Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo's Blog: 2018

CHRISTMAS WITH CHRIST IN ABSENTIA

CHRISTMAS WITH CHRIST IN ABSENTIA

"For this day in the city of David, there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (the Messiah). When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying one to another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem, and see this [wonderful] thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the Baby as He lay in the manger." Luke 2:11, 15-16 (AMP)

There is a wise saying in Yoruba language that is interpreted -"You don't cut someone's hair in absentia". Over the years, I have come to understand the meaning of this statement and how relevant it is even in our world today. I have discovered that Christmas celebration without Christ in the centre of our heart is just an empty jamboree. As far as God is concerned, it doesn’t really matter how many cow/goat/turkey/fowl we slaughter to celebrate Christmas. It doesn't matter how gorgeous and expensive our Christmas dresses/wears and shoes are too. It doesn't matter how many gifts we give or receive this season. It doesn't matter how big and attractive our Christmas trees and decorations are. If we don't have a personal encounter with the Saviour that was born in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago, then we are just acting foolishly by celebrating Christmas with Christ in absentia. And that is a serious blunder! It is like cutting or weaving someone hair in his/her absence. Can you imagine how foolish or stupid that sounds? But unfortunately, there are many people today that are celebrating Christmas without having any personal encounter with Christ the Saviour. This is the height of foolishness!

In Luke 2, before the Shepherds could celebrate the first Christmas, they left everything they had behind in search for Christ who is the real reason for the season. They knew that Christmas is not complete until they have met Christ. They refused to celebrate Christmas until they have discovered who their Saviour is. That is simply wisdom. No wonder God himself called those Shepherds "wise men".

Beloved, are you celebrating Christmas today with Christ in absentia in your heart? Are you a backslider? Have you substituted "X" for "Christ" on the table of their heart? If only you will seek and embrace the Saviour like those Shepherds, this year's Christmas will mark a new beginning of true greatness and colourful destiny for you. I urge you to please walk away from the camp of foolishness and join the wise men/women who are celebrating Christmas with Christ in their hearts today.

As we celebrate Christmas day, please let us join the wise men/women to seek the King of kings by singing the First Noel which was compiled in 1823 by Davies Gilbert.

THE FIRST NOEL

The First Noel, the Angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.

Refrain:
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the East beyond them far
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night.

And by the light of that same star
Three Wise men came from country far
To seek for a King was their intent
And to follow the star wherever it went.

This star drew nigh to the northwest
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest
And there it did both Pause and stay
Right o'er the place where Jesus lay.

Then entered in those Wise men three
Full reverently upon their knee
And offered there in His presence
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
That hath made Heaven and earth of nought
And with his blood mankind has bought.

My prayer is that the reason for the season shall manifest Himself in your home/life/business/health/ministry and give you many reasons to continue to celebrate Him till He returns to take you to your mansion above in Jesus name. Amen

May I use this opportunity to invite you to our December 2019 Let's Go A Fishing Program. Date: Wednesday, December 25th, 2019 . Theme: Fullness of Time. Time: 3pm daily. Venue: 1, Adegbite Close off Awori Street, Ile - Epo Alhaji Bus stop, Egbeda, Lagos, Nigeria.

On behalf of my Queen and God’s special treasures in our home, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Glorious Year 2020 in advance.

Good day and God bless you.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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THE CHRISTMAS WONDERS

THE CHRISTMAS WONDERS

"Every boot that marched in battle and every uniform stained with blood will be destroyed and thrown into the fire. This will happen when the special child is born. God will give us a son who will be responsible for leading the people. His name will be Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah 9:5-6 (ERV)

On the eve of Christmas during World War 1 in 1914, the soldiers were wondering whether or not the next day would bring another round of fightings and killings. That was not to be. On Christmas Day, the enemies behaved like brothers. One of the British soldiers placed a signpost with the inscription "Merry Christmas" on their trenches as they sang the Christmas carol. On seeing this, the enemy soldiers - the Germans, started to sing carol songs on their own trenches as well. Later on, both parties came out of their trenches unarmed and celebrated the Christmas together. They exchanged pleasantries and sang the carol together even though some of the senior officers on each side unsuccessfully tried to stop their troops from singing and dancing with the enemy on a supposed battleground. The Soldiers exchanged souvenirs as they celebrated peacefully on that day. They even played soccer and the spontaneous truce continued the next day as neither side was willing to fire the first shot. (Wikipedia)

There are many wonders in the world that are traceable to the season of Christmas. Some of such wonders include: how those visible or invisible swords and spears in the trenches of our lives were converted into plowshares and pruning hooks (Micah 4:3); how the cold war/conflict/enmity triggered by sin between God and man was resolved (Romans 5:10); and how the verdict of judgment and death passed on humanity in the garden of Eden was reversed to a message of goodwill, peace, and joy (Luke 2:14).

"At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights. Peace to all men and women on earth who pleases him." Luke 2:13-14 (MSG)

Beloved, what type of war or battle is going on secretly in the trenches of your body/home/business/office today? Who is dangling the swords of judgment and condemnation at you? Who is beating the drums of agony, pain, hardship, stagnation in the corridor and sitting room of your destiny? It's time to engage the wonder-working power in the name of Jesus Christ (the Prince of Peace). It's time to surrender to Jesus and walk daily in the centre of His will. If you do, Jesus will speak peace to every storm in your life, body, home, career, and ministry. And in the mighty name of Jesus, those silent/cold wars of sickness, stagnation, barrenness, failure striving in your life shall cease completely (Psalms 46:9). As the Lord lives, every power beating the battle drums of untold hardship, pains and shame in the trenches of your life shall be deleted before this year's Christmas season is over in Jesus name. Amen.

In 1739, God inspired Charles Wesley to compose one of the best Christmas hymn ever written. This hymn describes the true wonder of the Christmas season in simple terms. Could you please, join the Angels to hail the Heavenly Prince of Peace by singing this evergreen Christmas hymn below:

HARK, THE HERALD ANGELS SINGS by Charles Wesley

Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th’angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

Refrain:
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”

Christ, by highest Heav’n adored;
Christ the everlasting Lord;
Late in time, behold Him come,
Offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail th’incarnate Deity,
Pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus our Emmanuel.

Hail the heav’nly Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Ris’n with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.

Please join us at the Arena of Wonders and Possibility for our year 2019 Jesus Supermarket and Carol Service on Sunday 22nd December 2019. Venue: RCCG, Kingdom Life Parish, 109, Shasha Road, Abati Bustop. Egbeda, Lagos. Nigeria. Time: 8am.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Prosperously Glorious Year 2020 in advance.

Good morning and do have a blessed day.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

For more articles, please visit -
http:// okanlawontaiwo.blogspot.com
Twitter: @tammytaiwo
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THE DIVINE STOPWATCH AND NAVIGATION TOOL

THE DIVINE STOPWATCH AND NAVIGATION TOOL

"How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word. I’m single-minded in pursuit of you; don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted. I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won’t sin myself bankrupt. Be blessed, God; train me in your ways of wise living. I’ll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from your mouth; I delight far more in what you tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches. I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you, I attentively watch how you’ve done it. I relish everything you’ve told me of life, I won’t forget a word of it." Psalm 119:9-16 (MSG)

Few days ago, while meditating on the above scripture, I remembered the story of a long-distance race athlete. He won twelve medals (nine of them gold) during the Olympic Games of 1920, 1924, and 1928. He became famous not only for his achievements but also for running with a stopwatch in his hand to monitor his performance. According to him, It is very important to know how you are doing along the way if you want to win a long-distance race.

This got me to ponder a little bit that life itself is a long distance race. In order to be on top of our games, we must keep our eyes on the stopwatch. God's word is the stopwatch. It is the manual of life and the ultimate map of destiny. Anyone who stops looking at this divine stopwatch stands the risk of drifting from the track of Eternity and ends up in the ditch of hell.

The psalmist, in the above scripture, describes the stopwatch as the antidote for bankruptcy: the bank of wisdom and the GPRS that points men to heaven. Anyone who dares to ignore this stopwatch will be doomed forever. The stopwatch is worth much more than the piles of worldly riches. It is the vitamins for excellent performance and dosage for true success in the race of life. No wonder God told Joshua to make the stopwatch his only GPRS and navigation tool in the journey of life (Joshua - 1:8). What an advise! Only a fool will ignore such apt advice in the race of life. Unfortunately, many people are running from dusk till dawn every day without checking their performance and distance on the map of eternity.

"And don’t for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get to where you’re going; then you’ll succeed". - Joshua 1:8 (MSG)

Dear friend, how often do you check your performance and distance on the map of eternity? Do you check it every day, once a week (probably on Sundays), or just once a while? How are you faring in the race of life? Have you considered what the psalmist said in the above scripture? Are you sure you have not gone bankrupt already? Are you still on course or have you drifted? Please don't be a fool! As a potential gold medalist in heaven, you need to be addicted to this golden stopwatch. If you do, it will transform your destiny, because it is the living, and breathing Word of God!

One special hymn captures this quite well. It is titled "Give Me The Bible." The wonderful hymn was composed in 1883 by a Sunday school teacher named Priscilla J. Owens. Please, make the message of this wonderful hymn your inspiration this week as we trust God to renew our hunger for His word (the stopwatch).

GIVE ME THE BIBLE

Give me the Bible, star of gladness gleaming,
To cheer the wanderer lone and tempest-tossed;
No storm can hide that radiance peaceful beaming,
Since Jesus came to seek and save the lost.

Chorus:
Give me the Bible, holy message shining;
Thy light shall guide me in a narrow way;
Precept and promise, law and love combining,
Till night shall vanish in an eternal day.

Give me the Bible, when my heart is broken,
When sin and grief have filled my soul with fear;
Give me the precious words by Jesus spoken,
Hold up faith’s lamp to show my Savior near.

Give me the Bible, all my steps enlighten,
Teach me the danger of these realms below;
That lamp of safety o’er the gloom shall brighten,
That light along the path of peace can show.

Give me the Bible, the lamp of life immortal,
Hold up that splendor by the open grave;
Show me the light from Heaven’s shining portal,
Show me the glory gilding Jordan’s wave.

As the Holy Spirit trigger unquenchable appetite in us for God’s Word this week, the Glory of heaven shall overwhelm us on every side in Jesus mighty name. Amen

Good morning, and "Glory Ahead" in Jesus name. Amen

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

For more articles, please visit -
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SHARING MY SUPERIOR CORN - 2018 HOLY GHOST CONGRESS "GLORY AHEAD"

SHARING MY SUPERIOR CORN - 2018 HOLY GHOST CONGRESS "GLORY AHEAD"

"Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. People curse those who hoard their grain, but they bless the one who sells in time of need." Proverbs 11:24-26 (NLT)

There is a story of a farmer who grew the superior quality and award-winning corn. Each year, he entered his corn in the Agricultural Fair where it won honour and prizes. One year a newspaper reporter interviewed him and learnt something interesting about how he grew it. The reporter discovered that the farmer shared his corn seed with his neighbours. "How can you afford to share your best corn seeds with your neighbours when they are also participating in the corn competition with you each year?" Asked the reporter. "Why sir," said the farmer, "didn't you know the wind picks up pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from the field to field?" If my neighbours grow inferior, sub-standard and poor quality corn, cross-pollination will steadily degrade the quality of my corn. If I am to grow good corn, I must help my neighbours grow good corn."

Beloved, are you hoarding your superior grains from your neighbours or are you sharing it like this old farmer? Have you considered the pros and cons of sharing or hoarding your best corns/grains as recorded in Proverbs 11: 24-26? The Bible says hoarding attracts curse while generosity brings prosperity. Unfortunately, many people are still hoarding those wonderful testimonies of their salvation, divine provision, fruitfulness, healing and deliverance from everyone around them. Why not stop this ridiculous hoarding business of yours. Please help someone to have a feel of the good corn of salvation planted in the garden of your soul by the Holy Spirit. Share the good seed of the gospel and the wind of the Holy Ghost will blow across your villages, cities, nations and the whole world to trigger the supernatural cross-pollination that will lead to a bountiful harvest of dominion as the second coming of Jesus Christ draws near.

Friends, I feel so honoured to share with you the superior corn of "Glory Ahead" that God promised us in the Redeemed Christian Church of God. On behalf of my esteemed Daddy G.O, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, my sweet Mummy, Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye and the entire Governing Council of the Redeemed Christian Church Of God, I will like to invite you to the 2018 Holy Ghost Congress with the theme "GLORY AHEAD." Please, join us at the Redemption Camp this week as we position ourselves for the outpouring rain of Glory, Salvation, Wonders, Dominion, Joy, Deliverance, Healing and Breakthroughs.

Date: Monday 3rd to Saturday 8th December 2018
Theme: GLORY AHEAD
Venue: Redemption Camp, Km 46 Lagos Ibadan Expressway, Mowe, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Time: 9:00 am (Morning session), 4:00 pm (Afternoon session) &
6:00 pm (Evening session)
Ministering: Our beloved Daddy G.O - Pastor E.A. Adeboye & other anointed Ministers of God.

Please join me to bring down the glory of God this morning by singing a few stanzas from the theme song for this year's Holy Ghost Congress. This wonderful twelve stanza hymn was composed by the Holy Spirit through our Daddy - Pastor E.A Adeboye.

I am certain I have full
dominion in all situations
that may come my way
I am seated with Jesus in all His glory
Far above powers, principalities.

Chorus:
Singing Hallelujah
Singing Hallelujah
Shouting Halleluyah to God
(Hallelujah we are)
Singing Hallelujah
Singing Hallelujah
Shouting Halleluyah to God

I am certain I have full
dominion over pains, over
sickness and diseases
I am seated with Jesus in all His glory
Far above powers, principalities

I am certain I have full
dominion over sins, over
bondage and demons
I am seated with Jesus in all His glory
Far above powers, principalities

I am certain I have full
dominion over the loss, over
failure and defeat
I am seated with Jesus in all His glory
Far above powers, principalities

I am certain I have
dominion over death,
over sorrow and despair
I am seated with Jesus in all His glory
Far above powers, principalities

As the Lord lives, Glory will embrace you before this year's Holy Ghost Congress is over and you will never know shame again in Jesus name.

Good morning and God bless you. Amen

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

For more articles, please visit -
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Twitter: @tammytaiwo
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MENDING CRACKED AND TORN THINGS

MENDING CRACKED AND TORN THINGS

"God’s the one who rebuilds Jerusalem, who regathers Israel’s scattered exiles. He heals the heartbroken and bandages their wounds. He counts the stars and assigns each a name. Our Lord is great, with limitless strength; we’ll never comprehend what he knows and does. God puts the fallen on their feet again and pushes the wicked into the ditch" - Psalm 147:2-6 (MSG)

There is an ancient practice in Japan of fixing or mending broken things known as Kintsugi, meaning “golden joinery” or “to patch with gold." It is an age-old custom that includes repairing cracked pottery with real gold. With this practice, the Japanese do not just fix the cracks in the old item, they increase it value. Instead of hiding the flaws, the Kintsugi artists highlight them, creating a whole new design and bringing a unique beauty to the original piece. They turn a problem into a plus. The pottery actually becomes more beautiful and valuable in the restoration process because, though it was once broken, it now has history and a new story.

A wise man once said, "Men throw away broken things, but God uses them."

The bible is full of many examples of people who were thrown away because of some obvious cracks or torn things in their life but God came to their rescue. Their cracks were mended and decorated. People who had been written off from birth, like Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:9-10) but later became a mighty pillar of honour in their generation. People who have been thrown away like Joseph but later became a Global agent of preservation and deliverance (Genesis 45:3-8). Those whose garments of royalty, glory, and honour were torn, like Mephibosheth from childhood, but who eventually got restored back to the Palace - (2 Samuel 9:1-13).

According to Psalms 147:3, God specializes in mending scattered, broken or cracked things such as dreams, destiny, business, health, finance, academic, marriage, etc placed in His hands. But unlike the Japanese, God can never be overwhelmed by the size, weight, or magnitude of the broken objects or torn things. And whenever God finishes his mending, beautification, and glorification works in our lives, we become a masterpiece of God's awesome wonders to the world.

Friends, has anyone thrown you away like a piece of garbage because of those broken things in your life? Are you ashamed of your scars and those deep crevices that line your soul and the broken places of your life? Then, may I inform you that, your crack is not too big for God to mend. Please do what Jabez did. Go to the Lord in prayer. Pray with me - "Father, before this week is over, let that mighty potters hands of yours mend my cracks and decorate my broken situations/destiny in Jesus name." Amen. Your challenges can never overwhelm the Great Potter. Your case is never beyond restoration. You are never too shattered for repair. Those ugly cracks you see today will be decorated by the hand of the omnipotent God. Those problems will end up as a plus. You will become a testimony in His hands. And as the Lord lives, everyone who had thrown you away like garbage will come begging you for help, as they did for Jepthath (Judges 11:1-11), before this year is over in Jesus name. Amen

If you dare to believe God for uncommon mending, restoration, and divine beautification this week, please join me to meditate on the lyrics of this wonderful song (below) titled: "Fix It, Man". The song was composed by Joe Bill Houston (August 22, 1947 - March 01, 2018).

FIX IT MAN

God can fix it He's a fix it, Man
He fixes souls and bodies all over this land
He said he'd return to His home on high
Fix me a mansion up in the sky.

God created this world in six days
It was in an awful fix
Without form or void darkness on the deep
I'll fix a light so that you can see.

God said it wasn't good for man to be alone
From old Adam, he took a bone
He made the woman and He said from the start
This woman is yours till the day you part.

If every sinner in this fair land
Would take one trip to the fix it, Man
Go to Him get it fixed for free
Would cure our society.

God started fixing me up inside
He said I'm looking for a place to abide
Give me your heart and live by the plan
And then you'll know I'm the fix it, Man.

Someday His son is coming back for His church
He said we'd be judged according to our works
So pour your heart and affections on me
And I'll fix your life for all eternity.

He fixes the black He fixes the white
Red yellow-brown He fixes the right
Has no respect of person you see
For that same spirit, He gave it to me.

Beloved, let Jesus Christ fix it for you. Please surrender your soul and those broken things - relationships, dreams, marriage, etc to Him today. You will never regret you did. Our beautiful Saviour will turn those cracks to world-class edifices/monuments to His glory.

On behalf of my esteemed father in the Lord, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church Of God, - Pastor E. A. Adeboye, I will like to invite you to the 2018 Holy Ghost Congress. Theme: GLORY AHEAD. Date: December 3rd - 8th, 2018. Venue: The Redemption Camp, Km 46 Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State, Nigeria. Ministering: Our beloved Daddy G.O - Pastor E.A Adeboye and other anointed Ministers of God.

Good morning and do have a blessed day.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

For more articles, please visit :-
http:// okanlawontaiwo.blogspot.com
Twitter: @tammytaiwo
Instagram: @lawontaiwo
Facebook: Okanlawon Taiwo

THE SINNER'S CRY

THE SINNER'S CRY

"And at that time the sign of the Son of Man [coming in His glory] will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth [and especially Israel] will mourn [regretting their rebellion and rejection of the Messiah], and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory [in brilliance and splendor]. And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet and they will gather together His elect (God’s chosen ones) from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other" - Matthew 24:30-31 (Amplified)

There is a special song/hymn I love to sing whenever I have the opportunity of sharing the Gospel in public places. This short but very powerful hymn describes the terrible lamentation of those who refused to repent and respond to the call of salvation while they are still alive. The hymn which is titled "Oh No, Had I Known" was written in 1977 by a Nigerian - Eugene Mbaebie

There are many people who made that horrible lamentation - "Oh No, Had I know" in the Bible. For example, in Luke 16:22-24, while Lazarus was rejoicing in the bosom of Abraham, the rich man was weeping profusely in the fiery furnace for rejecting the call of salvation. Although, the rich man later pleaded for mercy but that was already too late since there is no repentance in the grave (Hebrews 9:27). That rich man must have been agonising and crying "Oh No Had I known" in that horrible lake of fire.

In Matthew 25:1-13, the five foolish virgins must have wept bitterly when they were denied access into the wedding venue. They must have been wailing and screaming: "Oh No, Had I known" when the bridegroom turned his back on them. They wished they could turn back the hands of the clock. Unfortunately, it was not possible again. The door of repentance had been closed against them. What a painful and sad ending!

"But while they were going away to buy oil, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut and locked. Later the others also came, and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open [the door] for us.’ But He replied, ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, I do not know you [we have no relationship].’ Therefore, be on the alert [be prepared and ready], for you do not know the day nor the hour [when the Son of Man will come]." -Matthew 25:10-13 (Amplified)

Friends, nobody knows when the bridegroom (Jesus Christ) will show up in the sky to take the saints home with Him for the final wedding feast. When He finally comes, I hope you will not be left behind? I hope you will not regret rejecting the call of salvation? I hope you will not end your journey in deep pain and great agony like that rich man and the five foolish virgins in the scriptures above? I hope "Oh No, Had I known" will not be your cry when the saints are marching to heaven? If you have not surrendered your life to Jesus or you are a backslider, I urge you to please repent, forsake your sins and accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour today. If you do, you will be privileged to join the victorious soldiers of Christ that will march to heaven on that glorious day.

Beloved, could you please join me to meditate on the lyrics of this wonderful hymn (below) as we look forward to that glorious morning when Jesus will lead His royal and faithful soldiers out of this sinful world to their permanent home/mansions above.

OH NO, HAD I KNOWN

When the saints shall march to heaven
With Jesus as their Leader
Marching onward like soldiers
Yes, able soldiers
Singing and rejoicing
Oh hear the sinners cry,
Oh, no, had I known!

Chorus:
Oh no, the sinner's voice I hear...
Gone, gone, they have gone, they have gone
Marching to join the glory above;
Oh, no, had I known!

Oh wake up slumber wake up
And prepare for the glory
Meeting Jesus your Saviour
The Captain of the band
Prepare before it's too late
Or join the group that cries
Oh, no, had I known!

My prayer for you and my humble self this week is that we shall be among those valiant soldiers of the Cross that will march out of this sinful world with our Commander (Jesus Christ) into everlasting celebration in heaven. We shall not end our journey on earth with that awful sinner's cry of "Oh No, Had I known." And after labouring to show sinners the Way, we shall not be left behind in Jesus name. Amen.

WILL YOU LEAVE YOUR BOATS BEHIND?

WILL YOU LEAVE YOUR BOATS BEHIND?

"Jesus continued to say to all of them," “Any of you who want to be my follower must stop thinking about yourself and what you want. You must be willing to carry the cross that is given to you every day for following me. Any of you who try to save the life you have will lose it. But you who give up your life for me will save it. It is worth nothing for you to have the whole world if you yourself are destroyed or lost. Don’t be ashamed of me and my teaching. If that happens, I will be ashamed of you when I come with my divine greatness and that of the Father and the holy angels." - Luke 9:23-26 (ERV).

In Luke 9: 23-26, Jesus Christ engaged His disciples in a conversation. He told them in clear terms to deny themselves, to take up the cross daily and follow Him. This implies they must willingly renounce their right to choose for themselves, recognize His lordship in every area of life, and without hesitation, to choose the kind of life He lived. That, If they sincerely want to follow Jesus, then they have to leave some things behind. For example, Peter and Andrew left their fishing nets to become highly anointed vessel of honour in God's hands (Matthew 4:18-19), James and John left their father's business to work in the highly exalted office of the Almighty God (Matthew 4:21-22) and Matthew left his fishing profession to become a true disciple of Jesus Christ (Matthew 9:9).

Friends, what are those things you have to leave behind to experience God in His fullness this week? Don't you think it would be wise to leave them behind now before it is too late? If you don't, the Saviour will leave you behind when the trumpet sounds. Don't you know that Christianity is a call to a life of cross-bearing and sacrifice? Think about it! What do you have to leave behind in order to closely follow the Saviour today? Will you leave the ungodly lifestyle, pride, and arrogance? Will you jump out of the comfortable boats of sin, prayerlessness, stubbornness, anger and rebellion? Will you sacrifice your comfort zones to please the Master? If Apostle Peter could walk away from his nets to follow and embrace the Saviour, you need to do likewise.

"Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him" - Mark 1:16 -18 (KJV)

No other song summarises the teaching of Jesus in the above scripture better than the hymn titled "The Galilee Song". This hymn about the call to discipleship, was written by Frank Andersen. Could you please let us make the chorus of this wonderful hymn below our prayer focus and watchword throughout this week and beyond.

THE GALILEE SONG

Deep within my heart, I feel
Voices whispering to me:
Words that I can't understand,
Meanings I must clearly hear.
Calling me to follow close,
Lest I leave myself behind!
Calling me to walk into
Evening shadows one more time.

Chorus :
So I leave my boats behind!
Leave them on familiar shores!
Set my heart upon the deep.
Follow you again my Lord.

In my memories, I know
How you send familiar rains,
Falling gently on my days,
Dancing patterns on my pains!
And I need to learn once more,
In the fortress of my mind.
To believe in falling rains
While I travel deserts dry.

As I gaze into the night,
Down the future of my years,
I'm not sure I want to walk
Past horizons that I know.
But I feel my spirit called
Like a stirring deep within
Restless 'til I live again
Beyond the fears that close me in.

Beloved, my prayer for you and my humble self is that God will give us more grace to step out of our comfort zones for Christ. May we be bold enough to leave our familiar shores and launch into the great deep for our saviour. I pray for the grace for us to walk away from all that can cause us to be left behind when the trumpet sounds. May we not miss our crown and mansions in the City of Gold. (Amen)

On behalf of my esteemed father in the Lord, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church Of God, - Pastor E. A. Adeboye, I will like to invite you to the 2018 Holy Ghost Congress. Theme: GLORY AHEAD. Date: December 3rd - 8th, 2018. Venue: The Redemption Camp, Km 46 Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State, Nigeria. Ministering: Our beloved Daddy G.O - Pastor E.A Adeboye and other anointed Ministers of God.

Good day and God bless you. Amen.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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THE ETERNAL FATHER DESERVES OUR ADORATION

THE ETERNAL FATHER DESERVES OUR ADORATION

"Some sailed the sea in ships. Their work carried them across the water. They saw what the Lord can do. They saw the amazing things he did at sea. The waves lifted them high into the sky and dropped them into the deep sea. The storm was so dangerous that the men lost their courage. They were in trouble, so they called to the Lord for help, and he saved them from their troubles. He stopped the storm and calmed the waves. The sailors were happy that the sea became calm, and he led them safely to where they wanted to go. Thank the Lord for his faithful love and for the amazing things he does for people. Praise God in the great assembly. Praise him when the older leaders meet together." - Psalms 107:23 - 32 (ERV)

As we approach the end of another year, I remembered the lyrics of an old time Christian hymn ( known as the United States Navy Hymn) titled "Eternal Father, Strong to Save." The hymn which was composed by William Whiting in 1860 has become one of those captivating songs that reminds me of God's mighty act of deliverance in the stormy sea of life. Like the psalmist, many of us have seen the wonder working power of God in action this year. We have seen God calming the restless wave, speaking peace to the stormy sea and satisfying us with His abiding presence wherever we go. Yes, we can also attest to the fact that the Eternal Father has never failed to arise on our behalf whenever we cry to Him.

Beloved, can you also connect with the testimony in the above scripture? In few weeks from now, the ship of 2018 will finally reach the shore. The journey of 365 days will be over shortly. Don't you think that the Eternal Father has been extremely good to you and your entire household in the voyage of 2018. From January till today, He never allowed your ship/boat to capsize. He did not allow the same stormy wind that had crushed many precious lives and families this year to come close to your household. He bound the restless waves from sweeping your entire family into the deep sea of sorrow and mourning. Don't you think that the Eternal Father deserves your adoration this week? Don't you know that He is strong enough to preserve us even till the end of this year and beyond? Then, may I urge you to please join me to adore the Eternal Father for preserving us, our family, friends and relatives from the peril of the sea this year by singing this wonderful hymn below.

ETERNAL FATHER, STRONG TO SAVE

Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm does bind the restless wave,
Who bids the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea.

O Savior, whose almighty word
The winds and waves submissive heard,
Who walked upon the foaming deep,
And calm amid the rage did sleep;
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea.

O Holy Spirit, who did brood
Upon the waters dark and rude,
And bid their angry tumult cease,
And give for wild confusion peace;
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea.

O Trinity of love and pow'r,
Your children shield in danger's hour;
From rock and tempest, fire, and foe,
Protect them where-so-e'er they go;
Thus, evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

Friends, will you adore the Eternal Father? Is God your Eternal Father? God cannot be your Eternal Father if you have not surrendered to the Lordship of His only begotten son - Jesus Christ. So, why not make that decision today. And as you do, the Eternal Father will make you the apple of His eyes and all the remaining storms or tragedies on the road to the shore of 2018 will be calmed for you. As the Lord lives, you and your loved ones will surely sail safely to the shore of 2018 and fully partake of the overwhelming glory that is waiting for you in the new year.

On behalf of my esteemed father in the Lord, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church Of God,- Pastor E. A. Adeboye, I will like to invite you to the 2018 Holy Ghost Congress. Theme: GLORY AHEAD. Date: December 3rd - 8th, 2018. Venue: Redemption Camp, Km 46 Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State, Nigeria. Ministering: Our beloved Daddy G.O - Pastor E.A Adeboye and other anointed Ministers of God.

THE ELEVENTH-HOUR ENVIABLE TESTIMONIES

THE ELEVENTH-HOUR ENVIABLE TESTIMONIES

"And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, saying, "These last have wrought but one hour and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. " - Matthew 20:9-12 & 16 (KJV)

On Thursday October 4, 2018, I walked into a banking hall and noticed some elated customers holding branded gift items like pens, key holders and mugs. It was customers appreciation week and the first ten customers for the day were being appreciated by the bank officials. While these lucky customers were posing for pictures with their gifts in the banking hall, I had a nudge in my spirit to go and join them. The instruction sounded quite absurd and I said to myself "what if the bank officials embarrassed me". Then, I said to God quietly, "Daddy, please don't embarrass me here. Sir, you know I can afford to buy all the gifts if I need them". But the more I struggled to ignore the instruction, the more I become restless. After a few minutes, I reluctantly left where I was standing and went to join the customers to pose for pictures as they displayed their gifts. Since I had no gift to pose with, I grudgingly displayed my empty hand. I thought God wanted to embarrass me but I never knew He wanted to teach me some great lessons in the school of obedience.

Then, one of the bank officials who noticed that my hand was empty ran into her office and came back immediately with a big new branded umbrella. As she handed the umbrella to me, all the ten customers who were holding pens, key holders and mugs began to grumble and murmur. She managed to calm them down by assuring them that she only intended to lend me the umbrella to pose for the pictures with them. Although, she collected the umbrella in the presence of all those customers but gave it back to me before I left the banking hall on that day.

In Matthew 20:1-16, Jesus Christ emphasized some of those salient lessons that God taught me in the banking hall that day: There is a level in God where enviable testimonies becomes the logo of a man. There is a level where God break protocols effortlessly for some people to be honoured. To reach that level, we must be willing to obey God foolishly and follow His instructions blindly. My heart cry is that God will take us to that enviable level in Him before this year is over. May we never become too stubborn and proud to obey divine instructions. But it is impossible to follow or obey the Almighty God that we don't even know or have any intimate relationship with. So, I urge to please enlist yourself for the last minutes (eleventh hour) enviable testimonies in year 2019 by connecting or reconnecting with Jesus Christ today. You will NEVER regret you did!

Beloved, as the Lord God of heavens lives, we shall not end this year empty handed - maritally, financially, academically, spiritually in Jesus name. Rather, we shall walk out of the banking hall of 2019 with our own eleventh-hour (last minutes) enviable testimonies that will make people grumble and protest. The divine force that moved things into their designated places will move on our behalf and also move us into your rightful position before this year is over in Jesus name. The kind of blessing that will make headlines and generate controversy will come knocking at our doors very soon in Jesus name.

One special hymn that describes the awesome working wonders of God is titled "God Moves In A Mysterious Way". This wonderful hymn was composed by Williams Cowper in 1774. Could you please meditate on the lyrics of this hymn below and trust God to move in a mysterious way on your behalf to actualize His eleventh-hour testimonies for your household before this year is over.

GOD MOVES IN A MYSTERIOUS WAY

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
and rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
of never-failing skill;
He treasures up his bright designs,
and works His sov'reign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
the clouds you so much dread
are big with mercy and shall break
in blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
but trust Him for His grace;
behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
unfolding ev'ry hour;
the bud may have a bitter taste,
but sweet will be the flow'r.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,
and scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
and He will make it plain.

Please join us to celebrate the God of the eleventh-hour (last minutes) mind blowing and enviable testimonies during our Festival of Praise tagged "The Eleventh Hour". Date: Friday, 22nd November, 2019. Time: 10pm. Venue: RCCG, Great City Sanctuary Area HQ, 4 Abati Close, Vulcanizer Bus-stop, Akowonjo Road, Egbeda, Lagos. Please come and praise God for your own last minutes package.

Good day and God bless you.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

For more articles, please visit -
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WILL YOU QUIT THE RACE?

WILL YOU QUIT THE RACE?

"Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus , who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there , in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!" - Hebrews 12:1-3 (Message)

"John Akhwari, while running, had fallen down and had badly hurt himself. He was bleeding and his knee had got dislocated from the joint. Considering the severity of his injuries, Akhwari was repeatedly asked to quit the race but he refused. He fell, dragged himself, ran in between but finished the marathon limping over the line. On the finishing line, he received a huge applause and almighty cheers from the little crowd. His body was exhausted but not his spirit; his competitors crossed him one by one but his determination rewarded him in tremendous pain. When he was asked the reason of doing such kind of crazy act, he replied, “My country did not send me 10,000 miles just to start the race; they sent me to finish the race.” - ( Brain Prick)

Friends, the story of this great althele at the Mexico 1968 Olympic reinforces God's appeal to believers not to lose sight of the finish line in their sojourn on earth (Hebrews 12:1-3). Like John Akhwari, we may sustain emotional or physical wounds while running the race. Some trusted friends, close associates and highly respected leaders may even step on our toes while running (Psalms 55:12-14). Should we stop running the race because of these? The answer is "No". Any wise man should not allow the noise of the market to stop or discourage him from attending to his business with the vendor. Jesus Christ is waiting for us at the finish line and He will not entertain any excuse if we did not make it to the Golden shore.

"Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man,.........."- Romans 2:1 (KJV)

Beloved, have you sustained emotional bruises on the way and you are about pulling out of the race? Is everything within and around you screaming "Quit! Quit!! Quit!!!". Or have you even thrown in the towel already? Then, it's time to go over that awesome story of our perfect finisher -Jesus Christ again. His story will definitely shoot fresh adrenaline of hope, courage, mercy and grace into your soul and keep you running until you reach the main bowl of the Stadium of Eternity. My heart cry this week is that you and I will not miss the warm embrace and standing ovation of the cloud of witnesses that are eagerly waiting for us at the finish line in Jesus name. (Amen)

One Southern Gospel song that summarises our heart cry this week is titled "The Race". Could you please join me to meditate on the lyrics of this song as we believe God to help us set our gaze permanently on the finish line till we get there.

THE RACE

Before I was born into history and time
You planned creation with me in mind
You formed my heart you saw my face
I was made in your image I'm no mistake

Chorus:
I'm running the race down to the last minute
Mercy and grace are keeping me in it
There's a fire in my soul I'm fully committed
I'm running the race and I'm gonna finish

You chose my family the place of my birth
You knew all about me you thought I had worth
I was called out to serve you doing your kingdom work
And all of my days are written down in your book

I've fallen down in this race of life
But you came to my rescue time after time
You told me you loved me you weren't counting my sin
In you I found courage to rise up again

I know you are for me you want me to win
I give you my soul till the very end
Out there before me I see the prize
Jesus is standing at the finish line

Beloved, by God's grace I will not quit the race until I see Jesus Christ at the finish line. Those bruises of life and the noise in the market of this world cannot stop or discourage me. I'm heading for the finish line in Jesus name. What about you my dear friend? Will you quit the race? I hope you will not.

Good morning and do have a blessed day, full of pleasant surprises.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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I'LL BE A VOICE FOR THE MASTER

I'LL BE A VOICE FOR THE MASTER

"This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!" - John 1: 19, 23 (NLT)

"A mysterious man appeared at one point, his mouth and nose covered with a red handkerchief. He was looking for a fire extinguisher. He pointed to the stairs and made an announcement that saved lives with his strong and authoritative voice: Anyone who can walk, get up and walk now. Anyone who can perhaps help others, find someone who needs help and then head down" - (Judy R, 2002)

The statement above was credited to one of the survivors of the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Centre. Judy Rein described the man who rescued her as a mysterious man with a strong and authoritative voice. According to her, the man used his powerful voice to order them (the survivors) out of the burning building through the stairway. He also encouraged them to help others while he carried an injured woman on his back. With his voice, the man made the announcement that eventually saved the lives of many people on that fateful day. Although, he eventually lost his life in the process.

Today, there are many people who have been trapped under the debris of all manners of ungodly acts or vises like lesbianism, adultery, fornication, occultism, idolatory, drug addiction, same-sex marriage etc. The smoke and chaos of sin has barricaded their paths. They are injured, stranded and confused. Obviously, they desperately need help. They need someone who will show them the stairway out of their predicaments. Someone with a strong and authoritative voice to rescue their precious souls from the danger of eternal pains and suffering in the Lake of Fire (Rev. 20:14-15). They will be eternally grateful if someone show up to rescue them like that mysterious man at the World Trade Centre.

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!" - Isaiah 6:8 (Amplified)

Friends, John was not an ordained altar minister, deacon, assistant pastor, full pastor, Prophet, Reverend or Bishop but he was a Voice for the Master in his generation. Will you be a Voice for the Master in your generation too? Can God use your voice to make the announcement that will save souls from the blazing flames of Hell? Will you join the Saviour's end time rescue team? If your answer is "Yes", then please join me to make the declaration below. It's the lyrics of a hymn written in 1902 by J.W Carpenter.

I'LL BE A VOICE FOR THE MASTER

I’ll be a voice for the Master,
Speaking for Jesus today;
Guiding the souls He is seeking,
Into the beautiful way.

Refrain
I’ll be a voice! I’ll be a voice!
Teaching the truth and the way;
I’ll be a voice! I’ll be a voice!
Speaking for Jesus today.

I’ll be a voice to the wand’rer,
Though far away he may roam;
Telling love’s welcome is waiting,
Guiding the prodigal home.

I’ll be a voice for the Master,
Unto the sad and oppressed;
Guiding the feet of the weary
Unto His haven of rest.

Beloved, I will be a voice for the Master and I hope you will too. A specially Consecrated Voice and not an ordinary Vibrating Echo. A compassionate voice to guide the prodigals back home. A voice amplified by the power of the Holy Ghost to point sinners to Jesus Christ and the sacrifice He made for them on the Cross of Calvary. Our hearts cry and prayers this week should be " Lord, please make me a voice in this generation. Please touch our lips with your coal of fire. Purge and use us to your glory in Jesus name" (Amen)

Good morning and do have a blissful day.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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ALL THE SIGNS POINT TO THE END

ALL THE SIGNS POINT TO THE END

"Amazing things will happen to the sun, moon, and stars. And people all over the earth will be upset and confused by the noise of the sea and its crashing waves. They will be afraid and worried about what will happen to the world. Everything in the sky will be changed. Then people will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to happen, stand up tall and don’t be afraid. Know that it is almost time for God to free you!” -Luke 21:25-28 (ERV)

As Hurricane Michael approaches Florida, Governor Rick Scott is calling it “the worst storm" Florida's Panhandle has seen "in 100 years." Here's what he said at a briefing: "This is the worst storm the Florida panhandle has seen in more than 100 years. This is the worst storm that we have seen in a century. Hurricane Michael is upon us, and now is the time to seek refuge." He later added that "along with our coasts, communities are going see unimaginable devastation... The Panhandle and Big Bend will see winds in excess of 145 miles an hour. Think about that. 145 miles an hour. Again, hurricane Michael is forecast to be the most destructive storm to hit the Florida Panhandle in a century."- ( CNN - October 10, 2018).

Few days ago, when the news of Hurricane Michael filtered in, I remembered what Jesus Christ told his disciples in Luke 21:7-36, about the signs of His second coming. Jesus Christ gave them vivid descriptions of the events and happenings that would precede His second coming. One of such important events is the roaring of seas and raging tides over the lands. There will be strange things happening to the sun, the moon, and the stars. These natural disasters will trigger great fear and press the panic buttons in many hearts across the globe. There will be unimaginable devastation in many nations. Countries will be in despair, afraid of the roar of the sea and the raging tides. People will faint from fear as they wait for what is coming over the whole earth, for the powers in space will be driven from their courses.

Friends, It is obvious that the countdown to the end has begun. All the signs are pointing to the end of the age. Believers should therefore not be surprised by these happenings but rather be encourage to live ready daily for the coming of their Saviour. However, backsliders and anyone who has not surrendered to the lordship of Christ should take Governor Rick Scott's advice in his press release yesterday very seriously. He said "it is time to seek refuge". Yes, it is time to seek refuge under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalms 91:1, Proverbs 18:10) and not only in the shelter provided by the State through Federal Emergency management Service (FEMA). The safest hiding place now is in Jesus Christ, hence any other place/ground is a sinking sand.

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs to it and is safe and set on high [far above evil]" - Proverbs 18:10

Beloved, as we seek God's face for the preservation of lives in all the areas affected by this terrible storm - Hurricane Michael, let us amend our ways and be in right standing with the coming King. It will be a total disaster and a big disappointment if on His return He discovered that our wedding garments have been stained by sins and our heart overcharged with surfeiting, drunkenness, and the care of his life ( Luke 21:34). Therefore, it is important that we examine ourselves daily in the light of His word and be sure that we are still on the narrow path of faith to Heaven (2 Corinthians 13:5 )

“But be on your guard. Don’t let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by partying, drinking and shopping. Otherwise, that Day is going to take you by complete surprise, spring on you suddenly like a trap, for it’s going to come on everyone, everywhere, at once. So, whatever you do, don’t go to sleep at the switch. Pray constantly that you will have the strength and wits to make it through everything that’s coming and end up on your feet before the Son of Man.” -Luke 21:34-36 (MSG)

The lyrics of this powerful hymn below should blow an alarm into our soul, sharpen our dull edge of expectation and keep us standing till we see our Saviour returning in His awesome glory and splendour to take us Home on that beautiful day. The title of the hymn is "All The Signs Point To The End".

ALL THE SIGNS POINT TO THE END

All the signs point to the end,
Christ soon will be here again;
We must be ready for Him—
Jesus is coming again!

Refrain:
Coming again, coming again,
Time is swiftly passing by,
Soon we may hear the midnight cry!
Coming again, coming again,
Like the wise virgins we must be prepared!
Jesus is coming again!

From soul and self-turn away,
Look unto Jesus today;
There is no time to delay—
Jesus is coming again!

Foolish ones never will turn;
When the Lord comes they will learn
There is no oil left to burn—
Jesus is coming again!

Wise virgins buy up the time;
Never drunk with the world’s wine,
Filled in the spirit they shine—
Jesus is coming again!

Let us go forth unto Him,
Not only with our lamps trimmed,
Buy the oil now lest they dim—
Jesus is coming again!

Jesus is now on His way,
Watch, for you know not the day;
Ever in His presence stay—
Jesus is coming again! (Composer: Unknown)

My prayer for you and my humble self is that God's grace will keep us on our feets, undefiled and steadfastly doing our father's biddings till Christ returns to take us home in Jesus name. (Amen)

Good morning and do have a fruitful day.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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THE SKELETON OF SECRET SINS

"For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been kept secret, but that it would come to light [that is, things are hidden only temporarily, until the appropriate time comes for them to be known]"- Mark 4:22 (Amplified)

A boy incidentally broke the base of a flower vase and instead of informing his parents, he turned the vase around in such a way that the broken part became hidden from everyone. Initially, the boy's plan worked out perfectly, but as the days went by, he began to live in fear. The image of the broken flower vase became a scary skeleton inside his cupboard. He began to imagine what would happen when his parents eventually discovered his little secret. The unconfessed secret began to hunt him and he could no longer enjoy the company of his parents as he used to. Hardly could any day pass without him wondering whether the moment of truth has finally arrived. But instead of confessing his sin to his parents, he remained adamant and unrepentant.

The word "secret" does not exist in the dictionary of God. Everything tagged "secret" here on earth is laid bare before the Almighty God (Luke 8:17). Yes, every cleverly concealed misdeed will one day show up in public at the most embarrassing moments (Mark 4:22). King David would not have eliminated Uriah, if he knew that one day the All Knowing God would use Prophet Nathan to uncover his cleverly concealed dirty secret ( 2 Samuel 11:14-15 & 12 :7- 9). Ananias and Sapphira would not have played prank with the omnipresent God if they knew that their secret plot will become an open scandal in the church (Acts 5:1-11).

"It may be a secret on earth but it's an open scandal in heaven" - Lewis Sperry Chafer

Friends, how long will you continue to hide what cannot be hidden? If those cleverly concealed sins of King David was exposed, there is no secret sins that will not come to light. Yes, those secret love affairs will soon be exposed. The true paternity of those children will soon be known. The sources of all ill gotten power, affluence and wealth will soon be exposed. Every ungodly itinerary would soon be brought to light and made known to all. The wolves in sheep's clothing would soon be exposed. It is a matter of time, everyone will soon know that certain people who have been pretending to be pastors all along are actually ritualists, herbalists and Pedophiles in disguise.

"On that day when, as my Gospel proclaims, God by Jesus Christ will judge men in regard to the things which they conceal" - Romans 2:16 (Amplified).

Beloved, is there any sketelon in the living room of your soul? Are there secrets that you have cleverly concealed from everyone? Don't you know that the longer those secrets are concealed, the more it drives a quiet wedge between you and your maker - God (Isaiah 59:1-2). Don't you know that you can never succeed in life if you don't confess and evacuate the skeleton of those secret sins from your soul (Proverbs 28:13-14).

"You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins. Confess them and give them up; then God will show mercy to you"- Proverbs 28:13 (Good news)

Friends, please confess and forsake every secret sin before the door of mercy is shut again you. Make up your mind to truly bid farewell to every sin that is tormenting your destiny.

"FAREWELL TO SIN" by Daniel S. Warner, 1893

I will part with thee, old master;

This is my firm resolve;

And I’ll boldly state my reason,

Why we must now dissolve.

Refrain:

The wages of sin is death,

The wages of sin is death, and woe,

And bitter remorse; I’ve found it so;

Bitter, bitter,

Bitter remorse and woe.

I have served thee long and faithful,

Confessed you were my lord;

All your way was dark and painful,

And what is my reward?

I have given time and talents,

My health and honor, too,

And exposed my soul to torments,

And what did you bestow?

You have flattered me, and promised

Much pleasure in your reign;

I have sowed and reaped your harvest,

Now what my wretched gain?

While beneath your doleful bondage,

How oft your father came,

Saying, “There is here no passage

Out from your dark domain.”

But the blood of my Redeemer

Has saved me through and through,

So, in Jesus’ name, forever

I bid all sin adieu.

It's my prayer that the Holy Spirit will convict us of all our secret sins and grant us grace to truly bid "adieu" to sin before the door of mercy is finally closed.

On behalf of my esteemed father in the Lord, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church Of God,- Pastor E. A. Adeboye, I will like to invite you to the March 2021 Special Holy Ghost Service (35th Anniversary of the Holy Ghost Service). Theme: GOD BLESS YOU 3 (Subtitle - I WILL LIFT UP MY EYES). Date: 4th-6th March, 2021. Venue: Virtual. Ministering: Our beloved Daddy G.O - Pastor E.A Adeboye and other anointed Ministers of God.

Happy new month. Good day and God bless you.(Amen)

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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ARE YOU STUBBORN?

"If you get more stubborn every time you are corrected, one day you will be crushed and never recover" Proverbs 29:1 (Good News)

"Ẹniti a ba mbawi ti o wà ọrùn kì, yio parun lojiji, laisi atunṣe"- Proverbs 29:1 (Yoruba)

In 1986, two ships collided in the Black Sea off the coast of Russia and hundreds of passengers died on that fateful day. Investigation later revealed that the accident was not caused by technical fault or even thick fog. Everyone in the two ships perished simply because their captains were too stubborn to change direction. They both knew that their ships are heading towards each other and may soon collide. A little change of direction by either of them would have averted the tragedy. However, neither of them was willing to change course and give way to the other. They were too stubborn to yield and by the time they came to their senses, it was too late.

The Yoruba translation of above scripture is very explicit on the repercussions of stubbornness. God's verdict is that anyone who is stubborn or obstinate will perish suddenly without remedy. That was exactly what happened to the first king of Israel - Saul in 1 Samuel 15. The Bible records how that handsome young man crashed the glorious ship of his destiny prematurely because of his stubbornness. Saul's stubbornness forced God to use His divine bit and bridle on him. And immediately God finished with him, Saul's ship of destiny capsized in the middle of the ocean suddenly. Everyone watched in amazement how a man's stubbornness to divine agenda can sink a glorious destiny prematurely.

"Refusing to obey is as bad as the sin of sorcery. Being stubborn and doing what you want is like the sin of worshiping idols. You refused to obey the Lord’s command, so he now refuses to accept you as king.” 1 Samuel 15:23 (ERV)

Unfortunately, many people have not learned from the mistake of king Saul. They are still stubborn or obstinate to divine agenda despite repeated warnings. They don't seem to understand that every act of stubbornness of man adds fuel to the fire of God's wrath and judgement (Romans 2:5).

"You’re not getting by with anything. Every refusal and avoidance of God adds fuel to the fire. The day is coming when it’s going to blaze hot and high, God’s fiery and righteous judgment. Make no mistake: In the end you get what’s coming to you— Real Life for those who work on God’s side, but to those who insist on getting their own way and take the path of least resistance, Fire! "- Romans 2:5-8 (MSG)

Beloved, I hope you are not stubborn or obstinate like King Saul and the two Captains in the above story. Hope you have not turned your back on God like the stubborn Israelites (Deuteronomy 9:6-8), hope you are not like the stiff-necked Jews in Corinth who rejected Christ and even went ahead to maligned the Way (Acts 19:8-9). Please don't forget that everyone who stubbornly rejects God's Sweet Will on earth will be doomed for the rest of eternity. This article may be the last warning God is sending to you before He will eventually turn you over to the hardness of your heart. Friends, time is running out. Therefore, I urge you to please repent today and surrender completely to His Sweet Will before it will be too late.

In 1900, God inspired Mrs. C. H. Morris to compose a wonderful hymn on surrendering or yielding to God will which is titled "Sweet Will of God". Please join me to sing and meditate on the lyrics of this beautiful hymn below as we trust God to help us yield totally or surrender completely to His Sweet Will at all times.

SWEET WILL OF GOD

My stubborn will at last hath yielded;
I would be Thine, and Thine alone,
And this the prayer my lips are bringing,
“Lord, let in me Thy will be done.”

Refrain:
Sweet will of God, still fold me closer,
Till I am wholly lost in Thee;
Sweet will of God, still fold me closer,
Till I am wholly lost in Thee.

I’m tired of sin, footsore and weary,
The darksome path hath dreary grown,
But now a light has ris’n to cheer me;
I find in Thee my Star, my Sun.

Thy precious will, O conqu’ring Savior,
Doth now embrace and compass me;
All discords hushed, my peace a river,
My soul a prisoned bird set free.

Shut in with Thee, O Lord, forever,
My wayward feet no more to roam;
What pow’r from Thee my soul can sever?
The center of God’s will my home.

Good morning and do have a blissful day.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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DON'T IGNORE DIVINE INSTRUCTION

"Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it, but whoever respects a command is rewarded. Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord" - Proverbs 13:13 & 16:20 (NIV)

Few days after a successful old hunter indicated his intention to retire from the hunting business, an energetic young man approached him and offered to buy his shop, his hunting rights, and even his secrets for successfully hunting. The old hunter agreed; he sold all his goods to the young man and carefully told him all the secrets to his great hunting success. Thereafter, the old man retired and travelled to another city. A year later, the old man returned to the city, looked for the young hunter and asked how his first year as a hunter had been. The old man was however surprised when the young hunter said that he had not caught anything since the old hunter retired and left that city. The old man then asked him: did you followed the instruction and adhere to hunting secrets I gave to you? "No Sir, I found a better way" was the young hunter's response.

King Solomon, the wisest man that has ever lived was right by saying "Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers and whoever scorns instruction will pay for it." Unfortunately, many some people have been struggling with their unfruitful/unprofitable personal hunting ventures/projects on earth for years like the young hunter in the above story. They are busy accusing their enemies for their predicaments but did not know that their refusal to obey God's instruction is the source of their problems. They ignored divine instruction on the ground that they are staled and of no relevance again in our world today. They seem to have forgotten how Adam and Eve got their fingers burnt when they ignored God's first instruction to man in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3: 11-19) . They don't understand that the only antidote for frustration, tragedy, lack and failure in the race of destiny is total obedience and adherence to divine instruction.

Beloved, despite all your many qualifications, experience/ exposure and connections, why are things not looking up for you as expected? Don't you think you may have ignored some important divine instruction? Could it be that you have ignored divine instruction on salvation (Acts 2:21), holiness (2 Corinthians 7:1) and evangelism ? What do you have to show that Great Hunter (Jesus Christ) who gave you all His hunting rights when he retired from the hunting business on earth over 2000 years ago (Mark 16:15-20) . Please be sincere with yourself, in the first eight month of this year, how many souls have you shown the way to the cross? Don't you know that your prosperity, fruitfulness and fulfilment in life is a function of your willingness to obey God's instruction on soul winning (John 15:16), giving (Luke 6:38), tithing (Malachi 3:10) and kingdom service (John 12:26) etc? Don't you know that every divine instruction you ignore opens up doors for demons of pain and hardship to invade and torment your health, marriage, finance, career and business?

May we receive grace to repent genuinely, trust and obey all God's instruction immediately, cheerfully, completely and without complaining henceforth. Please join me to prayerfully sing and meditate on the lyrics of one of my favourite hymn titled" Trust and Obey". This wonderful hymn was composed in 1887 by John H. Sammis.

TRUST AND OBEY

When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way;
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain:
Trust and obey,
For there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.

Not a shadow can rise,
Not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear,
Not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.

Not a burden we bear,
Not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss,
Not a frown or a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.

But we never can prove
The delights of His love,
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows,
And the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.

Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do;
Where He sends, we will go,
Never fear, only trust and obey.

Good morning and do have a blessed day.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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HAVE YOU LOST YOUR PRAISE?

"That servant was still speaking, when a fourth one dashed up and said, “Your children were having a feast and drinking wine at the home of your oldest son, when suddenly a windstorm from the desert blew the house down, crushing all of your children. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.” When Job heard this, he tore his clothes and shaved his head because of his great sorrow. He knelt on the ground, then worshiped God and said: “We bring nothing at birth; we take nothing with us at death. The Lord alone gives and takes. Praise the name of the Lord!” In spite of everything, Job did not sin or accuse God of doing wrong"- Job 1:18-22 (CEV)

Few days ago, I met a man who had lost huge possessions and things have been pretty hard for him recently. The man is practically living in the desert of loneliness as all his trusted friends and close associates had deserted him in his season of pain. He's now a shadow of himself, looking so frail, depressed and helpless. His entire life had been submerged completely in the ocean of loses. After he narrated this ordeal, the Lord prompted me to ask him these questions: "Sir, I hope you have not also lost your joy of salvation? Hope you have not hung your harps upon the willow tree?". His response was "No, I have not".

Nobody actually likes to lose anything in life because loses really hurts. Yes, it does. However, there are many examples of people who had lost several things in life but they eventually recovered it all. Some of these people had lost their possessions, health, jobs, marriage, children, businesses, etc. For example, in Job 1:18-22, when Job lost everything he had, instead of committing suicide, he organised a befitting Banquet of Praise service for God. Does that not sound very crazy or odd? What about Paul and Silas? In Acts 16: 22-26, when these two disciples of Jesus Christ lost their freedom, instead of weeping and blaming God, they decided to organise a Praise Party to celebrate the Almighty God even inside the prison.

Like the man mentioned above, Job, Paul and Silas had lost many things but they never lost their faith in the God of All flesh. They did not lose their peace and joy of salvation in the midst of the ocean of loses. Paul and Silas were beaten, yet they couldn't resist the urge to continue to praise their Saviour even in the prison. They knew that the faithful God is still in control even when it appeared that they had reached the very bottom of the ocean of losses. They knew that the worst thing anyone can lose in life is to lose his/her fellowship with God. No wonder they eventually walked out of the ocean of loses with mighty testimonies. Yes, they recovered everything they had lost.

"The judges went along with the mob, had Paul and Silas’s clothes ripped off and ordered a public beating. After beating them black and blue, they threw them into jail, telling the jailkeeper to put them under heavy guard so there would be no chance of escape. He did just that. He threw them into the maximum security cell in the jail and clamped leg irons on them. Then, about midnight, Paul and Silas were at prayer and singing a robust hymn to God. The other prisoners couldn’t believe their ears. Then, without warning, a huge earthquake occurred. The jailhouse tottered, every door flew open, all the prisoners were loose"- Acts 16:22-26 (MSG)

Beloved, what has the ocean of losses swallowed in your body, home, business, marriage, finances, academics? Why not check and be sure that the joy of your salvation has not been swallowed or tampered with too. If it has then, I urge you to please run back to the feet of the cross today and plunge into the fountain filled with blood drawn from the Saviour's veins. Thereafter, trust the same God who restored the losses of Job, Paul and Silas to restore your losses and make your life a living testimony of His amazing wonders and faithfulness . And as the Lord God lives, everyone who have mocked and deserted you will come running to pay obesience to you very soon in Jesus name.

No other song summarises this subject like a song titled "I Never Lost My Praise". This wonderful song was composed in 2009 by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. May I urge you to please join me to sing and meditate on the lyrics of this wonderful song as we trust God to restore our loses and silence our mockers permanently before this week is over in Jesus name. (Amen).

I HAVE NEVER LOST MY PRAISE

"I've lost some good friends along life's way
Some loved ones departed in heaven to stay
But thank God I didn't lost everything
I've lost faith in people who said they cared
In time of my crisis they were never there
But in my disappointment, in my season of pain
One thing never wavered, one thing never changed

I never lost my hope,
I never lost my joy
I never lost my faith
But most of all, I never lost my praise

My praise still here,
My praise still here

I've let some blessings slip away
When I lost my focus and went astray
But thank God I didn't lost everything
I lost possessions that were so dear
I lost some battles walking in fear
But in the midst of my struggles, in my season of pain
One thing never wavered, one thing never changed

I never lost my hope,
I never lost my joy
I never lost my faith
But most of all, I never lost my praise

Praise, Praise, Praise, Praise, Praise
Most of all, I never lost my praise

My praise still here,
My praise still here

But most of all, I never lost my praise!"

Good morning and do have a blessed day.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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EXCHANGING YOUR TROPHIES FOR HIS CROWN

"The very credentials these people are waving around as something special, I’m tearing up and throwing out with the trash—along with everything else I used to take credit for. And why? Because of Christ. Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant—dog dung. I’ve dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him." Philippians 3:7-9 (MSG)

One day, a young man who was walking behind a school compound, saw what looked like a huge “treasure chest” filled with gold and silver, glittering in the sunlight. He looked closely and discovered that the “treasure” was actually a collection of “trophies” of every shape and size that had been piled up in a trash! The school was simply repeating a tradition of clearing their shelves and cabinets of all the old trophies, plaques and awards received over the years in order to make room for new ones. As he gazed upon the glittering scene, he realized how these trophies in the trash might accurately represent all the worldly achievements, fame, popularity, wealth, and power. And he could see their ultimate end; to eventually be discarded as “worthless” and then crushed and ground to dust!

In Philippians 3:7-9, the Holy Spirit described how a man who had many worldly trophies, laurels, awards and achievements decided to throw them all in the waste bin in order to truly embrace or cling to the cross of Calvary. Apostle Paul cherished the old rugged cross and the eternal crowns more than all his perishable laurels of this world. He understood that all the trophies of this world will not last (2 Peter 3:10), but Christ offers to him an “Imperishable Crown” – the Crown of Life (James 1:12). This offer is not for Apostle Paul alone. Jesus Christ also promised to give the crown of life to those who: place their faith and trust in Him (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Him before men (Romans 10:9-10), are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of their sins (Acts 2:38), and thereafter live faithfully to Him for the rest of their lives (Revelation 2:10).

Beloved, how many trophies, awards, laurels, credentials are you waving around today? Are they more than what Apostle Paul trashed several years ago? Can the splendor of those trophies of yours be compared with the glory of the Crown of Life? The answer is a capital "NO". Have you truly clinged to the old rugged Cross? Please don't forget that the very best of man's achievements, credentials and trophies in this world will soon become old/stale and eventually end up as trash. Therefore, I urge you to please lay down all your perishable trophies at the feet of the cross, so that on that glorious day, you will receive in exchange His Imperishable Crown of Glory.

In 1912, Evangelist George Bennard, having seen the glory of this imperishable crown, compose one of the most popular hymn in Christian history which is titled:-"The Old Rugged Cross" . May I urge you to please prayerfully meditate on the lyrics of this wonderful hymn and trust God for grace to truly lay down all your worldly trophies at the feet of the cross in exchange for the Crown of Glory that never fade away (1 Peter 5:4).

THE OLD RUGGED CROSS

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff’ring and shame,
And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above,
To bear it to dark Calvary.

In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see;
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

My prayer is that the rat race of life will not make us lose the splendour that is waiting for us in heaven.

Good day and God bless you.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo
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HAVE YOU GIV'N YOUR HEART TO JESUS?

"There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved" - John 3: 1-3,15 - 17 (KJV)

Several years ago, God inspired a young lady to ask a man who was about to give his offering this question: "Sir, are you truly saved? The man replied and said " Yes, off course" but the lady was not satisfied with his response and she pressed further: "I mean, have you really given your life to the Lord?". At this point, the man thought he should enlighten this persistent lady about his identity: "I am the chancellor of a university, I am also the President of its school of theology." The lady considered his response for a moment, and then replied, "Sir, it doesn’t matter what position you occupy, or what you have accomplished, you can still be genuinely saved."

The above story emphasis the obvious truth that Jesus Christ placed on the table when Nicodemus, an highly influential leader in Israel visited him at night over 2000 years ago (John 3:1-17). There are still many Nicodemus around us today who need to know that exalted position is not a prerequisite for entering the kingdom of God. Hence, someone needs to be reminded that it is possible for ones name to be on the Hall of Fame on earth and still be missing from the Lamb's Ultimate book of Honour in Heaven. Someone needs to know that one can build great edifice on earth in God's name and still miss his/her massive mansion above. Someone needs to be told that it is possible to be respected/celebrated on earth and still end up in the place of unending humiliations in Hell. Someone needs to know that mere membership of church groups doesn't even guarantee access into the Palace of the King of kings in the City of Delight.

In John 3:3, Jesus said "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God". So, my dear friends, please be sincere with yourself. Are you truly saved? Are your genuinely born again? If Christ returns today, will you join Him in the air? If your answer to these questions is "No" or you are not sure then I urge you to please confess your sins and surrender your life genuinely to Jesus Christ today. But, If your answer is "Yes", then, please continue to trust God for grace to run the eternal race faithfully to the finish line. By the grace of God, my family and I will see you there (City of Delight) in Jesus name. Amen.

One very special hymn that summaries the discussion in the above story and scripture is title :"Have You Giv’n Your Heart To Jesus?". May I urge you to please join me to meditate on the lyrics of this wonderful hymn as we trust God to save souls, restore backsliders and also keep us burning for Him till Christ returns. The hymn was composed by Mrs. C.H Morris.

HAVE YOU GIV'N YOUR HEART TO JESUS

Have you giv’n your heart to Jesus, do you now to him belong?
Will you be among the number of the happy blood-washed throng
Who around God’s throne forever sing the hallelujah song?
Will you, will you be one?

Refrain:
Yes, by God’s assisting grace I will run the Christian’s race,
And I’ll be among the ransomed over there;
In that city of delight where our faith is lost in sight,
By the grace of God I’ll meet you there.

Will you be among the number who their golden sheaves will bring
To the feet of their Redeemer and unite to crown him King,
Joining in the shouts of triumph making heaven’s arches ring?
Will you, will you be one?

Will you be among the number of the soldiers brave and true
Who, in spite of all against them, with their Lord are going through?
Will you gather in the homeland at that glorious, grand review?
Will you, will you be one?

As the virgins wise were waiting, are you watching day and night
For the coming of the Bridegroom, with your lamps all trimm’d and bright;
Ready with the saints to gather dressed in garments spotless white?
Will you, will you be one? "

Good morning and do have a blessed week.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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