Thanksgiving Should Be a Lifestyle, Declares Rev. Mrs. Olusola Idowu


By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon

The Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja, held a Spirit-filled service on Sunday, August 30, 2025, marking the grand finale of its August 2025 Topic: “Prevailing Praise.”
The service was characterized by vibrant worship, heartfelt thanksgiving, prophetic declarations, and an atmosphere of joy and spiritual renewal. The congregation joined in unison, turning the atmosphere into what many described as “a taste of heaven.”

The message, delivered by Rev. (Mrs.) Olusola Idowu, emphasized the necessity of thanksgiving and praise as a daily lifestyle and not merely a seasonal practice. The message began with a reminder from 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NIV):

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Declaration: Thanksgiving is not optional but a divine command that aligns believers with God’s will and sustains them through every circumstance of life.

Scriptural Insights & Explanations

(a) Thanksgiving as a Key and Shield
Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Insight: Gratitude ushers in divine peace that shields the believer’s heart from anxiety, fear, and confusion.

(b) Thanksgiving as a Weapon
Psalm 149:6–9: “May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands…”
Insight: Praise is not passive; it is a weapon of warfare that enforces God’s authority and defeats the works of darkness.

(c) Thanksgiving as a Sacrifice
Psalm 50:14: “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High.”

Hebrews 13:15: “Through Jesus… let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that openly profess His name.”
Insight: True thanksgiving sometimes requires sacrifice, especially in difficult times. It demonstrates faith and trust in God beyond circumstances.

(d) Thanksgiving as a System
Psalm 50:23: “Those who sacrifice thank offerings honour me, and to the blameless I will show my salvation.”
Insight: Thanksgiving is a spiritual system that honours God and provokes His intervention in the lives of His people.

Key Expectations for Believers

Rev. (Mrs.) Idowu encouraged the congregation to:

Embrace thanksgiving and praise as a lifestyle habit.

Understand that thanksgiving is a shield, seed, fragrant offering, mirror of God’s glory, and an act of war.

Make thanksgiving their permanent posture, not a circumstantial reaction.

Recognize that thanksgiving attracts divine presence and accelerates breakthroughs.

Core Reminder: “Thanksgiving is not a suggestion. It is a divine system ordained for victory and alignment with God’s will.”

Worship Experience
The District Choir led the congregation in anointed praise and worship sessions, rendered in diverse languages and expressions. The atmosphere was charged as members collectively lifted their voices declaring: “I have a reason to praise the Lord!”

Closing Benediction
The service ended with a solemn benediction and closing prayer by Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu, District Overseer, who released blessings of peace, joy, and favour upon the congregation.

Summary
The August 30, 2025, service at Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse District Headquarters, reinforced the Topic of “Prevailing Praise.” Members were reminded that thanksgiving is:
A key to peace,
A weapon of warfare,
A sacrifice of faith, and
A spiritual system that secures God’s blessings.

The charge remains clear: Make thanksgiving and praise not just a season but a lifestyle habit.

Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon is a freelance writer and Christian educator based in Abuja, Nigeria, with a passion for documenting faith-based initiatives and their impact on communities.

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