Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo's Blog: 2019

THE ART OF GENEROSITY - PART 2

THE ART OF GENEROSITY - PART 2

"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 was a farmer who grew superior quality corn that wins honour and prizes every year. One year, a curious reporter interviewed him and learnt something interesting about how he grew the award winning corn. The reporter discovered that the old farmer always shared his superior corn seed with his neighbours. Then, he asked the farmer "Sir, 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?" The farmer's response was "the wind picks up pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from one field to another. 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."

The art of generosity is highly beneficial not only to the receiver but also to the giver. The four lepers in 2 kings 7:3-10, understood this salient truth hence they stopped hoarding the good news of great turnaround they stumbled upon in the camp of Syrians.

"When the four men with leprosy reached the edge of the Syrian camp, no one was there. They walked into one of the tents, where they ate and drank, before carrying off clothes, as well as silver and gold. They hid all this, then walked into another tent; they took what they wanted and hid it too. They said to each other, “This isn't right. Today is a day to celebrate, and we haven't told anyone else what has happened. If we wait until morning, we will be punished. Let's go to the king's palace at once and tell the good news.” - 2 Kings 7:8-9 (CEV)

Beloved, are you hoarding your superior grains from your neighbours or are you sharing it like this old farmer? Are you telling people about the good news you discovered like those four lepers or you are hoarding it from them? The Bible is very clear about the consequences of withholding or hoarding one's best corn or seed. The art of hoarding attracts curse and punishment but generosity brings prosperity and great turnaround. May I urge you to please stop hoarding those wonderful testimonies of your salvation, divine provision, fruitfulness, healing and deliverance from everyone around them. If you are genuinely saved, then, why not 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 let the wind of the Holy Ghost blow across our villages, cities, nations and the whole world to trigger the supernatural cross-pollination that will lead to a bountiful harvest of great turnaround. If you are not yet saved, today is your day of salvation. Please surrender your life to Jesus Christ now.

In view of the above, It is my pleasure to share with you the superior corn of great turnaround coming my way this season. Therefore, on behalf of my esteemed Daddy, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, I will like to invite you to the 2019 Holy Ghost Congress of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Please join us as we position ourselves for the outpouring rain of Great turnaround of salvation, deliverance, promotion, healing and breakthroughs.

Date: 9th to 14th December 2019
Theme: THE GREAT TURNAROUND
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.

The special hymn for this year's Holy Ghost Congress which was composed by Daddy - Pastor E.A Adeboye under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit summarises the amazing testimonies that will usher in our great turnaround. Could you please joyfully embrace your own great turnaround by singing this powerful hymn below with great expectations. I have no doubt that your season of great turnaround has finally come in Jesus name. Amen

2019 CONGRESS THEME SONG (by Pastor E.A. Adeboye)

My beloved, your time is come
You will soon rejoice
Your great turnaround bid welcome
Make a joyful noise

Chorus:
Let us sweet Halleluyah
To King of kings
To the One who lives power
Shout Halleluyah

Are you asking when to be healed
The answer is now
The Great Healer's hand to you stretched
Now not tomorrow.

Are you wondering when to be free
The answer is now
Lord of hosts had issued decree
"Let my people go"

Asking when you will fruitful be
End to all failures
Jesus says "Just abide in Me"
Much success is yours

Are you burdened with cares , sorrows,
No rest and no peace
Commander of storms and billows
Saying "now be at ease"

Looks as if you have lost all hope
Your bones are now dry
The wind of the spirit will blow
You'll begin to fly

Are you drifting far from heaven
Jesus says, "Return"
Come to Me and be forgiven
There is hell to shun

Are you thirsty of God's power
Million souls to win
Holy Spirit, your great partner
Beckons you to drink

Are you working for God's kingdom
No reward till now
God is true and in His wisdom
Your rewards start now.

Looking for your heaven's mansion
Your Groom will soon come
As He promised He'll return soon
He'll take you to home

Join me sing sweet Halleluyah
That Is my new song
Let us shout Great Halleluyah
For Great turnaround

As the Lord lives, your great turnaround shall begins even before this year's Holy Ghost Congress is over and your testimonies shall go viral in Jesus name.

Also, please join us for our White Sunday Service tagged "Purity & Power". Venue: RCCG, Joseph's Palace Area HQ, 173, Egbeda Idimu Road, Abule Odu Bustop, Lagos, Nigeria. Date: December 15th, 2019 .Time: 8am.

Good morning, Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year in advance.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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

THE ART OF GENEROSITY

THE ART OF GENEROSITY

"One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed" -Proverbs 11:24-25 (NIV)

Once upon a time, a greedy, rich man hired a great mathematician. The rich man wanted the mathematician to find the best way for him to make the greatest profit in everything he did. The rich man was building a huge safe and his greatest dream was to fill it with gold and jewels. The mathematician was shut away for months in his study, before finally believing he had found the solution. But he soon found there were some errors in his calculations and he started all over again. One night he appeared at the rich man’s house, with a big smile on his face: “I found it!” he said, “My calculations are perfect.”

The rich man was going on a long journey the next day, and didn’t have time to listen. He promised the mathematician he would pay him double his wages if he would take charge of the business while he was away and put the new formular into practice. Excited by his new discovery, the mathematician was delighted to accept. When the rich man returned, months later, he found that all of his possessions had gone. Furious, he went to ask for an explanation from the mathematician. The mathematician calmly told him what he had done. He had given everything away to people.

The rich man couldn’t believe it, but the mathematician explained it. “For months, I analysed how a rich man could gain the maximum benefit, but what I could do was always limited. There’s a limit to how much one man can do by himself. Then I understood that the key was that many people could help us to achieve the aim. So the conclusion was that helping others was the best way to get more and more people to benefit us.” Disappointed and furious, the greedy man stormed off, desperate at having lost everything to the harebrained schemes of a madman.

However, while he was walking away disconsolately, several neighbours ran over, worried about him. All of them had been helped when the mathematician shared out the rich man’s fortune. They felt so grateful to him that they offered him the hospitality of their houses and anything special the rich man might need. Over the next few days, he saw the full result of what the mathematician had calculated. Wherever he went, he was received with great honour, and everyone was willing to help him in whatever way they could. He realised that his not having anything had given him very much more.

In this way, he managed to quickly set up flourishing businesses, but this time he followed the brilliant mathematician’s advice. No longer did he keep his riches in a safe, or anything like it. Instead, he shared out his fortune among a hundred friends, whose hearts he had converted into the safest, most grateful and fruitful safes.

The above story reinforces one great statement that God inspired the wisest man that ever lived to write in Proverbs 11:24-25 on the art of generosity. According to king Solomon, stinginess is a demon supervising the agenda and exploit of poverty all over the world while generosity unleashes ceaseless flow of blessings upon an individual, organisation or nation. This deep understanding must have prompted God himself to warn the Israelites about guiding their hearts jealousy against the invasion of the demon of stinginess and selfishness (Deuteronomy 11:11-12).

"Give freely and spontaneously. Don’t have a stingy heart. The way you handle matters like this triggers God, your God’s, blessing in everything you do, all your work and ventures. There are always going to be poor and needy people among you. So I command you: Always be generous, open purse and hands, give to your neighbors in trouble, your poor and hurting neighbors". Deuteronomy 15:10-11 (MSG)

Beloved, in what ways has God blessed you? In what ways are you tightfisted about sharing what you have? When was the last time you helped the needy around you? How secured are those many huge safes you have built up for yourself and your household? Has anyone ever helped you along the way? Who are those generous people that God sent to you? What have you learned from them? Do you even desire to be like them? What did you learn about money, generosity and stinginess from your parents? Were these good or bad lessons? What will your children learn from you? Before you attempt to answer these questions, please meditate on this thought provoking poem below:

THING GOD WILL NOT ASK (Author Unknown)

God won't ask what kind of car you drove;
He'll ask how many people you drove who didn't have transportation.

God won't ask the square footage of your house;
He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.

God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet;
He'll ask how many you helped to clothe.

God won't ask what your highest salary was;
He'll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.

God won't ask what your job title was;
He'll ask if you performed your job to the best of our ability.

God won't ask how many friends you had;
He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.

God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived;
He'll ask how you treated your neighbors.

God won't ask about the color of your skin;
He'll ask about the content of your character.

God won't ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation;
He'll lovingly take you to your mansion in heaven and not to the gates of Hell.

Dear friend, I hope you now have an idea of the questions that God will ask you when you finally reach the golden shore. So, If Jesus Christ returns today, are you sure you will not be a big disappointment to Heaven? Please examine your heart closely and be ready to do the needful going forward. But if you are not born again or you are a backslider, the gates of Hell is beckoning at you. And in order to escape the horrible pains in Hell, you must embrace the gift of salvation that Jesus Christ bought for us with His precious blood. Please do it now since there is no repentance in the grave (Hebrews 9:27). A word is enough for the wise

"Every person must die once. After death, God will judge each person" - Hebrews 9:27 (EASY)

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 2019 Holy Ghost Congress. Theme: THE GREAT TURNAROUND. Date: December 9th - 14th, 2019. 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.

Also, please join us for our year-end Worship and Prophetic Prayer sessions tagged " The Unusual". Venue: RCCG, Agape Parish, Virginrose Resort, Plot 1231a, Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. Date: November 22nd to December 20th, 2019 (Monday to Friday only) .Time: 6:45am to 7:45am.

THERE SHALL BE NO LOSS

THERE SHALL BE NO LOSS

"God says I will make the person safe that loves me. Danger will not hurt him that knows and trusts in my name. He will pray to me and I will answer him. When he has trouble, I will be with him. I will save him and make him famous. I will make him happy with a long life. He will enjoy what I will do for him"- Psalms 91:14-16 (EASY)

Life is full of peril as there are dangers and risk everywhere especially as we approach the end of the year. But the arms of the omnipotent God is a symbol of protection and preservation (Deuteronomy 33:27) .So, whenever God puts His mighty and everlasting arms around us, we can be assured that no evil can befall us. (Psalms 91:9-12)

"You trust in the Lord for protection. You have made God Most High your place of safety. So nothing bad will happen to you. No diseases will come near your home. He will command his angels to protect you wherever you go. Their hands will catch you so that you will not hit your foot on a rock". Psalms 91:9-12 (ERV)

God often displays the preservative power in His everlasting arms by dispatching His ministering angels to shield and rescue us. For example, in Daniel 6:22, when Daniel was thrown into the den of lions, God sent an angel ahead of him to padlock the mouths of the wild lions. Similarly, in Acts 5:19, when Peter was locked up in prison, an angel guided by the everlasting arms came to him, woke him up and led him out.

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

Beloved, is your name and those of your family on the divine watch list of God and His ministering Angels? Are you sure the everlasting arms of God are underneath you? If you are not sure, why not do something about it today. Repent genuinely and be saved to secure the abiding presence of everlasting arms at all times. However, If your name is on the divine watch list of God, then, I say a big congratulations to you! Please be assured you that nothing bad will happen to you and your household. There shall be no loss! God will preserve and protect you and your household from all manner of evils and hidden traps/dangers on the road, air space and sea in Jesus mighty name. As the Lord God of heaven lives, throughout the remaining days of this year and beyond, you and your household will receive and enjoy the full compliments of God's preservation and protection in Jesus name. Amen.

One special hymn that reaffirms God's commitment to preserving all those who are genuinely saved is titled "Under His Wings". Could you please meditate on the lyrics of this wonderful hymn below and trust God to secure everything around you till you enter the new year with your great turnaround testimonies in Jesus name, Amen.

UNDER HIS WINGS By William Orcutt Cushing (1823-1902)

Under His wings I am safely abiding;
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,
Still I can trust Him, I know He will keep me;
He has redeemed me, and I am His child.

Refrain:
Under His wings, under His wings,
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.

Under His wings—what a refuge in sorrow!
How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
There I find comfort, and there I am blest.

Under His wings—oh, what precious enjoyment!
There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me;
Resting in Jesus I’m safe evermore.

As the Lord lives, there shall be no loss in the ship of your family till you berth at the shore of year 2020 in Jesus name. God's Mighty and Everlasting arms will abide with you and nothing evil will happen to your household in Jesus name. The blood of any member of your family will not be used as reconciling items to balance the account of sorrow and mourning opened by the wicked ones for year 2019 in Jesus name. Amen.

Also, please join us for our year-end Worship and Prophetic Prayer sessions tagged "The Unusual". Venue: RCCG, Agape Parish, Virginrose Resort, Plot 1231a, Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. Date: November 22nd to December 20th, 2019 (Monday to Friday only) .Time: 6:45am to 7:45am.

Good morning, Merry Christmas and a prosperious new year in advance.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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

EXPLORING THE GOLD MINE OF WINNING WISDOM

EXPLORING THE GOLD MINE OF WINNING WISDOM

"Good friend, take to heart what I’m telling you; collect my counsels and guard them with your life. Tune your ears to the world of Wisdom; set your heart on a life of Understanding. That’s right—if you make Insight your priority, and won’t take no for an answer, searching for it like a prospector panning for gold, like an adventurer on a treasure hunt, Believe me, before you know it Fear-of- God will be yours; you’ll have come upon the Knowledge of God. And here’s why: God gives out Wisdom free, is plainspoken in Knowledge and Understanding. He’s a rich mine of Common Sense for those who live well, a personal bodyguard to the candid and sincere. He keeps his eye on all who live honestly, and pays special attention to his loyally committed ones". Proverbs 2:1-8 (MSG)

Several years ago, God deposited the purest and richest gold mine of wisdom in the heart and soul of a young king of Israel - Solomon. After an encounter with the only true God, King Solomon’s palace suddenly became the greatest gold mine of wisdom in the whole world. His fame spread throughout the earth and many people were drawn to his doorstep in search of the winning wisdom. And King Solomon was able to proffer solutions to extremely complex issues/challenges brought to him.

Then, one day, an influential Queen from the South Arabian Kingdom of Sheba decided to join the wisdom treasure hunt by visiting the palace of Solomon, the King of Isreal (1 Kings 10:1-2). Her passionate quest for divine wisdom made her embark on a risky adventure tour to Jerusalem. The Queen of Sheba put her own royal life on hold for a while in search of the winning wisdom that is unleashing undeniable evidences in the land of Israel. She left the comfort of her kingdom to become a subject in another kingdom. What a great display of humility and strong craving for wisdom? She travelled for several months on the back of a camel and through unforgiving desert to satisfy her quest for the winning wisdom. Unlike all the other women in her generation, she valued wisdom more than every other worldly things that many people are craving for. For the Queen of Sheba, the quest for wisdom was a top priority and major prerequisite for winning convincingly in the race of life.

"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding" - Proverbs 4:7

Friends, if the Queen of Sheba can leave everything she had behind to seek wisdom for months, then you and I need to sell our ego , pride and humble ourselves before God in search of divine wisdom everyday. In this age of diabolical deception, overwhelming complexities and accelerating vicissitudes, everyone need wisdom from above (Pastor Fred Odekhian). However, unlike the Queen of Sheba, we don't need to travel through the desert for months before we can receive divine wisdom. What we need is a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ -the power and wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24 & 30, Proverbs 2:6). It was the covenant relationship between God and King Solomon that turned him to a reserve of winning wisdom (1 Kings 5:12). Will you like to explore the rich mine of God's wisdom that king Solomon explored from several years ago? Then, you must surrender your life to Jesus Christ today (Luke 11:31). Thereafter, ask God for wisdom and become addicted to the bank of wisdom - the word of God.

"The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here." - Luke 11:31 (KJV)

"For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." - Proverbs 2:6 (NIV)

One special old Christian hymn that describes some of the great exploits of wisdom in the account of creation is titled "Shall Wisdom Cry Aloud". Could you please meditate on the lyrics of this wonderful hymn below and trust God for the baptism of the spirit of wisdom that will guarantee uncommon victory in the race of life.

SHALL WISDOM CRY ALOUD By Isaac Watts (1674 - 1748)

Shall Wisdom cry aloud,
And not her speech be heard?
The voice of God’s eternal Word,
Deserves it no regard?

I was His chief delight,
His everlasting Son,
Before the first of all His works,
Creation, was begun.

Before the flying clouds,
Before the solid land,
Before the fields, before the floods,
I dwelt at His right hand.

When He adorned the skies,
And built them, I was there,
To order where the sun should rise,
And marshal every star.

When He poured out the sea,
And spread the flowing deep,
I gave the flood a firm decree
In its own bounds to keep.

Upon the empty air
The earth was balanced well:
With joy I saw the mansion where
The sons of men should dwell.

My busy thoughts at first
On their salvation ran,
Ere sin was born, or Adam’s dust
Was fashioned to a man.

Then come, receive My grace,
Ye children, and be wise;
Happy the man that keeps My ways;
The man that shuns them dies.

My prayer for you and for my humble self is that through the outpouring of the spirit of wisdom, there shall be many undeniable evidences of great turnaround in our home, businesses, finance, academic, career and ministry in Jesus name. Amen.

Please join us for an unforgettable adventure into the gold mine of wisdom during the 22nd edition of The Festival of Destiny Conference tagged "Winning Wisdom" Date: 3rd to 10th November 2019. Venue: RCCG, Court of His Majesty Mega Parish, Abesan Estate Gate, Ipaja Road, Lagos. Nigeria. Ministering: Pastor Johnson Odesola and other anointed Ministers of God.

Come and RECEIVE IT, RUN WITH IT, AND WIN WITH IT. Our sovereign promise - YOU WILL NEVER REGRET YOU CAME!

Good morning and God bless you.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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

THE REUNION INVITE

THE REUNION INVITE

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” - Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)

There is a story of a woman who married a man against the strong protest of her parents. After the wedding, the couple moved far away, alienating the bride from her parents. The husband turned out to be totally irresponsible and unfaithful. Within few years he died, leaving his wife and little son penniless. In desperation the young widow scratched out a miserable living. The only real moment of joy for mother and son came when she held him in her lap and told him about her father's home. She would speak of the rich, green lawn and beautiful trees. She would tell of the love of her parents and of the security she felt at home. Though, the boy had never seen his grandpa's house, he was eagerly looking forward to go home. Then, one day the woman received a letter. Recognizing the handwriting she quickly tore open the envelope. In it she found a cheque along with a note containing two simple words: Come home!.

The above story is a good specimen of the reunion invite that Jesus Christ dispatched to everyone stranded, worried, confused today (Matthew 11:28-30). Unfortunately, some of these people have been lured away from their heavenly father's reach and life had become extremely burdensome for them. Hence, this reunion invite is very crucial for God to intervene and usher those special children of His back home.

The reunion invite was addressed to two different categories of people: those who had at one time experienced the love of the Father of all fathers like the poor woman in the above story. Secondly, those who have never partaken of the blessing in our heavenly father's house like the widow's little boy. This reunion invite is meant to reconnect everyone who honour it to the endless flow of God's unforced rhythms of grace and mercy that can turned the worst sinners to saints.

Beloved, are you tired, troubled, confused, discouraged, burdened or worried? There is a reunion invitation for you from Jesus Christ. How I wish you will not ignore the special invitation today (Hebrews 2:3). Are you a backslider? Have you been lured away from your father's warm embrace and loving reach? Jesus Christ is calling you again. The truth is unless you honour His invitation of salvation and closer walk with God, life may remain a sea of burdens and avalanche of disappointment. Friends, I urge you to please honour God's call/invitation and go back home. If you do, heaven will put together every broken or torn pieces of your life and build mighty edifice out of it to the glory of His name.

"We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him."- Hebrews 2:1-3 (NIV)

The lyrics of this wonderful hymn below re-echoes the wordings of the special reunion invite that our Lord and Saviour sent to us in Matthew 11:28-30. Please let the Holy Spirit speak to you through the lyrics of this hymn and trust God for grace to obey His bidding.

SOFT AND TENDERLY JESUS IS CALLING By Lamartine Thompson (1847-1909)

Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling
Calling for you and for me;
Patiently Jesus is waiting and watching
Watching for you and for me!

Refrain:
Come home! come home!
Ye who are weary, come home!
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!

Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading
Pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not His mercies
Mercies for you and for me?

Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing
Passing from you and from me;
Shadows are gathering, death-beds are coming
Coming for you and for me!

Oh, for the wonderful love He has promised
Promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon
Pardon for you and for me!

As you honour the reunion invite, the Great Burden Bearer will help you carry all your burdens and your long awaited answers of peace, victory, fruitfulness, joy and promotion shall be delivered speedily in Jesus name. As the Lord lives, you and your household will continue to swim in glory and do valiantly on every side till Christ returns. And through the testimonies of God's faithfulness to you and your family, many people who are standing far away today will repent and return home soon in Jesus name. Amen.

On behalf of my esteemed father in the Lord, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church Of God, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, I want to invite you to the November 2019 Holy Ghost service. Date: Friday- November 1, 2019. Theme: Swimming In Glory - Part 8 with the subtitle: A Taste Of Water. Time: 7pm (Nigerian Time). 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.

Good morning and God bless you.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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

EVERYONE NEEDS A TRUE FRIEND

EVERYONE NEEDS A TRUE FRIEND

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

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

"These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already". John 11:11, 14, 17 (KJV )

Beloved, in good times, everybody behaves as if they are our friend. But when things are not going on as expected or when we are surrounded by wild bears of life, they often take to their heels. Only a true friend sticks to us in difficult times. So, do you have a true friend? Jesus Christ is the best of all friends. He did not abandon Lazarus his friend when the wild bear of sickness and premature death swallowed him. Rather, Jesus chose to visit his friend - Lazarus at such a trying/difficult season of his life.(John 11:11-44)

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

One powerful song that describes the transformation that happened when Jesus Christ visited His dear friend Lazarus in Bethany is titled "Four Days Late". This song reaffirms why Jesus Christ is the best friend that everyone needs to have. May I urge you to please meditate on the lyrics of this song and trust God for divine intervention in every challenging issue that has made all your friends to turn their backs on you.

FOUR DAYS LATE by Karen Peck & New River

The news came to Jesus, Please come fast
Lazarus is sick and without your help he will not last
Mary and Martha watched their brother die
They waited for Jesus, He did not come
And they wondered why.

The death watch was over, Buried four days
Somebody said He'll soon be here, the Lord's on His way
Martha ran to Him and then she cried
Lord if you had been here You could have healed him
He'd still be alive

Chorus:
But You're four days late And all hope is gone
Lord we don't understand why you've waited so long
But His way is God's way Not yours or mine
And isn't it great
When He's four days late
He's still on time

Jesus said Martha show me the grave, But she said Lord
You don't understand He's been there four days
The grave stone was rolled back, Then Jesus cried
Lazarus come forth then somebody said
He's alive, He's alive

You may be fighting a battle of fear
You've cried to the Lord I need You now
But he has not appeared.
Friend don't be discouraged
Cause He's still the same
He'll soon be here He'll roll back the stone
And He'll call out your name

I stand on the integrity of God's word to declare that the atmosphere of loses, pain, defeat, disappointment in your Bethany will soon change. In a short while from now, your Mary and Martha will sing a new song. The grave robber stealing from your family will soon be apprehended. The heavy stones placed upon the destiny of your Lazarus shall be rolled away. Heaven will soon call your name and your Lazarus shall walk out of the grave of shame, sickness, loneliness, joblessness, divorce, barrenness victoriously. The Helper of the helpless will come through for you as He did for Lazarus, His dear friend.

STAINS FROM COAL MINE ACTIVITIES

STAINS FROM COAL MINE ACTIVITIES

"Some of you may say: ‘We are free. We can do anything that we want to do!’ But not everything is good for us to do. You may say: ‘We are free to do anything!’ But not everything helps to make us stronger". - 1 Corinthians 10:23 (EASY)

Years ago, a woman dressed in daintily white gown went on excursion to a coal mine. Before stepping down into the mine, the woman asked an old miner whether she can wear her white dress into the mine. The old miner responded "Yes, madam, you may wear your white gown down there, but there is no assurance that you will return the same way you went in"

The above story reinforces the need for Christians to avoid crossing questionable boundaries that are capable of defiling them in their sojourn on earth. There are many coal mine activities around us today that can easily defile our Christian testimony and stain our garment of purity. These coal mine activities may even pass popular opinion poll but still attract grave consequences in the light of eternity.

The Bible records many instances of people who got their white garments defiled by the coal mine activities in their generations. While exercising their freedom, these people stepped into the coal mine but they never returned the same way they went in. For example, Dinah wore her gorgeous white gown to fraternise with strange ladies and she returned polluted and defiled (Genesis 34:1-2). Samson got his white apparel of power and glory stained while sampling the laps of strange women in town. He went down into the valley of Sorek heavily anointed but returned drained and deformed (Judges 16:1-31). The prodigal son left his father's house dazzling but returned deflated and dejected (Luke 15:11-19). It is obvious that the repercussions for patronising questionable places and partaking in coal mine activities on earth has not changed. According to Revelation 3:5 & 21:27, the punishment for defiling ones garment is eternal separation from God.

“But you have a few people in your group there in Sardis who have kept themselves clean. They will walk with me. They will wear white clothes, because they are worthy. Everyone who wins the victory will be dressed in white clothes like them. I will not remove their names from the book of life. I will say that they belong to me before my Father and before his angels"- Revelation 3:4-5 (ERV)

Beloved, in this polluted world, there are still few believers in the church who have not defiled their white garments with the stains from the coal mine activities of this world. Friends, are you one of those few believers in this generation? Or have you soiled your white garment? Have you being patronising the valley of Sorek like Samson? Have you been defiling your soul with stains from those questionable coal mines you love to visit? What are those coal mine activities that you indulge in? Is it betting, drugs, alcohol, pornography, mastubation or fornication/adultery? Please repent now and be washed in the precious blood of the Lamb. And the power in the purifying flood will keep you spotless till you reach the golden shore.

One old time Christian hymn that encourages believers to live daily with the consciousness of reaching the golden shore with undefiled garments is titled " Let Your Garments Be Always White". Please let the Holy Spirit speak to you through the lyrics of this wonderful hymn below as we look forward to Christ second coming.

LET YOUR GARMENTS BE ALWAYS WHITE by Emma F. Fisk

Are your garments always spotless?
Are they washed in Jesus' blood?
Do they always keep the cleansing
Of the purifying flood?
Do they never show the soiling
Of your sins upon their white?
Will they always bear the searching
Of the Holy Spirit's light?

Chorus:
Let your garment be spotless,
Always pure and bright;
Thro' the precious blood of Jesus
Keep them ever clean and white.

Let no anger soil their beauty,
Let no bitterness remain;
O be sure no trace of envy
Leaves upon your robes a stain.
Let no love of worldly pleasure
Cast unholy shadows there,
Fully cleanse them from the mildews
Of anxiety and care.

Let all pride of love and glory,
Gold and fame be washed away;
Trembling heart, your fears and doubtings
'Neath the pool of cleansing lay.
Never after try to find them,
They are lost beneath the tide;
Christ would have you all your shrinking
In this precious fountain hide.

O then ever keep your garments
Whiter than the driven snow,
Wear the royal robes of heaven
While you tarry here below;
That through yonder pearly portals
Joyful entrance you may win,
Clothes in raiment cleaned forever
From the fingerprints of sin.

My prayer for you and my humble self is that God will help us to abstain from all coal mines activities that can defile our white garments. As the Lord lives, we shall be among those few overcomers that will wear the royal robe in the City of Gold in Jesus name. Amen

THE DESERTER'S SYNDROME

THE DESERTER'S SYNDROME

"Demas has left me and he has gone to Thessalonica city. He wanted to enjoy the things of this world too much. Crescens has gone to Galatia region. Titus has gone to Dalmatia region".- 2 Timothy 4:10 (EASY)

In his book titled "The Deserters", Charles Glass profiled the life of Stephen Weiss, a 19 year old soldier who walked away from the 36th Infantry Division in France during World War II in October 1944. Weiss deserted his duty post and sought the safety of the rear as his unit was pounded by German artillery. When he was asked during his court martial procedures why he walked away, he said: “Because I broke down inside. The artillery shells were coming and I shook all over and just went to pieces.” He was then dishonourably discharged and sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labour. (The Deserters: A Hidden History of World War II by Charles Glass)

"From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life" -John 6:66-68 (KJV)

Whenever I hear stories of how valiant soldiers of the Cross are walking away from their duty post like Stephen Weiss, my heart bleeds uncontrollably. Then, I understand why the question that Jesus Christ asked the twelve disciples in John 6:67 is still relevant in our generation. It is quite saddening to see many Demas' absconding to Thessalonica in pursuit of worldly pleasures, many Crescens' and Titus' heading to Galatia and Dalmatia respectively. The Deserters Syndrome that disconnected many soldiers of Christ from their commanding officers during the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ and Apostle Paul is still wrecking havoc in our generation. This terrible syndrome had turned the back of many great destinies to the narrow path. Like Weiss, they fled the path of life because something broke down inside them. Yes, something happened within them that loosed their rope of allegiance and consecration to God. The love of this world has poured cold water on the blasting altars of their souls. The artillery of worldliness has decimated their souls and torn into pieces the armoury of God within them.

It is obvious that we have many absconded believers or deserted soldiers of Jesus Christ everywhere in this generation. They seek the safety of the rear by shying away from their duties and responsibilities in the Kingdom. They have been distracted and lured away from kingdom service by their jobs, career, business, friends, spouse and even family members. Some deserted the Kingdom's Army because of unfulfilled dreams and expectations. Many have walked away because no one appreciates them while others stepped aside because of pride, unresolved conflicts, unforgiveness, pleasure and sinful habits.

Beloved, I hope you are not among the deserters in the Lord's Army. I hope heaven has not declared you AWOL (Absent Without Leave). Hope the altar of righteousness, joy and sacrifice within you has not broken down? Hope you are not the Brother/Sister/Deacon/Pastor/Evangelist Demas or Titus of your church? Are you still among the faithful soldiers of the Cross? Are you still in the Lord's Army or have you absconded? Are you willing to go to wherever the duty calls for thee? If your answers to these questions is not affirmative, then repent now or prepare to face the heaven's court marshal for being AWOL (Absent Without Leave).

Friends, I strongly believe God is calling you and I to renew our commitment to serve Him like a valiant and faithful soldier until the trumpet sounds. One very simple but powerful hymn that describes what God expects from His valiant soldiers is titled "Faithful Unto Death".

FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH by Fanny J Crosby

Up and onward, Christian soldier,
Hear thy lord’s divine command;
Be thou ready when he calls thee
In the foremost ranks to stand.

Refrain:
Unto death, O be thou faithful,
Strong in Him, thy Strength and Shield;
Go thou forth where duty calls thee,
Truth’s eternal sword to wield.

Up and onward, Christian soldier,
To the conflict and the strife;
God will test thy zeal and courage,
Ere thou enter into life.

Up and onward, be not weary,
Do not lay thy armor down;
Thou must fight the battle bravely,
Ere thy soul can wear a crown.

Up and onward, firm and fearless,
Like the vet’rans of the past;
Then, thro’ him whose grace redeems thee,
Thou shalt overcome at last.

My prayer for you and my humble self is that we shall never be declared AWOL in the army of God. Nothing in this world will lure us away from our commanding officer -Jesus Christ. The oil of mercy will mend everything broken within us. His grace will keep us standing at our duty posts till the trumpet sounds. God will restore every deserters back into His fold never to walk away again in Jesus name. And as the Lord lives, we shall be among the valiant soldiers of the Cross who will wear crowns of reward for faithful service on the golden shore in Jesus name. Amen

On behalf of my esteemed father in the Lord, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church Of God, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, I want to invite you to the October 2019 Holy Ghost service. Date: Friday- October 4, 2019. Theme: His Power And Glory. Time: 7pm (Nigerian Time). 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.

Happy new month. Good morning and God bless you.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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THE GARMENT OF HUMILITY

THE GARMENT OF HUMILITY

"A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit". Proverbs 29:23 (KJV)

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name"- Philippians 2:5 -9 (KJV)

In the late 1800s, D.L. Moody was the most famous evangelist in the world and people from all over the world attend his Bible Conferences. One year a large group of pastors from Europe were among the attendees who were given rooms in the dormitory of the Bible school. As was the custom in Europe, the men put their shoes outside the door of their room, expecting them to be cleaned and polished by servants during the night. But there were no servants in the American dorm.

One night, while Moody was walking through the halls and praying for his guests, he saw the shoes and realized what had happened. He mentioned the problem to a few of his students, but none of them offered to help. Then, he humbly gathered up the shoes and took them back to his own room where he began to clean and polish each pair. So, despite the praise and fame that D.L. Moody received because of God’s blessing on his life and ministry, he remained a humble man till he passed away.

"People who think they are better than others will be made humble. But people who humble themselves will be made great" - Matthew 23:12 (ERV)

One special attribute of truly great minds is their depth of humility. Humility is a state of being humble; absence of pride or self-assertion. While many consider humility as a logo of stupidity, the wise ones understand that it is the ladder for climbing the height of true and ensuring greatness in all spheres of life. The exodus of king Nebuchadnezzar to the kingdom of the beast is a clear evidence of what pride or self-assertion can do to anyone (Daniel 4:30-37). It was pride that humilated that king of Babylon. Pride dragged him away from his throne and ridiculed him in the thick forest of insanity for seven years. But by the time he returned to the palace, he understood better that no man can remain relevant in life without a humble heart and disposition.

"But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:" -Daniel 5:20 (KJV)

Unfortunately, there are several people in our generation today who has nominated Nebuchadnezzar -the king of Babylon as their mentor. Their cherished slogan and motto is "If You Have Got It You Have To Flaunt It". If you are one of them, then I urge you to please retrace your way back to the path of humility before God pronounce judgment upon you as He did to your mentor - king Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.

According to Philippians 2:5-9, Jesus Christ wore the garment of humility throughout His days on earth. Unlike many of us, he never assert himself or show off His power, affluence and glory. "If you have got it you have to flaunt it" was not in His Dictionary. Despite His exalted position as the only begotten Son of the God and King of Heaven, He chose to humble himself until He finished His mission on earth. If that renowned Evangelist D. L. Moody can emulate our Saviour, don't you think you and I need to do same?

One special hymn that describes the humble disposition that Jesus Christ demonstrated is titled "Oh, To Be Nothing". The lyrics of this wonderful hymn below should be our heart cry as we approach the finished line on earth.

OH, TO BE NOTHING By Georgiana M. Taylor, 1869

Oh, to be nothing, nothing,
Only to lie at His feet,
A broken and emptied vessel,
For the Master’s use made meet.
Emptied that He might fill me,
As forth to His service I go;
Broken, that so unhindered
His life through me might flow.

Refrain:
Oh, to be nothing, nothing,
Only to lie at His feet,
A broken and emptied vessel,
For the Master’s use made meet.

Oh, to be nothing, nothing,
Only as led by His hand;
A messenger at His gateway,
Only waiting for His command;
Only an instrument ready
His praises to sound at His will,
Willing, should He not require me,
In silence to wait on Him still.

Oh, to be nothing, nothing,
Painful the humbling may be,
Yet low in the dust I’d lay me
That the world might my Savior see.
Rather be nothing, nothing,
To Him let all voices be raised:
He is the Fountain of blessing,
He only is meet to be praised.

Beloved, will you like to live as Jesus lived? Will you like to give up your rights and reflect His humility in all your endeavours? Then, you need to lay down at His feet like a truly broken and empty vessel so that He can glorify Himself through you. May we truly become nothing indeed in our own sight so that the world might see the saviour through us. May the robe of pride and arrogance upon us be torn into pieces so that God can cloth us with his beautiful robe/garment of humility that Jesus wore on earth. May the evil crown of pride upon our head and the rod of pride in our hands be trodden underneath our feet from this day in Jesus name (Isaiah 28:3, Proverbs 14:3).

Please join us at the 2019 Men's Conference tagged "Wake Up, Men!" on Saturday 28th September 2019. Venue: RCCG, Court of His Majesty Mega Parish, Gate Bustop, Ipaja Road, Lagos. Nigeria.

THE ACID TEST OF FIRE

THE ACID TEST OF FIRE

"Sooner or later we’ll all have to face God, regardless of our conditions. We will appear before Christ and take what’s coming to us as a result of our actions, either good or bad. That keeps us vigilant, you can be sure. It’s no light thing to know that we’ll all one day stand in that place of Judgment. That’s why we work urgently with everyone we meet to get them ready to face God." 2 Corinthians 5:10-11 (MSG)

During the famous California Gold Rush, the people who were searching for gold had a way of finding out if the metals they found were indeed gold and not some inferior base metal. One simple and quick test used to affirm that the metal was indeed gold, was the Acid Test. If the metal fizzed and showed corrosion after acid is applied on it, then, the metal is not pure, genuine gold and is likely made of less precious base metals like iron, copper, nickel and zinc.

There are two categories of Christians in the kingdom today - " The Gold believers" and " The Base Metal believers". The former serves God with right motives while the later do for selfish/ulterior motives. Base metals can be decorated and repackaged with expensive dresses, nice hats and make ups in order to deceive everyone on earth, but God cannot be fooled. No matter how a base metal is 'panel beated' or refurbished with stunning charisma and eloquent grammar, it can never be classified as gold in the sight of God. Yes, God cannot be fooled.

"Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire". 1 Corinthians 3:13 -15 (KJV)

According to 1 Corinthians 3:13-15, there will an acid test of fire at the Judgment Seat of Christ to ascertain whether the works and deeds of true believers is "a gold" or "a base metal". The test will disclose whether a believer deserves to be honoured or rewarded for his/her labour or works on earth. What a day that will be! Unfortunately, this test may not turn out the way many people would have expected. Yes, there may be some surprises on that day. Some of the great exploits that make newspapers headline here on earth may not even pass God's acid test of fire in heaven. Many outstanding achievements people display or flaunt around may go up in flame when the acid test of fire is applied. The ulterior motives behind those so called excellent results obtained for God by many believers may finally be uncovered and condemned. Many skyscrapers erected in the name of God may eventually fall like pack of cards and go up in flames when the acid test of fire is conducted. Just like in the California Gold Rush days, God will only reward "The Gold Believers" whose works and deeds passes the test of fire. The base metal believers will be exposed and embarrassed as they watch the smoke of their inferior works and bad deeds on earth rise into the sky. What a day that will be!

"Judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God." 1 Corinthians 4:5

Friends, don't you think it is rather too early to boast about your achievements on earth, because we have not reached the golden shore where the acid test of fire will be conducted. Don't you know that judging others peoples works and castigate them blindly here on on earth is a grave blunder. Don't you think that bragging and raising your shoulders about your exploits in the kingdom now is really not necessary as God will still need to subject your works to the acid test of fire. Don't you know that trying to impress people here is a pointless effort since man's recommendation is not part of the evaluation criteria on the Judgment Seat of Christ.

Beloved, if your works and deeds are subjected to the acid test of fire today, what will be the result? Will your works survive the acid test of fire? Are you going to be honoured or embarrassed on that day? Are you serving God with the right motives or with ulterior motives? Are you a gold believer or base metal believer? Please examine yourself and make your way right with God as you meditate on the lyrics of this wonderful hymn below.

WHAT COMFORT I COULD FEEL ANON By Watchman Nee (1903-1972)

If I would only stray a bit,
Then ease my lot would be;
But I recall how Christ my Lord
Did suffer faithfully.

The world I have forever left
And severed all its ties;
The way may yet more narrow grow
And all against me rise.

But though the worldlings glare in rage;
I seek His smiling face.
Though outward glory others choose,
I, His “well done” through grace.

My heart’s desire is not for fame
Nor profit in these days;
I humbly wish to serve my Lord
And gain that day His praise.

Unto the judgment seat of Christ
I daily look away;
May all my living and my work
Abide the fire that day.

You may your reputation hold,
Wealth, friends, and glory gain;
You may win all success and praise,
A following great obtain.

But I would be but lonely, poor,
With no prosperity;
My heart desires to follow Him
And finish faithfully.

My Lord, when here on earth, I know,
Gained nothing but the cross.
I only hope to be like Him
And for Him suffer loss.

My glory’s in the coming age,
Today I’ll patient be.
I’d ne’er enjoy ahead of Him
This world’s prosperity.

That day I shall receive the crown,
He’ll wipe away my tears.
So faithfully I’ll journey on
Till He at length appears.

My prayer for you and my humble self is that God's grace will uphold us till we reached the Golden Shore undefiled. And when we appear before the Judgement Seat of Christ, all our works shall survive the acid test of fire and we shall be decorated with many crowns on that glorious day in Jesus name. Amen.

Please join us at the Garden of Prayers for our Prophetic Sunday Services and Night of Evidence tagged "Glorious Evidence" on Sunday September 15 & 22nd, and Friday 20th 2019. Venue: RCCG, Kingdom Life Parish, 109, Shasha Road, Abati Bustop. Egbeda, Lagos. Nigeria. Time: 8am.

COMPETENT BUT USELESS

COMPETENT BUT USELESS

“I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer. He cuts off every branch of me that doesn’t bear grapes. And every branch that is grape-bearing he prunes back so it will bear even more. “You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you"-John 15:1,2 & 16 (MSG)

An elderly woman who was blind and could neither read nor write became a Christian. In order to share her new found faith with others, she went to the missionary and asked for a copy of the Bible. When she got it, she asked the missionary to underline John 3:16 in red and mark the page it was on so she could find it. The missionary wanted to see what she would do, so one day he followed her. In the afternoon, just before school let out, she made her way to the front door. As the boys came out when school was dismissed, she would stop one and ask if he knew how to read. When he said “Yes” she would ask him to read the verse that was marked in red. Then she would ask, “Do you know what this means?” and tell him about Christ. Eventually, twenty-four of the school boys that woman led to the Lord became pastors. (Source: The Supremacy of Christ, R. Kent Hughes)

One salient truth that the above story reinforces is that God can engage the available feeble hands when the competent ones are not available for His use. Heaven places huge premium on availability over competence and whatsoever is not available for God can never be useful to Him (1 Corinthians 1:27, Luke 19:40). And by implication, everything that is not useful to God will become totally useless (John 15:2).

Beloved, there are many "Competent But Useless" Christians in the kingdom today. They have many excuses for not preaching the gospel. The plight of the lost souls around them does not prick their conscience. Despite their competence, heaven cannot account for a handful of souls that have been added to the fold through them. Obviously, they have nothing tangible to show for the number of years they had been saved. They are nothing but bunch of "Competent But Useless Christians" in the vineyard. Hope you are not one of them?

On the other hand, there are a few believers who are not too competent but are available and extremely useful in God's hands. Like the old woman in the above story, they love God passionately and are addicted soul winners, givers and prayer warriors. While others are busy cracking dirty jokes and gossiping, they are prayerfully looking for opportunity to share the Gospel. While everyone is hustling for juicy positions, their heart cry is "Lord, please send me to someone who needs to be saved today". While others are dodging evangelism or Let's Go A Fishing programmes, they will arrive at the venue of the programme hours before others to prayerfully prepare the ground for bountiful harvest. While others are criticising their pastors, ministers and HODs, they are secretly pleading with God to turn their weakness or incompetency around and use them mightily to win souls into His Kingdom.

Friends, which of these categories do you belong to? Are you among the "Competent But Useless Believers" or the " Available And Useful Believers" in town? What is your excuse for being useless, when staunch illiterates are useful to God? When the blind and lame are available and relevent for the Master's use, then, what is your own excuse? Are you not ashamed of yourself? Have you forgotten what God planned to do with all "Competent but Useless or Unproductive Believers" in the church. They will soon be eliminated, evicted or deleted from the Vine (John 15:2). What a verdict! Are you not terrified by that statement? How I wish your name is not on the list of Useless Christian in His Church? Unfortunately, many believers names are on that terrible list. Why not repent today and plead for mercy. Then, ask for grace to be available and useful to God till Christ returns.

One special hymn that should be our watchword as the coming of our Saviour draws near is titled "Take My Life And Let It Be". Stanza three of this hymn re-echoes the heart cry of all feeble but available and passionate soul winners like that old woman above. May I urge you to please to prayerfully meditate on the lyrics of this powerful hymn below and trust God to make you more useful and productive in His kingdom till He comes .

TAKE MY LIFE AND LET IT BE By Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)

Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee,
Filled with messages from Thee.

Take my silver and my gold;
Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect, and use
Every power as Thou shalt choose,
Every power as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it Thine;
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart; it is Thine own;
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne.

Take my love; my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure-store.
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

My prayer for you and my humble self is that we shall remain useful and relevant in God's agenda. We shall receive grace to completely surrender our hearts, intellect, voices, resources to Him for the end time harvest. God will engage our feeble voices and available hands to rescue many drowning souls from the sea of this wicked world before the sound of the trumpet. And finally, when the great rescue operation is over, may we never hear "I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity" in Jesus name (Matthew 7:23).

On behalf of my esteemed father in the Lord, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church Of God, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, I want to invite you to the September 2019 Holy Ghost service. Date: Friday- September 6th, 2019. Theme: Lifted Into Glory Time: 7pm (Nigerian Time). 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.

BEWARE OF DECEPTION

BEWARE OF DECEPTION

"Jesus said, “Watch out for doomsday deceivers. Many leaders are going to show up with forged identities, claiming, ‘I am Christ, the Messiah.’ They will deceive a lot of people. Fake Messiahs and lying preachers are going to pop up everywhere. Their impressive credentials and dazzling performances will pull the wool over the eyes of even those who ought to know better. But I’ve given you fair warning". - Matthew 24:4-5, 24-25 (MSG)

Once upon a time there was a lion that grew so old that he was unable to kill any prey for his food. So, he said to himself, "I must do something else or I will die of starvation". He kept thinking and thinking and at last an idea came to him. He decided to lie down in the cave pretending to be ill and then whosoever will come to inquire about his health, will become his prey. The old lion put his wicked plan into practice and it started working. Many of his well-wishers got killed. But this evil was short lived.

One day, a fox came to visit the ailing lion. As foxes are clever by nature, the fox stood at the entrance of the cave and looked about. His sixth sense worked and he came to know the reality. So, he called out to the lion from outside and said, How are you, sir? The lion replied, I am not feeling well at all. But why don’t you come inside? Then the fox replied, I would love to come in, sir! But on seeing, all foot prints going to your cave and none coming out, I would be foolish enough to come in. Saying so, the fox went to alert the other animals.

The above story reinforces the Olivet discourse where Jesus listed the events that will preceed His second coming. It is however worthy of note that, the first item on that list was deception -"Watch out for end time or doomsday deceivers" (Matthew 24:4). This prophecy is already being fulfilled in this generation. It is no longer news that there are many hungry lions in the deception business everywhere in the world today. They deploy tricky methods and illusive strategies to harvest many souls (including that of believers) into the place of eternal torment (Matthew 24:24). Like the lion in the above story, they engage many enticing schemes to lure their victims sheepishly into the wicked slaughter slab/house.

Friends, I hope you have not been deceived. I hope you have not walked carelessly into the den of those end time deceivers. If you have, then, please deliver yourself and run for your dear life today. Return to the narrow path before the trumpet sound. Are you one of the false leaders performing lying wonders and signs in town? Have you been using occult power to deceive and lead people astray, including the most sincere believers? As the Lord lives, your cup of judgment is almost full. The blood of those careless and undiscerning believers you have deceived is crying seriously against you like the blood of Abel. You are gradually approaching the end of the road. The cat will soon be let out of the bag. Repent now or you will be doomed forever (2 Corinthians 11:15).

"They are false apostles, lying workers. They only pretend to be apostles of Christ. That does not surprise us, because even Satan changes himself to look like an angel of light. So it does not surprise us if Satan’s servants make themselves look like servants who work for what is right. But in the end those people will get the punishment they deserve" - 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (ERV)

Beloved, if King Solomon, the wisest mortal man who ever lived could pray for discernment (1 Kings 3:9-10), then don't you think you and I also need to pray the same prayer? Therefore, I urge you to please let us make the lyrics of this powerful hymn below ;"Lord, teach me to discern the spirit" our prayer point till our saviour returns.

DISCERNING THE SPIRIT by Witness Lee

Lord, teach us to discern the spirit
From soul that we Thyself may know;
Thou art the Spirit in our spirit,
In oneness mingled with us so.

Lord, teach us to discern the spirit,
The soul-life ever to deny,
And ever follow Thee in spirit,
Thyself, the Spirit, to apply.

Lord, teach us to discern the spirit
That we may never set our mind
Upon the flesh but on the spirit,
That sin and self no more may bind.

Lord, teach us to discern the spirit
That we may never soulish be,
But truly spiritual, in spirit
To know all things discernibly.

Lord, teach us to discern the spirit
That subtle self exposed might be,
That by the cross to it applying
We’ll live not by ourselves but Thee.

Lord, teach us to discern the spirit
That we may be transformed in soul,
Till we’re conformed to Thine own image,
Till we’re matured and reach the goal.

Lord, teach us to discern the spirit,
To us Thy living Word so give
That soul from spirit be divided
And in the holiest place we’ll live.

My prayer for you and my humble self is that Holy Spirit will baptise us afresh with gift of discernment so that we shall never become prey to the end time hungry lions and their wicked manifestations of falsehood and deceptions till Christ returns. And everyone deceived and held captive in the slaughter slab/house of those hungry lions shall be delivered this day in Jesus name. Amen

On behalf of my esteemed father in the Lord, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church Of God, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, I want to invite you to the September 2019 Holy Ghost service. Date: Friday- September 6, 2019. Theme: Lifted Into Glory Time: 7pm (Nigerian Time). 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.

A DONKEY IN A LION’S SKIN

A DONKEY IN A LION’S SKIN

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." - Matthew 7:15-20 (NIV)

In the ancient Aesop’s fables, a donkey walking through the forest finds the skin of a lion. Hunters had killed the lion and left the skin to dry in the sun. The donkey put on the lion’s skin and was delighted to discover that all the other animals were terrified of him and ran away when he appeared. Rejoicing in his newfound respect, the donkey brayed his happiness only to give himself away by his voice.

In Matthew 7:16-20, Jesus Christ made one profound statement twice in this short passage to lay bare a salient truth. He said "By their fruits you will recognize them". That is, the fruits reveals the identity of the tree. The only way to know the value of a tree is to examine its fruits. Hence, the real worth of a man cannot be ascertained by checking the gorgeous apparels (leaves) he flaunts around but by looking at the fruits of his life. Fine clothes may deceive, expensive cars may mislead, big title or position may be used to disguise, but a man's actions or dispositions will reveal who he is.

The Holy Spirit documented many examples in the bible to drive home the above point. For example, In 2 kings 5:19-27, by merely looking at his outward appearance of Gehazi, everyone in Israel thought he was a true prophet-in-training. They shower much love and respect upon Gehazi because they believed he is going to possibly receive double portion of Elisha's anointing. Although, Gehazi exhibited the charisma of a prophet but his corrupt and rotten fruits were cleverly concealed from public view. Then, one day, after Naaman had been healed of leprosy, the wind blew heavily and all the beautiful leaves that had covered the terrible fruits growing in the life of Gehazi were blown away. For the first time in Gehazi's life, the fruits of deceit, lies, hypocrisy, worldliness and covetousness covered up in him were suddenly exposed. Those terrible and corrupt fruits began to fall and everyone was surprised to discover that Gehazi was actually a donkey in a lion's skin. It's obvious they have been judging the tree of Gehazi by its leaves and not its fruits. Then, leprosy cut down the tree of Gehazi's prophetic ministry prematurely.

"Then Elisha said to Naaman, “Go in peace.” So Naaman left Elisha and went a short way. But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Look, my master has let Naaman the Aramean go without accepting the gift that he brought. As the Lord lives, I will run after Naaman and get something from him." Now you and your children will catch Naaman’s disease. You will have leprosy forever!” When Gehazi left Elisha, his skin was as white as snow! He was sick with leprosy."- 2 Kings 5:19-20, 27 (ERV)

Beloved, there are many donkeys in lion's skin all around us today. The fruits growing inside them are completely different from what people see on the outside. These people display adorable skin of lion but their real nature (fruits) is that of a polluted donkey. They claim to have the doggedness or tenacity of a lion but their attitude and disposition is that of a lazy and confused donkey. They exhibits the charisma and boldness of lion even though their true genetic composition is that of a coward donkey. They cover up the fruits of donkey in them with the skin of lion. They have perfected the art of deceiving people around them just to earn their respect and trust. What an hypocritical lifestyle?

“Don’t be impressed with charisma; look for character. ... A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. These diseased trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned". Matthew 7:16-20 (MSG)

These people have not come to terms with the fact that their true nature or fruits will soon be uncovered. Their pretence and deceitful lifestyle will not continue forever. Every corrupt fruit growing secretly on their tree will soon be exposed. Nobody can hide the fruits of his/her bad action or lifestyle from everybody forever. Those fruits of ungodly vices; greed, pride, stubbornness, fornication, adultery, arrogance flourishing silently in many life today will soon become breaking news in town. Yes, those bad fruits will soon draw the attention of the whole world to the ugliness of your life. It's a matter of time and everyone will know the real you.

Friends, hope you are not a donkey in a lion's skin? If you are, then God is calling you this day to repent and amend your ways. Please do it now so that God will not cut your tree down in its prime. But if you refuse to repent, then, please be assured the event that will expose those terrible and ugly fruits in your life will soon happen. The silent voices of those corrupt fruits growing secretly under that deceptive frame of yours will soon become audible enough to betray you. Everybody will soon know that you are a fraudster and backslider. And people who had once respected and celebrated you will begin to look down on you. You may end up as the Gehazi of this generation.

Several years ago, God inspired Witness Lee (1905 - 1997), a renowned Chinese preacher and hymnist to compose a hymn that re-echoes a powerful prayer point that Gehazi should have prayed seriously before that fateful day. The hymn is titled " Remove My Covering, Lord". Please join me to make the lyrics of this wonderful hymn below our prayer points so that we will not be disgraced like Gehazi.

REMOVE MY COVERING, LORD by Witness Lee

Remove my covering, Lord,
That I may see Thy light,
And be deceived no more,
But all things see aright.

Refrain:
Oh, may Thy living light, Lord,
Scatter all my night, Lord,
And everything make bright, Lord,
For this I pray to Thee.

I hardly know myself;
Deceived so much by pride,
I often think I’m right
And am self-satisfied.

I know Thee even less;
In doctrine, shallowly;
True revelation lack
Of Thy reality.

As for Thy life within,
In darkness I mistake—
If spirit or the flesh,
One for the other take.

As for Thy way, O Lord,
I often am not clear;
I toward seclusion tend
And from the pathway veer.

As for Thy will for me,
I do not know it well;
I substitute my own
And often would rebel.

As for the church, I need
Thy revelation more,
The Body-life to know,
Thy wisdom to explore.

I long to be unveiled,
In everything made clear,
No more to be deceived
Or to my pride adhere.

My prayer for you and my humble self is that God will graciously remove every leave covering the corrupt fruits on our trees. The mercy of God will restore our backsliding backsliding heart. His grace will keep us standing upright and blameless till He returns in Jesus name. Amen.

Please join us at the Arena of Wonders for our Healing Stream Service tagged "Be Made Whole" on Sunday 25th, 2019. Venue: RCCG, Kingdom Life Parish, 109, Shasha Road, Abati Bustop. Egbeda, Lagos. Nigeria. Time: 8am. Please come expecting, the Great Physician is waiting for you.

PUT ON YOUR APRON

PUT ON YOUR APRON

"For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth" - Luke 22:27

One day, while attending an early morning prayer meeting on the Island, the Pastor announced that brethren should please wait behind to help rearrange the chairs and dismantle the canopies. After the service, I gladly waited and joined to serve. On my way back to the office, someone approached me and told me that he was surprised to see me parking chairs and dismantling canopies. I told him that he should rather be surprised if I had not waited to serve. If Jesus came to serve, then what audacity or effrontery do we have not to do likewise (Luke 22:27). Indeed, it is a great privilege to walk in the Master's footsteps. Our saviour demonstrated the above scripture, when he wore his apron, rolled up his sleeve, fetched water and began to wash his disciples feet (John 13:4-17). What a great display of genuine humility and true service to humanity by the Anointed One himself?

Beloved, there are two categories of people in the household of faith today. The first category are those who are always ready to roll up their sleeve for God. People in this category are very few in the vineyard and are known as "The Labourers"- (Luke 10:2). The second category are those who watch others do the work while they sit and look. These people have anointing for excuse and compliant. Their designation in the kingdom is " The Glorified Supervisor (GS)".

"Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest." - Luke 10:2

Jesus Christ detests the Glorified Supervisor in every generation but He loves to see the Faithful Labourers increase in his vineyard. According to Luke 10:2, He told His disciples categorically to pray for God to send more labourers and not supervisors into his vineyard. Our saviour couldn't have done otherwise since God The Father himself was not a supervisor but an active or super committed worker/labourer ( John 5:17, 1 Corinthians 3:9). The Bible also records that Jesus did not supervise the Evangelistic Outreach in the early church but he worked/laboured with them as co-labourer (Mark 16:20). As highly anointed as Apostle Paul was, he did not promote himself to the office of Supervisor in the early church. The only title they called themselves in those days is "fellow labourers" not "fellow supervisors" (Philippians 4:3). Unfortunately, many people in church today have ordained themselves into the office of "glorified supervisors". They are sitting on the fence, watching few people serving. Then, I begin to wonder whether these people are more anointed than Jesus Christ or Apostle Paul!

Friends, which category do you belong to? Please be sincere with yourself. Are you a kingdom labourer or supervisor? Do you still feel excited doing menial work in the vineyard of God? Have you become too big to serve God in roles that are self-effacing? I hope your achievement has not gone into your head. I hope your ordination and bible college certifications have not turned you to a kingdom supervisor. No wonder your life is barren! Have you forgotten that God never promised to reward the supervisors in His kingdom. Only the hired labourers are qualified to be blessed, honoured, decorated here on earth and in the city of Gold (1 Timothy 5:18, Matthew 20:8, John 12:26 ). If our Saviour can put on His own apron, then I urge you to please put on your own apron today and start serving God and humanity with humility.

"God In An Apron" is the title of a great poem that shows the true humility and service that Jesus Christ demonstrated in John 13:4-17. May I urge you to prayerfully meditate on the words of this poem below and trust God for grace to resign from the exalted position of a supervisor you created for yourself in His vineyard.

GOD IN AN APRON! by Macrina Wiederkehr

God in an apron!
Tenderness encircled us
as He bowed before us.
He knelt and said,
“I choose to wash your feet
because I love you.”

God in an apron, kneeling.
I couldn’t believe my eyes.
I was embarrassed
until His eyes met mine.
I sensed my value then.
He touched my feet.
He held them in His strong, brown hands.
He washed them.
I can still feel the water.
I can still feel the touch of His hands.
I can still see the look in His eyes.

Then He handed me the towel
and said,
“As I have done,
so you must do.”
Learn to bow.
Learn to kneel.

Let your tenderness encircle
everyone you meet.
Wash their feet–
not because you have to–
but because you want to.

It seems I’ve stood two thousand years
holding that towel in my hands.
“As I have done, so must you do,”
keeps echoing in my heart.

“There are so many feet to wash,”
I keep saying.
“No.” I hear God’s voice
resounding through the years.
“There are only My feet.
What you do for them,
you do for Me.”

My prayer for you and my humble self is that we shall receive grace to put on our apron of true service to God and humanity this day. May we see every opportunity to serve as a platform to act as Christ's ambassadors in our world. And as we render faithful service to God, the rewarder of labourers Himself shall honour us here on earth and in the city of gold above in Jesus name. Amen.

Good morning and God bless you in Jesus name.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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