Mon., 4/10/17 Devotion (2 Thess. 2:16-17)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Thessalonians 2:16 & 17, where we read these words:

"Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, com-fort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work."

In order for any of us to be effective Christians, we need to have a base of comfort (or security). Without this, we will never endeavor to act on our faith (through God-honoring deeds and words). This is why the Apostle Paul en-courages the church to know that they are loved by God; and that they have received hope and grace in Christ.

If we are in Jesus today, we are in a blessed position—whether we feel like we are, or not. May God make His face shine on us, Christ's church, today.

[Puritan quote of the day: "A holy despair in ourselves is the ground of true hope.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]