BE THANKFUL – November 2024 Newsletter

Scripture References:  1 Thessalonians 5:18  and Psalm 100:4 

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) 

INTRODUCTION

In this world filled with pressures, it’s easy to forget the power of a thankful heart. Gratitude has the ability to change our perspective, lift our spirits, and draw us closer to God. Being thankful isn’t just a nice thought or a seasonal theme; it’s an essential part of Christian living and spiritual growth. In this article, we’ll explore what it means to live with a heart of gratitude by looking at three key aspects: recognizing God’s goodness, finding gratitude in adversity, and expressing your thanks through action.

  1. Recognize God’s Goodness

Thankfulness begins with recognizing God’s blessings. When we take the time to consider the many ways God has blessed us—big and small—it leads us to a deep appreciation of His goodness and care. Psalm 103:2 reminds us, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” God is continuously at work in our lives. Even in the simplest things, like a new day, a friend’s smile, or provision for our needs, we see His love.

Imagine a father giving his child a beautiful gift. The child’s reaction is often one of pure joy and gratitude, acknowledging the thought and effort behind the gift. Similarly, every day is a gift from our Heavenly Father. By recognizing the goodness around us, we tune our hearts to His love, inspiring us to respond with thanksgiving.

  1. Find Gratitude in Adversity

It’s easy to be thankful when life is smooth, but true gratitude shines in the face of challenges. The apostle Paul, who faced persecution and hardships, reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to “give thanks in all circumstances.” God doesn’t ask us to give thanks for everything that happens but to maintain a heart of gratitude regardless of the situation.

Consider Job’s example: despite losing everything, he held onto his faith in God. He said, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). Job’s thankfulness wasn’t rooted in his circumstances but in God’s sovereignty. Similarly, when we face difficulties, gratitude strengthens us, helping us focus on God’s presence and the blessings that remain.

  1. Express Thanks Through Action

Being thankful should extend beyond words—it should influence our actions and relationships. James 2:17 tells us that faith without action is dead, and the same can be said for gratitude. A truly thankful heart leads us to share our blessings, serve others, and spread kindness.

Suppose someone receives an unexpected financial gift that meets a pressing need. A thankful response might lead them to bless others when they’re able, paying forward the generosity they received. This is how thankfulness becomes contagious, bringing joy not only to our hearts but to the lives of those around us. Our gratitude to God is best shown when we serve others and live with a spirit of generosity.

Conclusion 

To live a life of thankfulness is to recognize God’s goodness, find gratitude even in adversity, and let your thankfulness overflow into action. When you cultivate a habit of gratitude, you fulfill God’s will for you and reflect His character.

Remember, gratitude doesn’t depend on life’s circumstances—it’s a constant response to God’s unchanging love. Let’s embrace a thankful heart today and every day, choosing to see His blessings and sharing them with the world.

Finally, to be sincerely thankful, you need to have the mind of Christ. If Jesus Christ dwells in your life, He will be the source of your strength and hope.

Let’s Pray 

Read Psalm 100:1–5, then position yourself to sing songs of praise and thanksgiving to express your gratitude to God.

John Aderogba for ROPMI 

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BE GRATEFUL – October 2024 Newsletter

Text: Psalm 107:1 

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” (NIV) 

Introduction

Gratitude is a powerful and transformative attitude that shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. It helps us recognize God’s blessings, both big and small, and deepens our relationship with Him. The Bible consistently encourages us to live with a heart of gratitude, as this reflects our understanding of God’s sovereignty and goodness. We shall explore three key points on why and how we should be grateful according to the Scriptures.

  1. Gratitude Acknowledges God’s Provision

The Bible teaches that everything we have is a gift from God. In James 1:17, it says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” When you practice gratitude, you acknowledge that God is the ultimate provider. Even in difficult seasons, we can find reasons to be thankful because God’s provision is not limited to material things. He provides us with grace, mercy, peace, and strength for each day.

Take a moment to reflect on your life and recognize God’s hand at work. From the air you breathe to the food you eat and the people in your life, every blessing points us to God’s faithfulness. Gratitude opens your eyes to see His provision more clearly, leading us to trust Him even more.

  1. Gratitude Brings Peace

Gratitude is closely linked to peace. In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When we approach God with gratitude, even in challenging circumstances, His peace surrounds us.

Anxiety often comes from focusing on what we lack or the uncertainties of life. However, when we shift our mindset to gratitude, we acknowledge God’s control and His past faithfulness. This practice of thankfulness invites peace into our hearts, knowing that God will continue to sustain and guide us. It transforms our prayers from pleas of desperation into conversations of trust and assurance.

  1. Gratitude is God’s Will for Us

Being grateful is not just a good habit but a command from God. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul exhorts, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Gratitude is not dependent on our circumstances; it is a posture of the heart that we are called to maintain. Whether we are experiencing abundance or facing trials, God’s will is for us to give thanks.

This command to give thanks in all circumstances does not mean we deny our pain or hardships. Rather, it is about recognizing that God is with us through every situation, working all things for our good (Romans 8:28). When we obey this command, our hearts grow in faith, and we can see God’s hand at work, even in difficult times.

Conclusion

Gratitude is a spiritual discipline that draws us closer to God and aligns our hearts with His will. It acknowledges His provision, invites peace into our lives, and helps us fulfill His command to give thanks in all circumstances. As we cultivate a spirit of gratitude, we become more aware of God’s blessings, both seen and unseen, and we grow in our trust in His goodness.

In every season of life, let us remember the words of Psalm 107:1, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” By living with a heart of gratitude, we reflect our faith in a loving and faithful God who continually blesses and sustains us.

Finally, for you to be grateful, you must have the mind of Christ, and this can only be done by giving your life to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Let’s Pray

Read through Psalm 107 and sing songs of praise and gratitude to God.

John Aderogba for ROPMI

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Be Courageous – SEPTEMBER 2024 Newsletter

Topic: Be Courageous 

Text: Daniel 6

INTRODUCTION

Courage is a virtue that is often misunderstood. It is commonly associated with acts of bravery in combat or the ability to confront physical danger. However, true courage, particularly within the Christian faith, lies in the steadfastness to trust in God’s promises and timing, even during periods of waiting for answers to prayer. This form of courage necessitates profound faith and a heart firmly grounded in the assurance of God’s unwavering love.

Throughout history, the Bible offers countless examples of individuals who displayed extraordinary courage in the face of adversity. One of the most notable figures is Daniel, whose unwavering faith serves as a timeless model of courage in the midst of uncertainty. Found in Daniel 6, his story of boldly continuing in prayer, even when his life was threatened by a royal decree, illustrates the kind of faith-fueled courage that all believers are called to embrace. His confidence in God’s deliverance was not only a testament to his personal conviction but also a profound example of what it means to remain steadfast when faced with life’s greatest challenges.

In this writing, we will explore what it means to be truly courageous as individuals on the journey of life, drawing upon the example of Daniel to understand the fundamental principles that strengthen and embolden us. Courage, in the biblical sense, is not merely the absence of fear, but the presence of faith—a deep trust in the unfailing promises of God.

1) Courage That Is Rooted in Faith 

The essence of courage lies in its deep foundation in faith. True courage, as demonstrated in the life of Daniel, does not arise from self-confidence or physical strength, but from an unshakable belief in God. Daniel’s courage was not based on his ability to avoid or manipulate danger, but on his trust in God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. Even when faced with a decree that threatened his life, Daniel’s faith was unwavering. The king’s law demanded that anyone praying to any god or man other than the king be thrown into the lions’ den, but Daniel remained steadfast in his practice of praying three times a day. His courage was fueled by his faith in God—not in the absence of danger, but in the knowledge that God could deliver him according to His divine will.

This profound relationship between faith and courage is illuminated by the words of Hebrews 11:1, which tells us that faith is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Daniel exemplified this faith, trusting in God’s plan and protection even though the outcome was not visible. He believed not in what he could physically perceive, but in the unseen power and promise of God.

In our own lives, we too face situations that test our courage. When we are waiting for answers to our prayers—especially in moments of deep uncertainty and desperation—our courage must be anchored in our faith. Like Daniel, we are called to believe that God is with us, even when the path ahead seems unclear. We must trust that He hears our prayers and is at work, orchestrating all things for our good. This faith gives birth to a courage that transcends human understanding, empowering us to face the lions in our own lives with boldness and confidence.

Courage founded on faith also invites us to embrace patience. It reminds us that God’s timing is perfect, even when we do not immediately see the outcome we desire. Just as Daniel trusted in God’s protection without knowing how or when deliverance would come, we too are called to trust that God is working behind the scenes, aligning everything according to His perfect will. Our role is not to manipulate outcomes but to remain faithful, knowing that God’s plans are for our ultimate good, even when they differ from our own expectations.

Thus, true courage is not merely about facing challenges with boldness; it is about standing firm in faith, knowing that God is with us in every trial. Whether or not we can see the solution, courage compels us to hold onto the hope and assurance that God will provide, and that His ways are higher than ours. Through faith, we can boldly step forward, confident that we are held in the hands of a loving and all-powerful God.

2) Courage Requires Perseverance 

Courage is not merely a fleeting emotion or a momentary act of boldness; it is a continuous, deliberate choice to trust in God’s sovereignty, no matter the circumstances. True courage is demonstrated through a lifestyle of persistent faith, just as we see in the example of Daniel. He did not pray once and stop, nor did he allow external pressures or fears to weaken his resolve. Instead, Daniel remained steadfast, seeking God’s face in prayer day after day, even when faced with the threat of persecution and when God’s response seemed delayed. His unwavering commitment in the midst of uncertainty highlights that perseverance is a vital component of courage.

In the same way, we are called to walk in courage through persistence, especially when the answers we seek from God are not immediate. Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” This scripture speaks directly to the heart of endurance. The challenges of waiting can often lead to weariness. It is in these moments of delay, when doubt begins to creep in, that we might question whether God will truly come through. Yet, this is precisely where courage is most needed—not in moments of immediate triumph, but in the long journey of faith, trusting that God’s timing is perfect.

Courage keeps us pressing forward, despite the silence, despite the setbacks, because it is rooted in the unshakable truth that God is faithful. Every act of perseverance, every prayer spoken in faith, is an act of courage that aligns us with God’s perfect will. Though we may not see the full picture, we trust that in due time, our efforts and steadfastness will bear fruit. God’s promises are sure, and our courage enables us to wait upon Him with hope, knowing that our perseverance will be richly rewarded.

Let us be people of courage, not swayed by temporary difficulties or prolonged waiting, but strengthened by the knowledge that God honors those who trust Him fully. As we persist in doing good, even when it seems unnoticed or unrewarded, we stand confident that God’s promises will be fulfilled in their season, and we will indeed reap the harvest He has prepared for us.

3) True Courage Brings Peace 

True courage is a profound and transformative quality, one that does not merely face danger but does so with a heart rooted in peace. Consider the example of Daniel, who, when cast into the lions’ den, exhibited a courage that transcended mere bravery. He did not panic, nor did he plead for his life, despite the imminent threat before him. His courage was not fueled by his own strength, but by his unwavering faith in God. It was the product of a life devoted to perseverance and trust, built over time through prayer and obedience to God’s will.

Daniel’s calm in the midst of peril reveals a deeper truth: courage, when born out of faith, produces an unshakable peace. He understood that his life was secure, not because he knew the outcome, but because he trusted in the hands of the One who held his future. Whether God chose to save him from the lions or not, Daniel’s heart was at peace, knowing that he was in the sovereign care of God.

This same peace is promised to all believers who fully place their trust in God. Philippians 4:6-7 exhorts us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This passage reminds us that when we approach God in faith, surrendering our worries and anxieties to Him, He responds by giving us a peace that defies human reasoning. It is a peace that stands firm even in the face of trials because it is rooted in the character of a faithful God.

True courage, then, enables us to release our fears and anxieties. It empowers us to stand firm, not because we are unafraid, but because we have entrusted our lives, our hopes, and our future to God. This courage comes from a deep conviction that God’s purposes for us are good and that His will is perfect. As we embrace this trust, we are freed from the burden of worry, and we rest in the knowledge that God’s peace will guard our hearts and minds, no matter what we face.

In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, we can draw strength from the example of Daniel. His courage is a reminder that true peace does not come from the absence of danger, but from the presence of faith. As we grow in our relationship with God and learn to lean on Him in every situation, our hearts can be fortified by the peace that only He provides—a peace that transcends understanding and equips us to face life’s lions with courage and calm. Let this be a source of inspiration and motivation: to live courageously is to live in peace, knowing that we are held secure by the One who is greater than all our fears.

Conclusion

Being courageous, especially when waiting for an answer to prayer, is not about mustering up strength or bravado. It is about placing our complete trust in God, persevering in that trust, and allowing His peace to guard our hearts. Like Daniel, we must be willing to stand firm in our faith, no matter the outcome, knowing that our courage honors God and draws us closer to Him.

As we wait on God’s timing, let us remember the words of Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” With this assurance, we can face any challenge with the courage that comes from knowing our God is faithful and He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Finally,  you need to give your life to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior because this is the bedrock for you to be courageous.

LET’S PRAY:

Say your prayer like Daniel did—pour out your heart to God. Just as God came through for Daniel and defended him, so shall God answer your prayers. Amen.

John Aderogba for ROPMI

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