Scripture Union Daily Guide 18 May 2026: Today’s Devotional Reading and Reflection – Monday
Are you looking for the Scripture Union Daily Guide 18 May 2026? Discover today’s devotional reading, Bible passage, and reflection to strengthen your spiritual journey. This Daily Guide provides clear, scripture-based insight and life applications to help you grow in faith, understand God’s Word, and live a Christ-centered life. Whether for personal devotion or group study, today’s message is a timely word for your walk with God.
TOPIC: Those Who Live Godly Lives Will be Persecuted
Opening Prayer
Dear Lord, I request that you help me to encounter you as I meditate on your word.
Bible Reading
2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
2 Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Introduction to 2 Thessalonians
Paul, Silas and Timothy visited Thessalonica on Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 17:1-14). Because of the hostility of the Jews, they stayed for only three weeks. A strong church grew in the city. Paul sent Timothy to see to their welfare and encourage them. In his letters to the church, the Apostle is responding to the information he received from Timothy. On the one hand, Timothy had brought good news of their “faith and love”, their loyalty and steadfastness under persecution. On the other hand, they needed some instruction in godly living, and some correction of their wrong views about the second coming of Jesus. He addressed the latter in his first letter, but the issue still persisted, and that is the main purpose of this second letter.
Questions for Meditation
►Q2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
►Q7: What truth is God revealing to me in this passage?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 18 May 2026 | Outline
Although Paul is the one teaching the Thessalonians here, he informs them that the letter was written by him and two co-workers, Silas and Timothy. Paul had reasons to thank God about the Thessalonians. See 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 for his reasons. Notice that these are not all positive. Although they faced serious persecution, they did not abandon their newfound faith. They thus became a source of encouragement for other believers who would otherwise compromise or abandon their faith. If you have experienced fights, slandering or persecutions in your congregation what was your reaction?
Did you leave the church or start your own church? What would Paul say about your decision? Paul advises the Thessalonians that judgement was surely coming and urged them to continue steadfastly in the faith knowing that God would punish those who were persecuting them. Vengeance is mine says the Lord (Deuteronomy 32:35 and Romans 12:19-21). Suffering is part of Christian life (2 Timothy 3:12). Check James’ advice in James 1:2-4. Paul concludes with prayer. Notice what he prayed about (2 Thessalonians 1:11), and why (2 Thessalonians 1:12)?
Closing Prayer
My God, help me to endure the trials and temptations of the Christian life.
Prayer of Faith
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Matthew 13:23
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Psalms 26, Psalms 40, Psalms 58, Psalms 61-62, Psalms 64
Scripture Union is an international, interdenominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.(Scripture Union Daily Guide 18 May 2026)