CHRIST EMBASSY WEB AND BLOG CHURCHES YOUTH/TEENS CHURCH : IT’S A DAY OF JOY AND THANKSGIVING

Pastor Cheri

PRAYER

Speak in tongues now, thank the Lord for the Word you are about to hear.

Scriptural References: Hebrews 13:15, Luke 17:12-19, 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Please note that the Pastor is expected to also carry out his/her own in-depth study and use rich illustrations and examples during the service.

“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” (Hebrews 13:15).

Jesus taught on the importance and benefit of worship and thanksgiving using the story of the ten lepers: “And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole” (Luke 17:12-19).

He commended the one who returned to give glory to God, and said unto him, “Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.” By coming to thank God for his miracle, he got something more than healing; he was made whole. Everything he had lost as a result of the leprosy was completely restored.

As you take stock of the half year, it’s not a time to complain, grumble, or reminisce over the failures and disappointments of yesterday! Rather, let it be a time of gratitude, praise, joy, and thanksgiving. Let it be a time to count your blessings and worship the Lord specially and passionately from your spirit.

EXPRESS YOUR GRATITUDE

So today, as you review your experiences and achievements for the 1st half of the year, it’s important that:

 You count your blessings and rejoice over what the Lord has done for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

 Celebrate His goodness and many blessings upon your life throughout these past 6 months. Ezra 3:11

 Appreciate and worship Him from the very depths of your heart, for His great love, kindness, mercy and grace experienced in the 1st half of the year. Psalm 7:17

 Celebrate Him for His goodness and wonderful works in your life. Psalm 9:1

 Give Him the sacrifice of true worship, make confessions to His Name. Colossians 3:16-17

 Show Him how grateful you are for leading and guiding you in safety, health, victory, success, and prosperity! Psalm 107:21-22

 Express yourself lavishly in worship and praise to the Lord today as you count your blessings in the outgoing 1st half of the year, and contemplate the greater blessings He has in store for you in this 2nd half of the year. Ephesians 5:20

4 IMPORTANT WAYS TO CELEBRATE AND THANK THE LORD TODAY

1. First is through your prayer of thanksgiving; express yourself to Him with thanksgiving from your heart. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

2. Secondly, worship and praise Him profusely and ecstatically from your spirit. Psalm 103:1-4

3. Thirdly, celebrate Him with your testimony—your testimony of thanksgiving. Testify of what He’s done in your life; eulogize Him for the joy of the Spirit that’s in your heart. Thank Him for the foundation of your spirit; the foundation of faith that God gave you. Celebrate the hope, and other blessings in your spirit. Psalm 145:7-9

4. Lastly, celebrate Him with an offering. We worship God with our offerings because He’s God. Your offering to God is an oblation, a testimony of your faith in Him. Give the Lord a special thanksgiving offering today, and project yourself into the greater future He’s planned for you. Psalm 50:14

Make it an entire day of celebration, because you’re grateful for all that Christ is to you. Rejoice and be glad, for it’s a day of joy and thanksgiving!

FAITH AFFIRMATION

I affirm that the Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

I am blessed and highly favored, and my financial prosperity is assured.

My God supplies all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

I refuse to lack or beg, for I have the blessing of Abraham. I am a lender, not a borrower.

I walk in abundance because the Lord has made all grace abound toward me, so I always have all sufficiency in all things.

The Lord gives me wisdom to create wealth.

I operate in divine ideas, strategies, and insights for financial increase.

I declare that my storehouses are full, and my resources multiply continually.

I am diligent and faithful in my dealings, and the Lord causes me to prosper in all my endeavors.

Wealth and riches are in my house. I am blessed to be a blessing to others.

The windows of heaven are open over my life, and I experience financial overflow