DATE POSTED
Tuesday, August 11, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
I would love for you to read today’s Scripture in your own personal Bible!

Romans 1:21-23 (NLT)

²¹ Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. ²² Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. ²³ And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

“Until the Whole World Knows” has long been a rallying slogan for global missions. Yet, as Paul reminded us in verse 20, creation itself has already rendered God’s power obvious. Every sunrise displays a miracle of creation. It’s a divine masterpiece and it’s on time every day for our benefit! But considering its size and heat intensity, there is no earthly generator that could power the large light and heat of the sun. But the same God who created the plants that need light for their very existence and mankind who needs light and heat to maintain life here on earth, He created, maintains and provides a daily schedule for the sun each day. There is no other explanation for this masterpiece – the sun, other than a practical tool designed and operated by God!

I believe that Paul was right on target in challenging the whole world to worship this God who created all things. Yes, some may not know about Jesus and the miraculous new life that is offered in knowing Him as Lord, unless they have access to, and can read, the Bible, but if we all know of Him, why would so many choose not to worship and thank Him each new day? When we reject gratitude, our thinking becomes foolish and our spiritual vision dims. Paul shared with the church that mankind chose to place something physical in God’s place, something they could see and possibly worship, carving out physical idols to worship instead.

But since the Bible is for all people, we must use our God-given minds to examine our current day practice of worship and thanksgiving. From a very early age we are all taught to give thanks for every part of our lives where we are blessed to receive physical, emotional or sustaining gifts to aid in our survival. Yet, even in adulthood we allow days, weeks and months to pass while we seem to assume that the world around us simply exists and maintains itself. Paul attributed this missing quality in our lives as a time that our minds become dark, where we just don’t want to see the good things around us, and we allow ourselves to become confused by what the world teaches vs the straight-up goodness of God – the God who provides everything for the benefit of those He created. This is like a time of refusing to see God or believe in His miraculous works and provisions. Satan influences the world to this pattern of life every day, and unfortunately, many accept that over the amazing works of God.

I am reminded of a time I offered my RV to visiting relatives. As we drove toward the resort, a young teenage family member innocently asked how much she and her parents owed me for using it. Perhaps a funny story, but her sweet question reflected a natural heart impulse: when you receive a gift, gratitude and acknowledgment should follow.

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TODAY’S CHALLENGE

If a child naturally understands the need to express gratitude for a temporary place to stay, what is our excuse before the God who provides our very breath? Gratitude cannot be reserved only for Sunday mornings. When daily worship and thankfulness fill our hearts throughout the week, gathering with our church family becomes an overflowing joy rather than a routine obligation. From the abundance of the heart, you will respond. Do you feel that you are doing your part in thanking God every day? Are you actively thanking God every day, or have His daily miracles simply become something you expect and often goes unnoticed?

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the days I walk through Your creation without noticing Your hand. Thank You for the gift of life, for the rising sun, and for the countless blessings I so easily take for granted. Guard my heart against the distraction and spiritual darkness that comes from an unthankful spirit. Help me to worship You as the true Source of all good things, not just on Sunday, but in every moment of my daily life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!