Posts in category: Top Stories

Everyone will one day have a temporary roommate. A temporary roommate is someone you share a room with other than your partner or children.

This happens in boarding houses, hostels, hotels, etc. This occurs during conferences, seminars, short courses, programmes, academic calendars, etc. Sometimes one may have one or more roommates depending on the occasion. The duration may be for hours, days or months. It may also last for years.

When two or more people meet, they must know that no matter how short the duration is, each one has an impact on the other or one another. It is therefore incumbent on everyone to ensure that as much as it depends on them, they must leave positive lasting impression on the others when they meet new friends.

These areas need important attention:

1. Personal hygiene
2. Hang towels outside the room for them to dry before you take them inside.
3. Place shoes outside after prolonged wear for aeration before you take them inside.
4. Keep sweat soiled clothing aerated before hanging them inside.
5. Bath twice a day if possible.
6. Aside from the morning, brush your teeth after lunch and supper if possible.
7. Brush your teeth after a nap, especially after afternoon siesta.

• Respiratory protection

i. Perfumes/creams: Some people are allergic to high scented perfumes and creams. Be moderate in using them. Kindly know that the people that may sit around you in class or in the hall too may be allergic to your perfumes, so be very moderate. To help your roommate, you may even apply the perfume in the balcony or just when you are leaving the room. Please take this seriously lest you harm people.

ii. Fan: Some people cannot tolerate high speed fan. It can lead to blocked nostrils, cough or chest pains. So, kindly reduce the speed of the fan.

iii. Air conditioning: Some people can tolerate the lowest temperature while others cannot. Kindly make the cooling comfortable for all.

• Noise pollution

Some people enjoy listening to music or news or sermons on their phones. Please, kindly note that if each of you in the room tunes to their favourite radio stations or plays their favourite music or sermons, there will be total anarchy in the room. It is better to use earpiece so the other person does not hear what you are hearing. It is very courteous to do so.

Also observe these:

• Lower your tone when making a call. You may even step out to do so.
• Do not shout to call someone far away.
• Do not stand in front of a room to talk on top of your voice.
• Note that your rising time may be someone’s sleeping or meditation time.
• Considering the plight of your roommate

Top beds may not help some roommates by their conditions. Some may be heavy, pregnant, old, sick or weak while others may have babies with them. When you arrive in a room earlier and choose a down bed it would be much appreciated if you give your down bed to any of the people in these categories.

• Tolerating the other person

Your roommate may consciously or unconsciously make you uncomfortable. Some of the things they do may be beyond their control. Examples include their babies crying, snoring, coughing, etc. Kindly tolerate them just as you would have loved to be tolerated if you were in the same situation.

• Politely voicing your challenges out

I have realised that naturally people are caring and so those who may have a challenge with perfumes, fans, air conditioners, height, etc. should voice it out to their roommates. It is better letting them know than expecting them to know. Kindly help them to help you.

• Avoid discussing deep family matters or leadership matters that may make your roommate uncomfortable

Conclusion

From the above, I can unequivocally allude that many of us have inadvertently caused discomfort to our roommates before.

Well, Proverbs 28:13 tells us to forsake what is not good. Kindly make amends to prolong the life of your roommate and to make him/her want to choose you next time if they have the option to choose.

Written by Pastor Dr Suleman De-Graft Issaka (Tema Greenwich Meridian District)

Pentecost marks a pivotal moment in Christian history, marking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the early believers. This divine encounter empowered them to become bold witnesses for Christ, initiating the rapid spread of the Gospel. In Acts 2, we see the birth of the Church and the beginning of a powerful movement that continues to this day. But what comes next after such a transformative experience? How are young men and women, filled with the Holy Spirit, called to “possess the nations” and impact their spheres for the Lord?

The Call to Action

After Pentecost, the first call to action for the apostles was the Great Commission. Pentecost was not just a one-time event but a catalyst for a lifelong mission. The book of Acts chronicles the immediate aftermath of Pentecost, showcasing the apostles’ newfound boldness and miraculous works.

After receiving the Holy Spirit, the early disciples were transformed and equipped to spread the Gospel. Acts 1:8 captures Jesus’ promise: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” This mandate is still relevant today, calling young Christians to be witnesses in their communities and beyond. The call to action is to embrace the Holy Spirit, walk in His power daily, allow Him to guide, teach, and empower us for the tasks ahead.

Empowered to Possess

To “possess the nations” means to take ownership and responsibility for bringing God’s Kingdom to every sphere of influence. The empowerment that came at Pentecost is not limited to geographical boundaries but extends to every area of life, education, business, politics, arts, and more. Peter, once timid and afraid, preached boldly to the masses after receiving the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:14-41 records Peter’s first sermon, resulting in about three thousand conversions. Similarly, young men and women empowered by the Holy Spirit are called to transform their spheres with the values and principles of the Kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit equips us with courage and the words to speak, as Jesus promised in Luke 12:12: “For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” Believers today are called to step out in boldness. Do not be afraid to share your faith, to stand for righteousness, and to influence your world.

Possessing the Nations

“Possessing the nations” is not just a call to geographical expansion but a mandate to influence every sector of society with God’s principles. It is about establishing God’s kingdom in every domain of society. Young men and women are uniquely positioned to bring God’s kingdom to their workplaces, schools, families, and communities. As Jesus instructed in Matthew 5:13-16, we are to be salt and light, preserving godly values and illuminating truth wherever we go.

The book of Daniel provides an excellent example of this. Daniel and his friends, empowered by the Spirit of God, rose to positions of influence in a foreign land, impacting the Babylonian society while remaining faithful to their God (Daniel 1:17-20). Likewise, you are called to rise in your respective fields, bringing godly influence and transformation.

Living Out the Mission

1. Personal Holiness and Integrity:

Before we can impact the world, we must allow the Holy Spirit to transform us from within. Ephesians 4:22-24 exhorts us to put off the old self and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Personal integrity and holiness are foundational to being effective witnesses.

2. Bold Proclamation of the Gospel:

The early disciples were known for their boldness in proclaiming the Gospel. Acts 4:31 says, “And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” We are called to share the Good News without fear, trusting that the Holy Spirit will give us the words to speak.

3. Compassionate Service:

Jesus’ ministry was marked by compassion and service to others. Matthew 25:35-36 reminds us of the importance of serving those in need: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.” Young Christians are called to reflect Christ’s love through acts of kindness and service.

4. Excellence in All Things:

Colossians 3:23-24 encourages us to work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that we will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. Whether in academics, career, or any other endeavour, striving for excellence is a way to glorify God and be a testimony to others.

Overcoming Challenges

Possessing the nations comes with its challenges. The world is often hostile to the message of Christ, and living out our faith can lead to opposition and persecution. Jesus warned us in John 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” The Holy Spirit empowers us to stand firm in the face of adversity, providing comfort and strength.

Cultivate a Spirit-Led Life

To effectively “Possess the Nations,” it is essential to maintain a Spirit-filled life.

Living a Spirit-led life involves constant communion with God through prayer and worship which sustains one’s spiritual fervor (Ephesians 6:18), Studying the Scriptures which allows the believer to know and apply God’s Word and equips them to discern truth and navigate challenges (2 Timothy 3:16-17), Holiness, thus living a life set apart for God attracts His Favour and Power (1 Peter 1:15-16).

Galatians 5:16 encourages us to “walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” This daily walk transforms us, aligning our desires with God’s will and empowering us to make impactful decisions.

Transform Your Sphere

Empowerment by the Holy Spirit is for a purpose to possess our spheres for the Lord. Every believer has a unique sphere of influence. Whether in business, education, media, or any other field, young Christians are called to excellence and integrity, showcasing God’s wisdom and love. Colossians 3:23-24 advises, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.”

Conclusion

After Pentecost, the mission is clear: to be witnesses of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and to possess the nations for His glory. Young men and women, you are unleashed by the power of the Holy Spirit to influence your world. By living lives of integrity, proclaiming the Gospel boldly, serving compassionately, and striving for excellence, we can fulfill this divine mandate.

Let us embrace the power of the Holy Spirit and step into our calling to possess the nations, bringing the light of Christ to a world in need. Let the journey of possessing the nations begin with you.

May you be inspired and equipped to “possess the nations” for His glory, just as the apostles did in the early church and as many have done. May your life be a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, and may you carry the light of Christ into every corner of the world.

Written by Elder John Anaman Essiam, PENSA India

This profound statement was uttered by the revered Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, at the recently-held Pentecost 2024 Conference at Rudolf Weber Arena, Oberhausen, Germany. Apostle Eric Nyamekye made this heart-soothing statement in one of his messages titled “The Church in God’s Plan of Redemption.”

Since its delivery, this powerful assertion has been trending and has helped many understand that “God cannot fail any individual once He chooses him or her.” I, therefore, want to borrow this short but impactful statement I personally took note of during the ministration of our dear chairman, to emphasize and broadly share my thoughts on it as inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Undeniably, when God chooses a person or a vessel, He chooses that individual to fulfill an assignment and mandate that will glorify His name and advance His kingdom. Because there is no failure in our excellent God, no individual can fail in His hands when He truly appoints them. Like clay in the hands of a potter, He continues to shape, fashion, and mould that individual until He uses them to fulfill the purpose for which He chose and called them.

Isaiah 64:8 says, “Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” Every potter’s expectation and desire is that the clay in his hands would be transformed into a useful pot.

That notwithstanding, anyone God chooses and appoints is likely to experience some adversities, predicaments, and challenges because of the divine selection and appointment. Almost all the vessels God has chosen, used, and is still using have some traceable story and scar attributed to their call. However, if God chooses an individual, regardless of the difficult circumstances they may go through, He will surely uphold them with His righteous hand, be with them, and lead them to their designated destination (Isaiah 41:10).

Isaiah 43:3 also says, “But now, this is what the LORD says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.'”

Moreover, before God chooses you, like the prophet Jeremiah, He knows you even when you were in your mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5). There is always a prophetic aura over any individual God chooses before its actual manifestation. David said, “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:16). Indeed, God’s callings and appointments are irrevocable (Romans 11:29).

His plans and promises are Yes and Amen, and are forever settled in heaven according to scripture (2 Corinthians 1:20-21, Psalm 119:89). According to Job, “God can do all things; no purpose of His can be thwarted” (Job 42:2). Numbers 23:19 also says, “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? Hallelujah!”

Jesus, the very Son of God, was chosen and called before the foundation of the earth (1 Peter 1:18-20). This means that before the earth was created and formed, Jesus was chosen, appointed, and called. Hallelujah! This is mysterious. Because it was God who chose Christ Jesus, He never failed in His mission and assignment on earth. The purpose for which He came was fulfilled astronomically. He saved the world from its depravity (John 3:17), conquered the devil, restored and reconciled humankind back to God through His death and resurrection. He ascended to heaven and is now seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 2:13-15, John 10:10, Acts 2:22-23).

Israel, which produced the Messiah, never failed because it was God that chose her (Genesis 12:1-3, Isaiah 43:1-3). Hebrews 11:4-39 also gives a picture of some veterans and elders of faith who were called and mightily used by God. Through faith, they fulfilled their purpose and outstandingly touched their world and generation without any failure. Indeed, when God chooses, He will not allow you to fail.

Now, dear reader, whatever field of endeavour you have found yourself in (be it the education sector, health sector, banking sector, sports and entertainment sector, business sector, ministry, etc.), if God is the one who positioned you there, He will not allow you to fail. Just discover and know His will and purpose for your life in that area of service, align with Him, and you will see the impact He will make through you.

The God who chose you is faithful; He will not allow you to fail.

Written by Elder David Gyamfi (PIWC-West Hills)

Bitterness is a universal human experience that can creep into our lives, relationships, and faith, causing emotional distress and spiritual stagnation. It’s a natural response to pain, hurt, and injustice, but if left unchecked, it can lead to a toxic and corrosive mindset. However, there is hope for healing and freedom (Isaiah 61:3, Psalm 34:18).

Bitterness is a complex emotion that arises from unresolved pain, hurt, and anger. It can stem from various sources, including unresolved conflicts and betrayals, unmet expectations and disappointments, past traumas and wounds, and unforgiveness and resentment. Bitterness can have severe consequences on our lives, relationships, and faith (Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 6:14–15)

Bitterness can destroy relationships and friendships, lead to depression, anxiety, and mental health issues, create a cycle of anger, resentment, and hurtful behaviour, and stagnate spiritual growth and intimacy with God. Bitterness often stems from a deeper issue – a heart that has turned away from God (1 Corinthians 13:1–3, Hebrews 12:15).

When we idolize our pain, hurt, and anger, we create a root of bitterness that produces a toxic harvest. Breaking free from bitterness requires a journey of healing, forgiveness, and surrender. We must acknowledge and identify bitterness in our lives, relationships, and faith, and identify the sources and triggers of our bitterness (Luke 17:3–4, Colossians 3:13).

Choosing to forgive those who have hurt us and letting go of the anger, resentment, and pain releases our soul and frees us from self-torture. It is a choice we must personally make. Forgiveness is a process, and it may take time. We must surrender our bitterness to God and release the hold it has on our lives, trusting in His goodness, grace, and sovereignty (Matthew 5:43–48, Romans 12:14–21).

We must seek healing and restoration through prayer, counselling, and support groups, allowing God to heal our wounds and restore our relationships. When we let gratitude and praise fill our hearts, focusing on the goodness and blessings of God, there is a divine shift in our perspective that enables us to see God’s grace in our lives (Psalm 100:4–5, 1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Additionally, forgiveness is not always easy, but it is necessary for our healing and freedom. When we forgive, we open ourselves up to God’s grace and healing (Matthew 6:14–15, Mark 11:25–26). Healing from bitterness requires a deep and abiding trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty. We must trust that He is working all things for our good, even in the midst of pain and hurt (Romans 8:28, Psalm 23:4–6).

Overcoming bitterness is a journey, not a destination. It requires courage, forgiveness, and surrender. As we tread this path, we must remember that God is with us; His grace is sufficient to heal and set us free. We must not let bitterness define our lives. The choice to overcome it and discover the freedom and healing that comes from His grace must engage our thoughts daily (Ephesians 4:31, Romans 8:28). As we overcome bitterness, we will experience the freedom and joy that comes from living in God’s grace. We will be able to love and forgive others, and we will experience the abundant life that Jesus promises (John 10:10, 1 John 1:9). This is a worthwhile journey to heal and be free.

Written by Enoch Agyei

The Cambridge dictionary defines a shortcut as a route more direct than the usual route or a quicker way of doing something. It is a faster or shorter way of getting to a place. Humans naturally lean towards shortcuts at the slightest opportunity, even with obvious risks and dangers. It is often argued why waste precious time and resources to achieve what can be achieved within the shortest possible time. Therefore, systems in both the service and manufacturing sectors are constantly exploring ways to shorten processes to achieve efficiency and maximize profitability. In like manner, God, the creator of the entire universe in record time, would be the first to opt for the best, effective, and efficient way of executing every aspect of His Kingdom business. 

Unfortunately, there seems to be a popular assertion that God is not too interested in shortcuts, even if they appear to be risk-free and the obvious way out of the affairs of His children. One scripture usually picked out of context to back that assertion can be found in Exodus 13:17. It reads, “When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter.” Although God is the most significant stakeholder of our walk with Him, believers more often than not behave and pretend as though they are more concerned about productivity in God’s vineyard business than He. God’s way may appear long and impossible, but it always turns out to be the shortest route toward set goals. Part five of this series will examine how a gatekeeper woke up one day and returned home as a Chancellor in a foreign land. Lessons will also be gleaned regarding maintaining the needed composure when traversing the humanly “long” hauls when God leads. 

Except for staging a palace coup d’etat, no Organogram provides a direct pathway for a gatekeeper to become the King, the Vizier, or second in Command. Indeed, in most jurisdictions, foreigners are not even entertained around their security zones and installations, let alone getting the opportunity to serve as security operatives. Such was the plight of one of the Jewish exiles named Mordecai, who got to serve as one of the gatekeepers at the royal palace of Susa under King Xerxes, who ruled over 127 Provinces from India to Cush. In (Esther 2:21-23), Mordecai was at duty post and heard his office colleagues planning evil and mayhem against his boss, King Xerxes. He diligently reported that treasonable conspiracy to the appropriate quarters for action to be taken. The issue was investigated to be credible, and the culprits were punished. 

Some, out of apathy, politics, and disloyalty, would have decided not to own up to the rebels who conspired to assassinate the King (Esther 2:21-23). This practice and bold step of Mordecai was quite unusual for a captive, foreigner, or servant eagerly waiting for a day he and his fellow citizens to be delivered from the power of King Xerxes. In (Esther 2:21- 3:1), if there was anyone in that empire who deserved to be promoted, then it was Mordecai. The promotion, however, went to Haman, his soon-to-be archenemy. Some may even argue that it was this promotion of Haman that made him proud and so powerful to the extent of having the guts to hatch such an all-time diabolical plan against the Children of God. Others would also argue that Mordecai courted needless enmity for himself by reporting the two who planned to kill the King to the authorities. When the promotion did not go Mordecai’s way, it appeared his loyalty to the King had been in vain. 

However, unknowingly to Mordecai himself, that faithfulness fruit of the Spirit he bore became a bedrock upon which God would lift him beyond his imagination. It was only a matter of time. Meanwhile, observers would be worried, arguing that God’s ways are often too slow for comfort. God’s time is still the best in any believer’s life. Although very disappointing and difficult to accept at times, this old Christian adage still stands very tall and true. 

Believers must not be worried when they see the “Hamans” in their organizations and establishments getting promoted while they remain stagnant. Unlike humans who promote, God lifts His children from the lowest to the highest pinnacle in His time. (Psalm 75:6-7). Therefore, all who desire to be lifted by God in His own time must shun evil and every attempt to condone or cover the same in whichever capacity and wherever they find themselves. Haman, the Agagite, unfortunately, made a big issue against Mordecai and his people out of a relatively trivial matter at the palace gate. He managed to get Queen Esther’s husband, the King, to sign the death sentence of the Jews from India to Cush. Just around the same period, the King suffered a sleepless night on one occasion. He was disturbed Mordecai had not been promoted, acknowledged, or rewarded for uncovering that abortive coup against him. God caused Haman to plan and organize the colorful coronation of Mordecai as the King’s favorite with immediate effect. Ultimately, Mordecai, the slave gatekeeper, became the Vizier of the Kingdom of Persia. Other words that describe his elevated status are Chancellor, Chief Minister, or Prime Minister. 

Although Mordecai was Esther’s mentor and coach, he did not envy her when she became the Queen while he worked as a gatekeeper. In the end, Mordecai’s uplifting was even more powerful than Queen Esther’s in terms of the governance structure of Persia. “Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes (Esther 10:3). Regarding Haman’s plot, God helped the Israelites and redeemed them from the hands of Haman. Ultimately, Haman and his family suffered the fate he planned against Mordecai and his people. (Esther 8:2,9,10,15; 9:3-4). Had Mordecai been agitated about not being promoted around the time Haman got promoted, the best he would have gotten was probably the rank of senior gatekeeper. By the time he could be eligible to apply for the rank of a Principal and then to a Chief gatekeeper, he would have been on retirement. However, God knew the shortest distance to move Mordecai from the gate to the Chair. For those who believe in elimination by rough tactics to attain certain prestigious positions, the fate of Mordecai’s colleagues who tried to take up the ruins of power is a lesson for all. Therefore, Mordecai would have been killed if he had attempted anything like that to get to the top.

Some also see the route of obedience, faithfulness, sincerity, honesty, and service loyalty as a long and frustrating journey to rise to power. There are still people who rely on the use of charms, occultism, and sorcery to get others they perceive as competitors removed or killed so they can take their place. Unfortunately, some believers buy into such devilish schemes, forgetting what Jesus said in Matthew 26:52. It reads, “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” The “long” shortcut for Mordecai, the slave gatekeeper, to become the second in Command to King Xerxes was the sacrifices he made in nurturing his orphan cousin Esther and his faithfulness, loyalty, and diligence as a gatekeeper at the seat of government. 

From the above illustration, we can firmly conclude that what humans call a long path toward success is God’s shortcut for His children. We have also realized that while many depend on their qualifications and hard work to occupy positions of trust, others see that as a rather long journey full of uncertainties. They thus resort to backbiting, lobbying, the use of feminine power, and elimination of supposed competitors by rough tactics, which come with their inherent disappointments and miseries. God, however, knows the shortest but safest route to the assigned blessed destinations of all He calls His children. His route doesn’t take time; it saves it instead for all who put their trust in Him. 

William L. Hogan once said, “God is under no obligation to explain or defend Himself to us. His ways are often perplexing and sometimes very painful, but be sure of this: God Himself has brought you to that difficult spot, and He makes no mistakes. We must rest assured that He knows what He is doing, even when we do not, and that He does everything well.” However, When God chose to use the Red Sea route for Israel instead of the shortcut, He explained His rationale to them. “For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt. So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.” (Exodus 13:18).

Many believers, unfortunately, elongate God’s shortcut for them by the choices they made and by their lifestyles but turn around to make blasphemous comments about God and create disaffection for Him. Israel would not have spent 40 years in the wilderness for that journey to the promised Land. Those years could be best described as imprisonment or punishment and must not be added to the total mileage from Egypt to Cannan. God punished them to wander about until all over 20 years perished, except for Caleb and Joshua.

There can be no one who needs productivity in God’s vineyard than Himself. Therefore, there will always be good reasons, primarily out of the reach of human comprehension, why the apparent delays are loaded with intrigues anytime God is in charge. He always proves Himself as the faithful one, with the end being extraordinarily glorious if only we are prepared to go the “long” hull with Him. Humankind’s way perceived as a shortcut is instead loaded with risk, uncertainties, and speculations founded on human wishes. The routes God uses are incomprehensible and inaccessible by humankind’s efforts. It is always viewed as long, although it is always the shortest and safest way to reach our destinations. His Grace and help are where He leads.