Daily Devotional – November 20-26
November 20 – Meditating on God’s Word
This devotional series offers less content but more opportunity for you to reflect, contemplate, and pray through the short Scriptures we offer. It is an opportunity to help us slow down and enjoy time in the presence of God. It is an exercise in listening with the intent of hearing from God through His Word and by His Spirit. Here is the passage for the week:
Colossians 1:3-4, We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people—Colossians 2:6-7, So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 3:15, Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:17, And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 4:2, Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Prayer: “Father, I thank You for all the faithful believers in my life. Their faith in You and love for others are inspiring. I pray that I can live such a life rooted and built up in You that is full of faith and continually overflows with a thankful heart, May Your peace take charge of my heart so that there’s peace in all my relationships. Again, I choose thankfulness as my attitude. And in everything I do, both by speaking and action, I consciously do it all in Your name always giving thanks for every opportunity given to me. May I be a living prayer service, spiritually alert, filled with thankfulness. Amen.”
November 21 – Meditating on God’s Word
Colossians 1:3-4, We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people—
Write out the Scripture. (As it is or in your own words.)
“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love you have for all God’s people-”
Observe what it is saying. (Answer the who, what, when, where, why, and how questions)
In Paul’s four chapter-letter to Colossae, he speaks of giving thanks six times. We will look at five of them this week of Thanksgiving. The first thanksgiving is for the body of Christ. We offer thanks for brothers and sisters in the church who have a solid faith in Jesus and sincere love for one another. Supportive Christian fellowship is a blessing that we cannot take for granted.
Relate it to your life. (Connect how this Scripture speaks into your life today.)
I’m grateful for all my brothers and sisters in the faith who inspire me to live and love like Jesus.
Do something. (Pray it. Live it. Act on it.)
“Father, thank You for giving me such a loving family of believers to share my life with. Amen.”
November 22 – Meditating on God’s Word
Colossians 2:6-7, So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Write out the Scripture.
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Observe what it is saying.
In these verses, Paul taught the importance of continuing to walk with Jesus each and every day because a one-time reception isn’t enough. It’s a daily journey of deepening our roots and strengthening our faith. Paul then revealed that a key marker of growing discipleship is that we’ll overflow with thankfulness. To really have and know Jesus is a journey full of thanksgiving.
Relate it to your life.
I can tell how my faith is progressing by whether my heart, mind, and lips express thankfulness.
Do something.
“Father, thank You for this fantastic journey of discipleship You have me on! Amen.”
November 23 – Meditating on God’s Word
Lamentations 3:22-23, Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Write out the Scripture.
“Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Observe what it is saying.
The author has changed the channel from thoughts of affliction which led to discouragement to the channel of amazing grace which gave him renewed hope. God’s love is at work at all times so that we can make it through each challenge. In each affliction, we can be assured that His compassions are ever-present and will never let us down. In fact, they’re so abundant that we’re given a new supply each day. If we think it’s possible that we used all of God’s supply yesterday, then don’t worry, because He has another supply waiting today. He is faithful!
Relate it to your life.
Each morning I can wake up to a fresh supply of God’s amazing grace.
Do something.
“Father, I trust that You have so much more compassion than I can exhaust today. Amen.”
November 24 – Meditating on God’s Word
Lamentations 3:24, I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
Write out the Scripture.
“I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’”
Observe what it is saying.
The author talks to himself. He knows that good self-talk is healthy for one’s mental and emotional state. He declares the Lord is his portion. This word also means allotment, plot of ground, or inheritance share. The priests and Levites weren’t given land but the Lord as their share in Israel. In the same light, the Lord is all he needs. Because of his confidence in the Lord, he will wait, or place his hope in Him as he looks to God for his deliverance.
Relate it to your life.
When I realize the Lord is all I need, then I can put all of my hope and trust in Him.
Do something.
“Father, You are all I need. I put my trust in You to answer all my problems. Amen.”
November 25 – Meditating on God’s Word
Lamentations 3:25-26, The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
Write out the Scripture.
“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it’s good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”
Observe what it is saying.
In the midst of life’s many challenges, pain, and problems, we’re given the promise the Lord is good to those who sincerely seek after and put their hope and trust in Him. This goodness includes that the Lord hears our prayers. He knows the deepest cries of our hearts when words aren’t present. As Paul said, the Lord also works for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Knowing this to be true, it’s a good thing to wait in trust for the Lord’s answer to come.
Relate it to your life.
I can bank on the Lord’s promise of goodness when I’m looking to Him with all my heart.
Do something.
“Father, I’m seeking You and putting all my trust in You for Your answer to __________. Amen.”