Bishop Samson Amajene Delivers Powerful Thanksgiving Message on "The Alabaster of Gratitude" at Grace Gospel Church

Today's Thoughts Devotional — November: Our Month of Appreciation, Gratitude, and Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 27, 2025 (Thanksgiving Day)  ·  Grace Gospel Church, Glen Burnie, MD

On Thanksgiving Day, Bishop Samson Amajene delivered a transformative message centred on the monthly theme "The Alabaster of Gratitude," calling members of Grace Gospel Church and the broader body of Christ to examine the depth and authenticity of their thanksgiving during this season of appreciation.

Drawing from Genesis 4:3–4, Psalm 103:1–5, 1 Chronicles 29:1–14, and Luke 17:11–19, Bishop Amajene wove together a compelling narrative about what true gratitude looks like when it flows from a sincere heart willing to give sacrificially for the advancement of God's kingdom and the betterment of humanity.

Point 1: The Foundation of Acceptable Worship

Beginning with Genesis 4:3–4, Bishop Amajene reminded believers that not all offerings are created equal in God's sight. "Abel brought the firstfruits of his flock," he explained, "while Cain brought the fruit of the ground. God accepted Abel's offering because it came from a place of faith and surrender. Gratitude, like worship, must come from our best — not our leftovers."

This principle, he noted, mirrors the spiritual significance of the alabaster box — a vessel of immense value that Mary of Bethany broke to anoint Jesus with costly perfume. "When we give thanks," Bishop Amajene declared, "we are breaking open our alabaster boxes, pouring out our finest treasures before a God who is worthy of our absolute best."

Point 2: Remembering God's Daily Mercies

Turning to Psalm 103:1–5, the bishop urged believers to "bless the Lord and forget not all His benefits." He emphasised that gratitude is not a one-time event but a lifestyle rooted in remembrance. "The psalmist calls us to remember forgiveness, healing, redemption, and renewal," he said. "This November, as our month of appreciation and thanksgiving, we must train our hearts to see God's daily mercies and acknowledge them with genuine praise."

Point 3: All We Have Belongs to God

In 1 Chronicles 29:1–14, King David's profound declaration that "all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee" became the centrepiece of Bishop Amajene's teaching on stewardship and gratitude. "When we give thanks," he explained, "we are simply acknowledging that everything we possess — our time, our talents, our treasures — belongs to God. We are merely returning to Him what is already His."

The bishop connected this truth to the alabaster box narrative, noting that Mary's willingness to break her expensive perfume demonstrated complete surrender. "She could not put that perfume back in the bottle," he said. "She had broken it irreversibly. Perhaps it was her inheritance, her hope chest, her security. Yet she gave it all because she understood that Jesus was more worthy than any earthly possession."

Point 4: The Miracle of Gratitude

Concluding with Luke 17:11–19, the account of the ten lepers, Bishop Amajene highlighted a transformative truth: "Nine were healed, but only one was made whole — the one who returned to give thanks. Gratitude completes the miracle."

He challenged believers with penetrating questions: "How many of us receive God's blessings but fail to return with thanksgiving? How many of us are healed but not whole? The empty alabaster box — poured out completely in gratitude — is a blessing in itself, representing the fullness that comes when we acknowledge God's goodness."

Call to Action: Breaking Open Your Alabaster Box

Bishop Amajene concluded by inviting the congregation to examine their own "alabaster boxes" — the treasures, fears, and earthly concerns they hold dear. "This November, as we celebrate our month of appreciation and thanksgiving, I urge you to break open your alabaster box before God. Pour out your praise, your surrender, your love. Give Him your best, not your leftovers. For when you do, you will discover that an empty alabaster box is not a loss — it is the beginning of true wholeness."

The bishop's message resonated deeply with believers, reminding them that authentic gratitude transcends mere words. True thanksgiving demonstrates appreciation through sacrifice, surrender, and the offering of one's finest to the God who deserves nothing less. As the congregation left Grace Gospel Church on this Thanksgiving Day, they carried with them a renewed commitment to living a life of genuine, extravagant gratitude — one where their alabaster boxes are willingly broken at the feet of Jesus.