DECEMBER 17 , 2023

 THE COST OF GRATITUDE

Psalms 119:62 – “At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.””

When we give thanks or show appreciation, we do not focus on ourselves, but on the person to whom we express gratitude. God’s pleasure, not your convenience should determine how you thank Him. David in our text today is willing to give up His sleep to praise God, yet that would not be His first. Remember how He danced unashamedly at another time just to thank the Lord (2Sam 6).

One of the reasons we often fail to give God the praise due to His Name is that we think of ourselves more than we think about pleasing Him. Hence, our so-called act of gratitude to Him is null and void. For instance, when what determines how well you dance in thanksgiving is the effect of the dance on your appearance; your makeup and clothes; your thanksgiving is null and void. How selfish!

True gratitude would always cost you something. Therefore, do not hold back in giving thanks to God, neither be selfish in offering a gift to say thank you to someone who has been of help to you. Go out of your way to do what will be appreciated by the person to whom you would be expressing gratitude today and throughout this month.

DAILY PRAYER GUIDE
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Startup Prayer: Father in the name of Jesus, help me to pay the price necessary to give you an acceptable thanksgiving each and every day of my life, in Jesus Name.

PRAYER FOR A NATION -SEYCHELLES
Christianity is the largest religion in Seychelles, with Roman Catholicism being its largest denomination. However today, one can observe growth in Evangelical Protestant churches.


Prayer for the nation: Father in the name of Jesus, we ask that by your mercy, many will forsake the way of darkness and embrace your marvelous light in the nation, in Jesus name.

Prayer for the leaders: Father in the name of Jesus, we pray that you will help the leaders to work together, harmoniously in building the nation for the good of the people, in Jesus name.

PRAYER FOR ISRAEL – (Ps 122:6)
Father in the name of Jesus, we ask today that there will be peace in Jerusalem and that your purposes be established in that city. Amen (Ps 122:6)

PRAYER FOR UNITY IN THE CHURCH
Father in the name of Jesus, we ask for the spirit of love and unity to rest upon the church, even in these last days, in Jesus name.

PRAYER FOR SOULS/ REVIVAL
Father in the name of Jesus, we ask that you will bless our outreaches this week, that as we go out weekly, more souls will be added unto us, in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE STUDY
Isaiah 13 & 14, Psalms 4, Revelation 17