Dec 12 2025 … Growing In Gratitude …

Dec 12 2025 …  Growing In Gratitude … 

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...      and PLEASE take the time to listen to music and lyrics, from Brandon Lake  singing Gratitude …  calling on Christians to grow in expressing our thankfulness for God’s goodness and faithfulness.

Highlight Passage: … Psalms 9:1 … [NLT] …  

1 … I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. 

Highlight Passage in Context:  Psalms 9:1-12 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK … 

… King David sings of his gratefulness to God and singing of all His goodness and faithfulness.  

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Reference Passage: … 1Chronicles 16:34 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …

… As God’s Priesthood bring the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, David sings for the thankfulness of God’s people for  God’s presence. 

Reference Passage: …  Psalms 100:4, 106:1 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …

… Unnamed authors; but Psalms likely attributed to or for King David calling for God’s people to be thankful for God’s goodness.    

Reference Passage: … 2Corinthians 9:13-15 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …

… The Apostle Paul expresses his gratitude and thankfulness for the ministry of giving from God’s faithful in the east to support God’s people in Jerusalem.

Reference Passage:… Colossians 3:15-17 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …

… The Apostle Paul exhorts fellow Christians to ALWAYS be grateful and express their thanks for all God has done for them.

Reference Passage: … Philippians 4:6-7 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …

… Paul teaches truth that we Christians are to bring our thankful hearts to God in prayer, especially in times of worry or trial.

Reference Passage:… 1Thessalonians 5:18  [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …

… The Apostle Paul also exhorts fellow Christians to ALWAYS be thankful to God in ALL circumstances.  

My Devotional Journal:oday’s Our Daily Bread from the Center for Bible Engagement  …  USE THS LNK   …  related a story about the author’s daughters asking for some water, which the author gladly brought to them.  However, neither of them expressed thanks for their dad’s willingness to bring the water to them.  But then he realize that he too often didn’t say thanks for the generosity of others to him, which prompted the question of all of us as to why it’s so difficult to be grateful and express it to others.

Personally, many times in these devotional lessons, I have to say, “Me too!”  But not with this one.  I honestly can say that I reflexively say “Thank you,” and I feel grateful, when someone does something for me.  It was drilled into me, as a very young boy, … sometimes with a painful switch, … if I didn’t express my thanks to others.  So, here I sit, reflecting, from the linked song (which I love, BTW!!!) and the Scriptures above, which drill home that we need to thank our God … ALWAYS … for His goodness and faithfulness.  Are you with me in this?! 

My Thanksgiving:… Oh, King Jesus, thank You …Lord, … ALWAYS for Your goodness to me.

My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, … THANKS, Lord, for Your goodness to us in ALL circumstances.  … Amen

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Blogger Note:  Everyday during this year, my daily devotional blogs are influenced by the reading and study of the online devotional blog entitled “Our Daily Bread,” distributed online via email by RBC Ministries.  If you GO TO THIS LINK on the date of my blog, you can read/study the ODB blogs; or you can subscribe to the blog via email at that site.

Dec 11 2025 … More Like Jesus …

Dec 11 2025 …  More Like Jesus … 

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...      and PLEASE take the time to listen to music and lyrics, from Zach Williams  singing Less Like Me …  calling on Christians to seek to live and love others to become more like Jesus and less like our human selves. 

Highlight Passage: … Colossians 3:12 … [NLT] … 

12 … Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 

… Paul exhorts fellow Christians to put on the characteristics of Christlikeness.

Highlight Passage in Context:  Colossians 3:12-17 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK … 

… The Apostle Paul exhorts/encourages fellow Christians to live and become more like Christ.  

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Reference Passage: … John 13:34-35 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK … 

… Jesus, the night of His arrest in the upper room with His Disciples, washes their feet and commands them to love others like He has shown love to them; … and by doing this, they (we) show that they (we) are disciples of Christ. 

Reference Passage: …  Romans 12:1-2 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK … 

… Paul calls on fellow Christians to become living sacrifices, avoiding the ways of the world and following the ways of Christ.   

Reference Passage: … 1Corinthians 11:1 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …

… The Apostle Paul confidently calls on fellow Christians to follow him because Paul knew he was following the ways of Christ.

Reference Passage: … Galatians 2:20 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK … 

… The Apostle Paul testifies to his choosing to die to self and being transformed to live as Christ lives in him.

Reference Passage: … Ephesians 2:10 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …

… Paul teaches truth that we Christians have been created anew in Christ to carry out His will and follow His ways in carrying out His plans.

Reference Passage: … 1John 2:6  [NLT] … USE THIS LINK … 

… The Apostle John shows Christians that they (we) should live as Jesus lived.

My Devotional Journal: Today’s Our Daily Bread Author, Alyson Kieda …  USE THS LINK  -   …  related a story about a man jogging down a street in NYC and encountering a man begging … by putting his worn shoes out to beg for money.  The man realized how blessed he was to have good jogging shoes; so he took off his shoes/socks and gave them to the beggar, saying to the man, …  “I’ve been blessed my whole life. God has been very good to me, so I feel like I should bless you too.”

I don’t know about you, my fellow “Christian” readers, but I’m convicted, as I just turned 82, by the linked song and today’s ODB entry that I can be - and should be - doing more to be like Christ as I live in this latter portion of my life.  And so, I’m sharing my thoughts here today and wondering if we ALL could do more, as Zach Williams sings, to be more like Christ and less like me (or you)?   How about you, my dear fellow Christian?

My Thanksgiving: … Oh, King Jesus, thank You …Lord, … for calling me to be more like You.

My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, … You are helping us all to be more like You today and tomorrow.   … Amen

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Blogger Note:  Everyday during this year, my daily devotional blogs are influenced by the reading and study of the online devotional blog entitled “Our Daily Bread,” distributed online via email by RBC Ministries.  If you GO TO THIS LINK on the date of my blog, you can read/study the ODB blogs; or you can subscribe to the blog via email at that site.

Dec 10 2025 … Seeking Godly Wisdom …

Dec 10 2025 …  Seeking Godly Wisdom … 

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...      and PLEASE take the time to listen to music and lyrics, from the group, SovereignGraceWorship  singing Christ Our Wisdom …  calling on Christians to seek and follow God’s wisdom rather than being misled by our own understanding. 

Highlight Passage: … Proverbs 3:1 … [NLT] …  

1 … My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. 

… Solomon commands his son, just as God commands His children, to store up His commands in their heart to guide them (us) in life.

Highlight Passage in Context:  Proverbs 3:1-12  [NLT] … USE THIS LINK … 

… Solomon seeks to impart God’s wisdom to his son, just as God does to His children, thru His word.

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Reference Passage:… Psalms 119:105 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK … 

… King David sings and shows fellow believers that God’s word should be the light, guiding them (us) in life.

Reference Passage: …  Ecclesiastes 7:12 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK … 

… Solomon teaches truth that seeking God’s wisdom is more important than money in dealing with the challenges of life.  

Reference Passage: … 1Corinthians 2:13 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK … 

… The Apostle Paul teaches truth that fellow Christians must use and follow God’s word to gain and use the wisdom and guidance of God’s Spirit.   

Reference Passage: … Ephesians 1:16-17 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …

… The Apostle Paul prayed for dear friends and fellow Christians that God would give them (us) Spirit-led wisdom to grow in their (our) relationship with God.

Reference Passage: … Colossians 3:16 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK … 

… Paul also shows fellow Christians to teach and counsel one another in the Spirit-led truth which comes from God’s word.

Reference Passage: … James 1:5, 3:17 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …

… Jesus’ brother James, exhorts fellow Christians to be bold in seeking Godly wisdom which is full of God’s mercy and enabling Grace.

My Devotional Journal: Today’s Our Daily Bread Author, Arthur Jackson …  USE THS LNK  -    …  told of Corey Brooks, who was labeled “The Rooftop Pastor,” because he lived almost a year on the rooftop of His church, trying to inspire his neighbors and church members to work together to restore the neighborhood.   Brooks, during his rooftop stay, posted online that he was most inspired by one of his elementary school teachers, who taught him four important lessons:  … the power of perseverance, the importance of integrity, the value of community engagement, and the impact of education.

Similarly, in today’s ODB entry, Arthur Jackson, the author, uses the words and teaching of Solomon, the Apostle Paul, and Jesus’ brother James to exhort and teach God’s children that they (we) are to use God’s word to teach and guide them (us) to follow God’s Spirit through the rigors of this life.  That’s why you find me here, … each morning, … beginning my day, seeking Godly wisdom, through His word, to guide my life.   What will guide your path today. 

My Thanksgiving: … Oh, King Jesus, thank You …Lord, … for showing me the way to follow You thru Your word.

My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, … You guide the path of Your children each day by shining Your light on our path by Your word.  … Amen

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Blogger Note:  Everyday during this year, my daily devotional blogs are influenced by the reading and study of the online devotional blog entitled “Our Daily Bread,” distributed online via email by RBC Ministries.  If you GO TO THIS LINK on the date of my blog, you can read/study the ODB blogs; or you can subscribe to the blog via email at that site.

Dec 9 2025 … Being Christ’s Church …

Dec 9 2025 …  Being Christ’s Church … 

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...      and PLEASE take the time to listen to music and lyrics, from Matthew West singing Holy Forever …  exhorting Christians to come TOGETHER to be His church FOREVER.  

Christ's Church coming TOGETHER for His glory ... 

Highlight Passage: … Acts 2:47 … [NLT] … 

47 … all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. 

… Early believers in Christ as Lord came TOGETHER to worship Him and live for His glory as His Church.

Highlight Passage in Context:  Acts 2:36-47  [NLT] … USE THIS LINK … 

… Peter preaches at Pentecost of God’s Spirit coming to call ALL who believe in Jesus as Lord to be a part of His Body, The Church.

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Reference Passage: … Matthew 16:18 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …

… Jesus declares to Peter that He, as Lord, would build His church which would prevail against all forces in the world.

Reference Passage:…  Acts 20:28 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK … 

… The apostle Paul teaches truth and exhorts fellow Christians to come TOGETHER as His church to worship Him and to witness of His glory.  

Reference Passage:… Romans 10:9 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK … 

… Paul preaches truth that anyone who believes in Christ as Lord and gives witness to that faith to others will be saved.  

Reference Passage: … 1Corinthians 12:13 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK … 

… The Apostle Paul teaches truth about anyone believing on Christ as Lord becoming part of His Body, the Church and sharing in His Spirit.

Reference Passage: … Ephesians 1:22-23 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …

… Paul also teaches of the Church becoming one Body under the Lordship of Jesus as The Christ.

Reference Passage: … Revelation 21:2 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …

… God gives John the revelation of God’s Body, The Church, coming down as Christ’s bride, adorned for glory for the Bridegroom.

My Devotional Journal: Today’s Our Daily Bread Author, Anne Cetas …  USE THS LNK    …  related how she, as a child, was playing with her neighbor friends when they overheard neighbors having a worship service in their neighborhood home, which turned out to be a baptism service and to which the neighbors invited her and her friends to witness.

And this became the first illustration of Christ’s church coming TOGETHER to worship and witness their faith for the ODB author, who, as is witnessed in the linked Scriptures above, is the worldwide expression of The Church of Jesus Christ in the world today.  I pray that all who are reading with me here have become part of that Church.   I certainly am.  How about you? 

My Thanksgiving: … Oh, King Jesus, thank You …Lord, … for inviting me to be part of Your Church … now and forevermore.

My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, … building Your Church for all who believe in and worship You as Lord today.  … Amen

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Blogger Note:  Everyday during this year, my daily devotional blogs are influenced by the reading and study of the online devotional blog entitled “Our Daily Bread,” distributed online via email by RBC Ministries.  If you GO TO THIS LINK on the date of my blog, you can read/study the ODB blogs; or you can subscribe to the blog via email at that site.