Tag: thankful

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: September 22, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is 2 Thessalonians chapter 1

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

Every person should be thankful for their church family. The Bible gives us reasons to be grateful. In II Thessalonians 1:3-4 It says, “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure.” (NKJV) First, we give thanks for growing faith. The faith of the Thessalonians was growing exceedingly. Faith is like a muscle, when it is used it grows stronger. Someone said, “A faith that cannot be tested, cannot be trusted.” God uses trials to grow our faith. Faith also grows as a result of reading God’s Word. Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (NKJV) Be thankful for the growing faith of other believers who are part of your church. Secondly, give God thanks for the love of your church family. Paul said that the love of the Thessalonians was “abounding.” The word “abounding” pictures a river overflowing its banks. Think in terms of agriculture and irrigation. Crops are nourished by the overflow. Think about how you and your church family are nourished and blessed by the overflow of love from one another. Praise God for loving churches! Lastly, thank God for believers in the church who are patiently enduring trials for the glory of God! Many around us are going through difficulties, but they are faithfully leaning on the Lord through it all. What a blessing to see people who love Jesus stay strong in their faith even though they are struggling. We should be thankful for their example. After giving God thanks for your church, brag on it to others. The world hears enough bad stuff about churches. They need to hear the good stuff!

Prayer: “Lord, thank You for the faith, love, and faithful endurance of the saints of God You have placed in my life. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: September 9, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Colossians chapter 1

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

We learn a lot about a person by what makes them happy. Paul was most happy when the Gospel was being preached, and people were being saved, and the church was being blessed. Paul was a happy person because Paul was a thankful person. He said, “We give thanks to God… since we heard of your faith, and of the love which you have to all the saints.” (Colossians 1:4) Faith in Christ results in love for saints. Paul heard about the church at Colossae and he was was thankful for their faith and their love. He was also thankful for their hope. He said, “For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel.” (Colossians 1:5) Paul was happy because the Gospel was being preached and it was bringing forth fruit. His thankfulness led him to pray for the spiritual growth and development of the church at Colossae. What makes you happy? Is your joy and gratitude wrapped up in the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Paul said, “Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:12-14 NKJV)

Prayer: “Dear Father in heaven, help us to love what You love and despise what You despise. May whatever rejoices Your heart rejoice ours as well. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron