Daily Devotional | Thanks and Praise

“Don’t forget to say thank you!” If you are like me, when you were a child you probably heard this phrase often. If you are a parent, you have probably given this advice to your children. But if we are honest with ourselves, most adults—yes, even Christians—need to be reminded to give thanks.

God teaches His children the importance of living a thankful life. As His sons and daughters, we have many reasons to be thankful. He gives us breath in our lungs, people in our lives, and most importantly, victory over the grave! Our reading today from 1 Corinthians 15 frames this month’s theme, Thanks and Praise. After explaining his belief in Jesus’ resurrection and the renewal given to those who are Christians, Paul encourages the believers in Corinth to be hopeful about their eternal future. He states that they will be “changed.” Notice that he uses the word changed, which could also be translated as “transformed,” in both verses 51 and 52. We are changed from perishable to imperishable, from mortal to immortal, from death to life.

After quoting Isaiah 25:8 and Hosea 13:14 (vv. 54, 55), Paul pauses in the midst of his theological lesson. It is almost as if he cannot control his excitement. Bursting from his pen, and probably his mouth, are the words, “But thanks be to God!” (v. 57). Why are Christians to be thankful to God? Paul states it is because we have a transformative victory through the Lord Jesus Christ! Our victory in Christ ought to lead to a life overflowing with thanks and praise. This month, join us as we examine what the Bible says about giving thanks and praise.

Pray with Us

Thank you for joining us for Bible study and prayer with Today in the Word this month. We ask the Lord to bless our time together and draw us deeper into His Word by the power of the Holy Spirit.

BY Dr. Chris Rappazini

Dr. Chris Rappazini believes “the Bible is still relevant, leadership is essential, and the church’s best days are still ahead.” Chris is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, the University of Edinburgh, and Gonzaga University. He served as Associate Professor of Pastoral Studies at Moody Bible Institute. Chris and his wife, Ashley, and their children now reside in North Carolina.