May 26, 2026

I AM FIRM IN GRACE AND HOPE

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“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. He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 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. 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, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.”

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

After discussing the heavy realities of the end times, Paul returns to a familiar theme: deep gratitude for the believers. He reminds the Thessalonians—and us—of three foundational truths that anchor our lives in a shifting world.

1. You Are Deeply Loved by the Lord

Paul begins by calling them "brothers and sisters loved by the Lord." It is vital that we regularly encourage one another with this truth. We are not just "tolerated" or "noticed" by God; we are profoundly loved. Even in the moments when we feel unlovely or discouraged, God’s love for us remains steadfast and unconditional.

2. You Are Made Holy by the Spirit and the Truth

Our right standing with God is a powerful combination of the Holy Spirit’s work and our belief in God's Truth. The Holy Spirit applies God’s grace to our lives, bringing forgiveness and freedom. In response, we choose to believe the truth and act on that freedom.

This isn't "cheap grace"—it was bought with the precious blood of Jesus. This is why Paul urges us to "stand firm and keep a strong grip." This is part of the process. We must stand against the lies, temptations, and threats of the enemy, holding onto God’s Word as a reality more powerful than our own feelings or experiences.

3. You Possess Wonderful Hope

Hope is the fuel that keeps us going through the "long hours" of life. As I write this devotion my wife and I are preparing for a vacation. Over the past several days I have spent extra hours in the office and getting things done at home.  All this extra work is worth it because we know the reward is coming.

As followers of Christ, we possess the greatest hope imaginable: eternal life with Jesus. We are headed for a place where there is no sickness, pain, sorrow, or sin. There will be no room for fear or anxiety—only perfect peace. Keeping our eyes on this destination makes the struggles of the journey manageable.

Personal Inventory

• I Am Loved: Take a moment to meditate on the fact that God loves you unconditionally. Give Him thanks for demonstrating that love through the cross.

• I Am Holy: Ask the Holy Spirit to show you any areas where you have compromised. Receive His forgiveness and ask for His power to live in the freedom He purchased for you.

• I Have Hope: Think about the reality of heaven today. Let your present stresses fade into the background as you realize the eternal treasure God has prepared for you.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, I thank You today for working in my life. Help me to truly grasp how much I am loved, how You have set me apart as holy, and the magnificent hope I have in You. Help me to stand firm today and reflect Your love to everyone I meet. Amen.

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