Scripture to Read: 2 Thessalonians 2:13
We continue to focus on having a heart of thanks to God. God tells us in verse 13 to give thanks to Him for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Though I mentioned this yesterday, it’s worth unpacking a little more. We should be giving thanks because we and all our brothers and sisters in Christ are “beloved by our Lord.” We often forget this truth of being eternally loved by our Creator, God, King, and Lord as we walk through the tests and trials of life. God never wants us to forget that we are His “beloved,” and that means we have a lot to be thankful for to Him. We also must be thankful because God chose us from the very beginning for salvation. God has always wanted all people to be saved from the power and punishment of sin. God says it this way in 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” God also makes this truth clear in 1 Timothy 2:3-4 “This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” God chose us long before we ever chose to surrender to Him. Knowing He chose us first should set our hearts toward thanking Him daily for all He has done to make it possible for us to know Him and to make Him known.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about His choice of you?
2. How will you live your life differently knowing God chose you first?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!