APRIL 30, 2024

GRATITUDE ELIMINATES INSUFFICIENCY

John 6:11
“And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.”

Most times, the extent to which we focus on what is not enough is often higher than our gratitude for what we have. This is often seen in everything we do. So many people are caught in a rat race; they wake up early, rush out of their houses, forgetting to give thanks for the new day just so they can beat the traffic then come back home to fall asleep and get enough rest for the next day without acknowledging God for a profitable day. This is not right.

As Christians, it is an error to be scrambling about, thinking we do not have enough time or enough money to achieve the things we want. If only we could add gratitude to those seemingly scarce resources, multiplication is sure to happen. We are supposed to emulate Jesus who gave thanks for the little he had; He understood that it is possible to have nothing at all. He chose to see the little as the handwork of God instead. This is remarkable!

We see clearly the result of Jesus giving thanks. There was instant multiplication. What seemed scarce suddenly became surplus. Let us stop for a moment, and thank God for that little money, some other people are in debt; thank God for your family, for your apartment, etc., before we begin to ask for an increase because it will surely come. Glory to God!

DAILY PRAYER GUIDE

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Startup Prayer:

Dear Father, thank you for my life, my job, my family, and all that I have, I give you praise in Jesus name.

PRAYER FOR A NATION-TIMOR LESTE
Timor-Leste is one of the few countries in Asia where the majority of the population identify as Christian (99.6%), most of whom are Roman Catholic (97.6%).The remaining population identify with Islam (0.2%) or some other religion (0.2%). However, despite such a strong Church presence, Timor-Leste is a troubled place: one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia, some 46 percent of East Timorese have never received any formal education. More than one-third of its population faces food shortages on a regular basis. Additionally, this nation has one of the world’s most traumatic recent histories.

Prayer for the nation:
Father, in the name of Jesus, we pray for the churches in Timor-Leste, that Christ will remain their aim and focus in Jesus Name.

Prayer for the leaders:

Father in the name of Jesus, we pray for the leaders who are unsaved, and we ask that they experience the majesty of your power and thereby surrender to your Lordship, 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 pray for a Holy Fear to rest upon the church, that believers in the Body will seek to please you above all things, in Jesus Name.

PRAYER FOR SOULS/ REVIVAL
Father in the name of Jesus, we come against and destroy every adversary to the open doors of the gospel in our cities and environs, in Jesus’ name.

DAILY BIBLE STUDY
Genesis 15 & 16, Psalm 139, Romans 8