THANKSGIVING OF HONOUR

Title: THANKSGIVING OF HONOUR

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 50:23
Supporting Texts: 1 Samuel 2:30, Psalm 100:4, Psalm 116:12, John 12:26, 1 Thessalonians 5:18

INTRODUCTION:
Thanksgiving is more than a ritual; it is a deep expression of honour to God, acknowledging His goodness, faithfulness, and sovereignty over our lives. The Bible tells us that honouring God brings blessings and positions us for more of His grace and mercy. When we offer thanksgiving as an act of honour, it is a heartfelt declaration that all we have and all we are come from Him alone. This message explores how thanksgiving can be an act of honour and how we can live a life that continually honours God.

1. UNDERSTANDING THANKSGIVING AS AN ACT OF HONOUR

a) Thanksgiving Recognises God’s Sovereignty:
By giving thanks, we acknowledge that God is the supreme authority in our lives (Psalm 95:3-6).

b) Acknowledging God’s Provision:
Thanksgiving is a declaration that all we have is from God and not by our efforts (James 1:17).

c) It is Worship from the Heart:
True thanksgiving flows from a heart that reveres God and understands His worthiness (John 4:23-24).

d) Honouring God with Our Gratitude:
Expressing gratitude to God honours Him as our provider and sustainer (Psalm 50:23).

e) Biblical Example: King David honoured God by giving thanks for every victory and blessing, acknowledging that it was God’s hand that gave him success (Psalm 18:1-3).

2. THE POWER OF THANKSGIVING IN ATTRACTING HONOUR FROM GOD

a) Thanksgiving Opens Doors to Divine Favour:
Those who honour God through thanksgiving attract His favour and blessings (Psalm 5:12).

b) A Thankful Heart Receives More:
Just as in the story of the ten lepers, thanksgiving leads to wholeness and fullness of blessings (Luke 17:15-19).

c) Thanksgiving is a Key to Elevation:
When we honour God, He lifts us up and brings increase into our lives (1 Peter 5:6).

d) Thanksgiving Invites God’s Presence:
A life of thanksgiving draws us closer to God, making us vessels of His honour (Psalm 22:3).

e) Biblical Example: The widow of Zarephath honoured God through her gratitude and obedience, leading to divine provision in her life (1 Kings 17:8-16).

3. PRACTICAL WAYS TO OFFER THANKSGIVING AS HONOUR

a) Through Worship and Praise:
Singing songs of worship honours God and lifts Him high above all else (Psalm 96:1-4).

b) Testifying of God’s Goodness:
Sharing testimonies of what God has done honours Him and encourages others (Psalm 105:1).

c) Offering of Our Substance:
Honouring God with our finances and resources shows gratitude for His provision (Proverbs 3:9-10).

d) Obedience as Thanksgiving:
Living in obedience to God’s word is a powerful way to express our gratitude (1 Samuel 15:22).

e) Biblical Example: Mary, the sister of Lazarus, honoured Jesus by anointing Him with expensive perfume as an act of thanksgiving and love (John 12:3).

4. BARRIERS TO A HEART OF THANKSGIVING AND HONOUR

a) Ingratitude and Pride:
Pride and a sense of entitlement block thanksgiving. Humility opens the door for gratitude (James 4:6).

b) Discontentment:
Focusing on what we lack rather than what we have blinds us to God’s blessings (Philippians 4:11).

c) Forgetfulness of God’s Goodness:
We must remember and recount God’s deeds to maintain a thankful heart (Psalm 103:2).

d) Comparison with Others:
Comparing our blessings with others leads to envy, preventing true thanksgiving (2 Corinthians 10:12).

e) Biblical Example: The Israelites often forgot God’s goodness and complained, resulting in delays and setbacks (Exodus 16:2-3).

5. LIVING A LIFE OF THANKSGIVING AND HONOUR

a) Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude Daily:
Set time each day to thank God for specific blessings (Psalm 118:24).

b) Honour God in Your Actions:
Let your life be a testimony of God’s goodness by living according to His word (Colossians 3:17).

c) Surround Yourself with Thankful People:
Associate with people who value gratitude and honour God (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

d) Develop a Habit of Giving Back:
Honour God by helping others and giving, remembering that you are blessed to be a blessing (Acts 20:35).

Biblical Example: Paul and Silas, even in prison, honoured God with their praise and thanksgiving, resulting in a miraculous release (Acts 16:25-26).

CONCLUSION:
Thanksgiving is a powerful act of honour that not only glorifies God but also blesses us in return. As we cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude and honour, we align ourselves with God’s heart and experience more of His favour, protection, and provision. May we choose to magnify God with thanksgiving and honour Him in all that we do.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, thank You for Your unending love and blessings.

2. Lord, help me to cultivate a heart of thanksgiving.

3. Father, I repent of any ingratitude or pride in my life.

4. Lord, let my life be a testimony of Your goodness.

5. Father, teach me to honour You in all my ways.

6. Lord, remove any barriers to thanksgiving in my heart.

7. Father, grant me the grace to give back and bless others.

8. Lord, may my thanksgiving draw Your presence closer to me.

9. Father, thank You for all the battles You have fought and won for me.

10. Lord, help me to live a life that continually honours You.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that my life will radiate thanksgiving and honour to God.

2. Every seed of ingratitude in my heart is removed in Jesus' name.

3. I shall testify of God’s goodness in the land of the living.

4. My praise will invite God’s presence and blessings into my life.

5. I decree that my resources and blessings will multiply as I honour God.

6. The spirit of thanksgiving shall rest upon me and my household.

7. I declare that I am a vessel of God’s honour and glory.

8. I will live to bless and help others in Jesus' name.

9. Every blessing the Lord has given me shall be preserved in Jesus' name.

10. I shall live a life that attracts God’s continuous favour and honour.

May we live each day in a way that magnifies and honours our God, whose mercies endure forever.