“Remain grateful, for we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken.” (Heb.12:28)
“Encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are doing”—“all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (1Thess.5:11; Heb.10:25)
“We groan inwardly and wait expectantly for the completion, fullness, and awesomeness of our redemption—spirit, soul, and body.” (pp Rom.8:23)
Heavenly Father, what a destiny we have, what a God you are, what a Gospel we treasure. Soon we will realize that whatever we presently think about the greatness of knowing you—our bar is too low, our hopes are too meager, our dreams utilize only 3 out of 30,000 of the colors, hues, and tints of your grace.
The Day of all things new and beautiful is barreling towards us at the speed of your mercy and faithfulness. Until then, Abba, free us to dispense 70% more encouragement than we currently do. “Stuff happens,” but encouragement and building others up are intentional.
For the remaining 44 days of 2025—through Thanksgiving week and the entire Christmas season, may we speak words of life and kindness to each other. May we catch each other “doing it right” and honor one another above ourselves. Free us to overlook stuff that irritates in the moment but will be forgotten forever. May we spend the currency of your grace on each other like we’re gazillionaires—because we are.
Father, thank you—whether we die before Jesus returns, or live to see that Day—we’ll never experience a Christ-absent day. We’ll never know one degree of separation from your love. We’ll never regret waiting on you a little longer and trusting you with our fears, heartaches, longings. I know this to be true in a fresh and undeniable way. So Very Amen.
