WHY THIS SUFFERING?

“I am the Lord and there is no other, there is no God except me…I form the light and I create the darkness, I make well-being and I create disaster, I, the Lord, do all these things…woe to anyone who argues with his Maker, one earthenware pot among many! Does the clay say to its potter, what are you doing? Your work has no hands! Woe to anyone who asks a father, why are you begetting? And a woman, why are you giving birth? Thus says the Lord, the Holy One of Israel and his Maker: I am asked for signs regarding my sons, I am given orders about the work I do. It was I who made the earth and I created human beings on it, mine were the hands that spread out the heavens and I have the orders to all their array” {Isaiah 45:7-12} 

SUFFERING AS PART OF LIFE VOCATION:

SUFFERING AS PART OF LIFE VOCATION:

“It was God’s good pleasure to crush him with pain; if he gives his life as a sin offering he will see his offspring and prolong his life and through him God’s good pleasure will be done” {Isaiah 53:10}

‘…if anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross every day and follow me’ [Lk.9:23]

Since these are derived from the word of God which is eternal (1 Pet.1:25) and will never go unfulfilled in the life of every living soul {Mk.13:31} then why do most preachers/peer groups/societies increase the suicide rate in the world through their preaching of a cross less life to Christians which makes most men/women unable to build a strong shock-absorber for any possible encounter both from the good or bad aspect of life thus would often submit suicide as a way of fleeing a problem or predicaments that resulted from their actions.

Most parents also acquire wealth either by hook or crook for their children hence excusing them from domestic chores and the realities of decision making which will face them somewhere in future with statements like “I suffered too much, my child will not suffer”. This has also increased the rate of suicide and transferred aggression in the world today between families/friends/organizations e.t.c

Anyway, mark the words “Pleasing” and ‘Crush’ in the Isaiah passage {Isaiah 53:10} hence there are sufferings that come from God to test our faith in him just like our fathers were tested (Judith 8:25), our disposition towards this type of suffering as a blessing in disguise {by his suffering shall my servant justify many; Is.53:11} even when there are no physical evidence to trust in God [“though there seemed no hope, he hoped and believed that he was to become father of many nations in fulfillment of the promise: just so will your descendants be” Rom.4:18].

The other type of suffering is the after-effects of our sins; willingly or unwillingly (‘for me everything is permissible; maybe but not everything does good. True, for me everything is permissible but I am determined not to be dominated by anything’ 1 Cor.6:12, “Give in to God, then resist the devil and he will run away from you. The nearer you go to God, the nearer God will come to you…” James 4:7-8) and the effects of the sins already forgiven {“…you were a God of forgiveness to them but punished them for their sins” Ps.99:8, ‘be sure of it, the wicked will not go unpunished…’ Prov.11:21} as well as the effects of silence over other people’s sins [“uprightness makes a nation great, by sin whole races are disgraced” Prov.14:34]. For this type of suffering, God has given us the grace and tools to reduce as well as stop them by developing a hatred for sin in us and others and an ardent desire for righteousness {“you love uprightness and detest evil. This is why God, your God has anointed you with oil of gladness, as none of your rivals” Ps.45:7, Heb.1:9}, ‘proclaim the message and welcome or unwelcome, insist on it. Refute falsehood, correct error, give encouragement – but do all with patience and with care to instruct’ [2 Tim.4:2], (“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision, be fearless; speak out and do not keep silence” Acts. 18:9), “By his divine power, he has lavished on us all the things we need for life and for true devotion, through the knowledge of him who has called us by his own glory and goodness” {2 Pet.1:3}

It is in the service of God and neighbor that we actually enjoy the vocation of existing as well as living (‘for the son of man himself came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many’ Mk.10:45) , hence questions like these begins to flow:

What words should I utter to draw a man’s soul closer to God?

What clothes should I wear to promote righteousness in other’s hearts?

What attitude should I put up to win a soul for Jesus?

What Bible passage should I meditate upon for the day while holding unto that day’s prayer intention?

What ritual prayers should I offer to lock the doors of hell and unlock the doors {Isaiah 22:22} of Heaven with the righteousness, grace and mercy therein on earthly souls and purgatorians?

What type of fasting and prayers [Dan.10:12] should I observe for each day other in order draw God’s attention on hardened sinners (Assassins, prostitutes, criminals, heretics, apostates, lesbians, homosexuals, porn-addicts, drug-addicts, rapists, abortion specialist, fashion-maniacs e.t.c)?

In all, do not fear to approach the throne of grace requesting for mercy and to find grace when we are need of help (Heb.4:16) even when we assume our state to be the most pitiable remember “…my grace is enough for you: for power is at full stretch in weakness…” {2 Cor.12:9}.

MEMENTO:

"...You were a God of forgiveness to them but punished them for their sins" (Ps.99:8) hence do not presume the mercy of God while committing one sin on top of another because for each sin you commit and ask for forgiveness from God; He forgives but for that singular act of disobedience, there is still a punishment for it{"be sure of it, the wicked will not go unpunished..." Prov.11:21} which can be now or later [Habakkuk 2:3]
As a youth, you may think that you have outsmarted God without remembering He may give it to you as a life partner...
woe to you as you continue to wallow in promiscuity (bestiality, masturbation, pornography, fornication, abortion, rape, adultery, lesbianism, homosexuality, indecent dressing), you have decided to destroy the temple of God and He will Destroy you {1 Cor.3:16-17} because God does not make empty statements ('sky and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away' Mk.13:31).
this punishment can be via the gift of a bad loose wife/husband/children/friend e.t.c or barrenness that will make your marriage a nightmare/regret/grief since by your actions you have made God regret creating you because of your wickedness ["God saw that human wickedness was great on earth and that human hearts contrived nothing but wicked schemes all day long. the Lord regretted having made human beings on earth and was grieved at heart" Gen.6:5-6] and ("...and be sure your sin will find you out" Numb.32:23).
Repent now, because the more sin you commit, the more punishment/retribution you are piling up for yourself on the day of judgment whether on earth or hereafter {"your stubborn refusal to repent is only storing up retribution for yourself on that day of retribution when God's just verdict will be made known" Rom.2:5}
there no favoritism with God {Rom.2:11}, Jesus will only testify for those who bear witness for him with all their spiritual gifts and spiritual talents here on earth before His Father in Heaven ('so if anyone declares himself for me in the presence of human beings, I will declare myself for him in the presence of my Father in heaven. but the one who disowns me in the presence of human beings, I will disown in the presence of my Father in heaven' Mtt.10:32-33). this testimony/witness needs to be consistent and continuous till date lest those moments of seriousness will be tagged futile on the day of judgment {"but anyone who stands firm to the end will be saved" Mtt.24:13}

THE TRUTH:

"who among you delights in life, longs for time to enjoy prosperity? Guard your tongue from evil, your lips from any breath of deceit" (Ps.34:12-13)
let us be mindful of the words we utter, the comments we make, the write-ups we post and the silence we keep over injustice and evil around us because we shall be judged by them now or later {Habb.2:3} as Christ affirmed thus "since it is by your words you will be justified and by your words condemned" [Mtt.12:37]. Paul affirmed Peter, James and John as pillars of faith (Gal.2:9) yet He condemned the funny attitude of Peter with regards to denying eating with the gentiles {Gal.2:11} hence the truth though should be delivered with prudence but without fear to anybody regardless of class/sex/color/creed/religion/belief e.t.c lest we incur wrath for being silent over others sin {Ex.3:18}.

THE MOST IMPORTANT:

“…You worry and fret about so many things and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part and it is not to be taken from her” (Lk.10:41-42)

Closeness to God via ritual and mental prayer is paramount for a sustainable Christian lifestyle.

In the family, it is important that every member of the family becomes part of the morning prayers before any engagement for the day as well as join together to thank God in the evening as a family for the day before going to bed. This practice has a way of hooking people to God and chasing away the cloud of evil from families even when outside the fore-walls of the family {‘…those who honor me I honor in my turn and those who despise me will be an object of contempt’ 1Sam.2:30}

Close continuous contact with the house of God (“better one day in your courts than a thousand at my own devices” Ps.84:10) is also another avenue for one to sustain as well as fan into flames {2Tim.1:6} the spirit of Grace we received at the waters of baptism either for fellowship with the various sodalities (‘do not absent yourself from your own assemblies, as some do, but encourage each other; the more so as you see the Day drawing near’ Heb.10:25), visit to the Eucharistic Jesus in the chapel of Adorations [“come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened and I will give your rest…” Mtt.11:28], daily attendance of Holy Mass ‘…if anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross every day and follow me’ Lk.9:23[Evening/Morning], Sacrament of reconciliation (“…go and show yourselves to the priests. Now as they were going away they were cleansed” Lk.17:14), Cathecatical instructions and benedictions ‘this is the doctrine that you can rely on. I want you to be quite uncompromising in teaching all this, so that those who now believe in God may keep their minds constantly occupied in doing good works. All this is good and useful for everybody’ {Titus 3:8}.

If you have been practicing these and many other profound union with God; hold unto it (“my brothers, never slacken in doing what is right” 2 Thess.3:13), fan it into flame {‘that is why I am reminding you now to fan into a flame the gift of God that you possess…’ 2Tim.1:6}, be on the alert that this virtue is not dampened [‘Everyone, no matter how firmly he thinks he is standing, must be careful he does not fall’ 1Cor.10:12] and also teach others (“…teach each other and advise each other, in all wisdom…” Col.3:16) to benefit from this Gracious benefits from Heaven while on earth as a way of fulfilling Christ purpose of redemption on mankind (‘…he has let us know the mystery of his purpose, according to his good pleasure which he determined beforehand in Christ...’ Eph.1:3-14)

EAGERNESS IN RIGHTEOUSNESS:

“Since John the Baptist came, up to this present time, the kingdom of Heaven has been subjected to violence and the violent are taking it by storm” (Mtt.11:12)

‘So Christ too, having offered himself only once to bear the sin of many will manifest himself a second time, sin being no more, to those who are waiting for him, to bring them salvation’ {Heb.9:28}

Where did the fire for righteousness go-off?

Where did the hunger for chastity/purity go-off?

When did the desire for evangelism dry-up?

When last did you offer that fasting and prayer that makes you feel the inner yearning as well as contact with the Most High?

When last did you wake-up in the middle of the night to pray for the righteous judgment of God?

When last did you sing that song that was makes you feel the warmth of His Able hands around you?

When last did you make honest and sincere prayers involving your emotions in the morning before the day’s activities and evening after your engagements?

When last did you make a good confession from a contrite heart?

When last did you receive the Body and Blood of Christ worthily?

When last did you attend Holy Mass early {before entrance hymn}, with devotion, attention and dignity?

When last did you visit the Eucharistic Jesus with a belief that you are standing before the Consuming Fire and Terrific God of the days of Moses and Elijah who does not alter with change in time?

Do you have a Bible?

When last did you open your Bible to read a verse from it and illumine the eyes of your mind?

When last did you share a thought with another person about a passage you read from the Sacred Scripture as a sort of encouragement or a way of refuting error?

When last did you say the Holy Rosary meditatively while inserting yourself within the walls of Our Lady’s womb where Christ dwelt for nine months?

When last did you dress with the intention of promoting the glory of God within you and within the hearts of admirers and on-lookers?

When last did you pay attention to the pictures in your children’s/neighbors room/phones/laptops?

When last did you pay attention to the dressing pattern of your friends/ward?

When last did you pay attention to the movies/T.V channels watched by your friends/ward?

Do you know that to whom much is given much is expected (Lk.12:48) and he who has, the little he thinks he has will be taking away from him {Lk.19:26}?

Are you still giving excuse why you should be a slave to a particular sin while the ransom paid for your sin is the Blood of Christ which cannot be soiled/spoilt or compared to human currency?

Are you still waiting to take the decision to return to your God?

Delay can be dangerous!!!

Arise, come to your God. Sing him your songs of rejoicing…

Let him enter the king of glory…

Make honest and sincere effort to keep the light glowing (‘yes, I will go further: because of the supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, I count everything else as loss…’ Phil.3:8) since “…anyone who stands firm to the end will be saved” {Mtt.24:13}

MARRIAGE AND SELF_CONTROL

‘Marriage must be honoured by all and marriages must be kept undefiled, because the sexually immoral and adulterers will come under God’s judgment’ (Heb.13:4)

“But from the beginning of creation he made them male and female. This is why a man leaves his father and mother and the two become one flesh. They are no longer two, therefore but one flesh. So then, what God has united, human beings must not divide…whoever divorces his wife and marries another is guilty of adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another she is guilty of adultery too” {Mk.10:6-12}. Marriage is between one man and one woman i.e a man and a woman not the same sex, nobody was born a homosexual, lesbian, masturbator, pornography-addict, fornicator, adulterer, exhibitionist, voyeuristic e.t.c rather a habit learnt during human development due to childhood encounters, peer-groups, internet-material-affiliations e.t.c hence they can be unlearnt gradually with firm determination [“there is nothing I cannot do in the One who strengthens me” Phil.4:13], mortification {‘…that first day when…you resolved to mortify yourself before God, your words have been heard and your words are the reason why I come’ Dan.10:12}, prayers and fasting above all the grace and mercy of God (‘My grace is enough for you: for power is at full stretch in weakness…’ 2Cor.12:9)

‘For I hate divorce, says the Lord God of Israel and people concealing their cruelty under a cloak…’ [Mal.2:16]

If you are about to thread the path of sexual promiscuity retrace your steps, if you are already into it; sorry because you will be made to pay for betraying as well as defiling the temple of God (‘Do you not realise that you are a temple of God with the Spirit of God living in you? If anybody should destroy the temple of God, God will destroy that person, because God’s temple is holy and you are that temple’ 1 Cor.3:16-17) immediately or sometime in the future by being humiliated with your current juvenile nude/half-nude pictures on the internet, recorded video of your current sexual perversion with different men or one man, loss of self-control under the disguise “everybody does it” as a youth  hence even as a married man/woman any lustful clothe, picture, position, gesticulation, speech by the opposite sex can easily get you crawling at lust no matter the class/age/health-status/environment e.t.c which brings curse from God into the family and diseases (HIV/AIDS/HBV) as a result series of couple have been buried within the interval of six{6} months [“…and be sure your sin will find you out” Numb.32:23]

Those who are still holding unto Self-control keep it up (‘I am coming soon: hold firmly to what you already have and let no one take your victor’s crown away from you’ Rev.3:11) for that is the Spirit we received at the waters of baptism for which Christ is called our Righteousness, Redeemer and Saviour {“it is by him that you exist in Christ Jesus, who for us was made wisdom from God and saving justice and holiness and redemption” 1 Cor.1:30} do not be cajoled into giving it up by anybody no matter his/her religious position/status [“since you have been forewarned about this, my dear friends, be careful that you do not come to the point of losing the firm ground that you are standing on, carried away by the errors of unprincipled people” 2 Pet.3:17] as well as juvenile relationships (‘so do not let anyone lead you astray, Bad company corrupts good ways’ 1 Cor.15:33) or statements like ‘virginity is not dignity it’s lack of opportunity’ filtering on the internet and peer-group discussions. For now, you may not have any physical evidence to show for taking this stand but later in life you will pity those who have broken their flower-port {Virginity} “for the vision is for its appointed time, it hastens towards its end and it will not lie; although it may take some time, wait for it, for come it certainly will before too long” (Habb.2:3)

MY PRAYER FOR YOU:

“I pray that the God of peace, who brought our Lord Jesus back from the dead to become the great shepherd of the sheep by the blood that sealed an eternal covenant, may make you ready to do his will in any kind of good action; and turn us all into whatever is acceptable to himself through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Heb.13:20-21)

FALLING IN LOVE IS NOT JUST THE CRITERIA FOR HEALHY MARRIAGE:

An engaged couple from Madagascar who are studying at a university in Italy spoke of the anxiety they felt when faced with the "forever" of Marriage. The Pope explained that falling in love, being an emotion, is not eternal. "The emotion of love must be purified", he said, "it must undertake a journey of discernment in which the mind and the will also come into play. ... In the rite of Marriage the Church does not ask whether you are in love but whether you want, whether you are resolved. In other words, falling in love must become true love; it must involve the will and the mind in a journey (which is the period of engagement) of purification, of greater profundity so that it is truly all of man, with all his capacities, with the discernment of reason and the force of will, who says: 'Yes, this is my life'". The Holy Father also mentioned other important factors such as communion of life with others, with friends, the Church, the faith and God Himself.

A Brazilian family raised the issue of divorced couples who have remarried and cannot avail themselves of the Sacraments. Benedict XVI affirmed that "this is one of the the great causes of suffering for the Church today, and we do not have simple solutions. ... Naturally, one very important factor is prevention. This means ensuring that, from the beginning, the act of falling love is transformed in a more profound and mature decision. Another factor is that of accompanying people during marriage, to ensure that families are never alone but find authentic company on their journey. We must tell people in this situation that the Church loves them, but they must see and feel this love". Parishes and other Catholic communities "must do everything possible so that such people feel loved and accepted, that they are not 'outsiders' even if they cannot receive absolution and the Eucharist. They must see that they too live fully within the Church. ... The Eucharist is real and shared if people truly enter into communion with the Body of Christ. Even without the 'corporeal' assumption of the Sacrament, we can be spiritually united to Christ". It is important for divorced couples "to have the chance to live a life of faith, ... to see that their suffering is a gift for the Church, because they also help others to defend the stability of love, of Marriage; ... theirs is a suffering in the community of the Church for the great values of our faith".

SPEECH

“I was the one who misrepresented your intentions with my ignorant words…” [Job.42:3]

When do you speak?

Where do you speak?

How do you speak?

To whom do you speak?

Why do you speak?

What/who do you speak about/of?

The tongue is the smallest part of the human body yet can set it ablaze any second hence be ready listeners, slow to speak and slow to take offence (James 1:19) because it could mar all you have ever labored for as a human being on earth and before the throne of God {‘since it is by your words you will be justified and by your words condemned’ Mtt.12:37}

Many homes are under the spell of what their parents accepted with their tongue {“you will pray and he will hear…” Job.22:27} even being quick to sell their birthright as well as glory for food and drink just like Esau (‘Esau said, here I am at death’s door; what use is a birthright to me?’ Gen.25:32) because many human beings are unaware that everything we do or say is a prayer to God which either brings down a blessing or curse on us even as a group/nation [“…by sin whole races are disgraced” Prov.14:34] just like book-haram being perpetuated by some top Government officials in the name of politics yet every Nigerian is feeling the heat so also the wicked-silence and sinful lifestyle of many youths and parents are bearing an indirect tide of backwardness, under-development, insecurity and curse on many homes just like the theft of Achan lead to the massacre of Israelites army by the people of Ai whole whose population could not account for 5% of the Israelites army (Joshua 7:2-26).

For complete restoration from the sin of blasphemy and gossip after attending the sacrament of reconciliation, one has to go round and recede such blasphemy and gossip include those who have shared it with a third-party hence when in doubt do not act/speak lest one adds sin to another sin bearing in mind that the scar of each sin is incurable and must be paid for even after forgiveness has been granted to the soul by God (“be sure of it, the wicked will not go unpunished” Prov.11:21).

Therefore, bridle your tongue. Let the words you utter, write-ups on the internet/chartrooms, comments on the internet be one that administer grace to the hearer as the occasion offers {Eph.4:29}

GOD A MYSTERY TO MAN, MAN A MYSTERY TO HIMSELF:

It is in this light that man comes to God in prayer as an encounter of contradiction with a contradictory figure {the lion and the lamb on the Throne; Rev.5:5-6} not just by clapping, shouting, dancing e.t.c which are important parts of prayer but the connection of man’s abstraction with a Being whose abstraction is beyond his comprehension then ladled to the things around him. If you think and believe you have known God enough and the ordering of man’s affairs well then let’s go through this passage as you provide the answers therein:

“If you do know, you must have been born when they were, you must be very old by now!

Have you visited the place where the snow is stored?

Have you seen the stores of hail,

Which I keep for times of distress,

For days of battle and war?

From which direction does the lightning fork,

Where in the world does the east wind blow itself out?

Who bores a channel for the downpour

Or clears the way for the rolling thunder

So that rain may fall on the lands where no one lives,

And the deserts void of human dwelling,

To meet the needs of the lonely wastes

And make grass sprout on the thirsty ground?

Has the rain a father?

Who begets the dewdrops?

What womb brings forth the ice,

Who gives birth to the frost of heaven,

When the waters grow hard as stone

And the surface of the deep congeals” {Job 38:21-30}

If you can rarely give answers to these then what is the pride inside your head about your intelligence, beauty, handsomeness, wealth and status still doing there that you find it very hard to bend your knees in reverence awe for your Creator?

ANGER AND FORGIVENESS:

“Do not let resentment lead you into sin; the sunset must not find you still angry. Do not give the devil his opportunity” {Eph.4:26-27}

When annoyed try to swallow it as food, digest it by asking yourself the reason for such aggravation whether you truly caused it or is it a message from God on humility even though with human reasoning it’s painful. Even though a meal contains much of pepper spice, most people go down with it as a tasty meal hence at the penetration of the nails into his members Jesus wailed in pains yet after pondering over this ignorance of ours, He who hung between the earth and the heavens on the Cross chose forgiveness for us who crucified him with our sins instead of curse {Lk.23:34}.

This entails that word forgive which was divided into two by most preachers as ‘FORE’ from BEFORE and ‘GIVE’ calls us to calm our nerves before we give response to our aggravation lest we condemn ourselves [‘since it is by your words you will be justified and by your words condemned’ Mtt.12:37] in anger since no anger of man can bear righteous fruit before God (James.1:19) and don’t be too quick to give the lip-service expression of “I have forgiven you” when you have not finished nursing as well as expressing the pain you feel about what happened rather learn to speak the truth from your heart {Ps.15:2} and the truth will set you free (Jn.8:32).

Why should you forgive?

The highest conditional clause by which we can receive God’s forgiveness which will enable the doors of Heaven for us (“Yes, if you forgive others their failings, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours; but if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive your failings either” Mtt.6:14-15)

What does it entail to forget?

The hurt/pain/harm done to you by another will never go off as far as human memory is alive when we encounter such person but remembering that incidence at the instant of such persons visibility helps you to know how to inculcate such virtue lacking within him/her since God’s grace in you has enabled a higher percentage of such virtue to be active within your heart {‘he supports us in every hardship, so that we are able to come to the support of others, in every hardship of theirs because of the encouragement that we ourselves receive from God’ 2Cor.1:4}

THE CONSCIENCE AND SIN

“…and be sure your sin will find you out” (Numb.32:23)
‘Don’t think that you can sin and get away with it; the Lord does not mind waiting to punish you. Don’t be so certain of the Lord’s forgiveness that you go on committing one sin after another. Don’t think that his mercy is so great that he will forgive your sins no matter how many they are. He does show mercy, but he also shows furious anger with sinners’ {Sirach5:4-6}
“Don’t commit the same sin twice. The punishment you get the first time ought to be enough. Don’t think that God Most High is going to take into account how very generous you are and so accept any offering you decide to make” [Sirach7:8-9]
‘When you lift your hands in prayer, I will not look at you. No matter how much you pray, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with blood’ (Isaiah 1:15)
“Every lawless act leaves an incurable wound, like one left by a double-edged sword” {Sirach21:3}
“Be sure of it, the wicked will not go unpunished…” (Prov.11:21)
‘…you showed them that you are a God who forgives even though you punished them for their sins’ [Ps.99:8]
“for there is no longer any sacrifice that will take away sins if we purposely go on sinning after the truth has been made known to us. Instead, all that is left is to wait in fear for the coming judgment and the fierce fire which will destroy those who oppose God” (Heb.10:26-27)
‘Do not deceive yourselves; no one makes a fool of God. A person will reap exactly what he sows’ {Gal.6:7}
“If it is hard for the upright to be saved what will happen to the wicked and to sinners?” (1Pet.4:18)
‘Look on our Lord’s patience as the opportunity he is giving you to be saved…’ {2Pet.3:15}
“…so then spend, spend the rest of your lives here on earth in reverence for him” [1Pet.1:17]
‘there is no favoritism with God’ (Rom.2:5)

UNTAMED LADY/GIRL/MAN/BOY:

‘A woman’s wantonness shows in her wide-eyed look, her eyelashes leave no doubt. Keep a headstrong daughter under firm control, or feeling free, she will take advantage of it. Keep a strict watch on her shameless eye, do not be surprised if she disgraces you. Like a thirsty traveler she will open her mouth and drink any water she comes across; she will sit down in front of every tent-peg and open her quiver to any arrow’ {Sirach26:9-12}

As a lady/girl/man/boy are you tamed?

Does your appearance portray lust/love?

Are you quick at opening your mouth for a kiss or your embrace for any passer-by?

What picture of yourself does your dressing paint on the streets, offices, markets, church and internet?

Do you find it normal exposing/projecting your private parts and underwear’s to the public under the disguise of fashion/fame/favor/love/romance?

Are you quick at opening up your quiver to any arrow i.e your private parts to any man/woman in fornication, adultery, lesbianism, homosexuality, masturbation, pornographic magazines/discussions/videos/pictures/songs?

Remember some people died in these acts as many are still dying in it currently by being unrepentant in heart after hearing the gospel (‘If, after we have been given knowledge of the truth, we should deliberately commit any sins, then there is no longer any sacrifice for them. There is left only the dreadful prospect of judgment and of the fiery wrath that is to devour your enemies’ Heb.10:26-27) as we recall he does not practice favoritism {“there is no favoritism with God” Rom.2:11}

SECRETS

“A betrayer of secrets forfeits all trust and will never find the kind of friend he wants. Be fond of a friend and keep faith with him, but if you have betrayed his secrets, do not go after him anymore; for, as one destroys a person by killing him, so you have killed your neighbor’s friendship, and as you let a bird slip through your fingers, so you have let your friend go and will not catch him. Do not got after him – he is far away, he has fled like gazelle from the snare. For a wound can be bandaged and abuse forgiven, but for the betrayer of a secret there is no hope” (Sirach27:16-21)

Here the friendship/secrets we are being told about are one that helps us to develop as well as maintain consistent path with the righteousness of GOD, nothing more or less.

VIRTUE:

‘If you pursue virtue, you will attain it and put it on like a festal gown. Birds consort with their kind, truth comes home to those who practice it. The lion lies in wait for its prey, so does sin for those who do wrong. The conversation of the devout is wisdom at all times, but the fool is as changeable as the moon. When visiting stupid people, choose the right moment, but among the thoughtful take your time. The conversation of fools is disgusting, raucous their laughter in their sinful pleasures. The talk of hard-swearing people makes your hair stand on end, their brawling makes you stop your ears. A quarrel between the proud leads to bloodshed and their insults are embarrassing to hear’ (Sirach27:8-15)

ALMSGIVING:

“Nevertheless, be patient with those who are badly off, do not keep them waiting on your generosity. In obedience to the commandment, help the poor; do not turn the poor away empty-handed in their need. Spend your money on your brother or your friend; do not leave it under a stone to rust away. Use your wealth as the Most High has decreed; you will find that more profitable than gold. Stock your store-rooms with almsgiving; this will save you from all misfortune. Better than sturdy shield or weighty spear, this will fight for you against the enemy” [Sirach29:8-13]

BRINGING UP CHILDREN:

If you have anyone under your care either as parents, guardian or senior/head in any group as well as future parents and guardian; your responsibility will be made simpler, unique and worthwhile if you meditate with this passage before and after every day’s encounter/event:

‘Whoever loves his son will beat him frequently so that in after years the son may be his comfort. Whoever is strict with his son will reap the benefit and be able to boast of him to his acquaintances. Whoever educates his son will be the envy of his enemy and will be proud of him among his friends. Even when the father dies, he might well not be dead, since he leaves his likeness behind him. In life he has had the joy of his company, dying, he has no anxieties. He leaves an avenger against his enemies and a rewarder of favors for his friends. Whoever coddles his son will bandage his wounds; his heart will turn over at every cry. A badly broken-in horse turns out stubborn; a son left to himself turns out headstrong. Pamper your child and he will terrorize you, play along with him and he will bring you sorrow. Do not laugh with him or one day you will weep with him and end up gnashing your teeth. While he is young, do not allow his freedom and do not wink at his mistakes. Bend his neck in youth, bruise his ribs while he is a child, or else he will grow stubborn and disobedient and hurt you very deeply. Be strict with your son and persevere with him or you will rue his insolence’ (Sirach30:1-13)

CHASTE CELIBACY:

“…like an eunuch embracing a pretty girl – how he sighs” (Sirach30:20)

What is a man under the vow of chaste celibacy doing in the warmth embrace of a woman/lady?

What is a woman under the vow of chaste celibacy doing in the warmth embrace of a man/boy?

HEALTH:

“Better be poor if healthy and fit than rich if tormented in body. Health and strength are better than any gold, a robust body than untold wealth. No riches can outweigh bodily health, no enjoyment surpass a cheerful heart. Better death than a wretched life and everlasting rest than chronic illness. Good things lavished on a closed mouth are like food offerings put on a grave. What use is an offering to an idol which can neither eat nor smell? How describe someone pursued by the Lord’s displeasure? He looks and sighs like an eunuch embracing a pretty girl – how he sighs!” {Sirach 30:14-20}

COMMITMENT WITH GOD:

 Getting committed with God is a great and awesome avenue every child of God (‘you love uprightness and detest evil. This is why God, your God has anointed you with oil of gladness as none of your rivals’ Ps.45:7) should follow without delay lest the seed of God’s glory planted in us will be made weak and inactive by laziness, bad-company and fear {“Everyone, no matter how firmly he thinks he is standing must be careful he does not fall” 1 Cor.10:12}. This entails the following

Praying consistently [1 Thess.5:17] by way of speech, behavior, actions, thoughts e.t.c that portray righteousness and also getting involved in mental prayers continuously

Digging deep into the word of God (“How I love your Law! I ponder it all day long. You make me wiser than my enemies by your commandment which is mine forever. I am wiser than all my teachers because I ponder your instructions. I have more understanding than the aged because I keep your precepts” Ps.119:97-100)

Choosing, accepting and maintaining honest Christian friends just the way Christ chose you [‘you did not choose me, no I chose you…’ Jn.15:16] since “…Bad company corrupts good ways” {1 Cor.15:33} but ‘a loyal friend is a powerful defense: whoever finds one has indeed found a treasure…whoever fears the Lord makes true friends, for as a person is, so is his friend too’ (Sirach 6:14-17)

Getting rid of all junk; junk in the life of a Christian are those things that distracts us from righteousness like pornographic pictures, videos, songs, novels, books, websites, clothes, lustful discussions and teachings, co-habiting with opposite sex e.t.c. One should also flee depraved and bad groups like cultism, partying-spirit, fashion-maniac, money-mongers e.t.c  [‘turn away from the passions of youth, concentrate on uprightness, faith, love and peace, in union with all those who call on the Lord with a pure heart’ 2Tim.2:22]

Maintaining your loyal position with the sound and profound teachings of the One, Holy, Apostolic and Catholic Church instituted by Christ {Mtt.16:18} thus “keep as your pattern the sound teaching you have heard from me in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. With the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, look after that precious thing given in trust” [2Tim.1:13-14] and so with you as you are eager to have spiritual powers, aim to be rich in those which build up the Church’ (1Cor.14:12).

Always maintain fellowship [“do not absent yourself from your own assemblies, as some do, but encourage each other; the more so as you see the day drawing near” Heb.10:25] with the Church of Christ because it is the pillar of truth {‘…in the Church of the living God, pillar and support of the truth’ 1Tim.3:15} and there you will always be given the sound doctrine “You must keep to what you have been taught and know to be true; remember who your teachers were and how ever since you were a child, you have known the holy scriptures – from these you can learn the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and useful for refuting error, for guiding people’s lives and teaching them to be upright. This is how someone who is dedicated to God becomes fully equipped and ready for any good work” [2 Tim.3:14-17].

DEPRESSING THINGS:

“There are two things which grieve my heart and a third arouses my anger: a warrior wasting away through poverty, the intelligent treated with contempt, someone turning back from virtue to sin—the Lord marks out such a person for a violent death” [Sirach26:28]

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE TO NIGERIA:

Please Offer this unique prayer for Nigeria with attention, dignity and devotion since it is our PIN {Personal Identity Number} with the Heavens as a Nation.    Arise O Compatriots…

For Our President;

Lord give an undivided heart to Jonathan our president to keep your commandments, your decrees and your statutes, to put them all into effect and to build our country into a palace for which You have made provision {1 Chr.29:19} Amen.

For Other leaders;

Father of Heaven grant them the wisdom that sits by your throne and do not reject from amongst your servants that supported by your grace and mercy they may help the president and the citizens to actualize a just and Christian society where injustice, greed and pride may give way for peace, love, charity and fear of God to reign. Amen.

For Citizens;

Eternal God open the eyes of our mind that we may allow righteousness that dwells within us to bear fruits of genuine and sincere love for one another as we co-operate with the righteous injunctions of the state as well as rejecting the ungodly ideas and principles of this world. Amen.

For a new month;

Thanks to you, Almighty God for the gift of a new month which you have given in the first place, we implore your mercies for the past months as we seek your face in order that we may remain steadfast in bearing honest witness to you this month and the remaining months of our Life. Amen.

REFLECTIONS:

“This is the covenant I will make with the House of Israel when those days arrive – it is the Lord who speaks. Deep within them I will plant my Law, writing it on their hearts. Then I will be their God and they shall be my people” {Jer.31:33}

‘I will make an everlasting covenant with them; I will not cease in my efforts for their good and I will put respect for me into their hearts, so that they turn from me no more’ (Jer.32:40)

“You, my sheep, are the flock of men I shall pasture and I am your God – it is the Lord God who speaks” [Ezek.34:31]

As a child of God are you still walking in line with the new covenant of Christ on the cross of Calvary with a ransom beyond sordid currency; the blood of Christ, never a lamb so spotless and pure as our victim {1 Pet.1:19}?

Always have these at your sub-conscious and conscious mind ‘but anyone who stands firm to the end will be saved’ (Mtt.24:13) and “nothing unclean may come into it: no one who does what is loathsome or false, but only those who are listed in the Lamb’s book of life” [Rev.21:27]

The word of God is deeply engraved in our hearts waiting for that decision which unlocks the latch of our hearts from within (“look, I am standing at the door, knocking. If one of you hears me calling and opens the door, I will come in to share a meal at that person’s side” Rev.3:20)

The covenant is everlasting hence God will not cease in His efforts to draw us to himself until our biological death [‘the dead cannot praise the Lord, those who sink into silence’ Ps.115:17] but if we honestly, sincerely and eagerly accept his call rarely will he allow us to fall back to our old sinful nature {“…My Grace is enough for you: for power is at full stretch in weakness…2 Cor.12:9} unless we begin to deny dependence on Him and count equality with God (‘the fool has said in his heart, there is no God. their deeds are corrupt and vile not one of them does right’ Ps.14:1)