TO A MAN WITH LARGE HEART OF LOVE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE IZUEGBUNEM
Join me to celebrate a man of honour, a man with a large heart of LOVE, a who has done so much in my life and lives of many, a man whose act in my life can never be forgotten, a man whose hard work, resilience, uprightness, kindness and politeness has brought you to become the present President General Ubulu Okiti Development Association, a man who loves God, Builder Izuegbunem Iloba-Agafiena as he marks his birthday today.
You may have forgotten but let me remind you what you said in 2007, a sign of your love for human which God demands from us. When I was sick, you vowed saying, "I WILL RATHER SPEND ALL I HAVE TO ENSURE THAT MORGAN RECEIVES HEALING THAN SPENDING FOR HIS BURIAL." You said these words ahead to demonstrate it by doing what few men can do. It has never gone and will never go out of my mind.
As you mark your birthday today, if I have the power to fulfill your heart desires, I would have gladly done that without hesitation but as I couldn't, I pray that the Almighty God who is able to do above all we think or ask will bless you with many more years of good health, peace, favour, joy, divine grace to reap of your labour, and all round blessings from heaven above. HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE.

YOUR TIME IS ON INFINITE MOVEMENT

YOUR TIME IS IN INFINITE MOVEMENT

An Anonymous quotation says “In time take time while time doth last, for time is no time when time is past.” I wonder how people use the time God has given them. Most people at their death bed will actually regret their inability to maximize the time God gave them. Then, at their death bed, they will remember that they could have done this or done that. Why waste your precious time in gossips? Why waste your precious time pursuing frivolities? Why waste your precious time chasing shadows instead of realities? Why waste precious time on things that cannot pay your bills? Why waste your precious time on your couch watching television as if you can’t do without it?

The time you think you don’t have is enough to help in humanitarian services whereby you will contribute in shaping and bringing happiness to some people. It could as well be use to affect some lives positively through the services you render. Also, that time could be engaged in worthy pursuits like writing books for posterity, visiting the needy and poor and visiting the sick in the hospital. It could be used in doing works that can impact on the society at large.      

Know that every human being is accountable for the time God has given to him/her. Have you ever wondered why God kept you alive till date? God created time and gave it to us.  It is God’s fundamental gift, for all other gifts He has conditioned upon it. Have you ever wonder why you did not die after that protracted illness? Have you ever wondered why God saved you in that terrible accident? It is because you still have something to do in this life that will be beneficial to someone else. He did not keep you alive because you must eat food and lazy away your time.

Therefore dearly beloved, let us learn how to maximize the time we have. A day will come when we will want to do some of these things, then our strength and health will fail us. A time will come when we can no longer move those legs, hand and body. Do not reach your death bed and start regretting that you did not inspire anyone with the abundant talent God endowed you with. Use them now you have time before you will start regretting. Time waits for no one. Time is in infinite movement and has no single moment to rest. There is nothing like pause with time. Once it has eluded you, you cannot pause it or get it back again.

Your Friend, 

Tabugbo Uzoma

My 2014 Ash Wednesday Sermon Notes

Contentment: A Key to Overcoming Temptation.

Text: 1 Timothy 6:6 – 10 - But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. (English Standard Version)

Preamble: I thank God for the privilege of coming here today. I thank Bishop’s Chaplain, Rev Emmanuel Amaje for inviting me to share fellowship with you today. I thank you all for being here. God bless you and all yours in Jesus name. Amen.

Introduction: Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lenten season when we commemorate the 40 days and 40 nights our Lord Jesus fasted. Lenten season should be used to discipline ourselves and one of the ways to learn discipline is to learn contentment in our materialistic world of today.
Development: Here, Paul admonished Timothy on the imperatives of Contentment. Our religion does not come and go with the uncertainties of material wealth. Rather faith in Christ, with contentment, is our wealth as Christians, independent of one’s wealth and possessions. True religion (faith in Christ) requires training (4:7) to develop inner spiritual qualities, while at the same time being apparent in the way we relate to others (4:12). True religion exhibits true character exemplified in the way we serve others. Contentment grows from our attitude toward living God’s way.
To have contentment in Christ requires four decisions about the events and possessions of our life:
1. We must focus on what God has already allowed us to have.
2. We must disregard what we do not have.
3. We must refuse to covet what others may have.
4. We must give thanks to God for each and all of his gifts (4:3-4).
If we fail to make these decisions, our contentment will diminish.

Conclusion: Let me conclude by quoting Family Bible Note: “Supreme regard to God, grateful obedience to his commands, cheerful submission to his dealings, and contentment with the allotments of his providence, will, through grace, gain all needed good in life, in death, and forever.”

http://relijournal.com/christianity/sermon-notes-on-contentment-a-key-to-overcome-temptation-4/#ixzz3V3cmsBmQ

CHOOSE YOUR WORDS BEFORE YOU SPEAK

CHOOSE YOUR WORDS BEFORE YOU TALK

It was Robin Sharma that sagely said in his book ‘Who will cry when you die’, that “Hurtful words unleashed in a single minute of anger have led to many a broken friendship. Words are like arrows: once released, they are impossible to retrieve. So chose yours with care.” We are in a world where people do not have regard for one another. We are in a world where words people speak no longer edify.

Our world today is on the fast lane. People always want to have their way not minding whose ox is gored. Ecclesiastics 9:17 says, “Words of the wise, spoken quietly, should be heard Rather than the shout of a ruler of fools.” Such words spoken quietly are rare today. People speak without minding what comes out of their mouth.

In everyday life, we come across many people. Some may be friendly, while some may not. In meetings and other public places, people may oppose our ideas and views. In the process, offend us. Our world is a world of stress and pressures; in the office, on the road, at the supermarket, in the home, etc. All these are bound to make us loose our cool and burst out especially when people seem not to understand us.

As Aristotle noted, “Anyone can become angry – that’s easy. But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way – that is not easy.” With the stress and pressures of life on daily basis, we are bound to react when people offend us. For example when driving and the other road user does what you never expected, how do you react? Do you use abusive words or yell at him? But what kind of word comes out of your mouth? Are your words edifying? Are they gracious? Are your words kind? Are they garnished with love?

Matthew 12:37 says, "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." Majority of us speak words that bring condemnation to us from man and God. When people easily lose their temper, it gradually becomes their habit and it develops to their second nature. Tough time (stress and pressures) calls for people that are cool. Through tough times we know the quality and character of a man. One thing people do not easily understand is that tough times (stress and pressures of life) are meant to shape our character and make us understand, and accept the world we live in.

An excellent way to control your temper and choose your word before you talk is simply count from 1 to 50 before you respond to someone who has irritated you. According to Robin Sharma in his book, ‘Who will Cry when you die’, “Another strategy is what I call the ‘Three Gate Test’. The ancient sages would only speak if the words they were about to utter has passed three gates. At the first gate, they ask themselves, ‘Are these words truthful?’ If so, the word could then pass on to the second gate. At the second gate, the sages asked, ‘Are these words necessary?’ If so, they will then pass on to the third gate, where they would ask, ‘Are these words kind?’ If so, then only would they leave their lips and be sent out into the world”.

The above is an excellent way to help us keep our cool and choose our words before we talk. Many of us do not know that we are accountable to men and to God for every word that comes out of our mouth. The Bible says in Matthew 12:36, "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the Day of Judgment.” In 2011, Isa Yuguda, Governor of Bauchi State Nigeria made a careless statement that attracted the anger of not only Nigerians but as many as are interested in the affairs of Nigerians  and lovers of human life.

He said, “As far as I am concerned, the Corps members were destined to experience what happened to them in the course of serving their fatherland because every new day is a new experience to each and every one of us as human being; killing of some Corp members in the state in the aftermath of the presidential polls last week; we are not happy, but that is their destiny”. This was a statement from the Chief Security officer of a State who has as his duty to protect lives and properties within his jurisdiction. What a sad story. What will be the lot of the parents and relations of these people killed after hearing the words of this governor? A Viper tongue indeed!

When we learn to choose our words it will save us a lot of litigations, wars and strife that has engulfed our world of today. What will this world be if men, women, youths and children especially people in authority both is government, government agencies, industries, church, mosques, and civil society at large should pause, choose their words before they speak? Think about it and act accordingly. God bless you. 

Charles Wesley A Challenge To This Generation

Charles Wesley A Challenge To This Generation

“No study of great hymns of the Christian faith would be complete without considering the work of the one man who did more for English Hymns than any other – Charles Wesley.” This was how James McClelland opened the chapter on his work ‘Jesus Lover of My Soul’ in his book titled ‘The Stories behind Great Hymn’. Continuing, James noted that, “Even though his father was a clergyman, Charles Wesley grew up without ever coming to knowledge of sin, forgiven or the assurance of salvation. Thankfully however, like his famous brother John, he finally found spiritual peace through the help of the Moravians, especially that of Peter Bohler, who explained to him the nature of justification by faith alone. Thus it was on Whit Sunday, May 21st 1738; Charles Wesley found peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

I have lived to know that when someone genuinely gives his/her life to Christ, accepting Him as Lord and Personal Saviour there is always a change and a difference which will visibly manifest for all to see. I remembered when I gave my life to Christ on February 11 1990, there was a difference in my life and I immediately turned a new leaf. There was a kind of joy; the joy of salvation, radiating in me which made me sing often and again. I remembered this very day; my junior sister asked, “Does it mean that when one gives his life to Christ, such will not let people hear, always singing?”

This was what happened in the life of Charles Wesley. According to that narrative from James McClelland, “From that time he (Charles Wesley) was as much on fire to preach the gospel as his brother; and equally bold and tireless in doing so. Above all, he translated the gospel message into songs, furnishing both powerful means of evangelism and a rich reservoir for devotion. On the first anniversary of his conversion, he wrote those majestic lines:

O for a thousand tongues to sing

My great Redeemer’s praise

The glories of my God and King

The Triumph of His grace

These lines have been used to open successive editions of the Methodist Hymn Book ever since. Hymn writing came easily to Charles Wesley anytime, anywhere, so that from his pen there flowed some nine thousand (9,000) sacred songs”

Charles Wesley wrote some notable songs still in use today such as ‘Love Divine All Love excelling’, ‘Christ the Lord is Risen Today’, Hark the Herald Angel Sing’, Jesus Lover of My Soul’, etc. Some of the hymns Charles Wesley wrote are favourites of many believers even till date. Charles Wesley wrote Jesus Lover of My Soul just two years after he made Jesus Christ his Lord and Saviour. This is one of his hymns I cherished and the wordings are:

Jesus Lover of my soul,

Let me to Thy bosom fly,

While the nearer waters roll,

While the tempest still is high:

Hide me, O my Saviour, hide,

Till the storm of life is past;

Safe into the haven guide,

O receive my soul at last!

Plenteous grace with Thee is found,

Grace to cover all my sin;

Let the healing streams abound,

Make and keep me pure within:

Thou of life the Fountain art,

Freely let me take of Thee,

                          Spring Thou up within my heart,

Rise to all eternity

After reading about Charles Wesley and his God given gift of writing hymns, I wish to ask here, where are the Charles Wesleys of our age? Where are the Hymn writers of our age? The Hymns we use today in our worship are the ones written between 15th to 19th Centuries. As we use them today, they are still spiritual and inspiring to souls. Hymn writing is a gift that we should desire from God. It is a way of leaving a legacy for posterity. It is a way of immortalizing our names. Many of this our age only write and sing songs and not hymns.

However, it worthy to note here, that deep inspiration can be drawn from God when we meditate on Hymns like this one written by Charles Wesley. Virtually all the hymns were written from Biblical verses. Hymn writing is a challenge for Christians of this generation. I have personally written few hymns which I hope to develop well and forward to my Choirmaster for a trial. People who write such should publish on them on the internet as many will never come up in Hymn books but somehow, people will come across it and gain inspiration from it.

Bondage of Greediness

Bondage of Greediness

In Open Heavens, a daily devotional guide written by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Church of God Nigeria has for 18th February 2012 Captives of the Greed as its heading. The text was from Proverbs 1:10 – 19. Here is excerpt from the study:

“A common problem among those who desire to be rich is greed. According to Proverbs 1:10 – 19, the greedy will stop at nothing in their bid to get rich quick; all they are focused on is their goal and nothing must stop them. A greedy person does not mind shedding innocent blood. All those who are into advanced fee fraud know as 419 in Nigeria, are motivated by greed. Similarly, those who engage in profiteering – who obtain excessive profit are motivated by greed. Greed makes people to over-rule the worth of their products and services. Quite a number of contractors who make supplies to government are guilty of greed. They inflate the prices of their goods and services sometimes charging even more than 1000 percent. A GREEDY PERSON WILL ALSO NOT KEEP TO AGREEMENTS. HE WILL VIOLATE EVERY BUSINESS AGREEMENT IN OTHER TO MAKE MORE MONEY. He does not care if relationships of several years are destroyed… The greedy fellow is blinded from seeing the evils coming upon him. Greed can easily trigger a loss. When you over price your goods, you can turn away those who should have patronized you and introduced you to other people. Greed can rob you of opportunities. Proverbs 1:19 says greed gradually erodes the life of the greedy. According to Proverbs 15:27, it is greed that makes people to take or ask for bribes, the same greed will cause them and their family pain. The Greedy fellow lives in fear. Many times, they become victims of hired assassins as the ones they have cheated attempts to have their pound of flesh. No greedy person can truly live in peace or enjoy their ill gotten wealth as they live in fear. The blood of innocent victims of the greedy haunts them continuously. The greedy is an enemy of God and man. Men will curse such a man (Proverbs 11:26) and the judgment of God is upon such a person (Ezekiel 22:12 – 14). Have you been greedy? Has your greed made you offend others? Repent and restitute your ways. Return what you have acquired unjustly from your victims and make your ways right before God. After this, be content with what God gives you”          

When I was going through this devotional guide, I started recollecting all that I passed through in the hands of the taxi driver that took me to Ajah. Ajah, one of the suburbs of Lagos is in Eti – Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State. I have never been to the place until 17th February, 2012. I went to Ajah to see my junior brother who lives there. I boarded the taxi from Ojota and it was after a prolonged bargaining on the price. The first driver told me N6, 000: 00 (Six Thousand Naira). This other driver came in and being an Ibo man and I am from Delta Ibo, decided to reduce the money to N3, 500: 00 (Three Thousand Five Hundred Naira).

On our way, my junior brother called to know where I was then. I gave the phone to the driver and he gave the driver the description of where he will drop me. I did not hear their conversation. When we got to Chevron round about on that road, the driver stopped his vehicle and asked me to come down that it was that round about my brother said he should drop me. In a jiffy, he brought out my bag warning that people don’t stop any how there. I paid him and he zoomed off.

What led this man into this action was greed. He did not keep to agreement just as Adeboye stated in his devotional guide. He violated the agreement we made before living. Why are men never satisfied with what they have? They take money from others through fraudulent means? Men who live like that are under captivity and they need God to deliver them. Are you among these people? Repent today.

A NEW DAY IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY OR SECOND CHANCE

A NEW DAY IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY OR SECOND CHANCE

Few days ago as we were in the family devotion, God ministered to me that seeing a new day is another opportunity or second chance to right our wrongs of the past. I thought about it for a while and it dawn on me that indeed, God doesn’t preserve us for a new day without a purpose. He gives us opportunity to go and preach the gospel which we couldn’t preach the previous day or in the days past. He preserves us so we can be useful to Him and humanity. This is a very important truth we must get into our heads.

On daily basis, we left undone what we ought to have done, doing what we ought not to have done. Most of us laugh over them thinking that God understands. Yes! He understands that is why He gives us second chance to amend our past and right our wrongs. However, a day will come when He will no longer grant us that another opportunity. What will you do? Second chance is not eternity. When we undermine another opportunity God gives to us, we will account for them on the day of reckoning.

Again, we should always be grateful to God when He gives us another opportunity because not every human being had such opportunity. Some of those who died in the past night were thinking of how to right their wrongs where they failed in that relationship, business, investment, project, etc while some where planning on how to maximize another opportunity they will have the following day. But it never happened! Therefore, be grateful when such comes your way.

As you go out today, make sure you maximize your another opportunity to the fullest because another opportunity or second chance may never come your way again.

Share What You Have With Others

I had a fulfilled day yesterday Friday 13th March, 2015, as I had the opportunity of mentoring someone with a God given gift. This is a talent inborn in me. I didn't learn it from anywhere. My grand father was a sculptor which earn him the name Molokwu Oka. He distinguished himself in that field. I am talented in creative art - making of Hand made cards and frames of different occasions.
So a friend came yesterday for me to teach him. I revealed everything to him; where he can source the materials and taught him the process of making a card. He later made one card, a happy Mothers Day card for his priest's wife. I know he left fulfilled.
Freely you received, freely you should give. Let's make our world a better place by sharing what we have with others

ARE YOU READY FOR JUDGMENT DAY?

ARE YOU READY FOR JUDGMENT DAY? Matthew 11:20 – 24

Introduction: With what is happening now, the news we hear, watch and read are all evidences of end time. Jesus warns us that it will be like the days of Noah in Matthew 24: 36 – 44. Today everything is moving as usual. People are going about their normal businesses. All our minds are focused on our businesses, our careers, etc. How many are cautious of His coming back? How many of us are able to read the hand writing on the wall? How many of us are able to discern the time we are in? Inasmuch as we know that we can’t fold our hands and wait for that day, we must always have it in mind. Jesus said something striking in Matthew 24:32 & 33.

Development: Jesus sent His disciples on mission and while they were away, He spoke to the multitude about that generation which doesn’t appreciate anything good. That led Him to the portion for our text. Jesus rebuked Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum, for not repenting despite all the preaching and miracles He did there. Woe to you simply means “Miserable art thou. For these are not curses or imprecations, as has been commonly supposed; but a solemn, compassionate declaration of the misery they were bringing on themselves” according to John Wesley. In the case of Capernaum which is exalted to heaven, Jesus used the phrase to “Denote great privileges. He meant that they were peculiarly favoured with instructions. The city was prosperous. It was successful in commerce. It was signally favoured by its wealth. Most of all, it was signally favoured by the presence, the preaching, and the miracles of the Lord Jesus Christ. Here he spent a large part of his time in the early part of his ministry; and in Capernaum and its neighbourhood he performed his chief miracles” – Albert Barnes.

Today we are favoured in the same way Capernaum was favoured. We have heard many messages from speakers live, on televisions, we have tapes and cassettes, we have witnessed miracles but what have we to show we are grateful for all these? How many of us are living according to the dictates of God? How many of us are ready for heaven? If Jesus will come back today, will He find you faithful?

Do not assume that because you are in the church, you are already in heaven. Not all who were saved at Egypt entered the Promised Land, even their leader Moses. The Pharisees and Sadducees were religious but Jesus denounced them and said they were not worthy for the kingdom of God. You may be singing in the choir/gospel band but you are not a candidate for heaven. You may be the treasurer of the church or group in the church but not worthy of heaven. Remember Judas was treasurer of Jesus and his disciples but he missed the mark. You may be a Pastor or Priest and end up in hell. Sons of Eli and Samuel all failed God. You may be a Priest’s/Pastor’s/Bishop’s relation and end in hell. Lot’s wife had Abraham and ended badly. You may be giving money to the church/Pastor because you want favour from God that will not take you to heaven. Simon wanted to pay money to obtain favour and Peter rebuked him in Act 8:20. You may be a student of the Bible; you read and study it. That is not enough to take you to heaven. Devil reads the Bible too. You may be a recipient of outstanding miracle and blessings that is not enough to take you to heaven. Remember the man born blind. Jesus went after him to ensure he become born again (John 9:35).

Jesus summed up all these by telling Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum that it will be more tolerable for Sodom, Tyre and Sidon than for them. They enjoyed all the privileges like we are enjoying now. If really the messages we hear are manifest in our lives, how come we cannot change? How come sin and disobedience is the order of the day for us? How come we can’t see it in our commitment to the things of God?     

Beloved in Christ, the important thing here is living the life of righteousness and holiness without which we can’t see God (Hebrew 12:14). God has granted us salvation in Christ Jesus. He has done His part. It is left for us to work out our salvation (Philippians 2:12). A repented life is just like a light. It cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14 – 16). We must prepare ourselves so that we will not be taken unawares like the days of Noah.

Conclusion: If Jesus comes now, are you ready? Your judgment may be sooner than expected. Death may come knocking which will bring the judgment closer just as Hebrews 9:27 says, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” Remember the rich man and Lazarus. An adage says to be forewarned is to be forearmed.     

ARE YOUR KIDNEYS OKAY?

WHAT IS THE STATUS OF YOUR KIDNEY?

This is one pertinent question that needs urgent answer in this our generation. For instance a staggering figure of about 30% of Nigerians which is well over 36.8 million people is said to have Chronic Kidney Disease. This high figure of people suffering Chronic Kidney Disease is not similar to Nigeria alone. For example, “Each year in the United States, more than 100,000 people are diagnosed with kidney failure, a serious condition in which the kidneys fail to rid the body of wastes” according to United States Renal Data System. Statistics also revealed that about 14 people per 1000 population suffer from Chronic Kidney Disease in India. Chronic Kidney Disease is not peculiar to these places only. The story is the same world over.

“Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) includes conditions that affect the kidneys with the potential to cause either loss of kidney function or complications resulting from decreased kidney function, thus endangering life” according to Kidney Care Project. There are two major causes of Chronic Kidney Disease with other minor causes. The major causes are Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus. Other minor causes of Chronic Kidney Diseases according to Kidney Care Project are:

1. Glomerulonephritis, a group of diseases that cause inflammation and damage to the kidneys' filtering units

2. Inherited diseases like Polycystic Kidney Disease, which causes large cysts to form in the kidney and damage the kidney tissue

3. Malformations during the development of the baby in the womb. For example, a narrowing may occur that prevents normal flow of urine resulting in back-flow into the kidney, causing damage to the kidneys.

4. Auto-immune disorders like Lupus Erythematosus

5. Repeated urinary infections

6. Indiscriminate use of pain-killers, especially Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).

In African Countries where people use traditional or orthodox medicine, it has been observed too that some of those medications have led to the cause of Chronic Kidney Disease.

Those prone to Kidney disease are

1. People suffering Diabetes

2. If you are Hypertensive

3. An African or Aborigine

4. If there is history of Chronic Kidney Disease in your family

5. If you are obese

Now it is proper you answer this question: Are Your Kidneys Okay? What is the status of your Kidneys – good, normal, you don’t know, etc? If you are not sure of the answer, better go for Kidney screening now. Most of the known symptoms do not show until the last stage of Chronic Kidney Disease which is End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

2015 WORLD KIDNEY DAY CELEBRATIONS AND 8 GOLDEN RULES TO HELP REDUCE PREVALENCE OF KIDNEY DISEASE IN NIGERIA

2015 WORLD KIDNEY DAY CELEBRATIONS AND 8 GOLDEN RULES TO HELP REDUCE PREVALENCE OF KIDNEY DISEASE IN NIGERIA

Today is World Kidney Day celebrated every second Thursday in the month of March and this year’s edition is the 10th anniversary with the theme ‘Kidney Health for All’ and will be culminated with the World Congress of Nephrology to be held in Cape Town South Africa from 13th – 17th March 2015. Some of the objectives of World Kidney Day celebrations are; to create awareness about the importance of kidney to the overall health of human beings, to alert people that kidney disease is a silent killer, to intimate people that the kidney is a very vital organ in the body which should be taken care of, and to get the government and policy makers to take decisive action on prevention and cure of Kidney diseases.

This year World Kidney Day campaign focuses on the fact that we are not all equal with regard to Kidney disease and access to treatment. Thus World Kidney Day needs your support to spread this message, encourage prevention, and bring this issue to the attention of government, policy makers as well as the general public.

In encouraging prevention, it is important to know and note these golden rules that will help us live healthier lives. It is World Kidney Day 8 Golden rules, easy ways to reduce the risk of developing kidney disease and failure.

1. KEEP FIT AND ACTIVE. Keeping fit helps to reduce your blood pressure and therefore reduces the risk of Chronic Kidney Disease.

2. KEEP REGULAR CONTROL OF YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVEL. More than half of people who have diabetes develop kidney damage, so it is important for people with diabetes to have regular tests to check their kidney functions. Kidney damage from diabetes can be reduced or prevented if detected early. It is important to keep control of blood sugar levels with the help of doctors or pharmacists.

3. MONITOR YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE. Although many people may be aware that high blood pressure can lead to a stroke or heart attack, few know that it is also the most common cause of kidney damage. The normal blood pressure level is 120/80. Between this level and 139/89, you are considered pre-hypertensive and should adopt a new lifestyle and dietary changes. At 140/90 and above, you should discuss the risks with your doctor and monitor your blood pressure level regularly. High blood pressure is especially likely to cause kidney damage when associated with other factors like diabetes, high cholesterol and Cardio- Vascular Diseases.

4. EAT HEALTHY AND KEEP YOUR WEIGHT IN CHECK. This can help prevent diabetes, heart disease and other conditions associated with Chronic Kidney Disease.

5. REDUCE YOUR SALT INTAKE. The recommended sodium intake is 5-6 grams of salt per day (around a teaspoon). In order to reduce your salt intake, try and limit the amount of processed and restaurant food and do not add salt to food. It will be easier to control your intake if you prepare the food yourself with fresh ingredients.

6. MAINTAIN A HEALTHY FLUID INTAKE. Although clinical studies have not reached an agreement on the ideal quantity of water and other fluids we should consume daily to maintain good health, traditional wisdom has long suggested drinking 1.5 to 2 litres of water per day. Consuming plenty of fluid helps the kidneys clear sodium, urea and toxins from the body which, in turn, results in a “significantly lower risk” of developing chronic kidney disease.

7. DO NOT SMOKE. Smoking slows the flow of blood to the kidneys. When less blood reaches the kidneys, it impairs their ability to function properly. Smoking also increases the risk of kidney cancer by about 50 percent.

8. DO NOT TAKE OVER-THE-COUNTER PILLS ON A REGULAR BASIS. Common drugs such non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen are known to cause kidney damage and disease if taken regularly. Such medications probably do not pose significant danger if your kidneys are relatively healthy and you use them for emergencies only, but if you are dealing with chronic pain, such as arthritis or back pain, work with your doctor to find a way to control your pain without putting your kidneys at risk.

People should get their kidney function checked if they have one or more of the ‘high risk’ factors; If they have diabetes, if they are hypertensive, if they are obese, if one of their parents or other family members suffers from kidney disease or they are of African, Asian, or Aboriginal origin. When we are careful to apply these rules to our daily lives, it will certainly reduce the rate of prevalence in our society. Doctors who are specialists on Kidney should do more in terms of enlightening their colleagues on the ways to help and treat Kidney disease cases. More Non-governmental organizations should join the advocacy on Kidney care. Lastly the government at all levels in this nation should do more to help those who have developed kidney disease and people living with transplanted kidneys.

Tabugbo Morgan Uzoma

Secretary Kidney Care Association, Asaba

BE YOURSELF

BE YOURSELF 

Our world today is characterized by self and hypocrisy.  People are so self centered that they are only concerned about themselves alone. Their concern is always how to please self and may be their immediate family. Similarly, most people are hypocrites. They confess something and do the opposite. They are the people whom the scriptures liken to sepulcher that are painted white but inside is stinking and smelling.

Today, many people confess they belong to one religion or the other. They confess that they are children of the most high God and are his representative here on earth. They appear in the public as saints and angels but right inside of them, are all manner of evil and vices concealed. They appear as always willing to help but right inside them, they have concealed ideas on how to steal, kill and maim.

In most countries today, there are uprising and insurgency, bombing and killing in the name of religion. I have always asked what kind of God will suggest killing people. They confess they know God but they are actually fulfilling the wishes of the devil. Some unsuspecting youths are engaged in this barbaric acts not knowing that they are being used to fulfill the ambition of their sponsors.

It is therefore expedient that we should stop hypocritical life if we sincerely hope to live a fulfilling life and satisfy our conscience. For those of us who practice one religion or the other, we should always examine ourselves to actually know if we are living and doing things in consonant of what we profess or confess. We can do this by examining our relationship with God we profess we serve.

1. Have you actually surrendered to Him and his sovereign will?

2. Have exchanged your agenda and motives for his own?

3. Do you love your God without reservation?

4. Is God glorified in all you do on daily basis?

5. Do you manifest the love of God or you do things against his will?

6. Do you spread the good news to others or you exhibit hatred on them?

When you assess yourself daily, based on these points it will help you to become yourself and live your life the way it will please you and others around you. More of the practical thing will appear in part 2. I wish you a fulfilling life void of hypocrisy and self centeredness.

-Tabugbo Uzoma

A Tribute to my Wife on Mothers’ Day (Mothering Sunday)

A Tribute to my Wife on Mothers’ Day (Mothering Sunday)

My mummy gave birth to me

She trained for me you

She did her best to make me a man

A responsible man for any woman

Thank you my mother

I found you my wife as my missing rib

You became part and parcel of my life

You started from where my mother stopped

Those things my mother did not emphasized you did

Thank you my darling wife

You started by moulding me into a character

You taught me how to be a man

You taught me how to buy things for the home

You made me own properties

Thank you my sweetheart

When I was challenged by life’s curves

And I was threatened by death

You remember the vows you made at the altar

For better, for worse, in sickness and in health

And you stood by me and gave me all the encouragement

Thank you my heartthrob

I still remember how you went begging to see me live

How they accused you as imposture just for sake of your love

How you weathered under the influence of rain and sunshine,

How you trekked and took night journeys to ensure my healing

Thank you my precious jewel

When it came to the worst and all ran away

You choose to give your life for my sake

Saying it is better we die together instead of you living alone

You did what no woman had ever done in my locality

You gave me a kidney to still live and be your husband

Thank you my found rib

I will always tell the world of your commitment to our marriage

How you have set the pace for others to follow

Though you may not be rewarded or honoured by men

For the sacrifice of love for me but God will honour you

God will reward you and make you mother of nations

Thank you the love of my life

Here I make an assurance to you again

Here I pledge my faithfulness and commitment

Here I vow to use everything in me to love you

Here I state categorically that forever you will be
The one and only love of my life       

Thank you my Darling, Sweetheart, Heartthrob, Jewel, Found Rib, Wife, Mother, Love, Friend, Confidant, Counsellor, Personal Assistant, Adviser, etc, Mrs Prisca Chimdifu Uzoma. I love you and will always love. Thanks for coming into my life.  

A GOOD FRIEND INDEED!

A GOOD FRIEND INDEED!

Friends are Special Treasures of the heart

They make you feel loved

They make you feel needed

They make you feel secured always

A true friend is ever committed  

Distance from one another or lapse of time

Cannot lessen the friendship of those

Who are truly convinced of each other's worth.

A good Friend is a gift you can give to yourself

A good friend undermines criticisms

A good friend overlooks faults

A good friend is ever positive of his/her friends

A good friend loves not matter the condition

A good friend believes all about his/her friend

A good friend trusts his friends

A good friend does not deceive

A good friend is trustworthy

A dependable ally in all situations

A good friend is always an anchor

Where you can run to in difficult times

A good friend shields you from danger and evil

He/She protects you and your integrity

A good friend makes you happy

With smile that offers hope and courage

A good friend knows the worth of friendships

In nobility, covers the failings of his friends

He draws a curtain before his weaknesses

And displays his perfection for all

A good friend does not gossip you

A good friend will not back bite you

A good will never betray your trust and confidence

A good friend will never abuse your friendship

Be slow to fall into friendship

But when you are into friendship

Be firm and constant as the northern star

You will find joy in good friendship

Who can find a good friend?

It is by choice that we make our friends

Good friendship is always a benefit

Blessed are they who have the gift of making good friends

- Tabugbo Uzoma 

JUST TRIAL OF YOUR FAITH

JUST TRIAL OF YOUR FAITH

"Why would things not go on smoothly for me when I know, and I am sure, I heard from God to be where I am and be doing the things which I am involved in?" This kind of statement and many others are some of the questions we ask or the kind of questions we ask when we are faced with difficulties, problems and trials of our faith.

Human beings ordinarily don’t want any hindrance, problem or opposition. However, when we are faced with oppositions, problems, etc, there is always a protest with questions: Why me? As Christians living in this world, whenever this kind of questions flood our minds, when we come face to face with difficult challenges like hostilities, lack of acceptance, etc. we should remember that many people like Moses faced such in his assignment to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt. He did not give up rather He trusted God who called him and gave him the assignment.    

               

The reason why people raise this kind of questions can be traced to two major reasons; lack of patience and lack of understanding. Taking the case study of the Israelites when they came out of Egypt, we can see that they didn't understand the mind of God which led to this statement they made: "Let the Lord look on you and judge, because you have made us abhorrent in the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to kill us" – Exodus 5:21. They thought the Pharaoh and the Egyptians will easily let them off their servitude.  

Another striking case of impatience is when the Israelites came to Wilderness of Sin. It was there they remembered the perceived pleasures they had in Egypt and made this statement: "Oh, that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt; when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger" – Exodus 16:3. When they were in Egypt, they were under torture of Taskmasters who dealt treacherously with them. It was the torture that made them to cry out to God for deliverance. Suddenly, they now preferred those days to the few days they have stayed without food. Irony of life indeed!

Sometimes our faiths are tried in so many ways. It could be through opposition, it could be through unanswered prayers, delay in conception, no body coming up to propose marriage to you, no job after many years of graduating, sudden change in attitude of your spouse towards you, sickness, etc. As Christians, these and many other problems should not make us to go back to our vomit. The life outside of Christ can never be compared to life in Christ. Most things we suffer are temporal. They are momentarily affliction. They all have expiry dates but not the eternal bliss in the Kingdom of Heaven which is far greater than anything else.

Beloved in Christ, what are the things you are currently passing through? Is your new boss a torn on your flesh now? Are you facing a panel just because of your faith? Are people opposing you arbitrarily because you confess Christ in your neighbourhood, office or place of business? They are just trial of your faith. Do not let their threats dishearten and discourage you. Remember the case of Daniel and the three other Hebrew boys. Keep burning, the fire of your faith. Jesus is there to strengthen you. Again, don’t ever think people will accept you and your faith easily. You have to be patient and allow God to work out His purposes for your life at the right and appropriate time.

Your friend and Pastor

Tabugbo Uzoma             

THERE ARE SOME GOOD IN PROBLEMS WE PASS THROUGH

THERE ARE SOME GOOD IN PROBLEMS WE PASS THROUGH

Most things that happen to us though bad as they may seem are not all intended to be bad to us especially when we open ourselves and learn some lessons that we ought to learn from them. There are many of us when faced with problems of life will keep asking why me or why that instead of finding ways out of that predicament. Majority of all I have passed through in life has taught me very important life lessons and now I know better. One of the problems of life that I have learnt so much from is my battle from life.

My battle from life started from the year 2002 when I was diagnosed of Kidney failure which came as a result of High Blood Pressure. During the process of that battle, I went through eight different hospitals which afforded me the opportunity of passing through so many nurses and doctors. I actually learnt so many things including how to associate with people but what I cherished most of all that I learnt is how to live well.

Before that period, I did not know the importance of what I should eat that will be good for my body. I just eat whatever I want not minding the consequences. I don’t care about exercise or moderation of what to eat, when to eat and how to eat. However, my passage through this battle exposed me to the need for careful observation of some health tips which as at today have helped me to live well.

Presently, I choose what to eat. I no longer eat because I should eat but I eat because I should live. This is as important as most of the foods we eat today are some of the causes of most ailments we suffer today. I now exercise regularly, having it in my daily routine. Again I now know the types of foods that are good for my health and the ones to avoid. I also check my Blood sugar and blood pressure regularly. I now know the importance of routine check-ups.

To me this is the best way to live and live healthy. I wouldn't have known some of these things if I had not passed through these battles for life. Therefore, we should not see problems from bad perspectives rather we should have positive perspective of our problems of life as lessons learnt can help us to live a better and more fulfilling lives.

Again, these battles of life have made me and advocate for healthy living, initiator Kidney Care Association Asaba Delta State Nigeria and consultant to so many people on Kidney related problems, ear, heart and many other health challenges.

Are you currently passing through some problems, trials and temptations in your office, home, business, school, church, etc? In as much as we know that all these subjects us to some excruciating pains and untold hardship, there are still some things we can learn from them. Look inward now. It may be a way of learning who your friends are or a way of knowing how to relate with people; who to trust, who to befriend and who to keep at arm’s length. As you learn and apply them in your life, you will see how fulfilled your life will become.           

My New Year Message to my Fans

MY NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO MY FANS AND FRIENDS

It is an honour and privilege to welcome you into the year 2015. It has been a great time we’ve had together in the years past but suffice to say that what lies ahead of us is far more glorious than what we have ever experienced. This is true because on daily basis, we have opportunities before us to explore our world and improve on our past. This is a very important fact we should take to heart as we enter into the New Year.

At the end of every year, most people become very apprehensive of what holds for them in the future. Many believe that the way you start the New Year and the way they live especially on the first day of the New Year goes a long way in determining what someone becomes or achieve in the year. However, one notion I want to correct is that every day we have is the same. The way you live your life each day determines what the future unfolds for you. It is not just the first day of the year. First day of the year is something of men and not of God. God sees every day as the same. We are the ones that have created that.

We have opportunity to live well and accomplish great things in 2015. Whatever we hope to achieve and accomplish depends on what we do on daily basis not just on the first day. This is one reason people make New Year Resolutions and do not keep to it. I don’t necessarily make New Year resolutions. I make resolutions on daily basis depending on the vision or dream that I have. Whenever I have a dream or vision of what to do, it determines the actions and resolutions I take. Though it is not out of place to make resolutions at or for New Year but keeping to it is the ultimate.

There are reasons why some people do not keep to their resolutions. One of them is inability to continue on the actions of the resolution. It takes about 30 consecutive days to get a habit to be part of you. For example, if you resolve to wake up and keep mid night prayers, you need to do it for over 30 days consecutively for it to become part of you. To accomplish such there are other factors that should be considered; the time you go to bed, the activities you perform in the day, etc, will all help in determining whether you can wake at mid night or not. So it is in every decision you take.

I know that many of you have resolved on how to live so as to achieve your life’s dream especially in the year 2015. Nevertheless, here are some of the tips I have to offer which in my mind will go a long way in helping you achieve those life’s dreams.

1. Write them and paste on conspicuous position in your room where you can read them daily. Reading them on daily basis will help keep you reminded of what lies ahead of you.

2. Make them part of your routine. Let the action part of your resolutions be performed on daily basis with passion and zeal.

3. A healthy body leads to a healthy mind which produces healthy thoughts. You should eat and live healthy. Eat healthy foods. Exercise can help improve your thoughts and healthy body.

4. Every evening, take a daily analysis of your activities. Write your observations, findings and lessons on a journal. Read through the journal on weekly basis.

5. Explore ways to improve yourself on the work you do with the mind of becoming the best in that field. Aim to be the best in your chosen career. Have mentors who may be alive or dead. Study their biographies, read their books and go to them for mentoring if they are alive. It must not be one. You can have them in various fields of endeavours.     

6. Have a vast perspective of issues. Don’t look at issues from one angle.

7. Be Genuine, Resourceful, Innovative and Principled (From My Drive to Legendary)

8. In all your plans, make room for disappointments and failures. When people don’t make plans for disappointments and failures, they easily loose out when they occur along the line in pursuit of their dreams. Making such plans will easily bring you back to your feet again.

9. Be positive in every situation no matter how bad it may seem. Being positive strengthens our faith, belief and confidence in us.

10. Always be daring and venture into new areas of your career.

My good friends and fans, 2015 will only be different from other years when you choose to make it different. The power is in your hands to work out your destiny. Don’t leave everything about yourself to chance. Be purposeful and determined to make a name for yourself and have a fulfilled life. You can do it. The power is in you. Harness them today and your tomorrow will be more glorious.

I wish you all a Happy New Year.

Your Friend,

Tabugbo Morgan Uzoma. 

                        

GOD IS NEVER ASLEEP. HE CARES AND INTERVENES

GOD IS NEVER ASLEEP. HE CARES AND INTERVENES

There are many things we pass through in life thinking that God is not aware, but it is not so. He is aware of whatever happens around us and He can intervene in a twinkle of an eye. This is a true story of what happened. I am sharing this not to ridicule anyone but to let the world know that our God is not asleep and can intervene in what concerns us without our request.

It was one Sunday afternoon in 1969, when John was just 2 years and few months that this incident happened. He is the first son of his father, Timothy and his mother is Grace. There were living in their family house and Timothy, John’s father was a teacher. That family house is made up of five rooms and a sitting room. It also has 2 flats of two – bedrooms each which serve as boy quarter at the back. These two flats were where the wives of Timothy’s senior brother, Peter lived. So out of the five rooms in the main building of the family house, Timothy had two rooms to himself with his family and the most senior brother having the remaining three rooms and his wives at the boys quarter behind the main house.

On that faithful Sunday when this incident happened, John with his parents had just came back from church, and as a child in the village where they use pit toilet with wood as covering and not even slab by then, went to the BACK of the house of Peter’s second wife, Angelina and boo booed there. When this woman came out and saw it, she didn't even call on Grace to pack it. She just went into her house brought out pepper, poured on it and set fire on it immediately. Her aim was to make it peppery on the anus of the small boy John.

When all these were happening God was somewhere watching Angelina as she was perfecting her wickedness. Immediately, without cloud or any sign that it will rain and the sun very high around 2 pm local time in their place in Aniocha South Local Government Area of present Delta State, Nigeria, God sent down heavy rain for just five minutes only and the fire Angelina put on the feces went off. The following day John’s father took him to school and he started school so that Angelina will not harm the little boy. The father immediately constructed an emergency house and they packed out of the family house few months after the incident. Today, John is a Pastor; evidence that God has a purpose in his life which devil wanted to thwart through the wickedness of Angelina.

If you think that your God is asleep, know from today that He is not. That He has not answered you does not mean He is not there. For God to open His cistern in heaven and poured down heavy rain without signs is enough to show us that with Him all things are possible.

(This is a true life story. Though the names I used here are not the real names, but if you so desire to know the town where this thing happened)

BUILD ON YOUR CHARACTER

BUILD ON YOUR CHARACTER

It was Froude who said that “You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one.” Character is what makes a man. Any person without character can be seen as dead while still walking about. It is achieved and not received. Characters grow out of the substance of a man's soul. By this, it means that you cultivate it. You work to earn it. You cannot develop a good character when you are not ready to make any sacrifice.

Any person without character is like chaff. Someone may be rich, educated, wealthy, beautiful or handsome but if character and good one at that, lacks in the life of that person, he is seen in the society as nuisance. His presence in any gathering irritates people. Such person finds it hard to relate well with others. His character will drive people away as they will abandon him and his wealth. There is this saying that “When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost!” – Anonymous.  

In this respect, it is expedient that we should understand what character is all about and the best way to maintain a good character that will make others come to us and not to run away from us. Character is distinctive and positive qualities. It is also somebody’s reputation. Building a good character, matters so much. It involves self discipline, determination, self denial and dedication to our call and duty. In doing this, you should be willing to choose between a good name, and wealth. In building our character, we must be willing to put away self, we should be open to understanding the views of other people. If and where possible, we should give up our rights to enable us draw people closer to ourselves.

In building a good reputation, evil people will despise you; they may abuse you and misunderstand you in many ways. However, in all these, you should bear whatever comes out of the process because you have an aim, a goal and a target. The reputation Jesus Christ made gave Him a name above every other name. You can do something that will take you to the pinnacle of the social strata with good character but not wealth because they are people who died and nobody cries for them, while some others, though not rich but their reputation made them heroes of their generation.     

It is somewhat ridiculous for some people to think that the wealth they have acquired their beauty, being handsome or educated can make people like them or come to them. Therefore, we owe not only to ourselves but the society at large the duty to build a good character and reputation as that is the way the blessings we have can be of any help to other people around us.