Devotional: Thanksgiving - Day 4

 Day 4 — Thanksgiving in Sanctification

Scripture: Philippians 1:6 — “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion…”

Reflection

We often feel discouraged by slow growth or repeated struggles, yet thanksgiving is rooted in the truth that God finishes what He starts. Sanctification is God’s work in us, not merely our work for Him.

Because the Spirit dwells within us, every step toward holiness—even the painful ones—is evidence of God’s faithfulness. A Reformed perspective sees sanctification as a cause for deep gratitude: God is making us like Christ, and He will not quit.

Application

• Identify one area where you’ve seen spiritual growth in the last year—however small.

• Thank God for the Spirit’s work, not your willpower.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, thank You for Your patient work in me. Help me see Your grace in the slow, steady growth of my life. Teach me to give thanks as You conform me to Christ. Amen.

Devotional: Thanksgiving day 3

 Day 3 — Thanksgiving for Christ’s Mediatorial Work

Scripture: Hebrews 7:23–25 — “He always lives to make intercession for them.”

Reflection

Reformed theology highlights Christ as our true Prophet, Priest, and King. Thanksgiving deepens when we meditate on the active, ongoing work of Jesus on our behalf.

He is not distant. He intercedes for you right now.

He is not weak. He rules all things for the good of His church.

He is not silent. He speaks through His Word by the Spirit.

Gratitude grows as we marvel that our Savior’s work for us did not end at the cross—it continues every moment.

Application

• Spend time thanking Christ for each office:

• Prophet: He reveals God to us.

• Priest: He intercedes and atones for us.

• King: He rules and defends us.

• Consider how Jesus’ ongoing ministry gives you confidence today.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for being my Prophet, Priest, and King. Cause my heart to overflow with thanksgiving as I rest in Your perfect, ongoing work. Amen.

Devotional: Thanksgiving Day 2

 Day 2 — Thanksgiving for Grace Alone

Scripture: Ephesians 2:4–9 — “By grace you have been saved…”

Reflection

A heart that understands the depth of salvation by grace alone overflows with thanksgiving. God did not save us because we were lovely, obedient, or spiritual. He saved us because He is rich in mercy.

Gratitude grows when we remember what we were—dead in sin—and what Christ has made us: alive with Him. Thanksgiving is not simply polite manners toward God; it is worship born from astonishment at grace.

Application

• Write a short testimony emphasizing what God saved you from and for.

• Thank the Lord specifically for aspects of salvation often forgotten: adoption, justification, sanctification, and future glorification.

Prayer

Father, thank You for saving me by grace alone. Let the reality of my salvation stir deep thanksgiving and joyful obedience. Amen.

Devotional: Thanksgiving Devotional - Day 1

 Day 1 — Thanksgiving and the Sovereignty of God

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 — “Give thanks in all circumstances…”

Reflection

A Reformed understanding of thanksgiving begins with recognizing that God ordains all things—the joyful, the confusing, the painful, and the unexpected. We do not give thanks for evil, but we give thanks in every circumstance because none of our experiences fall outside the sovereign care of our Father. Gratitude is not rooted in how we feel today, but in who God is eternally.

God’s sovereignty frees us from fear, anchors us in assurance, and teaches us that gratitude flows from trust in His wise and loving rule.

Application

• List three difficult areas right now where God is calling you to trust Him.

• Pray for grace to give thanks in those situations, even before you see their resolution.

Prayer

Lord, You reign over every detail of my life. Help me give thanks in all circumstances, trusting Your sovereign goodness even when I don’t understand Your ways. Amen.

Devotional: Alignment & Accountability - Day 5

 Day 5 — Keep Doing Good

Scripture:

“As for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary in doing good.”

— 2 Thessalonians 3:13

Devotional:

Staying aligned is tiring. Holding others accountable is exhausting. Some days you feel like the only one rowing in the right direction. Paul understands this and offers a final command: don’t quit. Perseverance is a form of worship. Consistency is holiness lived out. God sees what others overlook, and He renews the strength of those who keep doing the right thing day after day.

Military Connection:

When others slack off, your integrity shines. When morale dips, your steadiness matters. Your example might be the anchor someone else needs.

Prayer:

Lord, strengthen my hands and heart. Help me persevere in goodness, generosity, and discipline. Renew my passion for Your mission. Amen.

Challenge:

Do one act of unseen, uncelebrated goodness today—encourage a coworker, bless a family member, or pray for someone who frustrates you.