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 -
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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

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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 -
http:// okanlawontaiwo.blogspot.com
Twitter: @tammytaiwo
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