HONOUR (PART 6)

Give Thanks Intentionally: Honouring God Through Gratitude

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV): “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Thanksgiving must be intentional. Sometimes, you have to actively search for things to be thankful for. They abound. Give thanks that there is a government, that security forces exist, that roads are being repaired, and that people can still gather freely to worship.

Give Thanks for Every Sector

Be thankful for ministries and sectors of governance that sustain daily life:

Health Sector: Lives are saved daily despite challenges.
Education Sector: Teachers continue to serve faithfully.
Power & Infrastructure: Progress in electricity, roads, and essential services.
Agriculture & Business: Supporting the economy and livelihoods.
Security Agencies: Risking lives to maintain peace.
Church & Ministry: Spreading the gospel and building communities.

Look around and give thanks. It may not be perfect, but thanksgiving acknowledges the grace that remains and invites more of God’s intervention. Blessing the nation will establish it; cursing leads to destruction.
Proverbs 11:11 (NIV): “Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.”

Previous Read:Honour (Part 5)

Give Thanks in Faith—Before Fulfilment

Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV): “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please.”

Prophetic words declare that Nigeria will rise, righteousness will spring forth, and God will use this nation as a light in the end times. Even if we do not yet see the full picture, thanksgiving expresses faith: “I believe Your word, Lord, even before I see it.”

Guard Your Heart from Complaint

Philippians 2:14-15 (NKJV): “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.”

Complaining pollutes the heart and blinds us to God’s goodness. Gratitude keeps the heart pure and focus sharp. When others murmur, choose thanksgiving—it is a spiritual discipline and a mark of maturity.

God expects His people to be thankful, not only when life feels good, but in all circumstances, especially for civil leaders.

A Call to Thanksgiving

Today, God calls His people to repentance from ingratitude. Rise in praise; let thanksgiving go up continually for your leaders, your nation, and your daily life.

Refuse to join the chorus of cursing, murmuring, and bitterness. Lift your voice in gratitude, aligning with God’s will and preparing the way for His peace and power to manifest.
Psalm 100:4 (NIV): “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.”

Let thanksgiving be on your lips and faith in your heart. Remember the frankincense—always include gratitude in your prayers.