1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
New International Version
The Day of the Lord 5 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Saturday - November 20
We know that Jesus will return. We know that before that many hard things will happen. In fact, we didn’t need Jesus to tell us! We experience pain, suffering and death. But one of the reasons why Jesus did tell us is so that we would know that we had not LOST his mercy, grace, forgiveness, and love. Pain is not God’s punishment. Suffering is not God’s abandonment. It is a rebellious world that stands in opposition to God trying to cling to power. Suffering is the sin, death, and the devil lashing out at God and those whom God loves. So, instead of losing hope, know that you are a child of the light! Live in freedom. Love! Show mercy. Give grace. Forgive recklessly.