"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."

Introduction: The first words all parents teach their kids to say are, "Mommy, Daddy, and thank you," because "Mommy and Daddy" are the words most necessary in childhood and "thank you" in adulthood.


1. The relationship between thanksgiving and praise and my life.
    1) Fallen humanity and corrupt nature (Ro 1:21).
        (1) Hatred, anger, jealousy, criticism, complaining, and a negative attitude.
        (2) These are far from a peaceful, happy, and joyful heart.
        (3) External conditions such as materials, good circumstances, position, and fame
             cannot give us happiness.
    2) We should have our hearts renewed from within, when we are born again through
        Jesus (2Cor 5:17).
        (1) The spring of faith, hope, love, righteousness, peace, and joy.
        (2) Thanksgiving and praise open the door to this spring.
    3) Thanksgiving and praise heal hatred, anger, and depression (Pr 17:22).
    4) Robert Emmons, Professor of Psychology at UC Davis, and Michael McCullough,
        Professor of Psychology at Miami University. A doctoral research: Gratitude.
        (1) I feel happier about my life.
        (2) I have an optimistic view of life.
        (3) I became an energetic person.
        (4) I work with passion.
        (5) I became a person who could make decisions.
        (6) I gained a sense of humor.
        (7) I gained confidence in controlling difficulties during the day.
        (8) I exercise more often.
        (9) I sleep better and have become healthier.
        (10) I have a clear goal in life, and I am endeavoring to accomplish my goal.
        (11) I am more active in helping others.
        (12) I became more generous and kind.
        (13) My resentment against rich people has disappeared.
        (14) I became more organized.
        (15) I gained creativity and open-mindedness.
        (16) I am more flexible in dealing with challenges.
        (17) I am more tolerant during times of stress.
        (18) I am more closely connected with my family.
        (19) I grew deeper in faith.
    5) Mrs. Ann Hazel who fought against an American jaguar.
        (The key to open secret power)

2. The relationship between thanksgiving and praise and neighbors.
    1) Thanksgiving and praise boosts the ego of our neighbors and give them joy
        (Col 3:16-17).
    2) Thanksgiving and praise builds relationships with our neighbors (Ro 15:2).
    3) Thanksgiving and praise touches our neighbors and make them happy.
        - Students who wrote a letter of gratitude to their parents and the parents´ reaction
           (Ro 14:18).
    4) Wariness will disappear, and you will be willing to help (Col 1:10).
    5) Thanksgiving and praise helps us become a good friend (Pr 16:7).

3. Give thanks and praise to God.
    1) The door of heaven will be opened, and we will enter God´s courts with praise
        (Ps 100:4-5).
    2) God dwells in our praise and thanksgiving (Ps 22:3).
    3) Thanks and praise exalts and honors God - Our glorious God is already the Most
        High God, but the more we give thanks and praise to Him, the more He will be
        exalted and honored (Ps 50:23; 104:33).
    4) God stretches out His arm of help and salvation (Ac 16:25-26).
    5) Thanks and praise becomes a pleasant fragrance to God (Ps 69:30-31).
    6) They make the love of God and the sacrifice of Jesus valuable
        (Heb 13:15; 1Th 5:16-18).


Conclusion : Thanksgiving and praise makes us feel happy inside and prosperous. Thanksgiving and praise also leads our life to success and help us live in harmony with our neighbors by removing hostility and wariness. Thanksgiving and praise helps us have a closer relationship in the family of God.