RCCG STRONG TOWER PARISH PLATEAU PROVINCE 2 MARKS 2024 ANNUAL THANKSGIVING SERVICE IN GRANDSTYLE
The service which took place today, 1st, December, 2024 at the church auditorium Miango Road Jos the Plateau State Capital with the theme: A HABITUTE OF GRATITUDE started exactly 9:00 am.
He called on the congregants to give thanks unto the Lord for he is good for his mercy endureth for ever.
Prof. Okonoda also reminded the congregants of Psalms 136 as he said, the Bible was explicit in admonishing us to give thanks always either in good times or in bad times.
He said, "this year has seen some ups and a lot of downs especially in our national life which has affected all of us in our personal lives.Many have barely survived the economic hardship, personal challenges and other issues in their lives. Yet, the injunction to give thanks always applies now than ever before.
Prof. Okonoda reminded the congregants of some Bible verses that emphasize the importance of giving thanks in all circumstances, whether good or bad:"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18"Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."
He said, in the book of Philippians 4:6 stated that "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:17"I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth." Psalm 34:1"Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him and bless his name." Psalm 100:4-5 "Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!" Psalm 107:1These verses encourage us to cultivate a habit of gratitude, giving thanks in all circumstances, and recognizing God's blessings and goodness in our lives".
Prof. Okonoda also called on the congregants to embrace "A Habitude of Gratitude" – cultivating a mindful, intentional attitude that transforms lives.The Merriam Webster dictionary (n.d) defines habitude as “habitual disposition: a mode of behaviour, procedure or custom”. A habitude combines habit and attitude, representing deliberate, proactive choices shaping our mindset.Gratitude on the other hand has two core components—first as “an affirmation of goodness" and then as a way for us to acknowledge that the “sources of this goodness are outside of ourselves" (Emmons, 2010). Similarly, Brother David Steindl-Rast, a Benedectine monk and author of Gratefulness, the Heart of Prayer posited that gratitude has two important qualities, the first being the appreciation of something you deem valuable. The second quality of gratefulness is that it must be gratis or given freely (The Gratefulness Team, 2017) Our theme, “A Habitude of Gratitude” is reminding us to have a habitual disposition of gratitude in all situations and to make it a way of life.Benefits of Gratitude. A habitual practice of gratitude has some of the following scientifically proven benefits ( Bouchrika, 2024):Physical Health Benefits: Practicing gratitude positively affects physical health by improving sleep quality, lowering blood pressure, enhancing immune function, increasing pain tolerance, and motivating individuals to engage in healthy behaviors such as regular exercise and mindful eating.Mental Health Benefits: It has been shown to boost self-confidence, improve patience and resilience, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and foster a more optimistic outlook on life.
Social (Relationship) Benefits: Gratitude enhances social relationships by fostering positive emotions, increasing empathy, and improving communication. Expressing gratitude to friends and family members strengthens bonds and creates a supportive social network.Professional Benefits: Gratitude is linked to professional success. It improves employee retention, enhances productivity, builds better relationships among colleagues, and fosters a positive work environment.
He said, grateful individuals are also better at decision-making and management.Spiritual Benefits: Gratitude is a fundamental virtue in many religious and spiritual practices. It enhances spiritualism by encouraging individuals to appreciate the intangible and valuable aspects of life, fostering a deeper sense of connection and purpose.Emotional Wellbeing: Gratitude positively impacts emotional well-being by improving mood, helping manage grief, transforming negative memories into positive ones, and contributing to overall happiness. Regular practice of gratitude can lead to long-term emotional stability and contentment.
He disclosed that cultivating gratitude Habitude Scientifically proven practices that can help develop an habitude of gratitude include the following: Keeping a journalVisual reminders: pictures, videos etcSharing gratitude with loved ones; Show appreciation for others and express it verbally. Giving gratitude letters or notes.Mindful reflectionCreate a gratitude ritual Establish a daily or weekly practice, like sharing gratitude at dinner time.
The Pastor incharge of Plateau Province 2 Pastor Rotimi Oloruntoba led the congregants in prayers and took his reading from the book of Isaiah 65: 18-24.
The high point of the event was the presentation of gifts to the Pastors for their service to God and humanity.
There was songs ministration by the children, annual Thanksgiving service committee, and the Church Choir.
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