BANQUET OF GRATITUDE

"They must thank the Lord for his constant love, for the wonderful things he did for them" - Psalms 107:8 (GNT)

As we approach the end of year 2021, the lyrics of my favourite annual thanksgiving song "Eternal Father, Strong to Save" keeps flashing through my mind. This song usually brings back fond memories of God's faithfulness in the stormy sea of life. Like the psalmist, I have seen the wonder working fingers of God in action over and over again. I have seen the Almighty calming the restless wave and doing unimaginable things. Obviously, the ever presence help deserves a lavish banquet of gratitude from my household. This is my banquet of gratitude!

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it" - W.A.Ward

Friends, in less than 24hours from now, the ship of 2021 will finally reach the shore. On this voyage, many waters has passed under the brigde but by His grace you are still standing strong. God never allowed the stormy wind that had crushed many precious lives this year to wipe out your household. This is a clear evidence that the Eternal Father has been very good to you. From January till this moment, He never allowed your ship to capsize despite many visible and invisible hurdles on the way. He bound the restless waves from sweeping you and loved ones into the deep sea of endless pains and agony. Then, don't you think you need to set a delightful banquet of gratitude before your maker for His faithfulness in the voyage of 2021.  Where is your banquet of gratitude? It is time to express your gratitude to God and everyone He has used to support you in year 2021. Please don't be an ingrate!

ETERNAL FATHER, STRONG TO SAVE by William Whiting, 1860

Eternal Father, strong to save,

Whose arm does bind the restless wave,

Who bids the mighty ocean deep

Its own appointed limits keep;

O hear us when we cry to Thee 

For those in peril on the sea.

O Savior, whose almighty word

The winds and waves submissive heard,

Who walked upon the foaming deep,

And calm amid the rage did sleep;

O hear us when we cry to Thee 

For those in peril on the sea.

O Holy Spirit, who did brood

Upon the waters dark and rude,

And bid their angry tumult cease,

And give for wild confusion peace;

O hear us when we cry to Thee 

For those in peril on the sea.

O Trinity of love and pow'r,

Your children shield in danger's hour;

From rock and tempest, fire, and foe,

Protect them where-so-e'er they go;

Thus, evermore shall rise to Thee

Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

As you joyfully offer your banquet of gratitude to God for the voyage of 2021, the Eternal father will remain your anchor in the new year and beyond. As the Lord lives, your ship will not capsize on the sea of life in the new year. You will finished the journey of 2022 healthier, wiser, anointed, gifted, fruitful and prosperous on everyside in Jesus name, Amen.

On behalf of my Gorgeous Super Model and Queen, I unwrap our gift of gratitude to God and all destiny helpers in 2021. Wishing you an exceedingly fruitful and glorious year 2022. 

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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CHRISTMAS IS NOT A JAMBOREE

 "As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the shepherds talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger". Luke 2:15‭-‬16 (MSG)

On the list of top twenty most widely celebrated holidays in the world, Christmas holiday rank second after New Year holiday (Knowinsiders). However, despite Christmas being the second biggest holiday in the whole world, only 31.2% of the entire world population are Christians (Wikipedia 2021). This imply that 68.8% of the world population celebrates Christmas every year without knowing the saving grace of Christmas. They celebrate Christmas with Christ in absentia in the centre of their hearts. However, such Christmas celebrations are mere jamboree as far as God is concerned. 

As the world attempts to turn Christmas into jamboree, most of the things people cherish during the holiday are of no significance in the light of eternity. For example, Christmas is not about the size of our chickens, our gorgeous dresses and shoes, or array of colourful decorations and lightings around us. Rather, it is a sacred holiday that introduces the Saviour to a dying world. Unfortunately, billions of people all over the world are celebrating Christmas every year without having personal encounter with Christ the Saviour. This does not sound good at all!

The Shepherds understood that Christmas without Christ is an empty jamboree (Luke 2:15-20). These men hurriedly left everything they had behind in search for Christ who is the real reason for the season. They refused to celebrate Christmas until they had met the Saviour. That is wisdom in action! No wonder God called those Shepherds "wise men" in Matthew 2:1-2.

Beloved, have you being celebrating Christmas with Christ in absentia in your heart? Please note that is not wise. You cannot barb or weave someone's hair in his or her absence. It does not make sense! But, if you dare to seek and embrace the Saviour like those wise men, this year's Christmas will mark a new beginning of true greatness and colourful destiny for you. Therefore, I urge you to please join the wise men and women who are celebrating Christmas with Christ in their hearts today.

As we joyfully approach the Christmas holiday this year, let us sing the First Noel and trust God that the sacred joy and victory of the season will envelope us completely till Christ returns to take us to our mansion above in Jesus name, Amen.

THE FIRST NOEL by Davies Gilbert, 1823

The First Noel, the Angels did say

Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay

In fields where they lay keeping their sheep

On a cold winter's night that was so deep.

Refrain:

            Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel

            Born is the King of Israel!

They looked up and saw a star

Shining in the East beyond them far

And to the earth it gave great light

And so it continued both day and night.

And by the light of that same star

Three Wise men came from country far

To seek for a King was their intent

And to follow the star wherever it went.

This star drew nigh to the northwest

O'er Bethlehem it took its rest

And there it did both Pause and stay

Right o'er the place where Jesus lay.

Then entered in those Wise men three

Full reverently upon their knee

And offered there in His presence

Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

Then let us all with one accord

Sing praises to our heavenly Lord

That hath made Heaven and earth of nought

And with his blood mankind has bought.

On behalf of the leadership of RCCG LP 38, Zone 1 and Area 19, I will like to invite you to our December 2021 Let's Go A Fishing Program. Date: Sunday, December 26th, 2021. Theme: The Indescribable Gift. Time:11am. Venue: Behind Babah Farms, Temitope B/stop, Ijaba Osuke Road, Iyesi Otta, Ogun State. Ministering: Pastor 'Tunde Omishogbon & other anointed ministers.

Merry Christmas and Happy new year.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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THIS IS THE TIME TO GIVE (THE LAFAYETTE'S STORY)

 "Give freely and spontaneously. Don’t have a stingy heart..... 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)

In 1783, the harvest in France was a terrible one, and there were many who suffered as a result. However, Lafayette’s farms were unaffected by the devastating crop failures. One of his workers then offered what seemed to be good advice to Lafayette, “The bad harvest has raised the price of wheat. This is the time to sell.” After thinking about the hungry peasants in the surrounding villages, Lafayette disagreed and said, “No, this is the time to give.” (Lesson Commentary, August 2009, Daniel Lioy)

As at September 2021, Nigeria was among the countries with the highest inflation rate in the world. The price of beans grew by 60% compared to the previous year, while price of palm oil increased by 40% (statista.com). It is obvious that year 2021 has been a very challenging year for most families; they groan endlessly as prices of food stuff and other essential commodities keep on increasing astronomically on daily basis. However, in the midst of this harsh economic condition, there are some people whose pot of oil has never run dry. They have been living in Goshen with their harvest preserved and sustained. These people are "the Lafayette" of our time.  

Friends, are you one of "The Lafayette" of our time? Congratulations! I celebrate you and pray that God will keep you in Goshen till Christ returns. However, as you enjoy your harvest this Christmas season with your loved ones, please remember the hungry peasants around you. In such a time like this, please don't sell your wheat to less privileged friends, class mates, colleagues and neighbours. God never blesses you for your own benefit only, but that you can be a blessing to others in need. So, don't be tempted to hoard your wheat but rather open your hands wide to the needy at all times (Deut 15:7-11). Every act of kindness to the needy is a loan to God and would be repaid in due time (Proverbs 19:17). However, the rewards for withholding help from the needy are heavy rain of curses and impoverishment from God (Proverbs 28:27, 11:24-25). 

"If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord, and He will repay you!" Proverbs 19:17 (NLT).

One special poem that summarises God's expectation from every Lafayette of our time is titled "Ten Things God Won’t Ask On That Day". Please prayerfully meditate on this poem and trust God to help you become a true Lafayette of our time. 

TEN THINGS GOD WON'T ASK ON THAT DAY

God won’t ask what kind of car you drove, 

He’ll ask how many people you gave a lift to who didn’t have any 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 wardrobe, 

but He’ll ask how many you helped to clothe.

God won’t ask what your highest salary was, 

but He’ll ask if you compromised your testimony to obtain it.

God won’t ask what your job title was,

but He’ll ask whether you performed your job to the best of your ability.

God won’t ask how many friends you had, 

He’ll ask how many people to whom you made sure you were a friend.

God won’t ask in what neighbourhood you lived, 

He’ll ask how you treated and behaved with your neighbours.

God won’t ask about the colour of your skin, 

He’ll ask about the quality and growth of your character.

God wont ask you how much of your time you used watching television,

but He will ask how much you used caring for others?

God won’t ask why it took you so long to seek salvation; 

He’ll just demonstrate how pleased He is to have you and take you to your mansion in heaven.

May God destroy every spirit of greed and selfishness that can make us hoard/sell our wheat to less privileged ones around us. As we open our hands wide this season, may God honour His word and bless us abundantly in Jesus name, Amen. 

In the spirit of the season, you are cordially invited to Jesus Supermarket 3.0 at RCCG Kingdom Life Parish, 109, Shasha Road, Egbeda, Lagos on the 19th of December, 2021. Please come and shop for Christmas with only N50 per item.

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

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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THE SIEGE IS OVER, BATTLE IS WON

"A woman who had suffered a condition of hemorrhaging for twelve years - a long succession of physicians had treated her, and treated her badly, taking all her money and leaving her worse off than before—had heard about Jesus. She slipped in from behind and touched his robe. She was thinking to herself, “If I can put a finger on his robe, I can get well.” The moment she did it, the flow of blood dried up. She could feel the change and knew her plague was over and done with." Mark 5:25-29 (MSG)

In Mark 5:25-29, a certain woman was under a strange siege for over a decade. She had fought several battles in life and lost all in quick succession. It was a terrible siege with no hope of survival in sight. The siege moved from physical to financial, then to emotional. The siege drained her resources and drove people away from her. She become a shadow of herself until one day when she heard that the Ultimate Siege Destroyer was in town. She decided to push her way through the crowd to get close to Jesus. Then, with great expectation, she stretched her hands towards him, felt the knots of his garment and the siege destroying virtue flowed seamlessly into her. Instantly, her hemorrhage condition was cured and the demons beating the drum of calamity in her body were rounded up and slaughtered like rams. The siege was over and the strange fire burning secretly in her life was quenched. She went home that same day singing, shouting, jumping and dancing to the glory of God. What a testimony!

Beloved, I am so excited to announce to you that the Ultimate Siege Destroyer is on duty call at the Redemption camp this week. It doesn't matter what experts have said about those terrible siege in your Samaria, as the Lord lives, a major tide-turning event is about to happen. Please don't miss this great opportunity. Join us at the Redemption Camp, Km 46 Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State, Nigeria for the Holy Ghost Congress of THE SIEGE IS OVER. Date: December 6th to 10th, 2021. Ministering: Our beloved Daddy G.O - Pastor E.A Adeboye and other anointed Ministers of God.

"The Siege Is Over" is the title of a powerful hymn that summarises some of the amazing testimonies we shall be sharing after attending this year's Holy Ghost Congress. Please prayerfully meditate on the lyrics of this hymn below as you prepare to receive your testimony before this week is over. 

THE SIEGE IS OVER By Pastor E. A. Adeboye. 

1. The siege is over Battle is won

Satan lost the war Over my soul

My sins forgiven Death’s sting is gone 

Now I can sing, Shout Halleluyah

Chorus:

      “Halleluyah”, Father “Halleluyah”, Jesus

       And to You, Holy Ghost

       I will shout great Halleluyah

2. The siege is over Battle is won

Sickness lost its grip On my body

Diseases all gone Wholeness is mine

Now I can sing, Shout Halleluyah

3. The siege is over Battle is won

Failure, fruitlessness Defeats are gone

I can do all things Through Christ my strength

Now I can sing, Shout Halleluyah

4. The siege is over Battle is won

Hardship, poverty Forever gone

Life abundantly Christ will supply 

Now I can sing, Shout Halleluyah

5. The Siege is over Battle is won

Hold on my spirit By all demons,

All yokes are destroyed Curses are gone

Now I can sing, Shout Halleluyah

6. The siege is over Battle is won

Siege on my future, Destiny gone

Christ hope of glory Dwell within me 

Now I can sing, Shout Halleluyah.

7. The siege is over Battle is won

Siege on my prayer Totally gone

I can call heaven Till joy is full

Now I can sing, Shout Halleluyah

8. The siege is over Battle is won

Jesus is coming Soon, very soon

He will take me home To my mansion

Now I can sing, Shout Halleluyah

9. The siege is over Battle is won

I will wear a crown On heaven’s throne

An overcomer With Christ I’ll reign 

Now I can sing, Shout Halleluyah.

My prayer is that every marital, physical, spiritual, economic siege dragging the glory of our destiny, families and nations in the mold shall be over before this week is over in Jesus name, Amen. 

Good day and God bless you. 

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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THE SIEGE IS OVER; THE PROPHETIC IEDs

"When you speak healing words, you offer others fruit from the tree of life. But unhealthy, negative words do nothing but crush their hopes" - Proverbs 15:4 (TPT)

Early this week, I saw the video of 15 uncompleted high-rise buildings in China being demolished. It was the kind of demolition where a team of experts strategically place explosives and set them off in a quick series of explosions. The whole buildings collapses on itself within 45 seconds. What I find most amazing is that these buildings take months or even years to plan and build, yet it takes only a moment to destroy them.

Words are the Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) used in the demolition and constructive operations on earth (Proverbs 18:21). These IEDs can express or depress; offend or befriend; affirm or alienate; comfort or criticize; delight or destroy. The wisest man that ever lived says if these IEDs denotate, it can crush the entire structure of man's spirit and soul within a second (Proverbs 15:4). This device pierce like a sharp sword (Proverbs 12:17-18), releasing venom into it victim that can kill easily.

In Job 19:1-2, Job discovered that his three friends actually came to plant strange IEDs into his soul. Their secret agenda was to demolish Job's remaining edifice with their repeated blasts of venom. For seven days, they persistently stabbed him with sharp daggers to slice him into pieces. Those gentlemen were simply on demolition assignment but they did not succeed.  

Friends, please beware that there are still many friends of Job around us today; husbands stabbing their wives and children with daggers; wives slicing and dicing their husbands, children and in-law into pieces with tongues; employers detonating the moral of employees with negative words. It is quite applauding! 

"Elisha said, 'listen to the word of the Lord. This is what the Lord is saying. "About this time tomorrow, 7 litres of flour will cost a shekel of silver. 15 litres of barley will cost a shekel at the gate of Samaria" 2 Kings 7:1 (EASY)

It is good to know that these IEDs can also be tamed and deployed for breathtaking constructive projects. For example, in 2 Kings 7:1 when Elisha buried an IED in Samaria, the terrible siege of famine in the land disappeared completely within 24 hours. I strongly perceive God is sending some IEDs into your destiny this season. I have no doubt that every siege over you, your nation, business and family is about to be over. By this prophetic IED; the  word of the Lord, I declare a sudden end to the siege in your Samaria in Jesus name. In anticipation of the explosion move of God in your life, please prayerfully meditating on the wordings of this year's Holy Ghost Congress hymn below titled "The Siege Is Over":

THE SIEGE IS OVER By Pastor E. A Adeboye. 

1. The siege is over Battle is won

Satan lost the war Over my soul

My sins forgiven Death’s sting is gone 

Now I can sing, Shout Halleluyah

Chorus:

      “Halleluyah”, Father “Halleluyah”, Jesus

       And to You, Holy Ghost

       I will shout great Halleluyah

2. The siege is over Battle is won

Sickness lost its grip On my body

Diseases all gone Wholeness is mine

Now I can sing, Shout Halleluyah

3. The siege is over Battle is won

Failure, fruitlessness Defeats are gone

I can do all things Through Christ my strength

Now I can sing, Shout Halleluyah

4. The siege is over Battle is won

Hardship, poverty Forever gone

Life abundantly Christ will supply 

Now I can sing, Shout Halleluyah

5. The Siege is over Battle is won

Hold on my spirit By all demons,

All yokes are destroyed Curses are gone

Now I can sing, Shout Halleluyah

6. The siege is over Battle is won

Siege on my future, Destiny gone

Christ hope of glory Dwell within me 

Now I can sing, Shout Halleluyah.

7. The siege is over Battle is won

Siege on my prayer Totally gone

I can call heaven Till joy is full

Now I can sing, Shout Halleluyah

8. The siege is over Battle is won

Jesus is coming Soon, very soon

He will take me home To my mansion

Now I can sing, Shout Halleluyah

9. The siege is over Battle is won

I will wear a crown On heaven’s throne

An overcomer With Christ I’ll reign 

Now I can sing, Shout Halleluyah.

7. I cannot faint

Jesus my Helper My strength supplier

Deep within I cannot fail

Jesus Never fails Success mine forever

Halleluyah

8. I live to reign

Live in dominion

Above all powers

And my foes

I am above

Principalities

Victorious forever

Halleluyah

9. Halleluyah

Sing Halleluyah

Loud Halleluyah

Big and clear

Halleluyah

Shout Halleluyah

Halleluyah

Halleluyah

As the Lord lives, every friends of Job around you shall be exposed and disgraced this season. And their evil IEDs shall detonate upon them. Before this year is over, every siege in your life shall be over permanently in Jesus name. 

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 2021 Holy Ghost Congress. Theme: THE SEIGE IS OVER. Date: 6th to 10th December, 2021. 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.

Good day and God bless you. 

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

For more articles, please visit -

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Twitter: @tammytaiwo