EMBRACE OF MERCY

 When darkness is cast against my sight

And my gaze seems obscured from you

When my heart falls below the threshold

When the waves of fate tossed my faith 

Savior, let me fall in your embrace of mercy. 

When the tent of friends and lovers are far

When the voice of teachers mute in truth

When I do not know the way from here

When axes threatens the fruit of my vine

Only let me fall in your embrace of mercy. 

When the surge of the sea stands at me

And the billows roared against my voyage

When my grip and anchor cease to hold

When too filthy could not touch the helm of your garment

Only let me fall in your embrace of mercy. 

When hell and destruction hunt after me

When hades plot to halt my purpose

When far away I wandered from your call

When at the end of the road I hit the cliff 

Only let me fall in your embrace of mercy. 

When the tongues of foes are wet in judgements

When against your ordinance I erred

When I missed your will at the borderline of choice

When I sleep in death knowing not my end

Savior, only let me fall in your embrace of mercy. 

Omotayo (Tpoet) 

Portrait Of My Mind

 Portrait Of My Mind

After a long gaze into my eyes she said

“who may know what is on your mind... ”

So I hewd my lines from the crust of thoughts 

For I did wish to unfold the gate to its horizon

Perhaps a lead and a guide to its windows

If you may see a piece of my intentions. 

If you may see the portrait of my mind

And the reflecting mirror of a many world

If you may see the infinite pages of words

If you may see the battles of fierce armies

The fearful rivalry of contending horrors

And the careful feud of defending honors. 

Peep and see behind the curtains of my mind

Perhaps you may see the unrest of filth and guilt

The pollutions that longs for my vulnerability

The dusty and the rusty wares lying unkempt 

The invaluable instruments that lies waiting 

The formidable forces of my quiet soul.

In my mind is a prodigious hall of conflict

A still quite ocean that echoes its own drops

A noisy market of untoward universe 

Where many stars flung around in amazements

A world of astounding mysteries and puzzles

Where the drums of conscience thuds aloud. 

In my mind is the groanings of valiant warrior

The restlessness of a war-ridden fighter

A place where no one knows, but he who knows

A place where I forgot my very own existence

Lost in infinite imaginations and possibilities 

A world of hostility, litigation and cares. 

A garden of love mar with the stones of hate

A transiting walls of awful and awesome themes

A world not so perfect but rooted in pure volition 

If only I could indite the volume of unspoken words

If only I could invite you to the court of many choice

Perhaps I will paint perfectly the imperfect pictures. 

Yes its a place of wealth and a trove of treasures

A room of arts, beauty and expressions

A field of choice vine preyed by social foxes

An assembly that sway betwixt right and wrongs

In my mind are tools that build the script of today 

The quarry that forges the edifice of tomorrow. 

 Omotayo (Tpoet)

The Covenant Keeping God. By Esther Ewa-Orun

Click on the link below to Download

https://sites.google.com/site/temmysongs/esther/CONVENANT%20KEEP%20GOD%7BEWA%20ORUN%7D.mp3?attredirects=0&d=1 

Puzzle Seekers Series (vol. 1)

 

Question: Should a Believer listen to secular love songs?

Ans: BEYOND LYRICS, WORLDLY MUSICS*

I can relate to the the infirmity of words and of writers. In this light, no writings have been entire on its own without any need for references and cross references. That is the beauty of life.  

In this light I will like to add some thoughts to the above write up on *worldly music*. Because I strongly know it is not a full and complete thought yet. 

 The in-completion is of course not a fault or a problem , it is rather what befalls all writings. 

I, as a writer by calling and profession have come to reminisce on my writings over and over again to see several parts that needs some addenda and shadings. 

In this light I will paint some chiaroscuro around what the author has said to add to its richness. 

God bless whoever puts the above together.

Picking it a step further from where he stopped. 

YES! lyrics are one of the way to judge if a music is godly.But then, there is more.  

Music isn't just about lyrics alone. Actually, music isn't meant to be about words or lyrics. Music from its root word which is 'muse' connotes something beyond lyrics or words. It is the food of the soul. 

It is a reflection of the soul. The expression of the sounds within. This definition makes our perspective of music sacred and more intricate. 

Conventional definition of music is combination of sounds in an harmonious way.

So, having said this, since *we can have music without lyrics*. It suddenly means we may need to add to the above submission of the author to make it holistic. 

Music can come as just intros of sounds from chord progression of nature, animals musical instruments or human instrument. 

Because of this, sounds are actually implicated in music than words and are what makes it. Even words are classified under sounds. So, from this perspective, can we possibly have worldly sounds or music genre? 

*The answer is Yes* 

What if there aren't any word used but only beats and instrumentation. 

*The answer is still Yes*

By reality, what makes anything worldly isn't firstly the style but the source, the agenda and the channel. 1john2:15.

Source 

Agenda behind the sound 

Channel. 

As a spiritual person, I know inspiration comes from finite and infinite sources. This is true of sounds and Musics composition. Some these sounds were inspired, birthed, and bequitted from the infinite source (realm of the spirit). 

It is not a news that many musicians of our days got their beats, even style of sounds, *even dance* , not only lyrics as a gifts and invention from the other kingdom. In this light, when we bring such tunes, dances, sounds or intros not necessarily the wordings now into Christian assembly, we risk defiling ourselves.

 Because, if a sounds was a direct gift from the Satan, no matter how much gospel lyrics u composed to make it fit into church settings it won't just make it holy. Because the source is evil. 

I write as one who has experience of these things. A lady told me of a church she attends that plays the intro of Beyonce as a forward for their choir ministration.

She later told me of how she experienced being initiated by the church members. She even said, the pastor of the church told her of the demonic operations going on there. 

What makes any music demonic or worldly is more than they just the lyrics, it is more of the source. Because, even God doesn't judge by mere words or expression of mouth. He picks at the heart first and the channel. 

*These people draw close to me by their words but their heart imaarr far from me*. 

As touching if there are things that are entirely worldly on earth. The answer for this is Yes. As a medical scientist, I know of concepts ideas that at are overly worldy in agenda and source not because of their word content or concept but of the hidden the agenda behind it. 

As an Educationist who is taught in theories or education and its history. I can give many of worldly ones in terms of concept.

A little of this is 

*Evolution by Darwin 

*Some parts of biological/genetical engineering.e.g designer baby. 

Some parts of Space science and mind science.

Someone may ask, how do we now identify which is worldly?

We have to firstly tune to the spirit for judgement because the spiritual judges all things.

Using lyrics alone will not help us. You may need to discern the man and agenda behind the tune, and sound. Because the devil is smarter than that, *he works more with the Spirit of musics and sounds than the lyrics*

About listening to music

If judging by lyrics, there are several people who have sang songs who have gospel ladened lyrics. Michael Jackson is one and a host of others. This is where the channel comes in. Songs feed the soul and it's difficult to separate the life of the composer from his music. So, for Christians judging by the fruits of this musicians can help us to decide who you give your soul to be fed with. You may not know the personal life of some of them, but then, you can make a decision by the spirit. Any one you listen to in music is ministering to you beyond his lyrics, he is intermingling with your soul.

Lastly, we need prophetic eyes to judge the agenda behind some of this genres of music. The question is can the devil invent a genre of music. The answer is Yes. You may need to do a some spiritual home work to proof this to be wrong. This being the truth, it calls for discernment by the church beyond lyrics to screen out these music.

*Even the so called 'gospel music' must be discerned*

There is someone most Christians listen to in Nigeria as a gospel artiste that I'm reluctant to listen to because of the revelational knowledge I have of her. This is discernment. *Many people have our lyrics but don't have our Spirit* This is wisdom for whoever has an ear.

*Can't we hijack the music from Satan?*

Someone who is zealous may ask this? Good. To answer this, don't you think we can as well hijack the Devil too from his kingdom? Obviously Not. When is the kingdom lacking so much in wits and invention that we need to borrow and rebrand tools from the other side? 

 So, it is not about if we can or not, it is simply about give unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar.

Your brother,

Akinwumi TAIWO. 

inhisgripoflove@gmail.com

Burden of a Watchman (Vol. 3)

TAKE AWAY THE VEIL LORD!

Heed the groaning of my heart Jesus, for your truth is ignited in me, my sleep is broken and somewhere in the middle of my night I think upon you; my soon coming King. Take away the veil from our hearts, that we may see how far we've gone away from you my Lord! The generation of men have poured out their souls into a structure built on lies and vanity, they believed in self, they promote self as against the nature of Christ, they embraces all that the world presents to them; fed with bulks of philosophical junks and toxic doctrines, forsaking the fountain of Truth that flows from you the Rock of salvation. I recall the crafty inventory that I saw upon my watchtower that defied the vigilance and the narrative of the wise, a trend that has become a part of our living self, traveling from a generation to another, that woeful vessel of the Antichrist that emerge to the shore of the year out of the sea to invade our land with a movement against Christ, it rested against the souls of men.
Lord! Time speaks a language none of us understands, the world of the mortals is chained to a system that is crafted by our arch enemy. It dawn on me that we've forgotten the most vital part of our calling, dressing up the degradation of Zion and making up our failures.
Where are the gospelers on our streets? Have they not retreat to accept the what the world deemed obtainable? Where are the courageous crusaders who once stage open air crusades declaring and proclaiming the gospel without fear? Where are the comrades of the Cross who once strengthens the faith of the brethren, who were never complacent with the church on administrative wheels but pushed for a living church where the Ark of your power did find expressions. Where are the testament that brought godly repentance with tears on our faces? Where are your fearless ones who were never intimidated by the advances of the world?
Except this veil is taken away, scarcely will anyone understand my plight, except the scales fall off their eyes Lord. I'm young, but I witnessed the shadow of a dying revival, and yes I read and heard the testimonies written and spoken by the fathers of faith. What we have today is nothing compared to it. The spiritual texture was simple and real, the gospel was pure and authentic, miracles were genuine and holiness reigned. But Lord except the veil is taken away, who will believe our reports? With us are strange children, swift and full of wit. They came with social pressure and overwhelmed our values; sons of perditions full of influence and charisma, they dominate trends and times. They changed values and subtly indoctrinate the ideals of men. Strange teachers are risen Lord, they teach your precept without understanding. They came with the wisdom of the Greeks to make mockery of the simplicity of the gospel, they have seemingly become authorities that interpret the Bible to soothe the lust of men and appeal the fallen nature. They bear the form of godliness, but they denied the power thereof. They preached everything with poise and intelligence but ignored holiness and purity.
Father! Sinners are comfortable in your sanctuary, the power of sin have found refuge under strange ministration. “come as you are they say” ignoring the transiting power of the saving cross and neglecting the identity of the Saints, prying deeper into the mire of worldliness. Except the veil is taken away Father of light, none would retreat from this blind civilization journey. Our assumptions are costly, they are nothing but the comfort of the blind, nothing but the seeming safety of the deaf. But there's an unrest, a fierce battle currently going on for the souls of men. You who thinks you are standing in faith would you understand that you are not far from damnation?
But for this veil I pray Lord! Let's see how close we are to the cliff, ready to drop off from the rock of grace we have abused.
Bring us back to the ancient Landmark, to the old time faith where the foot prints of our fathers yet glows. Bring us back Lord! For hell has enlarge its assaults against your church, it's fury is hot against your people, your anointed ones are polluted, they have prostitute themselves with Babylon, they desecrate your holy temple feasting with dogs on your tables. Liberate us Lord from the weighty influence of the world, make us remember how fleeting the world is, and to give thoughts of our end, that we may die the death of the righteous and our end like his. Father of my Lord Jesus, that this veils be taken away I pray, preserve your remnants according to your word, yes! according to the election of Grace.

Omotayo Oni

Burden of a Watchman (vol.2)

THE CHURCH IN DISSIMULATION
While mourning over the mystery of lawless that is swiping many off their feet and seeing that no one takes to heart what the future holds for the Church. What will become of Zion when her bridegroom comes suddenly?
In a night vision, I saw Zion running her course administratively, she's corporately arrayed, and intricately styled, her corporate environment is impressive, no flaw was noticeable. The narratives wasn't as clear but the message was perfectly spelt; when an aged man invited me into Zion's most sacred place, the lofty office I had long to see and the priest who bear rule in her Holy place. What manner of splendour and glory would this be? I quietly wondered. I entered into Zion's secret place, I went into her place of strength and into her chamber of authority, alas! The glory has departed from Israel! Darkness has swallowed up her radiance, her beauty is slain by marauders, the slumbering spirit has drown her sons. I saw Zion in shambles, her men of strength are fast asleep, her legislators are without a clue. Her workforce has defy her most holy place, her priest is no where to be found.
What height of deception is this? Zion is a complete shadow of what she looks on the outside. Her true strength is lost, Ichabod; the glory is gone! by whom shall Jacob arise?
It is sad, the spiritual state of the church is unknown to many, who will believe our report? The knowledge of the church has so much increased but her understanding diminished... By whom shall Jacob arise?
“...I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne."—Rev. 3:14-21

Omotayo Oni

Burden of a Watchman (Vol.1)

THE HOPE OF THE CHURCH:

Preceding the resurrection morning was the appalling story of Gethsemane, the garden at the foot of the hill where Jesus drank the cup of filth and woe for humanity which dragged him to Golgotha, where an extreme cruelty was meted by the Roman soldiers with inhuman treatment overly apportioned to pierce and impale the body of the guiltless Christ. The earth was soaked with the blood of the sinless One and the grave opened up to swallow up the body of the Lord. Between the borderline of life and death, the saviour cried out “It is finished!” down the belly of hell was the emergence of the triumphant Lord, Hell saw a Game Changer, One to whom they all bow. The victorious Lord ceased the key of death and the Sceptre of Dominion long taken from men, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
The enemy bow in shame of defeat, for none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. They knew not the power of Christ's resurgence, the wisdom of God, the mystery of the Cross and the conquest over the age long enemy of mankind as Christ was lifted up.
Upon this revelation of Christ, his death and resurrection; the Church was built and the gate of hell cannot Prevail against it. Contrary to the impact of the Covid19 on the world that has shut down many institutions including our worship centers, we must stand firm in the finished work of Christ that no power of hell, no scheme of man or authorities that be, can Prevail or shut down the Church; but of course they can shut down our denominations because Christ never founded a denomination but One church united and indivisible in his body.
Bless be the Lord who has weighed our misplaced priorities, and the present day churches is found wanting. Without sentiment and to the exclusion of non, today's churches are living contrary to the purpose the church was founded. We ought to be the hope of the world but sadly we have become so powerless and subjected helplessly under authorities that are themselves helpless. In time like this, the world should find solace and solution in the church; the world could have run to the church for an anchor in trouble time but sadly the church has joined herself to the world. The church left her formal love and have rejected the source of her strength. We build denominations and administrations against the Lordship of the Holyspirit, we approach spiritual matters on the table of administrations rather than approaching it on our knees, we have close our eyes to the weightier matters of the law; mercy and truth, and have laid undue burden on the sheep Christ died for, we embrace the service of God and has turned our back on the God of the service, we use God to express ourselves and has failed to let God find expression in us. The Church has prostitute herself with the fashion of the world and its lifestyles; forgetting her soon coming bridegroom. We forge strong denominational doors against the lost sheep and never show them to the saving Cross.
We all have seen how powerless our denominations are, how our administrative wisdom has failed, our empty noise are exposed, our imbalanced faith and flawed doctrines hold no substance, our unproven beliefs and jactitation has turned a lie. There remain but one hope, one sure foundation; JESUS! And to him we must return. The house divided against itself cannot stand, the body of Christ cannot be apart from itself. God has allowed the door of our denominations to remain lockdown that he might open the door of our hearts. The power of God is definitive and has never diminish in its potencies, but the church has lost it to her pride, her worldly affinity and disunity. May the Lord pull down our granite walls of denomination that we have raised against ourselves and restore oneness to the fold, may the enduring mercies of the Lord heal our land and forgive our sins as ‘We’ await the restoration of the Church (not the denomination) may the Lord keep brooding over us till we all become like Him. Amen!

Omotayo Oni