TOPIC: THE SECRET TO FRUITFULNESS
MEMORISE:
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. Hebrews 13:15
READ: Matthew 21:18-22
18 Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.
19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!
21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
MESSAGE
Yesterday, I discussed how praise opens the door to promotions by using David's life as an example. Do you know that Michal's disdain for her husband's lavish praise shut her womb? If you want to enjoy fruitfulness in every aspect of your life, never despise praise. Never see praise as unnecessary, and don't despise it when others praise God.
Some people see the praise and worship sessions of church services as unimportant, so they deliberately delay getting to church until praise and worship sessions are over. Praise and worship sessions are an integral part of church services; in fact, many people receive their miracles during such sessions. Don't cheat yourself out of God's blessings by despising praise and worship; they are too important to be treated casually.
People who refuse to praise God become unfruitful like Michal. In today's Bible reading, Jesus was hungry as He returned to Bethany. He saw a fig tree from afar and moved close to it, expecting to find fruit on it to satisfy His hunger. However, when He got to the tree, it had many leaves but no fruit, so He cursed the tree. Although it wasn't yet time for fig trees to bear fruits, Jesus didn’t spare it; it had no fruit to satisfy the hunger of its Maker, so it withered completely.
Today's memory verse tells us that praise is the fruit of our lips, and we are asked to offer it to God continually. You have no excuse not to praise God. Elisabeth didn't have a child after many years of marriage, yet she didn't use it as an excuse to neglect praising God; she served Him faithfully despite her childlessness, walking in all His commandments and ordinances (Luke 1:5-7). Praising God is one of His commandments, and you must be blameless in keeping it.
Job didn't stop praising God in the midst of his numerous losses; he lost all he had except his wife in one day, yet he blessed the name of the Lord (Job 1:20-21). As a result, God turned his situation around and blessed him with double of everything he lost. If you desire to be fruitful and victorious in every area of your life, you must be committed to praising God, even in the midst of many challenges, like Jehoshaphat, who praised God even when he was surrounded by enemies (2 Chronicles 20:1-28).
Beloved, when you offer God the fruit of your lips continually, you will experience His tremendous blessings and enjoy fruitfulness in every area of your life.
KEY POINT
Praising God is a powerful secret to fruitfulness
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Numbers 27-29s
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE
HYMN 17: PRAISE MY SOUL THE KING OF HEAVEN
1 Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;
to his feet your tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
evermore his praises sing.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King!
2 Praise him for his grace and favor
to his people in distress.
Praise him, still the same as ever,
slow to chide, and swift to bless.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Glorious in his faithfulness!
3 Fatherlike he tends and spares us;
well our feeble frame he knows.
In his hand he gently bears us,
rescues us from all our foes.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Widely yet his mercy flows!
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