THE BLESSINGS OF THANKSGIVING

Title: THE BLESSINGS OF THANKSGIVING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 17:11-19
Supporting Texts: Psalm 100:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Psalm 103:1-5

INTRODUCTION:
Thanksgiving is more than a formality; it is a powerful act that brings numerous blessings into the life of a believer. The story of the one leper who returned to thank Jesus reveals that God values our gratitude and that thankfulness is a pathway to wholeness and blessing. In this message, we will explore the blessings that come from cultivating a heart of gratitude, as seen in the scriptures and illustrated through the leper who came back to Jesus.

1. THANKSGIVING BRINGS WHOLENESS

a) Completeness Beyond Physical Healing
When the leper returned to give thanks, Jesus blessed him with wholeness—something deeper than just physical healing.

b) Thanksgiving Leads to Inner Peace
Gratitude has the power to calm our hearts, bringing peace even in times of difficulty.

c) Restoring the Soul
Thanksgiving renews our spirit, helping us reconnect with God on a deeper level.

d) Thanksgiving as a Key to Restoration
Just as the leper was made whole, thanksgiving can lead to restored health, relationships, and blessings.

e) Biblical Example: The Grateful Leper
Jesus told the one grateful leper, “Your faith has made you well,” giving him wholeness (Luke 17:15-19).

2. THANKSGIVING OPENS DOORS TO GREATER BLESSINGS

a) Attracts Divine Favour
A thankful heart attracts God’s favour, positioning us for more blessings.

b) Unleashing More Blessings
Gratitude opens the door for God to do even more in our lives, as we see in the story of the leper.

c) Multiplication of Blessings
Just as Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes, thanksgiving can lead to an increase in blessings.

d) Continuous Provision
When we thank God for what we have, He entrusts us with more.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus Feeding the 5,000
Jesus gave thanks before multiplying the food, showing us how thanksgiving brings increase (John 6:11-13).

3. THANKSGIVING ENHANCES OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

a) Strengthens Our Bond with God
Gratitude deepens our connection with God, as we acknowledge His hand in every blessing.

b) Builds Faith and Trust
When we give thanks, we remind ourselves of God's faithfulness, which builds our faith.

c) Thanksgiving Leads to Greater Dependence on God
A thankful heart recognizes that we rely on God for all things.

d) Thanksgiving as Worship
Thanksgiving is an act of worship that brings us into God’s presence.

e) Biblical Example: King David’s Thanksgiving
David continually expressed gratitude, fostering a strong relationship with God (Psalm 103:1-2).

4. THANKSGIVING GUARDS AGAINST NEGATIVITY AND COMPLAINT

a) Shifts Focus from Problems to Blessings
A thankful heart focuses on God's goodness, not on life’s challenges.

b) Builds a Positive Mindset
Thanksgiving transforms our attitude, leading to joy and contentment.

c) Resisting the Spirit of Complaint
By giving thanks, we reject negativity and ingratitude.

d) Thanksgiving as a Weapon Against Discouragement
Gratitude uplifts our spirit, making it harder to be weighed down by burdens.

e) Biblical Example: Paul and Silas in Prison
Even in chains, they gave thanks, and God intervened (Acts 16:25-26).

CONCLUSION:
The blessings of thanksgiving are profound and far-reaching. Thanksgiving brings us wholeness, opens doors to divine favour, strengthens our relationship with God, and guards our hearts against negativity. Like the leper who returned to thank Jesus, we should cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude, knowing that it honours God and invites His continued blessings. Let us be intentional in offering our thanks, no matter our circumstances, and experience the abundance that flows from a thankful heart.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, grant me a heart of gratitude in all seasons.

2. Lord, let thanksgiving bring wholeness and completeness to my life.

3. Father, open new doors of blessings through my thanksgiving.

4. Lord, let my gratitude deepen my relationship with You.

5. Father, help me focus on Your blessings and not on life’s challenges.

6. Lord, shield my heart from negativity and complaint.

7. Father, let thanksgiving draw Your divine favour over my life.

8. Lord, may my thanksgiving multiply Your blessings upon me.

9. Father, give me the grace to be thankful even in trials.

10. Lord, may my life be a testimony of Your goodness through thanksgiving.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. As you give thanks, may you receive wholeness in every area of your life.

2. May the doors of divine favour open widely over you through your gratitude.

3. As you thank God, may He multiply your blessings.

4. May thanksgiving keep you joyful and at peace.

5. May every act of gratitude draw you closer to God’s heart.

6. As you honour God with thanksgiving, may He elevate you in ways unimaginable.

7. May God’s grace and provision flow abundantly as you give thanks.

8. May your heart of gratitude protect you from negativity and complaint.

9. May thanksgiving bring new opportunities and divine breakthroughs.

10. May you live a life full of God's blessings as you continually offer thanks.