some, this virus is not serious. Its a time for them to live their lives. It’s not serious because it hasn’t come in contact with their family and loved ones but the truth is many have been affected and the numbers keep on rising. Be safe!

On the good note, this will be a time where many people will be united with their loved ones. It’s interesting how an issue can call for the attention for the nation; how family reunions can unite and rebuild homes. There is still beauty despite the ashes we see. It’s in this season that those who don’t know how to cook, will start watching YouTube videos and taking lessons. Husband and wives will face each other. No running away from problems. Restoration will take place. This is a time where creative ideas will bloom. Moreover, this will be a time for us to go deeper in our walks with God. There is a lot going on around us but there is still so much that can be done when we use the time we have been given wisely.

Declarations

1. Let there be abundant peace in our world today.

2. Let there be renewed hope in our nation.

3. Let there be light 💡 for all to see you Lord.

4. Let there be salvation of souls. In a time as this, Father draw your people unto you. Break down every walls and let our hearts be postured unto you. Break our hearts for what breaks yours Lord. Fix our eyes on you Jesus.

5. Let there be restoration in our families, friendship circles and etc.

6. Let there be wisdom for the researchers. Deposit every idea necessary for this virus. May we get to the root of this pandemic.

7. Let there be a solution Lord for the nation.

8. Let there be complete healing for those who have been affected by the Coronavirus.

Father, may your purpose be fulfilled in everything. In Jesus name! 🙏🏿

May God continue to be with us all. Faith over fear! May we not stop washing our hands, taking our showers and covering our mouths. Eat some delicious food. Get some rest but continue to pray. Be alert and take precautions. Have a blessed day, my people. God is still in Control! 😊

United In Prayer 🙏🏿

As I at work, I saw this lovely sign that said “Prayer Room”. Immediately, I picked it up and tried to find a place to put it. Then I saw a mason jar with leaves. I couldn’t help but smile. I paired it together and hurried to take a picture before my manager saw me and then I placed it back to the designated spot. I’m always reminded of God in so many ways while at work 😊.

As we may all be aware, we are in a difficult time as a nation. The heightened concern about Coronavirus has left so many people paralyzed and in fear. As believers, I strongly believe that it is time for us to arise in faith and unite in prayer. Light has come. It is time for us to unite as one body. Our nation is already divided but this is the opportune time for us to intercede for everyone. The spread of COVID-19 is real but so is our God. The test begins right now. It’s interesting how in the state of America, it is written on our bill that “In God we trust” but we want no affiliation with God. It is in this time that we cry out to the Lord asking for mercy! Like the blind man who cried out to Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me, we too will arise with cries and shouts, professing with our mouths “Son of David. Have mercy on us”. The Lord hears us and answers us. In this time of chaos, we must stand and declare peace over our nation. There is power in the words that we speak. There is power in the name of Jesus. At the mentioning of His everything including Coronavirus must bow! With the increasing cases of Coronavirus, we will increase all the more in washing our hands, taking a shower, coughing our mouths, taking our Vitamin C and taking precautions as instructed. The truth is failure to take instructions will only lead to destruction.

With everything going on, this is not a time for us to fear. Yes, we are humans and our instant response is to fear when things are going crazy beyond our control but fear will not bring an answer to this situation at hand. As believers, we have been given the greatest weapon known as prayer. While the world is afraid, we will arise and stand in the gap. Throughout the course of everything, I have been reading upon the plagues found in the book of Exodus. my key scripture has been Proverbs 18:10 “The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous to it and are safe.” It is time to dwell more in the secret place. It is time to call upon the name of the Lord. While the world is fixated on the name of the virus, we will call upon the Lord who can send the wind 💨 to blow away this virus to the sea. Fear will not be the governor of our life. Faith will be our response because as we know God is on our side. He will not leave us nor forsake us. The Lord is our Banner! He will cover us and keep us safe. He is our Rock, Refuge, Sustainer and everything that we need. Coronavirus shall pass away. If we keep analyzing and knocking on the CDC door and every news channel, fear like a seed will sprout. Much rather as believers, it is at this time that we should encourage each all the more. We must understand that this pandemic is not news to God. We are bearers of Good News. We are for signs as wonders. We must point people to the light! Lead people to Christ. Pray for peace, renewed hope, increase in faith, divine healing, wisdom for the leaders and those people in will have to make critical decisions and safety for the nation as a whole. The outbreak may have started in China but it is now in places we didn’t expect. Coronavirus is out of our control but we serve a God who is and has always been in Control. Fear not, children of the most high God. Put your hope in Christ. Be rest assured of His promises through His word. Declare them over your life, friends, family and all over the nation. Don’t sit and take it lightly because it’s not affecting you. Arise & Pray. Let the light of Christ shine wherever you go.

Verses To Ponder

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. -2 Timothy 1:7

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” -Psalm 46:10

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. May we all be encouraged that God is with us. He will never leave us nor forsake us. Have a wonderful day 😊

Where Is Your Heart?

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” -Matthew 6:21

Question of the day: What is seated on the throne of your heart in this season of your life?

Reflection: In our key scripture today, we are being reminded that whatsoever we place a high value on, there also our hearts will be. Throughout scripture, we are taught that the things of this world will pass away but the word of God will stand forevermore. It is written but with each day we see it clearly with everything that is going on around us. God wants our undivided attention. He wants our hearts. He wants it all.

As believers, we have been given an opportunity to give our all to God or the world. We can either submit to God or make room for the world to take dominion over our hearts, minds and soul. The truth is, the things of this world are perishable, only paving a way towards destruction. A life surrendered to God is a heart yielded and ready to be used for the work of the Lord. In order for us to experience the fullness of God, we must learn to lay down our nets and pick up our Cross daily.

In a world, where busyness has become a lifestyle, we must learn to find rest in the Father. We must learn to set time aside for the Lord. Time is in His hands but He has blessed us with the gift of His time. We must take time to assess our life, thoughts, and things we prioritize. Without a heart check, it would be difficult for us to identify who/what sits on the throne of our hearts. If we want to be a people who regard the Lord in our daily activities, we must seek the Holy Spirit and make it a priority to spend time with the Lord. In everything, may we be reminded of Matthew 6:33 which reads “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” The key is to “seek first” the Kingdom. We have been given the access to feast with the King. We have been given a privilege to fellowship with the Lord but many times we allow the things of this world to dictate our lives. Experiencing the treasures of heaven on here Earth requires us making room for the Lord. It is my prayer that we will yield to the Holy Spirit daily. We will open up our hearts to learn from God. As we draw nearer unto our Heavenly Father, the more He draws nearer unto us. The more we make room for God, the more we experience the fullness of His presence.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. God bless you all 😊