Gratitude as a Multiplier – October 2025 Article

Gratitude as a Multiplier

Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:18

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)

Introduction

One truth stands out as we reflect on the months that have already passed this year: God has been dependable. His unwavering devotion has remained constant through every season; in times of joy and difficulty, gain and loss. Every day we’ve lived is a testimony to His unfailing grace.

He has sustained us in adversity, provided for our needs in uncertainty, and guided us through both visible and invisible battles. Many of the victories we celebrate today were quietly accomplished by His unseen hand of mercy that kept us from harm.

Therefore, gratitude is not merely an expression of appreciation for God’s compassion; it is also a demonstration of steadfast faith in His character. In giving thanks, we affirm that the same God who guided us in the past will surely lead us in the future. Gratitude says, “Lord, I trust You for tomorrow because I have witnessed Your faithfulness today.”

It reminds us that our progress is driven not by human effort but by divine grace.

Furthermore, thankfulness is a spiritual key that unlocks greater dimensions of God’s blessings. Gratitude, like a seed sown in fertile soil, multiplies a believer’s joy, peace, and sustenance. When we choose to be thankful, we position ourselves to receive more from God, even before the new blessings appear.

As Psalm 67:5–6 declares, “Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You. Then the earth shall yield her increase.” Every act of thanksgiving opens the door to divine increase. It helps us view life through the lens of grace rather than scarcity, shifting our focus from what we lack to what has already been given.

As we journey into the closing months of this year, may we continue to be grateful, trusting that the God who began it with us will end it with us, in peace, abundance, and victory.

  1. Gratitude Multiplies Perspective

The more we thank God for His blessings, the clearer our spiritual vision becomes, enabling us to see His presence even in the smallest details of life. What once seemed ordinary begins to carry heavenly meaning.

Gratitude transforms our outlook, shifting our attention from unmet desires to the abundant blessings we already possess in Christ. This shift replaces fear with confidence and lack with contentment.

Rick Warren rightly observes in Daily Hope Devotionals that “your happiness is contingent upon what you focus on.” When we focus on God’s faithfulness instead of our disappointments, we experience peace and joy that are not affected by circumstances.

Gratitude helps us see life not as random events but as a beautiful tapestry woven by a loving Father. It reminds us of His constant provision and presence. Like the healed leper who returned to thank Jesus (Luke 17:15–19), our gratitude completes our experience of God’s goodness and strengthens our faith.

Being thankful is more than a reaction to God’s kindness; it is a spiritual discipline that aligns our hearts with His will, deepens our trust in His grace, and empowers us to walk into the future with confidence and joy.

  1. Gratitude Multiplies Faith

Every act of gratitude strengthens our faith for the future. Reflecting on what God has done renews our confidence in what He will do next. Gratitude is not just good manners; it is a powerful act of faith that connects yesterday’s blessings with tomorrow’s miracles.

Each “thank You” declares, “The God who did it before will do it again.” Remembering past deliverances builds assurance that God’s faithfulness never changes with seasons.

As the Nigerian Baptist Convention’s Daily Devotional explains, gratitude acknowledges God’s power even before the next miracle arrives. It shifts our focus from what we lack to who God is, ever faithful, ever present, even when we cannot see the full picture.

David understood this truth when he recalled God’s help against the lion and the bear before facing Goliath (1 Samuel 17:37). Gratitude for past victories gave him faith for future battles.

Likewise, when we recall how God has healed, comforted, or provided for us, we rekindle our belief in His power. Gratitude turns memories into momentum, transforming the past into strength for today and hope for tomorrow.

Every act of thanksgiving is like a seed of hope, saying, “Lord, I remember, and I still believe.” As we cultivate a grateful heart, our faith deepens, and our testimonies multiply. Each new day then becomes another proof of God’s unending faithfulness.

  1. Gratitude Multiplies Blessings

Jesus demonstrated this principle when He gave thanks before multiplying the five loaves and two fish (John 6:11–13). Before the miracle occurred, He looked up to heaven and thanked the Father. That simple act of gratitude transformed insufficiency into supernatural abundance.

Gratitude released the power of multiplication. The state of Jesus’ heart, giving thanks before the miracle, mattered more than the quantity of what He had.

When we thank God for what seems small, we invite Him to make it more. Gratitude aligns us with heaven’s economy, where thanksgiving precedes abundance. As James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above.”

A thankful heart recognizes that we are stewards, not owners, of God’s blessings. Gratitude turns receivers into givers, as seen when the disciples distributed the multiplied food to the crowd. When we share with others, God entrusts us with even more.

Gratitude is not just an emotion; it is a spiritual principle of increase. Thank God for little, and He will make it great. Thank Him in lack, and He will answer with sufficiency.

Jesus’ thanksgiving turned scarcity into surplus; likewise, our thanksgiving can turn trials into testimonies and small beginnings into great achievements.

Conclusion

Gratitude is more than good manners; it is a spiritual multiplier. When we pause to give thanks, we activate a divine principle that multiplies blessings, joy, and grace in our lives. Gratitude moves our attention from need to abundance and makes room for even greater blessings.

Every grateful heart becomes a vessel for divine increase. As the year draws to a close, let us not rush past moments of reflection. Let us thank God for His visible and invisible support, for every breath, achievement, and trial overcome.

Gratitude turns memories into praise and challenges into testimonies. The same God who brought us this far will carry us through to the end. His faithfulness does not depend on calendars or conditions. He will remain faithful in December and beyond, just as He was in January.

Let gratitude be the song that ushers us into the new season. Those who thank God for what He has done will always have new reasons to give thanks again. Gratitude is the seed that fills our souls with hope and multiplies abundance.

Reflections

  1. Do I intentionally pause to thank God daily, or do I only complain about what I lack?
  2. How does recalling God’s past faithfulness strengthen my faith for tomorrow?
  3. In what ways can I show gratitude to God and to the people around me today?

Prayer

Father, I thank You for sustaining me through the past months, for victories seen and unseen, for provision, health, and peace. I choose gratitude over grumbling. Multiply my faith as I remember Your goodness. Keep me and my loved ones through the rest of this year, and let Your blessings overflow in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

References

  1. The Holy Bible (NIV, KJV, ESV)
  2. Rick Warren, Daily Hope Devotionals
  3. Nigerian Baptist Convention, Daily Devotional Guide
  4. Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible
  5. A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God
Read More

KEEP YOUR FOCUS, STAND FIRM – SEPTEMBER 2025 ARTICLE

Topic: KEEP YOUR FOCUS, STAND FIRM

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:58

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (NKJV)

Introduction

As we approach the end of the year; the month of September and the subsequent months, many people may experience feelings of tiredness, distraction, or even fear about the future. The excitement for the new year may have diminished due to the responsibilities of daily life, and once-vibrant goals may now fade.

Nonetheless, Scripture serves as a reminder that now is not the time for indecision. It is, instead, a divine invitation to realign and persevere in Christ. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to “be courageous, steadfast, and persevere in the faith” (1 Corinthians 16:13, NKJV).

This admonition to “Stand Firm and Keep Your Focus” emphasizes the significance of placing our hope, vision, and faith in Jesus Christ rather than relying on our own strength. He is the unchangeable Rock of Ages, a firm foundation in an unstable world (Matthew 7:24–25, NIV).

Rick Warren teaches in The Purpose Driven Life that proper stability is achieved by aligning our lives with God’s eternal purposes rather than the world’s fleeting concerns (Warren, 2002). Similarly, his Daily Hope Devotional encourages us to “trust God for the outcome” especially when our efforts seem insufficient or the future uncertain (Warren, 2025).

The Nigerian Baptist Convention Daily Devotional (2025) also urges believers to “focus and finish strong,” emphasizing that perseverance in faith leads to the Lord’s promised crown of life (James 1:12, ESV). In this way, daily devotionals and spiritual journals serve as guides, redirecting our attention from distractions to God’s unwavering promises.

As we near the conclusion of the year, let us approach this season with renewed determination rather than despair, remembering that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8, NKJV). Remaining steadfast in Him ensures that our efforts are not in vain, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9, NIV).

  1. Stay Anchored in God’s Word

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NIV)

During times of uncertainty, one of the greatest risks is the absence of spiritual direction. Fear, discouragement, or the demands of life can easily overwhelm us without God’s guidance. The steady light of His Word grounds us in truth, stabilizes our emotions, and renews our thoughts.

Rick Warren reminds believers in his Daily Hope Devotional (2025) that “the Bible offers a consistent perspective in an unstable world.” Likewise, in The Purpose Driven Life (2002), he notes that our lives are designed to glorify God, and this purpose is best fulfilled through consistent engagement with Scripture.

The Nigerian Baptist Convention Daily Devotional (2025) exhorts Christians to “focus and finish strong,” emphasizing that our ability to endure through the final quarter of the year depends on clinging to God’s promises.

Practical devotion, whether through Bible meditation, journaling prayers, or recording answered petitions, helps us remain centered on God’s will. As the year winds down, recommit to Scripture reading daily. Let His Word be your foundation in the morning and your comfort at night. God’s promises remain unshakable, and His Word never fails.

  1. Guard Your Focus

“Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.” (Proverbs 4:25, NIV)

Focus is not merely a mental exercise; it is a spiritual discipline. Life brings unavoidable distractions; financial pressures, family responsibilities, societal unrest, or personal struggles. The Nigerian Baptist Convention Daily Devotional (2025) warns that “Satan’s goal is to divide your attention so that your heart is no longer fixed on Christ” (p. 214).

Like Peter in Matthew 14:30 (NKJV), we begin to sink when our focus shifts from Christ to the storms around us. In The Purpose Driven Life (2002), Rick Warren stresses that a meaningful life prioritizes God’s eternal purposes above worldly expectations. When we trust Him for the outcome, peace replaces anxiety (Daily Hope Devotional, August 2025).

Spiritual growth resources, such as Donald Whitney’s Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life (2014), highlight that practices like prayer, fasting, and Scripture meditation strengthen resilience against distraction.

As the year progresses, consider setting practical commitments: read a book of the Bible each month, fast regularly, or join a Bible study group that promotes accountability. These practices keep us centered on Christ and rooted in the Word, which remains our most reliable guide.

  1. Stand Firm in Faith

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13, NIV).

Standing firm in faith means holding your ground in adversity. Paul reminded the Corinthian church that the Christian life requires vigilance and resilience. Our confidence must rest in God’s promises, not in our strength, achievements, or emotions.

The enemy seeks to weaken our confidence, sow fear, and drain us through discouragement. But God equips us with the strength to remain steadfast. Ephesians 6:13 urges us to “put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground” (NIV).

This firmness is not passive endurance but an active posture, clothed with truth, righteousness, peace, and faith. With these, we can resist the devil’s schemes and thrive even in hardship.

Rick Warren emphasizes in Daily Hope (2025) that endurance comes by shifting our focus from short-term goals to God’s eternal plan. Likewise, the Nigerian Baptist Convention Daily Devotional (2025) calls believers to finish strong by clinging to Christ.

 

Faith, as Warren explains in The Purpose Driven Life (2002), is learning to depend on God daily, not merely believing in Him. Through prayer, Scripture, and reliance on the Spirit, we can remain unshakable in life’s storms.

Standing firm is more than survival; it is spiritual progress. Anchored in His Word and empowered by His Spirit, we can finish the year with confidence in Christ’s victory.

Conclusion

As we enter the final months of the year, let us remember God’s unfailing faithfulness. “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6, NIV).

This truth assures us that the God who started His work of redemption in our lives has the power and determination to complete it. His promises remain unchanged, regardless of circumstances or emotions (The Holy Bible, NKJV).

Rick Warren affirms in The Purpose Driven Life (2002) that our faith journey is not about personal strength but trusting God to fulfill His purpose. His Daily Hope Devotional (2025) echoes this: “Trust God for the outcome.”

The Nigerian Baptist Convention Devotional (2025) similarly encourages us to “focus and finish strong.” We are reminded to fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2, ESV).

In these remaining months, let us stay rooted in Christ, standing firm in faith, and keeping our focus on Him. Believing in His faithfulness gives us the resilience to end the year knowing His plans will prevail.

Reflections

  • What distractions have pulled your attention away from Jesus lately?
  • How can you intentionally re-center your focus on God as you step into September?
  • In what area of your life is God calling you to stand firm in faith?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, as I enter September and the months ahead, help me to keep my eyes on You. Strengthen my heart to stand firm in faith, even when circumstances try to shake me. Anchor me in Your Word, shield my mind from distraction, and renew my spirit daily. I declare that I will finish this year with focus, faith, and fervor, standing on Your promises.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

References

  1. The Holy Bible (NKJV, NIV, ESV)
  2. Rick Warren, Daily Hope Devotional – “Trust God for the Outcome” (August 2025)
  3. Nigerian Baptist Convention, Daily Devotional – “Focus and Finish Strong” (August 2025)
  4. Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life (2002)
  5. J. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership
  6. Dee Brestin & Kathy Troccoli, Falling in Love with Jesus

John Aderogba for ROPMI

Read More

MINIMIZE YOUR COMPLAINTS – JULY 2025 NEWSLETTER

Topic: MINIMIZE YOUR COMPLAINTS

Text: Philippians 2:14

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing.” (ESV)

Introduction:

It is normal to reflect on the year’s accomplishments and missteps around the midpoint. We should “examine ourselves, to see whether you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV). The first six months may have been disappointing, delayed, or tragic. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV) reads, “To everything there is a season.” Life is unpredictable. As the year continues, we are encouraged to transition from complaint to commitment, and from discontent to gratitude. Grumbling is frequent, yet Scripture discourages it.

Christians must “do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure” (Philippians 2:14–15, NIV). Complaining depletes our emotional and spiritual vitality, obscuring God’s presence. According to John Piper, a Christian theologian, appreciation is more than a sentiment. Accepting God’s sovereignty and benevolence is a fundamental Christian virtue, even in the face of adversity. God did not send us here to become spiritually drained or frustrated.

Moses urged the Israelites to be bold in Deuteronomy 31:6. They should not be afraid because God is with them; He never leaves you. Despite our scheduling delays, God’s intentions are being carried out. We need to do a spiritual inventory to refocus our objectives and attitudes for the remaining months.

According to Ruth Haley Barton, a Christian psychologist and author, “we can become unmoored, swept away by busyness and surface living” without reflection (Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership, 2008). Let the Bible guide and rejuvenate our thoughts in order to realign them (Romans 12:2). Despite the urge to linger on our losses, we must move on. Gratitude promotes perspective and purpose. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” states 1 Thessalonians 5:18. It upholds God’s providence rather than disregarding calamity.

The second half of the year holds immense potential, but we must shift our perspective. Minimising complaints and concentrating allows God to work through us. This season, keep your faith alive through gratitude and His Word. A.W. Tozer argues that a thankful heart cannot be cynical; it always follows God.
1. Complaining Distracts from Purpose

When we complain, we may become so fixated on our deficiencies that we lose sight of our larger purpose. The Israelites in the wilderness illustrate this (Numbers 14:1–4).

Even though God had miraculously delivered them from Egypt and promised them a land flowing with milk and honey, their incessant whining obscured the blessings already available to them. They wanted to return to bondage rather than rely on God’s provision, disregarding His faithfulness in the face of current adversity.

Christian pastor and author John Piper cautions that complaining is “the verbal form of unbelief,” indicating a heart that has lost faith in God’s kindness and power (Piper, Desiring God Ministries). According to theologian Warren Wiersbe, mumbling is indicative of an unrepentant heart and an unregenerated mind,” ultimately separating us from God’s voice and counsel.

Our tendency to complain hinders our ability to hear God clearly. Instead of seeking divine guidance or solutions, we remain stuck in negativity and self-pity. Paul exhorts Christians to be “blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish amid a crooked and twisted generation,” by “doing all things without grumbling or disputing” (Philippians 2:14–15).

Our words influence not only the atmosphere of our communities and minds but also reveal the state of our souls. We must learn to recognise whether the words we use are edifying or destructive, especially in our self-talk. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that “the tongue has the power to produce both life and death, and those who cherish it will consume its fruits” (ESV). “Negative words can wound our spirit, but Spirit-filled words can bring healing and hope,” says author and pastor Charles Stanley.

Instead of complaining, Scripture encourages us to be thankful and faithful. As stated in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” When we choose to show gratitude and speak life, we open ourselves to hearing God’s perspective and fulfilling His promises.

  1. Gratitude Attracts God’s Favour

Grace embraces the hand of God, while grumbling creates distance. Gratitude draws us closer to God’s presence, whereas grumbling often reveals a heart misaligned with His will.

In her book One Thousand Gifts, Christian author Ann Voskamp writes: “Thanksgiving is intrinsic to a genuine salvation experience; thanksgiving is essential for the pursuit of the most fulfilling, complete, and well-rounded life.”

When we are grateful, our focus shifts from our needs to God’s character as a dependable provider and redeemer.

Despite his imprisonment, shipwreck, beatings, and constant danger (2 Corinthians 11:24–27), the apostle Paul maintained a grateful and joyful attitude. His timeless admonition to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV) serves as a foundational text for growing in faith.

Amid sorrow, gratitude can arise, not as a denial of truth, but as an acknowledgement of God’s sovereign hand, as Paul’s life demonstrates. According to Christian theologian Henri Nouwen, “Gratitude transcends the terms ‘mine’ and ‘thine’ and asserts the reality that all of life is a pure gift.”

Adopting this stance of thankfulness aligns us with God’s heart. It does not ignore suffering but sees it through the lens of God’s involvement in human history. Romans 8:28 affirms this: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Expressing thankfulness is a spiritual discipline, not merely a feeling. John Piper, pastor and writer, emphasises that “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him,” even during difficult times.

As a result, a thankful heart becomes a conduit for divine revelation. It perceives opportunities where others see only obstacles, because it trusts in God’s unseen hand always at work.
3. Speak Life, Expect Life

Our words are not dispassionate; rather, they are catalysts capable of influencing our reality. Proverbs 18:21 states, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will reap its rewards.” This verse underlines the spiritual and practical value of speech: the words we speak affect our experiences.

Charles Spurgeon, a Christian theologian, once observed, “Beware of no individual more than yourself; our most formidable adversaries reside within us.” Spurgeon’s perspective emphasizes the internal difficulties we endure, particularly the damaging beliefs we allow to take root in our thoughts and emotions.

If you want the second half of the year to outperform the first, begin by expressing it with conviction, not merely as an affirmation, but as a spiritual act based on God’s promises. In 2 Corinthians 4:13, Paul says, “I believed, and therefore I spoke,” which connects faith with proclamation. When we are anchored in faith, our words express optimism and trust in divine providence. Demonstrate passion for your family, business, health, and purpose.

Regardless of the challenges we face, we can develop the ability to speak words that align with God’s truth rather than our fleeting circumstances. Dallas Willard, a renowned Christian philosopher, stressed the transforming effect of language in spiritual growth, saying, “Words shape our lives.” They are more than sounds or symbols—they embody vision, meaning, and purpose.

Replacing “I am tired of this” with “I am trusting God through this” captures the essence of Psalm 46:1, which states, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Instead of complaining that “nothing ever works out for me,” proclaim the truth of Romans 8:28: “We recognise that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.”

This practice is not denial; rather, it represents a commitment to discipleship. It is the process of learning to align our words with God’s promises instead of being overwhelmed by life’s pressures. Joyce Meyer, a well-known Christian author, says, “You can transform your life by changing your words.”

It is critical to understand that the tongue holds the power of life and death. The language we use not only reflects our beliefs but also influences our growth. Therefore, let us speak with intention. Lay the foundation of your life with truth. Express hope, not despair; speak with conviction, not fear. Let your confession mirror God’s promises and expect His presence to manifest in every area of your life.

Conclusion: Make the Shift

It may seem reasonable to complain for a while, but it never leads anywhere. A complaining spirit often reflects a lack of trust in God’s provision and timing, as reminded by the Scripture: “Do all things without grumbling or disputing” (Philippians 2:14, ESV).

Let us enter the second half of the year with discipline instead of discouragement, gratitude instead of discontent, and faith instead of impatience. According to Christian writer and thinker Jerry Bridges, “Trust is not a passive state of mind, but a vigorous act of the soul by which we choose to lay hold on the promises of God” (Bridges, Trusting God).

This choice shines brightest when everything seems to be falling apart. C.S. Lewis emphasised a similar truth: “Faith… is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, despite your changing moods” (Mere Christianity). God values a trusting attitude, even in hardship. According to Hebrews 11:6, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him.” Thankfulness and faith in challenging times not only honor God but also transform us into mature, unshakeable believers (James 1:2–4).

Instead of lamenting and groaning, let us speak words of hope as we move into the coming months.

Reflection

What have I been complaining about lately?

How has that complaint affected my joy, relationships, or productivity?

What can I be grateful for right now?

How can I use my words to build rather than break?

Take five minutes today to journal your answers, then pray the prayer below.

Let Us Pray

Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing me to this point in the year. Forgive me for the times I’ve allowed frustration and complaining to rule my heart. Teach me to trust You in every season. Help me to see Your hand even in the waiting. I declare that the rest of this year will be filled with purpose, peace, and power. I choose to speak life, to live in gratitude, and to walk by faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

References

English Standard Version Bible. (2001). Crossway Bibles.

Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Zondervan.

Maxwell, J. C. (2007). The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth. Centre Street.

Meyer, J. (2009). Power Thoughts: 12 Strategies to Win the Battle of the Mind. FaithWords.

Letters of Kindness | nwarespectlife. 

Magnus, L. (2016). You Became an Example: A Reading from 1 & 2 Thessalonians. 

Saturday, Saturday, Saturday – Praying for Ariel. 

John Aderogba for ROPMI

 

Read More