Title: APPRECIATION LEADS TO APPRECIATION IN LIFE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Luke 17:15-19
Supporting Texts: Psalm 92:1-2, John 6:11-13, Psalm 50:23, James 1:17, Philippians 4:6-7
INTRODUCTION:
Appreciation, or giving thanks, is a fundamental principle that not only honours God but also brings greater value into our lives. The word “appreciation” means both expressing gratitude and increasing in value. When we thank God, we position ourselves for increased blessings, spiritual growth, and deeper intimacy with Him. Just as a grateful heart makes way for divine elevation, an ungrateful heart limits our progress. In this message, we’ll explore how appreciation truly leads to appreciation in life—spiritually, emotionally, and in our circumstances.
1. THE POWER OF A GRATEFUL HEART
a) Gratitude Attracts God’s Presence:
Thanksgiving is a powerful way to draw near to God, acknowledging His role as the source of our blessings (Psalm 100:4).
b) Appreciation Recognises God’s Sovereignty:
Recognising God in our lives through gratitude shows that we honour Him as the Giver of every good thing (James 1:17).
c) A Thankful Heart Reaps More Blessings:
When we are thankful, God is pleased and often responds with multiplied blessings (Psalm 67:5-6).
d) Gratitude Defeats the Spirit of Complaint:
Thankfulness keeps us focused on God’s goodness and strengthens us against discouragement (Philippians 4:6-7).
Biblical Example: The one healed leper who returned to thank Jesus received not only physical healing but also wholeness (Luke 17:15-19).
2. APPRECIATION LEADS TO MULTIPLICATION
a) Thanksgiving Opens the Door for Increase:
Just as Jesus thanked God before multiplying the loaves and fish, gratitude prepares us for abundance (John 6:11-13).
b) Giving Thanks Secures Future Blessings:
God takes pleasure in a grateful heart and trusts it with more blessings (Psalm 50:23).
c) Appreciation is a Seed for Elevation:
Thankfulness for small blessings prepares us for greater ones, sowing seeds for growth (2 Corinthians 9:10-11).
d) An Attitude of Gratitude Prevents Entitlement:
A grateful heart is humble, recognising that everything comes from God (James 4:6).
Biblical Example: The act of Jesus giving thanks before multiplying the fish and loaves teaches that gratitude draws forth more (John 6:11-13).
3. APPRECIATION IS A WEAPON IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE
a) Thanksgiving as a Defense Against Doubt:
Gratitude keeps our focus on God’s faithfulness, shielding us from fear and anxiety (Psalm 91:1-2).
b) Appreciation Brings Clarity and Hope:
When we focus on God’s blessings, we are reminded of His power in our lives (Psalm 107:8-9).
c) Gratitude Destroys Negative Strongholds:
Thankfulness elevates our spirits and aligns our minds with God’s truth (2 Corinthians 10:5).
d) A Thankful Heart Releases God’s Strength in Trials:
Appreciation keeps our spirits lifted and resilient during challenges (Isaiah 40:31).
Biblical Example: Paul and Silas praised God in prison, leading to a miraculous release (Acts 16:25-26).
4. CONSEQUENCES OF A LIFE WITHOUT GRATITUDE
a) Missing Out on Greater Blessings:
Ingratitude limits God’s blessings and blocks our spiritual progress (Malachi 2:1-2).
b) A Hardened Heart Towards God’s Goodness:
Failing to give thanks can harden our hearts and disconnect us from God (Romans 1:21).
c) Complaints and Dissatisfaction:
A lack of gratitude breeds complaining, which blinds us to God’s goodness (Numbers 11:1).
d) Ingratitude Inhibits Spiritual Growth:
A thankful heart is fertile ground for growth, but ingratitude hinders maturity (Hebrews 12:15).
Biblical Example: The Israelites often failed to appreciate God’s provision, leading to missed blessings and prolonged struggles (Numbers 14:1-4).
5. PRACTICING APPRECIATION DAILY
a) Begin Each Day with Thanksgiving:
Starting the day by giving thanks aligns our hearts with God’s goodness (Psalm 118:24).
b) Remind Yourself of God’s Faithfulness:
Reflect on past blessings to boost faith for future challenges (Psalm 103:2).
c) Thank God in All Circumstances:
Even in trials, a thankful heart pleases God and strengthens us (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
d) Express Gratitude in Words and Deeds:
Share your testimony and show kindness to others as an act of appreciation (Psalm 105:1).
Biblical Example: David continually praised and thanked God, showing us how to live a life of appreciation (Psalm 92:1-2).
CONCLUSION:
Appreciation indeed leads to appreciation in life. When we thank God, we experience spiritual, emotional, and physical elevation. Appreciation builds our faith, draws us closer to God, and opens doors to abundant blessings. May we continually cultivate a heart of gratitude, for it is a pathway to divine elevation, peace, and greater opportunities. Let us live a life of constant appreciation, knowing that our gratitude brings honour to God and increases our capacity for His blessings.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me a heart of gratitude in every circumstance.
2. Father, forgive me for times of ingratitude and help me see Your goodness.
3. Lord, I thank You for every blessing, big or small, in my life.
4. Father, let my appreciation unlock divine favour and abundance.
5. Lord, help me use gratitude as a weapon against fear and doubt.
6. Father, open my eyes to recognise Your blessings daily.
7. Lord, may my life be marked by thanksgiving and trust in You.
8. Father, teach me to be content and grateful in all situations.
9. Lord, thank You for Your endless love and provision.
10. Father, may my heart remain humble and grateful always.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that my life is filled with gratitude, unlocking God’s blessings.
2. As I appreciate God, I am elevated into new realms of favour.
3. My heart is thankful, and my life overflows with God’s goodness.
4. I receive divine increase as I live a life of appreciation.
5. I am a testimony of God’s faithfulness, and His blessings multiply in my life.
6. As I give thanks, doors of opportunity and favour open before me.
7. My spirit is strengthened, and my faith grows as I cultivate gratitude.
8. I experience peace and joy through a thankful heart.
9. My life reflects the goodness of God, and I attract divine favour.
10. I live a life of appreciation, and God’s blessings surround me on every side.
Let us remember that appreciation is not just an expression—it is a powerful spiritual application for growth and elevation.
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