By Uzuegbu Ifeanyi. Photo credit: Abraham Ovwonuri, Rev. Fortune Orji, Chimuanya Ihenacho. Christians have been urged never to forget all that the Lord has done for them and return praise to him so that in turn, they will receive...
By Uzuegbu Ifeanyi.
Photo credit: Abraham Ovwonuri, Rev. Fortune Orji, Chimuanya Ihenacho.
Christians have been urged never to forget all that the Lord has done for them and return praise to him so that in turn, they will receive more strength from the Lord.
This advice was given by the Bishop of On the Lake, Rt. Rev. Chijioke Otti, PhD, in His sermon at the thanksgiving and reception of the Bishop of Owerri Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Chukwuma Oparah.
Bishop Otti who took his text from Psalm 103 said that as Christians, we must deliberately choose to remember all that the Lord has done for us and be grateful.
"Sometimes, because of challenges, busy schedules, we may forget. David didn't say, we should not remember, but he said we should not forget all that the Lord has done." the Bishop said.
Bishop Otti added that "God is good to us, God is with us. As you don't forget his goodness, as you agree, as you Thank God for all the goodness of the Lord, you will receive strength."
" David who wrote this Psalm faced lots of trouble, from the first day he was elected as king of Israel, he faced challenges but all the way, God rescued him from different dangers. When u read the story of David, u will appreciate what miracle is. How God used cobwebs to protect David in the cave and many other instances " the Preacher noted.
The Bishop on the Lake added that "This is the season of Praise and Thanksgiving, this gathering is done today for the great things he has done, not for Bishop Chukwuma Oparah alone, but for Amankuta community, for the Diocese of Owerri and his church."
He noted that hatred has increased, that we are in a time we are not even sure of who we are standing near to, who is a brother again, who is a Christian, but because we are not consume in this we should render thanks to God.
Bishop Otti declared that the choice of Bishop Chukwuma is a divine project. "Before now, so many names were being peddled but Chukwuma name was not among. Some of those names were sure of becoming Bishop, even Chukwuma was not mentioned anywhere, I didn't mention him but God mentioned him, he was not in the equation of man but he was in the equation of God. "
The Preacher concluded by urging the people, especially the clergy, to pray for Bishop Chukwuma because his success is our success. He urged the clergy, "don't ever fight your Bishop because his success is yours, his failures yours"
The Preacher reminded the Bishop Chukwuma that he was not chosen because he was qualified as God always called the unqualified. "And When you realised this, you will not boast." Bishop Otti summarised.
Earlier in the service, conducted by Ven. Chidi Opara, Archdeacon, Amaike Archdeaconry. Mama owerre took the first lesson while the
Bishop Chukwuma took the second lesson.
Prayers were said by Ven. James Oyekwelibe who lead the prayers for Nigeria. Ven. Paul Nwozuzu lead prayers for the church and the clergy while Ven. Chike Samuelson prayed for all those facing challenges.
The service rounded off as friends and well wishers followed the Bishop and mama Owerri to the alter for their thanksgiving and the Bishop Chukwuma Chinekezi Oparah PhD gave the vote of thanks.