APPRECIATION IS APPLICATION FOR MORE

Title: APPRECIATION IS APPLICATION FOR MORE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 100:4
Supporting Texts: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Luke 17:15-19, John 6:11-13, Malachi 2:1-2, Philippians 4:6-7.

INTRODUCTION:
The act of appreciation—giving thanks for what God has done—is more than just polite recognition. It’s a spiritual principle that opens the door for more blessings. When we thank God, we are acknowledging His role in our lives and expressing a desire for His continued presence and provision. Just as someone who shows gratitude is more likely to receive again, our appreciation to God serves as a reminder of His faithfulness and invites His continued blessings.

1. THE PRINCIPLE OF APPRECIATION

a) Acknowledging God as the Source of Every Blessing:
Appreciation is recognising that every good gift comes from God (James 1:17).

b) Gratitude Strengthens Our Relationship with God:
Just as gratitude strengthens human relationships, it deepens our walk with God (Psalm 103:1-5).

c) Appreciation Releases Us from a Sense of Entitlement:
A thankful heart is humble, not demanding but trusting (Luke 18:13-14).

d) Thankfulness as a Lifestyle:
We are called to be thankful in all circumstances, making gratitude a continual practice (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Biblical Example: The leper who returned to thank Jesus was made whole, showing that appreciation leads to full blessings (Luke 17:15-19).

2. APPRECIATION INVITES MULTIPLICATION

a) Gratitude Precedes Miracles:
Jesus gave thanks before multiplying the loaves and fish, showing that appreciation releases increase (John 6:11-13).

b) Thanksgiving Activates God's Provision:
When we thank God for what we have, we position ourselves to receive more (Psalm 67:5-6).

c) Appreciation as a Seed for More Blessings:
Thanksgiving is a way of sowing, and what we sow we will also reap (2 Corinthians 9:6-11).

d) Thankfulness Fosters Contentment and Trust in God’s Provision:
A thankful heart is content, leading to greater blessings (Philippians 4:6-7).

Biblical Example: When Jesus gave thanks for the loaves and fish, there was not only enough for everyone, but there were also leftovers, demonstrating that gratitude brings overflow (John 6:11-13).

3. GRATITUDE AS A FORM OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE

a) Thanksgiving as a Weapon Against the Enemy:
Gratitude reminds us of God’s goodness, confusing the enemy and strengthening our faith (Psalm 8:2).

b) Gratitude Defeats Negative Thoughts and Doubts:
A thankful heart has no room for fear or anxiety (2 Chronicles 20:21-22).

c) Thanksgiving Reorients Our Mind to God’s Power:
Focusing on what God has done bolsters our faith for the future (Psalm 136).

d) Thanksgiving Creates a Barrier Against Complaints and Bitterness:
Grateful hearts are protected from destructive thoughts (Hebrews 12:15).

Biblical Example: Paul and Silas praised God in prison, which led to their miraculous release (Acts 16:25-26).

4. CONSEQUENCES OF A LACK OF APPRECIATION

a) Missing Out on Greater Blessings:
Ingratitude limits our capacity to receive (Malachi 2:1-2).

b) Blocking the Flow of God’s Favour:
Refusing to appreciate God leads to spiritual dryness (Deuteronomy 28:47-48).

c) Ingratitude Can Lead to Hardened Hearts:
Without appreciation, we risk becoming callous to God’s blessings (Romans 1:21).

d) Ungrateful Hearts are Prone to Complaints and Negativity:
Complaining blinds us to God’s goodness (Numbers 11:1).

Biblical Example: The Israelites failed to thank God consistently, resulting in delayed blessings and consequences (Numbers 14:1-4).

5. PRACTICING APPRECIATION DAILY

a) Starting Each Day with Thanksgiving:
Begin every day by thanking God for His grace and mercy (Psalm 118:24).

b) Remembering and Recounting God’s Goodness:
Reflect on what God has done and share testimonies with others (Psalm 103:2).

c) Praying with a Heart of Gratitude:
Make gratitude central to your prayers (Philippians 4:6-7).

d) Showing Appreciation Through Service and Giving:
Gratitude can be expressed through acts of kindness and generosity (Hebrews 13:16).

Biblical Example: David exemplified a lifestyle of praise and thanksgiving, which elevated him to a position of honour (Psalm 100:4).

CONCLUSION:
Appreciation truly is an application for more. As we show gratitude to God, we are positioned for greater blessings, deeper relationship, and divine multiplication. Let us cultivate a lifestyle of thanksgiving, recognising that every good thing comes from the Lord. A grateful heart opens doors, breaks chains, and attracts divine favour. May we always approach God with a spirit of appreciation, knowing that He delights in our gratitude and rewards it abundantly.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me a heart of gratitude in all circumstances.

2. Father, forgive me for times of ingratitude and strengthen my thankfulness.

3. Lord, I thank You for every blessing I have received.

4. Father, help me to appreciate Your goodness and attract greater blessings.

5. Lord, grant me the grace to praise You continually.

6. Father, let my life reflect a heart of gratitude.

7. Lord, help me to use gratitude as a tool for spiritual victory.

8. Father, open my eyes to see Your goodness in every situation.

9. Lord, may my appreciation unlock divine multiplication in my life.

10. Father, thank You for Your unending love, mercy, and provision.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that my heart overflows with gratitude, inviting divine abundance.

2. As I thank God, I rise into new realms of blessings and favour.

3. I am positioned for supernatural increase through a life of gratitude.

4. Every barrier to my blessings is broken as I give thanks.

5. I declare that my gratitude will attract divine multiplication in every area.

6. My life is marked by peace, joy, and divine provision through thankfulness.

7. As I thank God, His favour surrounds me like a shield.

8. I receive divine protection and promotion through my gratitude.

9. My heart is filled with joy, and I am lifted above every challenge.

10. I live a life of appreciation, and God opens new doors of blessings for me.

May we always remember that appreciation is indeed a powerful application for more blessings in our lives.