DEVOTIONAL READING

Day 39: The Last 40 Days of 2025 – Season of Prayer and Thanksgiving

Intro

Welcome, beloved family of H4J and DCN300! Today, we step into Day 39 of our journey through the Last 40 Days of 2025 – a season of prayer and thanksgiving. As we draw closer to the new year, we continue to explore practical ways to live out our faith, rooted in hope and trust in God.

Theme: Faith-Filled Expectation – Looking Forward with Hope and Confidence in Others

Today, we embrace the future with optimism, trusting in God’s promises and in the potential of those around us to live out His will. This aligns with our core values:

• Hope: An essential part of faith that inspires us to look ahead with anticipation.
• Trust: Placing our confidence in God’s unwavering presence and in others’ commitment to Him.
• Positive Expectation: Knowing God has good plans for us and for our community.

Scripture

Philemon 1:21 (NIV) – “Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.”

Reflection

Paul’s confidence in Philemon’s obedience reveals the power of expressing faith in others. It challenges us to cultivate trust and encouragement in our relationships, believing that those in our H4J and DCN300 communities can exceed expectations in serving God. As we pray and give thanks this season, let’s reflect on how we can communicate this faith to others – motivating them to greater obedience and service. Paul’s affirmation calls us to:

“Express your faith in others, believing that they will not only be obedient but will also exceed expectations in their service to God!”

Additional Scriptures

• 2 Thessalonians 3:4 (NIV): “We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command.”
• Philippians 1:6 (NIV): “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
• Hebrews 6:9 (NIV): “Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things concerning you—things that accompany salvation.”

Connecting with the 28 Fundamental Beliefs

Our focus on “Confident of Your Obedience” aligns with:

• Belief 11: Growing in Christ: Expressing faith in others encourages their spiritual growth and obedience.
• Belief 12: The Church: A supportive community creates space for members to live out their faith obediently.

Practical Application for H4J Community

As we pray and give thanks today, consider these ways to inspire others:

1. Verbalize Your Belief: Tell someone you believe in their gift for serving God. Example: Sister Maria encouraged a young woman to lead a Bible study, affirming her teaching gift.
2. Offer Encouragement: Support those struggling to live obediently. Example: Brother David sent a note of hope to a friend overcoming a bad habit.
3. Delegate Responsibility: Trust others with ministry roles to empower them. Example: H4J delegated leadership of various ministries to church members.
4. Celebrate Successes: Honor those who serve faithfully. Example: Sister Emily organized a celebration for outreach volunteers.
5. Pray for Their Growth: Lift others up in prayer, asking God to strengthen their faith. Example: Brother John prayed daily for his church family’s spiritual growth.

Closing

May this day of prayer and thanksgiving fill your heart with hope for the future and confidence in the people God has placed in your life. Let’s commit to faith-filled expectation, following Paul’s example, and strengthening our H4J and DCN300 communities as we approach the new year.

Welcome to Day 39 – may it be a day of looking forward with hope and loving others well!