Gratitude: A profitable lifestyleWe were ministered to at the “in times like this” annual conference, on the need for constant gratitude. Pastor Abiola Olanipekun called it “A LIFESTYLE OF ABSOLUTE FAITH IN GOD”.

She emphasised that the highest form of gratitude is when we surrender our hearts and our all, to God. Surrendering here means acknowledging that God is in total control in all situations – this is an act of faith. She reminded us of the scripture in 1st Thessalonians 5:18 that in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. She also shared what a lifestyle of gratitude does to us:

• Lifts our souls;

• Fills us with joy;

• Lightens our countenance;

• Brightens our lives;

• Fills us with positive emotions,…..a forgiving spirit;

• Enhances sound health and mind;

• Helps to strengthen relationships with (man and God);

• Brings peace;

• Gives us strength; and enables

• A victorious lifestyle.

She went on to admonished that we must not leave our moment of celebration until later. Our time of celebration is now. She left us with some focus scriptures on gratitude. I share them here with you to meditate on them. Psalms 103: 1-2Psalms 107: 1-2Psalms 34: 1-3Psalms 145: 1-3.

Let me share this short story of a heart filled with gratitude: God has been so good over and over again, to a beautiful young lady. She became so overwhelmed with everything that she asked God, God please how much is my bill? Send it and I will pay no matter how much. God’s response was: my bill is thanks. Keep giving me thanks. This short story is reiterating to you that with God, gratitude is enough to make all things enough.

Prayers on Gratitude

Every year at the In times like this annual conference, we do receive a prayer intercessor. She is Olamide Jaiyesimi- the founder of A Stride in Faith.

Her Focus Scripture: Philippians 4: 11-12 MSG “Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am”. ‭‭When we look at the story of Joseph, one thing that is striking is that he did not possess a complacent spirit. The bible says that God’s hands were upon everything that he did and this caused him to prosper in them.Even as a houseboy, he excelled so that he was completely in charge of Portipher’s house.There were so many reasons for him to be complacent but he chose to be diligent and contrite.

Prayer OH LORD, MAKE MY HEART A FERTILE GROUND FOR GRATITUDE OH LORD, PURGE MY HEART OF ANY COMPLACENT SPIRIT IN JESUS NAME.

Joseph was not complacent, and because of this, his transformation was expedited. Gratitude is one of the keys to help position us for divine acceleration.

Prayer OH LORD, LET GRATITUDE QUICKEN MY TRANSFORMATION IN JESUS NAME. It is dangerous to postpone your thanksgiving and expression of gratitude. Your attitude now, defines the future. Do not air mark a timeline for your gratitude. Your Celebration is now!!!! Regardless of the setbacks, disappointment, delays etc. Don’t choose to postpone your joy.

Prayer I REFUSE TO POSTPONE MY ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE.

I REFUSE TO ALLOW THIS (WHAT DIFFICULTY ARE YOU GOING THROUGH?) CIRCUMSTANCE DEFINE MY ATTITUDE/ COUNTENANCE IN JESUS NAME.

BEFORE THE JOURNEY, I CHOOSE TO BE GRATEFUL, THROUGH THE JOURNEY AND IT’S STORMS, I WILL STILL BE GRATEFUL, AT THE END OF THE JOURNEY, I WILL TESTIFY IN GRATITUDE IN JESUS NAME.

Amen.