DECEMBER: MY MONTH OF ENDLESS THANKSGIVING

Title: DECEMBER: MY MONTH OF ENDLESS THANKSGIVING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 136:1-3
Supporting Texts: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Psalm 103:1-5, Philippians 4:6, Colossians 3:15-17

INTRODUCTION:
As the year comes to a close, December is a time to reflect on God’s faithfulness and goodness. Endless thanksgiving acknowledges that no matter the challenges, God's mercies have sustained us. This season invites us to continually give thanks, knowing that gratitude aligns us with God's will and opens doors to greater blessings.

1. WHY THANKSGIVING SHOULD BE ENDLESS

a) God’s Mercies Are Everlasting:
His mercies never cease; they are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).

b) Thanksgiving Is God's Will:
In every situation, we are commanded to give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

c) Gratitude Glorifies God:
Giving thanks honours God and magnifies His name (Psalm 50:23).

d) It Is a Lifestyle of the Redeemed:
Thanksgiving should not be occasional but a daily practice (Colossians 3:17).

Biblical Example: The Psalmist continually praised God for His enduring mercies (Psalm 136).

2. BENEFITS OF ENDLESS THANKSGIVING

a) It Brings God's Presence:
God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3).

b) It Unlocks Divine Favour:
opens the door to God's blessings (Psalm 67:5-7).

c) It Leads to Supernatural Breakthroughs:
Gratitude can bring about divine intervention (Acts 16:25-26).

d) It Fills the Heart with Peace and Joy:
A thankful heart experiences peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).

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

3. HOW TO MAINTAIN A HEART OF THANKSGIVING

a) Reflect on God's Goodness:
Regularly count your blessings and recall His faithfulness (Psalm 103:2).

b) Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude:
Be intentional about thanking God in all circumstances (Ephesians 5:20).

c) Engage in Continuous Worship:
Let thanksgiving be a key part of your worship (Hebrews 13:15).

d) Share Your Testimonies:
Proclaim what God has done to encourage others (Psalm 96:3).

Biblical Example: The one leper who returned to thank Jesus received wholeness (Luke 17:15-19).

4. GRATITUDE IN CHALLENGING TIMES

a) Thanksgiving in Trials:
Even in difficult times, give thanks, knowing God is in control (Romans 8:28).

b) Trusting God's Plan:
Gratitude shows trust in God's purpose, even when it’s unclear (Proverbs 3:5-6).

c) Strength for the Journey:
Thanksgiving renews strength to face life’s challenges (Isaiah 40:31).

d) A Tool for Spiritual Warfare:
Gratitude confuses the enemy and brings victory (2 Chronicles 20:21-22).

Biblical Example: Job worshipped and thanked God even in his trials (Job 1:20-21).

5. DECEMBER: A MONTH TO PREPARE FOR GREATER THINGS

a) Reflect and Rejoice:
Look back at the year with a heart of gratitude for victories and lessons (Psalm 118:24).

b) Praise God for the Future:
Thank Him for what He will do in the coming year (Philippians 1:6).

c) Sow Seeds of Thanksgiving:
Engage in acts of kindness and generosity as expressions of gratitude (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

d) Encourage Others to Be Grateful:
Inspire others by sharing the power of thanksgiving (1 Chronicles 16:8).

Biblical Example: Hannah praised God for Samuel, and her gratitude led to more blessings (1 Samuel 2:1-10).

CONCLUSION:
As we journey through December, let our hearts overflow with endless thanksgiving. Gratitude aligns us with God's will and positions us for greater blessings. Make it a daily practice to thank God, knowing that a thankful heart is a joyful and victorious heart.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, I thank You for Your faithfulness throughout 2024.

2. Lord, help me develop a lifestyle of thanksgiving.

3. I praise You for every challenge that has strengthened my faith.

4. Thank You, Lord, for Your mercies that are new every morning.

5. Father, I thank You for the gift of life and good health.

6. Lord, I praise You for the victories and testimonies yet to come.

7. Thank You, Lord, for the peace and joy that come from a thankful heart.

8. Father, I commit the new year into Your hands with gratitude.

9. Thank You, Lord, for the blessings You have in store for my family.

10. Lord, I give You endless praise for being my God and guide.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. This December, your heart will overflow with thanksgiving.

2. You will end 2024 with joy and enter 2025 with songs of praise.

3. Every seed of thanksgiving will yield a harvest of blessings.

4. The peace of God will fill your heart as you give thanks.

5. Gratitude will open new doors of favour and opportunities.

6. You will experience supernatural breakthroughs through thanksgiving.

7. Your testimonies will inspire others to trust in God.

8. Every challenge will turn into a testimony of God’s faithfulness.

9. Your family will be marked by joy and abundance in this season.

10. You will step into the new year with divine favour and grace.