Insecurity: CAN Declares 3-Day Fasting, Prayer for Nigeria

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared three days of fasting and prayers against insecurity and bloodshed in the country.

CAN National General Secretary, Daramola Joseph, announced this in a circular dated May 11, 2021, and addressed the Christian body’s leadership at various levels.
He explained that the leadership of the association is concerned about the various killings, banditry, terrorism, and other problems facing the country, Hence there is a need for important prayers to be offered to God.

The address states that “This is to inform you that the CAN President, in view of the continuous killings, banditry, and host of other problems in Nigeria has considered it imperative and absolutely necessary that our country needed prayers for God’s mercy and intervention in our land. “Consequently, all local churches are expected to gather in the evening of each day (May 28 – 30th) set aside for the prayers to pray to God in the attitude of mourning or soberness for the bloodshed of many innocent Nigerians most especially Christians. “In the light of these, the following are the suggested prayer points to be followed during the said prayer meetings:

“That we are sad and pained for the blood of many innocent Nigerians that evil people in our midst had shed or for those kidnapped and abused in various ways.

“That our leaders would do justice in leadership and show fairness to all ethnic and religious groups in all their actions so as to douse ethnic and religious tensions we have presently.

“That the law enforcement agents would rise to their responsibilities and provide the necessary security we need in Nigeria.

“That every step the terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, gunmen and other wicked people in our midst take henceforth would be failed. That unseen hands and the army of the Lord would fight them and Nigeria would be at peace.

“That the plans of the evil people in our midst to paralyze human, social and economic activities in this nation and throw the nation into chaos would be foiled by the Lord Jesus Christ.

“That God should forgive our sins wherever we as a church or Nigerians, especially our leaders had sinned against God.”

The CAN leadership had repeatedly expressed its displeasure with the current state of affairs in Nigeria, particularly the rising of insecurity across the country and demanding for better governance and security.

DEAR BELIEVER, HOW OFTEN DO YOU READ YOUR BIBLE?

It’s commonly said that Christians should read their bible every day but do we read and meditate on the word of God. Are we required to read the bible daily? How often do we need to study the bible to be faithful followers of Christ?

In as much as no law or commandment says, ‘Thou shall read your Bible every day’. It’s very important for us as believers to not only read but study the word of God daily in other for us to build a strong relationship with our creator.  Let’s take a look at some principles in the Scriptures.

Ps 119.105 tells us, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path”.

When we dwell on God’s Word daily its brightens our pathway, guards us on our journey through life, and lifts darkness before us. Our desire as believers is to be a follower of Christ and not to sin against him but to honor him. Therefore we need his daily guidance and the Bible is the first place to look for it.

So how Often should we study the Word?

As much as we can! Especially for new believers, I highly recommend studying the Bible daily to gain more overview of different messages from the Scripture. It will help us understand and see the world from another perceptive through God’s eyes.

However, studying the Bible every day is not a direct command but we can’t do away with the Bible either. Let’s try to incorporate Bible study into our daily routine in other to fuel an infectious faith that defines us as Christians.

Green Pastures and Quiet Waters

Green Pastures and Quiet Waters

IIn a similar vein, around 1000 BC, Israel’s King David composed his most famous work—Psalm 23. Many of us know how it begins: “The Lord is my shepherd.” I’ve read or recited that psalm hundreds of times over the years, but I recently noticed something I hadn’t observed before.

Why did David say, “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters”? Why must the shepherd—David’s reference to God—“make” and “lead” him to do things that seem desirable, even idyllic? Did David not want peace, beauty, rest?

While scholars of ancient Hebrew history aren’t certain what was happening in King David’s life when he wrote this psalm, what is known about his life, in general, is that he had enemies near and far.

We also know that as a result of these many enemies, David was frequently on the run, either chasing off an enemy or running from one.

David’s reference to God—“make” and “lead” him to do things that seem desirable

While there are certainly accounts of David enjoying the benefits of being a king, his life was busy and burdened. In numerous other psalms, he admits to being exhausted and demoralized. 

While we aren’t ancient Israeli kings constantly fending off giant and regular-size adversaries, we can relate to King David’s feelings of exhaustion and demoralization.

Most of all, we can relate to needing someone to make us lie down in green pastures and lead us beside quiet waters.