Waah!!! March is already here. The month of outstanding events that conjures thoughts of spring and warmer days ahead. It’s the 3rd month of the year in Georgian calendar, used almost universally. Before then, it was the 1st month, named Martius after Mars, the Roman god of war in the early Roman calendar. March 1st was designated as the New Year, until 1752 when ancient Romans converted to Georgian calendar and made January the first month. The month marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring; animals end their hibernation, begin to show up and fight each other. Another significant event was when the Anglo-Saxons converted to Christianity; they held their fasting at this time of the month which turns out to become “Lent.” March was called Hlyda or Lide which refers to loud winds. “Indoors or out, no one relaxes in March, that month of wind and taxes, the wind will presently disappear, the taxes last us all the year.” – Ogden Nash
Holidays in March includes: Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday, St. Joseph day, and Good Friday. It is also Women’s History month, National Nutrition month, American Red Cross Month, Fire Prevention month, Pi Day (March 14), St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), Daylights Saving Day, Purim – A Jewish festival and World Water Day (March 22). It also includes National Reading Day, World Math’s Day (March 4), International Women’s Day (March 8) and Palm Sunday (March 29).
BRIEF Historic Events: March 1- Nebraskans celebrated the admission of their state to the union; March 2- Texas Celebrate her anniversary of its independence from Mexico; March 4, 1681, William Penn was granted Pennsylvania’s royal charter; March 12, 1912 – Girls Scouts were founded; March 15 – Ides of March; March 17 – Rubber band was invented and March 29, 1886 – Coca Cola was invented.
Discipleship Digest reflects on the theme: “Godly living attracts persecution” (copy attached). Thomas Brooks wrote: The choicest saints are “born to troubles as the sparks fly upwards”, Job 5:7. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous.” Psalm 34:19. God, who is infinite in wisdom and matchless in goodness, has ordered troubles, yes, many troubles to come trooping in upon us on every side. Our crosses seldom come single; they usually come treading one upon the heels of another; they are like April showers, no sooner is one over but another comes. And yet, Christians, it is mercy, it is rich mercy, that every affliction is not an execution, that every correction is not a damnation. No matter what you’re going through, know that behind the scene, your Deliverer is watching and ready to save you. He is a for-runner in sufferings and persecutions and understands every bit of what you go through. Do not give up or quit, rather be strong and courageous; trusting your Savior for all your help.
The wording of this Hymn (RCH: 455) is helpful and our conclusion: O help us, Lord; each hour of need, Thy heavenly succor give: Help us in thought, and word, and deed,
Each hour on earth we live, Amen. Remember you’re too blessed to be stressed. Kindly pass this message to at least 10 loved ones. Don’t forget our troubles bring us closer to Christ!!!!
Evangelist Ogbonnaya, Godswill, Director of Affairs; Weefree Ministries