June 30, 2016 – 2 Thessalonians 1:12

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 1:12How often we once told our children to behave or to be good without explaining why or how.  This verse is not only meant for children but also for parents.  It is the ‘why ‘of our loving behavior and the ‘how’ that is front and center in this verse.When we understand, Jesus is here with us, and how we make make a difference to Jesus by honoring Him, we want to be good.  It is responding to Him.  The best part is we don’t have to do be good on our own.  God helps us be good and honor the Name of Jesus.When I first learned about the word, work.  It sounded hard.  Especially when my parents called it a chore to do.  Fun and work are at odds with each other, until they shake hands with love – loving Jesus.  Then work loses its ‘chore’ look.  It becomes fun to honor Jesus with how we live.  Our lives becomes a testimony as to how we love Him.  Our grandparents pray that God enables us to live a life worthy of Him.  God has given us work to do and the power to do then well.  Because as we live for Him, our faith grows and the Holy Spirit teaches us.Love one another as God so loved us, He sent Jesus for us to honor and to praise.  Being ‘good for nothing’ is death — being good for Jesus brings us life.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.  2 Thessalonians 1:11