Author: Victor Obeng-Mensah

One definition of the word “determine” is to decide by choice. We sometimes decide and choose the evil that befalls us. This can be avoided when we know the symptoms and signs of “determined evil.” 1 Samuel 25:17 reads, “Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him.” These words were spoken by the servant of Abigail concerning her husband Nabal. He was afraid David would kill his master for showing gross ingratitude when David had protected his business. How did the servant know evil was determined concerning Nabal? He had noticed something concerning his master; no one could advise him. He said, “A man cannot speak to him.” When no one can advise you concerning a particular issue, it is a sign that evil is determined against you. We must be open to advice concerning marriage, family, problems, finances, work, relationships and the critical issues of life, because evil is already determined when no one can advise us. This man, Nabal was slain by God Himself; only death could advise him. Decide today to be open to advice to avoid determined evil Kakra Baiden...

Luke 1:6-7 reads “And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.” Zachariah and Elisabeth, John The Baptist’s parents were righteous people but they  were barren. Sometimes, there is the tendency for Christians to believe that because they are righteous they will not have any challenges. This couple watched as their dream of having a child faded away. You can imagine their frustration and the ridicule they might have been subjected to. I am sure someone said “if you are so good why are you barren?” Sometimes people may look at your deficiencies and say if your God is good why are you barren or unemployed or sick and the list goes on. Finally, they received an angelic visitation and gave birth to John who was conceived  around the same time as Jesus. The destinies of the the two babies were intertwined so they had to be born around the same time. From the perspective of time and their own needs the promises seemed to have delayed. However, from the perspective of God his purpose was being fulfilled. Let’s trust in God when we experience delays because God is working out everything  that is related to the promise and also according to...

Genesis 40:15 “For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.”  There are times when innocent people suffer for things they did not do. Take Joseph for example; he was stolen out of Israel and sold into slavery. Potiphar’s wife accused him of rape and he was thrown into a dungeon. Why do innocent people sometimes suffer unnecessarily? Joseph’s suffering was as a result of two things. Jealousy  His brothers were jealous of him because he was their father’s favorite, and his father made him a coat of many colors. When you stand out of the crowd because of your “bright coat” you can easily be the victim of jealousy and attacks.  Sin and wickedness  When you are holy you can easily be a target of sinful and wicked people. This may be because you are a reminder of their failings. They may also need you to participate in their corrupt deeds and your refusal may serve as a stumbling block. Potiphar’s wife had wanted to sleep with Joseph but he was unwilling.  This led to him being framed. God however used the negative circumstances to bless Joseph and made him a governor.  Let us be committed to doing good in the face of unfair treatment, because in due time God will turn the evil into good. Kakra...