THE LITTLE BOY VS BUSINESSMAN MENTALITY

THE LITTLE BOY VS BUSINESSMAN MENTALITY

"I can’t impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit. Just keep it simple." - 2 Timothy 4:1-2 (MSG)

One day, a businessman walking along the beach noticed a boy hurriedly picking and throwing things into the ocean.  Approaching the boy  he asked, young man, what are you doing?" The boy replied, throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out, if I don't throw them back,  they'll die". The businessman laughed at him and said, "Don't you realise there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish. Stop wasting your time, you can't make any difference". After listening politely,  the boy bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the ocean, then smiling at the man, he said, " I made a difference to that one".  (The Starfish Story, Loren Eiseley 1907 - 1977)

The tide of this world has washed many people out of the ocean of God's enclave. There are many helpless and stranded starfish on the shore of life and heaven is looking for people with the little boy mentality to go pick and throw them back into the ocean of God's love before they pass out. Unfortunately, many believers have developed that terrible businessman mentality in the kingdom. They think the act of rescuing lost soul is a complete waste of time and resources. They are bunch of Jamboree believers who believes that what makes one a Christian is the show of designer dresses, wristwatches, and also singing and dancing in church every Sunday. They believe any time spent for evangelism and follow-up is a waste. What a myopic mind-set! That is the businessman mentality.

"Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge: “Don’t begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don’t try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously. “Don’t think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don’t need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment,...."-  Matthew 10:5-10 (MSG)

However, the Bible says the businessman mentality contradicts the great rescue mandate in Matthew 10: 5-10. The one who sent us to the shore of this world is patiently looking over our shoulders and expecting to see us make maximum impact for Him everyday by proclaiming the good news (2 Timothy 4:1-2). Hope you will not disappoint Him? Knowing that heaven rejoices over every single starfish we throw back into the ocean, then, we cannot afford to be slack on the shore (Luke 15:7 & 10). We must never get distracted or be fooled by the modern day businessmen around us. If we do, we may lose our place in the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62).

"Jesus replied, ‘A man that ploughs a field must continue to look straight ahead of him. If he looks behind, he cannot plough well. People that look behind them cannot work well for the kingdom of God .’ - Luke 9:62 (EASY)

Friend, are you one of those helpless starfish that had been washed to the sea shore by the strong tide of life? Has the lust of the flesh, eyes, and pride of life dragged you out of the reach of the Almighty? Are you a backslider? Are you an hypocrite?  Has your inordinate obsession for power, position, success and riches thrown you out of the Great Shepherd's everlasting arms?  Then, please repent and surrender your life to Jesus now. Stop struggling with your maker and throw yourself back into that powerful fountain of His blood that cleanses deeply. You will never regret that you did!.

Beloved, are you one of those with the businessman mentality around, please repent and amend your ways. If you don't repent, you will be held liable for every starfish that dies around you (Ezekiel 33:8). Are you one of the few believers with the boy mentality in the church today, I rejoice with you. Please keep throwing those stranded starfish back into the ocean (2 Timothy 4:5). Great shall be your reward in Heaven. Never stop living a life that radiates God's love and command positive impact. Keep the fire burning till you hear "well done thou good and faithful servant" in the city of Gold.  

God's counsel to us as we approach the end of age is summarised in one powerful poem titled "One More Day to Live". As we meditate on this poem below, I  trust God to help us remain steadfast in picking and throwing starfish back into the ocean every day of our life till Christ returns. 

ONE MORE DAY TO LIVE ( By Carol Ann)

If I had only one more day to live,
All love, praise, and glory to you I’d give.
I’d try my best to put a smile on someone’s face
To share with them your saving grace.

I’d remember things about my life
The times you were there through fun and strife,
And thank you then for all you’ve done.
Without you no victories would have been won.

If I have one more day before I die
I would apologize to the kid I made cry.
I would take back the harsh words said to everyone,
And fill their hearts with laughter and fun.

If I only had one more day
I wouldn’t push anyone away.
I wouldn’t try to hurt a friend
Because I should love them to the very end.

Why not live each day as if it were our last
Looking towards our future and forgetting the past
To be a Christian each day we live
And most importantly to always give.

My prayer for you and my humble self is that, the Holy Spirit will pour a fresh passion for lost souls in our hearts. May we truly live each day as if it would be our last on earth. And as we rescue starfishes for Christ on the shore of life, may we not miss out of the grand reception on the eternal 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 February 2020 Holy Ghost service. Date: Friday, February 7th, 2020. Theme: Let The Light Shine -2. Time: 6pm (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 do have a blessed day.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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ARE YOU A STUMBLING BLOCK?

ARE YOU A STUMBLING BLOCK?

"Jesus said, ‘A person who believes in me may not seem important. But you should never make that person do wrong things. Do not do that! It would be better for you if someone tied a big stone round your neck. Then you would sink deep down into the sea and die. Some things in this world will cause people to do wrong things. You can be sure that bad things will happen. But God will punish the person who makes these bad things happen" - Matthew 18:6-7 (EASY)

A missionary asked Mahatma Gandhi: “Mr. Gandhi, though you quote the words of Christ often, why is that you appear to so adamantly reject becoming his follower?”. Gandhi replied, “Oh, I don’t reject your Christ. I love your Christ. It’s just that so many of you Christians are so unlike your Christ.” Apparently Gandhi's rejection of Christianity grew out of an incident that happened when he was a young man practicing law in South Africa. He had become attracted to the Christian faith, had studied the Bible and the teachings of Jesus, and was seriously exploring becoming a Christian. And so he decided to attend a church service. As he came up the steps of the large church where he intended to go, a white South African elder of the church barred his way at the door. “Where do you think you’re going, kaffir?” the man asked Gandhi in a belligerent tone of voice. Gandhi replied, “I’d like to attend worship here.” The church elder snarled at him, “There’s no room for Kaffirs in this church. Get out of here or I’ll have my assistants throw you down the steps.” From that moment, Gandhi said, he decided to adopt what good he found in Christianity, but would never again consider becoming a Christian if it meant being part of the church. (Source: pursuingchrist.com)

It is obvious that many believers in this generation are like the church elder in the above story. Many weak ones have abandoned the narrow path because of our ungodly attitude and disposition? Many people who should have been dining with the King of kings today are now languishing in the city of Lodebar like Mephibosheth because of our unguided comments and unchrist-like nature. We have become huge stumbling blocks turning people over to the path of damnation and hell. It appears we do not seem to understand one of the most emphatic, sober warning recorded in Matthew 18:6-7 on the subject matter. Jesus affirms that every soul is  extremely valuable to God. We must be sensitive to the vulnerability of others and extremely cautious not to cause anyone to stumble or lose his/her way. 

"And so each of us shall give an account of himself [give an answer in reference to judgment] to God. Then let us no more criticize and blame and pass judgment on one another, but rather decide and endeavor never to put a stumbling block or an obstacle or a hindrance in the way of a brother" Romans 14:12-13 (Amplified)

Dear friend, are you a stumbling block in the way of others? Do you know the number of people that are now lame spiritually, maritally, financially, emotionally because of your actions, comments and dispositions? Do you know the number of first timers and potential convert like Gandhi that you have chased away from church? Some sisters do not seem to know the number of people that they have assassinated with their demonic AK47 rifle of sensitive parts revealing dresses they wore. May I say congratulations to you! You have succeeded  in making many crippled Mephibosheth out of the healthy sons of Jonathan that God brought across your path. Like Mahatma Gandhi, many people had already vowed never to be a Christian because of those unchrist-like attitude and character of yours? This is quite pathetic and I urge you to please repent and pled for mercy today! 

This short poem titled "A Stumbling block or a Stepping-Stone" reemphasizes how powerful our influence can  be in building or destroying the destiny of others. Please meditate on this poem and trust God to make you a stepping-stone and not a stumbling block in the way of others till Christ returns. 

A STUMBLING BLOCK OR A STEPPING STONE by R. L. Sharpe

Isn't it strange how princes and kings,
and clowns that caper in sawdust rings,
and common people, like you and me,
are builders for eternity?

Each is given a list of rules;
a shapeless mass; a bag of tools.
And each must fashion, ere life is flown,
A stumbling block, or a Stepping-Stone.
           

My prayer for you and my humble self is that we shall never be a stumbling block in the way of others. God will use us mightily to restore everyone that we may have caused to stumble back into the fold of the Great Shepherd.

Good morning and God bless you.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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NO CHAMPION IN A SINKING BOAT

NO CHAMPION IN A SINKING BOAT 

"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. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you " - 2 Corinthians 5:11, 18  (MSG)

On the 13th of January, 2012, the massive Costa Concordia cruise ship with more than 4,200 passengers and crew on board was sailing off the coast of Italy on a tour of the Mediterranean Sea. The captain deviated from his planned course and the ship struck a reef near the shore. After taking on water for a while, the ship began to sink. Abandoning his duty to the passengers and crew, Captain Francesco Schettino left the ship instead of remaining to make sure everyone could be rescued. The captain was later arrested and jailed for 16years for his failure to do his duty, resulting in the deaths of more than thirty people. (Source: CNN.com, July 17, 2013)

This earthly ship of ours had struck a reef and may soon sink like the massive Costa Concordia cruise ship. Like in the days of Noah, the flood of judgment is fast approaching the earth and many unrepentant crew and passengers may soon be doomed for the rest of eternity. The fact that we are surrounded by these people should stir us up to do everything possible to rescue them for Christ before it will be too late. Unfortunately, many believers have abandoned their friends, colleagues and family members in the sinking ship to perish. Like captain Schettino, we have stylishly reassigned our primary duties of soul winning/witnessing/evangelism in the sinking ship of this world to other passengers and crew. It is obvious that our callous heart has fully grown and become like that of an Ostrich in the wilderness (Lamentation 4:3). Yes, our bowel of compassion that Jesus filled to overflow is now completely empty. This is very sad!  While sinners are sinking into Hell daily, many believers are raising their shoulders in church every Sunday like a confused champion. But they fail to understand that there can never be a champion in a sinking ship. That is the bitter truth!  We cannot be rejoicing on going to Heaven alone when multitudes around us are going to spend eternity in Hell fire.

"Jesus saw the many people and felt sorry for them because they were worried and helpless—like sheep without a shepherd to lead them. Jesus said to his followers, “There is such a big harvest of people to bring in. But there are only a few workers to help harvest them. God owns the harvest. Ask him to send more workers to help gather his harvest.” - Matthew 9:36-38 (ERV)

Friend, have you abandoned your unbelieving relations, colleagues or friends in this sinking ship/boat?  Abandoning those folks in there may be an unwise decision since you will give account for every soul that God put on board the ship with you (Ezekiel 33:7-9).  Don't you know that Jesus rescued you so that you can help Him rescue every other drowning soul that crosses your path from Hell. Don't wait until you are arrested like Captain Schettino or swallowed by fish like Jonah before you do the Lord's bidding. 

“You, son of man, are the watchman. I’ve made you a watchman for Israel. The minute you hear a message from me, warn them. If I say to the wicked, ‘Wicked man, wicked woman, you’re on the fast track to death!’ and you don’t speak up and warn the wicked to change their ways, the wicked will die unwarned in their sins and I’ll hold you responsible for their bloodshed"-Ezekiel 33:7-8 (MSG)

Beloved, I strongly perceived God is giving many Jonah a second chance to go back to their Nineveh and declare His judgment to everyone in that ship/city/street/town/village. Are you one of those Jonahs? I hope you will not blow this opportunity again. If you do, the consequences could be very grevious and you may not be able to bear it. Please go and preach the gospel to those helpless folks in those sinking ship around your neighbourhood, school, office, market. The Lord of the harvest himself will go with you and give you mighty harvest in Jesus name. 

"Next, God spoke to Jonah a second time: “Up on your feet and on your way to the big city of Nineveh! Preach to them. They’re in a bad way and I can’t ignore it any longer.” The people of Nineveh listened, and trusted God. They proclaimed a citywide fast and dressed in burlap to show their repentance. Everyone did it—rich and poor, famous and obscure, leaders and followers."-Jonah 3:1-2, 5 (MSG) 

One special hymn that describes that ever relevant advise that Jesus gave his disciples in Matthew 9:37 about engaging more believers for the end time rescue operations or harvest of soul is titled "A Call For Reapers". I trust the Lord will minister to you as you meditate on the lyrics of this powerful hymn below:

A CALL FOR REAPERS by James E. Thomas (1860 -1946)

The harvest is white and the reapers are few,
While thousands are dying in sin,
And the Savior above is calling for you,
To gather the lost ones in.

Refrain:
        Gather them in, the golden grain,
        Go gather from fields of sin;
       The harvest is white and the gleaners are few,
        O reapers! Gather the last ones in.

The Lord of the harvest appeals unto you,
To go out in the fields of sin,
And tell to the world this Gospel so true,
And winning the lost ones to Him.

The Savior is with us, so bury your fears;
Your labors will not be in vain;
In the morning sow seed and bathe them in tears,
Returning at eve with grain.

When life’s work is done and we gather at home,
With millions now waiting us there,
Every soul we have won will add a bright star
To the beautiful crown we shall wear.

My prayer for you and my humble self is that Holy Spirit will pour a fresh passion for lost souls in our heart. As Jonah was singlehandedly used to rescue the entire inhabitants of Nineveh, Holy Spirit will empower us and use us mightily to rescue multitudes from this sinking ship before Christ returns.  And when life's work is over, we shall wear a crown decorated with uncountable stars in the City of Gold in Jesus mighty name. Amen. 

Good morning and God bless you.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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BUSY DOING NOTHING

BUSY DOING NOTHING

"...Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. “Master, don’t you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand.” The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.” - Luke 10:38-42 (MSG)

Busyness has become a badge of honour in our world today and many people have loads of it hung on their necks. To validate this assertion,  please ask any lukewarm believer around this question: "Why were you not available for evangelism and fellow up throughout last year? I guess the response would be :"I wish I could but I was actually very busy attending to some urgent and important issues". You may even wish to probe further by asking, "why were you not also available for digging deep, faith clinic and workers meeting? Or why have you been coming late to church? Or why have you not even joined the workforce? The response again may likely be: "I have been very busy lately and I hope you understand". 

"It's not enough to be busy, so are the ants. The question is, what are we busy about" - Henry David Thoreau. 

Beloved, if heaven could play back the video of our activities in the 365 days of year 2019 and first 8 days of this year, will it show that we were busy doing things that have eternal value? I sincerely don't think so! The video may reveal how many of us were busy running the rat race; jumping from pillar to post in pursuit of our self aggrandizing agendas. Our days may be full of activities, but in the light of eternity, we were simply busy doing nothing. We were pursuing our Martha's agenda while neglecting the most important things that God expect of us (Luke 10:38-42). Like Martha, we have misplaced our priority and lost focus of eternal purpose. This is quite appalling.

Friend, how busy are you and what have you been doing? Have you being pleasing yourself and displeasing God? Have you been feeding your body but starving your soul? Don't you know that what matters to your Martha does not really matter to God. So, why not turn your back on that lofty position of yours in the "Busy Martha Ministry" (BMM) this year and make time for things that really matter in the sight of God?. Please don't be too busy to honour God with your gifts, talents and resources this year. Be mindful of how you use your time this year. Don't just be busy, be productively busy serving God with the whole of your heart. Even in the midst of your hectic day at work, please find time to connect with your maker. When you connect with God, you will discover that your focus is clearer, your perspective brighter, your joy richer and you will experience more of the fullness of life that only God offers. 

One powerful poem that summarises a typical daily routine or activity log of a busy person in any generation is titled "No Time For God". Could you please let God speak to you from this poem below: 

NO TIME FOR GOD ( Author Unknown)

I knelt to pray but not for long;
I had too much to do.
I had to hurry and get to work
For bills would soon be due.

So I knelt and said a hurried prayer
And jumped up off my knees.
My Christian duty was now done.
My soul could rest at ease.

All day long, I had no time
To spread a word of cheer.
No time to speak of Christ to friends.
They'd laugh at me I'd fear.

No time, no time, too much to do;
That was my constant cry.
No time to give to souls in need,
But at last the time, the time to die.

I went before the Lord.
I came, I stood with downcast eyes.
For in his hands, God held a book;
It was the book of life.

God looked into his book and said,
"Your name I cannot find.
I once was going to write it down
But never found the time."

Friend, does the peom above describe your daily routine? Has busyness seperated you from your maker and His Kingdom duties? It is never to late to retrace your steps back to the feet of the Master. The ball is in your court and I hope you will do the needful before time eventually flies away. A word is enough for the wise.

"The bad news is that time flies. The good news is that you are the pilot" - Michael Altshuler

My prayer for you and my humble self is that: we shall be good pilot of our time in the journey of life. And as the Lord lives, every second we spend on earth shall count in light of eternity. And finally when the book of life shall be opened up yonder, our names shall not be missing there in Jesus name.

Good morning and God bless you.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

For more articles, please visit -
http:// okanlawontaiwo.blogspot.com
Twitter: @tammytaiwo
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