II Thessalonians 1

"Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."  Paul begins this letter.

He is thankful that their "faith is greatly enlarged". 
He is thankful that their "love of each one..  for one another grows ever greater "
He is proud of their "perseverance and faith" in the midst of their "persecutions and afflictions." 

He assures them that "this is a plain indication of God's righteous judgement".. so that they "may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God" for which they were suffering.
He reminds them that those who afflict them will face a day of "retribution".. and will "pay the penalty of eternal destruction." 

"Relief"  is ahead.. when Jesus is "revealed from heaven". 
When He comes in glory and power .. all will marvel!
We need to keep "seeking the things above..."; setting our minds on "the things above and not on the things that are on earth." 

When we keep that perspective.. we will continue to walk "worthy of [our] calling".  
Paul's prayer is for his readers to "fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power; in order that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified... "  in us and us in Him.. according to His grace.

So, what goodness do we desire to fulfill today?
What work of faith can we participate in by the power of Jesus Christ who lives in us?
Is our faith being enlarged?
Is our love ever growing?
Are we persevering in our afflictions?
Are we keeping our eyes on the heavens.. awaiting the return of Jesus who is coming in glory and power?
Will He be glorified in us on that day?

God, our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, sanctify us through and through, so that You will be glorified in us on that day.  We ask You to fill us to the full with Your Spirit so that we may walk in a way worthy of Your Kingdom.. for we cannot do this on our own.  You are the God of grace and peace, and we are Yours in Christ Jesus. Thank You for saving us! Thank You for sanctifying us. We praise You with all our hearts.
Amen.