JULY –  The Month of Completion, Perfection and Settlement

A new month has begun. It’s the month of July that begins the 2nd half of the year. July is an awesome month and the 7th month according to the Georgian calendar and its predecessor, the Julian calendar. July was originally Quintilis in Latin, meaning “fifth” in the ancient Roman Calendar. The month was renamed after Julius Caesar by the decision of the Roman Senate in 44BC during the Julian calendar reform, when Caesar rearranged the calendar, as July was his month of birth. It has 31 days. The number 7 stands for completion, perfection and settlement. The weather is in the peak of highest temperature in the Northern hemisphere and exact opposite on the Southern hemisphere. July’s birth flowers are Larkspur or the Water Lily indicates the purity of heart. The flower larkspur indicates love; white larkspur means happy nature while pink indicates fickleness and purple larkspur are used to indicate first love. The birthstone for July is the ruby which symbolizes contentment. However, Ruby is known to be the king of gemstones and the characteristic it represents are – wisdom, health, love, romance and integrity. 7 US presidents have died in July which is more than any other month. Summer school is underway for many students in the USA. July is a perfect time for family holidays and super for nightlife.

Holidays: National Blueberry Month, National Anti-Boredom Month, National Cell phone Courtesy Month, National Hot Dog Month, National Ice Cream Month, National Picnic Month, National Pickle Month. Canada Day, USA Independence Day, Bastille Day and Parent’s Day.

Highlights of Events: 1st-Canada Day; International Chicken wings Day; 4th – US Independence Day; 6th – National Fried Chicken Day; 8th – National Blueberry Day; 10th – Independence Day in Bahamas; 11th- World Population Day; 12th- Pecan Pie Day; 14th – Bastille day; 16th – Fresh Spinach day; 20th- Moon Day; 22nd – Hammock Day; 23rd – Vanilla Ice Cream Day; Revolution Day in Egypt; 29th- National Chicken Wing Day; 30th – International Day of Friendship; Foundation Day in Baltimore.

Discipleship Digest reflects on the topic: “The Gains of Dying in Christ.” The topic is dedicated to my late mom, Mrs. Grace Oyidie Nnana Ogbonnaya who went to be with the Lord on April 7, 2017, at 88. A Service of Songs and Wake shall be held in Celebration of her life of faith on Friday, July 21, 2017 in Houston, Texas, US, while Funeral &Memorial celebrations are scheduled to take place in her hometown, Arochukwu, Abia State, Nigeria on August 11-12, 2017 and Thanksgiving Service follows on Sunday, August 13, 2017 at The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Obinkita, Amaze Parish, Arochukwu Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria. Kindly join the family in prayers for hitch-free, spirit-filled events and safety and we shall be highly honored by your presence and kind support.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Psalm 116:15-NIV). Your death must be something that matters to God. It’s nothing than the death of God’s child, loved one, a saint or born again committed and devoted child of God whose life pleased the Lord. If you’re not a child of God, then God is not interested in your death. Know that “Life is lived forward but understood (learned and appreciated) backward.” Again, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21). Whether you live or die, you will certainly meet with the Lord. Don’t forget, “Heaven is a prepared place for prepared people.” How prepared are you? Death is a common ground and the destiny of everyone. Bad news has no good time. Think about it!!!