THE POWER OF THANKSGIVING

Title: THE POWER OF THANKSGIVING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 17:11-19
Supporting Texts: Psalm 100:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Psalm 107:1-2

INTRODUCTION:
Thanksgiving is a powerful act of faith and gratitude that honours God. In the story of the ten lepers who were healed by Jesus, only one returned to give thanks, and he received a greater blessing as a result. Thanksgiving acknowledges God's work in our lives and positions us to receive even more from Him. In this message, we will explore the story of the grateful leper and the unique blessings that thanksgiving brings into our lives.

1. THANKSGIVING ACKNOWLEDGES GOD'S HAND IN OUR LIVES

a) Recognition of God's Goodness
When the leper returned, he recognized that his healing was from Jesus, acknowledging the source of his miracle.

b) Humility in Receiving
Thanksgiving shows humility, as we admit that our blessings come from God and not our own efforts.

c) Honouring God for His Mercy
By returning, the leper honoured God’s mercy and expressed gratitude for the gift of health.

d) Thanksgiving as Worship
The leper fell at Jesus' feet, symbolising worship. Thanksgiving is an act of worship and devotion.

e) Biblical Example: The Grateful Leper’s Return
The one leper who returned to thank Jesus received a unique blessing of being made whole (Luke 17:15-19).

2. THANKSGIVING OPENS THE DOOR TO GREATER BLESSINGS

a) Completeness in Blessing
Jesus told the grateful leper, "Your faith has made you well," granting him complete wholeness, not just physical healing.

b) Thanksgiving Draws Us Closer to God
By returning to Jesus, the leper built a closer relationship with the one who healed him.

c) Multiplication of Blessings
A heart of gratitude invites multiplication, as God sees that we value what He has given.

d) Thanksgiving Brings Satisfaction and Joy
True thanksgiving brings a deep sense of fulfilment, knowing that we have honoured God.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus Feeding the 5,000
Before multiplying the loaves and fishes, Jesus gave thanks, and God provided in abundance (John 6:11-13).

3. THANKSGIVING ENHANCES OUR FAITH AND CONFIDENCE

a) Strengthens Faith in God's Provision
Giving thanks reminds us of past blessings, strengthening our faith for future needs.

b) Builds Confidence in God’s Promises
When we thank God for what He has done, it builds confidence that He will do more.

c) Thanksgiving Keeps Us Focused on God’s Goodness
In difficult times, thanksgiving shifts our focus from problems to God’s power and mercy.

d) Thanksgiving Draws Divine Attention
The leper’s thanksgiving drew Jesus' attention, showing the importance God places on gratitude.

e) Biblical Example: Paul and Silas in Prison
Through thanksgiving and praise, Paul and Silas experienced divine intervention (Acts 16:25-26).

4. THE BLESSINGS OF A THANKFUL HEART

a) Divine Presence and Favour
Thanksgiving invites the presence of God, as He inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3).

b) Protection and Preservation
A thankful heart aligns us with God’s will, securing divine protection.

c) Continuous Flow of Blessings
When we thank God, we unlock a continuous flow of blessings in our lives.

d) Brings Glory to God
Thanksgiving brings glory to God, as we become testimonies of His goodness to others.

e) Biblical Example: Hannah’s Thanksgiving After Receiving Samuel
Hannah's thanksgiving and dedication of Samuel brought blessings to her family (1 Samuel 1:24-28).

CONCLUSION:
The power of thanksgiving is evident in the story of the leper who returned to thank Jesus. Thanksgiving goes beyond words; it is an expression of the heart that acknowledges God's hand in our lives, opens doors to greater blessings, and strengthens our faith. As we approach each day with a grateful heart, we position ourselves to receive more of God’s favour and blessings. Let us commit to being like the one leper who returned, always giving thanks and honouring God for His goodness.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, grant me a heart of gratitude in all situations.

2. Father, let my thanksgiving draw me closer to You.

3. Lord, help me to always remember and thank You for Your blessings.

4. Father, let my gratitude unlock greater blessings in my life.

5. Lord, may I never forget Your mercies and miracles.

6. Father, make me a testimony of Your goodness through thanksgiving.

7. Lord, let my thanksgiving bring joy and satisfaction to my heart.

8. Father, grant me the grace to give thanks in every situation.

9. Lord, let my thanksgiving attract Your divine presence and favour.

10. Father, make my life a vessel of praise and gratitude.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. May your thanksgiving open doors of divine favour in your life.

2. As you give thanks, may God make you whole and complete in every way.

3. May a heart of gratitude bring you into a deeper relationship with God.

4. As you honour God with thanksgiving, may He multiply your blessings.

5. May every act of thanksgiving unlock divine favour over your family.

6. May your gratitude draw God's presence and protection over you.

7. May God bless you abundantly as you continuously offer thanks.

8. As you thank Him, may He go before you and make every crooked path straight.

9. May your thanksgiving be a seed that yields a bountiful harvest.

10. May God remember your gratitude and bless you beyond your expectations.