“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, Who loved us and gave us everlasting consolation and encouragement and well-founded hope through [His] grace (unmerited favor), comfort and encourage your hearts and strengthen them [make them steadfast and keep them unswerving] in every good work and word.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 ->me: Oh man I needed this today!! There are deadlines at work that are a ton of pressure right now. Even as I sat down to read God’s word today I prayed that He would give me the wisdom and discernment to navigate the stresses of work…and here in the last 2 verses I read is my comforted, encouraged, and strengthened heart. In my mind I see God the Father sitting on the throne in heaven with Jesus standing on His right side. Jesus, standing there with His left hand on the back of the throne and with His right hand in a fist (you know, like ‘I got you’) held out in front of Him…and what do I attribute this to? My efforts to be a good Christian man? My willingness to lead a life group with Marianne? My best attempts at being a good father and husband? NOPE, none of these…it is simply because of His grace and unmerited favor; things I totally don’t deserve but He gives me anyway. Today I am encouraged because there is no worldly/earthly issue that can separate me from this grace. </Big Breath Out>
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