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b'If you\\u2019ve ever run a race, you might have experienced a sudden boost of energy when you saw the finish line. Or maybe you\\u2019ve entered a contest, and when it became difficult, stayed motivated by remembering the prize you\\u2019d receive if you won. Maybe you\\u2019ve pushed through challenging classes in school by remembering the hope of summer vacation.\\nIn the book of 2 Thessalonians, we can see the church in Thessalonica was discouraged and not sure what to do with themselves. They were constantly being persecuted for their beliefs and were struggling to keep their faith as they faced false teachings about Jesus\\u2019 return.\\nSo Paul decided to write the church a letter. He began by praising their faith and perseverance in difficult times. Then he corrected the false messages about Jesus\\u2019 coming. He warned the church against idleness and encouraged them to take action, to keep doing good and working hard.\\nWe are still waiting for Jesus\\u2019 return today, and we are constantly being bombarded with false messages about the end of the world. What are we supposed to do?\\nIn teaching about His return, Jesus said the \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d (Matthew 24:36).\\nWhen life gets hard, we can remember Jesus\\u2019 promise to return and make the world new one day soon. And those of us who have put our trust in Jesus\\u2014His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead\\u2014can know that we will be with Him forever. Let that hope be our motivation to continue to serve Him, serve others, and share the good news of the gospel here on earth. We don\\u2019t have to worry about what tomorrow might bring, and we can remember that each day is another day closer to His return and another day closer to being with Him. \\u2022 Abby Ciona\\n\\u2022 Read Matthew 24:35-51. What warnings does Jesus give about being prepared for His second coming to earth? \\n\\u2022 How might knowing Jesus is coming back give you hope? \\nMay our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NIV)\\n\\xa0\\nRead Verses:\\nIsaiah 53:1-5; Matthew 2:1-18; Matthew 4:1-11; Romans 6:9-11'