We are excited; already in the last month of summer, named August that inspires reverence or admiration; of supreme dignity or grandeur and majesty. August became the eight month of the year when January and February were added to the beginning of the year by King Numa Pompilius about 700 BC. It was the Six ‘Sextilis’ month of the Roman calendar and was changed to Augustus at 8 B C in honor of the Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar ( A grand nephew of Julius Caesar) because many important accomplishments that allowed him to rise to power in the fall of Alexandria happened around that time of the year. He defeated Marc Anthony and Cleopatra in the month of Sextilis. In August, birds begin planning to fly south in readiness for the winter and insects are noisier and numerous. August flower is the gladiolus or the poppy and the birthstone for the month is sardonyx and or the peridot. Many people take their vacations in the month of August making it the busiest month for business/tourism. The Anglo-Saxons called August Weod Monath which means Weed month in recognition that weed and other crops grew the fastest. In Britain, they celebrate Thanksgiving on August 1st – Lammas Day because it is beginning of their harvest Season. People go to Church and give thanks for the first harvest of corn to be cut. This celebration predates our Christian Harvest festival.
We are excited that in the battle of life, God understands that we may fall but have not failed. Little wonder this great God of second chance gives us another opportunity to forge ahead and be joyful in a relationship. On July 26, our very own Elder G. Ogbonnaya and Eileen Egbosimba were married and begin to enjoy life of togetherness once again. It is our earnest prayer that our merciful God will open new doors to those who desire such opportunities. Discipleship Digest crowned this occasion with special edition titled: GROWING YOUR MARRIAGE. Hopeful readers will find this helpful in their efforts to nourish and repair their union. Counselors and pastors will find this resource helpful in their work of building and rebuilding relationships.
We are excited also that the month of August gives us the opportunity to reflect on the topic: GOD AND DEPRESSION (Elijah’s Experiences). Elijah was a man like us and he felt down after fasting for a period yet at the heels of great victory. He went from exhilaration to exhaustion; weary, frustrated and weakened; fell into natural depression because fatigue stripped him of courage and strength. In that state fear made him forget God’s power. Beware exhaustion couples with fear is dangerous; could shrew your perspective, invites wrong thinking, hopelessness and creates illusion. God created with the word of His mouth and heals with His word (Psalm 107:20; Exo. 15:26). The Lord forgives our sins and heals us when we are sick and protect us from death (Ps 103:3). Also …by His wounds we are healed (Is. 53:5); “……Their fruits will serve for food and their leaves for healing” (Ezek.47:12; 2 Chron. 28:15). “Jesus went all over Galilee, teaching…, preaching the Good News….He healed every kind of disease and sickness” (Mt. 4:23; 9:35; Lk. 9:6, 11,). Paul said to Aeneas, “Jesus Christ has healed you! Get up and make up your bed” (Acts 9:34; 10:38). Even when medical experts guess what is wrong with us God understands and gives right prescriptions. God simply put Elijah to rest and provided nourishment and walk a distance and he was well. This season, that same God can heal you if you put your faith in Him (Acts 14:8-10; 16:18).
Remember you are too blessed to be stressed. Please send these two write ups to a least ten people. If birds and insects could be noisy and numerous, brethren, afford to make a daily joyful noise unto God this season (Ps 34:1; 2Chron. 5:13;16 :25; Lk.19:37). We wish those who desire engagement and marriage, favor and fruitfulness, traveling mercies for tourists, amen. Thanks for your partnership, readership and supports.
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