Pastor Corner

Staying on the Gratitude lane

Welcome to the last month of the year 2024! I must say again that it’s been a full year with many mountains and valleys in the journey but one sure thing has been God’s faithfulness. As I reflect on what to write in this edition of our newsletter, I realise that we still have many chances to really be grateful to God for his grace and mercy that has been abundant over us.
Last month, I preached a sermon in church titled The Grateful Family and I honestly believe that sermon was just a pure download from heaven. Now every time I hear the word BLESS, it has a greater meaning to me. In Psalm 34:1 when David said I will Bless the Lord at all times, it implies he will do these five things with the acronym BLESS on a daily basis.
Find below the meaning;
Behold the Lord. Psalm 27:4. Psalms 16:8
Love on the Lord. 1 John 4:19, Psalm 3:13
Exalt the Lord. Matthew 6:33, Psalm 91:1
Serve the Lord. Matthew 4:10, Hebrews 10:28
Sing to the Lord. Ephesians 5:18-21, Psalms 33:3-4 (TPT)
You can replay the entire message on our YouTube page (www.youtube.com/@gharvestisland).
However, my attention today is centred around Psalm 103:1-5 where David instructed his soul on what to do and this is the same thing God wants us to do as we draw the curtain on the year 2024. We must all activate gratitude mode!
He enumerated six things that our gratitude should be based on in these five verses and he says that when we stay on this lane, our youths will be renewed like that of an eagle. I am sure that my readers today are smart enough to embrace this strategy so as not to need any anti-ageing medication to get themselves renewed. I will just mention these six things quickly for us to take note of them and begin to live perpetually on that lane.

First, because he is God. The first thing was not to praise God for the benefits but just for who he is. He is holy. Similar to what Jesus taught his disciples to do in the popular Lord’s Prayer when he said, ‘Hallowed be your name’. This is so important for us to grasp because we must be people who seek him, not his hand.
The second reason is that he forgives all of our iniquities. The truth is, if God will count sins, which one of us can stand? I stand to say even as your pastor, I won’t also. Ephesians 1:7 says in him we have redemption through his blood the forgiveness of sins. That’s a good ground for gratitude.
Thirdly, he heals all, not some, of our diseases. Some we know, many we will never know because the stripes of Jesus healed them before they manifested. This year, you are alive because the same affliction that buried some people could not overpower you. Be grateful my brother and sisters.
A fourth reason is the redemption from destruction. Many traps of the enemy that you have escaped this year are too numerous to mention. Psalm 91:6 speaks of destruction that lays waste at noon-day. Many near misses on the road or air or seas yet we escaped. He is Gratitude deserving.
Fifth is the crowning with loving kindness and tender mercies. How you have enjoyed exemption and God has given you favour in your job or business. Some of us got married, got new jobs, got gifts, signed new contracts, and many more things. Count your blessings and be grateful.
Lastly, he satisfies your mouth with good things. It means he meets up with your desires. Your food, clothes and shelter are taken care of this year. You and I have survived in spite of the economic hardship in our country this year. Stay on the Gratitude lane.

Five ways to express gratitude are; We Sing, We Dance, We Shout, We Laugh or Cry and We Shout! I say once again, stay on the gratitude lane!

CHILDREN’S CORNER

It’s All About Love

Hello, my love—yes, you, the light of Global Harvest Church Island. I hope you’ve had the most fun in November and are looking forward to the abundance of joy and happiness that comes with the month of December.
Now we would like to see how good your imagination is, are you ready???

Close your eyes and imagine you are walking with Jesus. You are on a beautiful path with flowers blooming all around you. Jesus stops, looks at you with His warm, kind eyes, and says, “Do you know what is the most important thing in life? It’s love!”
You look at Him curiously. “Love?” you ask.

Jesus nods and explains, “Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind. That means talking to Him every day, obeying Him, and trusting Him even when it’s hard.”
“But that’s not all!” Jesus continues. “Love your neighbour as yourself. Be kind, share your toys, help your friends, and even pray for those who hurt your feelings.”
Suddenly, you notice people along the path: a hungry child, a sad friend, and even someone who teased you in school. Jesus smiles and says, “When you show love to them, you’re showing love to Me too!
Now slowly open your eyes, how did it feel to imagine yourself walking with God?…
I need three volunteers to raise their hands and tell the room, ‘How do you show love to God’…
I need three new volunteers to raise their hands and tell the room ‘What are ways you show love to your friends or even people who are not nice to you?…
Thank you all for answering. We hope that today you have learnt that:
Love is not just a feeling; it’s an action!
Loving God means putting Him first in everything.
Loving others shows we truly follow Jesus.
Matthew 22:37-39 “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind”. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39 (NLT)

DEVELOPMENT CORNER

2024 In Retrospect

What a beautiful year it has been so far. As I thought about what to write as my final message for the year 2023, it dawned on me that we should not focus on negativities hence the reason for my opening line.

It’s our usual practice to review the year. We’ve discussed many interesting topics on this platform that I hope have helped in your personal growth and development.

One thing I believe stood out and was covered quite often during the year was the need to focus our energy on things we can control. We found that a lot of things happened in the country in the course of the year that affected our daily living. Despite these events, here you are. You made it to the last month of the year, now that’s a big win!

As we wrap up the year, I want you to keep these words in mind:
Applaud yourself: Celebrate your little victories. You’ve done so well by and for yourself.
Work and Pray: You know that saying “work as if you haven’t prayed and pray as if you haven’t worked” Don’t forget it!
Trust God: Miracles happen when you least expect them. It’s not over till God says so. He’s not done with you, he’s only just beginning.
Get your notepad: You should start drafting your plans. It’s not too early to do so but we will talk at length about this next year.

Until then, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year