END OF THE MONTH THANKSGIVING SERVICE
THE WONDERS OF APPRECIATION & THE DANGERS OF ITS ABSENCE
Topic: The Wonders of Appreciation and the Dangers of Ingratitude
Main Text: Luke 17:15-19
"And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God... And Jesus answering said, were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" - Luke 17:15-17
INTRODUCTION
Appreciation is a spiritual mystery that preserves blessings, multiplies favor, and provokes divine intervention. Many people pray for miracles, but only few returns to appreciate God after receiving them. Anything not appreciated will eventually diminish. Gratitude is not just good manners; it is a covenant key for continuous flow of blessings. Many people have lost opportunities, relationships, favor, helpers, and even divine visitation because they failed to appreciate.
WHAT IS APPRECIATION?
Appreciation is the act of recognizing, valuing, and giving thanks for what God or people have done.
True appreciation:
Honors God
Celebrates helpers
Recognizes value
Returns glory back to God. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God..." Psalm 103:2
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."
THE WONDERS OF APPRECIATION
1. Appreciation Provokes Perfection
The ten lepers were healed, but only one returned to appreciate Jesus. That one received wholeness. Luke 17:19
"Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole." Others were healed, but the thankful one was made whole. There are blessings that thanksgiving completes.
2. Appreciation Multiplies Blessings
Jesus gave thanks before multiplying the loaves and fishes. John 6:11
little into abundance. Complaining reduces blessings. Appreciation multiplies them.
3. Appreciation Provokes Divine Presence
Praise and thanksgiving attract God's presence. Psalm 100:4
"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving...'
4. Appreciation Opens Closed Doors
"God dwells where He is appreciated
Paul and Silas praised God in prison, and chains were broken. Acts 16:25-26
"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God.." Thanksgiving can open doors fasting cannot open.
5. Appreciation Preserves Relationships and Helpers
People naturally move toward those who value them. Jesus appreciated the Father continually. John 11:41 "Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me!" Appreciation keeps covenant relationships alive.
6. Appreciation Provokes More Blessings
When God sees gratitude, He releases more. Matthew 25:29
"For unto every one that hath shall be given...
Grateful people never run dry.
THE DANGERS OF INGRATITUDE
1. Ingratitude Leads to Loss
The nine lepers lost the greater blessing because they failed to return.
Luke 17:17 "But where are the nine?" Many lose favor because they ignore appreciation.
2. Ingratitude Blocks Future Blessings
A complaining spirit shuts heaven. Numbers 11:1 "And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord.." Complaining attracts judgment.
Thanksgiving attracts mercy.
3. Ingratitude Is a Sign of the Last Days. 2 Timothy 3:1-2
"In the last days... men shall be... unthankful.." An ungrateful heart is a dangerous spiritual condition.
4. Ingratitude Destroys Relationships
Many people lose destiny helpers because they never appreciate.
Dishonor dries up favor. Romans 13:7 "Render therefore to all their dues..."
5. Ingratitude Can Lead to Divine Rejection
King Saul lost the throne partly because he stopped honoring God properly.
1 Samuel 15:22-23 God rejects pride and dishonor.
HOW TO DEVELOP A HEART OF APPRECIATION
1. Remember God's Benefits Daily. Psalm 103:2
Never become too familiar with blessings.
2. Learn to Say "Thank You"
To God and to people. Small appreciation can preserve great relationships.
3. Celebrate Little Beginnings. Zechariah 4:10
"For who hath despised the day of small things?"
4. Avoid Murmuring and Complaining. Philippians 2:14
"Do all things without murmurings.."
5. Give Thanks in All Circumstances. Habakkuk 3:17-18
Mature believers thank God before results appear.
CONCLUSION
Your next level may be hidden inside your thanksgiving.
What you appreciate increases. What you ignore diminishes.
Never allow familiarity kill gratitude.
A grateful person will never be stranded.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
• As you become a person of thanksgiving, may your blessings multiply in Jesus' name!
Every spirit of murmuring and complaining is destroyed today!
@ May God restore every favor and relationship lost through ignorance!
From today, your appreciation shall open new doors of miracles!
B You shall not miss your next level through ingratitude!
@ May heaven remember you for good in this season!
In Jesus Mighty Name, AMEN!
