THE CHAIN FACTORY OF SIN

"His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins." - Proverbs  5:22 (KJV)

A tyrant summoned one of his subjects and ordered him to make a chain. His subject made the chain but the tyrant ordered that he take it away and make it twice the length. He did and brought it again to the tyrant, and again he was ordered to double it. When he had obeyed the order, and the tyrant looked at it then commanded the servants to bind the man's hand and foot with the chain he had made and cast him into prison.

The devil is a tryant who orders his subjects to fabricate the chain that he will eventually use to destroy them. In Acts 5:1-11, he got Ananaias and Sapphira to fabricate the chain that he used to dispatch premature death to their household. When the devil discovered that there was no chain in the land of Philistines that is strong enough to bind Samson, he cleverly engaged him to forge chains of reckless lifestyle in the valley of Sorek (Judges 15:14, Judges 16:1-4). In order to drain the oil of God's power and glory in the engine of Samson, the devil lured Samson into Delilah's chain production factory. Obviously, his wicked plan worked out perfectly as Samson singlehandedly fabricated and handed over to the Philistines the terrible chain that was eventually used to bind him and pull out his eyes (Judges 16:21). 

"But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house" - Judges 16:21 (KJV)

Beloved, that wicked tyrant (Devil) has not changed his tactics. He is still luring men and women in every generation into the chain factory of sin. Unfortunately, many people could not discern this wicked strategy of the devil. They are still very busy helping the devil to fabricate the chains that he will use to cage and confine them to his prison house of eternal dungeon. Friends, I hope you are not one of such careless ones in this generation. What is that wicked chain that the devil has ordered you to fabricate for him? Is it lust, addiction, sexual pervasion, alcoholism, drug addiction, pornography, adultery, fornication, mastubation, homosexualism, unforgiveness, anger, pride, etc. I urge you to please repent and surrender your life to Jesus Christ today so that the wicked chain dragging you to hell would be broken and you will be set free. (John 8:36). Today is your day of deliverance from the chain of agony. Please don't procrastinate. 

"If the Son therefore shall made you free, ye shall be free indeed" - John 8:36 (KJV) 

One special hymn which re-echoes some of the terrible repercussions of working in the chain factory of sin is titled "Sin is to Blame". Please prayerfully meditate on the lyrics of this wonderful song below and trust God to expose every wicked agenda of sin around you this day:

SIN IS TO BLAME  by J. H. Vernon

See yonder man in the prison he dwells,

Sin is to blame, sin is to blame,

List to the story he plaintively tells,

Sin is to blame for all.

Chorus: 

         Sin is to blame for all sorrows,

         Sin is to blame, sin is to blame,

         Have you no hopes for tomorrow?

         Sin is to blame for it all.

Many dear children are crying for bread,

Sin is to blame, sin is to blame,

Father's a drunkard and mother is dead,

Sin is to blame for all.

Heartbroken mothers all sad and alone,

Sin is to blame, sin is to blame,

Helpless and needy, no place to call home,

Sin is to blame for all.

Thousands refuse to accept His free grace,

Sin is to blame, sin is to blame,

All who reject Him have chosen their place,

Sin is to blame for all.

It is my prayer that God will release everyone held captive in the factory and prison houses of sin this day. Many people will forsake their sins and accept the gift of salvation that is in Christ Jesus. And songs of liberty shall emanate from many homes this day in Jesus name. 

Good day and God bless you.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

For more articles, please visit -

http://okanlawon.webnode.com

http:// okanlawontaiwo.blogspot.com

Twitter: @tammytaiwo

THE PAYBACK DAY IS APPROACHING

"Take particular care in picking out your building materials. Eventually there is going to be an inspection. If you use cheap or inferior materials, you’ll be found out. The inspection will be thorough and rigorous. You won’t get by with a thing. If your work passes inspection, fine; if it doesn’t, your part of the building will be torn out and started over....." 1 Corinthians  3: 12-15 (MSG)

An old carpenter told his employer of his plans to retire from the house-building business. The employer was not happy to see such a good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favour. The carpenter agreed, but it was obvious that his heart was no longer in his work. So, he decided to use inferior materials to build his last house for his employer. After completing the project, his employer came to inspect the structure. Then, he handed over the key of the house to the old carpenter and said, “This is your house, my sendforth gift to you and I hope you will really like it ”. The carpenter was shocked! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career. 

"Yes, I'm on my way! I'll be there soon! I'm bringing my payroll with me. I'll pay all people in full for their life's work" -  Revelation  22:12 (MSG)

The story of this old carpenter reinforces the fact that there is going to be a payback day for every work or deed on earth (Matthew 16:27). Any moment from now, our employer will show up with His payroll to inspect our works and then pay all entitlements (Revelation  22:12). According to 1 Corinthians 3:13-15, the inspection will be systematic, rigorous and very thorough. On that day, every edifice built with the planks of greed, nails of deceit and roofing sheets of unrighteousness shall be exposed and the builders embarrased openly. Whereas every structure built with bricks of righteousness, cable of sincerity and cement of faithfulness shall be openly acknowledged and the builders rewarded handsomely. What a day will it be! 

Beloved, the payback day is fast approaching. A single act of dishonesty or unfaithfulness can ruin a life time of hardwork, integrity and dedication. Therefore, it is extremely dangerous to live a compromising lifestyle now for any reason. Friends, what have you being using to build? Are they inferior and ungodly materials? If the keys of those terrible houses you had built is eventually handed over to you as your reward, how will you feel? Will you regret and wished you had built it differently? Will you be embarrased and ashamed like the carpenter in the above story?

"Do not deceive yourselves; no one makes a fool of God. You will reap exactly what you plant"- Galatians 6:7 (GNT)

One special hymn that reaffirms Jesus' promise about the much awaited payback day recorded in Revelation 22:12 is titled "Seedtime and Harvest". Please prayerfully meditate on the lyrics of this wonderful hymn below and trust God for grace to continously render faithful and uncompromising service to God and humanity till Christ returns. 

SEEDTIME AND HARVEST By Charles E. Orr, 1900

As pilgrims and strangers we journey through life:

Through sunshine and shadow, through calm and through strife;

Each day we are scattering seed as we go,

Someday ’twill be harvest—“we reap what we sow.”

Though weary and worn, and alone in your way,

And stormclouds are gath’ring, and dark is your day,

Weep not, toiling one, neither faint as you go;

The harvest is nearing—“we reap what we sow.”

Though life may appear as a cold, barren waste,

And comes no return of the bread you have cast,

Continue to do loving deeds as you go;

The harvest is nearing—“we reap what we sow.”

We’ll reap what we sow when the harvest is come,

Someday we shall garner the deeds we have done;

Then heed not the storm, nor the cold winds that blow,

Toil on till the harvest—“we reap what we sow.”

Till that payback day, may we receive grace to remain steadfast and undefiled. May all our deeds and service on earth pass the rigorous inspection and test of fire on that glorious day. May our harvest in the city of Gold be bountiful in Jesus name, Amen. 

Good day and God bless you.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

For more articles, please visit -

http://okanlawon.webnode.com

http:// okanlawontaiwo.blogspot.com

Twitter: @tammytaiwo

GATHER MANY PEBBLES

“The servant reported back, ‘Master, I did what you commanded—and there’s still room.’ “The master said, ‘Then go to the country roads. Whoever you find, drag them in. I want my house full! - Luke 14:22‭-‬23 (MSG)

One night a group of nomads were preparing to retire for the evening when suddenly they were surrounded by a great light. They knew they were in the presence of a celestial being. With great anticipation, they awaited a heavenly message of great importance that they knew must be especially for them. Finally, the voice spoke, “Gather as many pebbles as you can. Put them in your saddle bags. Travel a day’s journey and tomorrow night you will either be glad or sad for the rest of your life”

After having departed, the nomads shared their disappointment and anger with each other. They had expected the revelation of a great universal truth that would enable them to create wealth, health and purpose for the world. But instead they were given a menial task that made no sense to them at all. However, the memory of the brilliance of their visitor caused each one to pick up a few pebbles and deposit them in their saddle bags while voicing their displeasure. They traveled a day’s journey and that night while making camp, they reached into their saddle bags and discovered every pebble they had gathered had become a diamond. They were glad they had diamonds. They were sad they had not gathered more pebbles. 

"He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him". - Psalms 126:6

Soul winning is the art of gathering many pebbles into the eternal saddle bags for Christ and this is the primary responsibility of every genuine believer (Mark 16:15). Unfortunately, many believers still consider this divine task as a menial job with no earthly or eternal reward. They could not understand why God would hide their much desired precious diamonds inside such a pebble-like task of His (John 4:35-36, Psalms 126:6). It is hard for them to believe that the greatest pebbles anyone can gather into his/her saddle bag on earth is not riches, friends, awards or academic qualifications but lost souls. Every single pebble we dare to gather or pick for Christ will trigger great celebration in heaven (Luke 15:10).

"Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." - Luke  15:10 

Beloved, every Christian is either a soul winner or backslider. Yes, you are either a fisher of men or freezer of men. Please be sincere, which one are you? How many pebbles have you gathered for Christ in your sojourn on earth? Is your saddle bag full or empty? Do you want to finish your journey with great regret like those nomads? I urge you to please retrace your steps back to the mercy seat today and tarry in the upper room until you are endued with power from on high to witness Christ (Acts 1:8).   

One special song that reiterates the great commission recorded in Mark 16:15 and Luke 14: 22-23 is titled "Gather Them In". As you prayerfully meditate on the lyrics of this wonderful hymn, I trust God to stir up fresh passion for souls in you. 

GATHER THEM IN! By Fanny Crosby (1820 - 1915) 

Gather them in! for yet there is room

At the feast that the King has spread;

O gather them in! let His house be filled,

And the hungry and poor be fed.

Refrain: 

     Out in the highway, out in the byway,

     Out in the dark paths of sin,

     Go forth, go forth, with a loving heart,

     And gather the wanderers in!

Gather them in! for yet there is room;

But our hearts—how they throb with pain;

To think of the many who slight the call

That may never be heard again.

Gather them in! for yet there is room;

’Tis a message from God above;

O gather them into the fold of grace,

And the arms of the Savior’s love.

It is my prayer that God will give us genuine burden and passion for lost souls. As we pray for lost souls and attempt to gather them in, the Holy Spirit will take over and bring them in like sheaves into the kingdom. And when the season of sowing and gathering on earth is over, our Commander shall bid us "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:23). 

Good day and God bless you.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

For more articles, please visit -

http://okanlawon.webnode.com

http:// okanlawontaiwo.blogspot.com

Twitter: @tammytaiwo

THE GREAT REAGENT

 "Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come ." 2 Corinthians 5:17‭-‬ GNB

Several years ago, when new converts in the Island of Madagascar were asked what first led them to think of becoming Christians. The answer usually was that the changed conduct of others who had become Christians was what first arrested their attention. They say: “We knew this man to be a thief; that one was a drunkard; another was very cruel and unkind to his family. Now they are all changed. The thief is an honest man; the drunkard is sober and respectable; and the other is gentle and kind in his home. There must be something in christianity that can work such changes.” (The Biblical Museum, Volume II, J. C. Gray) 

In organic chemistry, the term "reagent" denotes a chemical ingredient introduced to cause the desired transformation or changes in an organic substance. After the eviction of man from the garden of Eden, it became obvious that man desperately needed help as his original configuration had been tampered with or deformed (Genesis 3:23-24, Romans 3:23). Then, God introduced Jesus Christ as the only potent reagent that is capable of causing the desired transformation in the life of man (Acts 4:12, John 3:16). Anyone who genuinely embrace this great reagent (Jesus Christ) will be drastically changed or transformed from inside out (2 Corinthians 5:17‭).

There are many instances of such  transformation in the Bible. For example, Saul of Tarsus was actively persecuting Christians until the great reagent (Jesus Christ) met him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-30). Then, all the nature of "The Terrorist" in him died and he became "The Apostle" publicising the gospel of Jesus Christ that he had zealously persecuted and condemned in the past. What an amazing turnaround! Also, a single encounter with Jesus Christ transformed Zacchaeus the renown thief to a disciple of Jesus Christ (Luke 19:1-11). What a great transformation! 

"And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the son of God" Acts 9:20 (KJV)

Beloved, have you had a genuine encounter with that great reagent or are you still pretending that you have met the saviour? Is your life pointing people to God or chasing them away from the narrow path? Have you experienced the undeniable transformation that Zacchaeus and Saul of Tarsus experienced? You can experience that great transformation now if you dare to genuinely embrace the great reagent - Jesus Christ. If you do, the Holy Spirit will change your innermost being to conform to the image of His only begotten son (2 Corinthians 3:18). Then, through the continuous transformation on your inside, your life will be transformed outwardly to attract multitude into His kingdom.

"We show the power of the Lord to other people..... He is changing us so that we become more and more like him. We show how great God is more and more clearly. It is the Lord who does all this, by the work of his Spirit".- 2 Corinthians 3:18 (EASY)

One powerful hymn that re-echoes God's desire to transform us is titled "God's Intention is to Have Us". Please prayerfully meditate on the lyrics of this wonderful hymn below and trust the Holy Spirit to begin an unending work of transformation in your soul, spirit and body today till you finish your race on earth in Jesus name. 

GOD'S INTENTION IS TO HAVE US by Witness Lee

God’s intention is to have us  

All conformed to His dear Son; 

Thus a work of transformation  

By the Spirit must be done.

Chorus:

       Lord, transform us to Thine image  

       In emotion, mind, and will; 

       Saturate us with Thy Spirit,   

       All our being wholly fill.

God hath us regenerated 

In our spirit with His life; 

But He must transform us further-  

In our soul by His own life

Spreading outward from our spirit  

Doth the Lord transform our soul,

By the inward parts renewing,  

Till within His full control.

By the power of His Spirit  

In His pattern He transforms; 

From His glory to His glory  

To His image He conforms.

He transforms, all sanctifying,  

Till like Him we are matured; 

He transforms, our soul possessing,  

Till His stature is secured.

It is my prayer that God will help us to truly surrender to the great reagent for His amazing work of transformation. And may our lives become a signpost directing unbelievers to the only true God and His redemption plan for humanity. 

Good day and God bless you.(Amen)

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

For more articles, please visit -

http://okanlawon.webnode.com

http:// okanlawontaiwo.blogspot.com

Twitter: @tammytaiwo