Today’s Reading:
2 Thess. 2:13-17 (13)
"But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers (and sisters) beloved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth." (v.13 NIV)
As believers, it is an excitement to be aware that we are beloved, that is, constantly being loved personally by God the Father. It is God's choice to love us and be made part of his family. God's choice of us is from eternity (1:4). It is not reserved for special believers, but as an important aspect of our salvation.
Just as there are specific elements in the character of the Antichrist (vv. 10-12) so are there characteristics of people that have been saved. We are loved by God the Father, chosen for salvation from the foundations of the world, set apart from sin by the Holy Spirit, and called to eternal glory with Jesus Christ.
No other glory outside the glory of God. Paul reminds us not to be agitated or troubled with the thoughts of missing rapture and so are in the judgement Day of the Lord. As believers, we are destined for glory and not judgement.
In the light of the above, our response to these great truths should be to surrender our lives to Jesus Christ, be faithful, be strengthened and be able to stand firm even in the face of persecution. We should be able to replace false teachings with being faithful in adhering to the truth that we have heard, taught and read about.
The fact that we are loved and called by salvation through grace of God should be enough reason to be focused, stand firm in our faith and keep ourselves from being misled by false teachings.
Our strong faith should be in response to God's offer of salvation. God, in his sovereignty has decided to save whoever turns to him, no matter the origin (Rom.10:13). God also knows that those who chose to live in sin will not embrace his salvation offer. But those who believe in Christ, he saves and sanctifies.
While we are loved and are waiting for the full realisation of God's glory; we are enjoying the benefits of being part of God's family. God is also working to transform our lives, encouraging, helping us to move forward and strengthening us in every good word and action. These glorious truths should fill our lives with joy, humility and gratitude.
Olufunmilayo Titilola Adekusibe
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your love and for the salvation of my soul. Help me to remember all the benefits of being your child and so be able to serve you faithfully. Father give me the inner peace and strength that will show in my word and action, in Jesus name.
Holy Ghost swallow my life, my prayer and prayer altar in your fire, in Jesus name.
Father, I do not want to walk with you as a blind, dumb and foolish; open my eyes to see, my ears to hear and my heart to understand, in Jesus name.
Father uproot everything you have not planted in your church and revive your Pentecostal fire and power in Jesus name.
Father, thank you for sustaining our nation with your power and fire. Give our leaders fresh hope, vision, revelation, inspiration and direction to move the nation to the next level. Let there be peace, love and harmony of purpose, in Jesus name. Amen.
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