Fruitfulness

RCCG Tabernacle of Peace

Elders Week – 11.09.2021 - Bible Study - Dr. Omolola Omoteso

 

 

Topic: FRUITFULNESS             Bible Text: Psalm 92:14 (KJV)             Memory Verse: John 15:8

§  Chorus: I know that God never fails… Ancient of Days as old as you are… Then Pray (Psalm 122:1)

§  They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing,

§  This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

 

Introduction: What is fruitfulness?

Fruitfulness is a metaphoric theme throughout the Bible and refers often to character, attitude, words, and thoughts. By their fruits we shall know them (Mathew 7:16). You cannot plant grapes and reap thorns neither can you plant figs and reap thistles. Though born with sinful nature, all humans have been bestowed with the liberty and grace to choose abundant life by the A B C of salvation – Accept. Believe. Confess. Hence life, like fruitfulness, is a matter of choice. The Bible clearly says, without Jesus Christ, we can do nothing (John 15:5). Jesus Christ taught so much about bearing fruit (Matthew 7:20). These fruits include love, faith, kindness and righteousness. Paul, the apostle, also taught extensively on fruit (Galatians 5:22-23).

What does fruitfulness mean to you in terms of your roles and responsibilities. Why roles and responsibilities? When we have rights and expect rewards, we must do our part.

Fruit refers to good and bad. What to you is the difference between good and bad fruits?

Difference between negative fruit by satanic indwelling and positive fruit produced by Jesus Christ in us as the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27) is clearly stated in Galatians 5:19-24. Believers are to produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit. The fruits we bear must stem out of glorifying God after salvation and transformation through renewing of minds (Romans 12:2). To be fruitful means to follow Jesus Christ and carry out the purpose for which we are created, which includes worship and service to humanity with a joyful spirit. What fruits are you bearing in your home, marriage, among family and friends? Colossians 4:6 tells us to let our speech always be seasoned with grace. Use courteous words with believers and unbelievers. Do not be like unbelievers who greet selves with curses.

It is by God's grace as we abide in Jesus that we produce good fruit (John 15:1-5). The fruit is good because God is good, and we ascribe all the glory to God (Philippians 1:11).

Who can bear fruit or who can be fruitful?

We are all called to bear fruit. The fruit expected of children is obedience to their parents as unto the Lord. When they run to you, offer them counsel. For adults especially the married, it is mutual honour and submission. God gave us individual lives and blood stream just to let us know you cannot run on another person’s gas. To bear fruit, you must NOT stop others from bearing fruit… We are called to bear one another’s burden, not break one another’s backs.

I was elated to hear Pastor Olajumoke Arasanyin speak about our responsibility to one another during the Morning Prayer. Our responsibility is first to God, then to yourself then to those in the household of faith, hopefully that starts with your family. If they are not believers, you have a responsibility to PRAY. Galatians 6:10 tells us expressly that, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto everyone, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

Who can bear fruit? Male and Female. God created He them. We can draw lessons from the Ultimate Husbandman (worker of the soil). To husband is to manage something well, showing prudence and economic sense. 2 Timothy 2:16, “The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.” Jesus is our example because he is called husbandman in John 15 and has the work of cultivating, pruning, investing, even burning. Our Heavenly Father, the Divine Husbandman, seeks to produce fruit through us as we abide in Jesus Christ. Just as God is a good husbandman, bringing forth fruitfulness in our lives, so should we be good husbandmen and stewards with the resources He has entrusted to us.

Why should we bear fruit?

This is so we can tap into the full essence of the reward here on earth and there in heaven… God commanded us as his children to be fruitful; to trust him, obey him and make disciples. Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Let’s open to Deuteronomy 28:1-15 (someone to read verse 1): And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:

What are these blessings of FRUITFULNESS?

Blessings in the city and field, blessings in/of procreation of humans and animals, blessings of farm produce, fruits, beautiful flowers and basketful of harvest. Blessings of safe travel withersoever you go… just don’t go where God’s light is absent. Be assured that wherever God leads, God is there. Can someone read Psalm 139:8 - If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. God is everywhere because He lives in mortal bodies. The condition is clear, hear and heed God’s Word. Blessings including slaying enemies and adversaries or causing them to flee, no matter how strong and powerful they are.

Storehouse blessings. In these days of transitioning into full time ministry and mission work, I have been seeing myself in dreams healing stores, huge stores that were locked up received life as soon as I stepped in. Blessings of fruitfulness promised believers is on all you lay your hands upon. Is your child unwell or in rebellion, lay hands while you can. Please ensure you do NOT lay your hands on what God has not chosen for you or associate yourself with people God do NOT approve. Verse 8 specifically says He shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. Did God give you America or you forced yourself here? Abram became extremely wealthy after he relocated in obedience to God. God blesses what and where He directs. Lot chose the choicest portion of land. Rather than fruitfulness, he experienced fruitlessness, harassment, crisis and eventually recorded losses. Do NOT just pack your bags, if you are facing adversity here, adversity could be because the devil wants to derail you. Inquire of the Lord. Fruits you will bear, which I also have been referring to as blessings include that God will establish you as a holy person, if you keep his precepts and walk in his ways.

 

Your fruitfulness will be seen in the fact that people will identify you as a Jesus baby or bobo, Jesus senior, Jesus CEO and they shall revere you; the good ones shall revere you, the bad ones shall fear you. Without earning a professorship, I have those who call me Prof. Why? The wisdom they see in me is beyond the Dr. title – this is the blessing of fruitfulness. When people start calling you into a place of relevance, that you ordinarily do NOT deserve, know that God in you is speaking forth your fruitfulness.

 

You will enter into a season of PLENTY. My Grandma had a special prayer for me , my MOTHER had too. Grandma’s own was, “Wa ni owo l’owo, wa ni l’apo, a tun se ku si e l’owo.” Overflowing blessings! MAMI’s prayer remained, “Wa ni owo ti e l’owo.” You will have your own money. She will add that my husband would be wealthy, but that I would have my own wealth. Now I see the value in that prayer. Things owned by your spouse without your name on it, may never be yours. In Deuteronomy we were told that our own bodies, cattle, fruits, and lands, sworn to our progenitors and handed over to us, would be plenteous in our ownership. In Numbers 27, the daughters of Zelophehad stood before Prophet Moses, Priest Eleazar, Princes and entire congregation to demand JUSTICE to avoid being disinherited because they had no sons. What did the Lord say to Moses in verse 7, “What Zelophehad’s daughters are saying is right. You must certainly give them property as an inheritance among their father’s relatives and give their father’s inheritance to them.” Your fruitfulness may be questioned, if you leave no inheritance for your children, and I daresay your spouse who is your co-labourer in the journey of life. The Bible in 1 Peter 5:8 says the man who does not provide for his family is worse than an infidel, meaning an unbeliever. Your fruitfulness should NOT end when your life ends.

 

Still talking about fruitfulness, to all of us, especially as it relates to our elders celebrating this week

Verse 12 of Deuteronomy 28 is particularly exciting – The Lord shall open unto me his good treasures. If you have a land and you suffer drought it means everything that is meant to grow will die but here we are assured of rain in due season and blessings upon our land and that we shall lend unto nations. Our fruitfulness includes that we will be the head. Let there not be contention about this for those who are married, it means that we are all called into leadership or relevance as inheritance from God the Father. As we were growing up, whenever any of my siblings quarrel my MOTHER would say, this is happening because you are all leaders and have great ideas, now sit and discuss your ideas together.

 

Verse 14 nails the consequences for the rewards and awards of fruitfulness - Thou shalt not go aside from some, few… NO, ANY of the WORDS I command you! This is stringent! You have zero liberty to serve other gods – be it mammon, thunder, iron, food, booze… You CANNOT. God is JEALOUS and would fight you! If God says give to B and you don’t, you will suffer the consequence. If God says honour your spouse and you don’t, you will suffer the consequence; one of which is that your prayers may receive no answer. I heard the story of a man who maltreated his wife and all she did was report to God in prayers and suddenly without remedy, he fell to his death. His death released her to fulfil destiny. May that not be your portion. The Bible already warned in Proverbs 29:1 that, He, that being often reproved (a man who refuses instructions and) hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. Verse 15 seals the deal, if you fail to hear God, if you fail to be fruitful, if you fail to obey God’s statues that are laid down to wire success in you and serve you increased greatness, curse will come upon you and overtake you. This will never be your portion in Jesus name!

We are commanded to be fruitful, to be the servant with the talents that serves profit to The Master, with consequences for doing otherwise... We are commanded in Genesis to multiply and bear fruit.

Where should we bear fruit?

I will do the where before the when… Everywhere. Church, home, office, market… Matthew 28:19, Acts 1:8, Mathew 25:13, 2 Timothy 4:2-4. Fruit in your office means diligence. When I was working as a Programmes Manager in a broadcast house around 2001, while others arrived late, I would be at my desk between 8.00AM and 8.30AM. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, I would be at RCCG Early Riser Service by 7.00AM. After the service, I would counsel those under my watch. Then I would go to the office. Every Tuesday when anyone is looking for me after 5PM, the owner of the private television station will say, you are looking for Anne, what time is it? Once they say 5 or any time after 5PM, he will tell them Anne, has gone to church. He was NOT a believer, but he called me my Bible name and acknowledged the God I serve. I applied myself to work diligently but never hid the fact that I am a Christian. To the glory of God, those I nurtured then are today managers, directors; some of them are heading units in media houses including one who now serves as a Press Staff in Governor’s office. What fruits are you bearing? You cannot do deals and be able to bear fruits of sharing the gospel truth. If there is any faulty block in your life, ask the Great Rebuilder to fix it. If your papers happened through an illicit measure, ask God to correct the error, so that shame will NOT fall upon you when celebration arrives. So that your fruits would endure beyond your lifetime. Some live a life that appears fruitful but once they die, those who step into their space will dig out cankerworms. If you leave your phone in church without setting the password, can you sleep knowing that nothing illicit can be dug up?

When should we bear fruit?

Anytime. Ecclesiastes 11:6 - In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening withhold not your hand: for you do NOT know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good.

It is not a coincidence that our theme verse says clearly that they shall still bear fruits when? In old age. In Exodus 7:7, Moses was 80 and Aaron was 88! For two weeks last month into this month, I found myself in a Mission House where I served missionaries between the ages of 70 and 95. One of the 95-year-old still had a full day schedule working in the office! How could you have lost all your teeth at 50! How come your eyesight be failing at 60? How come you have allowed diabetes, hypertension to redesign your destiny at 70! Take back your life by signing into obedience which serves fruitfulness.

How can we be fruitful or how can fruitfulness happen?

By sowing. When some hear sow, their minds lock up. Let me announce to you that sowing is beyond money. I was at the Feast of Esther Conference in September and was honoured to be one of the Preachers. I spoke on Mental Wellness the Jesus Way… Jesus was depressed but he sowed certain seeds to get out of it – 1. Jesus Prioritised Personal Soul Care 2. He opened up and asked for prayers. How can you bear fruit when you bottle up your issues? You are jobless but you close your mouth and keep pretending all is well. There are times you do that when led NOT to share, but it won’t be a deliberate pretense. You must guard yourself so as not to open up to enemies. 3. He sought counsel, prayers and set boundaries 4. He created a safe community. 5. When what he wanted was not granted as requested, He surrendered to God’s Will and Wisdom. God may withhold something from you because he is NOT your Genie but your God. Do not on account of this stuck up your nose like let God hold his heaven and I will hold my earth. News flash my brothers and sisters, daddies and mummies, you own NOTHING! As someone who have had her belongings taken more than 5 times with 5 homesteads taken at will, I can tell you that all you truly own is your soul BUT even that belongs to God. One thing you must not neglect as you look forward to increased greatness and surpassing glory with regards to fruitfulness is that Jesus prioritized soul care and sowed into having a Safe Community. This church is safe community. I was super elated to see people in church on Sunday. Let it not be a monthly Thanksgiving show. I was also so excited to see many members at the wedding on Sunday, where are they now? To be fruitful we need one another. If God ever locates me to the area, RCCG Tabernacle of Peace is my home church. That mega church you are going to, could be the labour of fruitfulness by some; bloom where you are planted. Sow and reap a bountiful harvest you can point to. No one running from pillar to post can truly build. I do not run from pastor to pastor online because they are NOT sent to me. I go where I am sent, I plant where I know there is assurance that my seed would be watered by DIVINITY. All prophets are not for everyone. God sent a prophet to Saul but that was NOT the same prophet for Mary and Elizabeth.

Let me tell you a short story. In 2016 I met a woman of God, a Prophetess, and God led me to be close to her. She was guided and guarded and well above my grade in age and other areas… but God was leading me. I sought not to be equal but to serve and celebrate. We met again and again and when in the middle of homelessness in 2019, God led me to sow, I did. It was a painful sacrifice. I did NOT hurry to share my story with her. In 2021 I was invited to a committee where she is a big part of. When I needed help, for an unrelated issue, guess who God sent to me? The Prophetess! Habakkuk 2:3 “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” Invest in people and the parish to which you are sent. I have been away from my parish but anytime I am in Nigeria, I submit to my Pastor’s leadership.

Based on the mental health message I preached during the conference in North Carolina, I developed an e-book accessible on amazon. I’ll draw from it to speak briefly on how you can be fruitful in wellness by sowing Seeds of Wellness acronym is SOW. I’ll use the acronym of SEEDS to break it down. Sleep well. Jesus slept. Eat well. Jesus dined… When you read about dinner, it is an elaborate meal with others. And when we talk about eating it is feeding everything in you that needs to be fed but do not give room for gluttony. Feed your mind with God’s promises and prophecies so depression will have no room. Exercise well, this includes sex for the married. If Abraham had stopped delighting in the wife of his youth in old age, they would not have experienced fruitfulness in procreation.

How else can we be fruitful? James 5:7 says Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. The sermon MAMI preached to me the most was PATIENCE. Now I know why I need it as a transformational strategist, biblical counsellor and soul care specialist. Still, I do NOT have the patience for pastoring, so I always commend the woman of God over this parish my sister and her supportive husband. Being fruitful is the work of grace Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. I decree and declare that time and season will align to translate your seeds to overflowing harvest in JESUS name.

5 core things are important for us as souls to reap other souls with a focus on fruitfulness:

1.      Soul – Yours and others. The Bible says the soul that sinneth shall die (Ezekiel 18:20, John 3:16)

2.     Season – Time and seasons matter. You are in that season. Psalm 1:3, Ecclesiastes 3:1… I was “sisters” between 70 and 95 years who could no longer travel from to share the gospel.

3.      Soil – What happened to the seeds sown on different grounds in the Bible? (Matthew 13)

4.   Seed – What are you sowing? Can you share the gospel with someone you propositioned for illicit affair? The seed must be good, for the harvest to be bountiful (2 Corinthians 9:6).

5.     Scripture – Our barometer is the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

Prayer

The ROI of fruitfulness is Righteousness, Obedience and Inquiry. To strengthen the harvest expected, you must do your part and let God do His part (1 Corinthians 3:6). O Lord help me to yield to your will.

 

Feedback, Comments and Appreciation (ahead of handing over to Pastor).

 

Conclusion:

Matthew 20:1-16, emphasis 13-16. Perhaps you have spent 50 years less concerned about bearing fruit for The Master. You have gathered wealth or worry; it is time to look to THE WORD. The assurance is that God can choose to reward you more or as much as others. When Abraham had no child, he was told he’ll have as many as stars. When He surrendered to the will of God, the prophetic manifested.

Hymn:

 

ABIDE WITH ME	WA BA MI GBE
Abide with me: fast falls the eventide The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide When other helpers fail and comforts flee Help of the helpless, O abide with me	Wa ba mi gbe, ale fere le tan Okunkun nsu, Oluwa ba mi gbe Bi oluranlowo miran ba ye Iranwo alaini, wa ba mi gbe

 

 

Mrs. Omolola Omoteso-Famuyiwa is a minister who is passionate about sharing God's words for the healing of others.

YOU NEED COUNSEL

Dr. Omolola Omoteso

Communicator. Counsellor. Coach.

If you know a pastor, prophet, counsellor, consultant, coach who has no pastor, prophet, counsellor, consultant or coach, RUN! That is a self-absorbed being who may do you more harm. 

I am blessed with wise people including an Executive Consultant whose wisdom has guided me. He said to me one day, “You said your enemy has become diabolical. What is the work of enemy, if not to destroy or kill you!” 

I made a decision to go full time into ministry, after running from that calling years ago. As part of that decision, it has become pertinent to open up myself to helping as many as I can help especially with the anointing, experience and education I am graced by God with.

Lives have been known to receive the miracle of preservation via divine or wise counsel. It was divine counsel that saved me from depression. In the throes of life, suicide was NOT an option so depression became elective. But, divine as well as wise counsel from two God sent people helped me make decisions that raised me from despair.

I want to give you access to the anointing God has blessed me with. Your first session is FREE, but you must follow the steps:

1. Publicly post a request for counsel on Twitter or Facebook using #ExcelWithAnne.
2. Respond to questions you are sent when reached.
3. When asked, send 3 options of date and time; this is to enable us schedule your appointment. Do not impatiently ignore or collapse this step. It must be three options of date and time.
4. Be available in a quiet place for the free counsel which is a minimum of 15 minutes (online or on call).
5. Share feedback, after counsel.

Anyone living under bondage must make a decision to be released and take steps to release themselves. Sadly, many do NOT realise it because they have been trapped for so long and consider it normal.

You need counsel IF:

1. You are experiencing a nagging issue(s) that has taken your peace or sleep away.

2. You are NOT where you believe you should be and things you seek seems unavailable or inaccessible.

3. You have life issues and believe others caused it.

4. You have repeatedly failed where you have the capacity to pass or others below your level have passed.

5. You are having suicidal thoughts.

I’m a Transformational Strategist, Healer, Biblical Counsellor, Chaplain and Certified First Aid in Mental Health Practitioner among other roles. The doctorate I obtained is in Biblical Counselling. I share and care to heal minds.

What qualifies me to help you is the TRUTH that I am called by God to heal, graced with an anointing to heal minds and blessed with success stories of tests to testimonies, trials to triumphs, pain to praise and grief to glory! While enemies sowed tares, Lord God Almighty divinely positioned me for THANKSLIVING.

My sermon “called out to serve” on Youtube, spoke to those who abandoned their calling to chase high end cash etc. But ultimately, it is those to be served who must seek those who willingly serve.

Anyone who reaches me must do so publicly, if interested in FREE FIRST SESSION courtesy #ExcelWithAnne. We do this to ensure you take a measure of responsibility and show an awareness for the need for counsel.

All issues are solvable and there are different paths. While suicide takes you out of misery here, it possibly would sign you into misery hereafter. Hence, you must realise that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem here on earth. Every problem has an expiry date, even when you do nothing. But why elect to be a victim when you can be victorious.

It is time to live, not merely exist. Reach out as soon as you can. If your preference is for private sessions, please visit dc-homes.webs.com/book-counsel to send an interest note and we will reach you with details. Note that fees, including registration applies.

Blessings Always! 

Dr. Omolola Omoteso-Famuyiwa is a minister 

who is passionate about sharing God's words for the healing of others.

Gratitude While Working in Love

Please NOTE that the message is now on amazon.com/dp/B09H63Q6PC. 

The version here is a summary. Be sure to get the book Gratitude While Working in Love

I’m graced to have been invited to share a message with this esteemed group Living By Design Nation. I acknowledge all leaders and pastors here present. I acknowledge my dear sister and friend, Mrs. Pearl Kanu. As rightly said, I am Omolola Omoteso, the doctorate I earned is in Biblical Counselling. I always let people know that in spite of the wealth of knowledge and experience I have garnered in 48 years, I owe the care and counsel that I share to Lord God Almighty, the giver of life and owner of wisdom who continues to heal lives through me. I trust that at the end of my message, we would have received healing to sign up for gratitude while working in true love, God’s love.

Let us pray.

Praise:

Love lifted me

And I say Love lifted me

When nothing else could help

Love lifted me 2/ce

 

Prayer:

God of Love in whom there is no variableness, we thank you for being good and we thank you for being God. We thank you for your sanity, your security, your safety. We thank you for this body of Jesus Christ one you love by design. Let the words I deliver be soaked in your power to save, deliver and heal to God’s glory, in Jesus majestic name we pray. AMEN.

Gratitude While Working in Love /ˈɡradəˌt(y)o͞od/

2020 has earned the tag of the year we planned but God decided. Challenges abound, crisis followed, pain was unleashed as many experienced loses, yet pain turned to praise for many more and we were enjoined to worship. I acknowledge all those who have lost loved ones. I give gratitude to God who blessed us with your loved ones. Our loved ones are gifts that keep giving. If someone paid your school fees, the person remains part of who you are. Christianity is faith that was bought with blood, not only the blood of Jesus Christ but the blood of disciples and saints who built the body of Jesus Christ and gave their all to hold the body together.

You can elect to make gratitude a lifestyle and you can choose to go through life complaining about everything wrong that has happened to you. While at it, remember that the breath with which you have chosen to lament was and remains a gift, if for nothing else, be grateful or ask the owner of the gift to take it. In the parable of the talents, one buried his gifts rather than multiply it as a way of showing gratitude.

One thing covid has brought to the fore is focus on what is important. What is important?

1.      Faith – This means your relationship with God

2.      Food – If you don’t grow it yourself, you need to show gratitude

3.     Family – No one on this call, dropped from heaven, whether parents are living or dead, our presence is a gift – you are a gift for which I am grateful.

4.   Fellowship – This group and all the eminent persons here present is why I am here, I owe gratitude to God for you. If I got all the degrees and have no outlet, soon I would be like a pond – stink and die without giving life!

5.   Fence – That is shelter. I went to great length to furnish our home; my husband would always talk about being grateful that we have roof over our head in a great location. When I became homeless, I knew the value of shelter, furnished or unfurnished!

6.      Friends – Some commit suicide because they feel so alone and so unwanted. We knew the value of friends when no matter how rich you are folks chose not to visit for fear of covid. In fact, those who used to pose with going abroad became ostracised!

7.      Folks – These are those who make your life run smoothly, your driver, your cook, the shop owners, security, electrician. Just imagine for a moment that transformer blew and no one is ready to come to your home to fix a temporary power source. At the thick of covid, post officers were still delivering mails and sellers still got goods to you and yours. Should we be grateful? Yes.

Gratitude is a SEED. A seed that yields increase especially when you sow selflessly.

John 15:5 says I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. As spirit beings, we cannot function without God. We are spirit beings... Jesus gave, we are called to give and one thing that technically cost nothing is the ATTITUDE of GRATITUDE.

The role of Holy Spirit in Christianity is dynamic. The Holy Spirit enables Christians to live a righteous and faithful life. Holy Spirit is the comforter, the intercessor, the advocate who pleads our cause especially during trials and temptations. I used to think humans were created to be naturally kind but MOTHER schooled me that it takes a heart of God to be kind. I had a friend who lived with me and she never could give. She was living with me free but giving or gratitude was an issue. When I heard she was divorced, my surprise was that God held the marriage for so long! You cannot be walking or working without giving and GRATITUDE is the cheapest.

There are 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit:

1.      Wisdom

2.      Understanding (empathy)

3.      Counsel

4.      Fortitude (courage in pain and adversity)

5.      Knowledge

6.      Piety (devotion/respect)

7.      Fear of God (reverence)

You cannot possess the 7 and lack a heart of gratitude. Humans were birthed in sin. The sense of shame kicked Adam and Eve off the Garden of Grace. But Jesus provided propitiation through the Comforter. The Holy Spirit guides us out of sin and helps us to be HOLY. Without holiness no man can see God. Pastor Adeboye added that without faith no man can please God.

Gratitude while working in love does not mean absence of conflict… All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (in holiness). Why? So that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work! Is that in your 2^nd Timothy 3:16-17.

So gratitude is NOT contingent upon your never being rebuked or reproofed! In Yoruba culture it is the child who is loved that is corrected. The one who is unloved is left to pride to kill.

What is gratitude? grat·i·tude /ˈɡradəˌt(y)o͞od/?

It is the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

What is love? Love is a verbial language from a heart of gratitude. It can also be defined as an intense feeling of deep affection or a great interest and pleasure in something.

What is while? While away means waste but while signifies a period of time or during a period.

How do you grow the heart or attitude of gratitude while working (ise) in love?

Let me clarify that it is hard to work together without walking together and the Bible says in Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

Before we talk about gratitude, how can you work in love... How can you love as God loves to move forward the work of God or your calling to serve as His hands and feet? Before I go into narrative, we need to understand key points as it relates to working in a team…

1.       Purpose 

2.      Understanding 

3.      Reach Out 

4.    Pray 

5.    Openness - 

6.   Spirituality 

7.   Excellence 

I just shared with you 7 acronyms that translates to PURPOSE. As Myles Monroe said, if purpose is unknown abuse is inevitable.

Everything we see today will go, including the people on this platform. Life has they knew it in 1800 is not what we are experiencing today. Yes, we keep praying that we would live long but God is sovereign and decides who should remain in service here or who should return into heavenly worship and warmth. The only three things we have…

1.      Trinity 

2.      Team

3.      Time 

Why is GRATITUDE important?

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, In all things give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you all. 

It is God's will for us to be THANKFUL. It is God's will for God's creation to show GRATITUDE. And what better example do we have other than Jesus Christ.

Jesus was compassionate. Jesus did not just speak about love but showed love through the capital price He paid at the Cross. If we are His bruised hands and broken feet, we must do the same - You are going for a 3hour meeting and know you would be hungry, why not take a snack that can be shared. You see a brother who is comfortable but dress shabby, why not reach him to share dressing ideas. He just may never have learned the art of looking good. A sister’s make up is always off, rather than join others to gossip about her, why not plan a makeup session just so she can learn without you being condescending. Be reminded of James 2:15–17

15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Love is making room in your life, your 24 hours for someone else. Love is showing consideration. A friend just went through a bitter divorce and her 50^th was coming up. She felt a sense of shame and did not want to celebrate. I redirected her mind to the fact that she has many reasons to be thankful – the man did not kill her, she did not kill the man, her son is emotionally balanced, despite the emotional abuse she went through in the marriage, her work has progressed, and she actually started a growing business to sustain herself. Though she was on a loan with the loan scheme I started, I went out of my way to show her that I was thankful for her life. Divorce does not make you bad, it means two adults could not agree on letting God guide their union. I gave the gift of small chops for the praise session and birthday flyers. Her spirit has been on the high since then because she ended up having the bestest party ever!

I mentioned that GRATITUDE is a SEED; add, a seed that yields unimaginable increase especially when you sow selflessly. And a gift that positions you and your issue to be prioritised.

Let's look at the Shunammite woman's story in 2 King's 4:8-37, wealthy, influential, highly connected. research tells me this woman from Shunem was referred to as "ishah gedolah" which means great woman. This could infer that she is wealthy or that she is wise. I strongly believe she possessed both especially when neither her wealth nor her loss got to her head; she remained humble, proactive and welcoming. She was so wealthy that she could build an adjoining home to accommodate Prophet Elisha who only visited few times a year. I have a sister who dedicated  a room to me in her home, in appreciation of the role I played in her life. She is not as wealthy hence others use the room too but when I am coming, the home is cleaned, cleared and every other person who comes at that time becomes second priority. I can imagine that if she is as rich as the Great Woman from Shunem she would build a bungalow tagged, Dr. Omolola's Lodge! I remember my friend Leader Pearl Kanu saying to me, you have a room in my home. It was a measure of gratitude.

Let me state here that the decision not to worship God or honour men or women of God would change nothing, if nothing else it could reduce your opportunity to receive divine rewards.

Life would be meaningless without love, kindness or gratitude especially in churches and church groups. Everyone may not have the luxury of being loved intensely by a man, woman or even child. Why? It takes two. But when people walk into your group or unit, it is the presence of love and gratitude they see as you work together that would make them sign up.  It is the love of God expressed by humans that makes life meaningful.

When I was homeless. The sister who heard about it first was quite close to me but rather than reach out to help she gossiped about it to someone else but that was the end of the gossip. Why? Compassion drove that sister to have empathy and she decided, NO! Dr. Omolola cannot be on the street. It was her way of showing gratitude for my friendship and counsel. She could have taken me into her home but she did what she was led to do and what she did put God in a position to take me up after the hotel stay expired. If someone invites you to their home, they will find it hard to kick you out when you find no alternative…

Gratitude is a lifestyle, not merely saying thank you or I am grateful. In traditional churches, those getting married would take a warmer of meal and drinks to the pastors and choir members. Why, they were so busy and seldom attended. It was done willingly. Today it is so mandated that some elect not to marry because gratitude is at a cost...

A report in the Harvard Mental health Letter states: ​‘A study of couples found that individuals who took time to express gratitude for their partner not only felt more positive toward the other person but also felt more comfortable expressing concerns about their relationship.’ Research also shows that generosity and gratitude work hand in hand with benefits for the giver and receiver. Expressing gratitude is linked to the release of oxytocin, called the ​‘love hormone’, which is perhaps why a study shows that participants giving and receiving thanks felt more loving and caring towards their partner. 

Gratitude is a way of life that goes beyond thank you and everyone can develop the attitude. Yorubas say eniti o bam o inu ro, a moo pe du. Meaning, if you know how to think, you will know how to thank.

Why do some appear ungrateful?

Humans are wired for connection, but trauma rewires humans for protection, hence many feel those who go out of their way to show gratitude are doing it for a reason hence they withhold thanks and are on their toes, watching out for when the person would place a demand on them. 

We all must learn to show gratitude for small and/or big things.

Some only show gratitude to those who are able to pay back, that is NOT gratitude, that is investment which may or may not yield returns. I used to serve as a nursing aide to an elderly woman whose family was rich, I had high hopes as a teenager. When she transited, I was NOT given any special recognition. From then, I learned that service is to the Ultimate Boss. The title of a book I co-authored with a man with about 25 years’ experience with the UN is Employees from Heaven, that is one book every worker, every employee, every pastor, parishioner and every politician should read. Your gratitude like your work or service is ultimately to God.

With a doctorate degree, I recently had to work with a 10 year old girl with learning disability for 9 months, I approached my work like I was being paid as a doctorate degree holder. To anyone trusting God for a job – dress for your next job, for anyone trusting God to be elevated or to be married, dress for your next calling. Approach your assignment in LBD with every excellence God has blessed you with because it is while doing so you will be divinely connected.

I met my sister Mrs. Pearl Kanu because she stood out in a social political group. When she left, it was a case of reckless love, I left the 99 and went after her; you cannot leave! Why? She was serving excellently, and God never told me she was done. My insistence that she returns was an act of gratitude for her service. Some would leave and folks would say, good riddance!

Show kindness effortlessly… You look tired, may I help you with your shopping over the weekend. Make kind comments, instead of focusing on the bent shoe, comment on the well-manicured fingers. For those who are married, no matter what else you want God to fix in your spouse’s life, because you are NOT perfect, focus on the beautiful things and celebrate that. Leave the perfect God to fix what you cannot fix. 

The Bible says a man’s gifts will make a way not because people are waiting to be bribed but because when you give, you stand in the place of Jesus Christ and your brother or sister sees Christ through you.

Write it down – what are you grateful for. Post it in the chat box… reach out to tell the person. It could be to someone or about something in LBD, post something – this is therapy. Get that gratitude off your chest.

Gratitude is an expression of unconditional LOVE whose author and finisher is God. Unconditional LOVE is a creative lifegiving energy. It has been scientifically proven that those who are in loving relationships have better chance of surviving sickness and stressful events in their lives. We can show love by expressing appreciation and gratitude.

What is one thing you are deeply grateful for: a child in your life, or the beauty of nature? A member of LBD or a staff in your office? A neighbour or a family member? One thing about gratitude is that you can never use it up!

Gratitude enhances relationships because it makes people feel loved, appreciated and by implication happier. It shows you place value on people, presence and present. Never take your tribe members for granted, they can choose to be anywhere but the group. Show gratitude to family members, never feel entitled. That a man signed dotted lines on paper does not make him bound. What ties him to you is a sense of responsibility that can be fuelled by gratitude. That a member signed for membership does not mean enslavement, it is devotion to God that positions them to serve; fuel that with warmth and positive energy by showing gratitude.

I thank God for you and end with Numbers 6:24-26 (NKJV), The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace. AMEN.

Question:

How do you respond to those who are ungrateful?

Response:

No one is created to be ungrateful. Everyone born of God has God in their heart and having God means they have the character of gratitude which may have been turned off but can be turned on as we express gratitude even for the little they do. Jesus gave thanks over 5 loaves and 2 fish, it was after giving thanks that the gift multiplied. I urge you to give thanks for even the little the member does. The attitude of ingratitude is driven by events and experiences in the lives of those we tag ungrateful. I mentioned those who have faced loses may not be emotive… remember, they may have prayed, they fasted when their loved ones were sick, they showed gratitude in worship and gave offering, but God in His sovereignty still welcomed the soul of their beloved to heaven! They may not necessarily become emotionless, but they become expressionless. Those wired for protection due to trauma may also appear ungrateful. An abuse, a life draining event or a crisis, could knock gratitude out of anyone. So, I urge you, be Jesus’ hands and feet, learn to know them better and keep showing gratitude. Add gratitude to your policy, teach it as LDB culture and express it as Christians. This will help those in need of help develop the attitude, act, art, and heart of gratitude as Christians.

Dr. Omolola Omoteso-Famuyiwa is a Pastor and Chaplain who is 

passionate about sharing God's words for the healing of others.