No one talks about how hard spiritual growth & trying to become a better woman is. It's not a one time thing, it's every day. It's remaining quiet when we want to speak. It's trusting God's timing when we would rather have control. It's doing it God's way when it doesn't make sense to us. It's hard, but it's worth it.

GOV UMO ENO PRAISES ARCHBISHOP EKUWEM FOR INSPIRING GOOD GOVERNANCE

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has extolled the virtues of Catholic Archbishop of Calabar, Most Rev. Joseph Ekuwem for his ability to speak truth to power and inspire in leaders a desire towards a more Christ- like and people- centric governance style.

The Governor made the remark while speaking at the Archbishop's 75th birthday celebration and thanksgiving mass held at Sacred Heart Parish, Aka Offot, Uyo.

The Governor noted that Archbishop Ekuwem has inspired people to serve God better, embrace the kingdom of God and has impacted positively on society.

"We have been blessed by the force of your moral suasion and the uncanny ability to speak truth to power and, inspire in leaders a more Christ and people - centric governance.

"Today, because of the inspirational work you have done in Christian ecumenism, many have come to embrace the Kingdom of God, strongholds have been broken and gates of salvation flung open to all who seek redemption through Christ.

"We, at the State level, have been honoured by your kind acceptance to head our State Christian Leadership Advisory Council- an inter-denominational group of our fathers and mothers in faith, who have gladly agreed to join us in putting our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ at the centre of our administration," he said.

The Governor who also joined Archbishop Ekuwem at the reception for the event which incorporated a book presentation,
prayed for him to have robust health, continuous sound and fecund mind as well as strength, "so we may continue to benefit and drink from the fountain of your spiritual knowledge."

In his message of goodwill, Former Governor of the State, Obong Victor Attah, appreciated Archbishop Ekuwem for his Christ - centric disposition which he said qualifies him as a leading light of the Church.

Bishop John Ayah of the Catholic Diocese of Uyo applauded the exemplary christian life of Archbishop Ekuwem, and appreciated Governor Eno, whom he described as a good friend of the Catholic Church, for honouring the Archbishop with his presence, and for pursuing the ministry of reconciliation with vigour and maintaining peace across the State.

Earlier in his homily, Very Rev. Fr. Gabriel Ekong admonished Christians to do things that enhance life and good health, exercise mental restraint and desist from saying or doing things that could be injurious to others.

He said the Archbishop Ekuwem is a great teacher who has positively impacted the State, Nigeria and humanity at large.

At the reception, Chairman on the occasion and former Deputy Governor of the State, Engr. Patrick Ekpotu, said Archbishop Ekuwem is a man of integrity and honour worthy of celebration.

Media Unit
Government House, Uyo
25/3/25

The sunrise reminds us: no matter how dark the night, light always returns.”

#spiritual #

5. #MARRY_YOUR_SEX_MATE: Marry someone you have sexual feelings for. Sexual feeling is not a sin. It is an instinct God put in every person. Sex plays a major role in the success of any marriage. Any man you don't have emotional feelings for, don't marry the person. If you don't have emotional feelings for that lady, leave her alone. A spiritual being is also a sexual being. No matter how spiritual you both may be in your marriage, you won't be praying for 24 hours in a day. You won't be reading the Bible or worshipping God 24/7. You will have sex! You will romance! You will flirt with each other! You will make babies. So, marry someone you can connect with sexually. It will help you to enjoy your marriage so much!

6. #MARRY_YOUR_SOCIAL_MATE: Don't marry someone you won't be proud to go out with. Don't marry someone you will be feeling shy to introduce to people with boldness. Marry someone you are comfortable to hang out with. Marry someone you are socially compatible with. Don't marry an anti- social person.
You might be wondering if your can find all the 'mates' in one person. Yes! The answer is YES! You don't need to marry 6 guys/ladies to have all these mates. One person can be all that for you. If you also work on yourself and build your life, you can be all that for the guy/lady that will marry you.

The promise of God for you is this : 'Seek and read from the book of the LORD: Not one of these shall be missing; none shall be without her mate. For the mouth of the LORD has commanded, and his Spirit has gathered them.' (Isaiah 34:16).
Say it loud and clear 'I shall not lack a mate!'
I hope this blessed someone reading?

2. #MARRY_YOUR_SCHOOL_MATE:
By this I mean, marry someone you can learn together and improve together. Don't marry ' Mr Know all' or 'Miss Know all'. Don't marry someone who is rigid and not open to new ideas, new ways of doing things, or new innovations. Marriage is a great institution. From day one till death do you part, you will keep learning. Marry your 'school' mate; someone who is ready to learn with you.

3. #MARRY_YOUR_SPIRITUAL_MATE: Marriage is not just a social union. It is also a spiritual union. Marry someone who knows the same God you know. Don't marry someone who's believe of God is different from yours. Two can't work together except they be agreed ( Amos 3:3, Joshua 23: 11-15, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18). The spiritual controls the physical, even in marriage. Check for spiritual compatibility in that person you want to marry.

I think every Christian ought to be able to say three things:

1) By the grace of God I'm not what I used to be.

2) And just as legitimately you should be able to say, "By the grace of God I am what I am." That's not a matter of pride or ego. You ought to be proud of what God is doing in your life. Not a self-righteousness pride: "Look what a great Pharisee I am!" But are you grateful for what God is doing in your life? I am! When God uses me I thank Him!

3) By the grace of God I'm not what I'm going to be. God is not through with you. God is in the disciple making business and He is producing character in your life. Romans 5 tells us He even uses suffering and trials to build character in your life.

All of that happens by grace. Why is it that some people grow through trials and some people don't? Why is it that some people get better and some people get bitter? Why is it for some people a stumbling block and for others a stepping stone? It's whether they're using God's grace in their life. Trials do not automatically mature you. I know a lot of people who have gone through a lot of trials and they're still spiritual midgets! They don't rely on the grace of God.

The Benefits of God's grace: We're saved by God's grace. We're filled by God's grace. God answers our prayers by His grace. He does miracles by grace. All of the growth in our life is by grace.

Faith is the spark that ignites the flame of hope, and with trust in a higher power, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve spiritual growths.

Your spiritual journey is unique and precious, and by staying true to your beliefs and values, you can find peace, purpose, and fulfillment in life.