A FRIEND INDEED

"....Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead...". John 11:11 & 14

Two friends went out on a long journey through a thick forest. They felt a bit nervous but they promised to stand by each other and share the same fate. They had not gone far when a wild bear came out from among the trees. One of the friends in great fear climbed up the nearest tree, without caring to think what would happen to the other man. The other man, on his part, fell flat on the ground and held in his breath, pretending to be dead. As he lay thus, the bear came up to him and smelt him all over his body. Finding the man stiff in all his limbs, the bear took him to be dead and walked away. When the bear was gone, the man on the tree came down. He greeted his friend, saying – “Thank God that you are saved. My friend, I saw the bear put its mouth very close to your ear. Did it say anything to you?” The friend replied, “Yes, it warned me against a friend who left me in danger to seek his own safety”.

"Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family" Proverbs 18:24 (MSG)

Beloved, In good times, everybody behaves as if they are our friend. But when things are not going on as expected or when we are surrounded  by wild bears of life, they often take to their heels. Only a true friend sticks to us in difficult times. So, do you have a true friend?  Jesus Christ is the best of all friends. He did not abandon Lazarus his friend when the wild bear of sickness and premature death swallowed him. Rather, Jesus choose to visit his friend - Lazarus at such a trying/difficult season of his life.(John 11:11)

Friends, are you passing through a thick forest in your journey of life today? Has the wild bear of sickness, failure, loneliness, depression,  poverty, joblessness, barrenness swallowed you up?. Has the bear of cancer or fibroid eaten you up? Is your "Lazarus" now dead and buried? Then, you need a true friend. Jesus Christ is the true friend that you need. If you become His friend today, He will visit you as he visited His friend- Lazarus. Yes, He will invade your house/business/marriage/health with His resurrection power and those dead cases/situations will jump back to live. As the Lord God of Heaven lives, all your "Lazarus" shall rise up from the grave before this week is over in Jesus name.

"What a friend we have in Jesus" is a hymn that reaffirms why Jesus is a very faithful friend that everyone needs. This wonderful hymn was composed by Joseph M Scriven in 1855.  Please join me to sing and meditate on the wordings of this hymn as we trust Jesus to intervene in those difficult issues that had made our friends turn their back on us.

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.

Good morning and do have fruitful week.

Maranatha!

Bro Okanlawon Taiwo

TIME TO DANCE WITH YOUR FATHER AGAIN

"He came to his own country, but his own people did not receive him. Some, however, did receive him and believed in him; so he gave them the right to become God's children. They did not become God's children by natural means, that is, by being born as the children of a human father; God himself was their Father" -  John 1: 11 - 13 (Good News )

"A Father Indeed" was one of the Father's Day sermon preached in our church few years ago. The sermon always reminds me of the lyrics of an award winning song titled "Dance With My Father" which was composed by Luther Vandross in June 2003. In that song, Luther described how his father used to dance with him and his mother; how he loved and cared passionately for them; how he taught him morals and godly virtues, and how to respect and obey his mother. The family really missed the old man to the extent that fifty years after he had passed on, they still wish that God would bring him back to continue his good works. There is no doubt that Luther's father left behind some indelible marks of deep affection and unflinching devotion on the heart of his family. Hence, he was greatly missed and they are very proud of him? Is your father like Luther's father or better than him or his direct opposite ? Do you have good memories of your father? Is he a father indeed or just a father? Will you really miss him when he's gone? 

Many people are not privileged to have fond memories of their fathers like Luther. Some fathers are not as loving, caring and responsible as they ought to. Some abandoned their family while others passed on early in life leaving huge vacuum behind. Unfortunately, I belong to the later category. When my father died on 7 July 1976, I was still a little boy. He left a huge vacuum in my life that nobody could fill until I had a strange encounter with the Father of all fathers during my first year in the higher institution. The encounter opened a new chapter for me as the Father of all fathers graciously rescued me, washed me clean, showed me real love and gave me what no earthly father can afford - The Holy Spirit. Friends, have you had an encounter with the Father of all fathers too? Have received that precious gift that only God the Father can give?. If you have not, then, please ask for the gift now (Luke 11:13) 

"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"- Luke  11:13 (KJV)

Fathers, are you sure your children are proud of you like Luther Vandross? Will they wish that you live forever to be their father? Can they see the attribute of "a father indeed" in you? Can your relationship with their mother teach them the meaning of a Godly Marriage and Happy Home? Hope you have not walked away from your family? When you grow old and eventually pass on, how will you be remembered by your children and wife? How sweet will your memories be? If your response is not positive,  then, I urge you to please amend your ways today. 

Children, are you also proud of your father? Why not celebrate your father and all the father figures in your life during this year's Father's Day Celebration. They really deserve to be honoured and celebrated. However, in case you never experienced the care and love of a biological father while growing up like my humble self, today, God wants you to know that He loves you. You are very dear and precious to Him. The love you long for can be found in Him. His love by far exceeds the love any person can offer you. If you can accept the invitation in John 1:11-13, God will become your Father and your life will never remain the same again.  

"Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy.” Psalm 68: 5 (NLT)

My prayers for all fathers is that, God will give you all that you need to become a father indeed. You will live long to eat the fruits of your labour. I pray for all mothers/women, the crown on your head will not drop prematurely. The captain of your ship will not sink in the ocean of life. And I pray for all widows, God will stand by you, provide your needs and help you to raise your children to become mighty arrows in your hands. You will not sorrow over any of your children in life. God will send help to you from the four corners of the earth and the defenders of widow will defend you in Jesus name.  Amen.  

Beloved, it is time to play your Dad's favourite song and dance with him again if still alive. In honour of all the great fathers who left indelible marks behind like Luther's, mine and yours, let us celebrate this year's Father's Day occasion by singing the award winning song below:

DANCE WITH MY FATHER

Back when I was a child, before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high and dance with my mother and me and then spin me around 'til I fell asleep
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure I was loved

If I could get another chance, another walk, another dance with him
I'd play a song that would never, ever end
How I'd love, love, love
To dance with my father again

When I and my mother would disagree
To get my way, I would run from her to him
He'd make me laugh just to comfort me
Then finally make me do just what my mama said

Later that night when I was asleep
He left a dollar under my sheet
Never dreamed that he would be gone from me

If I could steal one final glance, one final step, one final dance with him
I'd play a song that would never, ever end
'Cause I'd love, love, love
To dance with my father again

Sometimes I'd listen outside her door
And I'd hear how my mama cried for him
I pray for her even more than me
I pray for her even more than me

I know I'm praying for much too much
But could You send back the only man she loved?
I know You don't do it usually
But, dear Lord, she's dying
To dance with my father again

Every night I fall asleep and this is all I ever dream

My prayer for every home that has been besieged by the wild wind of separation and divorce, is that the Father of all fathers will calm the raging storm before this month is over. Songs of restoration and reconciliation will come forth in those home and God the Father will be glorified in Jesus mighty name. Amen. 

Good morning and Happy Father's Day in advance.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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NO LONGER SLAVES

 "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed". John  8:36

A man passing through a field where elephants were being raised was surprised to see that those huge creatures were being held by only a small rope tied to their front leg. No chains, no cages. It was obvious that the elephants could, at anytime, break away from their bonds but for some reason, they did not. He saw the owner of the elephants nearby and asked why these animals just stood there and made no attempt to get away. “Well,” the owner said, “when they are very young and much smaller I use the same size of rope to tie them and at that age, it’s enough to hold them down. As they grow up, they are conditioned to believe they cannot break away. They believe the rope can still hold them down, so they never try to break free.” The man was amazed. These animals could at any time break free from their bonds but because they believed they couldn’t, they were stuck right where they were.

Many people are living like those Elephants in the above story. They are born to rule in the jungle of life like elephants but they are struggling to survive like rabbit in holes. By default, they were born to run like a cheetah in the race of life but they are crawling like snails. The evil/manipulative tiny ropes tying them to the ancient trees of defeat, failure,  barrenness,  sickness,  loneliness from childhood are still very potent. This is an aberration!.

Therefore, as the Lord God of Heaven lives,  every visible or invisible rope of wickedness tying you down like a goat in life shall be burn into ashes before this day is over in Jesus name. And every personality or power remotely manipulating your progress in life with evil ropes shall expire before this week is over in Jesus name. Every new rope procured for deployment against you and every member of your family in the remaining days of this year shall be used to tie the fellow who bought them in Jesus name. In the mighty name of Jesus, your journey in circles ends today and  you shall be completely liberated/delivered, energised and empowered to excel beyond human calculations and understanding.  Amen.

Beloved, in order to enjoy a lasting freedom from those wicked ropes, you need to become a child of God by submitting to the Lordship of Jesus Christ who is the Great Deliverer. If you do,  He will conquer your many  fears and you will experience true freedom and greatness that you are destined for .

In 2015, God inspired Jonathan & Melissa Helser to compose a song that clearly described what it takes to experience true freedom. The song is titled "No longer slaves". Please join me to sing this wonderful song of deliverance as we trust God for our freedom and liberation before this day is over.  

"No Longer Slaves"

You unravel me with a melody
You surround me with a song
Of deliverance from my enemies
'Til all my fears are gone

Chorus:
      I'm no longer a slave to fear
      I am a child of God

From my mother's womb
You have chosen me
Love has called my name
I've been born again into your family
Your blood flows through my veins

I am surrounded
By the arms of the father
I am surrounded
By songs of deliverance

We've been liberated
From our bondage
We're the sons and the daughters
Let us sing our freedom

You split the sea
So I could walk right through it
My fears were drowned in perfect love
You rescued me
And I will stand and sing
I am a child of God.

Good morning and do have a blessed day full of the sixth hour testimonies in Jesus name.

Maranatha!

Bro Okanlawon Taiwo

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I HAVE A HOME PREPARED FOR ME

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also". John 14:1-3

Few days, I came across a wonderful hymn written by Barney Elliott Warren in 1897. The hymn is titled " I have A Home". Before that day, my wife and I have been thinking about things that we needed to fix in our house to make us more comfortable. We planned and make conscious effort to get it done as soon as possible. Like everyone else, we also believe God wants us to enjoy the good things on earth. However, we must never get so involved in taking care of our earthly abodes and forget about the perfect homes that are being prepared for God's family in heaven. As much as it is very good to be comfortable in our abodes on earth, we must never forget it is only a "House" not a "Home". It is a temporary location used on our journey to our real Home in Heaven.

There are many people today who are living in mansions now but may end up in the Chambers of Eternal Torment like the rich man in Luke 16:19. It is very possible to live in Government Reserved Areas (GRA) on earth and end up in God Rejected Areas (GRA) of eternity. It is possible to live in the best city on earth and still spend the rest of eternity in the city of sorrow and eternal pains. It is also possible to live in luxurious apartments on earth and still end up on the other side of eternity as firewood in Hell. 

 "There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame". Luke  16:19 & 24

Beloved, I perceived the Lord is asking us these question today - "Do you have a home in Heaven?". "If Christ returns today, will you get a mansion in Heaven?" If your answer is "Yes", please thank God for the salvation of your soul. But if your answer is "No", then, I urge you to please surrender your life to Jesus this morning so that you can be assured that whenever He returns, you will receive the keys to your mansions above from Him. Pls don't forget that Jesus is coming soon. 

The teaching of Jesus Christ in John 14 may have inspired Pastor Warren to compose this wonderful hymn. Please join me this morning to meditate on the lyrics of that hymn as we trust God to take us safely to our real home in Heaven whenever He returns. 

I HAVE A HOME 

I have a home prepared for me,

A mansion bright across the sea;

And when I pass to yon bright shore,

I'll dwell with Christ forevermore.

Refrain:

        I'll live for Him till life shall end,

        Then on my pinions I'll ascend

        To that bright home, where all is fair,

        And take my starry crown to wear.

I have a home in heav'n above,

Where all is pure and perfect love;

A home where sin can never be,

Where all is perfect purity.

I have a home, forever free

From toil, and care, and misery,

Where stormy seas can never roll,

Where bliss eternal crowns the soul.

I have a home — how sweet to know

'Tis well secured from every foe—

Where peace and joy do reign supreme,

Where love shall be my only theme.

Good morning and God bless you in Jesus name.  Amen. 

Maranatha! 

Bro Okanlawon Taiwo

THE EVERLASTING ARMS - 2

"God has always been your defense; his eternal arms are your support....." Deuteronomy 33:27 (GNT)

Holding someone in the arms is a way of expressing our deep and heartfelt concern to the fellow during his/her seasons of trials and challenges in the race of life. The above scripture clearly described our heavenly Father's tenderness towards His own when they are in distress. As a father's arm drawn around a child is a token of love and support, so is the everlasting arms of God during our challenging times on earth.

In 1887, Anthony J. Showalter described the soothing effect of the everlasting arms in his life. He had just received some sad news from friends about loved ones who had died. The news brought so much grieve and pains into his heart until God ministered to him from the above scripture. Few days later, while meditating on this verse, Mr Showalter though that the wordings of this verse would be a great theme for a hymn. And under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he composed the hymn titled "The Everlasting Arms" which I will like us to sing this morning:

The Everlasting Arms

"What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms."

 Refrain:
     Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
     Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms?
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Beloved, have you received any negative alarms or bad news recently? Have you suffered any loss of job, opportunity, or loved ones in the first 5 months of this year? I hope you have not lost your peace and joy of salvation because of those negative alarms? Are you are feeling so down and out this morning?  Or you are feeling like an orphan or an abandoned child this morning? May I assure you that the everlasting arms of the Almight God is right underneath you. He will uphold and restore your joy, peace and losses if you can trust him. As the Lord God of heaven lives,  those negative alarms will not swallow you and your family in Jesus name. Yes, God will secure your portion and restore your losses in multiple fold in Jesus name.

Good day and do have a great week, full of God's double grace and goodness in Jesus name. Amen

Maranatha!


Okanlawon Taiwo

THE EVERLASTING ARMS 

“There is no one like the God of Israel! He rides on the clouds in his divine greatness. He comes riding through the skies to help you.  God lives forever. He is your place of safety. His power continues forever! He is protecting you. He will force your enemies to leave your land. He will say, ‘Destroy the enemy!’  So Israel will live in safety. Jacob’s well belongs to them. They will get a land of grain and wine. And that land will get plenty of rain.  Israel, you are blessed. No other nation is like you. The Lord saved you. He is like a strong shield protecting you. He is like a powerful sword. Your enemies will be afraid of you, and you will put your foot on their backs! ”  Deuteronomy 33:26-29 (ERV)

The arm is a symbol of protection and preservation. Life is full of peril as there are dangers and risk everywhere. But whenever our heavenly Father puts His mighty and everlasting arms around us, we can never become a victim of the storms and wild winds of life.

"You trust in the Lord for protection. You have made God Most High your place of safety.  So nothing bad will happen to you. No diseases will come near your home.  He will command his angels to protect you wherever you go " . Psalms 91:9-11 (ERV)

According to the above scriptures, the duty of our Father’s angels is to ensure no harm befalls us. And whenever a child of God is in danger,  God often displays the preservative power in His everlasting arms by dispatching ministering angels to rescue the fellow. For example, in Daniel 6:22, when Daniel was thrown into the den of lions, God sent an angel ahead of him to padlock the mouths of the wild lions. Similarly, In Acts 5:19, when Peter was locked up in prison, an angel guided by the everlasting arms came to him, woke him up and led him out.

Some years ago, my esteemed Father in the Lord - Pastor E.A. Adeboye (Daddy G. O) narrated the story of a child of God on board an aircraft when the first two engines suddenly stopped working. The pilot panicked saying that except something reverses that situation, if the third engine follows suite, the plane would crash. Then the third engine also stopped working. The whole place was in pandemonium but there was this child of God sitting by the window. He turned to look through the window on his left and saw a huge angel smiling at him and whispering to him that he was carrying the plane. To the surprise of everybody else the plane landed safely an hour later at the nearest airport. The brother saw the three angels there. Nobody could explain how they managed to land except this brother but he said if he told them what happened, they would not believe. God simply positioned His everlasting arms underneath the aircraft to preserve the life of the brother from a looming danger.    

Beloved, don't let that terrible dreams, visions, threat, and news disturb you. As long as God's Mighty and Everlasting arms are around you, nothing bad will happen to you and your household. My God will preserve and protect you and  your household from all manners of evils and looming dangers on the road, airspace and sea in Jesus mighty name. As the Lord God of heavens lives, throughout the remaining days of this year and beyond,  you and your household will receive and enjoy the full compliments of God's preservation and protection in Jesus name. Amen.

Good day and God bless you in Jesus name. Amen

Maranatha!


Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo