A Daily Devotion for Thursday, August 14
- ontrakk
- Aug 14, 2025
- 1 min read
Ephesians 5: 15-20
Be very careful, then, how you live— not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The part of this passage which was highlighted today in the Upper Room was the last verse, reminding us to remain thankful for everything. There was a phrase that was floating around a lot a number of years ago, reminding others to have “an attitude of gratitude.” It always puzzled me that there was never a recipient of the gratitude and thankfulness. An attitude of gratitude seems meaningless to me if I don’t name the ultimate giver, the Father and provider of all things. When we pray, we are speaking directly to the Provider of all things. I must never stop being thankful, and never stop thanking Him who has provided everything.
Holy Lord, please know I am never ungrateful to you. I am thankful beyond words. I may forget to thank you, and that is my own sin, which I must learn to correct. Forgive me, Lord, for my many mistakes. Forgive me for my many sins. I am yours, God, now and forever. Amen
Becky, transforming
Pic by Kay
Ephesians 5:15-20
The older I get, the more thankful I become and that comforts me. I am able to look back and see all the wonderful blessings the Good Lord has afforded me. I have to shake my head at all the selfish times in my younger days when I wanted something I couldn’t have and questioned why…now I see it was so insignificant or not in God’s plan. God has provided everything I need and I am grateful. My cup is full!
Heavenly Father, please help me to never, ever be ungrateful for all You have provided for me. I could not possibly ask for more. I thank You have all blessings You have laid before me but most…
Ephesians 5:15-20
Having an attitude of gratitude is good advice, but sometimes difficult when you are having trouble feeling it. The writer of today' devotion found her outlook changed when she focused on the simple good things around her rather than her problems. At our last community Thanksgiving Service, the combined voices of many choirs sang an anthem called, "One Day is not Enough." One line reminded us that our thanks cannot equal the things that you (God) do. The anthem ends with "one day - one year - one life is not enough."
Prayer: Gracious God, I know I don't thank you as often as I should. I hope you know my hert. AMEN
Thursday, August 14th,
A grateful heart
(Focus: gratitude for God’s mercies
Ephesians 5:20
Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
A grateful heart has more power than I could ever imagine. The most important lesson I learned along the way is when I shared joy, whether intentional or not my grateful heart changed my life. A grateful heart is a constant reminder of thankfulness and appreciation for the good things in one's life, regardless of circumstances. It's about recognizing and valuing blessings, both big and small, and cultivating a positive outlook. This mindset can lead to significant positive changes in an individual's life, including improved mental and emotional well-being,…
Ephesians 5: 15-20 Ever since the Transformers meeting in which Kay Layne taught us how she literally gives thanks in all circumstances, I have associated this passage with her. Over the last two days I have experienced a sequence of seemingly random events that give life to this Scripture using what Kay has taught. The details are not important, but the sense of peace that gratitude, even in trying situations, can bring is undeniable. What could have been a source of anger, frustration and resentment became demonstrations of God’s provision, wisdom and care.
Prayer - Merciful God, Your mercies are made new every morning. Each day comes with its own struggles, yet for those who call on Your name in gratitude,…