Loving God bless the life and needs of this dear reader in all they face today; in Christ Jesus' name I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from 2 Thessalonians 2: 1 Now, friends, read these next words carefully. Slow down and don't go jumping to conclusions regarding the day when our Master, Jesus Christ, will come back and we assemble to welcome him. 2 Don't let anyone shake you up or get you excited over some breathless report or rumored letter from me that the day of the Master's arrival has come and gone. 3 Don't fall for any line like that. 4 He'll defy and then take over every so-called god or altar. Having cleared away the opposition, he'll then set himself up in God's Temple as "God Almighty." 5 Don't you remember me going over all this in detail when I was with you? Are your memories that short? 13 Meanwhile, we've got our hands full continually thanking God for you, our good friends - so loved by God! God picked you out as his from the very start. Think of it: included in God's original plan of salvation by the bond of faith in the living truth. 14 This is the life of the Spirit he invited you to through the Message we delivered, in which you get in on the glory of our Master, Jesus Christ. 15 So, friends, take a firm stand, feet on the ground and head high. Keep a tight grip on what you were taught, whether in personal conversation or by our letter. 16 May Jesus himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, 17 put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech.
The point came in Paul's ministry when folks questioned what he had previously said about Jesus' return. Times were rough and getting rougher and a free trip to Heaven was getting to look pretty good. Some even began to say, "The day came, Jesus was here, and we got left behind!" Paul reminds them, and us, that we have enough to do while alive instead of just waiting around for Jesus to return. Look at verse 13: "Meanwhile, we've got our hands full continually thanking God for you." Our invitation to enter into relationship with Jesus was an invitation to a journey not a destination! What's the old saying, "half the fun is getting there?" Can't you and I work now for bringing about God's kingdom, rather than just doing nothing looking skyward for that great and glorious day?
May the Lord indeed put a fresh heart in us all, may our work for Him be invigorated and our speech be life-giving!
PRAYER: Loving God, like the people of Paul's day, it seems like life gets tougher, so toughen me up for today. Let me give You thanks for those who serve alongside me in bringing about Your kingdom here on the earth as it is in Heaven. Do put a fresh heart in me, invigorate my work for You, and let my words to all today be words of life and affirmation. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
PS If you haven't yet voted, please remember today is Election Day.
