DEVOTIONAL READING
Day 37 of the Last 40 Days of 2025 Season of Prayer and Thanksgiving
Intro
Welcome, beloved family of H4J and DCN300! Today, we continue our journey through the Last 40 Days of Prayer and Thanksgiving, focusing on how our faith in action can be a gift of joy to others and an act of gratitude to God.
Theme: Yes, Brother, Let Me Have Joy from You in the Lord – Joy as an Expression of Thanksgiving in Community
Scripture
Philemon 1:20 (NIV)
“I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.”
Reflection
As we draw closer to the end of this season of prayer and thanksgiving, Paul’s words remind us that gratitude is not just about what we receive from God—it’s also about how we bless our faith community. He expresses his desire to find joy in his brother’s actions, emphasizing that our obedience, love, and integrity can refresh and encourage fellow believers.
This challenges us to ask: How can my life be a source of joy to others as a way of giving thanks to God? In this 40-day journey, let’s reflect on how our choices impact the H4J and DCN300 communities, striving to live in a way that strengthens faith and brings joy—all as an act of gratitude for God’s goodness.
Additional Scriptures
Philippians 2:1-4 (NIV):
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
1 Thessalonians 3:9 (NIV):
“How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?”
2 John 1:4 (NIV):
“It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us.”
Connecting with the 28 Fundamental Beliefs
Our focus on joy in community aligns with key beliefs:
- Belief 12: The Church – The church is a place where members support and encourage one another, building a collective body rooted in joy and gratitude.
- Belief 20: Christian Behavior – Living out Christian principles brings joy to fellow believers and honors God—an essential part of our thanksgiving.
Practical Application (Tied to Prayer and Thanksgiving)
As you pray and give thanks today:
- Live with Integrity: Let your actions match your words—Sister Maria’s honesty inspired her church to live more authentically, a gift of joy to all.
- Be Kind and Compassionate: Show care to others—Brother David’s kindness touched countless lives in his community.
- Support and Encourage: Reach out to someone struggling—H4J’s support groups have been a source of hope for many facing challenges.
- Serve Selflessly: Put others’ needs first—Sister Emily’s volunteer work was a testament to gratitude in action.
- Walk in Truth: Live by God’s Word—Brother John’s commitment to truth inspired others to deepen their faith.
Closing
May this Day 37 fill your heart with gratitude as you strive to be a source of joy to your brothers and sisters in Christ. Let’s commit to joyful obedience, knowing that our love for one another is a powerful way to thank God for His faithfulness.
Welcome to a day of prayer, thanksgiving, and joyful community!