Month: July 2025

OVERCOMING THE ADVERSARIES TO OPEN DOORS
TEXT: I CORINTHIANS 16:9; 1 THESSALONIANS 2:17-18; 2 CORINTHIANS 2:11-14.
1 Corinthians: 16. 9. For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
1 Thessalonians: 2. 17. But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. 18. Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
2 Corinthians: 2. 11. Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. 12. Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, 13. I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. 14. Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

Adversary simply means an opponent in a contest or battle. It also refers to an enemy that does not want you to enter into the doors God has opened for you.
To every door, there is usually a door keeper or janitor that monitors the movement in and out of the door. Matt. 27:59-65.
Matthew: 27. 57. When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple: 58. He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. 59. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60. And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. 61. And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre. 62. Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, 63. Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. 64. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. 65. Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. 66. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.
N.B. God has determined to open doors for you and no man or devil will be permitted to hinder the opening or shut it.
THE ADVERSARIES TO OPEN DOORS
The adversaries will be looked at from 2 perspectives: internal and external adversaries.
INTERNAL ADVERSARIES: This includes some personal limitations like fear of failure, inferiority complex, unbelief, past experience, disobedience or sin. All these personal defects will go a long way in hindering the open doors. Job 3:25; Prov.29:25; Matt. 25:14-15, 24-28.
Job: 3. 25. For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.
Proverbs: 29. 25. The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
Matthew: 25. 14. For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. 24. Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25. And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 26. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27. Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
EXTERNAL ADVERSARIES: These include the following:
ASSOCIATION OR FRIENDSHIP: The kind of friends you keep will go a long way in determining whether you will access the doors opened to you or not. Prov. 13:20; 1 Cor. 15:33.
Proverbs: 13. 20. He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
THE ENVIRONMENT: The environment you find yourself can also hinder you from open doors. Until you break yourself free from your environment, you will conform to its mould. Isa. 6:1-8; Rom.12:1-2.
Isaiah: 6. 1. In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. 2. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. 3. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. 4. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. 5. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. 6. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: 7. And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. 8. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
Romans: 12. 1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
THE DEVIL AND HIS COHORTS: Open door is a spiritual issue and our greatest adversary is the devil that will want to go a long way in hindering our open doors if we allow him. Isa.14:12-17; I Pet.5:8-9
Isaiah: 14. 12. How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13. For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. 16. They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; 17. That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?
1 Peter: 5. 8. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9. Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

KEYS TO OVERCOMING THE ADVERSARIES TO YOUR OPEN DOORS
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING: You need to have an adequate knowledge and understanding about God and His promises concerning your life. Also, you must not be ignorant about the devices of the devil. Hosea 4:6; II Cor.2:11.
Hosea: 4. 6. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

2 Corinthians: 2. 11. Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

FAITH IN GOD AND HIS WORD. For every word of God to be effective and useful for you, you must belief that God and His words are settled for ever. He can never fail. Heb.11:6; Psa.119:89.
Hebrews: 11. 6. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Psalm: 119. 89. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. – Bible Offline
POSITIVE DECLARATIONS IN LINE WITH GOD’S WORD. Engage your mouth in positive decrees and declarations continually in line with the word of God. The word has the ability to grow up and prevail over every circumstance. Acts 19:20; Heb.10:23.
Acts: 19. 20. So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

Hebrews: 10. 23. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
COURAGE AND BOLDNESS: When you know that the doors have been opened for you, you need to take the bold steps to enter into the doors irrespective of the adversaries on the way. The enemy is always incapacitated in the face of determination. Jos.6:1-5, 20
Joshua: 6. 1. Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in. 2. And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour. 3. And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days. 4. And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams’ horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets. 5. And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him. 20. So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.

THE WEAPON OF PRAISE: Praise is also another potent key that the adversary cannot resist. Acts 16:23-26.
Acts: 16. 23. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24. Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. 25. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
PERSISTENT PRAYERS. Prayers move mountains and hindrances to open doors. When you engage in a prayer of importunity, the adversary will always give up if you will not faint or give up. Luke 18:1-8.
Luke: 18. 1. And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2. Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: 3. And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. 4. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5. Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. 6. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. 7. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8. I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
ENGAGING THE BLOOD. The blood of Jesus that was shed on the cross of Calvary is an irresistible weapon of victory at our disposal as children of God. Rev.12:11.
Revelation: 12. 11. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

MY ANCHOR, MY FOCUSt
TEXT:HEBREWS 12:1-4

Hebrews: 12. 1. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

Anchor [n.]: A iron instrument which is attached to a ship by a cable (rope or chain), and which, being cast overboard, lays hold of the earth by a fluke or hook and thus retains the ship in a particular station.

Anchor [n.]: Fig.: That which gives stability or security; that on which we place dependence for safety.

Focus [n.]: A point in which the rays of light meet, after being reflected or refrcted, and at which the image is formed; as, the focus of a lens or mirror.
focus [n.]: Point of concentration, point of convergence, converging-point.

Our anchor and focus as men of valour should be Jesus Christ and His kingdom matters. There are a lot of issues asking for our attentions and contending against our faith walk with God.
We are indeed in a phase of the end as declared in the scriptures. Matt. 24:3-14; 2 Tim. 3:1-8

Matthew: 24. 3. And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4. And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8. All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. 10. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
2 Timothy: 3. 1. This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3. Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4. Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7. Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

PAUL, AN EXAMPLE OF ANCHOR AND FOCUS. Phillipians 3:1-16
Philippians: 3. 1. Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. 2. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. 3. For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 4. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5. Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6. Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
Philippians: 3. 9. And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10. That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11. If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

WHAT TO DO FOR YOU TO SUSTAIN YOUR ANCHOR AND FOCUS

1. REMEMBER WHERE YOU WERE COMING FROM. ALWAYS THINK ABOUT YOUR SALVATION TESTIMONIES.
2. ASK FOR GOD’S MERCY FOR AREAS WHERE YOU HAVE DEVIATED. PSALM 51:1-3
3. PRAY FOR RENEWAL AND REVIVAL OF YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE.
4. GO BACK TO YOUR FIRST LOVE FOR HIM.
5. DISCIPLINE YOURSELF AND ENGAGE IN DETERMINED SPIRITUAL EXERCISES LIKE SOUL WINNING OR EVANGELISM.
6. STUDY THE BIBLE CONSCIOUSLY AND BE DETERMINED TO OBEY AND DO ITS INSTRUCTIONS. JAMES 1:22-25.
7. BE PRAYERFUL LIKE NEVER BEFORE. LUKE 18:1
8. ALWAYS DO PERSONAL REVIEW AND EVALUATION OF YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. 2 COR. 13:5
9. REKINDLE YOUR COMMITMENT TO CHURCH ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES. BE MORE PUNCTUAL TO SERVICE AND BE INVOLVED IN A DEPARTMENT.
10. DON’T NEGLET YOUR FELLOWSHIP WITH FELLOW BRETHREN. IRON SHARPENS IRON. PROV.27:17.
11. LET GOD BE FIRST IN ALL YOU DO.MATT. 6:33.

SOUL WINNING:TRIGGER FOR GREAT TESTIMONIES
TEXT: LUKE 10:1-2, 17-24; MARK 16:15-20
Luke, 10:1 – After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
Luke, 10:2 – Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
Luke, 10:17 – And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
Luke, 10:18 – And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
Luke, 10:19 – Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Luke, 10:20 – Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Luke, 10:21 – In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
Luke, 10:22 – All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.
Luke, 10:23 – And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:
Luke, 10:24 – For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

Mark, 16:15 – And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark, 16:16 – He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Mark, 16:17 – And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Mark, 16:18 – They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Mark, 16:19 – So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
Mark, 16:20 – And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
DEFINITIONS:
Soul winning is simply the act of preaching the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to the sinners and the unsaved in the world. It is the act of snatching unbelievers from the hands of the devil and hell fire; and making them the children of God qualified for heaven.
Trigger is a device that activates or releases or causes something to happen

Great means:1. Large, big, vast, huge, bulky, ample, immense, gigantic, Herculean, Cyclopean, enormous.

2. Much, excessive, high.
3. Numerous, countless.
4. Considerable, important, weighty.
5. Distinguished, eminent, prominent, exalted, elevated, excellent, noted, illustrious, celebrated, famous, famed, renowned.

Testimony is an assertion offering firsthand authentication of a fact. It is the evidence or proof of an encounter or experience. Testimony is something that serves as evidence.
When we engage in soul winning which is the ultimate heartbeat of God, there is bound to be untold testimonies of miraculous moves of God in confirmation of the scriptures.

From scriptures, we discover that soul winning is the most profitable of all Kingdom stewardship endeavours because it covers all things we will ever need.

EVIDENCES OR TESTIMONIES OF SOUL WINNING

1. The value of a soul to Jesus is worth more than all the wealth of the world put together. As it is written: For what is a man profited, t hehe shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul (Matthew 16:26).
2. Soul winning covers all the things that money cannot buy (Luke 22:35).
   Luke, 22:35 – And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.
   3.Also, commitment to soul winning enthrones the soul winner in his/her field of endeavours. The Bible says: That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Luke 22:30; Proverbs 11:30).
   Luke, 22:30 – That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
   Proverbs, 11:30 – The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
3. Furthermore, soul winning makes kings of men. For it is written: By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. Soul winning makes kings of believers because soul winning makes wise (Proverbs 8:15-16, 13:20).
   Proverbs, 8:15 – By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
   Proverbs, 8:16 – By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
   Proverbs, 13:20 – He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

We saw how wisdom enthrones Joseph, Daniel and the likes in the Bible and wisdom is still enthroning men today. Every time we go out after souls, we are going with Jesus. The Bible records:
Mark 16:20. “And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.”

5. We also understand from scriptures that soul winning is a covenant gold mine. Concerning Peter, the Bible records:
   Luke 18:28-30; Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting. This connotes that, every investment made towards Kingdom advancement in terms of time, energy and resources entitles us to a hundred-fold more in this present time and in the world to come life everlasting. Daniel 12:3
   Daniel, 12:3 – And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
   HOW TO ACTIVATE THIS TRIGGER (SOUL WINNING)
6. Develop a burning passion or concerns for sinners. In case you used to have that passion before, but the fire has gone down, this is a great opportunity for you to rekindle the fire. Isa. 52:1-2, 7.
7. Pray for fresh baptism and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8
8. Be on the “Go”. The commandment of our Lord Jesus Christ is to Go. Mark 16:15-16.
9. Be dogged and compel them by whatever means God has endowed you. Don’t give up on them. Pray without ceasing for them until they are saved. Luke 14:23
10. Follow them up until they are established and well grounded in the faith serving the Lord. Gal. 4:19.
    BENEFITS OF SOUL WINNING
    What then, are the Benefits of Soul Winning?
11. It Empowers Believers for Dominion: For it is written: And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name (Luke 10:17). They were on a soul winning mission and they had dominion over demons. Jesus said to them: Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke 10:19).
12. Soul Winning Stimulates Joy Unspeakable: No genuine soul winner ever gets depressed. The Bible records:
    Luke 10:17. And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
    Luke 15:7; Because: I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
    Remember, what we sow is what we reap (Galatians 6:7). So, when we give joy to heaven, we will reap heavenly joy on the earth. Depression is a destroyer of destinies but when we are on the go for Jesus or praying to God to save the lost; we find ourselves smiling. We can’t be harvesting souls for Jesus and not be rejoicing.
13. Health: We cannot be on the go for God and be serving sickness at the same time. For it is written:
    Exodus 23:25-26; And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee. There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfil.
    We cannot buy that with money. The Bible says: “A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.” Proverbs 13:17.

This implies that God is committed to keep us fit if we are on the go for Him because He said in John 15:2;
“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit”.

4. When you are a soul winner, you gladden the heart of God. And God will cause you to be blessed and distinguished from others. You will be singled out for God’s blessings. You will be a treasured possession in God’s hands. Mal. 3:17-18. Malachi: 3. 17. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. 18. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. – 5. Soul winning will also give you access to untold and unparalleled wisdom of God that will make you excel in your job, your business, your career, your marriage and any endeavour of yours. Prov.11:30, 8:11-19
   Proverbs: 11. 30. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. Proverbs: 8. 11. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. 12. I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. 13. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. 14. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. 15. By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. 16. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. 17. I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. 18. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. 19. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
5. When you are a soul winner, you shine like stars. Darkness and gloominess cannot survive around you. Dan.12:3.
   Daniel: 12. 3. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
6. Lack, poverty and insufficiency will be alien to you. Because you are addicted to God’s heartbeat which is salvation of the souls of men, He will ensure that your needs are met on regular basis. Luke: 22:35. And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

TOTAL RECOVERY
TEXT: I SAMUEL 30:1-8, 17-19; 2 KINGS 8:1-6.

WHAT IS TOTAL RECOVERY?
“Total” means whole, not divided, entire, full, complete, integral, aggregate, gross, mass, sum etc.
It means including everything and nothing missing or left. It is a quantity obtained by the addition of a group of numbers.
Recovery on the other hand means return to the original state. It is getting, or gaining of something not previously had or something previously lost. It can also mean the act of recovering, regaining, or re taking possession. Recovery can also mean restoration from sickness, weakness, faintness etc; restoration from a condition of misfortune or of fright etc. 1 Sam. 9:1-5, 15-20; 2 Kings 6:1-7.
NOTE: Whatever you have lost, or has been stolen or destroyed in your life, your job or business etc, shall be recovered fully in Jesus name.

N.B. GOD IS COMING THROUGH FOR YOU AND TOTAL RECOVERY SHALL BE YOUR PORTION IN YOUR LIFE, HEALTH, MARRIAGE, FINANCES, JOBS, BUSINESS, CAREER, OPPRTUNITIES OR ANY OTHER AREA OF YOUR LIFE THAT YOU HAVE LOST ONE THING OR THE OTHER.
YOU WILL NOT ONLY ENJOY TOTAL RECOVERY, YOU WILL RECOVER SEVENFOLD IN THE NAME OF JESUS NAME.

VARIOUS AREAS OF TOTAL RECOVERY

1. SPIRITUAL LIFE: This is the most important area of recovery that will bring about all round and total recovery in every other sphere of your Life. Life is first Spiritual before it is physical. When you get it right spiritually, you will get it right in every other area of your life. Psalm 51:10-12; John 3:3,5; II Cor. 5:17.
2. HEALTH: You must discover and recover your health in case you have been having Challenges in this area. Jer. 30:17; Mark 5:25-34; II Kings 5:1-3, 9-14; III John 2; Isa. 38:9.
3. DREAM/VISION: Any dream or vision you have had before that seems lost or forgotten must be recovered . You will recover that vision again. It will yet speak. Don’t give up on it. Gen. 37:5-9, 41:14; 43:1-28; Hab. 2:1-3.
4. PROPERTIES, POSSESSIONS, OR FORTUNE: If you have ever lost properties or any possession, God will cause you to recover you to recover them even seven fold in Jesus name. 1 Sam. 9:1-3, 20; II Kings 6:1-7, 8:1-6; Joel 2:24-27.
5. STATUS OR POSITION: It is God’s will for you to recover your lost or stolen status or position. Eze 21:27; Jer. 52:31-34; Dan. 4:28-57.
6. MONEY: Every money that you have ever lost or stolen shall be recovered and restored back to you in Jesus name. Job. 20:15; Gen. 42:25-28; Luke 15:8-10.
7. GLORY AND HONOUR: The glory and honour that you have been denied of are coming back to you in a big way. Shame and reproach are far away from you in Jesus name. Psalm 126:1-3.
8. MARRIAGE/FAMILY: It is God’s will that you recover your marriage / family from every hold of the enemy. Love, peace, joy and fulfillment are coming back to your home in Jesus name. I Sam. 30:1-6; Job 42:10-15.
9. OPPORTUNITIES: Opportunities once lost can still be regained in Christ Jesus. You will also recover every lost opportunity in Jesus name. Luke 5:1-7.

SOME EXAMPLES OF PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCED TOTAL RECOVERY IN THE SCRIPTURES
DAVID. I SAM.30:18-19.
THE SHUNAMITE WOMAN WHO WAS A BLESSING TO PROPHET ELISHA. II KINGS 8:1-6
THE ONLY SON OF THE WIDOW OF ZAREPHAT WAS RESTORED TO LIFE FROM THE DEAD. I KINGS 17:19-24.
KING HEZEKIAH ENJOYED TOTAL RECOVERY OF HIS HEALTH FROM A TERMINAL SICKNESS. 15 ADDITIONAL YEARS WERE ADDED TO HIS YEAR BY GOD. ISA.38:1-5, 15-19.
The woman with the issue of blood recovered her health, wealth and dignity after she had an encounter with Jesus. Mark 5:25-34.

KEYS TO EXPERIENCING AND ENJOYING TOTAL RECOVERY

1. THE GOD-FACTOR: If you want to experience total and durable recovery, you need God. Without Him, you can do nothing. David knew this and the was the reason he encouraged himself in the Lord his God. He also sought the face of God for direction on how to go. 1 Sam. 30:6-8.
2. ENGAGING THE MINISTRY OF THE MINISTERS OR PROPHETS OF GOD: If you wany total recovery, honour thr ministers of God that He has placed over your life. When recoveries are mentioned in the Bible, there will always be a reference to the impact or role played by the prophets of God. 1 Sam. 30:7-8; 2 Kings 6:1-7; 8:1-7.
3. THE KEY OF KNOWLEDGE OR INFORMATION: KNOWLEDGE IS POWER WHEN IT IS KNOWN AND RIGHTLY APPROPRIATED. IF YOU WANT TO EXPERIENCE TOTAL RECOVERY, YOU MUST HAVE THE ADEQUATE KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT YOU HAVE LOST AND HOW TO GO ABOUT IT FOR YOU TO HAVE THE FULL RECOVERY OF YOUR LOSSES. DAVID KNEW WHAT HE WAS LOOKING FOR AND HE ALSO HAD THE INFORMATION ON HOW TO REGAIN HIS LOSSES. 1 Sam. 30:1-8; 11-16; Hosea 4:6.
4. COURAGE / BOLDNESS. DAVID WAS INITIALLY DISCOURAGED AND CAST DOWN LIKE EVERY OTHER PERSON. BUT HE HAD TO ENCOURAGE HIMSELF IN THE LORD. IF YOU MUST EXPERIENCE TOTAL RECOVERY, YOU NEED TO PICK YOUR UP COURAGE BACK. REFUSE TO GIVE UP. FORGET ABOUT YOUR PAST. YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE SIMPLY BECAUSE YOU FAILED. DON’T ACCEPT THE STATUS OF A FAILURE. 1 Sam.30:6; Jos.1:5-7, 9.
5. DETERMINATION. DAVID WAS DETERMINED TO MAKE IT DESPITE ALL THE CHALLENGES AROUND HIM. ONE THING YOU MUST ALWAYS REMEMBER IS THAT THE DEVIL IS ALWAYS RENDERED POWERLESS IN THE FACE OF DETERMINATION. BE DETERMINED, YOU WILL MAKE IT. 1 Sam. 30:9-11; Judges 8:1-13.
6. DIVINE INSTRUCTION AND DIRECTION IN A PLACE OF PRAYERS AND STUDY OF THE WORD OF GOD. DON’T JOKE WITH YOUR TIME OF FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD. SEEK HIS FACE AND HE WILL ANSWER YOU. 1 Sam. 30:7-8; JERE.33:3; PSALM 32:8.
7. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. HAVE FAITH IN GOD’S GRACE AND ABILITY THAT HE HAS DEPOSITED INSIDE YOU. YOU ARE NOT EMPTY. YOU ARE NOT ORDINARY. GO FORTH AND PURSUE THAT DESIRE. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO SUCCEED IS IN YOU. STIR THAT ABILITY ON YOUR INSIDE, YOU WILL RECOVER ALL THAT HAS ELUDED YOU IN JESUS NAME. Judges 12:1-3; MARK 9:23; Phil. 4:13.
8. FOCUS. WHEN YOU ARE RUNNING A RACE AND PURSUING GOLD, YOU DON’T LOOK BACK OR SIDEWAYS. YOUR FOCUS WILL BE ON THE TOUCHLINE. SO FOCUS ON YOUR DREAM AND VISION. REFUSE TO BE DISTRACTED, YOU WILL MAKE IT TO YOUR DESIRED END. TOTAL RECOVERY IS GOD’S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE. 1 Sam. 30:9-10; PHIL.3:13-14.
9. PERSISTENCE: NO MATTER HOW HARD A GROUND IS, IF YOU KEEP POURING WATER ON THE SAME SPOT, IT WILL BREAK. BE IMPORTUNATE AND PERSISSTENT. THE SHUNEMITE WOMAN REFUSED TO KEEP QUIET BEFORE THE KING, ALSO THE WIDOW REFUSED TO GIVE UP AND SHE RECOVERED ALL THAT WHAT WAS HERS FROM THE UNJUST JUDGE BECAUSE SHE WAS PERSISTENT. 2 Kings 8:1-6; LUKE 18:1-6.
10. ENGAGE IN GOOD DEEDS. DAVID WAS ABLE TO RECOVER ALL THEY LOST BECAUSE HE SHOWED LOVE TO THE NEEDY EGYPTIAN. DON’T CLOSE YOUR BOWEL OF MERCY AND COMPASSION TO THE LESS PRIVILEGED. DON’T LOOK DOWN ON ANYBODY. THE PERSON MAY BE YOUR DIVINELY ORDAINED SAVIOR OR LINK TO THE RECOVERY OF ALL THAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IN LIFE. CONSIDER THE POOR AND THE NEEDY SO THAT GOD CAN CONSIDER YOU FOR RECOVERY. 1 Sam. 30:10-18; Prov. 21:13.

BENEFITS OF EXPERIENCING TOTAL RECOVERY

1. PERSONAL JOY AND FULFILMENT. Psalm 126:1-6.
2. RESTORATION OF LOST GLORY, HONOUR AND FAVOUR.
3. RESTORATION OF RESPECT AND DIGNITY FROM PEOPLE WHO HAD ONCE WRITTEN YOU OFF AND LOOKED DOWN ON YOU.
4. PROSPERITY. ABUNDANCE OF EVERY GOOD THING OF LIFE FOLLOWS RECOVERY AND RESTORATION. JOEL 2:26-27.
5. SUCCESS AND FAME: AFTER YOU HAVE RECOVERED ALL, PEOPLE WILL HEAR OF YOU AND THEY WILL WANT TO IDENTIFY WITH YOU AGAIN. “SUCCESS HAS MANY FRIENDS AND RELATIVES, BUT FAILURE IS AN ORPHAN”.
6. GOD WILL BE HAPPY WITH YOU AND BE PROUD OF YOU. Isa. 43:21.

THE WONDERS OF PRAISE
TEXT: PSALM 147:1-7, 149:1-9.

Praise is offering words of homage as an act of worship to God. Praise is pleasant and comely (beautiful). God inhabits the praises of His people. Psalm 22:3
There are ‘ways’ of offering qualitative and acceptable praises to God. When praises ascend to heaven, untold wonders are being wrought in the lives of the people of God.
HOW TO ENGAGE IN WONDERS OF PRAISE
By using our mouths to talk about and extol the greatness of God and His wonderful acts. I Chron.29:10-14.
By lifting up of our hands. Psalm134:2
We can praise God by clapping. Psalm 47:1
By making a joyful shout unto the Lord. Psalm 100:1, 95:1.
God is also praised when we sing songs particularly new songs unto Him. Psalm 149:1, 147:7, 98:1.
We are to praise God with understanding. Psalm 47:6-7.
By using different instruments of music, we can also engage in wonders of praise. Psalm149:3, 150:4-5.
Praising God can also be done both in the spirit and understanding. I Cor.14:15b.
The wonders of praise are also expressed with our dancing. Psalm 149:3, 150:4.

TIME TO EXPERIENCE GREAT THINGS
TEXT: Joel 2:18:27, Job 5:8-27
The word “Great” means:
Notably large in size, huge.
Large in number – numerous.
Remarkable in magnitude, degree, or effectiveness.
Eminent, distinguished.
Markedly superior in character or quality.
Our God is a “Great God” who specializes in doing great things. Every of His doings are great and immeasurable. He does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number, (Job 5:9, 9:10, 37:5; Psalm 71:19, 86:10.
The Bible is filled with God’s manifold moves and works that are testimonies to His greatness and great works.
NOTE: If great things are all that God does, then it is your time for Him to do Great things in your life. Job. 9:10.
SOME INSTANCES OF GREAT THINGS THAT GOD HAS DONE
He made Joseph, a prisoner to become a Prime Minister in a strange land. Gen.41:14-44.
He gave His people favour in the sight of their oppressors and task masters. Exo.12:35-36.
He parted the Red Sea for His children, while their enemies were drowned in the same Red Sea. Exo.14:13-31.
He caused the barren women to be joyful mother of children. Gen.21:1-3; Psalm 113:9.
He delivered His servants miraculously from prisons. Acts 12:5-17; 16:16-28.
He delivered Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from the fiery furnace. Dan.3:8-25.
He shut the mouth of lions and they could not harm Daniel. Daniel 6:9-24.
He turned the life of a widow from indebtedness to be coming a rich oil baron. II Kings 4:1-7.
The economy of Samaria was transformed from recession to a bountiful and prosperous economy within 24 hours. II Kings 7:1-20.
He gave Mordecai, a gateman an uncommon favour. He changed his status to become a second in command to King Ahasuerus. Esther 3:2, 6:1-11, 10:2-3.

CATALYSTS TO EXPERIENCING GREAT THINGS
EMBRACING THE GREAT GOD. Our God is a great God. He is the only source of durable and fulfilling Great Things. If you want to experience and enjoy the great things in life, then you need to walk with Him. Without Him, you can do nothing. Psalm 86:10; Job 5:8-9; John 15:5.
EXPECTATION: You will always experience what you expect. Expectation is the mother of experience. If you expect small things, that is what you will experience, and if on the other hand you expect great things, that will be your experience. Prov.23:18, 24:14.
UNQUECHABLE QUEST AND DESIRE. If you want to experience great things, then you must desire it and seek for it. Great things have price tag and you must be willing to pay for it. It will not come on a platter of gold. Jeremiah 45:5a; Psalm 63:1-3.
ENGAGE IN EFFECTUAL PRAYERS. God said when we call on Him, He will show us great and mighty things. So your prayers can deliver great things into your hands. Jere.33:3.
GLADNESS AND JOYFULNESS: When you are joyful, then you attract great things to come your way. It is with joy that we draw water out of the well of salvation. Isa.12:3; Joel 2:21.
QUALITATIVE PRAISE AND WORSHIP. Murmuring and complaining will attract nothing other than sorrow and pain. But if you give God qualitative praise, He will raise you and do great and unsearchable things in your life. He broke the chains and shackles of Paul and Silas in the place of uncommon praise. Acts 16:25; Psalm 114:1-5.
YOUR CONFESSIONS: The words of your mouth will either attract great things to you or drive away great things from you. Num.14:28; Prov.18:20-21. James 3:5.
DILIGENCE: Great things will always be the experience of the diligent and not the lazy and slothful folks. Put your hands to work and great things will surround you any where you find yourself. Prov.12:24, 27, 22:29;
HAVE FAITH IN GOD AND IN YOURSELF: Refuse to doubt have unbelief. When God said He will do great things, all you need to do is just to belief Him, and also belief that you can have whatever He has promised. Heb.11:6; James 1:6-8.
COURAGE AND BOLDNESS: God said “Fear not” because fear has the ability of robbing you of great things He has promised. Be bold and courageous. Great things are yours for the take. Joel 2:21.
YOUR GIVING: If you want to really experience great things in your finances, you be willing and ready to be a cheerful and sacrificial giver. Solomon’s giving caused God to do great things in his life. I Kings 3:3-13.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN GOD DOES GREAT THINGS
He sets on high those who are low and those who are mourning are exalted to safety. Job 5:11.
He gives rain upon the earth. He makes desert to become a fruitful land. Job 5:10, Isa. 35:1-2, 7.
He disappoints the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise. Job. 5:12, Isa. 44:25.
He delivers from all troubles. No evil shall touch you. Job 5:19, Psalm 91:10.
He shall redeem you from famine or recession. He divinely provide for your needs when others are crying of lack and hunger. 1 Kings 17:8-16; Job. 5:20, 22; Psalm 112:1-2. You will not be affected by any economic crunch. Abundance shall be your portion.
You shall be hid from the scourge of the tongue. Every tongue that rises up against you will be condemned. Job 5:21, Isa. 54:17.
The untold peace of God will surround you and all that pertains to you. Job 5:24.
Your seed (Children) shall be great. They will not be wayward. Job 5.25
You will live a long, healthy and fulfilled life. Nothing will cut your life short. The number of your days you shall fulfill. Job 5:26, Psalm 91:16.
He will part Red Sea, level mountains and every obstacle on your way of fulfillment of destiny. Exo. 14:13-14, 26-29.

TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE POWER OF FASTING AND PRAYERS
TEXT: 2 CHRONICLES 20:1-7,13-17, 21-24; ISAIAH 58:1-14; JOEL 2:15-29; Zechariah 8:18-23; Matthew 6:16-21.
WHAT IS FASTING?
Fasting simply means a deliberate abstinence from food and other forms of pleasures for a given period of time in order to pray and seek the face of God for a particular need or problem.
WHY FASTING?

1. We engage in fasting in obedience to God’s word. It is a commandment from God. Isa. 58:3-6; Matt. 6:16.
2. Fasting is necessary in order to put our flesh under and allow our spirit man to be sensitive and in-tune to God. Rom. 8:13, 14; Col.3:5.
3. Fasting will help you to be focused on God and avoid other distractions in the place of prayers. Acts 10:9-16.
4. Our Lord Jesus Christ fasted often. So as believers we need to follow His footsteps. Matt.4:1-11.
5. The Apostles and Disciples also fasted in different occasions. Acts 13:1-3.
6. Fasting is also needed in order to deal with some stubborn and unyielding forces and challenges of life. Esther 4:15-17; Isa.58:6.
7. We fast to humble and chasten our souls before God. Psalm 9:10, 35:13.
8. Fasting is also needed to give the digestive system a rest. Fasting is therapeutic for the body system. Luke 5:33-35.
9. We need fasting in order to enhance an effectual and fervent prayers. Matt. 17:14-21; James 5:16-18.
10. Another reason for fasting is to pull down strongholds of the enemy. 2 Cor. 10:3-5.

DO’S AND DON’TS OF FASTING
A. DO’S OF FASTING

1. Abstain from food and other forms of pleasures. Jonah 3:1-9
2. Anoint your head and cream your face so as not to announce yourself that you are fasting. Matt. 6:17-18.
3. Spend quality time to study the Bible and pray. If you are very busy with your work schedule, you can fast at weekends. Acts 13:1-4.
4. Take water regularly if it is a long fast.
5. Have a goal or objective for fasting. You must determine the reason(s) why you want to fast and pray.
6. Spend a good time to praise and worship God during the fasting.
7. Decide on the time you want to spend for the fasting.
8. When breaking the fast, use water (maybe warm) or you can eat fruits that are not acidic.
9. Eat food slowly and in small bits when breaking the fast. Avoid solid food in breaking the fast.
10. Wash your mouth and let a good breath come out of your mouth.
11. Be merciful and forgiving so that God can also forgive you and grant your prayer requests. Mark 11:25-26.
12. Get scriptures to back your prayer requests. Hosea 14:1-2; 1 John 5:14-15.

DON’TS OF FASTING

1. Don’t just run into fasting without any objective in mind just because other people are fasting.
2. Don’t move close to food and any area where food is prepared in order to avoid temptation.
3. Don’t make your countenance announce you that you are fasting. Matt. 6:16-18.
4. Don’t use your mouth to announce it either.
5. Don’t engage in any argument or quarrel that can lead to fighting. Isa.58:4.
6. Don’t fast when you won’t have time to study and pray.
7. Don’t live for yourself, and don’t oppress when you are fasting.
8. Don’t eat solid and excessive food when you are breaking the fast.
9. Don’t fix your eyes on the clock in order to see if the time to break is close.

BENEFITS OF FASTING
Your voice will be heard by God and your prayers will be answered. Isa. 58:4.
Your fasting will bring about deliverance to the oppressed . Isa. 58:16. Yokes shall be destroyed.
Your light will break forth like the dawn. Isa 58:8.
You will enjoy sound and perfect health and healing. Isa 58:8.
You will walk in righteousness and covered by God’s glory. Isa. 58:8.
Your light will rise in darkness or obscurity.; and your night will become like a noon day. Isa. 58:10.
You will also enjoy perfect divine guidance. Isa. 58:11.
Abundance and prosperity will also be your experience even in the midst of famine or adversity. Isa. 58:11.
God will use you as a restorer of lives and destinies. Isa. 58:11.
You will also become a raiser of foundations of many generations. Isa. 58:12.
God will make you to ride upon the high places of the earth. Isa. 58:14.
God will feed you with the inheritan ce of Jacob; and you will also become a covenant carrier. Isa. 58:14.
You will eat in plenty and be satisfied. Joel 2:26.
God will do a new thing in your life as the evidence of fasting. Joel 2:21.
You will no more be a reproach in the sight of the people. Joel 2:19.
All your enemies will be driven away from you. You will be a terror to your enemies. Joel 2:20.
Your business/job and endeavors will be fruitful and prosperous. Joel 2:22.
God will send rain to your land. You will no longer experience drought or scarcity. Joel 2:23.
All your wasted years shall be restored. Everything the enemies has taken away from you shall be restored. Joel 2:24.
You will no longer be ashamed in your life. Instead of shame, glory and honour will be your testimony. Joel 2:26-27.
Joy, gladness and joyful feasts are the byproducts of fasting and prayers. Zech.8:19.
Calamity, destruction and God’s judgement are averted through fasting and prayers. Jonah 3:1-10.
Safety and journey mercies are enhanced by the reason of fasting. Ezra 8:21-23, 31-32.
Through fasting, God will also deliver us from our strong enemies and intimidating warfare against us. 2 Chron. 20:1-

UNDERSTANDING THE PURPOSES OF GREAT HARVEST
TEXT: LUKE 12:15-21

Luke: 12. 15. And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. 16. And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17. And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18. And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 21. So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. – Bible Offline

Luke.12.15 Speaking to the people, he went on, “Take care! Protect yourself against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot.” (MSB)
Luke.12.16 Then he told them this story: “The farm of a certain rich man produced a terrific crop. (MSB)
Luke.12.17 He talked to himself: “What can I do? My barn isn’t big enough for this harvest.’ (MSB)
Luke.12.18 Then he said, “Here’s what I’ll do: I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll gather in all my grain and goods, (MSB)
Luke.12.19 and I’ll say to myself, Self, you’ve done well! You’ve got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!’ (MSB)
Luke.12.20 “Just then God showed up and said, “Fool! Tonight you die. And your barnful of goods–who gets it?’ (MSB)
Luke.12.21 “That’s what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God.” (MSB)

UNDERSTANDING IS THE ABILITY TO GRASP THE MEANING OF SOMETHING; THE ABILITY TO PERCEIVE AND EXPLAIN THE MEANING OR THE NATURE OF SOMEBODY OR SOMETHING.
PURPOSE IS THE REASON FOR WHICH SOMETHING EXISTS AND FOR WHICH IT HAS BEEN DONE OR MADE.
THE REASON OR PURPOSE WHY GOD IS RELEASING BUMPER HARVEST TO US NOW MUST BE WELL UNDERSTOOD IN ORDER FOR US NOT TO ABUSE IT OR MISUSE IT.
N.B. WHEN PURPOSE IS NOT KNOWN, ABUSE IS INEVITABLE.
LESSONS FROM THE PARABLE OF THE RICH FOOL
GOD BLESSED THE GROUND OF THE RICH MAN WITH BUMPER HARVEST.
THE MAN THOUGHT HIS ACHIEVEMENT WAS BY HIS PERSONAL EFFORTS.
HE HAS A SELFISH TENDENCY BECAUSE HIS WORDS WERE FILLED WITH “I”, AND “MY”. HE DIDN’T MENTION ANY MEMBER OF HIS FAMILY.
THE MAN WAS LAYING UP TREASURE FOR HIMSELF AND HE WAS NOT RICH TOWARDS GOD.
GOD DECLARED THE MAN FOOLISH AND HIS SOUL WAS REQUIRED OF HIM THAT SAME NIGHT.
THE PEOPLE HE NEVER KNEW EVENTUALLY ATE ALL HIS WEALTH AND INHERITANCE.

PURPOSES OF GREAT HARVEST
IT IS FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD. DEUT.8:17-18. Deuteronomy: 8. 17. And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. 18. But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. – Bible Offline
BUMPER HARVEST IS FOR YOU AND YOUR HOUSEHOLDS TO ENJOY. DEUT.8:7-10
Deuteronomy: 8. 7. For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills; 8. A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey; 9. A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass. 10. When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.
IT FOR YOU TO ALSO BE A BLESSING BOTH TO THE HOUSEHOLD OF GOD AND TO THE LESS PRIVILEGED. GEN. 12:1-3; Gal. 6:10. Genesis: 12. 1. Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2. And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3. And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Galatians: 6. 10. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
IT IS MEANT FOR YOU TO IMPACT YOUR SOCIETY AND YOUR GENERATION AND EVEN GENERATIONS YET UNBORN.
ABOVE ALL, BUMPER HARVEST IS FOR YOU TO GLORIFY GOD WHO HAS EMPOWERED YOU TO GET IT. Isa. 43:21; 1 Pet. 2:12. Isaiah: 43. 21. This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise. 1 Peter: 2. 12. Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

REMEMBER ALL HIS BENEFITS
TEXT: PSALM 30:1-12, 103:1-10; PSALM 92:1-15
Psalm: 30. 1. I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. 2. O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. 3. O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. 4. Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. 5. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. 6. And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved. 7. LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled. 8. I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication. 9. What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth? 10. Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper. 11. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; 12. To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
Psalm: 103. 1. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4. Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5. Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 6. The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. 7. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. 8. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 9. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. 10. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
Psalm: 92. 1. It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: 2. To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, 3. Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound. 4. For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. 5. O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep. 6. A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.

Remember [v. a.]: 1. Recall, recollect, call to mind, call up, call to remembrance, have at one’s fingers’ ends, know by heart.

2. Retain, bear in mind, keep in mind, bear in memory, preserve the memory of, treasure in the memory, tax the memory with.
   benefit [n.]: 1. Favor, service, act of kindness, good turn, kind office.
3. Advantage, profit, avail, gain, good, utility, behalf, behoof, account, interest.

God has bestowed us with great benefits from the beginning of the year till today that money cannot buy. What God deserves from us as believers is not complaints about what we have not seen done in our lives, but a qualitative heart of praise and thanksgiving in appreciation of all that He has done for us out of His grace and faithfulness.
WHAT GOD EXPECTS FROM US
Remember all His benefits towards us.
Praise and thank Him.
Sing and dance unto Him in appreciation of all His benefits in our lives.
Offer thanksgiving offerings to Him as an evidence of a sincere heart of appreciation.
EFFECTS OF THANKSGIVING (from Psalm 92)
Gladness of heart. Psalm 92:4
Triumph and all round victory. Psalm 92:4
Exaltation, Elevation or Promotion. Psalm 92:10
You will overcome all those who rise up against you. Psalm 92:11
You will flourish like a palm tree. You will be resourceful and be relevant in all season. You will never experience any dryness. You will be evergreen and always full of life. Psalm 92:12
You will be divinely established and you will prosper. Psalm 92:13
You will live long in sound health. You will be radiant, fruitful and relevant even in your old age. Psalm 92:14