Buchi

Just enjoying Jesus!

I am so glad I was able to attend the funeral (send forth, I should say) of Rev Dr Uma Ukpai.
All anoitings are not the same...
This one is rare.
All anointings are not equal...
This one is high.
Ohafia stood still.
Abia and Akwa Ibom States; indeed, Nigeria, rose up in salute as the Genera's body was laid to rest.

Even the elements obeyed protocol.
The cloud dispersed.
The sun regulated itself.
The weather was just right.
In his lifetime, the presence of God around "Uma Ukpai" was intense and unmistakable.
In death, it didn't change.
Strange.
The atmosphere was charged!

For me, something stood out.
He was not a distant hero to his people. He was right in their midst, reachable, even as he touched their lives practically and profoundly!
His wealth and influence were felt and seen among the people.

Even on his way to the grave, he bagged a title, "The prophet whose greatness and magnanimity reached home!"
In the words of the community head who gave an eloquent testimony:
" MANY OF US BECAME CHRISTIANS BECAUSE OF HIM".

It was at this point that I could no longer hold it back.
I let my tears flow freely.
..and to think that this monumental impact did not happen through politics! Not through military exploits; not "Oil and Gas"!
It was through the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ!
Massive respec' to the General!!!
"MANY OF US BECAME CHRISTIANS BECAUSE OF HIM

LOOK UP!
"Looking up to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith"... It was He, Jesus, who commended us to the Holy Spirit for guidance. Do not replace Him with a man... any man!

Why would you prefer man's guidance, anyway?
Once, I got caught up in a terrible traffic around Iwo road in Ibadan. I was returning to Lagos from Ilesha. I didn't understand that area well.
A certain driver came by, and quickly turned off the traffic-congested road into a side street.
Inspired by his confidence, my driver followed him. We desperately needed to find an alternative connection to the Lagos highway.
Before long, a good number of other vehicles joined us. We werel all hopeful, if not certain, that this driver would lead us out of the maze.
A few left and right turns later, he slowed down, trafficated and turned into a building whose gates swung open at the sound of his car horn.

He had just arrived his destination!

Dear Lord Jesus! In the journey of life, all travellers do not share a common destination.
The rest of us who followed him in the hope of escaping the traffic congestion were left stupefied. Such is the risk and folly of following humans.

While it is good to have good teachers and mentors, we must not let anyone block our view of the One leading us all. The Holy Spirit is the ultimate guide; and the Word of God is His roadmap.
Call me your mentor, if you like. Look up to me and emulate me, but if I miss my steps and falter, do not falter. Do not fall. Do not inherit my failings or weaknesses.
Remember: even the best of men is at best A MAN.

A WEEK OF GOOD NEWS!
One of the greatest ingredients of love is forgiveness.
It's an attribute of God that it is REQUIRED of us as His children.

I can tell how much you love him/her when I know how much you have forgiven him/ her.
You can overcome that hurt by overlooking that wrong.
Set him/her free.
You can do it. Yes, you can.
As you do this, may this be for you a week of good news!

If you don’t feel like listening to a preacher wail endlessly about Jesus, the end times, and a world to come, I understand.
If you’re tired of hearing conversations that seem disconnected from your everyday hustle and present reality all in the name of Bible study, I understand perfectly.
If you feel like you’re suffocating in the company of church and “overly churchy” people in the name of fellowship, you’re talking to the right person.
You’re on a road whose end I know.
I’ve travelled that road.
I carry the scars to prove it.
It is called ASTRAY.
The farther you go, the harder it becomes to return.
Right now, nothing may suggest that you’re on a fatal cruise. It may even feel freeing. But trust me on this—the end of that road is destruction. Not many make it back in time.
At the end of that treacherous path, many scream and try to negotiate with their Maker.
Late believers.
But if you can turn around today, you’ll become part of a precious battalion called THE RETURNEES, cherished here on earth and, more importantly, celebrated in heaven.
The peace here?
Indescribable.