Good morning! Have you every had to hold on to something tight? I can think of a few things – I had to hold tight to…my kids hands when they were young and began to run everywhere, money when times were tight financially, and my mother’s teachings when she wasn’t physically around me. However, the more that I experience in life I noticed the one thing I continue to hold onto with a tight grip is the word of God. What are you holding onto? Today, we will finish our reading in second Thessalonians chapter two with Apostle Paul reminding the Thessalonian believers and us to keep a strong grip. Enjoy today’s devotion.

Bible verse – 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 NLT

“¹³ As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. ¹⁴ He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

¹⁵ With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter.

¹⁶ Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, ¹⁷ comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.”

Reflection

Apostle Paul continued to assure the Thessalonian believers that God chose them. That even with evil and false teachers around the world, the Holy Spirit works within us – transforming us daily into the likeness of Christ.

Apostle Paul wrote a few key things for us too:

• Stand firm in the faith
• Keep a strong grip on the teachings in the Bible
• Trust God to comfort and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say

Sisters and brothers, the schemes of the enemy are not new, but each day weighs on us differently from the day before. It is important to remember God loves you, to intentionally set aside time for self-care, and allow the Holy Spirit room to work in you and transform you. When we can keep Christ at the center, take time to care for ourselves – finding quiet moments to spend with God, and renew our thinking it becomes easier to stand firm in faith.

Things to personally ponder on today:

• When will I find time to be alone with God (e.g., in my car, at home, etc.)? ______
• I will take some additional time to quiet myself before the Lord and allow Him space to speak with me?_________ If so, when ______, where ______ and what time ______?

Sisters and brothers, I also know there will be days when it is/will be difficult to settle our thoughts…in those moments just call out to God. Just say the name Jesus. Keep calling on His name until the break through comes. He is faithful. He will comfort and strengthen you – in Jesus name. Hold on tight to the Word and apply it daily. Hold on with a strong grip to our Lord and Savior who is holding on tight to you.

Prayer

Father God thank you for waking us up to see a new morning. Thank you for never leaving us or abandoning us. Lord, there is so much to be grateful for and we thank you for the hope that we have in Christ Jesus. Lord, thank you for helping us to see you in spite of our circumstances. Lord, thank you for helping us to learn to love others even when it is difficult to do. Lord, thank you for choosing us. Lord, help us to stand in faith. Help us to hold on to your truth. Help us to believe even in the face of doubt. Lord, change our hearts and our minds to align with your will for our lives, and the purpose that you have for us. Lord, use us to help make a difference in our homes, families, communities, and world. In Jesus name, amen.

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