THE HARVEST HANDS

"Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge: “Don’t begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers... Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here....  “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)

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)

The greatest need of God for the end-time harvest is men-raising and not fund-raising campaign (Isaiah 6:8, Luke 10:2-3). Yes, the harvest hands (men) are the most important equipment that God needs for the rescue operations on earth (Matthew 10:5-10). The boy in the above story understood this salient truth. He refused to accept the discouraging comments of the businessman. He knew it is possible to make a difference without organizing a fund-raising campaign. The boy was convinced that the available hands are what God needed and he was willing to serve wholeheartedly.

It is obvious that the tide of this world has washed many people out of the ocean of God's enclave. There are many lost, confused, helpless and stranded starfish on the shore of life everywhere around us. Heaven is looking for harvest hands (men) that will go pick and throw those stranded starfish back into the ocean of God's love before they pass out (Mark 16:15). 

Unfortunately, many professing believers today are like the businessman in the above story. Instead of joining the boy in rescuing the stranded starfish at the shore, they are always looking for opportunities to organize fund raising campaigns. The things that matters most to the businessmen are the ephemerals on the shore of life. They believe that the act of rescuing a lost, stranded starfish or soul is a complete waste of time and resources. What a shallow or myopic mind-set! 

"I can’t impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. ... 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 Tim 4:1-2 (MSG)

Friends, we are the harvest hands (God's equipment) for the end-time rescue operations. God is patiently looking over our shoulders and expecting to see us make positive differences for Him everyday by proclaiming the good news (2 Tim. 4:1-2). We cannot afford to be slack on the shore of life since we know that Heaven rejoices over every single starfish that we throw back into the ocean (Luke 15:7 & 10). We must never get distracted or fooled by the comments of those many modern day businessmen or ceremonial believers around us. If we do, we may lose our place in the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62).

Friends, are you one of those helpless starfish that has 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 a 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 businessmen around? Please amend your ways. But If you don't, you will be held liable for every starfish that dies around you (Ezekiel 33:8). Are you one of the few harvest hands or God's equipment in this generation? I rejoice with you. Please continue to throw those stranded starfish back into the ocean (2 Tim. 4:5). Great shall be your reward in Heaven. Never stop living a life that radiates God's love and command positive impact. Please 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 the harvest session on earth is summarized in this powerful poem below:  

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- Pastor E.A Adeboye, I would like to invite you to our February 2025 Holy Ghost Service. Theme: GLORY AHEAD - 2. Date: Friday, Feb 7th 2025. Time: 6pm (WAT). Venue: The Redemption City of God, Mowe, Nigeria.  

Good day and God bless

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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THE TRAGEDY OF IGNORANCE

’'Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:”- Ephesians 4:18 (KJV)

While passing through a field where elephants were being raised, a man observed that those huge creatures were being held down by only a small rope tied to their front leg. The man in his curiosity decided to ask the owner of the elephants why these animals just stood there and made no attempt to get away. “Well,” the owner said, “when they were very young I used the same size of rope to tie them and at that age, it was enough to hold them down. As they grew up, they believed the rope can still hold them down, so they never tried to break free and became stuck right where they were".

‘’Better be unborn than untaught, for ignorance is the root of misfortune’’ (Pluto)

Ignorance is one of the greatest tragedies that can ever befall anyone on earth. The greatest enemy of freedom and progress is ignorance. Where there is ignorance, failure is inevitable. Ignorance magnifies our problems, causing us to see them as bigger than they really are. Blindness is one of the visible symptoms of ignorance (Ephesians 4:18). With ignorance, a tiny rope on the leg of our elephants will look like a mighty chain. Yes, ignorance is indeed a serious tragedy. 

"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" - John 8:32: 

In the above scripture, Jesus Christ says categorically that the only way to avert the tragedy of ignorance is to embrace or know the truth. Jesus Christ, the son of God is the truth (John 14:6). He came to break the grip of ignorance and restore the dominion mandate of man. Yes, by default, man was born to rule in the jungle of life like an elephant but may end up struggling to survive like a rabbit in holes if he refuses to embrace the truth. Man was born to run like a cheetah in the race of life but may end up crawling like a snail if he fails to connect with the truth. Those tiny ropes of sin and judgment which had already been broken over 2000 years ago may continue to hold man down forever if he refuses to respond to the call of truth. What a grievous blunder!

"I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’’ - John 14:6

Beloved, do you know the truth? Have you responded to the call of truth? Have you truly embraced the truth? If you have not, I urge you to do so now. Today is the day of salvation. And as you do, you will begin to experience true freedom and greatness that you are destined for.

This wonderful hymn below re-echoes the antidote to ignorance stated in John 8:32: 

THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE By Gail Allen

Do you know that man was made 

fine and strong and free 

Do you know it's true, my friend, 

and do you really see 

What a lot you have to give, 

if you know it, make it live.

See the truth, show the truth, 

be the truth, yes, know the truth 

And the truth shall make you free. 

Do you know how wonderful 

man is meant to be 

Is it true for you, my friend, 

and is it true for me 

Then it's true for ev'ry man, 

show Him ev'ry way you can 

Seek the truth, sow the truth, 

speak the truth and know the truth 

And the truth shall make you free.

Do you know that God is good 

then you have the key 

Glorify the good, my friend, 

in the world you see 

Love the truth for all you're worth, 

let its glory fill the earth 

Give the truth, bring the truth, 

live the truth and sing the truth 

And the truth shall make you free.

As you embrace the truth, your journey in circles shall end this day and you shall be greatly empowered and positioned to excel beyond expectations in Jesus name. Amen.

Good day and God bless you.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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THE PAIN OF BETRAYAL

‘’He replied, “One of you who has just eaten from this bowl with me will betray me. For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!” Judas, the one who would betray him, also asked, “Rabbi, am I the one?” And Jesus told him, “You have said it.” Mathew 26:23-25 (NLT)

There is a Yoruba proverb which is interpreted as "The dog that wants to be lost will not hear the hunter's (redeeming) whistle”  (Ajá tó máa sọnù, kì í gbọ́ fèrè ọlọ́dẹ). This proverb clearly resonates with the account in Matthew 26:23-25 where Jesus Christ was describing the pain of betrayal to His disciples. He told them categorically that it is better if a betrayer had not been born at all than to experience the excruciating pain of betrayal. 

The above warning was a divine whistle that should have made any betrayer to suspend his or her mission of wickedness and cry for mercy. The whistle was clear and loud enough. Unfortunately, Judas Iscariot ignored the blare of the redeeming whistle and went ahead to betray his master in exchange for 30 pieces of silver. However, he never lived to spend the proceeds of that wicked transaction he consummated. Judas hung himself and his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out (Acts 1:18-19). What a shameful and painful death!

Beloved, it is sad to know that there are still many betrayers and backsliders like Judas Iscariot in the body of Christ today; many Blaise Compaorés in the camp of Thomas Sankara; many Brutes in the Empire of Julius Caesar. They have deliberately ignored the blaring whistle of the hunter and are now running errands of betrayal for the devil. They have forgotten that the law of harvest does not fail. Every seed of betrayal will definitely produce bountiful harvest of pain and agony especially for the betrayer in due season. 

‘’Someone’s forsaking the Saviour’s way’’ is a powerful hymn that re-echoes the danger of being a betrayer especially in our race to Heaven:

SOMEONE'S FORSAKING THE SAVIOUR'S WAY

Someone’s forsaking the Savior’s way;

From the flock’s safeguard he’s gone astray.

In the world’s fashion to lust and sway;

Lord, is it I? Lord, is it I?   

 

REFRAIN:

Lord, is it I? This word pierces my heart;

Sharp as a knife; oh, how deep is the smart!

If someone would from Thy portion depart,

Lord, is it I? Lord, is it I?

Someone’s rejecting the Lord today,

Taking the scheming one’s wicked way,

Grieving the Spirit as he does stray;

Lord, is it I? Lord, is it I?

Someone’s betraying the Savior’s grace,

Mammon to serve in the Master’s place,

Willingly sinking in sin so base;

Lord, is it I? Lord, is it I?

Someone’s denying the Lord today,

Shaming the Savior in such a way,

Jesus, his Friend, he would sell, betray;

Lord, is it I? Lord, is it I?

Someone’s ascending and caught away

Into Christ’s presence to rest for aye,

A crown of life to receive that day;

Lord, is it I? Lord, is it I?

My prayer is that you and I will not ignore the blaring whistle of God at anytime in our journey on earth. May all betrayers and backsliders be restored and never walk away again from the flock of Christ till He returns.

Good day, and God bless you.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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THE RIVER THAT NEVER RUNS DRY

’Look at the new things I am going to do. It is already happening. Don't you see it? I will make a road in the desert. I will make rivers in the dry land" - Isaiah  43:19 (ICB)

A poor widow called into a radio station during a live programme to say that she needs help from God to be able to feed her family. An atheist who was listening to the radio programme decided to make a mockery of the woman. He got her address, called his secretary and ordered her to buy a large amount of foodstuff and take to the woman. However, he sent it with the following instruction: "When the woman asks who sent the food, tell her that it is from the devil.'' When the secretary arrived at the woman's house, the woman was so happy and grateful for the help received. She started carrying the food into her small house. The Secretary then asked her, ''Don't you want to know who sent the food?'' The woman replied, ''No, I don't even care because when God orders, even the devil obeys!

The above story clearly demonstrates what happens when God decides to show the world that He actually bears the name that our brethren from the Eastern part of Nigeria (The Igbos) call him. They often describe God as the "Oshimiri Atata" which means "The River That Never Runs Dry".  This implies that whenever His children's crucible of oil (physical, financial, emotional, marital, spiritual, academic etc) is about drying up or has already dried up, the "Oshimiri Atata" Himself can trigger the flow of new things again. Often times, he does this by giving order to anyone (including their enemies) to go help/sort His children out. Yes, the "Oshimiri Atata" Himself can compel individuals, organizations, governments and even nations to swiftly release all the new things that His children need to them. And within a twinkle of an eye, the flow of His mighty river (that never runs dry) will turn scarcity to abundance, sickness to health, failure to success, stagnation to promotion, ridicule to miracle, embarrassment to celebration, barrenness to fruitfulness.

In this year, I am believing that the "Oshimiri Atata" (The River that never runs dry) will channel His ceaseless flow of goodness into your homes, businesses, academics, churches, nations etc. And as the river flows, individuals, organizations, governments and nations shall be compelled to release all the new things that will make your journey of year 2025 a splendid one. Everyone warehousing your testimonies shall be forced to release them into your hands for possession. The river will also quench the fire of embarrassment burning openly or secretly in every area of your lives. The mountain moving power inside that mighty river will forcefully relocate every terrifying mountain standing tall in your way to the promise land. The healing virtue in that powerful river will cure the incurable and leave the medical doctors dumb-founded. As the river flows, wisdom for witty inventions and uncommon creative abilities shall be unleashed upon you. As the Lord God of heaven lives, before this year is over, you and your entire household shall have many reasons to praise the "Oshimiri Atata" for His ceaseless flow of joy, peace, victory, power, wisdom, sound health, provision, preservation, deliverance etc in your life. However to partake of this uncommon flow of God’s goodness and new things, you must surrender your life to Jesus Christ. Please do that today and you will never regret that you did.

Beloved, let us set up a befitting banquet table of praise before the Oshimiri Atata as we trust Him for the ceaseless flow of His goodness in the journey of year 2025.  

OSHIMIRI ATATA (The River That Never Runs Dry) By Preye Odede, 2017

Whenever I’m broken

You are there to heal me

As My healer

Oshimiri Atata

Chorus:

       Oshimiri Atata x2

       Oshimiri Atata x2

Men may disappoint, Yes!

And people may fail me

You alone will stay

Oshimiri Atata

My Doctors may give up

and say it’s all over

in thee I put my trust, Yeah

Oshimiri Atata

Mountain mover,

Way maker

Ekueme

Oshimiri Atata

If you are truly a child of God, I can assure you that the "Oshimiri Atata"  will see to it that your crucible of oil shall never run dry physically, spiritually, materially, emotionally, financially, etc throughout year 2025 and beyond in Jesus name.

Good day and God bless you.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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THE WAY MAKER

".. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert..., " - Isaiah  43:2,19-21

A young girl was taking a train ride through the country, and the train was scheduled to cross two branches of a river and several wide streams. The water seen in advance always awakened doubts and fears in the child. She did not understand how it could safely be crossed. As they drew near the river, however, a bridge appeared, and furnished a way over. Two or three times the experience was repeated, and finally the girl leaned back with a long breath of relief and confidence. She said in trusting content “There is no need to fear again, somebody has put bridges for us all the way!” (The American Messenger, 1922) 

About twenty four hours (24 hours) ago, we boarded a train at the shore of 2025 heading to the land of 2026. Like the girl in the above story, the question many people all over the world may be asking is "How many rivers are ahead of us and how are we going to safely cross them without getting drowned financially,  emotionally,  maritally and spiritually". 

Fortunately, God has already answered the above question in Isaiah 43:2,19-21. He promised to build many bridges across the river for us. He promised to make ways in the wilderness for us. He said categorically that no river is strong enough to submerge His children's glorious destinies. 

The Way Maker already knew that we would pass through this route a long time ago and he had already made necessary arrangements for our survival. There is no reason to fear at all in the journey of 2025. This year will end in praise for you and your household (Isaiah 43:21). You will cross every stormy sea or river ahead of you this year. There is absolutely no reason to doubt the Omnipotent One. Our God is too faithful to fail. 

One song that re-echoes the unshakeable agenda of God to make way for all His children is titled "Jesus Built A Bridge". 

JESUS BUILT A BRIDGE by Poet Voices, 1991.

One day they nailed a carpenter to a rugged tree

thinking he would never build again

there they nailed him through his hands and feet

still he carried out a master plan.

Refrain:

          Jesus built a bridge to heaven, so that I could find a way up to Him

          Jesus built a bridge the only way he knew;

          With only three nails, and two pieces of wood,

          With one rugged cross, Jesus built a bridge.

The Father looked from heaven to a world below

And it seemed there was no way to claim His own

So to the world HIs Son, the Master builder had to go

To make a way to bring God's children home.

My prayer is that the Way Maker will confirm His promises by unveiling all the wonderful bridges he has built for us all the way in year 2025. And we shall receive grace to truly surrender to Him and praise Him for His faithfulness throughout this year until we see Him in the city of Gold above.  

On behalf of my esteemed father in the Lord- Pastor E.A Adeboye, I would like to invite you to our January 2025 Holy Ghost Service. Theme: GLORY AHEAD. Date: Friday, Jan 3rd, 2025. Time: 6pm (WAT). Venue: The Redemption City of God, Mowe, Nigeria. 

Good day, Happy New Year and God bless you.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

For more articles, please visit:

https://okanlawon.webnode.page/

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