SCRIPTURE
So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

2 Thessalonians 2:15

OBSERVATION
Paul draws a correlation between standing firm and holding tightly to the Holy Scriptures.  The church in Thessalonica were facing difficulties through persecution, false teachings and worldly temptation.  Paul tells them that they need to know what he had taught them, either in person on in letters, if they wanted to survive these difficulties.  

APPLICATION
Likewise, as we face difficulties in life, whether it be persecution, false teachings or worldly temptation, we need to hold tightly to the word of God.  To hold tightly to God's word, we need to spend time reading it, studying it, meditating on it, talking about it, learning it.  That is why life journaling is so important.  It helps us hold tightly to the word of God.  I need to be more diligent spending time in God's word.  I need to be more passionate about reading, studying, meditating, learning and applying Scripture.  I need to do these things if I want to stand firm in the midst of trials and temptations.

PRAYER
Father, help to give me a passion for Your Word.  Have grace and mercy on me as I attempt to pursue spiritual disciplines that will help me to hold tightly to scriptures.