May 21, 2026

WE LIVE THE CALL

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.”

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

Paul concludes this opening chapter by sharing the heart of his intercession for the Thessalonians. He doesn't just tell them that he is praying; he explains what he is asking of God and why it matters so much.

1. The "What" of Paul’s Prayers: Divine Enablement

Paul asks God to "enable you to live a life worthy of his call." He understands that living for Christ is not something we can achieve through sheer willpower or human effort. We need a supernatural empowerment that is only released through God’s grace.

Earlier, we defined faith as the ability to see things from God’s perspective. Paul connects this vision to action, praying for the power to "accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do." When we begin to view our neighbors, our trials, and our resources from God’s perspective, the Holy Spirit prompts us to act. Paul's prayer is that we wouldn't just have the desire to do good, but the divine power to see it through.

2. The "Why" of Paul’s Prayers: Mutual Honor

Paul reveals a beautiful, two-fold result of a life lived in God’s power:

• Jesus is honored: When we live differently, the name of the Lord is glorified.

• You are honored: Remarkable as it sounds, God intends for His children to share in His glory.

This happens because people notice "the way you live." When faith-led people release God’s love through service—bringing hope to the hurting, the lonely, and the broken—the world takes notice. Unbelievers recognize the reality of our message because they see the transformation in our lives.

Personal Checklist

• Intercession: Am I praying for the empowerment of others? Just as Paul did, we can stand in the gap for those around us, asking God to give them the grace to follow their faith-prompts.

• Evidence: Is there something about my life today that would be impossible without the Holy Spirit’s help?

• Distinction: Do people see a difference in me? When I choose to serve and love when it’s difficult, am I pointing people toward the honor of Jesus?

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, empower me to be a person of prayer for others. Give me the eyes of faith to see what You want to do in and through my life today. Help me to live a life that honors Your name and reflects Your grace to a world in need. Amen.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”