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,

         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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