Reading With the People of God #7 CommitmentSample

Memorization Challenge:

6 Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. (Joshua 1:6 NLT)

Reading Primer:

2 Thessalonians 2 - Encourage Your Hearts!

As we look at today’s scriptures, I’m drawn to 2 Thessalonians 2. Why? It brings me comfort, and I hope that we can all be encouraged/comforted by this passage, just as Paul wanted for the church of the Thessalonians.

“Encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” -2 Thessalonians 2:17

Here, Paul talks about the Lawless one to come and the Day of the Lord. Paul taught and instructed on this matter, just as John did in 1 John and some of the Prophets of the Old Testament did. Whether we are new Christians or mature Christians, I believe it’s important for us to know and understand this matter. Why? So that we do not have to live in fear, be confused, or be “shaken in our mind” like the Thessalonians in this passage. Yes, the Day of the LORD will be a dark, scary day for the unbelievers of this world. This is the day Jesus returns to be the final judge, to pour out His wrath upon the earth. And for me, this excites me to know that there will be an end to ALL sins.

We are to be encouraged and motivated to live a life that is faithful to the LORD! To be AWE-inspired by the truth, which is the Word of God. Sometimes, we can get so focused on the things going on in the world that can bring us feelings of anxiety, anger, and fear and then lose focus on the One Who created it ALL. God is not a God of confusion. He is a God of Revelation. He has given us His Word and promises, and we inherit these promises through His Son, Jesus Christ! Jesus holds every promise; this is our hope, encouragement, and comfort.

Father God, thank You for Your Son, Jesus, our LORD and Savior. Thank You for Your saving grace that draws us to Jesus. Jesus, thank You for revealing the Father to us. Thank You, Father, for Your Holy Spirit to help us walk in faith. We are sorry for getting “freaked out” at times over what’s happening in the world and allowing our feelings to get in the way of Your truth. Please help us, O’LORD, to remember Your Word, to continue to seek You, know You, and follow You. We know we are protected from the evil spirits that lurk around trying to bring deception to those who love You. I ask You, Holy Spirit, to continue filling, showing, and transforming us. Help guide us in the way of truth, filling us with Your strength in living in obedience to the Word of God. We ask for Your Salvation over those who do not know Your Son Jesus. We pray this in the mighty name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen!

- Amanda Moon, All Woman’s Fitness Specialist