GRATITUDE FOR ALTITUDE

Title: GRATITUDE FOR ALTITUDE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 103:1-5
Supporting Texts: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Philippians 4:6-7, Luke 17:11-19, Psalm 34:1, James 1:17

INTRODUCTION:
Gratitude is a powerful attitude that not only acknowledges God’s blessings but also opens the door to more. When we are thankful, we show God that we are aware of His goodness and that we value His presence in our lives. This gratitude, in turn, raises us to new levels—an "altitude" in life that is only possible when we honour God with thanksgiving. This message explores how gratitude can elevate us spiritually, emotionally, and even physically, leading to breakthroughs and new realms of blessing.

1. THE POWER OF GRATITUDE

a) Gratitude as an Acknowledgement of God's Goodness:
Recognising and thanking God for His daily mercies (Psalm 103:1-2).

b) Gratitude Aligns Us with God's Will:
Giving thanks is a command from God, showing our trust in Him (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

c) Gratitude Leads to Peace and Contentment:
When we express gratitude, our hearts are filled with peace (Philippians 4:6-7).

d) Gratitude Attracts God’s Favour:
Those who are thankful attract more of God’s blessings, creating a positive cycle (Psalm 34:1).

Biblical Example: The leper who returned to thank Jesus received wholeness, a deeper blessing than the others (Luke 17:11-19).

2. GRATITUDE AND ELEVATION

a) Gratitude Shifts Our Focus to God's Ability:
Focusing on God’s works elevates our faith (Psalm 77:11-12).

b) Grateful People Experience Divine Promotion:
God rewards those who have thankful hearts, lifting them to new heights (Psalm 75:6-7).

c) Gratitude Releases God's Hand to Do More:
When we thank God for what He has done, it opens the door for more blessings (John 6:11).

d) Gratitude Is a Key to Unshakable Faith:
Grateful hearts are unshaken by trials because they rest in God’s faithfulness (Colossians 2:6-7).

Biblical Example: Joseph rose to a place of prominence, continually recognising God’s hand in every season of his life (Genesis 50:20).

3. GRATITUDE IN TIMES OF TRIAL

a) Seeing God’s Purpose in Challenges:
Gratitude allows us to trust that God is working all things for good (Romans 8:28).

b) Thanksgiving as a Tool for Endurance:
Being grateful even in trials strengthens us to endure (James 1:2-4).

c) Gratitude Changes Our Perspective on Suffering:
We learn to see God’s hand in every situation, deepening our dependence on Him (Philippians 4:12-13).

d) Thanksgiving Brings Joy in Every Circumstance:
A thankful heart is a joyful heart, regardless of circumstances (Habakkuk 3:17-18).

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

4. EXPRESSING GRATITUDE PRACTICALLY

a) Through Daily Thanksgiving in Prayer:
Make thanksgiving a core part of our prayer life (Philippians 4:6).

b) By Recalling and Sharing Testimonies:
Reflect on and testify about God’s goodness as a way to show gratitude (Psalm 105:1).

c) Gratitude Through Acts of Service:
Serving others and giving to those in need as an expression of thankfulness to God (1 John 3:17).

d) Singing and Worshipping with a Thankful Heart:
Singing songs of gratitude brings joy and honour to God (Ephesians 5:19-20).

Biblical Example: David’s life exemplified gratitude through worship, dancing, and praise (Psalm 100:4).

5. GRATITUDE THAT LEADS TO SUPERNATURAL BLESSINGS

a) Gratitude Unlocks Heaven's Resources:
Thankfulness opens access to blessings beyond our imagination (Malachi 3:10).

b) Thanksgiving as a Form of Spiritual Warfare:
Giving thanks confuses the enemy and strengthens our defence (2 Chronicles 20:21-22).

c) Gratitude Creates a Positive Atmosphere for Miracles:
A thankful heart invites God’s presence, where miracles happen (Psalm 22:3).

d) Gratitude Releases the Power of Multiplication:
When Jesus gave thanks, the loaves and fish multiplied (John 6:11-13).

Biblical Example: Jesus gave thanks before raising Lazarus, displaying gratitude as part of His faith (John 11:41-42).

CONCLUSION:
Gratitude is a powerful, life-changing practice that lifts us to new levels. It’s not just an act of politeness but a deep expression of faith that magnifies God and recognises His role in our lives. As we cultivate a heart of gratitude, we invite God to elevate us, to guide us through trials, and to shower us with blessings. Let us remember that a thankful heart is a gateway to divine altitude.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me a heart that is always grateful.

2. Father, I thank You for every blessing in my life, both seen and unseen.

3. Lord, I choose gratitude over complaints in every season.

4. Father, help me to see Your goodness, even in trials.

5. Lord, may my heart always reflect thanksgiving.

6. I declare that every barrier is lifted as I choose to be grateful.

7. Lord, I thank You for the divine elevations You have in store for me.

8. Father, let my gratitude attract new blessings.

9. Lord, teach me to use gratitude as a weapon of victory.

10. Father, I thank You for Your unending love and faithfulness.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that as I give thanks, doors of elevation are opened to me.

2. My life is filled with peace, joy, and divine favour through gratitude.

3. I rise above every challenge, empowered by a thankful heart.

4. My gratitude is a weapon, securing victory in every battle.

5. I am lifted and elevated as I continually give thanks.

6. I shall witness divine multiplication of blessings in my life.

7. My thanksgiving attracts supernatural breakthroughs and miracles.

8. I will see God’s purpose in every season, rejoicing in His faithfulness.

9. My heart is a magnet for blessings as I walk in gratitude.

10. I live a life of gratitude, rising to new altitudes by God’s grace.

Let gratitude be our way of life, unlocking new dimensions of God’s power and blessings.