Category: Devotions

Having asked for prayer for matters that he and the team are facing Paul then says this most wonderful statement:

“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3 v 3)

Even if some reject the gospel the Lord is faithful and will find others that will be saved.

Even if ‘wicked and evil people’ (v2) come against you the Lord is faithful and will stand with you in those times.

Even if the evil one attacks you the Lord is faithful and will strengthen you and protect you.

The faithfulness of the Lord never gives up and never runs out. It is constant, continuous and unconditional. It is as new as the day you first experienced it. It was, it is and it will forever be. It cannot be altered, watered down or stolen.

The faithfulness of the Lord is a theological truth and yet it is not for the doctrinal shelf. No! We experience the faithfulness of the Lord every day of our lives. In difficulty? The Lord is faithful! He provides us with stability, comfort and hope. He is faithful!

When the storms of life rage around us and our circumstances seem so uncertain, knowing God is faithful is our greatest comfort.

We live in a world of uncertainty. It is continually changing. We may wonder who we can rely on. Friends come and go. Promises come and go. Commitments come and go. But the Lord is faithful. He never changes.

So turn to Him today.

“I never saw that coming” ever said that? I am sure you have. I said that recently when I discovered that there was a struggle in someone’s life when their exterior suggested all was well.

A Church can be growing numerically and have wonderful services on a Sunday but behind the scenes it isn’t all glory, wonder and praise.

I recall many years ago visiting a couple in the side room of a hospital ward where the wife had just given birth to her baby. The horror was that that the baby had died. There they were with their Pastor trying to work it all out. The tears flowed and I prayed with them many times. I visited their room many times on that occasion. It was easy to do because across the corridor my wife had given birth to our child. My church was small, I was the only Pastor, I had my own personal matters going on, joyful ones, but I also had members of my church going through their own hell. Naturally they were not thinking about my personal matters they had their whole focus on what mattered to them. And so we read this moving into the final section of the letter:-

“As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honoured, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith.” (2 Thessalonians 3 v 1-2)

Paul has written to them to challenge the deception that was occurring, putting the record straight of what he did say and didn’t say regarding the return of Christ and setting out his eschatology of the end times.

But Paul personally needs prayer. Paul had personal issues himself when he was writing this. It can be translated simply as ‘finally’ but I love this way, ‘as for other matters’. I love it because it shows that even in the Apostle’s life and team they too had needs. It is worth thinking about in every relationship you have. Life is never only about you no matter how difficult it gets.

1. As for other matters, I need prayer. You are my brothers and sisters, my family. Myself and my team we are in need. You are persecuted, facing deceiving voices and trials are constant but it isn’t a bed of roses for us either. Will you pray for us? It is actually encouraging sometimes to know that the Pastor and their family are also struggling. One of the lies sold to the Pastor is this: “Oh, you can’t have a good friend inside the church because you can’t really be honest with them.” It really is rubbish. Some of my closest friends were those who worked alongside me in the church. J.C. Ryle said, “Friendship is that gift from God that doubles our joys and halves our sorrows.” As for other matters, pray for me. There are other things that matter perhaps what your friend hasn’t realised. I don’t see some of my close friends now. Maybe once a year but I know I can text them right now and say, ‘By the way, pray for me, I am in need.’
2. As for other matters, my work is still going on. I am still carrying vision in my heart. I am still running with desire that people be saved. I want to see evangelisation across huge areas (for Paul it would have been the Roman Empire that was in mind). I am still doing it. The team are still taking the gospel. Pray for us.
3. As for other matters, we are really struggling. We have been facing wicked people who are evil. These are obviously specific people though Paul doesn’t mention them. Paul and the team were being hindered. This was their greatest challenge at that moment. I wonder today when you speak to that person if you simply ask them, ‘what is their greatest challenge right now is?’ what would they say. The fact that you asked it would encourage them in that you are taking the time to realise that they have a backstage, they have other matters than the one you are talking to them about.

As for other matters really does matter.

In what is again a surprise that Jesus is mentioned before the Father but probably because the sacrifice of Jesus has been the central point of Paul’s letter, Paul closes this section with a prayer.

“May 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 v 16-17)

If ever anyone disputes Jesus is God then it is sentences like these in the New Testament that prove He is. Jesus and the Father, two members of the trinity are one God. Paul prays that the Christians are strengthened so that they keep on the right course. He doesn’t want them swayed by persecution, deception or disappointment. He prays they might be strengthened in heart and in what they do and in what comes out of their mouth. How? Simple. God’s unconditional and gracious love seen through the sacrifice of Jesus. I can think of many who need that prayer today. I know of people in prison because of their faith who need that prayer today. There are Pastors needing that prayer today; those who used to be pastors; those in the churches and those who have left the churches; they all need that prayer today. Thankfully, God is here. As you read this. Pause. He is here right now and this prayer is for you. Be strengthened.

Perhaps these verses will help you.

Perhaps the only way to keep leading people is for you to be strengthened.  “But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see.” Deut 3:28

Perhaps the only way to stand your ground when the enemy next strikes is for you to be strengthened. “Afterward, the prophet came to the king of Israel and said, “Strengthen your position and see what must be done, because next spring the king of Aram will attack you again.” 1 Kings 20:22

Perhaps the only way to stand against intimidation is for you to be strengthened. “They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.” But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.” Nehemiah 6:9

Perhaps the only way to get through your grief is for you to be strengthened. “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.” Psalm 119:28

Perhaps the only way to stand when it seems everything around you is dry and barren is for you to be strengthened. “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11

Perhaps the only way for you to face your greatest ordeal on earth is for you to be strengthened. “An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.” Luke 22:43

Perhaps the only way your seen life can keep going is for your unseen life be strengthened. “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” Ephesians 3:16

Powerful verses all speaking of a God who strengthens because He graciously loves us.

Those are the words for today 11th November as we remember the war dead. Lest we forget …

Poignant. For our next verse in this second letter to the Thessalonians also tells us to not forget. 

Do you remember your Sunday school teacher, youth leader, those ministers who preached the Bible to you in church or maybe your parents? Do you remember what they taught you? 

Do you remember what you received? Do you remember the light that shone in the darkness of your soul? Look back on what has been taught you over the years. Do you remember the day you gave your life to Jesus? Do you remember the baptism of water? The baptism of the Spirit? Do you remember the songs you sang which testified of your life as a follower? Do you remember the worship times when you experienced the presence of God?

Do you remember the one who passed the baton to you? They may have died some time ago. But do you remember how they influenced you and the story of your life? Look behind you for a moment, who is there? There will be people you have forgotten. Their acts of kindness, neighbours, old friends, work colleagues, church believers, their words of comfort, cards and letters written. They are innumerable. They did it to pass the baton on.

Retain what you remember. If your present life as a Christian is less than what it was yesterday then get it back. Refresh. Set the renew button. Hold on to what you had, retain it. If you believed for revival and a powerful move of God in the past retain it now. If you were passionate for Jesus in the past then keep that passion now. If the Church or the Christian is worse than its past then it lost something but it can get it back. Retrace your steps as you remember what you have received and heard and then take hold again and this time retain it.

This is what Paul is desiring for the Thessalonians:-

“So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” 2 Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬ ‭NIVUK‬‬

Whether it be persecution, personal suffering, deceptive attacks, temptation and trial the Apostle appeals to the family of God to stand firm because it is like standing in the severest of storms and so he says again to hold fast. The Message says ‘keep a tight grip’ and the NASB ‘hold on’. On what? Again the NASB says the ‘traditions’ and here as we have read, ‘teachings’ that Paul and the apostles passed on to them.

The whole reason for writing this second letter was because they had let go of what had been placed into their life whether by preaching/teaching in person or by letter read to them. If your ancestors in the faith who passed down to you the baton of Christian doctrine, Biblical truth and prophetic revelation had a spotlight on your life today what would they say? Do you care? How far away do we wander in the name of progression? Everyone wants to move forward but Paul wants them to stand still on the traditions/teachings. 

Do not forget.

In the context of Paul warning the Thessalonian believers about being deceived regarding the timing of Christ’s return and then describing a period of lawlessness he now begins to thank God for them.

Here is the thing and what more and more people especially of the Christian faith should know:-

You are not here to be deceived. 

You are not here to come under a great delusion nor to suffer the judgment of it. 

You are here to experience future security with all of the blessings attached to that. 

And here is the big thing: 

YOU were in the mind of God before anything in the past so that you would be here in the present and therefore secured for what is ahead tomorrow. 

“But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬-‭14

The firstfruits. The original first idea of God. When there was nothing. In the chaos and void an idea was formed. Let me put it in the singular for greater effect. 

You. You’re still here. Older. Scarred a bit from the wounds of life. Tired maybe and struggling at times. Highs and lows of life. But still, you’re here! Because you are then you need to be reminded:-

He chose you. He still does. Before you chose Him He had already done so. In fact His choosing of you made it easier for you to choose Him. 

He loved you. He still does. It’s the motivation for all that He does in your life. 

He would save you. Incredible to think that before you breathed your first breath He had decided He would be your Saviour and He hasn’t changed His mind, your Saviour is still here. 

He would sanctify you. He still does. He was not content to just save you from the consequence of sin; the heavy burden of sin is lifted by making you holy. He sees your salvation but the world sees your sanctification. 

He would present the truth to you. He still does. The work of His Spirit through His Word giving you the opportunity to believe is there every day.

He would share His glory with you. He still does. As time goes on you become more and more like Jesus. 

And once again (he had done so at the start of this letter 1:3) Paul gave thanks to God for that original idea. And if the above applies to you then so should we all. Truly YOU was a great idea! 

After warning the Thessalonian believers about being deceived regarding the timing of Christ’s return, Paul goes on to describe the appearance of “the man of lawlessness” – a figure of great evil and deception who will arise before the Lord’s second coming.

“And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendour 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.” 2 Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭ 8-13

There will be a time of a revealing of the “man” who will be given a limited period of free rein. 

There will be a time of miracles, signs and wonders from outside of God’s family. 

There will be a time of a “powerful delusion” over these unrighteous people, causing them to believe these lies and be condemned.

There will be a time when people will believe and will walk righteously.

There will be a time when the “man” is blown away by Christ’s coming. 

But it will be only for a time and then Christ will come! 

“Have You Forgotten What Was Preached?”

At a pastors’ conference I led years ago, I insisted the delegates take notes – not out of ego, but knowing the importance of recording what would be taught. This raises a crucial question: Do we truly retain the lessons we’ve learned?

The Thessalonian church struggled with anxiety about Christ’s return, despite Paul’s previous teachings on the subject. He writes:

“Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. 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.” (2 Thessalonians 2:5-7)

Key points about the man of lawlessness:

– He is currently restrained

– His revelation has an appointed time

– Evil’s influence, though limited, is already present

– God continues to hold him back until the appointed time

– His ultimate defeat is certain

But beyond end-times theology, Paul’s frustration stems from a deeper issue: the church’s failure to retain biblical teaching.

I’ve maintained various records over the years – notebooks, phone notes, and marked-up Bibles – all containing moments of divine insight and instruction. Why revisit these? Because remembering God’s words serves as both anchor and shield. It guards against deception and calms our anxieties about matters like Christ’s return.

Today, consider: What spiritual truths have you forgotten? Which lessons need revisiting? Yesterday’s revelations remain vital for today’s journey.

What has God spoken to you that you need to remember?

“Have You Forgotten What Was Preached?”

At a pastors’ conference I led years ago, I insisted the delegates take notes – not out of ego, but knowing the importance of recording what would be taught. This raises a crucial question: Do we truly retain the lessons we’ve learned?

The Thessalonian church struggled with anxiety about Christ’s return, despite Paul’s previous teachings on the subject. He writes:

“Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. 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.” (2 Thessalonians 2:5-7)

Key points about the man of lawlessness:

– He is currently restrained

– His revelation has an appointed time

– Evil’s influence, though limited, is already present

– God continues to hold him back until the appointed time

– His ultimate defeat is certain

But beyond end-times theology, Paul’s frustration stems from a deeper issue: the church’s failure to retain biblical teaching.

I’ve maintained various records over the years – notebooks, phone notes, and marked-up Bibles – all containing moments of divine insight and instruction. Why revisit these? Because remembering God’s words serves as both anchor and shield. It guards against deception and calms our anxieties about matters like Christ’s return.

Today, consider: What spiritual truths have you forgotten? Which lessons need revisiting? Yesterday’s revelations remain vital for today’s journey.

What has God spoken to you that you need to remember?

In standing against the false allegations Paul in essence is saying:-

“Christ has not come already. The day of the Lord has not happened. When I said you are ‘children of the day’ that wasn’t me saying Christ has already come. No. Someone will come before Christ.” 

“Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshipped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.” 2 Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ 

He will come in a season of rebellion. Those who once followed and who walked with God turn from Him.

He is lawless. He will be without morality and he will be an anarchist against all that we considered right and true. 

He will oppose God. He will stand against Christianity.

He will exalt himself over God and the worship of God. He will demand allegiance away from God to himself. 

He will set himself up on God’s temple. He will enter into the place only reserved for God that is the heart worship from mankind.

He will proclaim himself as God. He will have his own gospel and his own signs to prove his message.

He is doomed to destruction. BUT he knows nothing of salvation for he will not experience it himself nor be able to give it. He is indeed doomed.

All this will happen before Christ comes.

The speculation continued from Paul’s day till now. Who is this man? And many have suggested a name! Names have come and gone. Is it a singular man? Could it be a female? Or could it be the general state of the world? What is true is if you believe in the return of Christ then you must believe in the man of lawlessness.