TOO PRECIOUS TO BE MOLESTED

TOO PRECIOUS TO BE MOLESTED

"When you have troubles, I am with you. When you cross rivers, you will not be hurt. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not hurt you. That’s because I, the Lord, am your God. I, the Holy One of Israel, am your Savior. I gave Egypt to pay for you. I gave Ethiopia and Seba to make you mine. You are precious to me, and I have given you a special place of honor. I love you. That’s why I am willing to trade others, to give up whole nations, to save your life".- Isaiah 43:2‭-‬4 (ERV)

Few weeks ago, while returning home after the COVID-19 palliative programme for our church members and their neighbours, my wife and I spotted some miscreants brandishing various deadly weapons and charms about 100metres away from us. These boys who were over 150 in number looked so wild and dangerous from afar. The whole road and its adjourning streets were deserted as these boys appeared set to unleash mayhem within the community in broad daylight. Obviously, they must be members of the One Million Boys terrorising the residents of Lagos and Ogun State. Immediately, many questions started flashing through my mind. Should we reverse and run away from them? Or should we keep going? Should we abandon the car and take to our heels. We needed to make a quick decision and act very fast. Suddenly, I had a strong nodding in my spirit to keep going. I noticed my wife was very calm and that further encouraged me to keep going until we finally approached the hoodlums. They had barricaded the road but as soon as they saw our car they cleared off the road and we passed through unmolested and unhurt.

The above testimony validates the promise that the Almighty God made to every true believer in Isaiah 43:2-4. God promised to protect us whenever we are passing through water and fire. Fire and water are often used in the Scriptures to denote danger or calamity - the latter because it overwhelms; the former because it consumes. These two situations will always show up in the path of man but God assures us of His abiding presence that guarantee maximum protection in the midst of danger (Isaiah 41:10). What higher consolation can we then desire than the assurance that God is with us to protect us from every danger? 

"Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you". - Isaiah 41:‬10 (MSG)

The promises of divine protection and preservation is true and my family is a living testimony. We can assure you that the burning furnace in the world today cannot consume you neither can the troubled overflowing water around carry you away. According to Isaiah 43:4, you are too precious in God’s sight to be molested by those One Million or Awawa Boys. God's abiding presence will ensure that no kind of trouble/danger/calamity - be it COVID-19 (Coronavirus), 'POVID-20' (Poverty), 'SOVID-20' (Sorrow) can befall, overwhelm or swallow any member of your family. Yes! His eyes are on your sparrow and there is no course for alarm for God the everlasting vigilante Himself who never sleep nor slumber is watching over your family (Matthew 10:29-31). However, you must be  genuinely saved to enjoy this great privilege. If you are a backslider or you are not yet saved, please secure your life against raging fire and overflowing waters in this world by surrendering your life to Jesus Christ now. Please do it today. 

"Think about this. People sell two birds for just one small coin. But God takes care of these little birds. Not one of them can fall to the ground unless God lets it happen. God even knows how many hairs there are on your head. So do not be afraid of those people who are against you. You are more valuable to God than many little birds" - Matthew 10:29‭-‬31 (EASY)

One special song that summarises the divine protection and preservative plan of God for His children as recorded in Isaiah 43:2-4 and Matthew 10:29-31 is titled " His Eye Is On The Sparrow". May I urge you to please sing this song with confidence as the whole world is presently passing through the turbulent water of COVID-19. And as the Lord lives, when men are cast down, then you shall say, "there is lifting up for you" in Jesus name (Job 22:29). 

HIS EYE IS ON THE  SPARROW by Mrs Civilla D. Martin (1905)

His Eye is On The Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain:
       I sing because I’m happy,
       I sing because I’m free,
       For His eye is on the sparrow,
       And I know He watches me.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

My prayer is that we shall receive more grace to keep singing about God's faithfulness in this perilous time. May God keep drawing us closer to himself during this lockdown period as we walk through every burning furnace on our path. And as the Lord lives, everyone who is yet to surrender to Jesus Christ will encounter Him this period and they shall serve Him faithfully till the end in Jesus name.  Amen 

Good day and God bless you.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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SLEEP WHILE THE WIND IS BLOWING

SLEEP WHILE THE WIND IS BLOWING 

"Jesus got into a boat, and his followers went with him. After the boat left the shore, a very bad storm began on the lake. The waves covered the boat. But Jesus was sleeping". Matthew 8:23-24 (ERV)

A farmer who owned land along the Atlantic seacoast constantly advertised for labourers but most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic. They dreaded the awful storms that raged across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops. As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received a steady stream of refusals. Finally, a short, thin man, approached the farmer. "Are you a good labourer?" the farmer asked him. "Well, I can sleep when the wind blows," answered the man.  Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help, hired him. The man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk, and the farmer felt satisfied with the man's work.

Then, one night the wind howled loudly in from offshore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand's sleeping quarters. He shook the little man and yelled, "Get up!  A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!" The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, "No sir. I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows." Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm. To his amazement, he discovered that all of the livestock feeds had been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the cages, and the doors were barred.The shutters were tightly secured. Everything was tied down. Nothing could blow away. The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew. (Unknown)

Several years ago, the disciples had a crisis on their hands. A turbulent storm arose and the waves covered their boat. The waves were as high as the boat and they were headed for the bottom of the sea unless the storm ceased. Then, the disciples became restless and cried out for help. They were however surprised to know that Jesus Christ was sleeping peaceful while the wind was blowing (Matthew 8:23-24). That is unbelievable! How can someone be so calm and peaceful in such a trying period? 

"I will lie down and I will sleep in peace . You, Lord , are the one who takes care of me, and you keep me safe". Psalms 4:8 (EASY)

Friends, it is no longer news that a turbulent wind is blowing across the nations of the world. The waves of that boisterous wind has thrown about two million lives into the sea of affliction, sickness, isolation and great pain. Heath workers are overwhelmed and helpless as they watch people drawn by the violent sea every passing minute. The noise of the roaring wind is emitting great fear and anxiety into the atmosphere and many people are really worried, disturbed and restless like the disciples and the farmer in the above story. 

Beloved, It is obvious now that many people in the world today cannot sleep peacefully like Jesus Christ because the wind is blowing. It is only those who have secured their destiny against the storm that can sleep quietly and sweetly when the wind is raging. Yes, only those who lay their heads upon the pillow of the Almighty God can be at peace in the midst of storm of life (Psalms 4:8). Why not join those people today? The labourer in the above story was able to sleep because he had secured the farmland against the storm. That is great wisdom! Why not secure your own house, destiny, health, family, business, finance, ministry, etc against the raging storms by surrendering your life completely to Jesus Christ today?. The only anchor that holds firmly in the raging storm of life is Jesus Christ. You have nothing to fear again if you can genuinely repent this day and get connected to Jesus - the true anchor that will never fail (Hebrews 6:19). 

"This hope is like an anchor for us. It is strong and sure and keeps us safe. It goes behind the curtain"- Hebrews 6:19 (ERV)

One special song that should become believers' prayer focus and anthem till the raging storm is over is titled "Til The Storm Passes By".May I urge you to please prayerfully meditate on the lyrics of this wonderful song below and trust God to keep you and your household safe till the raging sea all over the world subside. 

‘TIL THE STORM PASSES BY - Gaither Vocal Band

In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face
While the storm howls above me, and there's no hiding place
'Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry
Keep me safe till the storm passes by

Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand
Keep me safe till the storm passes by

Many times Satan whispered, "There is no need to try
For there's no end of sorrow, there's no hope by and by"
But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I'll rise
Where the storms never darken the skies

Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand
Keep me safe till the storm passes by

When the long night has ended and the storms come no more
Let me stand in Thy presence on the bright peaceful shore
In that land where the tempest, never comes, Lord, may I
Dwell with Thee when the storm passes by

Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand
Keep me safe till the storm passes by

It is my prayer that God will keep us safe in the hollow of His hand till the storm passes by. Every soul drowning in the sea of Coronavirus (COVID -19) all over the world shall be rescued by the finger of the Almighty God. And through this raging storm, God will harvest multitude into His kingdom in Jesus name. Amen

Good day and God bless you.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

For more articles, please visit -
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THE BEST FRIDAY IN THE HISTORY OF MAN

THE BEST FRIDAY IN THE HISTORY OF MAN

"It was about twelve o'clock when the sun stopped shining and darkness covered the whole country until three o'clock; and the curtain hanging in the Temple was torn in two. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father! In your hands I place my spirit!” He said this and died. It was Friday, and the Sabbath was about to begin." -Luke 23:44-46, 54 (Good News)

Over 2000 years ago, the world witnessed a dark Friday that eventually turned out to be the best Friday in the redemptive agenda of God for human race. For three hours, Heaven and earth stood still as the deadly nails of sin pierced through the flesh of the Saviour. The terrible hammer of judgment broke the phalanges of the only begotten son of the living God. He was beaten mercilessly, bruised and humiliated on that old rugged cross for the offenses he never committed. He finally fought with the beast of second death and won gallantly ( 1 Corinthians 5:55-57). What an exploit! What a victory! And what a day! The day that God corrected the error that would have separated man from Him eternally. 

Unfortunately, that glorious Friday was not a good Friday for many people in Jerusalem. For those who disdained the gospel that Christ preached, that day will forever remain an ordinary Friday.  For those who rejected the call of salvation, that day will be the beginning of a journey into the city of unending pains in the dark dungeon of Hell ( Matthew 13:49-50). Obviously, these people will forever regret that they refused to embrace the redemptive package that God offer to humanity in John 3:16-18.  On the other hand, for those who embrace the saviour and the sacrifice He made for humanity on that fateful day, that Friday will forever remain a Good Friday. The day that the cleansing flood from Calvary mountain washed their filthy garments, put an end to the cold war of sin and swept away the terrible sting of the second death. The day that ushers in the lasting victory over ailments, disasters, heavy burdens and other dead luggages placed upon man in the Garden of Eden by that wicked and terrible fellow called Satan.

“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. .....Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him." - John 3:16-18 (MSG)

"This is what will happen at the end of time. God will send his angels . They will put the people who did not obey God in one place. And they will put the people who obey God in another place. The angels will throw the people who did not obey God into the great fire. There the people will cry and they will bite their teeth together.’ - Matthew 13:49-50 (EASY)

Beloved, as you celebrate Good Friday today, please consider these questions: Have you accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour? Have you obeyed the Lord's call of salvation? If you have not, then, like those many unrepentant people in Jerusalem 2000 years ago, this Friday may not really be a "Good Friday" for you. That is the hard truth! And that is why you must repent today and surrender your life to Jesus Christ so that the precious blood that was shed for you on this day, over 2000 years ago can wipe away your stain of sin. Please don't delay it any further. If you are saved, please tell someone about Jesus today and am sure you will not miss your reward in heaven.

The wordings of this wonderful poem below explains how that dark or terrible Friday in Luke 23:44 became a "Good Friday" for us. On this Good Friday, I urge you to please prayerfully meditate on the wordings of this poem and realign your live with the story of God's ultimate sacrifice of love for human race:  

HIS LOVE by Rose Newman

Have you ever stopped to wonder
Why they called Good Friday “good”?
It seems to me that sad, black day
Could be misunderstood.

How His Father must have anguished
As He watched His dear Son die,
And not for crimes that He had done,
But for sinners such as I.

What kind of love could be so great,
To suffer willingly
The penalty for someone else;
His blood was shed for me.

But then when Sunday came around
And death had lost its sting,
That glorious morn’ was victory
For Jesus Christ, the King!

Now He’s alive for evermore.
The Father’s will was done.
Forgiveness, pardon, full and free,
By trusting in God’s Son.

It was a “good” Good Friday
For the thief who died there too;
He took his place in Heaven
When that long, dark day was through.

I am grateful to my Saviour:
My life to Him I owe.
I’ll serve and love Him always,
Because He loved me so".

My prayer for you and my humble self is that God will grant us more grace to reciprocate His love by serving Him faithfully till Christ returns to take us to our mansions above. May we remain steadfast and undefiled till we hear that glorious commendation " Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord (Matthew 25:21)"  in the city of gold. 

Good morning and do have a fantastic and blessed Easter Celebration.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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PEACE IN THE MIDST OF STORM

PEACE IN THE MIDST OF STORM

"Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]"-John 14:27 (AMP)

A train was traveling through the night in a very violent rainstorm, the lightening flashes were almost blinding, the rain hitting the windows was deafening and the strong winds rocked the train from side to side. When the lightening flashed and lighted up the darkness, the passengers could see the rising water along the tracks. This created terror in the minds of the passengers. Several passengers noted that through all the noise, lightening and wind, one of the passengers, a little girl, seemed to be at perfect peace. The adult passengers couldn’t figure out why the little girl was so calm during all these commotions. Finally, one passenger asked her, “How is that you can be so calm when all the rest of us are so worried about what might or could happen?” The little passenger smiled and said, “My father is the engineer.”

The story above demonstrates the perfect peace that God gives unto His children in the midst of raging storms of life (John 16:33). Obviously, we are living today in the age of fear. There is fear of corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic everywhere in the world today. The deafening, strong wind of this fear has pressed the torment buttons and panic alarms in the heart of many passengers on this earthly train. There is tension, restlessness and commotion in the atmosphere because many passengers do not know the Prince of Peace nor do they have a genuine relationship with the divine being who "engineered" the Earth. They have not obeyed or embraced the gospel of peace emphasised in the scriptures.  

Beloved, are you living in fear of COVID -19? Jesus understands your fears and He has provided a solution. When you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, He gives you assurance that the eternal father is behind the wheel of your destiny. The plague cannot come near you because the Almighty God will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge (Psalms 91:4). 

"You can go to God Most High to hide. You can go to God the All-Powerful for protection. God will save you from hidden dangers and from deadly diseases. You can go to him for protection. He will cover you like a bird spreading its wings over its chicks. You can trust him to surround and protect you like a shield. You will have no fear of diseases that come in the dark or terrible suffering that comes at noon. A thousand people may fall dead at your side or ten thousand right beside you, but nothing bad will happen to you!"- Psalms 91:1, 3-4, 6-7 (ERV)

It is now obvious that there is no safer place in the universe than under the protective shelter of your Saviour's wings. It does not matter what kind of circumstances may be raging in the world around you. You can call on the Lord for His unmerited favour, protection and peace that surpasses all understanding. What blessed assurance we have today, knowing that even if destruction rages around us, there is always refuge and comfort in the Lord-our unfailing peace, protection from the raging storm!

The hymn titled "The Believer's Safety" is a powerful hymn that explains the peace and protection we enjoyed as believers in the midst of storms. Please meditate on the lyrics of this hymn below and trust God to keep you in perfect peace till the raging storm of COVID -19 recedes.

THE BELIEVER'S SAFETY by John Newton

That man no guard or weapon needs,
Whose heart the blood of Jesus knows;
But safe may pass, if duty leads,
Through burning sands or mountain snows.

Released from guilt he feels no fear,
Redemption is his shield and tower;
He sees his Savior always near
To help in every trying hour.

Though I am weak, and Satan strong,
And often to assault me tries;
When Jesus is my shield and song,
Abashed the wolf before me flies.

His love possessing, I am blest,
Secure whatever change may come;
Whither I go to east or west,
With him I still shall be at home.

If placed beneath the northern pole,
Though winter reigns with vigor there;
His gracious beams would cheer my soul,
And make a spring throughout the year.

Or if the desert's sun-burnt soil,
My lonely dwelling e'er should prove,
His presence would support my toil,
Whose smile is life, whose voice is love.

My prayer is that none of us will ever wander away from the protective shelter of the Almighty. And during this period, may God restore backsliders to himself and rescue unbelievers all over the world from the looming danger of hell 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 April 2020 Holy Ghost service. Date: Friday, April 3rd, 2020. Theme: Let The Light Shine -4. Time: 6pm (Nigerian Time).Venue: Your House via live telecast through your decoder, radio or Internet. Ministering: Our beloved Daddy G.O - Pastor E.A Adeboye and other anointed Ministers of God. 

Happy new month and God bless you.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

For more articles, please visit -
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Twitter: @tammytaiwo
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