Daily Devotional – ‘In His Footstep’
By Kingdom Support Initiatives (KSi)
January 1st 2024

First Thing First, Give Thanks

“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” Matthew 6:9 [KJV]

Bible Reading: Psalm 23

The year 2024 is like a feast the Lord has set before us to enjoy. In fact, “the Lord preparest a table before us in the presence of our enemies: He anoints our head with oil; our cup runs over (Psalm 23:5). This is true because His words assure us that every day in the year is made by God, and we will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24). Like Jesus, the first thing to do is give thanks. Before Jesus performed many miracles, the first thing He did was to give thanks. For instance, before feeding the 4000 and 5000 people, Jesus gave thanks (Matthew 15:36; Mark 8:6; and John 6:11). Jesus offered thanksgiving to His heavenly Father before raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:41), before breaking bread and sharing wine at the Passover meal (Luke 22:17-19) and sharing wine at the Last Supper (Matthew 26:27; and Mark 14:23). In fact, Jesus gave thanks for spiritual things, “I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes” (Matthew 11:25). Finally, Jesus taught His disciples to start with adoration, confession, and thanksgiving whenever they ever they want to pray “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name” (Matthew 6:9). Dear friends, first thing first, give thanks. Be grateful for the opportunity to see the first day of the year. Thank God for every day in this year and for His plans of abundance. You cannot operate in the miraculous if you don’t learn to be grateful. Adore God for who He is and for what He is doing in your life every day.

Self-Reflection: If Jesus Christ (the Son of God) gave thanks, how much of you?

Action Point: Sing songs and hymns onto the Lord. Make a note of God’s faithfulness in your life.

Intercessory prayer: Thank God for the opportunity to intercede last year. Thank Him for answered prayers.

Hymn: All hail the power of Jesus’ name!

Let angels prostrate fall.

Bring forth the royal diadem,

And crown him Lord of all/

Bring forth the royal diadem,

And crown him Lord of all!