Do we recognize truth? In 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12, we see that at some point in the future, God is going to allow a deceiver to have free reign to try and deceive as many as he can. Interestingly, the people will have their eyes closed to truth unless they have the truth living in them. Jesus Christ is described in John 14:6 as the way, the truth, and the life. Only those who have Jesus as an active ljving part of their lives will be able to see this deceiver for what he truly is. Do you have the truth? Does Christ live in your heart and life so that…

Do we ever feel we’ve been left out? The people of Thessalonica felt that way. As you read 2 Thessalonians 2:1-6 we see that they fear that Christ has already returned and they have been left behind. Paul shares with then that their hope and faith have not been in vain. Christ has not yet returned and they can continue to live in hope of his triumphant return. Also, they need to continue to share so that others are ready when Christ actually does return. Are we ready for that day and are we sharing with others so they will be ready, too?

Are we worthy of the calling? In 2 Thessaloniabs 1:11-12, we see Paul finish off this chapter encouraging the people who were going through difficult times and experiencing persecution to endure it in a manner worthy of their calling. How can someone endure something and do it in a way that they are worthy? When we experience difficult situations that are unfair or are wrong, we can choose how we respond in the moment. Do we respond in a way that people are pointed toward Jesus? Or, are we angry and upset and blame Him? How can we show others that we are worthy? We do that by displaying Christ,…

Life seems so unfair. The evil in this world goes unpunished and the good gets stepped on. In 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10, we see Paul addressing this very concern. Paul reminds the people that there will come a day when God will set  everything right. Evil will be judged and obedience to God will be rewarded. Some day, we will see God as the righteous judge who will judge everyone based on their relationship with Jesus Christ. Where will we fall in that judgment? Do we know about Jesus or have we surrendered our life to Him? Do we talk about Jesus or do we live out Jesus day by day?…

Time has passed and now Paul is writing a second letter to the church at Thessalonica. Read 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4. As we read, we see a few things have changed. The church has grown in faith and love. Additionally, they also have increased afflictions and persecution.  It is amazing how these things often go together. Over the years, as the church has experienced trials and persecution, they have also seen a growth in their faith and love. It can be amazing how that happens! When God is all we have left, we see just exactly how completely we can depend on him. How completely do we depend on God today?…

God is faithful. As we finish read 1 Thessalonians, starting in chapter 5, verse 19, we see several things that we are commanded to do. Paul ends with a kind of rapid-fire reminder list for us. One of the key points through this list is the reminder that God is faithful. No matter what we are going through, no matter the difficulties, no matter how faithful we are to Him, God is always faithful. Will we trust in Him and hold fast to Him, knowing that He is holding fast to us?

What is God’s will for me? I’ve been asked that question by countless people and I’ve asked it myself on several occasions. In 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 we find the answer. God’s will for each one of us is that we rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks. I realize that most of us want something more specific than that, yet if we can’t even be obedient with these things, why should God share more with us? If we will start with these three things in our life, we will find ourselves aligning more and more with the will of God in our lives. Do our lives consist of rejoicing, praying,…

Recognition. In the professional world, this concept is of vital importance. People will explain how recognition relates to retention and engagement, and a host of other statistics. Interestingly, Paul talks about it in the church. In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14, Paul talks about the importance of admonishing and encouraging people for the work they do. Do we thank people? Do we take the time to revognize and appreciate those in our Christian walk who push us and help us grow? Paul is very clear that we are to admonish each other in love. Who do we need to spend time recognizing and encouraging today?

We have a job to do. In 1 Thessalonians 5:6-11, Paul explains that we are to get busy. We don’t have time to be lazy or to mess around. God has us here for a purpose and we must stay focused on the job he has for us. It can be easy to get distracted from our real purpose and Paul mentions some distractions that can be a problem, but at the end of the day, God has provided us tools and armor to help us get the job done and help us be successful. Will we use them? As seen in yesterday’s devotion, time is short and we never…