2025
RENEWING OUR COMMITMENT TO GOD IN THE NEW YEAR.
Key Verse: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:18-19)
This Week: 1st Month, 2nd Week - Jan 12, 2025
Theme: – Gratitude Journaling
Scriptural Reference: 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Memory Verse: “Giving thanks always for all things to God the father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” Ephesians 5:20
Objective: By the end of the lesson, Readers should –
1. Cultivate attitude of thanksgiving
2. Learn to attribute all happenings to God
3.Align with the notion that thanksgiving brings more blessings and more reasons to be thankful..
4. Know different ways man can express gratitude to God
Content:
Introduction:
The Yoruba culture (and I think it will be the same with most cultures in the world, especially in Africa) pays due cognizance to the act of appreciation with so many adages confirming this: 1. “Eni ti a se loore ti ko dupe, bi olosa ko ni leru lo ni” (ingratitude is synonymous with stealing). 2. “Eni dupe oore ana, a ri t’oni gba” (appreciation opens door for more blessings). Every human loves appreciation, although few do not like it done openly, they still want to see traces of it.
The bible encourages us to show appreciation to God always. In fact, God is jealous when men show appreciations to whoever or whatever other than Him. He will not love anyone giving his glory to another person. This is classified as idolatry.
It is understandable that showing gratitude to God improves your mental wellbeing, increases your faith in the almighty and enhances positive living. Why not try and make it part of you and see the changes in your life.
Biblical gratitude journaling focuses on cultivating thankfulness rooted in Scripture and a relationship with God. It is an intentional practice of reflecting on God’s blessings, His character, and His work in your life, as well as aligning your heart with His will.
Main Lessons:
Why?
Why Practice Gratitude Journaling?
Showing gratitude between humans has its benefits to the giver and the receiver in the following ways: It strengthens relationship and appreciation between those concerned. Outlook to life is positive when we give and receive appreciation. The act of giving becomes interesting, the feeling of wasting resources will not be there and one feels good when you know help will come as needed. Worries, anxieties and depression reduces resulting in improved mental health graduating to better physical health and emotional strength.
Also, when human shows gratitude to God, it shows that the human recognizes Gods involvement in all areas of his life, which deepens faith in God. Realizing God is the factor to recon with in life makes one more committed to him resulting in frequent worship, praise and adoration which end up building a God-centered perspective. Reliance on God promotes contentment, shifting one’s expectation from human to God and moves our focus from worldly desires to God’s sufficiency,
When and How?
While momentary appreciation of God's doings is recommended, it is important to have time to list out his daily impact in your life and appreciate him for them. This act later increases in frequency until you become a mobile and consistent appraiser.
If possible, choose a consistent time each day, preferably after the day's activities, before sleepingsleeping, ruminating over happenings in the day's activities and God's intervention - what he prompted, promoted, stopped or cancelled. Keeping a diary of these is synonymous with counting ones blessings, write freely like pouring your mind out. Use scriptures that tally with what you have experienced to pray in gratitude. Use God's attributes to praise him. Bury yourself in praise and worship till you feel holy Spirit has joined you. Retire to bed in this mood and see how your sleep and dreams are affected.
By the time you do this daily and it becomes part of you, your relationship with God would have gotten a boost.
What?
What to Include in Your Entries
1. Daily Blessings: List specific ways God provided, protected, or guided you that day.
2. Answered Prayers: Record how God has responded to your prayers, even in unexpected ways.
3. Scripture Reflection: Note verses that remind you of God’s goodness and faithfulness.
4. Gratitude in Trials: Acknowledge how God is using challenges to shape your character (James 1:2-4).
5. Worship and Praise: Write down your prayers of thanksgiving directly to God.
Scriptural Prompts for Gratitude
“What can I thank God for today based on Psalm 100:4-5?”
“How has God shown His steadfast love to me recently (Lamentations 3:22-23)?”
“What does Philippians 4:19 reveal about God’s provision in my life?”
“How can I give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18)?”
“How has God worked all things for good in my life (Romans 8:28)?”
Application:
Create time daily, basically to show appreciation to God, other prayer points can be added.
Read the scripture to find out what God is capable of doing from what he had done.
Accept the fact that nothing can be, without his permission. Also, no power can operate or appear to rival him unless he permits it.
Cast all your cares upon him.
Questions: Note your questions here
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Pastor Olufemi Samuel Ogundele
(Grace Deliverance Bible Ministries.)
www.hiswordsandyou.com
e-mail – olufemi@hiswordsandyou.com
olusamdel@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +234 803 473 0895
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