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For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason, God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.

 

Paul wrote this letter to the believers in Thessalonia because some of them believed he had said that the final coming of Jesus had already happened. He wanted to make it clear that more evil would come in the form of a deceiver or the “lawless one”. Jesus would destroy the evil one sent by Satan in His own time and by His own plan. Paul comforted these early Christians and encouraged them to be discerning and stand firm in their faith through all that would come.

There is so much deceit in the world today. I feel that I must work hard to discern what is real and what is not in these times of social media, AI manipulators, and the lies that come out of the mouths of many in our world. I pray every day for the ability to know the truth. God gives us the answer in His word, and I cling tightly to that. I also listen to the Holy Spirit who guides me in the ways of truth. This is not always easy, but Jesus showed us the way to truth and light, and these things will prevail over the dark forces in this world.

Dear Lord, help us to see the truth and hold fast to our faith when it is attacked by the evil one. We are weak, but You are strong and we hold on tightly to that belief! In Jesus name we pray, Amen

Karla Gerke

Kgerke56@gmail.com

 

Prayer Concern: Those who cannot tell the difference between truth and lies